Anime underwent a remarkable evolution in the 2010s, with films from this era presenting some of the best that the medium has to offer. From visually stunning narratives that blend the ethereal with the physical to stories that explore the depths of human emotions and relationships, this decade presented a vast array of masterpieces that captivated audiences worldwide. These films not only achieved critical acclaim but also broke barriers, challenging conventional storytelling and animation technique. The films from this period stand as masterful explorations of human emotion, existential dilemmas, and the many facets of life. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best anime films of the 2010s.
10. On-Gaku: Our Sound – Kenji Iwaisawa (2019)
In “On-Gaku: Our Sound,” the story focuses on Kenji, a somewhat aimless teenager, and his high school friends Ota and Asakura. These trouble-making delinquents, with absolutely no prior musical experience or even a basic understanding of tunes, are inspired to form a rock band after unexpectedly stumbling upon a bass guitar in a curious twist of fate. As they venture forth, they embark on an unplanned musical journey, braving the trials of creating music from scratch, forging deeper friendships, and exploring the vast boundaries of their own creative expressions.
Kenji Iwaisawa’s film is a heartfelt celebration of the unbridled joy of music and the profound impact it can have on seemingly directionless lives. Employing its unique hand-drawn animation style, the film presents a raw and unfiltered depiction of youthful energy, clumsiness, and aspirations. The narrative blends together moments both humorous and touching, with a keen focus on the transformative power of art, passion, and collaboration. “On-Gaku: Our Sound” stands as a refreshing take on the classic coming-of-age genre, beautifully illustrating the unpredictable avenues through which life can surprise, challenge, and ultimately fulfill us.
9. In This Corner of the World – Sunao Katabuchi (2016)
Set during the era of World War II, “In This Corner of the World” follows the life of Suzu Urano, a dreamy and imaginative young woman from Hiroshima. After entering an arranged marriage, she moves to Kure and must adjust to her new life, which is marked by both domestic duties and the larger geopolitical events around her. While coping with the relentless challenges brought by the war, including air raids and food shortages, Suzu faces everyday struggles, navigates limited resources, and grapples with the emotional and physical toll of the war. Yet, throughout these adversities, she maintains hope, determination, and resilience, drawing strength from small joys and the bonds she shares with those around her.
Sunao Katabuchi creates a sensitive portrayal of wartime Japan, highlighting the human stories, emotions, and experiences often overshadowed by grand historical narratives or military accounts. Through Suzu’s eyes, the film offers a glimpse into the daily lives, routines, and challenges of civilians during these tumultuous times. Balancing moments of hardship with ones of beauty, tenderness, and grace, the movie captures the enduring human spirit amidst chaos. In its gentle yet compelling storytelling, “In This Corner of the World” ensures its place as one of the best anime films of the 2010s.
8. Dou kyu sei – Classmates – Shouko Nakamura (2016)
“Dou kyu sei – Classmates” tells the tale of two high school boys who couldn’t be more different in their backgrounds and personalities. Rihito, with his glasses and studious demeanor, is a diligent student who often has his nose buried in a book, while Hikaru, with a more relaxed and outgoing vibe, is a carefree musician known for his charm and laid-back nature. Their paths cross unexpectedly during a summer class, where a fleeting shared moment sparks an undeniable connection between them. This connection deepens, leading to a bond that gradually evolves into a deep romantic relationship. As they venture deeper into the world of their intertwined emotions and navigate the complexities of their feelings, the two must also confront the challenges posed by societal judgment, misunderstandings, and the weight of self-doubt while seeking self-acceptance.
Shouko Nakamura’s film is a nuanced exploration of young love, highlighting the dynamics and complexities of adolescent relationships and emotions. The narrative beautifully captures the tentative steps of first love, moments of discovery, filled with hesitation, anticipation, excitement, and vulnerability. By focusing on the characters’ internal growth, evolving perspectives, and understanding, Nakamura expertly conveys the universal aspects of love that transcend age, gender, or societal boundaries. “Dou kyu sei – Classmates” stands as a heartfelt portrayal of genuine affection, human connection, and the journey towards embracing one’s true self in the face of external pressures.
7. The Wind Rises – Hayao Miyazaki (2013)
“The Wind Rises” follows the life and burning aspirations of Jiro Horikoshi, a remarkably talented aeronautical engineer who harbors a deep-seated dream of designing beautiful, cutting-edge airplanes. Drawing strength and vision from the famous Italian aircraft designer Caproni, Jiro’s journey unfolds during Japan’s turbulent 20th century. This period, marked by natural calamities like devastating earthquakes, deep economic struggles, and the shadows of looming wars, contrasts greatly to Jiro’s personal odyssey. Alongside his professional aspirations, the story also brings to life a tender love story of Jiro meeting and deeply falling for Nahoko, a graceful and resilient woman facing her own personal battles.
Hayao Miyazaki offers a narrative that, while deeply rooted in historical events and factual settings, beautifully explores the universal themes of undying passion, the pursuit of dreams, and the intricacies of love. The film, while different in tone and setting from Miyazaki’s usual whimsical and fantastical worlds, undeniably retains his unmistakable touch of wonder, innocence, and profound human connection. Jiro’s unwavering commitment to his dreams, even when faced with mounting societal pressures and personal setbacks, serves as a beacon of inspiration and is bound to strike a chord with anyone who has ever nurtured a dream close to their heart. “The Wind Rises” is as a heartfelt ode to the drive of ambition, making it one of the best anime films of the 2010s.
6. Wolf Children – Mamoru Hosoda (2012)
“Wolf Children” follows the journey of Hana, a spirited young woman who unexpectedly finds herself deeply enamored with a mysterious wolf-man. Their enchanting and unconventional union bears fruit in the form of two remarkable children, Yuki and Ame. These siblings, gifted with their father’s unique and supernatural ability, can willingly transform into wolves. But when fate deals a harsh blow, a devastated Hana makes the decision to move to the serene confines of the countryside, aiming to raise her children away from judgmental gazes and potential dangers.
Mamoru Hosoda creates a story that masterfully blurs the boundaries between the fantastical elements and everyday life’s realism. He invites viewers on a profound journey that navigates themes such as personal identity, the all-encompassing nature of love, the bond of family, and the often heartbreaking sacrifices one is willing to make for those they cherish. Hana’s resilience and unwavering dedication serve as a sign of hope, showcasing the profound depths a mother can reach to guarantee her children’s well-being and happiness. “Wolf Children” successfully shines a light on the nuances of motherhood, the journey towards self-acceptance, and the winding road of adolescence.
5. Night Is Short, Walk on Girl – Masaaki Yuasa (2017)
In “Night Is Short, Walk on Girl,” a spirited black-haired young woman, often referred to as the Girl with Black Hair, sets off on a memorable and whimsical journey during one eventful night in the heart of Kyoto. As she meanders through the city’s vibrant streets, she immerses herself in a colorful array of eccentric experiences, not limited to guzzling down exotic drinks at quirky local bars, joyfully partaking in spontaneous wedding festivities, and exploring captivating book fairs teeming with stories. Simultaneously, adding a touch of romantic intrigue, a determined male classmate persistently shadows her steps, hoping to finally muster up the courage to confess the deep feelings he has for her.
Under Masaaki Yuasa’s direction, the film unfolds as a kaleidoscope of hues and emotions, offering viewers a surreal visual journey that encapsulates the unbridled exctiement of youthful escapades. The narrative elegantly balances the whirlwind of sensations of a spontaneous night out with the ever-present undercurrent of budding love and the yearning for connection. Through Yuasa’s distinctive and imaginative animation techniques, Kyoto’s urban landscape is transformed, presenting familiar sights in fresh and enchanting lights, ensuring its place as one of the best anime films of the 2010s. “Night Is Short, Walk on Girl” is as a tribute to seizing the moment, inspiring audiences to find and cherish the enchantment lurking in the corners of everyday existence.
4. A Silent Voice – Naoko Yamada (2016)
In “A Silent Voice,” Shoya Ishida stands at the narrative’s core, a young man grappling with the shadows of his past indiscretions. During his elementary school days, he took on the role of a relentless bully, with his torment frequently directed towards Shoko Nishimiya, an innocent new classmate who faced the challenges of a hearing disability. Haunted by the weight of his childhood cruelty and desperate to atone for his misdeeds, he embarks on a quest to reconnect with Shoko. With hopes of mending the wounds of the past and seeking a path to redemption, their reunion is deeply emotional, combining themes of remorse, forgiveness, budding friendship, and mutual understanding.
In her masterful adaptation of the widely cherished manga, Naoko Yamada explores the layers of human emotions, particularly the struggle for personal atonement and the process of mending fractured relationships. Addressing not just the overarching themes of bullying and disability, Yamada’s film does so with a gentle touch, ensuring the portrayal remains grounded and compassionate. Her keen observational skills are evident in the film’s animation, which breathes life into the characters and magnifies the depth of their feelings. “A Silent Voice” stands as a deeply moving narrative, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the often arduous journey individuals undertake in their quest for forgiveness.
3. Your Name. – Makoto Shinkai (2016)
“Your Name.” tells the captivating and surreal story of Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high school girl whose life is deeply rooted in the countryside’s traditions, and Taki Tachibana, a high school boy immersed in Tokyo’s modern hustle and bustle. In a twist of fate that defies explanation, these two individuals from contrasting worlds find themselves periodically and inexplicably swapping bodies. As they experience life through each other’s eyes, facing challenges and uncovering personal secrets, a profound bond takes shape between them, leading them to yearn for a face-to-face meeting. Yet, as they push forward in their quest, they come to a startling realization that their connection is hindered by factors far more complex than geographical distance.
Master storyteller Makoto Shinkai crafts a narrative that elegantly bridges the gap between the old and the new, highlighting the nuances and contrasts between urban sophistication and rural simplicity. The film’s animation is nothing short of spectacular, capturing the soul-stirring vistas of the countryside and the dynamic energy of Tokyo with remarkable finesse. In Shinkai’s hands, the plot unravels, interweaving themes of young love, the pull of destiny, and the relentless march of time, ensuring viewers become deeply invested in Mitsuha and Taki’s journey, making it one of the best anime films of the 2010s. With “Your Name.,” Shinkai solidifies his reputation in the anime world, offering audiences a spellbinding exploration of connections that defy the bounds of time and place.
2. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya – Yasuhiro Takemoto, Tatsuya Ishihara (2010)
In “The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya,” Kyon, an average high school student who once enjoyed the predictability of his daily life, is jolted from his routine one December morning. To his shock, Haruhi Suzumiya, the often unpredictable and eccentric leader of the SOS Brigade, has vanished without a trace. Even more unsettling, his close friends appear to have completely forgotten her, acting as though she never existed. Thrust into this bewildering alternate reality, Kyon, feeling isolated and out of depth, embarks on a solitary quest to unravel the mystery behind Haruhi’s disappearance and desperately seeks a way to revert to his familiar world.
Under the direction of Yasuhiro Takemoto and Tatsuya Ishihara, this adaptation of the beloved novel transitions smoothly to the screen, retaining its core essence while introducing new twists and turns. The story dives deep into the realms of altered realities, personal identity, and the weight of decisions, ensnaring viewers in its multifaceted and thought-provoking plot. The film’s animation, with its detailed visuals and fluid movements, elevates the tension, amplifying the intrigue that permeates every scene. “The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya” stands as a unique reflection on the ever-shifting sands of reality and the often unexpected consequences of our actions.
1. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya – Isao Takahata (2013)
Based on the renowned Japanese folktale “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” unveils the story of a girl mysteriously discovered inside a bamboo stalk. As time progresses, this tiny girl blossoms almost magically into a stunning young woman, carrying with her enigmatic memories from her life on the Moon and the ethereal palace she once called home. Nurtured lovingly by her bamboo cutter parents in the earthly realm, Kaguya’s otherworldly beauty doesn’t go unnoticed, drawing a multitude of ambitious suitors to her side. Amidst this whirlwind of attention, Kaguya grapples with her complicated past, eventually facing the monumental task of choosing between her celestial origins and her newfound earthly connections.
Isao Takahata, renowned for his distinctive directorial style, effortlessly reimagines this age-old tale, infusing it with contemporary undertones. The animation, masterfully hand-drawn, possesses a fluidity and softness akin to traditional Japanese brushwork, exuding a dreamlike aura throughout the film. Takahata artfully navigates profound themes such as love, the fleeting passage of time, and the ever-changing definitions of beauty. “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” stands as a timeless work of art, putting together a tale that, despite its ancient roots, strikes a universal chord, making it one of the best anime films of the 2010s.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Anime films of the 2010s:
- On-Gaku: Our Sound – Kenji Iwaisawa (2019)
- In This Corner of the World – Sunao Katabuchi (2016)
- Dou kyu sei – Classmates – Shouko Nakamura (2016)
- The Wind Rises – Hayao Miyazaki (2013)
- Wolf Children – Mamoru Hosoda (2012)
- Night Is Short, Walk on Girl – Masaaki Yuasa (2017)
- A Silent Voice – Naoko Yamada (2016)
- Your Name. – Makoto Shinkai (2016)
- The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya – Yasuhiro Takemoto, Tatsuya Ishihara (2010)
- The Tale of the Princess Kaguya – Isao Takahata (2013)
