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Nothing in this world is perfect; at least, that is what everyone says. It is hard to argue with this, because even in a lot of people’s favorite medium, anime, there are dozens of fantastic but flawed works. Films such as Princess Mononoke and Paprika are legendary works, but they do have a handful of flaws that hold them back from being perfect.
However, that doesn’t mean it is impossible, because this list will highlight ten anime movies that don’t have any flaws in their own respect. Based on aspects such as consistency, pacing, animation, writing, directing, influence, critical acclaim, and overall quality, fans will have a tough time finding things to complain about in these films. These movies have genuinely become institutions of the medium, being perfect as long as they achieve what they set out for.
Kicking off this list is an underrated classic that fans either love or haven’t heard of: Ninja Scroll. Jubei is a swordsman for hire who wanders around the feudal country looking for work. After getting involved with a woman and her revenge story, he tries to clean his hands of it, but her enemies have different plans, thrusting him into a government conspiracy where he will meet an old friend.
Truth be told, Ninja Scroll doesn’t have the best story; it is rather predictable and bland. Some might view that as a flaw, but the simplicity gives way to what the movie really aims to accomplish: fight scenes galore! The animation and art are absolutely stunning, and this visual masterclass makes each fight scene just as striking, with plenty of thrills and riveting moments that make this simple but effective revenge tale one of the best action anime movies.
‘Redline’ (2009)
A lot of the movies on this list are narrative masterclasses, but films such as Redline are all about the animation and exhilaration. JP finally gets his chance to star in the titular race that he has always dreamed of, but the host planet was forcefully chosen, and they don’t want the race to expose their secret weapons, prompting them to try and stop all the racers before they cross the finish line.
Some movies are flawless because of a handful of aspects, but Redline is perfect because what it does, it does well. This movie is a high-octane experience from start to finish, and when it speeds up, it doesn’t slow down. Redline is a beloved anime film that fans enjoy simply because of the flawless animation and exhilaration that can make viewers overdose on hype-inducing moments.
‘Look Back’ (2024)
Tatsumi Fujimoto is an acclaimed manga author best known for his hit series, Chainsaw Man, but he has also delivered a handful of one-shots which have been turned into movies, including Look Back. Fujino was always passionate about art, but when one of her classmates was better than her, she dropped it completely. After the two would-be rivals meet each other, her passion reignites, beginning a lifelong friendship.
It may be shorter than most movies, but it is precisely because of that tight pacing that Look Back becomes a flawless anime film. The dynamic and relationship of the two characters is an absolute wonder, going through highs and lows of tragedy and redemption, ending in a bittersweet manner that proves why Fujimoto is one of the best modern mangaka.
‘The Night is Short, Walk on Girl’ (2017)
Some of the best avant-garde anime movies come from Masaaki Yuasa, including The Night is Short, Walk on Girl. An unnamed protagonist has a crush on one girl who only believes in fate, so to win her over, he tries to convince her that their love is fated. Trying to get her a childhood book, he works tirelessly to win her over as she continues her walk down the red string of fate, seeing what the world brings next.
This movie has a visual style unlike any other, proving to be a stunning display of style and art that hooks viewers with its vibrant colors and uniqueness. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl isn’t just a piece of eye candy, but it also has a profound message hidden beneath its fascinating love story. It may be a forgotten anime film, but it is still perfect and a must-watch.
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Studio Ghibli is the most acclaimed anime studio of all time, so it is only natural that their magnum opus, Spirited Away, earns a spot on this list. When a young girl and her family move to a new house, they find an amusement park behind it. When her parents are turned into pigs, she must travel into the supernatural hot springs resort in order to find the witch capable of reversing the curse.
As one of the most popular and renowned anime movies, there is no denying that Spirited Away is without flaws. Influence aside, it is a perfect display of hand-drawn animation that is so incredibly detailed it almost feels impossible. Plus, with a whimsical vibe, charming aesthetic, and a relatable coming-of-age story, Spirited Away is a family-friendly movie that anyone can, and will enjoy.
‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)
A new anime series came out remaking the iconic series, but the film of Ghost in the Shell is still the definitive version. Motoko Kusanagi is the leader of an elite squad that deals with cyber-terrorism events, and the latest case involves a mysterious killer that erases the memories of their victims. However, when the mystery gets personal, will Motoko keep her cool?
Like a lot of movies on this list, Ghost in the Shell is a visual spectacle that highlights its animation prowess through a hand-drawn style. Its original worldbuilding, philosophical themes, and thought-provoking discussion have made it a timeless story that only gets more relevant as time passes. As technology improves and society progresses, Ghost in the Shell proves to be timeless and ever-iconic.
‘A Silent Voice’ (2016)
Some of the best anime movies are high school dramas, and A Silent Voice is arguably the most flawless of the bunch. Years ago, Shouya used to bully a girl in school for being deaf, and years after she left, he still carried the guilt. However, when they are reunited again, he aims to right his past wrongs and redeem himself.
A Silent Voice displays one of the best examples of character development in anime, and to do that in a movie is even more impressive. This touching tale will have viewers bawling by the end of it, showcasing its emotional story, achieved through visual and thematic storytelling that further enhances the messages and themes. It all leads to a satisfying and uplifting ending, the ultimate cathartic conclusion.
‘Akira’ (1988)
When it comes to the most influential anime movie, it usually comes down to Spirited Away and Akira, with the latter also being a perfect film. Decades after a nuclear explosion destroyed the world, a rebuilt Neo-Tokyo is now a corrupt hellhole. When a biker gang gets involved in a government conspiracy, one of the members gains strange powers that could destroy the city again.
Akira was the film that put anime on the map in the West, also proving that it could be a serious and mature medium instead of simple entertainment for children. This technical masterpiece used 24 frames per second, which added a visceral weight to the movement and action. Akira is one of the best anime films of the past 50 years, and it didn’t earn that status by having any flaws.
‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988)
Akira wasn’t the only flawless anime movie to come out in 1988; It was paired with Studio Ghibli’s second film on this list, Grave of the Fireflies. After the bombing of Hiroshima, a boy and his little sister wander the wasteland in search of food, water, and anything else they will need to survive, but it may already be too late.
As opposed to other Studio Ghibli films, Grave of the Fireflies is a deeply tragic, depressing, and bleak movie that is a departure from the usual formula. It removes the suspense of wondering if they will survive and replaces it with a hollow feeling of knowing what will happen. Grave of the Fireflies is a grim depiction of the war and a defining anti-war experience that will haunt anyone who watches it.
‘Perfect Blue’ (1998)
Satoshi Kon was a legendary director who passed away too soon, but he left an untouchable legacy, including his best film, Perfect Blue. Pop idol Mima wants to break out into the acting industry, but after leaving her group, they begin to gain popularity. Not only that, but a stalker throws Mima into a spell of psychosis, unable to tell reality from fantasy anymore.
It may be confusing at times, but Perfect Blue‘s editing is entirely intentional, creating a disoriented feeling that puts viewers in the shoes of Mima, having them question what is real and what is fake. This brilliant tactic added to the thought-provoking nature and immersion of the story, creating a compelling anime movie that aged like fine wine. Perfect Blue has a tight pace and non-stop thrills that make it the best of the best.
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Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
Almontather Rassoul
