Studio Ghibli filmshave reached mainstream popularity to the point of being recognized and enjoyed by viewers who aren’t even fans of the medium, a feat later replicated by hit movies likeYour NameorDemon Slayer: Mugen Train. However,many films don’t cause an impact even among casual anime fansand often go unnoticed when scrolling onCrunchyroll’s platform.
There are a few anime movies that are known only by diehard anime fans, remaining as hidden gems waiting to be discovered on Crunchyroll. Despite not being as popular or as recommended as films likeSuzumeorA Silent Voice, viewers should keep on their radar theseunderrated anime movies on Crunchyroll, which promise worthwhile experiences.
9To Me, the One Who Loved You
To Me, The One Who Loved Youis a unique sci-fi anime movie that isn’t meant to be watched alone.To Me, The One Who Loved Youis intertwined withTo Every You I’ve Loved Beforein a sort of multiverse, featuring a visual experience unlike any other anime by presenting two parallel stories.
In both films, Koyomi Takasaki must decide who to live with after his parents' divorce, changing the viewer’s perception of the central romance depending on the order in which they are watched. In this context, remaining under his father’s care leads him to meet Shiori Satou and the events inTo Me, The One Who Loved You.
However, choosing his mother allows Koyomi to meet Kazune Takigawa inTo Every You I’ve Loved Before. The films are full of symbolism, conveying the notion of unique destiny through the perspective of romance, where a simple decision can define one’s life and open a wide spectrum of possibilities, offering two contrasting stories that will make viewers reflect.
8Book Girl
Book Girlis a must-watch anime for literature fans that has been forgotten over the years.Book Girlexplores a sweet love story and how the inspiration for writing comes from experiences in life, with its film adaptation throwing away expectations by not focusing on the protagonist, Toko Amano, but on Kotoha and his relationship with his childhood friend Miu.
Miu Asakura was the source of most of the conflicts in Kotoha’s life, but the film explores her own traumas.Book Girl The Moviealso has many references to Kenji Miyazawa’s work, especially “Night on the Galaxy Railroad,” which serves as an analogy for the development of the film, with both seeking the answer to the meaning of happiness.
7Sing a Bit of Harmony
Sing a Bit of Harmonyis an anime film with an innovative mix of genres that shouldn’t be overlooked, but unfortunately got overshadowed in 2021 by Mamoru Hosoda’sBelle. Blending slice-of-life, sci-fi, and musical,Sing a Bit of Harmonyis more than just its fun soundtrack and cute character designs.
Tackling with great sensibility the themes of a developing AI and its relationship with humans,Sing a Bit of Harmonyis an uplifting film with well-executed musical numbers and memorable characters that don’t shy away from emotional developments.Sing a Bit of Harmonyis charming, bright, and a more than entertaining option for viewers looking for something different.
6Origin: Spirits of the Past
Origin: Spirits of the Pastis one of the most visually stunning movies in recent years, with impressive animated landscapes and backgrounds. Showcasing a post-apocalyptic world caused by an environmental collapse, the film has an original take on the sci-fi genre, featuring a mysterious girl who appears to be the key to restoring the planet and an opposing military group.
Origin: Spirits of the Pastshares similar elements to iconic Studio Ghibli movies, like the strong ecological message of respect towards nature and the imbalance caused by humans seen inNausicaä of the Valley of the WindandPrincess Mononoke. This thought-provoking premise and incredible animation makeOrigin: Spirits of the Pasta film that viewers shouldn’t sleep on.
5The Concierge
The Conciergeis a hidden gem anime film that completely flew under the radar upon its release in 2024. The film is full of magical realism, showing the coexistence between humans and other species in an unconventional way, immersing viewers in the immensity of Hokkyoku Department Store, where Akino is an apprentice concierge who must serve animal clients.
The Conciergehas a colorful and vibrant animation, and it’s a heartwarming and funny story filled with lessons about the struggles of the service industry, passion for one’s job, and the relationship with animals. This originality and simplicity makeThe Conciergea great fit for viewers looking for a lighthearted watch.
4Odd Taxi: In The Woods
Despite being highly rated as one of the best anime in 2021,Odd Taxiwent unnoticed by many anime fans. Lucky for those who have yet to watch the mystery that entangles Odokawa’s life, the movieOdd Taxi: In the Woodsfeatures a reconstruction of the events in the anime series with character commentary, recounting the story through interview sessions.
This makesOdd Taxi: In the Woodsmore than just a typical recap anime film, serving as a gateway for newcomers to the series while also being perfect for fans of the franchise, providing a new perspective on the story, and including additional scenes that flesh out the characters' fates.
3Sword of the Stranger
Sword of the Strangeris sadly one of themost underrated anime action films of the 2000s. A perfect fit for fans of Rurouni Kenshin,Sword of the Strangerfollows Nanashi, a wandering ronin haunted by his past, who must protect a vulnerable boy and his pet, embarking on a journey of redemption.
Sword of the Strangeroffers great action choreography and some of the most epic battles that have stood the passage of time. Furthermore, despite not presenting a groundbreaking plot,Sword of the Strangerpays homage to other samurai stories and reinterprets their best elements with modern storytelling and exceptional sensibility and visuals that will hook any viewer.
2The Girl From the Other Side
The Girl From The Other Sideis a stunning modern fairy tale that looks like it came from a watercolor book. With an animation reminiscent ofThe Tale of the Princess Kaguyabut with gothic overtones, this 70-minute OVA (split into three episodes on Crunchyroll) is a masterpiece produced by the same studio asAttack on TitanandVinland Saga.
The Girl From The Other Sideis a solemn and slow-paced dark fantasy with a dynamic similar toThe Ancient Magus' Bride, of a unique being forming a significant bond with a girl, all enhanced by an aesthetic that challenges anime conventions, taking the manga’s story and creating a haunting and deeply contemplative standalone adaptation that viewers shouldn’t miss.
1In This Corner of the World
Despite not being as recognized asGrave of the Firefliesby Studio Ghibli orBarefoot Gen,In This Corner of the Worldis one of thebest anime movies about war. This slice-of-life film follows the life of the imaginative Suzu from her childhood to her married life, showing the impact of World War II through her unique perspective.
In This Corner of the Worldstands out by its beautiful hand-drawn animation with pastel colors, showing a love story that grows between the struggles of everyday life, being full of melancholic and dreadful moments, but with a hopeful message.In This Corner of the Worldoverflows with emotion, making it one of the must-watch anime films on Crunchyroll’s platform.
