As the popularity of anime increased in the West, streaming services have done their best to obtain exclusive rights to shows and movies to attract more viewers. HBO Max has gone about it in a completely different way in this respect,

as they are solely interested in providing subscribers with popular anime movies rather than concentrating on developing a library of mainstream shows like some other services. As such, fans who are interested in getting into the enchanted realm of animated films need look no further.

20. Promare (2019)

Director Hiroyuki Imaishi’s science fiction mecha anime ‘Promare’ takes place 30 years after a pyre burned half the population of the Earth. The Burning Rescue, a fire department unit in the city of Promepolis that deals with cases involving the extreme organization Mad Burnish, comprised of human beings who possess pyrokinetic powers, is where we are introduced. Under the leadership of Galo Thymos, the Burning Rescue defeats Mad Burnish, who is led by Lio Fotia. But Lio soon unmasks a conspiracy that puts a question mark over Galo’s faith in the city’s governor, whom he blindly trusts. A visually beautiful anime that keeps a balance between story and execution, just the way it should, ‘Promare’ is a must-watch and can be streamed right here.

19. Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League (2025)

Directed by Junpei Mizusaki and Shinji Takagi, ‘Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League’ is the eagerly awaited epic sequel to ‘Batman Ninja.’ The movie follows Batman and his gang battling the Yakuza clan from a parallel universe Japan, set immediately after the original movie. When Batman and Robin head to that universe to end the gang’s reign of terror, they meet the Yakuza League, a darker version of the Justice League. How Batman comes up with a plan to stop the chaos is depicted in true anime style as they explore central Batman concepts such as Ra’s al Ghul, Gorilla Grodd, and the Quake Engine. Packed with action and thrill, ‘Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League’ is a must-watch anime and can be streamed right here.

18. Castle in the Sky (1986)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, ‘Castle in the Sky’ is a fantasy drama that focuses on two young orphans, Sheeta and Pazu. Sheeta’s necklace and what it holds unite the two children, who embark on an exciting adventure in search of Laputa, a magical castle floating on an island in the air. They aren’t, though, the only ones searching for it since there’s also Muska, an agent of the government, and air pirates, the leader of whom is Dola, pursuing them with the desire for what’s in Laputa. With man’s relationship with nature being the central theme, ‘Castle in the Sky’ is ranked among the greatest adventure films of all time, putting another star on Studio Ghibli’s shoulders. You may watch the movie here.

17. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

A Studio Ghibli production, ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’ is a film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and adapted from the 1952 children’s book ‘The Borrowers’ by Mary Norton. The story tells us about Arrietty, a Borrower, one of the numerous little human-like creatures who avoid the notice of humans. As she steals things from her family’s house, where they reside under, she meets a boy named Shawn, who eventually gets involved with her on her mission to save her mother from being kidnapped. Meanwhile, their friendship gradually develops into a most unlikely love affair. Winner of numerous awards, including at the 34th Japan Academy Prize and the 10th Tokyo Anime Awards, ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’ is a lovely adaptation of the classic tale that has the latter’s essence. You can watch it here.

16. The Boy and the Heron (2023)

The Boy and the Heron’ is directed by Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, where some of the most iconic evergreen anime movies are made, such as ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984), ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988), ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988), ‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997), and ‘Spirited Away’ (2001) and ‘Ponyo’ (2008). ‘The Boy and the Heron’ follows a 12-year-old boy named Mahito who loses his mother to a fire. After he moves in with his father and stepmother (his mother’s sister) to a rural house, he is visited by a talking heron who tells him that his mother is still alive. The bird takes him to a deserted tower which is a portal into another world. In this world, Mahito is met by its maker, a wizard who desires him to be the custodian of the world. Will Mahito accept the charge? Additionally, is his mother actually alive and in this mysterious world somewhere? An Oscar and BAFTA award-winning film, it is another addition to Studio Ghibli’s eternal anime roster. You may view it here.

15. Princess Mononoke (1997)

An animated film by Studio Ghibli, ‘Princess Mononoke’ was directed by the founder of the company, the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The movie depicts man and Nature in conflict with each other in the Ghibli hallmark manner, intertwining stunning visuals with an epic narrative set within an alternate Muromachi era (14th century to 16th century AD) of Japan. At its core are a demon-stricken young warrior, Ashitaka, who is looking for the Great Forest Spirit in order to eliminate the curse, and San, also known as Princess Mononoke, who is brought up by wolves. How their fates are intertwined and how their union ends the war, if at all, is what we learn in this drama. You can watch here.

14. Belle (2021)

This award-winning animated fantasy traces the life of teenage Suzu Naito, who allots a second chance to her love for singing after logging on to the virtual world “U.” Soon enough, she finds herself searching for a user named “The Dragon” who is invincible and a hero among kids. “The Dragon” is being pursued by a vigilante group. And yet, if he is a hero, then why is he running away? You can stream ‘Belle’ here to follow Suzu on her journey for the truth.

13. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Scripted and directed by Hayao Miyazaki prior to his establishment of Studio Ghibli, ‘Kaze no Tani no Naushika’ or ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ is a fantasy drama set in a post-apocalyptic world. It follows princess Nausicaä (voiced by Sumi Shimamoto/ who is from the Valley of the Wind. With resources on Earth nearly gone, humans are tapping the powers of the humongous beings called ohmu. And it is Nausicaä’s responsibility to make sure the humans and the ohmus live together in harmony, or else it will be the end of both the species. In the meantime, she must also discover the secrets of the poisonous jungle creeping across the world. Regarded as one of the greatest animated movies of all time, ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Win’ is a must. Redubbed by Walt Disney Pictures in 2005 was the version in which Alison Lohman voiced Nausicaä. Watch the movie here.

12. Spirited Away (2021)

Studio Ghibli’s ‘Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi’ or ‘Spirited Away’ is arguably the greatest anime movie ever made. The critically acclaimed film is a coming-of-age story that revolves around the recurring popular culture themes of courage, resilience, love, identity, and self-discovery. It follows 10-year-old Chihiro Ogino, who is quite stubborn and spoiled. One afternoon, on the way to a new home with her parents, she happens upon a deserted amusement park. Curious about what they might discover there, the family ventures onto the property. But shortly, Chihiro learns that there is more to the park than meets the eye. Shortly, supernatural apparitions and other paranormal activity haunt her. Since her parents somehow become pigs, she comes to finally think that she somehow entered the world of spirits. This is the start of a life-altering adventure of Chihiro that totally transforms her into a new individual. You can view the anime here.

11. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Howl is a notorious wizard who resides in a mobile castle. He has magical powers that no one would even have imagined, and he is a womanizer, according to some gossip. Sophie is a little girl who knows all these rumors. She has a hatter for a father and a very mundane life. However, he just so happens to find himself in the same place as Howl when she gets herself into a strange predicament. While he does save her, Howl’s nemesis, Witch of the Waste, is not happy about it at all. In an effort to release her frustration, she transforms Sophie into an elderly woman. The curse reverses Sophie’s life, and she goes on a mission to become normal again. You can view the movie here.

10. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Studio Ghibli’s ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ or ‘Tonari no Totoro’ is a supernatural adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. When Tatsuo Kusakabe learns that his wife is hospitalized due to a long-term illness, he feels that it would be the right decision to relocate to the countryside with his daughters, Satsuki and Mei. One day, Mei accidentally stumbles upon a bunny-like monster, and in the chase, it finds itself in the woods. She encounters a giant called Totoro and is able to befriend him. In the following days, Satsuki becomes friends with Totoro as well, and it marks the beginning of a dramatic turn in the sisters’ lives as they suddenly start going on magical adventures, all the while becoming acquainted with the fantastical creatures of the woods. The film is accessible for streaming here.

9. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

In order to become a full-fledged witch, the witches-in-training are supposed to live by themselves in a remote town. Kiki, who is 13 years old, travels to the seaside town of Koriko with the same intention. She gets her first roof over her head when she meets Osono, who has a small bakery. Kiki begins making deliveries for her only to ultimately open up her own courier business using a broomstick that earns her enough money to live on her terms. Her journey is far from easy, and she learns the real definition of responsibility through her experience slowly. You are able to view the film here.

8. Ponyo (2008)

When a goldfish gets to escape from home, she ends up on the beach, where she is picked up by a boy of five years old named Sousuke. Curiously enough, she nurses one of his injuries, and after this, the two become friends. Sosuke later gave her the name Pony,o without realizing that she has a father and that her original name is Brunhilde. When she gets captured afterwards, she escapes once again back to the surface, hell-bent on becoming human. Her choice results in a multitude of repercussions that she had not anticipated. You can view the movie here.

7. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)

Based on the 10th-century Japanese folktale of the same name, ‘The Tale of The Princess Kaguya’ is a fantasy anime. The Isao Takahata directed follows Okina, a woodcutter who accidentally finds an abandoned baby within a radiant shoot. Not only does he save her but also chooses to bring her up as his daughter with the assistance of his wife. The baby grows up to be a cheerful and gentle girl named Kaguya. On one typical day, Okina unexpectedly finds himself with a sizeable fortune of treasure and gold that transforms his existence. He utilizes his new wealth to provide Kaguya with the princess’s life, unaware that the purpose of her life will manifest before long. You are able to see the movie here.

6. The Wind Rises (2013)

Jirou Horikoshi dreams of becoming a pilot, but due to his nearsightedness, his aspirations are out of his reach. But he continues to visit the Tokyo Imperial University to learn aeronautical engineering with hopes of emulating his idol, Italian aviation pioneer Giovanni Battista Caproni, and creating a plane. His entry into Tokyo, however, is preceded by a tragic event in history that sets the stage for a terrible era in Japan beset by conflict all the time. As fate seems to be against his dream, Jirou becomes more resolute, and this causes him to come up with the legendary Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter plane. The movie traces him as he pursues his ambitions and pushes through numerous challenges in his way. You can view the movie here.

5. Porco Rosso (1992)

In the Adriatic Sea, vessels are terrorized by sky pirates who fear nobody. The only one who dares to challenge them is the retired World War I flying ace Porco Rosso, who inexplicably became a pig during the war. Before he is to face an American ace from the pirate gang, Porco recruits the assistance of a mechanic named Fio Piccolo and his old buddy, Madame Gina. You can stream the anime here.

4. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

Studio Ghibli’s ‘From Up on Poppy Hill’ or ‘Coquelicot-zaka kara’ is a romantic drama film written by Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa. The Gorou Miyazaki directorial follows Umi Matsuzaki, a high schooler who helps his parents manage the seaside boarding house named Coquelicot Manor. Close to her house is a popular clubhouse everyone in the neighborhood adores and is set to be demolished to pave way for the next Olympics. As they protested, Umi gave her part by assisting in creating awareness regarding the matter. It is there that she encounters and becomes friends with Shun Kazama. Because he is an orphan, the two begin digging into his history and uncovering things that amaze them beyond imagination. You can view the movie here.

3. Weathering with You (2019)

Hodaka Morishima is a high school runaway who finds employment in a small publisher’s office after failing to earn a living in Tokyo. A short while later, an orphan named Hina Amano happens upon him. Morishima saves him from sinister men and soon learns that she has the ability to summon the sun at will. The two head out to utilize her skills for the benefit of all, unaware that all good things come with a price. You can stream the anime here.

2. Only Yesterday (1991)

Taeko Okajima is a single woman who lives in Tokyo and who travels out to her family’s place in order to assist them for some downtime during harvest time. She reminisces about all her childhood days along the way. When she finally arrives in the village, she is selected by Toshio, and the two end up as close friends. As she stays in the countryside, she realizes its drastic difference from city life. Taeko also gets to enjoy the pleasures and struggles of farming. ‘Only Yesterday’ is the poignant tale of an adult lady who faces her past and reconciles with it. You can view the movie here.

1. When Marnie Was There (2014)

Studio Ghibli’s ‘When Marnie Was There’ or ‘Omoide no Marnie’ is a mystery drama film directed by Yonebayashi Hiromasa. The film focuses on Anna Sasaki, a young girl who is inflicted with frequent bouts of asthma attacks. Looking at her precarious condition, her doctor advises her to stay in the countryside if possible. Therefore, Anna visits her aunt and uncle in a small town. There, she meets a enigmatic girl named Ma, Ernie, and they quickly become friends. The closer they become, the more the Marsh House’s secrets remain a mystery. If you want to see how things unfold, you can watch the movie here. Read More: Best Emotional Anime on Netflix