10) Memories (English Dub)
At times Memories may feel like it’s more just the sum of its parts, but when those parts are all so eclectic and enjoyable that’s not necessarily a problem. The three stories in Memories are bound to resonate differently between audiences, but the movie’s strength lies in the versatility of its storytelling. If all three segments were similar or took less risks than it might be a more appealing film to one sect of people, but alienate everyone else. Memories is able to dip into sci-fi, horror, comedy, and even war as it highlights the many ways in which humanity can be united and dissolved. Memories is over 25 years old, but this excellently remastered and freshly dubbed version of this masterpiece is one of the best animated films that you’ll see in 2021.
9) Gintama: The Very Final Review (English Dub)
There is absolutely nothing else out there like Gintama and the anime world will be just a little bit darker now that this pivotal action-gag-genre breaking-whatever anime series has concluded. If Gintama: The Very Final is in fact the conclusion of this anime’s 15-year saga then it’s an extremely satisfying way for the series to go out. It reaches an incredibly moving conclusion that finds the perfect tone between its disparate sensibilities and the emotionally resonant moments never get too sappy or melodramatic. Gintoki, Kagura, Shinpachi, and the rest of the rabid characters that fill the Gintama universe have always played by their own rules and that’s exactly how Gintama: The Very Final decides to say goodbye.
8) The Stranger By The Shore (English Dub)
The Stranger by the Shore is my first foray into the yaoi genre. Yaoi, or boy’s love, usually involves a relationship between two men. If you have never tried it before I can tell you with experience this is an excellent place to start. This was a fantastic movie that had my feelings all over the place. With the short runtime for the movie (it clocks in just under an hour) it feels a little rushed at times but it was still a beautiful story.
7) Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish (English Dub)
I have been wanting to see Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish since it was announced. I wanted to see it so bad that I drove 167 miles to the nearest theater that was showing it. Was it worth it? For me, it’s a resounding yes.
6) Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway (English Dub)
Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway is a fantastic film and I found myself smiling almost the entire time. Which is saying something because as far as mobile suit battles go (usually the reason to watch a Gundam series) they are few and far between. The movie has a pretty awesome opening segment that leaves a really strong first impression. It also has a message that resonates today which is interesting since it was first written thirty-two years ago. Hathaway thinks that humans are ruining the Earth and should move to space so Earth can heal for a time which is definitely a topic of discussion today. I felt like I had my favorite characters in the Gundam universe pretty much settled. After seeing this movie I’m not sure, Hathaway Noa is a really interesting character especially if you know his past from Char’s Counterattack.
5) The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl (English Dub)
The Night is Short, Walk on Girl is a celebration of life that’s like nothing else that’s ever been seen. Even those that don’t like animation, comedies, or romances, owe it to themselves to check out this piece of work just to experience the unconventional way that Masaaki Yuasa has constructed this story. It’s a work of art like no other and it’s extremely exciting that this weird, wonderful film now has an English dub so that even more people can enjoy its magic.
4) Kuroko’s Basketball: Last Game (English Dub)
If you have watched every season of Kuroko’s Basketball you’re definitely going to want to watch this movie. If you haven’t watched the previous seasons you should. It is a masterpiece of the sports genre, blending action and shounen battle themes as well. I’ve mentioned many times that it’s like Dragonball Z meets basketball and it’s awesome. You won’t have much more fun than by watching Kuroko’s Basketball.
3) Knights of Sidonia: Love Woven in the Stars (English Dub)
I am constantly re-arranging my top ten anime list so this might not have as much weight as I would hope. But after seeing Knights of Sidonia: Love Woven in the Stars it has earned a place on that list. This movie was a joy to watch and I experienced every emotion you could while watching a movie. Joy, sadness, surprise, this movie was amazing to experience. I think sticking the landing is very difficult to do and this does it almost perfectly.
2) Violet Evergarden: The Movie (English Dub)
Kyoto Animation has always made beautiful animation but I think they really outdid themselves with Violet Evergarden. The show, specials, and now the movie have been some of the most pleasing things to watch I have ever seen. If you are a fan of great human stories and amazing animation you have no excuse to not watch everything there is of Violet Evergarden. It might seem like a big commitment but I promise when you are done you will wish there was more.
1) Demon Slayer: The Movie “Mugen Train” (English Dub)
I am going to keep the spoilers to an absolute minimum cause I want everyone to experience this film the right way. I was not a believer, I kept thinking “There is no possible way this movie is THAT good” and I am here to tell you I was wrong. Not only is it that good but honestly it might have been undersold. No self-respecting anime fan should miss out on this movie cause it’s going to be remembered for a long time.