Having fun is a very gratifying genre to watch, but occasionally we also need to be inspired. And what else could possibly be more enjoyable than anime movies? Well, if you want to be inspired, scroll down to see some of the most inspiring anime movies.
Anime is a type of Japanese animated entertainment that has won the hearts of millions of people all over the world. With fans ranging in age from kids to adults, its global following is expanding. What makes anime so adored by people around the world is a valid question. The great variety of genres and subjects seen in anime is one of the main factors contributing to its widespread appeal. There is an anime out there for everyone, whether you enjoy romantic romances, suspenseful mysteries, or thought-provoking science fiction. Because of its diversity, anime may appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences, making it popular with a large audience.
Inspiring Anime Movies
Spirited Away (2001)
IMDb – 8.6
Where to Watch – Netflix
A seemingly deserted amusement park is discovered by 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents in this animated film by renowned Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Chihiro, whose parents have been transformed into enormous pigs, encounters the enigmatic Haku, who informs her that the park is a getaway for supernatural beings seeking a vacation from their time spent in the human realm and that she must labor there to rescue herself and her parents.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
IMDb – 8.5
Where to Watch – Apple
An American firebombing during World War II separates the two children from their parents, leaving Seita, a teenager, in charge of taking care of his younger sister Setsuko. This animated story is a heartbreaking meditation on the human cost of war. Their story of survival is both painful and realistic. The siblings depend entirely on one another and fight valiantly to remain united and survive.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
IMDb – 8.3
Where to Watch – Netflix
The peace that existed between people, animals, and gods started to break down in the fourteenth century. Young Ashitaka, the main character, gets sickened by an animal attack and turns to the god Shishigami, who resembles a deer, for help. Throughout his journeys, he witnesses people destroying the planet and inviting the wrath of the wolf deity Moro and his human partner Princess Mononoke. Hiskat’s attempts to mediate a settlement between her and the humans only lead to conflict.
A Silent Voice (2016)
IMDb – 8.1
Where to Watch – Netflix
Bullying forces a grade school student with hearing loss to change schools. Years later, the bully is still troubled by his actions and decides to make atonement. Because of it’s plot it is added to this list of inspirational anime movies.
Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
IMDb – 7.8
Where to Watch – Prime Video
Gin, a middle-aged drunkard, Miyuki, an adolescent runaway, and Hana, a former drag queen, are three homeless individuals seeking out an existence as a makeshift family on the streets of Tokyo. On Christmas Eve, while searching through the trash for food, they come across a newborn baby that has been left abandoned. The three misfits look for assistance in returning the infant to its parents through the streets of Tokyo with little information about the baby’s identity.
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
IMDb – 7.8
Where to Watch – Netflix
This animated picture, which is based on the manga of the same name, follows Shizuku, a curious youngster and voracious reader who aspires to be a writer when she grows up. She discovers one day that Seiji Amasawa has already checked out all of her library books. Shizuku searches for this enigmatic boy who might be her soul mate while also pursuing a huge cat, making friends with an eccentric antique dealer, and penning her first book.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
IMDb – 7.7
Where to Watch – JustWatch
Makoto, a high school student, intends to use her newfound ability to go back in time for her own selfish gain. She has no idea that her actions have an equal impact on other people’s lives as they do on her own. One of all-time’s most inspirational anime movies is this one.
The Wind Rises
IMDb – 7.7
Where to Watch – Netflix
The plot is partially based on Jiro Horikoshi’s life story. Despite having nearsightedness, he chooses to pursue his goal of flying by becoming a Japanese aircraft designer. As he builds his dream plane and falls in love with Naoko, we follow his life from childhood to maturity.
Only Yesterday (1991)
IMDb – 7.6
Where to Watch – Netflix
Taeko Okajima, an unmarried career woman, leaves Tokyo for the first time for an extended period of time when she visits her sister’s family in rural Yamagata for the annual safflower harvest. Taeko daydreams about her childhood self while riding the train. As her vacation goes on, she experiences lengthy memories of the hardships and little joys of her upbringing and considers whether the young Taeko would have preferred her stressful adult existence.
Pom Poko (1994)
IMDb – 7.3
Where to Watch – Netflix
The mythical tanuki beasts serve as the protagonists of Isao Takahata’s movie. They are adored folktale figures who have the power to change their appearance and are thought to be luck-bringers. In this movie, urban growth is threatening their woodland home, so they must use all of their extraordinary abilities to protect it.
A Letter to Momo (2011)
IMDb – 7.2
Where to Watch – 9Anime
Momo is grieving the loss of her father and the decision made by her mother to relocate the family from Tokyo to a far-off island when she comes across a message from her father that sets off unusual events.
One Piece Film: Red (2022)
IMDb – 6.7
Where to Watch – Netflix
Popular singer Uta is known for hiding her identity when performing. It has been said that her voice is “otherworldly.” Uta will now present herself to the public in a live concert for the first time.
Flavors of Youth (2018)
IMDb – 6.6
Where to Watch – Netflix
Three tales of young people from diverse Chinese cities: a fading beauty finding her path, a first bittersweet love, and memories trapped in a bowl of hot noodles. This is one of the best anime movie if one is looking for something inspirational.
