2013 was a year that proved to be a treasure trove of cinematic brilliance in the world of anime. This list celebrates the diverse storytelling and visual artistry that was produced during this year, showcasing anime films that have left a lasting mark on audiences and critics alike. In this article, we take a closer look at each of these masterpieces, highlighting their narrative strengths, visual innovations, and the thematic depth that they bring to the table. From futuristic sci-fi epics to heartwarming coming-of-age tales, each film on this list represents the unique ability of anime to transcend traditional storytelling boundaries and evoke a wide range of emotions and thoughts. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best anime films of 2013.
10. The Burning Buddha Man – Ujicha
In “The Burning Buddha Man,” the narrative focuses on a resilient and curious young girl named Beniko. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she is shaken by the sudden disappearance of her parents. At the same time, their cherished Kyoto temple falls victim to a sinister group with a tendency to steal Buddha statues, plunging Beniko into a crisis. Her journey to uncover the underlying truths propels her into an eerie and unusual world, brimming with monstrous, fantastical creatures and a series of unsettling, eye-opening revelations. This film blends elements of horror and fantasy, creating a narrative that is both visually striking and emotionally engaging.
Director Ujicha employs the visually stimulating and innovative animation style known as “gekimation,” which ingeniously utilizes hand-painted paper cutouts in a live-action setting. This avant-garde technique fills the film with a raw, almost dreamlike quality, heightening the emotional intensity and surreal atmosphere. “The Burning Buddha Man” is especially notable for its unconventional storytelling and the way it pushes the boundaries of traditional animation, offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective. The film offers a visually arresting experience characterized by its bold imagery and imaginative design, that is sure to stay with the viewer long after viewing.
9. The Garden of Words – Makoto Shinkai
“The Garden of Words”, directed by Makoto Shinkai, explores the story of Takao, a high school student who has dreams of becoming a shoemaker, an art he is deeply passionate about. On a particularly serene rainy morning in Tokyo, seeking solace and inspiration, he decides to skip class and retreat to a beautiful, lush garden. There, in this tranquil haven, he begins to sketch shoe designs and encounters Yukari, a thoughtful older woman, whose presence adds a layer of mystery to the garden’s ambiance. As the iconic rainy season of Tokyo persists, their meetings under the shelter of the garden’s greenery evolve into a profound bond, with each encounter deepening their understanding and connection to each other.
Makoto Shinkai’s film is an aesthetic delight, masterfully capturing the beauty of the rain-soaked Tokyo landscape with astonishing detail. The delicate animation of the raindrops, merging with the natural beauty of the garden settings, is particularly breathtaking, each frame illustrating a sense of tranquility and emotional depth. “The Garden of Words” is a deeply moving narrative about human connection and the silent language of understanding. The film’s narrative creates a memorable and touching cinematic experience that resonates with a profound sense of realism and heartfelt emotion, solidifying its place as one of the best anime films of 2013.
8. One Piece Episode of Merry: The Tale of One More Friend – Katsumi Tokoro
In “One Piece Episode of Merry: The Tale of One More Friend,” viewers are invited to revisit the emotional journey of the Straw Hat Pirates’ beloved ship, the Going Merry. The narrative revisits key and pivotal moments from the series, each scene thoughtfully highlighting the crew’s daring adventures and the profound, heartfelt bond they share with their ship. This retrospective journey is full of moments of joy, acts of bravery, and emotional heartache, all underscoring the crew’s unwavering camaraderie and their deep attachment to the Merry. The film thoughtfully showcases the importance of the Merry, elevating it from being merely a vessel to a cherished and integral member of the crew.
Director Katsumi Tokoro’s vision gives a refreshing and insightful perspective to the beloved One Piece series. This film stands out due to its engaging narrative that skillfully combines humor and high-octane action while also taking a look at profound themes of friendship, loyalty, and the bonds that transcend traditional ties. The animation captures the colorful and dynamic world of One Piece, employing expressive colors and fluid action sequences that bring the story to life. “One Piece Episode of Merry” strikes a chord with both long-time fans and newcomers, offering a compelling and heartwarming story that highlights and celebrates the series’ core themes in a deeply engaging and memorable way.
7. Steins;Gate: The Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu – Kanji Wakabayashi
“Steins;Gate: The Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu” follows the complex journey of Rintarou Okabe, who, after navigating through a labyrinth of countless timelines, finds himself in a seemingly stable reality. Yet, this sense of normalcy is disrupted as he starts experiencing persistent déjà vu, a phenomenon that leads him to question the very fabric of his reality and the stability of the world he’s currently in. This perplexing story explores the complexities of time travel, its far-reaching consequences, and the profound emotional toll these experiences have on Okabe. The story effectively explores the paradoxes of altering time and the significant impact such actions have on both the world at large and on deeply personal relationships.
Director Kanji Wakabayashi’s film continues the narrative of the highly acclaimed “Steins;Gate” series that is celebrated for its profound and detailed exploration of time travel concepts. The movie not only maintains the series’ hallmark of engaging storytelling and rich character development but also introduces new, complex layers. The animation quality is top-notch, significantly enhancing the emotional depth and suspenseful moments of the film. Its unique blend of science fiction elements and human drama creates a thought-provoking cinematic experience that is certainly one of the best anime films of 2013.
6. Saint Young Men – Noriko Takao
“Saint Young Men” presents a refreshingly light-hearted tale where Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha, central figures of Christianity and Buddhism, experience life as roommates in modern-day Japan. This unusual scenario unfolds as they adapt to their lives in an apartment in Tokyo, showcasing their everyday adventures as they seek to understand contemporary society while keeping their divine identities under wraps. Their interactions with ordinary individuals and each other reveal humorous and sometimes enlightening moments, all the while masterfully highlighting the blend of the mundane and celestial in their unique friendship.
Director Noriko Takao’s interpretation of this unusual and captivating premise is executed with both a sense of humor and a deep respect for the subject matter. The animation style is characterized by its vibrant and appealing visuals, which play a significant role in enhancing the lighthearted and jovial tone of the film. “Saint Young Men” stands out for its innovative and creative concept, seamlessly combining religious iconography with slice-of-life storytelling. What makes this film particularly appealing is its ability to find humor and warmth in the ordinary, transforming everyday scenarios into moments of lighthearted amusement and warmth, making it a delightful watch for a wide range of audiences, irrespective of their background or beliefs.
5. Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent – Toshiyuki Kubooka
“Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent” marks the culmination of the Golden Age trilogy, portraying the intense and turbulent journey of the mercenary Guts and his involvement with the Band of the Hawk. In this final chapter, the narrative takes a unique turn as it explores darker themes, scrutinizing the far-reaching consequences of unchecked ambition and the inescapable grip of fate. The film focuses on the complex relationship between Guts and his friend-turned-rival Griffith, propelling the storyline towards a climactic and otherworldly finale. Throughout its course, the narrative explores the depths of human emotions and the brutal cost of ambition, shedding light on the darker aspects of human nature.
Director Toshiyuki Kubooka’s vision in this final installment is undeniably bold and graphic, presenting a stark and unyielding portrayal of the series’ darker themes. The animation is executed with great attention to detail, effectively conveying the intense, sometimes violent, and emotionally charged nature of the story. “The Advent” is widely acclaimed for its unflinching depiction of its mature themes and its commitment to staying true to the source material. This concluding film stands as a compelling entry in the “Berserk” series, making it one of the best anime films of 2013.
4. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion – Yukihiro Miyamoto
“Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion” engrosses the audience in a surreal and mysterious new world, one that is both fascinating and unsettling in its perfection. The story follows Homura Akemi as she wakes up in what seems to be an eerily perfect version of Mitakihara City, where she, Madoka, and their friends lead idealized lives as magical girls. But as Homura navigates this seemingly flawless existence, she senses something amiss in this too-perfect world and starts to investigate, gradually unraveling a complex web of illusions, buried memories, and unexpected betrayals. The film masterfully portrays a dark, psychological narrative, presenting a twisted version of what initially appears to be a utopian reality.
Yukihiro Miyamoto’s delivers a visually stunning and emotionally charged continuation to the Madoka Magica series. His direction is marked by a distinct and detailed visual style, with the animation being both breathtakingly beautiful and haunting, capturing the film’s atmosphere of enchantment combined with a sense of foreboding dread. “Rebellion” is particularly notable for its creative and innovative storytelling, which challenges the expectations set by the previous installments of the series. This film stands as an invitation for viewers to question the nature of fate and the essence of choice, offering a thought-provoking journey through its beautifully animated and carefully crafted world.
3. Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya – Youichi Fujita
“Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya,” directed by Youichi Fujita, shows an adventurous and comedic story set in a reimagined alternate universe of Edo-period Japan. In this unique setting, the protagonist, Gintoki Sakata, stumbles upon a mysterious figure that propels him into a dystopian future. This unexpected journey reveals a world drastically transformed and overrun by a deadly virus, where he discovers that many of his friends and allies have undergone dramatic changes, altering the dynamics he once knew. Gintoki’s journey through this unrecognizable and treacherous world is a rollercoaster of unexpected challenges and startling revelations, as he seeks to unravel the mysteries of what happened and find a way back to his own time.
This film stands as a remarkable and well-crafted mixture of humor, action, and heartfelt storytelling. Fujita’s direction brilliantly captures the essence of the beloved “Gintama” series while introducing a fresh storyline. The animation effectively enhances the dynamic action sequences and the series’ trademark comedic moments, bringing each scene to life with vibrant detail. “Be Forever Yorozuya” not only appeals to long-time fans of the series with its character-driven plot, but also provides an accessible and thoroughly entertaining experience for newcomers, solidifying its place as one of the best anime films of 2013.
2. The Wind Rises – Hayao Miyazaki
“The Wind Rises”, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, tells the inspirational story of Jiro Horikoshi, a visionary who has dreams of flying and designing airplanes. The film chronicles his life’s journey, beginning from his early days filled with dreams of aviation, evolving through his educational endeavors, and culminating in his career as an aeronautical engineer. This leads to his pivotal involvement in the creation of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane during World War II. Throughout the film, Jiro’s intense passion for aircraft design is continuously tested by the harsh and often unforgiving realities of life. This film merges significant historical events with a fictionalized account of Horikoshi’s life.
Hayao Miyazaki’s direction in “The Wind Rises” is characterized by a deep sense of nostalgia and a contemplative approach to the complexities of creativity, innovation, and moral responsibility. The film’s animation is simply breathtaking, showcasing careful attention to the poetic beauty of flight and the details of airplane design. “The Wind Rises” stands out due to its exploration of mature themes and its thought-provoking narrative, offering a unique perspective on the costs of innovation and the pursuit of dreams. Miyazaki’s storytelling prowess and visual artistry make “The Wind Rises” a deeply memorable film, demonstrating a profound understanding of the human spirit.
1. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya – Isao Takahata
“The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”, directed by Isao Takahata, is a beautiful retelling of the classic Japanese folktale, “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.” This animated film follows the life of a mysterious girl named Kaguya, who is discovered as a tiny, radiant being inside a glowing bamboo shoot by an elderly bamboo cutter. As she grows, Kaguya rapidly transforms into a young woman of extraordinary beauty and grace, attracting a wide range of suitors from diverse and distant lands. These suitors are challenged with seemingly insurmountable tasks, designed to prove their love and devotion. As her story unfolds, Kaguya finds herself grappling with the mystery of her origins and the heavy expectations placed upon her.
Isao Takahata’s masterpiece is universally celebrated for its unique and expressive animation style, resembling traditional Japanese watercolor and ink illustrations. The film’s visual aesthetic is both enchanting and captivating, capturing the emotional depth of the story in a manner that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” is a deeply moving exploration of identity, personal freedom, and the bittersweet fleeting nature of life. Takahata’s innovative and forward-thinking approach to animation and storytelling creates a timeless and captivating film, one that resonates with audiences across different cultures and ages, ensuring its place as one of the best anime films of 2013.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best anime films of 2013:
- The Burning Buddha Man – Ujicha
- The Garden of Words – Makoto Shinkai
- One Piece Episode of Merry: The Tale of One More Friend – Katsumi Tokoro
- Steins;Gate: The Movie – Load Region of Déjà Vu – Kanji Wakabayashi
- Saint Young Men – Noriko Takao
- Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent – Toshiyuki Kubooka
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion – Yukihiro Miyamoto
- Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya – Youichi Fujita
- The Wind Rises – Hayao Miyazaki
- The Tale of the Princess Kaguya – Isao Takahata
