This post is mainly for Netflix users who want to watch some anime movies on Netflix for fun on weekend nights. Netflix has a wide variety of anime movies and series, but in this post, we’re going to cover movies for busy-schedule users who want some one-time watch-type films.
If you are in the mood for a fun experience, let’s start. Unlike other movies in this genre, they usually feature excellent animation and interesting plotlines.
A few may revolve around the themes of friendship, bravery, or self-discovery, but most are just pure fun and adventure. Whether you want to watch period pieces such as classics like Spirited Away or modern movies like A Silent Voice, Netflix has both renowned and crazy obscure titles waiting for you.
Some are family-friendly, while others are a little more adult. Even if you have absolutely zero prior experience with anime, do not worry; these are some of the best movies to start with.
So grab your favorite snacks, sit down, and get ready to lose yourself in this genre of art. There is bound to be a plot that will grab your attention and may even make you shed a few tears.
9 Must-Watch Anime Movies on Netflix Right Now-
9. Bubble-
- Imdb rating- 6.4/10
- Runtime- 1h 40m
If you’re looking for some truly strange anime to watch, consider checking out Bubble in 2025, as Netflix is set to acquire it. It’s a phenomenal movie that combines action, science fiction, and fantasy.
The plot is as follows: the world’s gravitational field is distorted when bubble shells shower from the sky. Chaos reigns everywhere. A young man named Hibiki, part of an elite group of parkour athletes, struggles to survive in this bizarre world.
The animation leaves nothing to be desired, and the action scenes rival Hollywood blockbusters in their fast pace and intensity. Not to mention the incredibly nice soundtrack that immerses viewers further into the experience.
In other words, this is a fresh story with stunning visuals and a captivating action anime worth exploring.
8. Drifting Home-
- Imdb rating- 6.3/10
- Runtime- 1h 59m
Drifting Home is an anime film from Netflix with a touching story of childhood, friendship, and the struggle to learn to accept change.
The movie revolves around two children, Kosuke and Natsume, who get caught up with their friends in an old apartment building drifting into the ocean.
The film depicts how children must devise survival plans and ways to return home while facing individual problems and misunderstandings.
The animation is visually appealing and effectively brings to life the floating world in an appropriately strange yet serene manner. Characters are presented realistically, particularly regarding their expression of emotions and conflicts.
The pace of the film is relaxed enough for relationships to take center stage as well as more significant issues related to growth and the process of loss.
For those who love sincere Netflix anime movies that balance adventure with emotional depth, “Drifting Home” is worth considering. It is a contemplative and memorable cinematic experience.
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7. A Whisker Away-
- Imdb rating- 6.7/10
- Runtime- 1h 44m
A Whisker Away is a Japanese anime film on Netflix that tells the story of Miyo, who happens to be obsessed with Kento, a fellow classmate.
The only thing keeping her from a cat’s leap away from him is her ability to transform into a cat through a magical mask. However, being a cat allows her to spend much more time with Kento; nevertheless, it also creates the trouble of gradually losing her human side.
The movie is all about love, identity, and choices. It features vibrant animation, with fun and emotional moments throughout the story. The film illustrates how Miyo learns to confront her feelings and struggles.
A unique blend of humans and cats is woven into the plot. If you enjoy anime movies on Netflix with a touch of fantasy and heartwarming themes, this is worth watching. It’s not too long, so it’s easy to finish in one sitting.
6. Ghost in the Shell 1995-
- Imdb rating- 7.9/10
- Runtime- 1h 23m
An anime that is well-known and beloved by almost all users of Netflix is Ghost in the Shell (1995). This film is a strikingly original depiction of humankind’s future, where people and machinery are inexorably intertwined.
The film’s central character is Major Motoko Kusanagi, a police officer who is a part cyborg and is on the trail of the elusive cyber-terrorist known as the Puppet Master.
The film serves as a commentary on the nature of identity, consciousness, and humanity. The animation is intricate and impressive even today.
The combination of combat and the conclusion clips makes it captivating. The music perfectly corresponds with the events, featuring ladies’ chants during some scenes.
Although it is a profound tale, it can be somewhat puzzling, especially if you have never seen anime. There is plenty to appreciate in the film-its themes and visual representations leave a lasting impression.
If you are someone who can appreciate action-packed films with a philosophical touch, then this film is a must-watch.
5. From Up on Poppy Hill-
- Imdb rating- 7.4/10
- Runtime- 1h 31m
A beautiful anime movie from Studio Ghibli, From Up on Poppy Hill, is all about Umi, a high school girl, and Shun, a boy from the same school, as they try to save their school’s clubhouse.
The story is a blend of the personal struggles of these two characters and the country’s transition to modern times, taking place in the 1960s Japan.
The characters feel real, and their relationships develop gradually throughout the story. The animation is stunning, especially in depicting daily life and the bustle of a harbor town.
Although it lacks the magical aspects seen in some Studio Ghibli films, its themes of real, everyday life make it relatable. This is a great anime movie for anyone who enjoys stories about family, friendship, and change.
It’s a gentle reminder of how people come together to preserve what they cherish.
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4. Castle in the Sky-
- Imdb rating- 8/10
- Runtime- 2h 4m
Castle in the Sky is the masterpiece that fans of anime watched on Netflix. The work focuses on two kids, Sheeta and Pazu, as they make exciting discoveries in a pyramid-style floating city known as Laputa.
The story has been scripted well, to a point where it is almost a testament that Sheeta is one of the most hunted people in the world, as she has a magical city and a special crystal that connects her to the city.
It provides an enjoyable experience revealing in bits the history of the city with its more advanced settings. Today, Crystal Clear’s animation quality might be called mediocre, but it is not honestly easy to ignore the fact that it was produced in the 1980s.
The plot is pretty easy to comprehend, and it includes a romance, plenty of action, and amusing twists. This film belongs to Studio Ghibli and has been directed by Hayao Miyazaki, another known director who has created other great works such as Spirited Away.
For those anime lovers who fancy fantasy adventure, this is right up their alley. It is a timeless classic that both adults and children can appreciate.
3. Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)-
- Imdb rating- 8.1/10
- Runtime- 2hr 9m
Silent Voice is one of the best and most beautiful anime movies that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the lasting effects of bullying.
This Netflix anime film is set in a high school environment among students. It follows the incredible journey of Shoya Ishida, a former bully, who is trying to apologize for his past behavior toward his deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya.
It’s truly a masterpiece that will leave you feeling moved and inspired. The movie hits you right in the feelings because of the relationship between Shoya and Shoko.
At first, they didn’t get along, and everything was miserable and misunderstood, but then it all changed. I must say you have to watch this film because it is next level and has a great story, and the movie’s runtime is only 2 hours and 9 minutes.
2. Grave of the Fireflies-
- Imdb rating- 8.5/10
- Runtime-1h 29m
Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most powerful anime movies on Netflix. It narrates the life story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, fighting for survival in the midst of World War II in Japan. The movie illustrates their daily battles with hunger, loss, and war horrors.
Unlike other action or fantasy anime, this movie is based on emotions and reality. The movie is centered around the siblings and their bond; hence, it is so emotionally moving. The simplicity of the animation adds to the harshness of the world they are living in.
It’s not really an easy thing to watch, as it’s rather heavy in the theme, but it’s certainly a significant piece on war and human survival.
If you happen to be in for meaningful anime films on Netflix, then this might be something to not miss: emotional and memorable, it stays with you plenty.
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1. A Spirited Away-
- Imdb rating- 8.6/10
- Runtime- 2h 5m
Spirited Away is still one of the best Netflix anime movies; it is interesting to those who are looking for different plots. The movie is about a little girl called Chihiro who gets lost in a mysterious land inhabited by spirits.
Her parents are turned into pigs, and to try and find a way to rescue them and come back home, she is coerced into working at a spirit’s bathhouse.
The plot is original; the cast of characters is unforgettable. Chihiro’s character develops into a stronger, more self-sufficient woman as the movie progresses.
The level of detail in the animation is stunning; the world brims with dynamic animals and settings. The film’s pace is slow, but the richness of the story and the characters is unparalleled.
If you enjoy anime films that require some thought as well as an emotional connection to the characters, then this movie is one of the ones that should not be missed on Netflix.
Where can I watch these movies?
All of these movies are available on streaming platforms like Netflix
Conclusion-
There are more anime movies available on Netflix, but I chose the best one for you. There’s something for everyone, from action-packed stories to inspiring adventures.
Some of the most popular ones include “Your Name,” which mixes romance with fantasy, and “A Silent Voice,” a touching story about friendship and forgiveness.
Netflix also adds new anime titles from time to time, so it’s always worth checking out. So, if you’re looking for something fun or emotional to watch, anime movies on Netflix are a great choice, because movies are one time to watch.