Best Anime Movies Of 2023: Top Picks You Can't Miss

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the awesome world of anime movies from 2023? This year has been packed with incredible stories, stunning visuals, and characters that'll stick with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're a die-hard anime fan or just getting started, I've got some top recommendations that you absolutely can't miss. Let's jump right in and explore the best anime movies 2023 had to offer!

What Makes a Great Anime Movie?

Before we get into the specific titles, let's chat about what makes an anime movie truly great. It's not just about cool fight scenes or cute characters, though those definitely help! A truly standout anime movie brings together a bunch of elements to create an unforgettable experience. When you are looking at animes these elements will certainly catch your eye:

• Storytelling: A compelling narrative is the heart of any great movie. It needs to grab your attention from the start and keep you hooked with interesting plot twists, emotional depth, and a satisfying resolution. Think about movies that have made you laugh, cry, and think deeply – those are the ones with great storytelling. A good story will have a clear structure, well-developed characters, and a theme that resonates with the audience.
• Visuals and Animation Quality: Anime is known for its unique and stunning visuals. The animation quality can make or break a movie. Smooth, fluid animation, vibrant colors, and detailed backgrounds can elevate the viewing experience to a whole new level. Pay attention to the little details like character expressions, environmental effects, and the overall art style. Some anime movies push the boundaries of animation, creating breathtaking scenes that are visually stunning.
• Character Development: Characters are the soul of any story. Watching characters grow, face challenges, and overcome obstacles is what makes us connect with them. Great anime movies have characters with relatable motivations, flaws, and strengths. Their relationships with each other should feel authentic and contribute to the overall narrative. Character development can turn a good movie into a great one, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
• Sound Design and Music: Don't underestimate the power of sound! A well-crafted soundtrack and effective sound design can amplify the emotional impact of a scene. The music should complement the visuals and enhance the storytelling. Think about those iconic anime soundtracks that give you chills – that's the power of good sound design. The right music can make a fight scene more epic, a sad moment more poignant, and a happy moment more joyful.
• Emotional Impact: Ultimately, a great anime movie should leave you feeling something. Whether it's joy, sadness, excitement, or contemplation, the movie should resonate with you on an emotional level. Movies that make you think about life, relationships, and the world around you are the ones that truly stand out. A memorable anime movie stays with you long after you've watched it, prompting you to reflect on its themes and characters.

Top Anime Movie Picks from 2023

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some of the best anime movies from 2023 that you definitely need to check out. I've tried to include a mix of genres and styles so there’s something for everyone.

1. Suzume

Suzume is a fantastic film directed by Makoto Shinkai, the guy behind Your Name and Weathering with You. This movie follows Suzume, a high school girl, who gets caught up in a quest to close mysterious doors that are causing disasters across Japan. The animation is absolutely stunning, with vibrant landscapes and incredibly detailed character designs. Shinkai's signature style of blending fantasy with real-world settings is on full display here.

The storytelling in Suzume is top-notch. It’s a coming-of-age story wrapped in a thrilling adventure. Suzume's journey is filled with emotional moments as she confronts personal loss and discovers her inner strength. The movie also touches on themes of environmentalism and the importance of community. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and backstories that add depth to the narrative. You'll find yourself rooting for Suzume and her companions as they race against time to save Japan. The pacing is excellent, keeping you engaged from start to finish, and the plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat.

One of the standout features of Suzume is its use of music and sound design. The soundtrack, composed by RADWIMPS, is beautiful and adds to the emotional impact of the scenes. The sound effects are crisp and realistic, enhancing the sense of immersion. Whether it's the sound of the wind blowing through the fields or the rumble of an earthquake, the sound design perfectly complements the visuals. Overall, Suzume is a must-watch for any anime fan. It's a visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and thoroughly entertaining film that showcases the best of what anime has to offer. If you loved Shinkai's previous works, you're going to adore this one.

2. The First Slam Dunk

For all you sports anime fans, The First Slam Dunk is an absolute slam dunk! This movie is based on the classic basketball manga Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue. It focuses on Ryota Miyagi, a talented but troubled point guard, as he and his Shohoku High teammates compete in the national high school basketball tournament. The animation style is a bit different from the original series, with a more modern and dynamic feel. The character designs are sharp and the basketball action is incredibly fluid and realistic.

The storytelling in The First Slam Dunk is intense and gripping. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about teamwork, perseverance, and overcoming personal challenges. Ryota's backstory is explored in depth, revealing his struggles and motivations. The movie does a great job of balancing the high-stakes basketball games with the personal stories of the characters. You'll feel the adrenaline pumping as you watch the Shohoku team battle their rivals on the court. The characters are well-developed, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. Their interactions feel authentic, and you'll find yourself invested in their success. The pacing is excellent, keeping you on the edge of your seat during the game sequences, and the emotional moments will tug at your heartstrings.

One of the highlights of The First Slam Dunk is its sound design and music. The soundtrack is energetic and perfectly captures the intensity of the basketball games. The sound effects are realistic, from the squeak of the sneakers on the court to the roar of the crowd. Overall, The First Slam Dunk is a must-watch for any sports anime fan. It's a thrilling, emotional, and visually stunning film that pays tribute to the original manga while adding its own unique flair. Whether you're a longtime fan of Slam Dunk or new to the series, you're going to love this movie.

3. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King

Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is a thrilling film based on the popular Black Clover manga and anime series. This movie features Asta and the Black Bulls as they face off against a group of powerful Wizard Kings from the past who have been resurrected to destroy the Clover Kingdom. The animation is top-notch, with dynamic action sequences and impressive magical effects. The character designs are faithful to the series, and the animation style is vibrant and energetic.

The storytelling in Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is action-packed and full of surprises. It’s a classic shonen adventure with a strong emphasis on friendship, determination, and never giving up. Asta's unwavering spirit is infectious, and you'll find yourself cheering him on as he battles the resurrected Wizard Kings. The movie does a great job of showcasing the strengths of each member of the Black Bulls, giving them all moments to shine. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. Their teamwork is essential to their success, and you'll enjoy watching them work together to overcome seemingly impossible odds. The pacing is fast, keeping you engaged from start to finish, and the plot twists will keep you guessing.

One of the standout features of Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is its music and sound design. The soundtrack is epic and adds to the intensity of the action scenes. The sound effects are powerful, from the clash of swords to the explosion of magic. Overall, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is a must-watch for any fan of the Black Clover series. It's an action-packed, visually stunning, and thoroughly entertaining film that captures the spirit of the original manga and anime. If you're a fan of shonen anime, you're going to love this movie.

Honorable Mentions

• Kaguya-sama: Love Is War - The First Kiss That Never Ends: A delightful continuation of the romantic comedy series.
• গারফিল্ড (Garfield): For all Garfield fans, this is a pretty good anime.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, guys! My top picks for the best anime movies of 2023. Each of these films offers something unique, whether it's stunning animation, compelling storytelling, or unforgettable characters. I hope you find something you love on this list. Happy watching, and I can't wait to see what amazing anime movies 2024 brings!

What anime movies from 2023 did you enjoy the most? Let me know in the comments below!