What are the best anime movies to watch and stream in December 2023? Ranging from recently released films to movie adaptations of popular anime series, here are some of the best anime movies to watch and stream on various streaming platforms.
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King
Black Clover is back with an anime film. The series is a popular one in the shonen category, alongside other fantasy titles. The first season of the anime adaptation of Black Clover premiered in October 2017 and ran for 51 episodes. The second season followed a year later with the same number of episodes. The third season aired in October 2019 with 52 episodes. The fourth season was released in December 2020 with a total of 16 episodes.
The official synopsis of Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King from Netflix reads:
“As a lionhearted boy who can’t wield magic strives for the title of Wizard King, four banished Wizard Kings of yore return to crush the Clover Kingdom.”
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is available to stream on Netflix.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train
With the recent end of Demon Slayer’s third season, some fans might want to revisit the old arcs of the series. For those who want to switch up their Demon Slayer experience, watching the Mugen Train arc in movie form is a good choice.
The official synopsis from Crunchyroll reads:
“Falling forever into an endless dream… Tanjiro and the group have completed their rehabilitation training at the Butterfly Mansion, and they arrive to their next mission on the Mugen Train, where over 40 people have disappeared in a very short period of time. Tanjiro and Nezuko, along with Zenitsu and Inosuke, join one of the most powerful swordsmen within the Demon Slayer Corps, Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, to face the demon aboard the Mugen Train on track to despair.”
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Aside from the best anime movies, fans who are looking for English dubbed series might be looking for recommendations. Check out our guide on the best anime on Netflix with English voices dubbed audio.
One Piece Film: Red
One Piece Film: Red offers a different kind of atmosphere compared to the other One Piece films. Fans of the series who also love listening to anime music and have their own dedicated playlists will enjoy the movie. Aside from its amazing soundtrack, there are the classic kind of amazing fight scenes that are always present in One Piece.
The official synopsis from Crunchyroll states:
“Uta, the most beloved singer in the world whose voice has been described as “otherworldly”, is renowned for concealing her own identity when performing. Now, for the first time ever, she will reveal herself to the world at a live concert.”
One Piece Film: Red is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
If you are looking for a wholesome slice-of-life movie with a degree of romantic comedy, try checking out Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop. The colors and animation style aren’t exactly the usual for anime, which makes it especially interesting. The music is also worth checking out. Kyohei Ishiguro (Your Lie in April) directs the movie.
The official synopsis of Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop on Netflix is:
“After meeting one bright, sunny day, a shy boy who expresses himself through haiku and a bubbly but self-conscious girl share a brief, magical summer.”
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is available to stream on Netflix.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Even if you have not seen the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series, you can watch Jujutsu Kaisen 0 to get a feel of the anime. Furthermore, there is no need for you to watch the anime before watching this movie because it is set as a prequel to the main series. The movie’s timeline happens a year before the events of the anime. It features Yuta Okkotsu, who is a year ahead of Yuji Itadori and the others. As expected with MAPPA, the animation is top-tier and the fight scenes are incredible.
The official synopsis of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 on Crunchyroll reads:
“Yuta Okkotsu, a nervous high school student, enrolls in the mysterious Tokyo Jujutsu High School under the guidance of Satoru Gojo after being haunted by the curse of his childhood friend.”
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Akira
For veteran anime fans, many consider this cyberpunk film from the 80s as an iconic one and an all-around classic. The film has its own distinct legacy and is generally considered to be one of the greatest animated movies of all time. It also made its mark within popular culture, both Japanese and Western. This is where the infamous “Akira slide” shot comes from, which is referenced in numerous animated and live-action films. Akira is worth checking out for fans of both the sci-fi and action genres.
The official synopsis of Akira from Crunchyroll is:
“Clandestine army activities threaten the war torn city of Neo-Tokyo when a mysterious being with powerful psychic abilities escapes his prison and inadvertently draws a violent motorcycle gang into a heinous web of experimentation. As a result, a biker with a twisted mind embarks on a path of war, seeking revenge against a society what once called him weak.”
Akira is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
The Neon Genesis Evangelion series is considered as one of the best for many anime fans. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time is the last film in the Rebuild of Evangelion movie series. If you are a fan of the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, then the movie is a must-watch as it is essentially the finale of the whole series. There have been mixed reactions to the movie, but a good portion of fans are satisfied with how it ended.
The official synopsis of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time from Amazon Prime Video is:
“The fourth and final installment of the Rebuild of Evangelion. Misato and her anti-Nerv group Wille arrive in Paris, a city now red from core-ization. Crew from the flagship Wunder land on a containment tower.”
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon A Time is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation
Fans of Boys’ Love and the Sasaki and Miyano anime series should give this movie a try. This is a fairly new release, having only premiered last September 28, 2023. The movie follows the events of the Sasaki and Miyano anime. It is an adaptation of the Graduation arc of the manga. Given the slow burn vibe of the anime series, it is interesting to see what happens next with this wholesome couple.
The official synopsis of Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation on Crunchyroll reads:
“Miyano’s world of Boys’ Love manga turns to reality when chance leads him to Sasaki. Now, Sasaki wants to spend every opportunity with him.”
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Your Name
The anime experience wouldn’t be complete without checking out Makoto Shinkai’s movies. Your Name takes us on an emotional journey alongside absolutely beautiful visuals. For those who cry easily, this movie might make you tear up a little too. The music by Radwimps is a must-add to your anime playlist.
The official synopsis of Your Name on Crunchyroll is:
“Mitsuha and Taki are total strangers living completely different lives. But when Mitsuha makes a wish to leave her mountain town for the bustling city of Tokyo, they become connected in a bizarre way. She dreams she is a boy living in Tokyo while Taki dreams he is a girl from a rural town he’s never visited.
What does their newfound connection mean? And how will it bring them together? Find out in the latest film from the acclaimed auteur Makoto Shinkai.”
Your Name (English dub) is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Laid-Back Camp Movie / Yuru Camp Movie
If you enjoyed the Laid-Back Camp/Yuru Camp series, then the movie is a must-see. The girls from the camping club are now young adults with jobs. The movie reunites the group as they work on developing a campsite project. If you haven’t seen the anime yet, it’s definitely worth checking out before seeing the movie. The series stays true to its title and gives off chill, laid-back, and peaceful vibes with camping elements.
The official synopsis of the Laid-Back Camp anime on Crunchyroll reads:
“Nadeshiko, a high school student who had moved from Shizuoka to Yamanashi, decides to see the famous, 1000 yen-bill-featured Mount Fuji. Even though she manages to bike all the way to Motosu, she’s forced to turn back because of worsening weather. Unable to set her eyes on her goal, she faints partway to her destination. When she wakes up, it’s night, in a place she’s never been before, with no way of knowing how to get home. Nadeshiko is saved when she encounters Rin, a girl who is out camping by herself. This outdoorsy girls story begins with this first encounter between Nadeshiko and Rin.”
The Laid-Back Camp anime and movie are available to watch on Crunchyroll.
A Whisker Away
Fans who like anime with a touch of magic, cats, and romance might want to check out A Whisker Away. Miyo is an 8th grader who has a crush on her schoolmate, Hinode. After she gets a mysterious mask that turns her into a cat, she uses this to get closer to Hinode. However, Miyo eventually gets conflicted between being a human and a cat. There’s a wonderful lesson in the movie about life which makes it a feel-good watch.
The official synopsis of A Whisker Away from Netflix is:
“A peculiar girl transforms into a cat to catch her crush’s attention. But before she realizes it, the line between human and animal starts to blur.”
A Whisker Away is available to stream on Netflix.
Inu-Oh
The director of Devilman Crybaby, Masaaki Yuasa, returns to deliver more amazing visuals. Inu-Oh is set in 14th-century Japan and revolves around a dancer with unique physical traits and a blind musician. Aside from the outstanding quality of the animation, the soundtrack is also an amazing mix of classic rock and Japanese music.
The official synopsis from Hulu states:
“Born to an esteemed family, Inu-Oh is afflicted with an ancient curse that has left him on the margins of society. When he meets the blind musician Tomona, a traveling performer haunted by his past, Inu-Oh discovers a captivating ability to dance. The pair quickly become business partners and inseparable friends as crowds flock to their magnetic, larger-than-life concerts. But when those in power threaten to break up the band, Inu-Oh and Tomona must dance and sing to uncover the truth behind their creative gifts.”
Inu-Oh is streaming on Hulu.
Looking for a way to watch and stream anime online? Check out our guide on the best anime websites for watching and streaming online.
