What are some of the best anime movies that you can watch and stream in June 2024? If you want to take a break from watching anime series that go by episodes, you can try watching movies instead.
Here is a guide on some of the best anime movies to watch and stream on multiple streaming platforms.
Maboroshi (Alice and Therese’s Illusory Factory)
Mari Okada, a prominent figure in the anime industry, wrote and directed Maboroshi. Okada also worked on Anohana, Toradora!, and Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. If you liked any of those, then Maboroshi is worth checking out. MAPPA produced this movie, and the wonderful animation and art style live up to the studio’s high standards.
The official synopsis of Maboroshi reads:
“This is the story of those armed with an unstoppable urge to fall in love who struggle for a future in a world where change is forbidden.
The urge to fall in love will destroy the world.
Fourteen-year-old Masamune lives in a town where the flow of time has stopped after an explosion at a steel factory seals off all avenues of escape. In hopes that everything will someday return to normal, the town makes a rule that nothing must be changed, and Masamune spends his days in depression. One day, his intriguing and enigmatic classmate Mutsumi leads him into a blast furnace at the steel factory. There, he finds Itsumi, a girl who cannot speak and acts like a wild wolf. Masamune’s encounter with these two girls begins eroding the balance of the world. What future awaits the unstoppable urge to fall in love?”
Maboroshi is available to stream on Netflix.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Studio Ghibli movies are always a go-to for any anime fan. Whether the viewer is only getting into anime or has been watching for years, Ghibli movies are always a good choice. Kiki’s Delivery Service is yet another magical movie that hits you right in the feels. It talks about growing up and becoming independent in a new place, which many people can easily relate to.
The synopsis of Kiki’s Delivery Service states:
“A resourceful young witch uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt.”
Kiki’s Delivery Service is streaming on HBO Max.
Given the Movie
If you like music and the boys’ love (BL) genre of anime, then this movie can be a heartwarming watch. While Given does have an anime series, watching the movie is its own unique viewing experience. A sequel to this movie was released in Japan back in January, so hopefully it will also be available for streaming soon.
The synopsis for Given the Movie reads:
“High school student Ritsuka Uenoyama is shocked when he hears Mafuyu Sato’s singing voice. He and his other bandmates, Haruki Nakayama and Akihiko Kaji, then welcome him into their band as a vocalist. After Mafuyu joins, their first live performance is a huge success, and they make their official debut as the band “Given.” In the midst of all this, Ritsuka realizes that he has feelings for Mafuyu and they start seeing each other. Meanwhile, Haruki secretly has had feelings for Akihiko for years, but Akihiko was still in a relationship with his roommate, the violinist Ugetsu Murata. Haruki, Akihiko, and Ugetsu’s love clashes on the big screen and starts to move forward.”
Given the Movie is streaming on Crunchyroll.
One Piece Film: Gold
Many anime fans consider the story of One Piece overall to be top-tier and while One Piece Film: Gold isn’t canon, it’s still a fun watch. The aesthetics of the film are wonderful and seeing the Straw Hats in fashionable clothing is a plus. Also, despite the series having over a thousand episodes, many fans want to see the Straw Hats in more adventures, and this movie provides that.
The synopsis for One Piece Film: Gold is:
“A gripping tale unfolds in the spectacular city of Gran Tesoro, where Luffy and his crew are drawn by dreams of hitting the jackpot.”
One Piece Film: Gold is on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation is another movie for the boys’ love (BL) fans. While you do need to watch the anime first before the movie, the whole Sasaki and Miyano watching experience is a delight overall. Graduation resumes after the events of the first season, following Episode 12. You’ll once again enjoy the wholesome and heartwarming vibe from Season 1.
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation covers the next development in Sasaki and Miyano’s relationship since Sasaki is graduating high school. The synopsis of Sasaki and Miyano reads:
“Miyano’s world of Boys’ Love manga turns to reality when chance leads him to Sasaki. Now, Sasaki wants to spend every opportunity with him.”
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation is on Crunchyroll.
K-On! The Movie
K-On! is a must-watch music and slice-of-life series and while the movie isn’t exactly a sequel to the anime, its plot points intersect with the events of the last few episodes of Season 2. Regardless of this, the movie is fun to watch, especially if you appreciate stories that revolve around wholesome friendships. It’s also full of humor.
The synopsis for K-On! The Movie states:
“Yui and the crew pass their university entrance exams, but they have a lot to accomplish before they graduate and move on. They set out on a journey of discovery and friendship that takes them all the way to London!”
K-On! The Movie is streaming on HIDIVE.
Fragtime
Fragtime is an OVA for fans of the yuri (girls’ love) genre. The animation is appealing and Moritani and Murakami make a cute couple. However, the pacing may not gel with anime fans who are more accustomed to watching series. Nevertheless, it’s worth checking out for the strength of some of its visuals.
The synopsis for Fragtime reads:
“Shy Misuzu Moritani can stop time for three minutes a day, but her power fails to freeze her popular classmate, Haruka Murakami.”
Fragtime is available to stream on HIDIVE.
Suzume
Fans of Makoto Shinkai can check out his latest work, Suzume. If you liked Your Name and Weathering with You’s art styles, then you’ll enjoy Suzume as well. The movie’s visuals are breathtaking and the music fits the film perfectly. The story will also likely get viewers quite emotional, so prepare some tissues.
The synopsis for Suzume is:
“Suzume’s journey begins in a quiet town in Kyushu (located in southwestern Japan) when she encounters a young man who tells her, “I’m looking for a door.” What Suzume finds is a single weathered door standing upright in the midst of ruins as though it was shielded from whatever catastrophe struck. Seemingly drawn by its power, Suzume reaches for the knob… Doors begin to open one after another all across Japan, unleashing destruction upon any who are near. Suzume must close these portals to prevent further disaster.
Never-before-seen scenery, encounters and farewells… A myriad of challenges await her on her journey. Despite all the obstacles in her way, Suzume’s adventure shines a ray of hope upon our own struggles against the toughest roads of anxiety and constraints that make up everyday life. This story of closing doors that connect our past to the present and future will leave a lasting impression upon all of our hearts.”
Suzume is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
A Silent Voice
If you’re just getting into anime movies, A Silent Voice definitely needs to be on your list. The animation and music are excellent, but it’s the emotional story at the heart of this film that has made it so popular across the world. However, since the movie deals with some sensitive topics, check trigger warnings.
The synopsis for A Silent Voice states:
“Shoya Ishida, who is afraid of being bored, is curious about Shoko Nishimiya, a hard of hearing transfer student in his class. Later Shoya leads the class in bullying Shoko as she brings troubles to the class. Eventually, when the class is forced to take responsibility for bullying Shoko, the class turns to bullying Shoya to shift the blame. Until years later, when Shoya, tormented over his past, decides he must see Shoko once more…”
A Silent Voice is available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, and The Microsoft Store.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion
Fans of the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series should check this out if they want more to watch. The movie serves as an alternate remake of the last two episodes of the anime, Episodes 25 and 26. As fans know, this series is more than just mecha. This is another series that covers psychological themes, so check the trigger warnings.
The synopsis for The End of Evangelion is:
“Seele orders an all-out attack on NERV, aiming to destroy the Evas before Gendo can trigger Third Impact and Instrumentality under his control.”
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion is available to stream on Netflix.
Aside from the best anime movies to watch and stream, check out our guide on the best new anime series for May 2024.
