Mohsin Lag
In this list, you’ll explore the coolest anime movies of 2020, covering various genres like isekai, romance, drama, and even action. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy!
All these films are pretty fresh, having mostly come out in 2020. You’ll also find some original animated films, along with adaptations based on well-known series. We hope you discover some awesome new movies on this collection. So, if you’ve seen and liked any of them, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below!
16. The Island of Giant Insects Movie
Coming out in January 2020 and made by Studio Passione, The Island of Giant Insects Movie is a horror Japanese film. It tells the story of Oribe Mutsumi and her classmates, who get stuck on a deserted island after a plane crash during a school trip.
Mutsumi, using her knowledge of the wilderness, helps the survivors. She thinks they’ll be rescued in about three days, but there’s a big problem – the island is full of huge killer insects. Mutsumi’s understanding of butterflies, wasps, and more might be the key to helping her classmates survive until rescue arrives!
15. Over the Sky
If you’re into isekai anime movies, Over The Sky is a 2020 film that you’ll enjoy. The story revolves around high school friends Mio Miyamasu and Arata Kishimo. Mio has feelings for Arata but struggles to express them. When her friend Madoka asks about her feelings, Mio encourages Madoka to pursue Arata instead.
During a visit to a fortune-teller, a strange phenomenon occurs, leading to an argument between Mio and Arata. Feeling guilty, Mio goes out in the rain to apologize, but an accident changes everything.
14. BEM: Become Human
BEM: Become Human, a must-watch anime film of 2020 produced by Studio Production I.G, offers a mix of action, horror, and supernatural genres that you’ll enjoy.
Set two years after the last episode of the TV series, Detective Sonia Summers is on the trail of Bem and the others. Reuniting with Belo, who’s battling a dark organization solo, she discovers Bem living in the city as an ordinary employee, seemingly unaware of his past.
13. Looking for Magical Doremi
Magical Doremi is an award-winning anime movie from 2020, made by Toei Animation Studio. This animated drama-comedy follows three women with different lives.
There is the 27-year-old office worker Mire Yoshizuki, the 22-year-old college student Sora Nagase, and the 20-year-old Reika Kawatani, who works part-time at an okonomiyaki shop in Hiroshima. Their connection comes from a magical gem, and a ‘New Magical Story’ unfolds as they are brought together by chance to embark on a magical journey.
12. Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna
Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna is a 2020 anime movie filled with action and adventure, part of the popular Digimon franchise. Fans loved it for its exciting storyline. The plot revolves around the Chosen Children and their Digimon partners living happily in the human world. Taichi Yagami and Yamato Ishida, along with their friends, work to maintain peace.
However, their plans are disrupted by Menoa Bellucci, an American Digimon researcher, who brings news of Chosen Children worldwide falling into comas with their Digimon missing. Menoa suspects a new kind of Digimon, Eosmon, hidden in the depths of the internet. To tackle this mission, the team must overcome the growing distance between them and unite one last time.
11. Kud Wafter
First on the list is Kud Wafter, a 2020 anime movie that was released on November 28th, with a runtime of just under an hour (50 minutes to be precise). While more of a short and captivating story than a full-length film, it has brought joy to anime fans worldwide.
The plot follows an incident involving Masato Inohara, who accidentally hits a baseball into the school’s water main, causing damage to the boys’ dormitory. With the dorm partially crippled, the boys have to temporarily stay in the girls’ dormitory until a plumber fixes the issue. To decide their room assignments, they draw tickets from a hat, leading to a situation where some boys end up without a bed due to limited capacity.
Amidst this predicament, Riki Naoe draws a ticket that lands him in one of the less-than-cozy clubrooms. Observing his unfortunate situation, Kudryavka “Kud” Noumi, feeling nervous, gathers the courage to confront her feelings. She asks Riki to stay in her room instead. Despite teasing from the rest of the Little Busters about their relationship, Riki decides to spend the summer with Kud.
Throughout the season, they share unforgettable experiences, realizing that their bond might transcend beyond mere friendship. Packed with themes like comedy and romance, Kud Wafter stands out as one of the must-watch Japanese anime films of 2020.
10. High School Fleet
High School Fleet hit the screens on January 18th and runs for 1 hour and 43 minutes, full of action and suspense that’ll keep you on your toes. Surprisingly, this 2020 anime movie got even better feedback than the original anime. Both share themes of action, school, and military.
The story unfolds at Yokosuka Girls’ Marine High School during interschool competitive games with other all-girls maritime high schools. Students from different years gather, creating a lively atmosphere with festivals and tournaments.
In the midst of the excitement, Akeno Misaki, captain of the distinguished Harekaze class, and her executive officer Mashiro Munetani face mixed feelings. Their instructor brings news of an opportunity for Mashiro to lead the Hiei class, forcing her to make a tough decision. Meanwhile, Akeno grapples with the situation. But hold on, there’s more!
Yokosuka faces a new challenge when pirates capture a water purification plant and sea fortress, threatening the safety of the sea. Now, Akeno and Mashiro must lead the Harekaze class through this tough situation, dealing with their own difficulties along the way.
High School Fleet is a thrilling anime movie that stood out in 2020, and you won’t want to miss such a great action-packed adventure!
9. Happy-Go-Lucky Days
Happy Go Lucky Days, also known as Dounika Naru Hibi, aired on October 23rd and runs for 54 minutes. It’s a great anime movie packed with short stories about love, relationships, and other awkward topics. The unique art style, combined with drama, romance, and slice-of-life themes, makes it stand out. Many anime fans have enjoyed it, making it one of the must-watch movies of 2020.
Love is a universal theme here. Whether it’s the pain or the joy of being in love, it becomes a cherished memory. This omnibus anime weaves together tales like The wedding of an ex, a student and a teacher at an all-boys’ school, and childhood friends whose bodies and hearts change with adolescence. Each story explores the value of love and different lifestyles, making it a top pick for 2020.
8. Majo Minarai wo Sagashite
Now, we have Majo Minarai wo Sagashite, which stands out as one of the most iconic anime movie releases of 2020. Also known by its English name, Searching for Witch Apprentices, this story beautifully intertwines the lives of three girls. Their paths would never have crossed if not for a magical gem.
Among these girls is an office worker, another is a college student, and the third is a part-time shop worker. The enchantment of this good-hearted comedy unfolds as all three are mysteriously brought together in a world filled with magic.
7. Ongaku
Ongaku is a great slice of life film, a passion project crafted almost entirely by Kenji Iwaisawa over seven years, and it’s my choice for the best anime movie of 2020. The story follows Kenji, Asakura, and Oota, a trio of school friends known for senselessly beating up other delinquents.
Tired of their routine fights, Kenji decides to start a band on a whim, bringing in the rest of the gang. Even with having no musical experience, their first session surpasses all expectations. Ongaku beautifully captures the journey of these teenage boys as they discover the joy of making music, turning a simple cure for boredom into a passionate expression during their first live performance.
6. Burn The Witch
Derived from a manga with a concise 4 chapters and an anime consisting of merely 3 episodes, each lasting 20 minutes, we have the one-hour-long magical anime movie of 2020 called “Burn The Witch.” This is a good treat for fantasy fans, as it brings a blend of action, magic, and, of course, fantasy.
The storyline follows Noel Niihashi and Ninny Spangcole, who serve as witch and protection agents for the Wing Bind organization. Their task involves safeguarding and overseeing the dragons within London on behalf of the people.
5. Kimi Wa Kanata
Continuing with our list of highly suggested anime movies from 2020, we have “Kimi Wa Kanata,” also recognized as “You Are Beyond.” This drama and fantasy-themed film has a duration of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
The plot revolves around a love story between the main characters, Mio, a girl who harbors feelings for the love interest Arata. Unfortunately, she struggles to find the right way to express her emotions. As the story unfolds, a significant and intriguing event takes place, adding more depth to this heartwarming tale.
4. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, a drama romance anime movie created by studio Bones, stands out as one of the best anime movies of 2020 and beyond. The story follows Tsuneo Suzukawa, a university student with a passion for diving and marine biology. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Josee, a girl in a wheelchair, in a fateful accident. Initially finding Josee rude, Tsuneo is convinced by her grandmother to take on a paid job as Josee’s caretaker.
Regardless of the challenges, Tsuneo sees this as an opportunity to save money for his dream of studying abroad. As he gets to know Josee and her dreams of exploring the world, Tsuneo decides to accompany her on a journey of discovery. Through their shared experiences, both characters find that their unique traits may be key to realizing their respective aspirations.
3. Violet Evergarden The Movie
Violet Evergarden The Movie, released in 2020, continues the success of the series. The story unfolds after The Great War, where Violet transitions from a soldier to an Auto Memory Doll, aiding others as a writing assistant. Through transcribing letters, she reflects on her past actions and traumas.
Over time, she gains self-understanding and realizes that the emotions she experienced during the war were indeed love. If you enjoy heartfelt stories that make you cry and Studio Kyoto Animation’s exceptional animation, this movie is a must-watch.
2. A Whisker Away
Claiming the second spot among the top anime movies of 2020 and earning a spot as one of the all-time best, we have A Whisker Away. This Japanese masterpiece follows the tale of Miyo Sasaki, who discovers a peculiar method to communicate with her crush—by transforming into a white cat.
While in her feline form, Miyo listens to all the challenges her crush faces, yet she’s unable to provide any assistance. This dilemma prompts her to ponder whether revealing her true identity to help him or simply remaining a cat to lend a listening ear is the better choice.
1. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Train
Taking the top spot among the best anime films of 2020 is the spin-off movie from the popular series “Kimetsu no Yaiba,” also known as the Demon Slayer Movie or “Demon Slayer: Infinity Train.” This two-hour movie revolves around Tanjiro and his friends, with a particular focus on the flame hashira, as they investigate mysterious disappearances occurring on a train.
Released in October 2020, this film has garnered immense popularity among fans of the original series. Notably, it achieved a remarkable feat by breaking worldwide box office records, ultimately becoming Japan’s highest-grossing movie ever!
