In 2017, the anime industry witnessed the release of many highly acclaimed films, each showcasing a unique blend of storytelling, artistry, and creativity. This list is a celebration of the creativity and storytelling prowess that the anime genre consistently delivers. From breathtaking adventures set in dystopian futures to heartwarming tales of youth and discovery, each film on this list stands out for its unique artistic vision and narrative depth. These selections are not just a testament to the genre’s ability to entertain, but also to its capacity for exploring complex themes and emotions through animation. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best anime films of 2017.
10. Mary and the Witch’s Flower – Hiromasa Yonebayashi
“Mary and the Witch’s Flower” presents a captivating and enchanting adventure about a young girl named Mary, who is characterized by her curious nature and spirited personality. She accidentally stumbles upon a mysterious flower that grants her wondrous magical powers. This extraordinary discovery leads her to a hidde school for witches, nestled in the clouds, unveiling a world of enchantment filled with spells, flying brooms, and endless magical possibilities. As Mary navigates this newfound realm, she bravely confronts the moral complexities of using her powers and wrestling with questions of right and wrong in a world where magic can be both a gift and a curse.
Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi creates a visually stunning film brimming with vibrant colors and imaginative designs that bring the magical world to life with spellbinding detail and creativity. The animation style combines traditional hand-drawn techniques with modern flair, creating a visually engaging experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly innovative. The film’s narrative explores themes of self-discovery and bravery, combining these concepts in a way that resonates with viewers of all ages, from the young to the young-at-heart. The character development, particularly of Mary, is handled with exceptional sensitivity and depth, allowing audiences to empathize with her journey and the emotional rollercoaster of her magical and personal growth.
9. Lu Over the Wall – Masaaki Yuasa
In “Lu Over the Wall,” directed by Masaaki Yuasa, we are introduced to Kai, a reflective and introspective gloomy teenager who resides in a secluded small fishing village. His monotonous and uneventful life takes a remarkable turn when he encounters Lu, a mermaid with a radiantly bright, joyous, and utterly infectious personality. As their friendship blossoms, growing stronger and more profound, Lu’s magical presence brings about many unexpected changes in the village, altering the lives of its inhabitants. The film navigates their growing bond and the challenges they face from the villagers’ deep-rooted superstitions and unfounded fears.
Masaki Yuasa’s direction in this film brings a unique approach to the animation, filling it with life and a constant sense of wonder. The film is characterized by its imaginatively creative use of music, seamlessly blending traditional and modern styles to significantly enhance the storytelling and elevate the emotional impact. “Lu Over the Wall” examines themes of acceptance and the breaking down of barriers, both literal and metaphorical, exploring the power of understanding and unity. The film’s ability to balance light-hearted moments with deeper emotional undercurrents is a testament to its exceptional storytelling prowess and Yuasa’s masterful direction, ensuring its place as one of the best anime films of 2017.
8. Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic – Noriyuki Abe
In “Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic,” directed by Noriyuki Abe, the story takes place on a luxurious passenger ship, where hidden secrets and unseen dangers lurk beneath its polished surface. The main characters, the astute and young aristocrat Ciel Phantomhive, along with his supernaturally skilled demon butler Sebastian, embark on a stealthy and high-stakes covert investigation into illegal human experiments shrouded in mystery. Their journey aboard the ship becomes increasingly perilous and fraught with danger when they make the discovery that the dead are being unnaturally revived on the ship. Faced with this alarming situation, the duo must employ their exceptional wits to unravel the deepening mystery, all while striving to protect their own lives amidst the mounting chaos.
The animation style in this film is notably refined and detailed, capturing the eerie atmosphere of the ship’s setting with striking visual artistry. Abe’s skilled direction ensures that the narrative is paced perfectly, keeping viewers thoroughly engaged with well-timed action sequences and suspenseful moments that build tension. The film’s exploration of themes like loyalty and the profound nature of humanity adds a significant depth to the thrilling plot. Character interactions, particularly the dynamic relationship between Ciel and Sebastian, are both entertaining and revealing, offering deep insights into their personalities and adding layers of intrigue to the story.
7. Haikyuu!! Movie 3: Genius and Sense – Susumu Mitsunaka
“Haikyuu!! Movie 3: Genius and Sense,” directed by Susumu Mitsunaka, continues the inspiring journey of the Karasuno High School volleyball team, a group of passionate and diverse young athletes. This installment focuses on the intense and nail-biting matches between Karasuno High and their formidable opponents, Aoba Johsai High. The story highlights the significant growth and multifaceted challenges of the team’s key players, Hinata and Kageyama, as they tirelessly strive for victory with determination and grit. Their dynamic, along with the team’s unwavering camaraderie, drives the plot forward, masterfully showcasing both the individual development of the players and the cohesive evolution of the team as a whole.
The film excels in portraying fast-paced, heart-pounding, and dynamic volleyball action, making each match not just thrilling but also deeply immersive and emotionally powerful. Mitsunaka’s direction captures the emotional highs and lows experienced by the players, drawing viewers into the very heart of the fierce competition with a sense of tension and excitement. The film also portrays the evolution of teamwork and strategy, highlighting the intelligence and adaptability of the players, making it one of the best anime films of 2017. The animation quality in the film is exceptional, bringing out the intensity and excitement of high-stakes high school volleyball an attention to detail that adds depth and realism to the viewing experience.
6. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin V: Clash at Loum – Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Takashi Imanishi
“Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin V: Clash at Loum,” directed by the talented Yoshikazu Yasuhiko and Takashi Imanishi, focuses on a pivotal and game-changing battle in the expansive Gundam universe. Set against the backdrop of an escalating and tension-filled conflict between the Earth Federation and the aggressive Principality of Zeon, this chapter takes a look at the strategical warfare that takes place in the vast expanse of space. It also highlights the experiences and personal struggles of key characters like the enigmatic Char Aznable and the determined Amuro Ray. The film’s plot explores the complexities of war, honor, and rivalry, giving viewers a more detailed understanding of the series’ rich lore and the motivations of its characters.
Yasuhiko and Imanishi bring a dynamic visual style to the film, with exceptionally detailed and fluid animation that significantly enhances the action-packed and high-stakes space battles. The directors successfully balance in-depth character development with the overarching and morally complex narrative of war, making this installment accessible and engaging even to those new to the Gundam series. Themes of duty, sacrifice, and the heavy cost of conflict are integrated into the storyline, offering a reflection on the personal and broader implications of warfare. The film’s dramatic visuals and narrative complement the dramatic and intense atmosphere, adding an additional layer of depth and engagement to this compelling entry in the Gundam saga.
5. Lupin the Third: Goemon’s Blood Spray – Takeshi Koike
In “Lupin the Third: Goemon’s Blood Spray,” directed by Takeshi Koike, the narrative focuses on the mysterious character of Goemon Ishikawa, a renowned master swordsman with unparalleled skill. The film tells a gripping and intense tale where Goemon faces a ruthless enemy, presenting a significant test to both his extraordinary swordsmanship skills and his deeply ingrained moral code. The plot traverses through a series of intense confrontations and profound character developments, showcasing Goemon’s internal struggle and his journey of growth and self-discovery. The narrative skillfully balances heart-pounding action with deeper explorations of themes such as loyalty, personal honor, and the complexities of living by a warrior’s code in a changing world.
Koike’s direction brings a distinct style to the animation, characterized by bold lines, dynamic motion, and a dramatic use of color that captures the intensity and raw emotion of Goemon’s battles. The film stands out for its unique visual approach, differentiating it from other entries in the Lupin the Third series with its more somber and serious tone. The storyline is deeply engaging, providing a fresh perspective on a beloved character, while the action sequences are visually striking, adding a layer of dramatic tension and excitement. The film’s pacing is carefully considered, ensuring that the tension and excitement remain high throughout, making it one of the best anime films of 2017.
4. Junk Head – Takahide Hori
“Junk Head,” directed by Takahide Hori, is a one-of-a-kind stop-motion film set in a dystopian future where humans, having achieved immortality, face the dilemma of having lost the ability to reproduce. In this bleak and thought-provoking future, a human explorer is daringly sent into the depths of an underground world, a place teeming with strange and diverse creatures, each more bizarre and fascinating than the last, to find a potential solution to this existential crisis. The film combines elements of dark humor with a sense of adventure as the protagonist navigates this bizarre and treacherous landscape, encountering an array of unique beings and facing many challenges.
Hori’s film is a true marvel of creativity and artistic vision, showcasing carefully crafted intricate stop-motion animation that brings its surreal world to life. The attention to detail in the design of the creatures and environments is truly remarkable, immersing viewers in a thoroughly original and visually captivating universe that is both alien and strangely familiar. The film’s storytelling is both humorously engaging and deeply thought-provoking, inviting audiences to ponder themes of creation, existence, and the far-reaching consequences of human advancements. The successful blend of science fiction elements with a quirky, imaginative approach, coupled with its unique animation style, makes “Junk Head” a standout and unforgettable film in the anime genre.
3. Haikyuu!! Movie 4: Battle of Concepts – Susumu Mitsunaka
In “Haikyuu!! Movie 4: Battle of Concepts,” directed by Susumu Mitsunaka, the story resumes its focus on the tenacious and spirited Karasuno High School volleyball team. This enthralling installment centers on their challenging and high-stakes match against the highly skilled Shiratorizawa Academy, a team renowned for its athletic prowess. The film explores the strategic and emotional aspects of the game, placing a strong emphasis on the significant growth and development of both the team as a whole and its individual members. Key moments within the film highlight the refined skills and unwavering determination of both teams, creating a gripping, tense, and highly competitive atmosphere.
Mitsunaka’s direction masterfully captures the raw intensity and burning passion intrinsic to high school volleyball. The film successfully portrays the physical and mental aspects of the sport in a manner that allows viewers to experience and feel every move. Central to the narrative are the themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, resonating powerfully with viewers and helping to make it one of the best anime films of 2017. “Haikyuu!! Movie 4: Battle of Concepts” is a heartfelt celebration of the unyielding spirit and determination of young athletes as they navigate the challenges of competitive sports.
2. Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu – Tatsuya Oishi
“Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu,” directed by Tatsuya Oishi, stands as the climactic concluding chapter of the enthralling Kizumonogatari trilogy. The story continues to trace the journey of Koyomi Araragi, a high school student whose life becomes entangled in the dark and mysterious world of vampires, a realm filled with danger and supernatural intrigue. This final installment intensifies its focus on Araragi’s daunting confrontation with the formidable vampire hunters, while also delving into his internal struggle and turmoil regarding his own transformation. The narrative builds upon the tension and conflicts established in the previous films, leading to a gripping and climactic resolution of Araragi’s complex journey.
Oishi’s direction in this film is marked by a visually striking and avant-garde style, masterfully blending surreal, dreamlike imagery with dynamic and intense action sequences. The film thoughtfully explores deep themes of identity, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity, presenting a narrative that challenges viewers to ponder the moral complexities and difficult decisions faced by Araragi. The engaging and layered storyline, when combined with the innovative and boundary-pushing animation, makes “Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu” a memorable and impactful conclusion to this captivating and thought-provoking trilogy.
1. Night Is Short, Walk on Girl – Masaaki Yuasa
In “Night Is Short, Walk on Girl,” directed by Masaaki Yuasa, the enchanting story unravels over the span of one magical and whimsical night in the vibrant city of Kyoto. The film follows the captivating journey of a spirited young woman known as The Girl with Black Hair, who embarks on a series of surreal adventures as she wanders through the city’s lively streets and hidden alleys. Simultaneously, a fellow university student, affectionately referred to as Senpai, engages in a comical quest to capture her attention through an orchestrated series of planned “coincidences.” The narrative expertly combines elements of comedy, romance, and fantasy, showcasing the characters’ intriguing encounters with a diverse array of unique individuals and extraordinary situations.
Yuasa’s distinctive artistic style and boundlessly imaginative storytelling are highly evident in this film. The vibrant animation and creative use of an expressive color palette bring the whimsical and dreamlike quality of the night to life with a sense of wonder. The film addresses themes of chance, destiny, and the joys of youth, captivating viewers with its lighthearted and magical narrative. The presence of charming and delightfully eccentric characters, combined with the engaging and heartwarming plot, makes “Night Is Short, Walk on Girl” a delightful cinematic experience and one of the best anime films of 2017.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best anime films of 2017:
- Mary and the Witch’s Flower – Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Lu Over the Wall – Masaaki Yuasa
- Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic – Noriyuki Abe
- Haikyuu!! Movie 3: Genius and Sense – Susumu Mitsunaka
- Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin V: Clash at Loum – Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, Takashi Imanishi
- Lupin the Third: Goemon’s Blood Spray – Takeshi Koike
- Junk Head – Takahide Hori
- Haikyuu!! Movie 4: Battle of Concepts – Susumu Mitsunaka
- Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu – Tatsuya Oishi
- Night Is Short, Walk on Girl – Masaaki Yuasa
