Anime films from the year of 2012 provided us with an impressive array of creative storytelling and multiple unforgettable cinematic experiences. This year saw a diverse range of stories, from the magical and fantastical to the emotionally gripping and thought-provoking, each film leaving a unique imprint on the genre. The films of 2012 stand out for their creative narratives, stunning animation, and the ability to transport viewers into worlds both familiar and utterly new. As we journey through this list, we celebrate the artistry and imagination that define the medium of anime. Whether you’re a long-time fan of anime or a curious newcomer, prepare to be captivated by the compelling stories of these remarkable films. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best anime films of 2012.
10. Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack – Takayuki Hirao
In “Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack,” directed by Takayuki Hirao, a close-knit group of friends are plunged into a nightmarish ordeal when an onslaught of fish, bizarrely equipped with mechanical legs, begin their relentless invasion of Tokyo. The story commences with what appears to be a relaxing vacation in Okinawa, but this serenity is abruptly shattered as lethal sea creatures emerge, launching a terrifying assault on the unsuspecting populace. This gripping narrative portrays the horror of an unforeseen aquatic menace emerging in the vibrant heart of Tokyo, a city usually bustling with life but now besieged by fear. As the crisis intensifies, the characters are forced to muster their courage and wits, creating a path to survival through an increasingly chaotic and dangerous landscape.
The film combines elements of horror with the imaginative concepts of science fiction, creating a distinct cinematic atmosphere. Its visual storytelling, both captivating and dark, ensnares the viewer in a surreal experience where the natural world and human-made technology collide in startling and unforeseen ways. The characters in the film, each grappling with their own individual challenges and conflicts, find themselves propelled into an extreme situation that tests their mental fortitude and capacity for quick thinking. “Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack” stands out due to its inventive concept and ability to sustain an air of suspense throughout its entire length.
9. Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker – Yasuichiro Yamamoto, Kobun Shizuno
“Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker,” directed by Yasuichiro Yamamoto and Kobun Shizuno, follows the adventures of the young detective Conan Edogawa as he delves into a complex series of menacing threats targeting a professional soccer league. The narrative begins with an ordinary soccer match, which abruptly changes atmosphere when an ominous message forecasts a catastrophic event set to occur at the stadium. With his extraordinary deductive prowess, Conan engages in a race against the clock, using his intellect to resolve the mystery. The film combines an enthralling narrative that blends the exhilarating spirit of sports with the complexities of detective work.
In this installment of the Detective Conan series, the animation brings to life the high-energy world of soccer, alongside the urgency of the investigative storyline. The film places significant emphasis on character development, particularly highlighting Conan’s formidable intellectual capabilities and his remarkable ability to link seemingly unrelated pieces of evidence. It also explores essential themes of cooperation and unwavering resolve, both in the context of competitive sportsmanship on the field and in the noble quest for justice. “The Eleventh Striker” stands out as an engaging and exhilarating cinematic experience, solidifying its position as one of the best anime films of 2012.
8. Asura – Keiichi Sato
“Asura,” directed by Keiichi Sato, tells a harrowing tale set in war-ravaged feudal Japan, where a young and resilient boy named Asura embarks on a quest for survival amidst widespread chaos and devastating famine. Born into an unforgiving world, Asura’s life takes a dramatic turn when he is abandoned, forcing him to adapt and fend for himself in the unforgiving wilderness, propelling him into a life of hardship. The film captures his profound transformation, chronicling his journey as he faces and navigates the severe realities of a merciless world where the instinct to survive often clashes with the awakening of his own moral consciousness.
This film stands as a potent and thought-provoking exploration of the depths of the human spirit, set against the harsh realities of a society deeply scarred by relentless conflict and resource scarcity. The animation style, characterized by its raw and powerful visuals, encapsulates the stark environment in which Asura exists, effectively portraying his struggle and perseverance. The film invites the viewer to deeply contemplate the profound effects that extreme and unforgiving circumstances can impose on an individual’s ethical and moral bearings. Through its gripping narrative and visually arresting imagery, “Asura” presents an intensely emotional and compelling tale of survival, endurance, and ultimately, the quest for redemption.
7. The Life of Budori Gusuko – Gisaburō Sugii
“The Life of Budori Gusuko,” directed by Gisaburō Sugii, narrates the captivating story of a young man named Budori Gusuko, whose serene existence in the forest is abruptly shattered by a string of adverse and unforeseen events. The film follows Budori as he departs from the comforting embrace of his childhood home, embarking on a transformative journey to confront the natural forces that are altering his world. Throughout his journey, Budori encounters an array of unique characters and faces many challenges. The narrative brings together themes of thrilling adventure and reflective introspection, effectively illustrating Budori’s evolution from an innocent, naive boy into a resolute and purpose-driven individual.
This adaptation of Kenji Miyazawa’s beloved tale is an aesthetically mesmerizing experience, distinguished by its tranquil and whimsical art style, which effortlessly captures the ethereal beauty of the setting. The film explores themes such as resilience in the face of adversity, the capacity for adaptability in an ever-changing world, and the unending pursuit of knowledge. Budori’s character emerges as both relatable and inspirational, symbolizing the universal human journey towards discovering and embracing one’s true calling in life. “The Life of Budori Gusuko” is also a contemplative and insightful reflection on the relationship between humanity and the natural world, ensuring its place as one of the best anime films of 2012.
6. Blue Exorcist: The Movie – Atsushi Takahashi
In “Blue Exorcist: The Movie,” directed by Atsushi Takahashi, the story centers around the young and conflicted protagonist, Rin Okumura, who grapples with the revelation that he is the offspring of Satan. Set against the backdrop of a fantastical world where dedicated Exorcists safeguard humanity from the clutches of demons, Rin finds himself in a struggle to reconcile his inherited demonic lineage with his deliberate choice to follow the righteous path of an Exorcist. The film introduces an ominous new threat that looms over the city of True Cross, forcing Rin and his fellow Exorcists to mobilize and confront this impending danger. Throughout the movie, the narrative delves into profound themes of personal identity and the quest for a sense of belonging.
“Blue Exorcist: The Movie” stands out due to its dynamic and visually stunning animation style, coupled with its deeply engaging character development. The film expands upon the richly detailed world established in the “Blue Exorcist” series, offering both long-standing fans and newcomers an immersive understanding of its complex universe. A significant aspect of the film is its emphasis on the relationships between characters, highlighting the resilient bonds forged amidst the trials and tribulations of adversity. This movie blends adrenaline-fueled supernatural battles with an in-depth exploration of the emotional and psychological turmoil experienced by its main character.
5. Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie – Hayato Date
“Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie,” directed by Hayato Date, is a captivating journey with the iconic characters Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno as they find themselves in a bewildering alternate reality. In this disorienting world, the duo encounters a reality where all that they have known and cherished is drastically altered, with their friends, allies, and loved ones exhibiting dramatically different personalities. This alternate dimension unfolds a series of unique challenges and profound revelations, especially impactful for Naruto, who is confronted with the alternate versions of his parents. The film combines elements of thrilling adventure with deep emotional exploration, as Naruto and Sakura navigate this unfamiliar and frequently astonishing reality.
This movie stands out with its highly imaginative reinterpretation of the well-established “Naruto” universe, presenting a refreshing viewpoint on the series’ beloved characters. It skillfully blends high-octane action sequences and compelling drama with thoughtful introspection, striking a balance between the series’ hallmark ninja battles and more nuanced character explorations. The animation is of exceptional quality, enhancing the narrative and bringing the complexities of this alternate world to life with striking detail and creative flair. “Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie” is not just a thrilling cinematic experience but also a deeply thought-provoking exploration of the themes of identity, the complexities of personal relationships, and the enduring impact of familial bonds, establishing itself as one of the best anime films of 2012.
4. Rainbow Fireflies – Konosuke Uda
“Rainbow Fireflies,” directed by Konosuke Uda, portrays a magical narrative centered around a young and curious boy named Yuta, who is unexpectedly catapulted on a journey through the corridors of time. This adventure begins as Yuta, following a mysterious dog deep into the heart of a dense forest, finds himself transported back 30 years into the past, a time very different from his own. Yuta is met with a series of both daunting challenges and heartwarming friendships, as he attempts to unravel the circumstances surrounding his unexpected time travel. The film brings together elements of exploration with themes of self-discovery, as Yuta navigates this past era, gradually uncovering hidden secrets that hold a deep and personal connection to his own life’s story.
The animation in “Rainbow Fireflies” is noteworthy for its stunning colors and an imaginative depiction of the Japanese countryside, capturing the essence and beauty of a time long gone. The film’s portrayal of the past is filled with a sense of nostalgia and enchantment, effortlessly evoking a sense of wonder and curiosity. As Yuta forms connections and interacts with the people he encounters in this past world, he is exposed to invaluable life lessons about the importance of family, the power of human connection, and the enduring bonds of kinship. “Rainbow Fireflies” effortlessly blends the innocent perspective of childhood with the more complex themes of time, memory, and personal growth.
3. Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo – Hideaki Anno
In “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo,” directed by Hideaki Anno, the story continues the saga of the Evangelion series. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story resumes with the central character, Shinji Ikari, awakening from a prolonged state of unconsciousness only to find himself in a reality that has been altered by the cataclysmic events of the preceding films. Confronted with a host of new allies and adversaries in this dramatically transformed world, Shinji finds himself in a complex web of relationships where the traditional boundaries between friend and foe are increasingly ambiguous and fluid. The film explores themes of personal responsibility, the challenging path to redemption, and the complex workings of the human psyche.
This particular installment in the Evangelion series is widely acclaimed for its psychological depth and the visually striking nature of its animation. The film pushes the conventional limits of storytelling within the anime genre, presenting viewers with a narrative rich in complex themes and a plot full of layers. The character development within the film is carefully crafted, offering an intensely detailed exploration into the emotional turmoil, internal struggles, and existential conflicts experienced by the main characters. “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo” stands out as a profoundly thought-provoking and visually captivating cinematic work, making it one of the best anime films of 2012.
2. One Piece Film: Z – Tatsuya Nagaminei
In “One Piece Film: Z,” directed by Tatsuya Nagamine, the beloved Straw Hat Pirates are pitted against their most daunting opponent to date, the Zephyr, now only known as Z. The story unfolds with Z, a former Navy admiral consumed by a deep-seated vendetta against all pirates, presenting a grave threat to the stability of the New World with his powerful and destructive weapons. The spirited and ever-enthusiastic Monkey D. Luffy leads the valiant Straw Hat crew as they find themselves involved in a high-stakes situation where they must thwart Z’s cataclysmic plan and avert a disaster of unprecedented scale. This high-seas adventure is full of exhilarating action-packed sequences, effectively showcasing the unyielding loyalty and bravery of the crew in the face of insurmountable odds.
The movie excels in delivering a series of intense and exhilarating fight scenes, coupled with dynamic animation that captures the essence of the One Piece universe. A notable highlight of the film lies in the interactions between the characters, offering a delightful blend of humorous exchanges and emotionally powerful moments. It also introduces a range of new characters, each contributing to the expansion of the already diverse and colorful world of One Piece. “One Piece Film: Z” stands as a powerful testament to the enduring and widespread popularity of the franchise, creating a compelling narrative that combines elements of sheer excitement, profound emotion, and the spirit of high-seas adventure.
1. Wolf Children – Mamoru Hosoda
“Wolf Children,” directed by Mamoru Hosoda, tells the heartwarming story of a resilient young mother named Hana and her extraordinary children, Yuki and Ame, who inherit the ability to transform into wolves. Following the tragic loss of her beloved werewolf husband, Hana relocates to the countryside, aspiring to provide a safe and isolated environment for her children to grow and flourish. The film thoughtfully explores the challenges Hana encounters in raising her children, who find themselves caught in the balance between their dual human and wolf identities. As Yuki and Ame mature, the narrative follows their individual journeys as they each confront pivotal decisions regarding the paths they choose to pursue in life.
Mamoru Hosoda’s storytelling is showcased in this film, expertly depicting the experiences of parenthood, from its trials to its triumphs, and the profound journey of personal growth and discovery. The animation is especia;;y beautiful and deeply expressive, capturing the serenity of the rural landscape contrasted with the vibrant and dynamic nature of the children’s wolf transformations. “Wolf Children” resonates with audiences through its thoughtful exploration of universal themes such as the unbreakable bonds of family, the complex search for personal identity, and the journey towards acceptance and understanding. This film is a profoundly moving work of art, solidifying its status as one of the best anime films of 2012.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best anime films of 2012:
- Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack – Takayuki Hirao
- Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker – Yasuichiro Yamamoto, Kobun Shizuno
- Asura – Keiichi Sato
- The Life of Budori Gusuko – Gisaburō Sugii
- Blue Exorcist: The Movie – Atsushi Takahashi
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie – Hayato Date
- Rainbow Fireflies – Konosuke Uda
- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo – Hideaki Anno
- One Piece Film: Z – Tatsuya Nagaminei
- Wolf Children – Mamoru Hosoda
