Japanese anime, abbreviated from the English word “animation”, refers to a style of animated storytelling that originates from Japan. Anime encompasses a wide range of genres, including action, comedy, romance, and adventure. It is distributed in two main formats: theatrical films (anime movies) and television series (anime series). Beyond entertainment, anime offers viewers the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and gain knowledge not typically found in traditional classrooms.
Below is a curated list of the 24 best short Japanese anime films of all time that you won’t want to miss:
1 Spirited Away (Sen and Chihiro in the Spirit World)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Release Date: July 20, 2001
Genre: Adventure, Animation
Duration: 75 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice Actors: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/60023642
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByXuk9QqQkk
This film tells the story of a stubborn girl named Chihiro, whose family moves from the city to the countryside. Chihiro is unhappy with the change. Her father, who has a poor memory and is a reckless driver, accidentally takes a wrong turn and ends up in an abandoned town. The food there smells irresistible, and her parents cannot resist eating it, transforming into fat pigs. Strangely, at night, ghosts begin to appear and roam the town. How will Chihiro save her parents and escape?
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2 Howl’s Moving Castle (The Wizard Howl’s Moving Castle)
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Release Date: November 20, 2004
Genre: Animation
Duration: 119 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice Actors: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/70028883
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwROgK94zcM
The film follows Sophie, an 18-year-old hatmaker, who is cursed by a witch and turns into a 90-year-old woman. Initially unable to accept her transformation, Sophie eventually embraces it as a way to free herself from fear and insecurity. The curse also leads her on an adventure. Will she encounter danger and manage to break the curse to return to her original form?
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3 My Neighbor Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Release Date: April 16, 1988
Genre: Adventure, Animation
Duration: 86 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice Actors: Chika Sakamoto, Noriko Hidaka, Shigesato Itoi, Sumi Shimamoto
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/60032294
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92a7Hj0ijLs
The story revolves around the lives of two sisters, Satsuki (11) and Mei (4), who move to the countryside with their father. The area is rumored to be haunted, sparking the sisters’ curiosity. They befriend a kind neighbor and her grandson, Kanta. One day, Mei discovers a large, friendly creature in the forest and names it Totoro after a character in her picture book. Satsuki, after hearing Mei’s story, also wants to meet Totoro. The sisters eventually encounter Totoro at the bus stop while waiting for their father, marking the beginning of their adventures.
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4 A Letter to Momo (A Letter to Momo)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Release Date: July 20, 2001
Genre: Animation
Duration: 141 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hiroyuki Okiura
Voice Actors: Karen Miyama, Toshiyuki Nishida
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4KLGfBb_3M
The film follows Momo, an 11-year-old girl who moves to the Japanese countryside after her father’s death. She receives a letter from him containing only two words, sparking her curiosity. Momo begins to explore her new surroundings, uncovering mysteries and embarking on a journey of discovery.
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5 The Wind Rises (The Wind Rises)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: July 20, 2013
Genre: Animation
Duration: 126 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice Actors: Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, Hidetoshi Nishijima
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/70293674
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhHoCnRg1Yw
The film chronicles the life of Jiro Horikoshi, a Mitsubishi aircraft engineer, who dreams of flying but is prevented by poor health. Instead, he dedicates himself to designing airplanes. Jiro meets and marries a woman battling tuberculosis, who becomes his source of strength and motivation.
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6 Grave of the Fireflies (Grave of the Fireflies)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Release Date: April 16, 1988
Genre: Animation
Duration: 93 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Isao Takahata
Voice Actors: Adam Gibbs, Mao Sasaki
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZI2FRqtqOI
The film tells the story of Seita and Setsuko, siblings who lose their mother during the bombing of Kobe in World War II. Their father is away fighting for the Japanese navy. The siblings struggle with hardship and the indifference of others, reflecting not only their personal tragedy but also the resilience of the Japanese people during wartime.
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7 Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea)
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Release Date: July 19, 2008
Genre: Animation
Duration: 103 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice Actors: Yuria Nara, Hiroki Doi, Tomoko Yamaguchi
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/70106454
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfGDfDjAdSE
The film follows Brunhilde, a mermaid who dreams of becoming human. After escaping her father’s kingdom, she is found by a boy named Sosuke, who names her Ponyo. Ponyo develops a deep affection for Sosuke and wishes to become human. Her father tries to bring her back to the sea, leading to a series of events that threaten to cause a catastrophic flood.
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8 From Up on Poppy Hill (From Up on Poppy Hill)
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Release Date: July 16, 2011
Genre: Adventure, Animation
Duration: 92 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice Actors: Masami Nagasawa, Junichi Okada, Keiko Takeshita
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/70262786
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0DIxdy8CZA
The film centers on Umi Matsuzaki, a 16-year-old girl who, despite her busy mornings, always takes time to raise flags wishing safe journeys for ships. She falls in love with Shun Kazama, a boy involved in a campaign to save a cultural club building from demolition. However, they discover they are siblings, complicating their relationship.
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9 Princess Mononoke (Princess Mononoke)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Release Date: July 12, 1997
Genre: Adventure, Animation
Duration: 134 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice Actors: Yoji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yuko Tanaka
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/28630857
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OiMOHRDs14
The film follows Ashitaka, the last prince of the Emishi tribe, who strives to maintain peace between forest spirits and human settlers. He encounters San, a girl raised by wolves, and becomes entangled in a conflict between the two groups.
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10 Wolf Children (Wolf Children)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Release Date: July 21, 2012
Genre: Animation, Drama
Duration: 117 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Voice Actors: Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa
Notable Award: Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xLji7WsW0w
Wolf Children
The film tells the story of Hana, a college student who falls in love with a werewolf. They marry and have two children, but the father dies, leaving Hana to raise their werewolf children alone. The film explores her struggles and the bond between mother and children.
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11 5 Centimeters Per Second (5 Centimeters Per Second)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Release Date: March 3, 2007
Genre: Romance, Drama
Duration: 65 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Voice Actors: Satomi Hanamura, Kenji Mizuhashi
Notable Award: Best Animation Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/70093699
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdM7athAem0
5 Centimeters Per Second
The film follows Takaki’s life from childhood to adulthood, highlighting key moments that shape his journey. He reconnects with a childhood friend, triggering memories and emotional conflicts.
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12 Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light (Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: September 17, 2017
Genre: Animation, Romance
Duration: 45 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Takahiro Omori
Voice Actors: Koki Uchiyama, Ayane Sakura
Streaming Link: https://vieon.vn/khu-rung-dom-dom.html
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOc3pbvFAww
Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light
The film explores the bond between Hatoru, a girl, and Gin, a spirit who saves her when she gets lost in the forest. They develop a deep connection, but Gin disappears after they share a moment of physical contact.
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13 Children Who Chase Lost Voices (Children Who Chase Lost Voices)
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
Release Date: May 7, 2011
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Duration: 116 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Voice Actors: Hisako Kanemoto, Kazuhiko Inoue
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/80104167
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmHo_0mgos0
Children Who Chase Lost Voices
The film follows Asuna, a girl who listens to her father’s radio and decides to meet her former boyfriend. Her journey leads to unexpected adventures and self-discovery.
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14 The Secret World of Arrietty (The Secret World of Arrietty)
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Release Date: July 17, 2010
Genre: Animation, Fantasy
Duration: 94 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Voice Actors: Mirai Shida, Ryunosuke Kamiki
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/70216227
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlMe7PavaRQ
The Secret World of Arrietty
The film tells the story of Shou, a boy who discovers a family of tiny people living in his aunt’s house. Arrietty, a young borrower, forms a friendship with Shou, leading to humorous and heartwarming situations.
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15 Steamboy (Steamboy)
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
Release Date: July 17, 2004
Genre: Animation, Action
Duration: 130 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Voice Actors: Shinji Komori
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI7-bx8QqZ8
Steamboy
The film follows Rei, a young inventor who receives a Steam Ball from his grandfather. A corrupt organization seeks to steal the invention, leading Rei on a perilous journey to protect it.
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16 Tokyo Godfathers (Tokyo Godfathers)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: December 29, 2003
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Duration: 92 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Satoshi Kon
Voice Actors: Satoshi Kon, Yoshiaki Umegaki
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNGiL9UNONU
Tokyo Godfathers
The film follows three homeless people who find an abandoned baby and embark on a journey to find its mother. Despite its comedic elements, the film delivers profound messages about life and relationships.
17 The Cat Returns (The Cat Returns)
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Release Date: July 20, 2002
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Duration: 75 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Hiroyuki Morita
Voice Actors: Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada
Streaming Link: https://www.netflix.com/title/70019058
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp-H_YOcYTM
The Cat Returns
The film follows Haru, an unlucky girl who saves a cat from being hit by a car. She is rewarded by being engaged to a cat prince and must navigate a magical world to regain her freedom.
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18 Millennium Actress (Millennium Actress)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Release Date: September 14, 2002
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Duration: 87 minutes
Country: Japan
Director: Satoshi Kon
Voice Actors: Mami Koyama, Fumiko Orikasa
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRQ7ikz_pPg
Millennium Actress
The film follows a journalist who interviews a retired actress, delving into her life and career. The story intertwines reality and fiction, showcasing the actress’s dedication to her craft.
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