If you’re a fan of anime films, get ready for an unforgettable experience in 2023. Whether you’re a die-hard enthusiast or just looking for some mind-blowing entertainment, prepare to be blown away by the incredible lineup of anime movies coming your way. It’s time to grab your popcorn and get hyped for these amazing films!
Prepare to be amazed by the best anime movies of 2023. Some absolute gems have already hit the screens and received rave reviews. For example, Makoto Shinkai’s latest creation, Suzume, took the USA by storm earlier this year. It’s a film that anime lovers absolutely cannot miss! Another emotionally gripping movie that will tug at your heartstrings is Lonely Castle in the Mirror.
But wait, there’s more! There are also some highly-anticipated anime movies that haven’t even been released yet, and they are shaping up to be extraordinary. One of these is How Do You Live?, a project from the legendary Studio Ghibli that could potentially be Hayao Miyazaki’s final masterpiece. Fans are eagerly counting down the days until its arrival, and expectations are through the roof!
So get ready for an incredible year of anime films. Whether you’re seeking heartwarming stories or breathtaking animation, there’s something for everyone. Prepare to be transported to a world of magic and wonder as you immerse yourself in these captivating movies. Let your imagination soar and get ready for an adventure like no other!
1. Suzume
Release Date: April 14, 2023 (USA)
Makoto Shinkai, renowned for his film Your Name, has once again created a masterpiece with Suzume. This film captivates audiences with its brilliant storytelling. Suzume revolves around a teenage girl named Suzume, who stumbles upon a mysterious young man named Souta. His mission is to secure the numerous doors that have sprung up all over Japan. If left unlocked, these doors will unleash monstrous creatures that cause earthquakes.
However, things take a turn for the worse when Suzume accidentally loses the vital keystone that keeps the doors in check. As a result, Souta undergoes a transformation that hinders his ability to catch up with her. To restore order and prevent disaster, Suzume and Souta must join forces and work together to lock the doors once again, while also finding a replacement for the lost keystone.
2. Spy x Family Code: White
Release Date: December 22, 2023 (Japan)
So, there’s this cooking competition happening at Eden Academy, and our protagonist, Anya, has her sights set on winning the whole thing. To make her dream a reality, her family, the Forgers, embarks on a little adventure to the nation of Frigis. Their goal? To obtain a top-secret recipe that will give Anya an edge in the competition. Sounds exciting, right?
But hold on, things take an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a mysterious chest. Suddenly, their fun little trip becomes a mission to save the world from impending doom. Quite the detour, huh?
Now, we don’t know much else about the story just yet. However, if we go by the awesomeness we’ve seen in the rest of Spy x Family, we can anticipate an absolutely fantastic time ahead.
3. Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out
Release Date: June 23, 2023 (Japan)
In the upcoming sequel to Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl, Sakuta and Mai find themselves nearing the end of their high school years. With Mai’s graduation fast approaching, their time together is limited. However, Sakuta faces a more urgent matter – his younger sister. She has been struggling with severe anxiety related to school and has recently expressed her desire to join him at his high school.
Sakuta understands the importance of supporting his sister, but he is well aware that it won’t be a simple task. He is uncertain if attending his high school is truly what she genuinely wants.
4. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King
Release Date: June 16, 2023 (Worldwide)
Well, well, well, let me tell you a little something about Conrad Leto. Before Julius Novachrono swooped in, he was the talk of the town as the esteemed Wizard King. Everyone adored him and looked up to him, until the day he did a complete 180 on his people. Talk about a betrayal, right?
So, what happened next? They sealed him away, of course. But hold on tight, because guess what? That seal has been shattered into a million pieces! Conrad is back, and he’s got some serious plans up his sleeve. Brace yourself, Clover Kingdom, because he’s armed with the almighty “Imperial Sword” and a wicked scheme to resurrect some seriously powerful wizards from the past.
Sounds pretty intense, doesn’t it? Well, mark your calendars because this wild adventure is set to hit the screens on June 16, 2023, and it’s going global, my friends. Get ready to witness the clash of powers like never before!
5. Alice and Therese’s Illusion Factory
Release Date: September 15, 2023 (Japan)
In a town hit by an explosion at a nearby steel mill, time comes to a complete halt. The entire town is trapped as the exits are sealed off, and to make matters worse, residents are not allowed to make any significant changes to the town. It’s safe to say that life becomes utterly miserable under these circumstances.
Initially, Masamune finds himself trying to cope with the situation just like everyone else. However, everything takes a turn when his classmate Mutsumi takes him to the fifth furnace of the steel mill. It is there that they encounter a peculiar girl who is unable to speak and behaves like a wild animal. Little do they know, this encounter will set off a series of events that could potentially alter their world as they know it.
6. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends-
Release Date: April 2, 2023 (Worldwide)
If you’ve been keeping up with Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, then you absolutely cannot miss this film. It seamlessly continues the story from where the series left off. Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane have finally shared their first kiss, but they are uncertain about the status of their relationship. These two are notorious for their inability to communicate effectively and navigate their own emotions.
Amidst all the emotional turmoil, the Christmas season arrives. In the United States, Christmas is primarily a time for families and religious observances, but in Japan, it’s all about lovey-dovey couples. Could the holiday festivities be the catalyst they need to finally take the plunge and start dating?
7. Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation
Release Date: February 17, 2023 (Japan)
Sasaki and Miyano wrapped up with our beloved protagonists finally making the big decision to start dating. Now, the movie continues right where the series left off and delves into the next exciting chapter of their relationship. However, there’s a little snag they have to face head-on – Sasaki is older than Miyano, and this means that he’ll soon be graduating. The unfortunate consequence is that they won’t have the chance to see each other at school anymore.
8. The Boy and the Heron
Release Date:
The film, titled “The Boy and the Heron” (Japanese title: How Do You Live?), is set to be released on July 14, 2023, in Japan and on December 8 in the USA.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Possible Retirement:
Hayao Miyazaki, who has been considering retirement for some time now, may be bidding farewell to filmmaking with this project. However, only time will tell if this will indeed be his last film or if he has more surprises in store for us.
Anticipation for Something Special:
Regardless of Miyazaki’s retirement plans, “The Boy and the Heron” is expected to be a truly remarkable film. With minimal promotional material, including a poster and a couple of interviews, the movie has managed to generate significant excitement prior to its release in Japan.
Inspiration from a Book:
The film’s title is derived from a 1937 book written by Genzaburo Yoshino. However, it’s important to note that the movie will not strictly follow the book’s plot. Instead, the stories will be thematically linked in some way, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative.
9. The First Slam Dunk
Release Date: July 28, 2023 (USA)
The First Slam Dunk takes a fresh spin on a familiar tale. Manga creator Takehiko Inoue was approached to continue the Slam Dunk story from where the series ended. However, he declined the offer. After carefully examining numerous prototypes, he became open to the idea of retelling the series through a movie. This retelling would shift the focus away from boundless possibilities and individual triumphs, and instead delve into the theme of navigating through pain and triumphing despite it.
10. Kaina of the Great Snow Sea: Star Sage
Release Date: July 2, 2023 (USA Premiere)
Picture a world covered in snow as far as the eye can see. The snowfall just keeps coming, making survival a real struggle for everyone. Imagine some people finding refuge on the roots of massive trees, while others seek shelter in the canopies that stretch across the entire planet.
In this frozen world, two girls from completely different backgrounds cross paths. One lives in the treetop canopies, while the other hails from the roots below. Their chance encounter sets off a chain of events that could potentially change the destiny of their snow-covered world.
11. Sailor Moon Cosmos
The release dates for Sailor Moon Cosmos are set for June 9, 2023 (Part 1) and June 30, 2023 (Part 2).
Sailor Moon Cosmos is expected to serve as the grand finale of the Sailor Moon Crystal series. This installment brings forth an arc that underwent significant changes in the 1990s adaptation of the series. In this particular arc, the Sailor Scouts find themselves pitted against Sailor Galaxia and the Sailor Starlights. These adversaries are on a mission to gather Starseeds, even if it means sacrificing sentient life.
