Best Anime Movies On Crunchyroll (Updated May 2026: Chainsaw Man Added!)

You might not know this, but Crunchyroll also has anime movies!

Crunchyroll is the biggest anime streaming service in the world. For the most part, the site is associated with TV series, particularly seasonal releases that take up so many people’s weekly watch schedules. If you stick to shows currently airing on Crunchyroll, you will have hundreds of episodes to watch each season, more than enough to keep you busy. However, you should not ignore Crunchyroll’s great anime movies, even if the site does not go out of its way to promote them.

The truth is that Crunchyroll also has the most expansive selection of anime movies, including major theatrical productions that debuted in the last few years. The site has masterpieces created by decorated directors, fun popcorn flicks with stellar animation, and sequels (or filler) to beloved TV shows. As I know how hard it can be to find a comprehensive account of the best movies on Crunchyroll, I’ve put together a list of my personal favorites, most of which are highly regarded.

Last Updated on May 19, 2026:

Added: Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc

Added: Fuuto PI: The Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull

Double-checked that all the movies are still available

Crunchyroll Movie Cheat Sheet: The Best Film for Every Mood

Want something to watch right now that fits your vibe? Then the following anime movie should do the trick.

Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc

Now Available On Crunchyroll!

Until Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle arrives, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc will be the biggest anime movie to debut on Crunchyroll in 2026, and by quite a wide margin. After a successful first season that introduced the anime world to Denji long after he had already conquered manga, the adaptation seemed a bit slow to capitalize on that momentum, as we didn’t get an announcement of a sequel for a while. Eventually, news dropped that the next step would be a movie that adapts the Reze arc. While movies come with benefits like a bigger budget, they can be frustrating since there is no guarantee that they will earn international runs, and it could be a year before they arrive on streaming services.

Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait that long for Chainsaw Man’s feature effort, and it is now readily available on Crunchyroll. I don’t want to spoil too much, but I will say that the film is arguably even better than season 1, and we get to see an even more human side to Denji. If you have somehow not been spoiled, I recommend jumping into Crunchyroll immediately so you can watch it.

A Silent Voice

A Powerful Tale About Bullying And Redemption

On March 19, 2026, A Silent Voice was added to Crunchyroll, instantly establishing itself as (perhaps) the best movie on the site. As long as somebody is in the mood to shed a few tears and experiences flashes of anger, Naoko Yamada’s masterclass is the definition of “required viewing.” We don’t want to spoil the story too much, but A Silent Voice deals with bullying, exploring the impact it has on both the victim and perpetrator. It touches upon group bullying as well, along with showing how people react differently when they are forced to confront their terrible actions.

Honestly, the above description makes A Silent Voice a bit darker than it actually is. The anime has a fairly hopeful tone, particularly during its second half. The themes are taken very seriously and are grounded in reality, but the same can be said for the redemption story. Besides the top-notch writing and fantastic characters, this movie also has brilliant animation, which is to be expected from Kyoto.

Suzume

Makoto Shinkai’s Latest Movie Is On Crunchyroll

In the last decade, Makoto Shinkai has garnered considerable attention, setting himself up as arguably the most well-known active anime director. This fame can mostly be credited to Your Name, a fantastic and gorgeous movie that was one of the best of the last decade. Unfortunately, that film is not on Crunchyroll, but the streaming service does have Suzume, Shinkai’s most recent project. Like Your Name and Weathering with You, the 2022 release is a visual triumph with very few peers, featuring a presentation that rivals anything in the director’s previous outings.

Suzume’s story tends to be quite divisive, especially since it covers ground that Shinkai had threaded in most of his previous outings. The movie deals with the divide between modern civilization and nature, revolving around a girl and a guy who, while close, feel like they exist in separate worlds. You should go into this movie blind, as it takes a couple of peculiar turns that need to be experienced directly.

Akira

The Most Important And Famous Anime Movie Ever

An all-time classic, Akira was among the first anime movies to gain international fame. As such, the gory sci-fi flick introduced a generation to Japanese animation, and they could not ask for a better crash course. Even more than three decades later, the movie’s visuals and themes continue to be awe-inspiring and thought-provoking.

Set in a cyberpunk metropolis called Neo-Tokyo that rose from the corpse of Tokyo, Akira envisions a cutthroat world rife with crime, gang warfare, and human experimentation. When one of Shoutarou’s friends begins to develop psychic powers, he is kidnapped by the government.

Fate/stay night [Heaven’s Feel]

The Best Fate Anime Is A Movie Trilogy

Finally, Fate/stay night [Heaven’s Feel] is readily accessible on Crunchyroll, allowing fans of Fate/Zero or Fate/stay night Unlimited Blade Works an opportunity to consume one of the darkest storylines in this franchise. For the uninitiated, Fate/stay night started as a visual novel with three main routes, with Heaven’s Feel being largely ignored by Unlimited Blade Works or even the underwhelming 2006 series. This trilogy covers this route, delivering roughly six hours of intense action, horrifying imagery, and twisted romance. While, technically, a viewer does not need to be intimately familiar with the previous incarnations, Heaven’s Feel assumes that anyone watching understands the concept of a Holy Grail War and knows most of the core masters and servants, even if their depictions are somewhat different in this particular storyline.

While this is a trip best entered relatively blind (for this route), Heaven’s Feel is notably darker and gorier than the other Fate anime, which is saying something. Shirou and Sakura’s relationship serves as the story’s beating heart, and it is more of an epic tragedy than a “love conquers all” journey. Even though the visual novel is still the best way to experience this storyline, the movie trilogy serves as a great celebration of not just the franchise as a whole, but specifically ufotable’s work on the adaptations. The studio’s anime helped turn Fate into a mainstream name, and Heaven’s Feel is an incredible swan song.

The Garden Of Sinners

Inconsistent But Occasionally Brilliant Movie Series

Consisting of eight movies along with a few OVAs, The Garden of Sinners adapts Kinoko Kasu’s light novel series centering around Shiki Ryougi, a woman who can see someone’s lines of death. Touching upon heavy themes like abuse and suicide, The Garden of Sinners is not an easy watch at the best of times, especially since the franchise’s nonlinear structure means the first few movies can fall flat.

While you will need some patience to sit through all of these films, The Garden of Sinners reveals itself to be a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience with few equals in anime. Paradox Spiral and A Study in Murder – Part 2 are the strongest entries.

Haikyu!! Movie: The Dumpster Battle

The Best Sports Anime Has One Of The Best Sports Movies

Be it Haruichi Furudate’s manga or the anime adaptation, Haikyu!! is just reliably entertaining. A serious argument could be made that the story has never really missed a beat, at least not to the point of causing a loss of momentum. The Dumpster Battle maintains the extremely high standards set by the TV show, serving as a fantastic sequel that justifies its theatrical release through top-notch production value (even more so than the series).

Now, as with all of these types of shonen releases, the movie expects viewers to be fully caught up with Haikyu!!, meaning they should have watched all four seasons. Fortunately, the entire series is available on Crunchyroll, so the content is very accessible. The Dumpster Battle finds Karasuno going up against arguably their biggest rival: Nekoma. The latter is known for their extremely great defensive game, setting them up to counter Karasuno’s intense speed.

Fuuto PI: The Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull

Jump On The Kamen Rider Train

Now, here is something of a deep cut, as Fuuto PI was a 2022 anime that didn’t make that much of a splash outside of Japan. While not completely unknown in North America and Europe, Kamen Rider is not really that famous, especially since live-action shows don’t get anywhere near as much international traction as anime. However, Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider seemed to do pretty well, and people who enjoyed that series might be tempted to try out some other content related to Tokusatsu. The next best step would be Fuuto PI, which provides a mystery spin on the sentai formula.

Fuuto PI: The Portrait of Kamen Rider Skull is a sequel that is also, really, a prequel, as the story is essentially one long flashback. This decision makes it relatively accessible to people who haven’t even watched the show, although I would still recommend starting with the series before watching the film. Things will just follow a bit better that way.

Gintama: The Very Final

A Great Ending To An All-Time Shonen Masterpiece

After more than 300 episodes and a couple of movies, Gintama finally came to an end courtesy of a stellar film. The Very Final lives up to its name by delivering a glorious romp that sees the Odds Job crew teaming up with friends and foes to try and defeat Utsuro once and for all. For the most part, the flick focuses on action, which is generally vicious and creative.

However, Gintama cannot exist without humor, and The Very Final periodically brings things to a halt to have a hearty laugh. Halfway through the story, the movie stops for a good 10 minutes to deliver one of Gintama’s most absurd jokes of all time, and it is great.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train

The Global Phenomenon Is On Crunchyroll

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train is the highest-grossing anime film of all time, and fans of the shonen series can watch the feature on Crunchyroll. An action extravaganza that moves at a frantic pace while still giving important moments time to breathe, Mugen Train takes everything that worked about the show’s first season and amplifies it; the animation ranks among Ufotable’s best, Enmu is a fun villain, and Kyojuro Rengoku is comfortably among the franchise’s most beloved characters.

Crunchyroll also has the TV version of the Mugen Train arc, and while that is a perfectly fine way to experience this storyline, there is no reason to watch that iteration instead of the movie.

Spy x Family Code: White

A Delightful Comedy Adventure Anime Movie

A standalone “filler” movie, Code: White might not add much to Spy x Family’s overarching story or lore, but it is a whole lot of fun. The movie takes the show’s episodic format and stretches a typical storyline into nearly two hours, incorporating the same sense of humor and surprisingly great action that have made Spy x Family such a beloved modern anime.

Now, someone’s mileage will come down entirely to their overall attachment to the series. If they disliked season 2 due to feeling that the story stagnated in favor of fluff shenanigans, then they will probably not get much out of Code: White. Conversely, if they simply enjoy watching Anya, Loid, and Yor engage in wholesome silliness with occasionally massive stakes, they will love this side quest. This film is hilarious, beautifully animated, and fittingly “bigger” than the series, at least in its presentation. The villain is also quite good.

Card Captor Sakura Movie 2: The Sealed Card

A Magical Girl Anime Classic By Madhouse

Crunchyroll has both of Madhouse’s Cardcaptor Sakura movies, each of which is a must-watch for fans of the iconic magical girl anime. As good as the first feature is, it is completely blown out of the water by its successor. The Sealed Card brings the original anime series to a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion, and it finds Sakura facing off against The Nothing, the last Clow Card.

Similar to the show, the movie blends action, humor, drama, and romance; also like the series, The Sealed Card balances all of these genres effortlessly, crafting an experience that feels complete. Obviously, this movie should only be watched after the series, as it by no means attempts to tell a standalone story.

Fureru.

An Overlooked 2024 Anime Movie

Another team-up between Mari Okada and Tatsuyuki Nagai, Fureru. is a contemplative film that doesn’t try to violently grab the audience’s attention, instead opting to just guide them quietly. The story primarily revolves around three childhood friends who can read each other’s thoughts through touch, kind of like telepathy with an extra step. After spending years together, the trio develops a well-established routine that provides comfort; however, the arrival of two new characters challenges their status quo and makes them question if their friendship is actually as strong as they want it to be.

Coming out in 2024 and not really making any splash outside of Japan, Fureru. is a modern anime movie that I imagine most people have never heard of, let alone seen. While not exactly a blockbuster, the film is quite moving and very well-written, which should come as no surprise from a decorated writer like Okada.

Kaguya-sama: Love is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends-

More Kaguya Is Never A Bad Thing

One of the most beloved comedy and romance anime of all time, Kaguya-sama needs no introduction at this point. Released after the third season, The First Kiss That Never Ends is a slightly weird case since it is split into four episodes on Crunchyroll, despite originally being released as a movie. While cohesive enough, the release covers a few short-ish storylines that, ultimately, create a rather episodic experience, albeit one that is constantly engaging.

Although not devoid of humor, The First Kiss That Never Ends is certainly more dramatic than the seasons, particularly arcs that focus on Kaguya and Shinomiya’s backstories. The Ice Kaguya arc is particularly great and a high point for Kaguya-sama as a whole.

One Piece: Stampede

A Bunch Of One Piece Movies Are On Crunchyroll

Along with a few specials that are movies in everything but name, Crunchyroll has 5 proper One Piece films: Gold, Stampede, Strong World, Z, and Red. The service also has The Desert Princess and the Pirates, Adventures in Alabasta, but that is just another adaptation of the Alabasta arc.

All 5 movies are must-watch for fans of the manga or anime. Along with having great animation, they tell stories that fit well within One Piece’s typical routine, effectively acting as mini-filler arcs. They also bring the Straw Hats together for an adventure, as the crew tends to be divided in the canon content.

Personally, my favorite is Strong World, as it is the one I have rewatched the most. However, Stampede is the best of the bunch, and it feels like a celebration of One Piece in its entirety.

Given The Movie

A Heavy And Emotional BL Movie

A follow-up to 2019’s brilliant Given series, this one-hour movie shifts the focus away from Mafuyu Satou and Ritsuka Uenoyama toward Haruki Nakayama and Akihiko Kaji. Similar to the show, the feature’s story centers around grief, loss, and the importance of moving on, this time from a failed relationship rather than a death.

Given’s short length limits its potential, the film not only builds on the series but also makes the most out of every minute. Anyone who sits through the series should make a point to watch the movie immediately after. It is mandatory viewing.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0

Arguably Even Better Than The Main Series

Jujutsu Kaisen’s prequel started life as Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School, a manga that would eventually lead to Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen. While set in the same universe, the latter can be appreciated without consuming Jujutsu Kaisen 0; however, fans would be missing out as the movie (and its manga) are arguably just as good, if not better than their sequels.

A high school student, Yuta Okkotsu has to live with the spirit of his friend, Rika Orimoto. One day, the protagonist meets Satoru Gojo, who offers to enroll him in a school designed to teach people how to control their spirits. This meeting starts Yuta on a path to becoming a sorcerer.

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

Maybe The Best Romance Anime Movie On Crunchyroll

Based on Seiko Tanabe’s short story, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish combines a few familiar ingredients to create an enjoyable, sweet, and grounded romantic drama. The core dynamic revolves around Tsuneo and Josee, and their relationship goes on quite a journey. The former is hired as a caretaker for the latter, who is wheelchair-bound and has rarely left her grandmother’s house. While they are roughly the same ages, their pasts, presents, and futures are wildly different, and Josee initially takes out her frustrations on Tsuneo. Honestly, she can be a touch unlikable at first, although it is fairly easy to sympathize with her situation.

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish improves significantly once Tsuneo and Josee’s relationship starts to blossom, resulting in one of the best romance anime movies of the last decade or so. While most lighthearted, the story has its share of heavy moments that inject a dose of realism to counter the more whimsical sequences. On a technical level, the animation is gorgeous throughout the movie.

KonoSuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World! Legend Of Crimson

An Explosively Fun Time

Need a good laugh? If the answer is yes, then KonoSuba is the anime to watch. After receiving a letter, Kazuma and his party make the journey to Megumin’s hometown, a trip that naturally sparks a series of awkward but hilarious situations.

Legend of Crimson is a bit more action-driven than the two anime seasons, a change stemming from the film’s plot having more direction compared to the gag-based scenarios usually explored by the episodes. That said, Legend of Crimson is KonoSuba through and through.

Sword Of The Stranger

A Minor Classic With Fantastic Action Sequences

Alongside Ninja Scroll, Sword of the Stranger is arguably the definitive samurai anime movie. Set during the Sengoku era, the story follows a child named Kotaro who is trying to avoid a sacrificial end at the hands of the Ming Dynasty. The boy’s journey leads him directly into the path of Nanashi, a swordsman aimlessly drifting through the country. Eventually, Kotaro convinces Nanashi to serve as his bodyguard as they journey toward a temple.

Sword of the Stranger’s fights are works of art, delivering smooth animation and visceral action. They are worth the figurative price of admission on their own, but they are merely one component of a great package that includes an immersive setting and lovable main characters.

Laid-Back Camp: The Movie

Even Cute Girls Doing Cute Things Grow Up

Laid-Back Camp has announced a third season, providing slice of life fans with a big reason to celebrate. In 2022, the series went on a surprising detour as it dropped a movie that jumps forward years to when the girls are adults. As this story is an anime original, the film can be treated as a side adventure that presents a look into a future that could potentially await Rin, Nadeshiko, and company.

Even though it is not based on the manga, Laid-Back Camp: The Movie absolutely nails the show’s tone, charm, and warmth. The characters are just as lovable as adults as they are as teenagers, and their growth completely fits their histories and personalities.

Trigun: Badlands Rumble

A Bit Messy, But An Enjoyable Enough Movie

Madhouse’s Trigun is a classic in every sense of the word. The ’90s show has aged well in most areas, be it animation, characters, (some of the) humor, or action. And, it ended on a satisfying note that did not require further expansion. Coming out roughly a decade later, Badlands Rumble tells a filler story that is the definition of non-essential; that said, it is still a fun ride that presents fans with another opportunity to spend time within this universe.

Honestly, this movie is just for die-hard fans of the original. Beyond pretty good animation and some kinetic action sequences, newcomers will likely be overwhelmed by the story’s hectic pace and the characters’ chaotic presentation. For the latter, Badlands Rumble introduces a few fresh faces who, while not terrible, distract from the core four who defined Trigun’s success. The film’s version of Vash comes across as a caricature at times, which does diminish the overall experience.

The Boy And The Beast

Mamoru Hosoda’s Most Divisive Movie

All of Mamoru Hosoda’s movies are, at the bare minimum, watchable, and the director’s best projects are masterpieces. While falling short of the latter category, The Boy and the Beast regularly flirts with greatness, even if it suffers from some pacing issues. Finding himself alone, the young Ren follows a monster, Kumatetsu, into the Beast Kingdom, where he eventually becomes the latter’s pupil. Despite constantly fighting and seemingly hating each other, the two wind up living together for a number of years, steadily intensifying their bond in the process. Eventually, Ren returns to the human world and starts to form a few connections, and things get complicated from here.

Unsurprisingly, The Boy and the Beast’s animation is brilliant and identifiable. The story is at its strongest when focusing on Ren and Kumatetsu’s relationship, which unfortunately takes a backseat during the movie’s second half. Still, the film’s high points are very high.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly

The Peak Of Dragon Ball’s Modern Run

Crunchyroll serves Dragon Ball fans well as the streaming service has nearly the full franchise, and that includes 16 movies that used to be fairly difficult to get a hold of. The classic Dragon Ball movies are glorified specials rather than full-blown features, but releases like Cooler’s Revenge and Fusion Reborn are definitely worth a watch. In the 2010s, Dragon Ball made a comeback in the form of Battle of Gods, which is not on Crunchyroll. However, all three of its movie sequels are on the platform, and they are generally just as good as their missing predecessor. Out of the four post-return movies, Dragon Ball Super: Broly is comfortably the best and most cinematic. At the time of its debut, the film felt like a genuine event, more so than pretty much any other movie in the series.

As the title suggests, the story focuses on Broly, a powerful Saiyan who is manipulated by his father to seek revenge against Vegeta. The antagonist’s backstory is handled well, and the character is fairly sympathetic while always coming across as a significant threat to the Z Warriors. Dragon Ball lives and dies on the strength of its fight sequences, and Broly hits the mark in this area. Every battle has a unique flavor and is bolstered by great animation.

Saga Of Tanya The Evil: The Movie

Even Better Than The Series

Isekai anime are both very popular and acquired tastes, to the point that most people tend to either love or hate these types of stories. In many ways, Saga of Tanya the Evil offers a relatively conventional take on the genre, including a pretty OP protagonist who is generally smarter and stronger than nearly every other character. However, the story sets itself apart from the crowd by taking place in a war-ridden world that is heavily inspired by World War I, along with focusing on a conflict that incorporates technology and magic. Also, a petty deity forces the protagonist to be reborn as a little girl, motivating the latter to set out to destroy the former.

For the most part, Saga of Tanya The Evil: The Movie maintains the same standard as the series, albeit with a higher budget offered by a feature project. The animation is generally fantastic, and this sequel comes across as a proper movie rather than a glorified special. More importantly, the story introduces Mary Sioux as the central antagonist, depicting her as essentially a saint to counteract the devilish Tanya. The TV series lacks a proper rival that can match the protagonist, and the movie fixes that shortcoming.

Black Butler: Book Of The Atlantic

Ciel And Sebastian’s Cinematic Adventure

Has there ever been an anime that walks the line between silliness and seriousness as well as Black Butler? Drenched in Victorian Gothic imagery and touching upon themes of revenge, obsession, and mortality, the series is a dark fantasy epic that just happens to center around a self-serious 13-year-old protagonist. Ciel and his demon butler, Sebastian, have been through their share of mysteries at the behest of the Queen, and Book of the Atlantic finds the pair embarking on a long aquatic voyage to investigate reports of necromancy. Before long, the expedition turns deadly, and a few other familiar faces might be involved.

Putting aside the anime-only sequel season, Black Butler has been consistently entertaining over the years, and Book of the Atlantic is not an exception. The storyline benefits from the movie’s higher production value, allowing for a cinematic presentation that blossoms beautifully towards the end of the journey. The core mystery is fairly interesting and ties well into the rest of the story, even including a few significant reveals (Book of the Atlantic is canon, unlike most shonen feature films).

City Hunter Movies

Cult Classic Anime Movies

City Hunter is a manga and anime classic that was particularly popular during the late ’80s and early ’90s. While somewhat forgotten in this day and age, the anime holds up pretty well, all things considered. Crunchyroll has the full series, including every movie except the 2023 one; combined, City Hunter should be able to keep someone entertained for a few weeks.

Ryo Saeba is a private detective with an accurate shot and a tendency to fall for every girl he meets. The movies tell standalone stories, but they also expect the audience to be somewhat familiar with the main roster of characters. While nothing too amazing, the City Hunter movies are enjoyable action comedies that are fun fluff to throw on during a Tuesday evening.

The Stranger By The Shore

Realistic Boys Love Romance

One day, Mio Chibana and Shun Hashimoto meet on a beach, and they have instant chemistry. While they are anxious around each other at first, they quickly find themselves striking a natural rapport that helps both of them grow as people. However, their meeting is short-lived, and it takes another three years for them to meet up. The Stranger by the Shore primarily focuses on their secondary meeting as both characters come to accept their genuine love for each other, a journey that requires them to face past trauma that left them lonely and insecure.

Clocking in at less than an hour, this 2020 movie accomplishes a lot in its short runtime without feeling rushed. Ultimately, this boys’ love anime is a character study that thoroughly explores Mio and Shun as both individuals and partners. The film also has gorgeous animation and plenty of beautiful, naturalistic environments.

Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple

Packed With Top-Notch Action

Bungo Stray Dogs has been consistently great. Luckily for anime fans, Crunchyroll has the entire series in its library, including 2018’s Dead Apple movie. Following the second season, the film finds the Armed Detective Agency facing a massive threat as a fog descends on Yokohama that causes abilities to take physical form. Naturally, this spreads chaos across the city, and things become even more complicated when Dazai seems to join forces with the people behind the act.

Dead Apple has splendid action and good animation, which is to be expected of a Bones production. However, the movie’s greatest strength is its character development, particularly concerning Atsushi. The story forces the latter to confront his past in a more direct way than ever before, and the ensuing growth greatly enhances his character.

Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom

Overlord Is Always Entertaining, And This Movie Is No Exception

Here is another anime movie that can only be recommended to people who have watched three and a half seasons of a series. Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom is mostly in line with the show’s quality, delivering mostly good animation while telling a dark fantasy story that follows the rise of a big bad.

Overlord’s reputation is fairly mixed, as seasons 2 and 3 were fairly inconsistent; however, season 4 is the best entry in the series so far, and The Sacred Kingdom fits nicely into that run. If you enjoyed the story’s full-blown shift towards kingdom building, this film continues down that direction, and the film highlights Ainz’s manipulative nature and the anime’s underrated talent for humor.

My Hero Academia: Two Heroes, Heroes Rising, & You’re Next

Just Solid Blockbuster Action Films

If a shonen anime is popular enough, it will receive a couple of movies, most of which tend to be filler and do not impact the core narrative. Two Heroes somewhat bucks that trend by being canon with My Hero Academia’s continuity, even though it tells an “event of the week” style story with limited relevance to Deku’s overall journey. Like so many battle shonen movies, Two Heroes essentially condenses a standard MHA arc into less than two hours, serving as something of a greatest-hits collection that benefits from a bumped-up budget. While far from amazing, this side story is pretty entertaining in its own right, particularly an early section that showcases a young All-Might in the United States. The present-day plot is fairly forgettable, but it does have a unique island setting and moves at a fairly quick pace once the action gets going.

Released in 2019, Heroes Rising is another movie that, for the most part, feels like a secondary adventure that can easily be skipped. However, this film is superior to Two Heroes, especially since the story gives more characters a chance to shine than its predecessor. The villains are nothing too special, which is somewhat of a standard issue with the MHA movies, but they are inoffensive at the very least.

You’re Next is the weakest MHA movie, but it is another watchable action fest.

Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie

Not Great, But Worth A Watch For GITS Fans

Except for the live-action movie, Ghost in the Shell Arise is the most polarizing chapter in this legendary franchise, and it used to be available only on Netflix. Nowadays, you can watch the 4-part OVA, 10-episode series, and final movie on Crunchyroll, so they are at least readily accessible. Should you go out of your way to watch them? Honestly, that question is difficult to answer, and I would definitely not recommend giving them a try if you are relatively new to this universe. Frankly, even die-hard fans might struggle with some of this entry’s creative decisions.

Arise is notorious for telling muddled stories that are confusing rather than complex, and the movie is no exception. The plot’s trigger is an explosion that kills a criminal with links to a secret organization, and the Major and the Public Sector 9 are tasked with getting to the bottom of things. The story touches upon fairly interesting themes in its exploration of multiple forms of reality, even if the execution can leave something to be desired.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade

An Unsettling Horror Anime

Written by Mamoru Oshii and directed by Hiroyuki Okiura, Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is visually stunning, and it serves as a demonstration of cel-shaded animation’s timelessness. The film takes place during the 1950s and envisions an alternate reality where Germany won World War 2 and is now occupying Japan. To keep the public in line, the regime utilizes a terrifying Panzer corps that largely follow instructions without question, regardless of how vile they are. However, one day, a soldier (Kazuki Fuse) defies a kill order.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade moves at a measured pace, prioritizing atmosphere and character moments over intense action. Consequently, the film can feel frustratingly long at times, particularly during its second act, but there is still a lot to love and appreciate here.

Psycho-Pass: The Movie & Providence

The Movie Is A Must-Watch

Psycho-Pass has a strange reputation. Season 1 is rightfully regarded as a masterpiece and one of the best anime sci-fi thrillers of all time. While leaving quite a few loose ends, the story works well enough in a vacuum that there is no real reason to watch any sequels, especially since none of them come close to reaching season 1’s quality. Seasons 2 and 3 are watchable enough, but they struggle significantly to replace Shinya (and later Akane).

Psycho-Pass: The Movie and Providence arguably do a better job of capturing season 1’s magic, as they wisely focus on Shinya and Akane. Visually, they are gorgeous and a step-up from the TV version. The mysteries/stories are not all that strong, but the movies are quite character-driven, so they shine in that area.

Honestly, I would not describe either of the films as “must-watch,” and I would recommend keeping expectations relatively low. However, like the sequel seasons, the Psycho-Pass movies are generally decent.

Unico Double Feature

A Few Crunchyroll Anime Movies For Kids

Decades before Madhouse was producing fantasy gold with Frieren, the studio worked on two projects that were very much intended for kids: Unico. Both movies are based on a manga by Osamu Tezuka, arguably the most influential mangaka of all time. He excelled in writing stories suitable for children, and Unico might be his most “for kids” story ever, at least in concept. After all, the eponymous character is a unicorn who brings happiness to people’s hearts, which is about as child-friendly a concept anime has ever produced. However, his ability angers the gods, who believe that joy and happiness should only be dictated by them. So, they kidnap Unico, abandon him on an island, and he has to make his way home, at least in the first movie.

If you are above the age of 10, should you bother checking these films out? I’d say “yes, but keep expectations in check.” Incorporating a few darker moments, Unico is certainly capable of keeping older viewers entertained, especially in the first film. That said, neither of them is amazing by any stretch of the imagination, and the animation has not stood the test of time quite as well as a few other ’80s classics. Adorable as he is, Unico does not have much going on, so he can be a somewhat dull protagonist.

Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Re;surrection

A Mixed Bag, But Enough Positives To Warrant A Watch

Even though season 2 has grown slightly divisive over the years, Code Geass’ original conclusion is largely considered to be a triumph, if not downright one of the best endings in anime history. Consequently, Code Geass Lelouch of the Re;surrection retconning the story’s final beat was risky, although the movie wisely opted to present itself as an alternate reality rather than a genuine continuation. As such, Re;surrection is not a must-watch for fans of the series since nothing that happens means anything; that said, the experience is still enjoyable.

C.C. revives Lelouch out of love, a process that dominates most of the film’s first half. As the story moves on, the focus shifts to a conflict with the Kingdom of Zilkhstan, specifically its queen. Neither plot thread is especially complex or nuanced, but they lead to a few memorable action sequences and some touching moments between Lelouch and C.C.

Black Jack: The Movie

Perfect Movie For A Random Tuesday Night

Osamu Tezuka’s classic Black Jack manga has been adapted into live-action films, anime series, OVAs, and a couple of animated features. Aside from the original manga, 1996’s Black Jack: The Movie is probably the best starting point for newcomers to the franchise, although the 2004 series is also strong.

Relatively self-contained, the film does a good job of establishing the eponymous doctor’s personality and motives, while also delivering an engaging story that mixes medical jargon with a touch of humanity. Regardless of whether someone is already familiar with Tezuka’s property or is experiencing Black Jack for the first time, they are likely to have fun with this movie.

Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie

Absurdly Good Animation For A Video Game Anime Movie

While the upcoming flick might have something to say about it, Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie is currently the best film in Capcom’s franchise. Frankly, I would argue it is the only good Street Fighter movie, in the sense that it tries to adapt the games rather than doing something entirely different while throwing in a few of the characters. Although nothing to write home about story-wise, the film shines in the areas that really matter: animation and action.

Seriously, Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie looks fantastic and has aged really well in this department, as long as you enjoy classic animation. The fight sequences serve as impressive showcases for a wide assortment of iconic Capcom characters, and they make the film worth watching on their own.

Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture

Crunchyroll Loves Its Anime Fighting Movies

Well, if Capcom received a surprisingly fun anime adaptation of its premium fighting franchise, it is only fair that SNK gets the same treatment. Although not quite reaching the heights of Street Fighter 2: The Animated Movie, Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture is nevertheless a fun time for those people who can name-drop all the characters from the original King of Fighters game. The Bogard bros, Joe Higashi, and Mai Shiranui are trying to find six pieces of armor before they fall into the hands of the dangerous Laocorn Gaudeamus, setting them on a globe-trotting adventure that promises plenty of thrills.

Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture is an absolute blast when it focuses on combat, which should be a very obvious statement. Unfortunately, the film slows things down a few too many times, resulting in stretches that can be frustrating to sit through. Still, the movie has enough good action to warrant a watch.

Bayonetta: Bloody Fate

I Love Bayonetta, So I Had Fun With This One

OK, I have to admit that your mileage with this anime movie comes down entirely to your love for PlatinumGames’ Bayonetta, specifically the first game in the series. If you are a big fan of character-action hack-and-slash games, like I am, then Bayonetta is likely one of your all-time favorites, and you might cherish the thought of spending more time within this universe and with these characters. Bayonetta: Bloody Fate expects audiences to be familiar with the basic plot, and it has very little to offer complete newcomers beyond a few decent action sequences. Bayonetta tends to prefer a chaotic storytelling style that, at times, can be pretty difficult to follow, although its appeal is simple: an awesome witch demolishes angels with style and confidence.

Bloody Fate is not a straightforward retelling of the original game’s plot, but rather a reimagining that goes in a few different directions. For die-hard fans, this direction is fantastic, as they will get something new rather than spruced-up cutscenes; however, the anime is straight-up impenetrable for non-fans. Personally, I had fun with it, but I don’t think it is among Gonzo’s best work either. The animation is mostly solid, all the while still looking like a budget production. The CG is not great and, at times, takes away from the movie.

The Crunchyroll Library at a Glance: Best Movies by Genre

Still haven’t decided? If you’re looking for a specific category like action, sci-fi, or romance, here are recommendations tailor-made for those genres.