Animation is a constantly evolving industry and art form. Now, a new wave of incredible anime movies is taking center stage. From dazzling visuals to thought-provoking stories, here are the best new-gen anime movies and where to watch them.
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King
Where to Watch: Netflix
The anime adaptation of Yuki Tabata’s iconic manga, Black Clover, boasted an impressive run of 170 episodes.
Then in 2023, Asta and his comrades graced the silver screen with a new anime movie titled Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King.
The anime movie dives deep into new lore alongside battles of epic proportions featuring the evil wizard kings.
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is written by series creator Tabata, making this movie a must-watch for every Black Clover fan.
Maboroshi
Where to Watch: Netflix
This 2023 anime movie takes us on a surreal journey. Just like its title, which translates to illusion in Japanese, Maboroshi is an enigmatic masterpiece.
The anime film takes place in a small Japanese town trapped in a time warp. There, the seasons stand still, and the people remain the same age regardless of the years that passed.
In this stagnant reality, a restless middle schooler named Masamune stumbles upon a strange event. She meets a young girl with a teenager’s body and a child’s mind.
Maboroshi is a beautiful blend of animation and mystery that will leave you questioning reality.
Blue Giant
Where to Watch: Prime Video, YouTube Movies, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Google Play
This coming-of-age musical treat is one of the best jazz anime movies I have come across in a long time.
Blue Giant is intense, evocative, and passionate when it comes to capturing the essence of jazz music.
The story of Blue Giant follows Dai Miyamoto whose life completely transforms when he stumbles upon jazz.
Once a star on the basketball court, Dai now loves the saxophone and embraces it with unwavering passion, practicing tirelessly day and night.
After leaving his hometown of Sendai, he ventures into the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo, only to realize that the life of a professional musician is tough.
Blue Giant does a great job of capturing the earnestness of jazz, making it a great watch.
Suzume
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, YouTube, Google Play Movie
Suzume is yet another masterpiece from Makoto Shinkai, who is known for the hit anime films Your Name and Weathering With You.
This fantasy and adventure anime movie is breathtakingly gorgeous, and Shinkai has proven that he is the master when it comes to presenting visually stunning movies.
The story revolves around a 17-year-old girl named Suzume Iwato, who lives on Kyushu Island in southwestern Japan.
One day, during her usual bike ride to school, she meets a stranger in search of a mysterious door.
She directs him to an abandoned resort nearby, where she senses a connection to his quest.
Suzume is the story of a girl who struggles with her inner turmoil while dealing with a talking chair and a door to another realm.
The Boy and the Heron
Where to Watch: The anime movie will be available to stream on Max in June
2024 in the US, and on Netflix for viewers outside of the US and Japan.
Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron takes the top spot on our list. This semi-autobiographical movie was the Best Animated Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron is a cinematic gem with its beautiful animation and timeless themes that transport us to fantastical worlds.
This Studio Ghibli movie is an animated marvel because it is hand-drawn, with each frame marvelously crafted.
The Boy and the Heron celebrates life, creation, death, and friendship.
What’s your favorite new-gen anime movie? Share your pick with us in the comments section below.