The definition of anime has evolved over time, sparking debates among fans worldwide. While, in Japan, “anime” simply refers to animation, the term has come to be associated with Japanese-produced or Japanese-influenced animated content outside Japan.
Netflix, emerging as a significant player in the anime industry, further blurs these boundaries by featuring shows created by Western talents but marketed as anime. For this list, we’ll focus on Netflix’s anime category, encompassing movies from various origins. Here are some of the best thriller anime movies available on Netflix.
A Whisker Away
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 6.7/10
- Genre: Anime, Romance, Fantasy
- Release Date: June 18, 2020
A Whisker Away combines love and fantasy, portraying the story of Miyo Sasaki, who transforms into a cat to capture the attention of a classmate.
The film weaves a whimsical narrative, exploring themes of young love and personal self-discovery, providing a unique experience that resonates with the challenges of growing up.
One Piece Film: Strong World
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Genre: Anime, Fantasy, Action, Adventure
- Release Date: December 12, 2009
As part of the iconic One Piece series, Strong World stands out as the tenth feature film overseen by manga creator Eiichiro Oda.
The Straw Hat crew faces the legendary pirate Shiki the Golden Lion, creating an engaging and action-packed storyline that adds depth to the beloved characters.
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King
- Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.4/10
- Genre: Anime, Action, Fantasy, Adventure
- Release Date: June 16, 2023
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King offers a canon-adjacent storyline, providing a standalone adventure based on the popular Black Clover series.
Asta, a magicless yet ambitious young boy, confronts a traitor threatening the Clover Kingdom, delivering a thrilling experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
Dragon Quest: Your Story
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Genre: Anime
- Release Date: August 2, 2019
Adapting the storyline from the beloved Dragon Quest games, this charming film directed by Makoto Hanafusa captures a unique blend of computer-generated anime.
The narrative, coupled with controversial live-action actors voicing characters, adds a touch of adventure reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon.
Altered Carbon: Resleeved
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60% | IMDb: 6.4/10
- Genre: Anime
- Release Date: March 19, 2020
Set before the Altered Carbon series, Resleeved expands the universe with stunning animation and a gripping plot.
Following Takeshi Kovacs on an investigation, the film introduces new characters and explores the dark side of the futuristic world, providing a visually spectacular and action-packed experience.
Drifting Home
- Rotten Tomatoes: 69% | IMDb: 6.3/10
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Adventure
- Release Date: September 16, 2022
Directed by Hiroyasu Ishida, Drifting Home takes viewers on a heartwarming adventure.
When neighborhood children find themselves drifting across a mysterious sea, unexpected secrets unfold, addressing themes of grief, family, and new beginnings.
Bubble
- Rotten Tomatoes: 50% | IMDb: 6.3/10
- Genre: Animation
- Release Date: April 28, 2022
Tetsurô Araki’s Bubble presents a unique anime film set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo attacked by bubbles, isolating the city.
The narrative unfolds in a parkour battlefield, combining gravity-defying scenes with an intriguing plot that explores chance encounters and fortuitous connections.
Violet Evergarden: The Movie
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.3/10
- Genre: Animation
- Release Date: September 18, 2020
Violet Evergarden: The Movie delivers an emotional and sincere tale, exploring themes of trauma and healing.
Violet, a former child soldier turned letter ghostwriter, faces her past and love for her lost mentor, offering a visually stunning and poignant cinematic experience.
Child of Kamiari Month
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 5.9/10
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy
- Release Date: February 18, 2022
Child of Kamiari Month seamlessly blends lighthearted moments with serious topics, centering around Kanna’s journey to rediscover her love for running after her mother’s passing.
The film gracefully addresses grief and self-discovery, making it a must-see for audiences of all ages.
NiNoKuni
- IMDb: 6.1/10
- Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
- Release Date: August 23, 2019
Based on the video game series, NiNoKuni unfolds a fantasy adventure as three teenagers navigate between worlds.
Blending elements of classics like Spirited Away and The Wizard of Oz, the film promises a captivating journey with an epic battle between good and evil.
Conclusion
These thrilling anime movies on Netflix offer a diverse range of narratives, combining action, fantasy, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a fan of iconic series like One Piece or seeking original and thought-provoking stories like Drifting Home, Netflix’s anime category has something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the captivating world of anime cinema.
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Despite being a student and an athlete, Sachin never lets himself be confined merely to sports or academics and rightly shows vivid interest in work behind the lenses thus, making him the right fit for being a content creator at Landscape Insight. He serves the website with various reports from the entertainment industries right from web series to movies. When not found writing, he enjoys listening to music and playing video games.
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