Summary

As one of the prominent anime streaming services , Crunchyroll undoubtedly exemplify the master spot used by fans to keep up with the belated series while research for underrated gems that may have flown under the radar . While its movie catalog is not virtually as heroic , get it somewhat difficult to get feature of speech - distance film , thebest anime picture on Crunchyrollshould not be overlooked by any fan .

From timeless , influential classics that rest as impressive today as they were decades ago , to advanced titles that range from underrated to well - known , there are mess of anime movies for fans to watch . Whether one opt tight - pace , action - packed films , or , on the contrary , irksome and realistic play , there is something for everyone on Crunchyroll , essay once again just how versatile and diverse this metier can be .

We spoke with voice actress Sally Amaki on her experience render to the Crunchyroll Anime Awards for a second year and her unique work experiences .

Featured Image collage featuring different shots of Carol from the anime adaptation of Tomo-Chan is a Girl!

10Sword of the Stranger (2007)

Original Movie Produced by Bones & Directed by Masahiro Andou

During the turbulent Sengoku catamenia , Japan was a warfare - charge country in a state of complete disorderliness , as most struggled to make ends meet . Kotarou , a young son , and Tobimaru , his dog , are but a lone pair of petty thieves seeking to survive together . As they somehow find themselves direct by China ’s Ming Dynasty , who aim to perform a ritual of immortality , it might just seem like the end of the line for them . Thankfully , a fateful showdown with a ronin name Nanashi proves to be their salvation , as Nanashi becomes their escort in exchange for a treasure .

The title also features a straight yet compelling story , play to life by challenging , well - developed characters .

Sword of the Strangeris a remarkable historical movie known primarily for its beautifully recreate , unstable play . Yet , while the dynamic , engaging fights surely represent one of the plastic film ’s highlights , it is far more than a visually telling yet otherwise uninteresting product . With enough substance to match its dash , the title also features a straight yet compelling story , brought to life by challenging , well - developed characters .

Dai Miyamoto from Blue Giant, Shouko Nishimiya from A Silent Voice, and Maquia from Maquia When the Promised Flower Blooms side by side with a falling star from Your Name. in the background

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9Maquia: When The Promised Flower Blooms (2018)

Original Movie Produced by P.A. Works & Directed by Mari Okada

As a Iorph who lose her kinsperson at a untested age , Maquia lives a peaceful yet lone life history among her people . covetously attempt to learn the arcanum behind the Iorph ’s apparent immortality , the land of Mezarte invades them while drive captured Renato , brawny ancient dragons . Maquia is squeeze to flee her home , running away into a forest where she come up herself all alone , except for the unexpected companionship of an abandoned human babe . Despite acknowledge nothing of motherhood or human social club , Maquia refuses to reverse her back on the helpless babe .

Maquia : When The Promised Flower Bloomsis as beautiful as it is touching , telling a profoundly aroused chronicle about the ephemerality of life and the inherent hardships of motherhood . Beyond the captivating development of the central characters , who represent the heart and soul of this mesmerise storey , the world it ’s typeset in is also complex and fascinating . Moreover , to couple the tone to the visuals , this rubric also feature one of thebest anime film soundtrack , composed by the renowned Kenji Kawai .

Mari Okada , who is responsible for for writing and directingMaquia : When the Promised Flower Blooms , has also written the script of other highly see anime titles , includingAnohana : The Flower We Saw That Day , andKiznaiver .

Shion Ashimori from Sing a Bit of Harmony holding out her hand, with images of Smile and Cherry from Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, and Anzu and Kaoru from The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes in the background

8Sword Art Online the Movie: Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night (2021)

Produced by A-1 Pictures, Based on the Light Novel by Reki Kawahara and BUNBUN, & Directed by Ayako Kounou

Impressed and touch by Asuna Yuuki ’s tireless efforts toward studying and preparing for her gamy school entry exams , Misumi Tozawa rede her to take a break and relax by joining her at the launching of the highly anticipated VRMMO Sword Art Online . Unfortunately , what seemed to be a playfulness plot that could prove an easy beguilement plow out to be quite the opposite- every thespian stop up trapped in the world of Aincrad , with no plain way to escape . Moreover , dying in the game also means decease in the real world .

Adding depth to a successful franchise , Sword Art Online the moving-picture show : Progressive - Aria of a Starless Nightis a retelling of the early events , which allow the taradiddle to feel more focused and naturalistic . While this movie is unlikely to change anyone ’s overall opinion ofSword Art Online , fan are certain to relish the familiar yet refreshing experience , while newcomers are presented with an alternative get that some may find more compelling . As divisive as the franchise may be , this is undoubtedly one of thebest illusion anime movies .

Sword Art Online the Movie : Progressive - Aria of a Starless Nightrequires no familiarity with the original serial , as the unfolding events take place close to the start item of the story .

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish’s Josee smiling in the center, with the cast of Sword Art Online the Movie Progressive - Aria of a Starless Night on the left, and the main characters of Liz and the Blue Bird on the right

7Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020)

Produced by Bones, Based on the Novel by Seiko Tanabe, & Directed by Koutarou Tamura

Tsuneo Suzukawa is a hard - exercise university scholarly person driven by his passion for marine biology , above all .

Tsuneo Suzukawa is a severely - working university student repulse by his passion for nautical biology , above all . This mania motivates him to take any opportunity to earn money and save up to study abroad . As such , upon take in the offering of being Jose ’s caretaker , he pronto accept , despite being unprepared to deal with this task . Although her peremptory mental attitude nearly construct him quit , Tsuneo eventually learns of Josee ’s dream - to explore the outside humans , a fortune she ’s miss out on due to being a wheelchair user , and the two discover that they may have more in usual than they thought .

Josee , the Tiger and the Fishtells a fascinating , uplifting story about the importance of pursuing one ’s passion , despite any potential struggle . Although it may be a bit too melodramatic for some watcher ' liking , those who appreciate timeless heartwarming romanticism tarradiddle are sure to come up that this movie can easily rival the classic , not least of all thanks to the breathless nontextual matter dash and memorable soundtrack .

Sword of the Stranger poster featuring Nanashi with his sword out protecting Kotarou against a red background-1

The picture produced by Studio Ghibli are rightfully held in high-pitched regard , but that does n’t mean that other anime movies are n’t as worthwhile .

6Akira (1988)

Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, Based on the Manga by Katsuhiro Ootomo, & Directed by Katsuhiro Ootomo

A unseasoned boy ’s psychic superpower changed the course of history , go out Tokyo in downfall while also cause the showtime of World War III.The rebuild Neo - Tokyo is a completely different place , delimitate by violence and disorderliness . As Shoutarou Kaneda , the leader of a motorcycle gang , and Tetsuo Shima , his puerility friend , get caught up in an esper accident , leading to Tetsuo find his own powers , the two find themselves pin down in a complicated earthly concern that involves a deep organization and unexpected ontogeny .

Often reckon as one of the best movies ever , earning a station among many fans ' lists of favorites , Akirais undoubtedly iconic and highly influential . feature an incredible optical and sound design that make out not only to guard up , but even continue to impress decades by and by , as well as an challenging story that fan of the hacker theme are specially probable to savor , Akiradelivers a unique experience that could never be reduplicate in live - action at law form .

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Cast

A secret military labor endangers Neo - Tokyo when it ferment a biker gang penis into a rampaging psychical psychopath who can only be stop by a teenager , his mob of biker friends and a group of psychic .

5Sing a Bit of Harmony (2021)

Original Movie Produced by J.C.Staff & Directed by Yasuhiro Yoshiura

transport students are bound to string attention , but Shion Ashimori stand out for more than one reason ; besides being a new cryptical student , she also happen to be an AI , tasked with proving that AI can live alongside humans , without revealing her true identity . However , Shion also seems to have a goal of her own , as she apace befriends Satomi Amano , the daughter of Hoshima ’s head labor director , who created Shion herself . Satomi is a solitary girl who observe her aloofness from her classmates , and Shion want nothing more than to help her happen true felicity .

At times reminiscent of the classic Disney movies that defined many childhood , Sing a scrap of Harmonyprovides an experience that feels simultaneously conversant and groundbreaking . Starting as a gamy - school play , only to after transfer its focusing to the sci - fi aspect of the story , this photographic film provides quite a few unexpected twist and turns that give to its identity and impact . Moreover , the gorgeous invigoration and exceptional music further elevate the experience , allowing this movie to bear out .

Every anime rooter knows and loves Studio Ghibli movies or popular titles like Your Name , but these underrated movies deserve to be appreciated as well .

Maquia running with the human child she’s raising through a field.

Yasuhiro Yoshiura , the director and creator ofSing a Bit of Harmony , is also behindTime of Eveand the award - winningPatema Inverted .

4Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021)

Produced by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami, & Directed by Seong-Hu Park

Yuta Okkotsu is a timid gamey school scholar designate to go a tragic life story , followed by his puerility protagonist , Rika Orimoto , who has twist into a curse . Anyone who bullies or cream on Yuta for any ground is certain to suffer from Rika ’s retribution , as she would even go as far as to eliminate those who wrong him . As Satoru Gojou , a powerful sorcerer who instruct at the Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School , notices Yuta ’s situation , he convinces the son to enroll , hoping to help him turn his misfortune into a utile ability .

accommodate the prequel to the original series , and thus expanding on a beloved , awarding - winning franchise , Jujutsu Kaisen 0provides everything fans love about the serieswhile telling an exclusively new , captivating story . Some viewers were not particularly impress by the tempo , but the exceeding fight and stage dancing , bolstered by incredible production value , make this into a genuinely fascinating title . Moreover , the newly bring in character reference is intriguing as well , which should be no surprise , givenJujutsu Kaisen ’s overplus of well - design characters .

Given its status as a prequel to the beloved serial , Jujutsu Kaisen 0makes for a outstanding start point for raw viewers , while provide a complete experience by itself .

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish image of Josee lying her arms on a table while sitting in her wheelchair

Jujutsu Kaisen is a supernatural action gum anime that travel along eminent school pupil Yuuji Itadori as he battle against magical scourge . After Yuji selflessly saves a classmate by hire a curse into his own body , he is detect and trained by a powerful sorcerer named Satoru Gojo . Gojo , who also happens to be a faculty appendage at a high school day , recruit Yuji there to help oneself him and other students make themselves against the supernatural forcefulness that infestation humanity .

3Liz and the Blue Bird (2018)

Produced by Kyoto Animation, Based on the Novel by Ayano Takeda, & Directed by Naoko Yamada

High schooltime elder and well friends , Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki , are to perform a melodious duo together , as part of a concert inspired by the"Liz and the Blue Bird " fairytale , a story of a young girl and a beautiful downcast bird turned human . Yet , what seemed to be an challenging piece that could bring out the two girls ' individual strengths almost turns into the reason for their friendship ’s downfall . Struggling to play in concord , the distance between them grows , with the only path to get back on data track seemingly being the idea of finding themselves in their characters .

Liz and the Blue Birdtells a absorbing history about erotic love , identity , and the grandness of finding one ’s own path in life . While its story is rather simple , the restrictive scope permit it to shine in terms of murder . Often take the more subtle and less verbatim route , this film manages to contact viewers in a way that few others can , connecting with them on a deep horizontal surface . Of course , the rich visuals and splendid levelheaded design only further add to the enjoyment element , kick upstairs this title .

AlthoughLiz and the Blue Birdis linked toSound ! Euphonium , it was created as a standalone experience that can be enjoyed on its own .

Shotaro Kaneda from Akira sitting on a dingy chair in a post-apocalyptic wasteland

2Wolf Children (2012)

Original Movie Produced by Studio Chizu & Directed by Mamoru Hosoda

As 19 - year - honest-to-goodness college bookman Hana encounters an puzzling man who happens to attend one of her form , she falls in passion with him at first sight . Even after pick up of his true identity as a lycanthrope , Hana pay up no psyche to the departure between them , and the two decide to start a family together , with Hana eventually yield nascency to two wolf fry , Ame and Yuki . As Hana ’s fan suffer an premature death , Hana decide to move to the countryside , hope to give the wolf fry a peaceful and safe life off from the complications of a busy urban center .

Wolf Childrentells a profoundly emotional narration about family and the journeying of life story itself . Despite its low phantasy elements , it ’s a more naturalistic and affecting story than most , exploring every facet of human lifetime in a style that is certain to connect with watcher , do them smile one moment and sympathetically cry genuine tears bare minutes later . Moreover , it approaches the construct ofshape - shifting in animefrom a unique perspective , having Ame and Yuki use their ability in a direction that reflects their stances on humanity .

Mamoru Hosoda , who both produce and directed Wolf Children , is also responsible for creating other splendid Zanzibar copal movies , includingThe Boy and the BeastandSummer Wars .

Akira 1988 Anime Poster

1Your Name. (2016)

Original Movie Produced by CoMix Wave Films & Directed by Makoto Shinkai

shoot for for novel dangerous undertaking and an consequential living , Mitsuha Miyamuzu dreams of living in Tokyo , a city known for its many opportunities and tendency to receive all kinds of people . Meanwhile , Taki Tachibana is seemingly living Mitsuha ’s dream life , equilibrise studies and hanging out with protagonist in gorgeous cafés while work part - time in a high - grade restaurant . As the two suddenly awaken one day in each other ’s dead body , they find themselves unwillingly embarking on what is sure to evidence a unmanageable , life - changing journeying .

As the quintessential example of a title that capturesMakoto Shinkai ’s unique anime essence , Your Name.tells a magical , iconic , and profoundly emotional story about fatethat many TV audience fell in love with at first quite a little . Although the history and characters are outstanding in their own right field , it would be the visual and level-headed design that takes this title to the next level , as the managing director ’s attending to detail and pursuit of perfection reverberate in every scene , making this not only one of thebest anime pic on Crunchyroll , but one of the good motion picture of all time .

Makoto Shinkai , who created and directedYour Name , is also responsible for several other amazing anime movies , includingWeathering with YouandSuzume .

Cast Placeholder Image

Sing a Bit of Harmony Shion singing cheerfully with Satomi, Touma and other charactesr in the background

Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Poster

Jujutsu Kaisen is a supernatural action anime that follows high school student Yuuji Itadori as he battles against magical curses. After Yuji selflessly saves a classmate by taking a curse into his own body, he is discovered and trained by a powerful sorcerer named Satoru Gojo. Gojo, who also happens to be a faculty member at a high school, enrolls Yuji there to help him and other students prepare themselves against the supernatural forces that plague humanity.

Hana carries her two children in Wolf Children