10 Best Fantasy Anime Movies That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best Fantasy Anime Movies

What is it about fantasy anime that is so compelling? Are the mythological and outlandish characters to blame? Isn’t the setting spectacular and out of this world? Do the narratives themselves pique your interest? One or more of the aforementioned factors may be at play. Whatever the case may be, anime’s fantasy subgenre has always been popular, enthralling viewers with tales that transport them far from their normal surroundings.

There are many different types of fantasy stories, from the otherworldly and thought-provoking to the technologically advanced. A wide variety of fantasy films exist because of the genre’s appeal, with some being better than others. To help you sort through the options, here is a list. Movies that touch on significant issues, are visually stunning, and have well-developed characters will be the focus of our discussion today.

10. Kyoukai no Kanata Movie: I’ll Be Here – Mirai-hen (Beyond the Boundary: I’ll Be Here – Future)

Kyoukai no Kanata Movie I’ll Be Here – Mirai-hen

Two-part tale based on light book Kyoukai no Kanata is the sequel to the anime series. Second part is an entirely new storyline for Mirai and Akihito, whereas the first part merely covers the anime episodes. A year after the events of the summary, Mirai-hen takes place. Akihito must defend Mirai from a new menace. Akihito’s memories have been erased from Mirai’s mind, so she has no idea who she is or what has happened in her life.

Kyoukai no Kanata’s original animation plot would have been incomplete without Mirai-hen. As a stand-alone work of fantasy fiction, it’s also quite good. In this series, each character has a significant role in the larger tale, which is explored even further in the final film. Even the supporting cast undergoes growth and development during the course of the novel. A fantastical touch is added to the environment by Kyoukai no Kanata’s gorgeous animation style. This film is well worth seeing, especially if you enjoyed the anime series.

9. Sennen Joyuu (Millennium Actress)

An ex-employee and a reluctant cameraman decide to make a documentary about the studio’s closure when its buildings are ready to be bulldozed down. Chiyoko Fujiwara, a former star actress who has since retreated from the limelight, is the perfect subject. During the course of the conversation between the two men and the elderly woman, the character of Chiyoko becomes more and more intertwined with that of the other people in her life. Beautiful and meaningful, Sennen Joyuu is the story of a woman’s journey through life.

The film’s story is told in a fantasy-like manner. Aside from the fact that Chiyoko’s characters appear to be acts, it is difficult to tell where one person stops and another begins. This works in part because of the stunning animation that runs throughout the film. If anything, the story of Japanese cinema in Sennen Joyuu could be more of a historical one. In spite of this, the film’s ability to immerse the spectator in Chiyoko’s whimsy makes it an essential member of our list.

8. Little Witch Academia

Little Witch Academia

Is Harry Potter your favorite book series? If so, you might enjoy this lighthearted anime! Atsuko Kagari, a normal girl who dreams of becoming a witch like her idol Shiny Chariot, is the protagonist of Little Witch Academia. The Luna Nova Magical Academy seems like a fun place at first, but she soon realizes it’s far more serious than she expected. Due to her magical incompetence and juvenile preoccupation with Chariot, Atsuko is quickly branded as somewhat of a rebel. The opportunity to show oneself to her peers is presented to Atsuko when a dragon is released on campus.

It’s an endearing story of achieving one’s goals despite all circumstances in the film “Little Witch Academia.” Atsuko and her companions are amusing and entertaining, and they work well together. Watching the animation is a joy because each frame has a distinct look and feel. In the end, a story about witchcraft and friendship is always a winner..

7. Sword Art Online Movie: Ordinal Scale (Sword Art Online the Movie – Ordinal Scale)

A welcome comeback to the popular Sword Art Online series, Ordinal Scale is one of the most recent entries on this list. A new system called the Augma has been released four years after the events that brought Kirito and Asuna together, and it has become more popular than ever before. Its most popular product is Ordinal Scale, which employs Augmented Reality (AR) technology to bring games into the real world. At first, Kirito is apprehensive about joining his buddies on Ordinal Scale, but he finally changes his mind and joins them. Sword Art Online’s familiarity with Ordinal Scale causes Kirito and his pals to distrust the new game…

Fans of Sword Art Online’s first season will be pleased to know that Ordinal Scale has many of their favorite elements. As individuals, Kirito and Asuna are able to evolve and change throughout the course of the story. In particular during the action scenes, the animation style is flowing and stunning as always Sword Art Online’s first game’s themes and characters are referenced throughout the story, giving the story a cohesive feel. Ordinal Scale is a fascinating film with plenty of twists and turns.

6. Bakemono no Ko (The Boy and The Beast)

Bakemono no Ko

Ren, a little kid, and Kumatetsu, a warrior, are the central characters in Bakemono no Ko, which weaves together the stories of two universes. After his mother dies and his father vanishes, Ren is left with no one to turn to but the streets. Unless he can find a follower, Kumatetsu will never be considered for the position of Lord of Shibuten, the domain of beasts. Soon after they meet, the two strangers find that they have a lot more in common than either of them expected.

This is a wonderful story about how two strangers’ paths cross and their lives are changed forever. The ease with which Shibuten and Shibuya are intertwined illustrates the fluidity of this fantasy, much as Ren and Kumatetsu are intertwined in this story. The success of this novel is mostly down to the characters and their growth. When it comes to the tale, Kumatetsu and Ren are so engaging that they can stand on their own. Bakemono no Ko is a fantastic film that deserves to be on this list for all the right reasons.

5. Paprika

Paprika, a fantasy film that blends the supernatural with cutting-edge technology, is one of the most fanciful and enigmatic films in the genre. Dr. Atsuko Chiba uses a new device called the DC Mini to become Paprika and explore other people’s dream worlds. Being Paparazzi allows her to get to the root of her clients’ emotional and psychological issues since she can see into their minds. When a DC Mini prototype is stolen, Paprika must discover the thief before they cause chaos in the dream world.

Because of the many difficulties it addresses, Paprika is a worthy addition to our list. In terms of subject matter, this is definitely a more mature film, as it deals with serious issues like melancholy and rape. There is an incredible amount of tension and mystery to the plot because to the excellent psychedelic animation technique employed in the film. Paprika is a great fantasy film if you’ve ever pondered what it might be like to live in a dream world.

4. Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo (Children Who Chase Lost Voices)

Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo

Asuna Watase has long been intrigued by the mystique of weird noises that seem to be emanating from another dimension, especially when those sounds originate from an antique crystal radio perched high on a mountain. In the face of an extraordinary creature, she is saved by an enigmatic man who asks her to remain quiet about the whole thing. As a result, Asuna’s curiosity reaches a point where she can’t bear it any more. A young woman named Asuna sets off in pursuit of the truth, and she quickly finds herself in the middle of an experience she could never have imagined.

On the list, this film is among the best-animated ones. In one of Makoto Shinkai’s earliest works, Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo, the viewer is drawn in by the mystery and suspense. With Asuna’s help, viewers uncover the secrets of Agartha, making this fantasy film even more interesting. With the help of their struggles, the characters in this story learn to embrace and be at peace with who they are. Everyone who enjoys fantasy should see Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo at least once.

3. Howl no Ugoku Shiro (Howl’s Moving Castle)

When it comes to Sophie Hatter’s personal life, she’s happy with where things are. Sophie’s life will be irrevocably altered, however, when she encounters the enigmatic wizard Howl. Jealous, scorned, and cursed, she becomes an elderly woman. Sophie sets out to find the wizard and his odd moving castle and embarks on a journey that will have a profound impact on the entire realm.

Howl no Ugoku Shiro, a masterpiece from Studio Ghibli, portrays the epic story of one ordinary woman’s ability to transform the world. In terms of her skills, Sophie’s story is unique in that she doesn’t undergo major transformations. To this day, she hasn’t lost any of the warmth and compassion that drew her on her journey in the first place. She achieves success in all of her undertakings because of the characteristics she possesses. Beautiful, fascinating characters and a gripping tale make Howl no Ugoku Shiro an excellent fantasy film.

2. Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki (Wolf Children)

WOLF CHILDREN

A werewolf would have been a complete surprise to young Hana when she falls in love with a mystery man in one of her college classes. Because of this, Hana stays by his side until the two of them establish a family. A tragic chain of events results in Hana losing her werewolf partner and giving birth to twin wolf-children. Ame and Yuki are going to the country with Hana in the hopes that they can have a more regular existence there.

Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki is a beautiful and moving story about a single woman raising her children alone. Hana and her children come to life in the animated version of the film. We are able to identify with the plot even more because of Hana, Ame, and Yuki’s development throughout this film. Especially in the domain of fantasy, this film merits all the praise.

1. Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke)

One of Studio Ghibli’s best works is the top fantasy anime film on our list. It is the story of Ashitaka, a young prince who saves his village from a boar, who is cursed in the anime Mononoke Hime. Ashitaka, exiled and left to fend for himself, sets out to find a remedy for the misfortune that has befallen him. When he gets to Tartara, he finds a battle going on between the villagers and the forest spirits. Upon meeting the Princess San, Ashitaka discovers that she is a wolf spirit that dwells in the wilderness. Cursed prince continues to learn about the spirits of nature and the urging of civilization as he attempts to bring them together before his curse takes hold.

It’s still relevant and vital today to see Mononoke Hime’s concepts. Achieving peace between man and nature is one of the greatest challenges humanity has ever faced. The animation technique of this film is stunning and engrossing. Its story has the power to make the viewer reflect on larger social and personal issues. People are completely submerged in the world created by Hayao Miyazaki. However, Ashitaka is able to persevere in spite of his surroundings, searching for a solution to restore hope and completeness in the world.

Final Thoughts

Fantasy anime allows viewers to escape into a new world, allowing them to take a break from their daily routines. With a strong cast of characters, a strange environment, and a gripping tale, this genre has all it needs to succeed. True fantasy stories, on the other hand, are those that make the viewer reflect on their own life and the world around them while immersed in a fantasy setting.

These are the best fantasy anime films we could find. They all have a fantastical element, but they also elicit deeper thoughts about life, love, and the status of society. Let’s have a look at our results. No, I haven’t seen any of these films. Are there any that we’ve left out that you’d want to see? We’d be delighted to hear from you as usual.