Anime Movies You NEED To Watch (that are not Studio Ghibli)

Here are some great anime movies that you definitely need to watch if you haven't already! I know studio ghibli has some of the absolute BEST anime movies (and trust me i'm their biggest fan) but there are so many other great directors and underrated movies that deserve recognition as well. Let me know which ones you've seen and what others I should add to the list
Don't forget to check out BELLE from academy award nominated director Mamoru Hosoda, which is out now in theaters nationwide 🌸 go to www.bellefilm.com to check out showings near you!
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📼 Cinemonika 📼 (previously A little bit of Monika
Hi! my name is Monika Gobaira and I live in LA. I love movies, filmmaking, anime & storytelling/vlogging.
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[@cinemoni]

✨ What are some anime movies you recommend? ✨

[@milktea3608]

Whisper of the heart

[@melissaandreag]

Mary and the Witch’s Flower Okko’s Inn

[@aestheticallykoo6673]

whisper of the heart

[@user_123_.]

A silent voice

[@RobotsWithKnivesCartoons]

Satoshi Kon films are often my first recommendation to non-Anime fans, particularly Tokyo Godfathers and Millennium Actress (FYI in my experience Tokyo Godfathers can be a great date movie even if the person you are on a date with isn't really an anime fan) But some other good options are stuff like Mind Game and Tekkonkinkreet, I guess Wolf Children is always a choice recommendation because it's just so GOOD.

[@RyansChannel0203]

I’ve become so obsessed with Belle after seeing it, it’s not even funny. I’ve already been wanting to see it again and have been singing all the songs nonstop. ❤️

[@cinemoni]

Right?! I have her as my phone background lol i loved it

[@orianaaleph]

That was legit me back in July or sum when I watched the Belle trailers and songs. Legit would sing U everyday.

[@ingriddluna5341]

Where can you find the movie Belle?

[@evers33n]

Yes I watched it on opening day and screamed all the lyrics in the movie theater!

[@puterboy2]

I only liked the first half of it, as does everyone else.

[@gigistar66]

I agree with you 100% on Only Yesterday!!! Such a beautiful, nostalgic film. Doesn't get enough praise or talked about enough!!! I saw it recently for the first time and couldn't believe I went that long without knowing what a special gem it was. 🥰🥺😭 Belle and Paprika are on my list!!!

[@cinemoni]

Exactly! That’s why i just had to mention it hehe 💜

[@angelaholmes8888]

I definitely need to rewatch only yesterday it's been years since I watched it 🤗😏

[@curesaul5749]

Last week I went to see Belle on my birthday. Then I immediately fell in love with it. From the story to music, and of course the incredible animation. Something most Big Hollywood studios can’t really make anymore. This made me want to look into more anime movies because I loved Belle and always loved Studio Ghibli. I will definitely look forward to more anime movies coming out in theaters.

[@minhhongnguyen2350]

"Josee, the tiger and the fish" is an extremely adorable romance movie. It's the love story of a disabled arrogant girl with a diver; they really hate each other at first, she thinks he's a pervert and a despicable sucker for money (he's not really) while he thinks she's too arrogant and unlikable. But they both have a deep passion for ocean and aquatic animals so they finally get along and become lovers, but they have to struggle with life a lot, especially health problems and motivation in life... A beautiful cute movie, one of my rare favorite anime❤️

[@higurl1]

So true

[@emilychow5872]

Yes I agree 🙌 I also love this film!

[@minhhongnguyen2350]

@@emilychow5872 aww thanks❤️ i'm planning to rewatch it btw

[@SL_Beast]

Yep that;s an amazing movie no cap

[@lunalovegood05]

I saw your comment and watched Josee, the tiger and the fish and it was extremely beautiful. Do you have any other recommendations? (:

[@UltraHD.7]

"In this corner of the world" is one of my absolute favorite animes, the main character is just so adorable. I recently also saw "Maquia - when the promised flower blooms" and it just blew me away. It´s so beautiful and kept being stuck in my head for days.

[@vvmn9442]

Maquia made me ball like a little shit in the end

[@peachymorsels5392]

I highly recommend Weathering with you, its visually stunning and the story is so bittersweet! I also really loved Josee the Tiger and the Fish, I cried my eyes out when I saw it in theaters lol

[@lunar4865]

same i cry too it's so amazing and I thought I'm the only one who cry 😅

[@skijumpnose]

Great start with The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl! The visuals are awesome! I already said it but will say again that the new hairstyle is so good!

[@cinemoni]

Thank you so much! And yess the animation is amazing!

[@magdalenasikora3327]

"Wolf Children" is one of my fav. non-ghibli anime. I kind of miss it on that list :)

[@susannapellejo8289]

I already heard about most of these and I initially had reservations about watching most of the films (before I saw this video). But now, I feel like you've just proved that these are good so now I will definitely check it out. Thank you ~

[@juliabaggins1960]

100% agree with Only Yesterday, it is one of my favorite movies of all time! It's so down to earth yet so emotional, Taeko really does feel like a real person. Plus I loved that they made the animation less detailed in the flashbacks, like taken from an older anime, or like a memory with the details fading, and it still looks really beautiful. That movie and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya are the reason why low key I'm more of a Isao Takahata fan than a Hayao Miyazaki one (though Miyazaki will always have a special place).

[@iamvoicelessmusic]

I had the pleasure of getting to see Belle in theaters a few years back. it’s in my top five favorite films ever made! The soundtrack alone quite literally left me in tears. Everything from the animation to the music to the action was also well done. I also think it’s neat how it’s a more positive spin on social media

[@bradyhayes7911]

Only Yesterday really blew me away. I'd never heard of it, but my mom knew I liked Ghibli films, so she bought us tickets to see the English release a few years back. I was a bit skeptical, but I went with her, and it instantly became one of my favorites. So thoughtful, so nostalgic, such a sincere movie. Highly recommend.

[@daphney8531]

i highly recommend *'the boy and the beast'* it was extremely good i really cannot understand how it is so underrated. if you're a ghibli fan i guarantee you you're gonna love this movie. definetly worth watching!! it is such an enthusiastic film that you'll be locked onto the screen till it ends :>

[@yiiweno]

THE FACT THAT I WAS SEARCHING FOR MOVIES LIKE STUDIO GHIBLI AND YOU MADE A VIDEO ABOUT WHAT I WANT!! ILYSM MONIKA

[@cinemoni]

They don’t all have a studio ghibli vibe but they’re all worth to watchn

[@xXMaoKittyCatXx]

I recommend Maquia when the Promised Flower Blooms, it's such a beautiful movie that doesn't get talked about as much.

[@jetrandom7569]

Yes!!! It’s my favourite movie of all time, the story telling and animation were both amazing

[@hi-rm6od]

@@jetrandom7569 Same it's my favorite too💖

[@aybeekrf]

A letter to Momo is sooo beautiful!! 💛 It's one of my favorites movies ✨

[@tamsarisararana165]

Only Yesterday is my favourite movie. Whenever I feel low I watch it to give myself hope in life.

[@melissaandreag]

I watched Belle this past weekend and LOVED it! I also LOVE Tokyo Godfathers, Only Yesterday, Mirai, and In This Corner of the World. I haven’t watched the others you mentioned yet!

[@cinemoni]

Hope u like the other ones i mentioned!

[@melissaandreag]

@@cinemoni I watched “Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop” tonight and it was so cute!

[@learasc]

A movie I can also strongly recommend if you like gibli movies is "Princess Arete". Its medieval themed fantasy world seems so real and magical. After I watched the movie it left me in this really comfortable mood I also get after watching ghibli movies!

[@incrediblefelis]

AHHH! I need to watch these movies!! I've only seen A letter to Momo from all of these. It's a really wonderful film and for me it's also very nostalgic because I watched it when I was younger 💛Thank you that you also mentioned Only Yesterday because I've seen most Ghibli movies but somehow not this one! I have to give it a watch ✨

[@cinemoni]

Ahh yesss give it a watch, it’s incredible 💜💜

[@yasamangh2704]

Your list is amazing monika And also (Big Fish & Begonia) is one of my favorites .I recommend it 🐋

[@ringlófa]

Thank you for mentioning Only Yesterday, it is one of my favorite films of all time! It's truly beautiful🌼

[@FreshTillDeath56]

I LOVE the night is short. I finally watched Paprika last night too. What an otherworldly experience that one is.

[@rubeng370]

I love Belle, Suzume, Your Name, Silent Voice, and Akira

[@chewyyyl]

💫 MY WATCHLIST 💫 ☆ The Night Is Short Walk On Girl ☆ A Letter To Momo ☆ Paprika

[@zxro56]

ahh i was just thinking of watching anime movies and you posted this video, thank you monika! definitely adding these on my list! 🥺🙈💗

[@cinemoni]

Glad to hear that!🥺💜

[@mochisprite9779]

I was literally pausing on every movie to add them to my anime list, lol. Belle sounds really, really interesting, like a mix of Howl's Moving Castle and the webtoon True Beauty :3

[@wtshwshrrds]

i was sooo obsessed with belle back then 😭😭 i even created a wattpad ff about it lol (i didn’t get to finish it tho)

[@whateverbabe]

My favourite ghibli film is definitely "Only Yesterday" because I related to it so much, I spent most of my childhood in the countryside with my grandma. I turned 27 this year just like her age 😅 that's why I should re-watch it to feel it more.

[@tripleb6740]

same

[@_THE_FBI]

Can you tell me where can I watch these movies mentioned in video for like free I'm broke

[@_THE_FBI]

Can you tell me where can I watch these movies mentioned in video for like free I'm broke

[@whateverbabe]

@@_THE_FBI I have sent you a link but it was automatically deleted since it's not legal

[@edziopedzio9701]

Only Yesterday is the worst ghibli movie imo

[@cutelashes2969]

1. The Night is short, walk on girl✅ too slow got bored 2. Ride your wave ✅ loved it 3. Belle✅ Really good nice animation 4. Mirai no Mirai ✅ nice, cute 5. A letter to Momo (didn't find it interesting, didn't watch it) 6. In this corner of the world ✅ very heartwarming, a little sad but shows day to day life of person during war 7. Paprika ✅ Interesting film 8.

[@vitelote7788]

I recommended Colors of Youth last time and I agree with you so much, I mean of course I don't like all 3 stories the same but for me, for anyone who wants to see it, they must be seen at the same time, they are very different, but, in a way, they complement each other (they do not criticize the same thing)

[@faithrains4203]

Watched Belle with my sister based on your recommendation. IT WAS SO GOOD!! The music and visuals were BREATHTAKING. Thank you for recommending it 😄

[@Starriaaa]

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzamiya is a masterpiece and needs to be watched. Also Madoka Magica Rebellion, only issue is you should watch the shows before the movies

[@crazy1tad1pole1]

Out of this list, I only watched Paprika and Flavors of Youth. So I have a lot of movies to watch now, thank you! My recommendation would be "Josee the tiger and the fish" (Josee to tora to sakana-tachi). Watched it recently and loved it.

[@rainydaze2889]

I legit love your style❤️ It’s so cute, and chill. Thank you for all the suggestions!

[@joshmcgootermier2301]

Thanks for this. Really been looking for movies that dont require a hundred or so episode investment... Really wish there was more sci fi but guess romance is a popular topic.

[@seanmartyn3956]

Belle was awesome, I watched the dubbed version in theatres. Soundtrack was AMAZING, I loved it! Thought the story was good, not anything super remarkable, but very enjoyable none the less. I was the only person in the whole theatre though so it was cool to have it completely to myself haha

[@JakeUtd]

Just less than halfway through this video and already these recommendations are exactly what I've been looking for! Thank you!

[@Manima108]

Belle was a fantastic film - I loved how they dealt with extremely pertinent topics - being yourself in a world of social media, looking past superficial qualities, opening yourself up to the external world, dealing with past traumatic events - I need to rewatch it! but it was so good omg, especially watching it in a movie theatre

[@superheromimose]

Thank you! I watch until now only one movie from your list. Night is short, walk on girl. And im blown away, thank you so mutch!

[@v_zach]

I saw the trailer for Ride Your Wave when Belle was playing in theaters, but forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder.

[@laurenfaith9370]

I love Only Yesterday! I actually live in the prefecture of Japan that it's set in and it is so accurate in the film! Also, I watched Belle yesterday and honestly it was so good! I didn't really know what to expect going into it, but I cannot stop listening to the soundtrack! I heard that the anime studio worked with some of the disney character design team for Belle which is why she somewhat resembles Anna and Elsa.

[@florintiaxjw]

I definitely recommend "The Boy and the Beast", its one of my favorite anime movies. Its SO GOOD. One of the best films I've ever watched I'd say

[@tiff2072]

Agreed!!

[@Yawarra]

never joined a discord group this fast. great video!! 🍓

[@therealdebater]

Yay, Only Yesterday is one of my favourites. It makes me cry every time I see it. I'm going to watch some of the others on your list.

[@vickythao1569]

Have you watched Big Fish & Begonia yet? I feel like a lot of anime watchers would love the film! Although it is more on the chinese anime aspect, the animation gives me a lot of studio ghibli vibes.

[@hoshitime7785]

This movie disappinting me, i need more, more more about the fantastic world and the romance is really bad in my opinion. 50/50

[@vickythao1569]

@@hoshitime7785 Well in my opinion, I think the movie did such a good job with how love is sometimes portrayed. She falls in love with someone and does everything for him. Her best friend falls in love with her and does everything for her. Its a tragic love story. Its honest and heartbreaking. The animation is also so stunning as well, just like all studio ghibli.

[@hoshitime7785]

@@vickythao1569Thats the problem for me, i love the world, the characters. I need more about their relationship. Maybe the movie want this type of myth about two soulmates but is not for me.

[@sofiaaaadln]

aaaaa so excited to watch these movies!!!💐

[@cinemoni]

Yayyy!

[@margauxbonnardot7173]

The editing is really good! You forgot Angel's egg and Tekkonkinkreet that are absolutely amazing! I highly recommend them!

[@moonriversou]

I can't believe it, I watched Ride Your Wave like 5 days ago, I don't really watch anime movie that much and here you speak of it. Such a telepathy moment. Also, I will be sure to add all of these to letterboxd, you're already got me hooked on Belle.

[@dragosdiana2060]

This video is very helpful and I can’t wait to see those movies! Thank you for your video☺️☺️

[@marianacs6415]

Always love your recommendations

[@ahumblecookie8997]

Loved your suggestions! :) Personally, I'm more of a TV series fan when it comes to anime, but there is this one movie that I fell in LOVE with right after watching it at an animation festival. Barely anyone talks about it in the anime community, so I will try to make it shine** It's called Fuse: Memoirs of a Hunter Girl by Masayuki Miyaji. Even though the animation isn't as stunning, there are quite a few things in this movie that reminded me of Spirited Away: the pace and the way the story pulls you in (this is an issue when I try to show anime movies to my friends and family bc a lot of them find them too slow paced :') ), and the two MC's relationship, which reminded me of Chihiro and Haku's. The soundtrack is also amazing. For the main theme, they merged tango music (?) - excuse my ignorance if that's not right - and I love that they merged something so different into a fantasy and folklore-rich, Japanese historical setting! Lastly, there is a short movie (45min) which is the very sweet, touching and underrated "Hotarubi no Mori e". If you're familiar with Natsume Yuujinchou, it gives off a similar vibe (that's how I got into the series!).

[@ponyostudies4933]

Thanks for the films!! i updated my watchlist i’m so excitedd to watch them!!💗

[@maddiemerchant4821]

totally try macquia it’s stunning n has a great storyline

[@cinemoni]

Yess i mentioned it in my other video, so beautiful

[@glennyglen]

lovee your top

[@somebodynowhere]

I saw only yesterday some years ago when turner classic movies was doing an anime special and it really was amazing. yes miyazaki's works are incredible but only yesterday is a ghibli work that people really seem to have slept on and that is really unfortunate for such a great film

[@Timanator]

Thanks for the video, I never knew about Only Yesterday.

[@Srpomme]

Thanks for this list 🌼✨❤️

[@cinemoni]

💜☺️

[@megankoeller1554]

Only Yesterday is one of my all time favorite movies 💕💕💕

[@cinemoni]

It’s incredible 💜

[@jackwarren1516]

Only Yesterday is one of my all time faves!! So relatable and genuine and enjoyable!

[@CryBabyCreations]

thank you. Im adding these on my movie list in my notes.

[@ZeroZmm]

I came to find suggestions but I've already seen all but 2 of these movies. Which means those 2 I'll definitely enjoy 10/10 video. Btw, Belle in the theater was fantastic.

[@lawofficer1987]

THIS IS THE LEGIT BEST INTRO EVER

[@dabestest1387]

ugh you genuinely don’t know how much your movie related vids!

[@pavlovsdaughter7346]

I just came upon this channel so I am not sure if you have touched on this movie but I absolutely love children of the sea. The end gave me goosebumps!

[@chelingtonmoto9264]

We have similar taste in anime, I have seen almost all of these so I will add not a movie but a series, Carol and Tuesday, best soundtrack ever!

[@macross25]

Macross DYRL, Project A-ko, VENUS WARS, AKIRA, Nausicaa Valley of the Wind, Ghost in the Shell (Original film), Patlabor films 1 & 2, Megazone 23 Part II, Violet Evergarden is pretty good and if you want your mind messed with... Perfect Blue. the following movies should keep you busy and enthralled for a bit.

[@emilychow5872]

I completely agree with Ride You Wave 🌊 but for me I cried so much and was heartbroken for a week 😭

[@tunamochirice]

I love paprika! I haven’t seen tokyo godfathers yet but now I want to watch it! Also ride your wave is really wholesome. @ 9:40 i think when marnie was there is also an underrated ghibli movie IMO

[@sheinanogales489]

I've already watched them all and some others that wasn't mentioned here.. I need more 😭

[@neichalyflores620]

Omg you are so cute! I love your hair 💕 thank you for the great movie recommendations.

[@MakiZenin837]

Can u pleaseeee make more vidoes like this??😭😭 i literally need some recommendations

[@creatingNACHO]

Love your recommendations!! ❤️

[@cinemoni]

Thank youuuu💜

[@matthewdimarcantonio4627]

only yesterday of my favorite ghibli movies. the main characters are so charming

[@eyeoji]

To whom is reading this, don't give up on your KZbin channel. Keep going, and stay focus on your dreams, you have to work consistently to make it real, don't worry, you will make it 💪🏼🌟.

[@andrewm3674]

Hey Monika, I saw on your Letterboxd that you have Columbus by Koganada as one of your top four favorite films. That’s also one of my favorite films! Are you going to check out Koganada’s new film, After Yang? It’s showing at Sundance(online) later this week. I was able to get tickets for the premiere and I’m super excited for it!

[@madinaaqil6832]

I really liked the second story from flavors of youth, i really liked that it was realistic. No revenge she just accepted it.. it was really nice

[@madinaaqil6832]

She accepted it and did the best she could without giving up

[@miacruz7950]

THE NIGHT IS SHORT WALK ON GIRL IS JUST SO AMAZING ILL NEVER GET OVER IT

[@bluedreamer6564]

Only Yesterday "...was animated by Studio Ghibli for Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television Network and Hakuhodo, and distributed by Toho."

[@cinemoni]

I said it’s a ghibli movie in the video :)

[@bluedreamer6564]

@@cinemoni Sorry, I hadn't gotten to it, yet, it was saved in my "watch later." Just saw that it was in the video. :p

[@n0lw3nn.]

Ride your wave was so good it was the only thing i could think of for a couple of days after watching it

[@bapidas11904]

Thank you for recommending such a beautiful movie Belle make my day❤❤❤

[@user-qm5pf1em8d]

Bell was like disney~ㅎㅎ subscribed to study english~!

[@fatemaejannatfaria4503]

Sooo exited!!! Love from bangladesh!❤️

[@cinemoni]

💜💜💜

[@kyu-kun4343]

Only yesterday is hands down my favourite Ghibli movie and no one agrees with me. But I love it's Play on nostolgia and it's soundtrack is also amazing. Thank you for acknowledging it's amazing ness

[@plumrains5010]

not cry at Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop? You underestimate my power!! Seriously though when that song hit and seeing the old man recall all those memories, I was balling so hard. How can someone not cry at that?

[@dusxxiii9629]

thank you so much for this

[@keshavanimationland6295]

Thank you sister 🙏

[@jdmendoza5891]

i already watch all you've list in this video since 2000 and still watching this yr 2023 .,

[@kimoliveros3204]

Can you recommend a Shrek like movie? I mean the color of his forest, his amazing adventures, and his friends ughhhh I love the theme of that movie so much!

[@himitsuj1n240]

OMG RIDE YOUR WAVE LITERALLY MY FAV MOVIE😭😭

[@fairysobs]

the night is short, walk on girl is actually spiritual sequel from anime the tatami galaxy

[@weirddeck4193]

Been wondering where you been

[@deiji2316]

I see incredible opinions everywhere about the movie Bell and I feel like I was the only one who was disappointed about this movie... I find it beautiful, with a really great potential ! But in my opinion there are too many different topics covered and the film does not exploit these subjects to the end... I had the feeling that some subjects remain unresolved. It's only my opinion, but I really really don't understand the enthusiasm :( (sorry for my english)

[@fernandacarvalh.o]

👏👏👏

[@aldodevano7112]

Samee

[@aerimsong]

Belle's visualization and musics are top-notch. I'm obsessed with all of its songs. The last scene in the virtual world was really cool. But story-wise, it was underwhelming. The worldbuilding was not explored and explained well. A lot of things feel like it was rushed.

[@saswatmishra6917]

Totally feel the same way. Like they had lots of material but had to wrap up the movie at the 2 hour mark and so some threads were left unfinished

[@paulinefontilara7871]

Same! I really love the artsyle and the animation of it but i didn't like how they left a big hole and the pacing was just really confusing, i hope they can fix it if possible.

[@DangitBobby9960]

Thank you for the list I found it late but I digress... I like the revolutionary girl Utena movie as well as the girl who lept through time

[@empressgalaxia5664]

Yeah Belle you need to see it!!!🤩truly and experiance

[@cing9545]

I loved Tenki no ko, especially the colours

[@lotusflower1953]

You really really need to watch "Josee the tiger and the fish" It's up next to "Your name" for me.

[@fairysobs]

idk why I'm so proud of the fact that I've already watched every movie you mention

[@matthewdimarcantonio4627]

these are awesome recommendations