What are some of the best anime movies that you can watch and stream in April 2024? If you want to take a break from watching anime series that go by episodes, you can try watching movies instead.
Here is a guide on some of the best anime movies to watch and stream on multiple streaming platforms.
Maboroshi (Alice and Therese’s Illusory Factory)
Mari Okada, a prominent figure in the anime industry, wrote and directed Maboroshi. Okada also worked on Anohana, Toradora, and Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms. If you liked any of those series then Maboroshi is worth checking out. MAPPA produced this movie, and the wonderful animation and art style live up to the studio’s high standards.
The official synopsis of Maboroshi reads:
“This is the story of those armed with an unstoppable urge to fall in love who struggle for a future in a world where change is forbidden.
The urge to fall in love will destroy the world.
Fourteen-year-old Masamune lives in a town where the flow of time has stopped after an explosion at a steel factory seals off all avenues of escape. In hopes that everything will someday return to normal, the town makes a rule that nothing must be changed, and Masamune spends his days in depression. One day, his intriguing and enigmatic classmate Mutsumi leads him into a blast furnace at the steel factory. There, he finds Itsumi, a girl who cannot speak and acts like a wild wolf. Masamune’s encounter with these two girls begins eroding the balance of the world. What future awaits the unstoppable urge to fall in love?”
Maboroshi is available to stream on Netflix.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Studio Ghibli movies are always a go-to for any anime fan. Whether the viewer is only getting into anime or has been watching for years, Ghibli movies are always a good choice. Kiki’s Delivery Service is yet another magical movie that hits you right in the feels. It talks about growing up and becoming independent in a new place, which many of people can easily relate to.
The synopsis of Kiki’s Delivery Service states:
“A resourceful young witch uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt.”
Kiki’s Delivery Service is streaming on HBO Max.
Given the Movie
If you like music and the boys’ love (BL) genre of anime, then this movie can be a heartwarming watch. While Given does have an anime series, watching the movie is its own unique viewing experience. A sequel to this movie was released in Japan back in January, so hopefully the sequel will also be streaming soon.
The synopsis for Given the Movie reads:
“High school student Ritsuka Uenoyama is shocked when he hears Mafuyu Sato’s singing voice. He and his other bandmates, Haruki Nakayama and Akihiko Kaji, then welcome him into their band as a vocalist. After Mafuyu joins, their first live performance is a huge success, and they make their official debut as the band “Given.” In the midst of all this, Ritsuka realizes that he has feelings for Mafuyu and they start seeing each other. Meanwhile, Haruki secretly has had feelings for Akihiko for years, but Akihiko was still in a relationship with his roommate, the violinist Ugetsu Murata. Haruki, Akihiko, and Ugetsu’s love clashes on the big screen and starts to move forward.”
Given the Movie is streaming on Crunchyroll.
One Piece Film: Gold
Many anime fans consider the story of One Piece overall to be top-tier and while One Piece Film: Gold isn’t canon, it’s still a good watch. The aesthetics of the film are wonderful and seeing the Straw Hats in fashionable clothing is a plus. Also, despite the series having over a thousand episodes, many fans want to see the Straw Hats in more adventures, and this movie provides that.
The synopsis for One Piece Film: Gold is:
“A gripping tale unfolds in the spectacular city of Gran Tesoro, where Luffy and his crew are drawn by dreams of hitting the jackpot.”
One Piece Film: Gold is on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation is another movie for the boys’ love (BL) fans. While you do need to watch the anime first before the movie, the whole Sasaki and Miyano watching experience is a delight overall. Graduation continues after the events of the first season, following Episode 12. You’ll once again enjoy the wholesome and heartwarming vibe from Season 1.
Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation covers the next development in Sasaki and Miyano’s relationship since Sasaki is graduating high school. The synopsis of Sasaki and Miyano 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 on Crunchyroll.
K-On! The Movie
K-On is a must-watch music and slice-of-life series and while the movie isn’t exactly a sequel to the anime, its plot points intersect with the events of the last few episodes of Season 2. Regardless of this, the movie is fun to watch, especially if you appreciate stories that revolve around wholesome friendships. It’s also full of humor.
The synopsis for K-On! The Movie states:
“Yui and the crew pass their university entrance exams, but they have a lot to accomplish before they graduate and move on. They set out on a journey of discovery and friendship that takes them all the way to London!”
K-On! The Movie is streaming on HIDIVE.
For more anime content, check out our guide on the spring 2024 anime list: release schedule and where to watch.
