A couple of weeks ago, when Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle released in Indian theatres, I thought, “Well, it’s great that films from Japan, Korea, and other international markets beyond Hollywood are finally getting a wide release here.” But honestly, I was a bit prejudiced in thinking, who would actually go watch that in theatres?
To my surprise, when I went for my own movie marathon – The Conjuring: Last Rites, The Long Walk, and Jugnuma – I saw a huge crowd lined up to watch Demon Slayer. And during the pre-show, they even screened the trailer for the upcoming Shin Chan movie! Later that night, I checked X (Twitter) and saw Demon Slayer’s opening numbers were higher than most Indian films playing that weekend. That’s when it hit me — our films aren’t just competing with Hollywood anymore; they’re competing with Japan and Korea too.
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And that’s not a bad thing – it’s a wake-up call. Because the audiences for anime films in India are growing insanely fast. So, if you’re looking to explore some of the best anime (and animated) films streaming right now – some classics, some hidden gems – here are eight best anime movies worth your time:
1. The Glassworker (2024)
Directed by Usman Riaz, this is Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature and its official submission to the 97th Academy Awards. Set against the backdrop of war, it follows two childhood sweethearts torn apart by conflict and ideology. Its Studio Ghibli-inspired art and heartfelt storytelling make it a must-watch.
Where to watch: Apple TV, Google Play, Vimeo
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
IMDb: 7.1 | Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) & Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Two groundbreaking masterpieces that revolutionized animation. Into the Spider-Verse won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and Across the Spider-Verse elevated the art form with jaw-dropping visuals and a deeply emotional story about identity and belonging.
Where to watch: Into – Amazon Prime | Across – Netflix, SonyLIV
Genre: Action/Sci-Fi
IMDb: 8.4 / 8.5 | Rotten Tomatoes: 97% / 95%
3. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
A gut-wrenching Studio Ghibli classic about two siblings struggling to survive during World War II. It’s not an easy watch – but it’s one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made.
Where to watch: Netflix
Genre: Drama/War
IMDb: 8.5 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
4. Flow (2024)
This recent indie gem tells the story of a lone cat drifting through a flooded world, encountering animals that challenge his understanding of survival and companionship. Wordless, haunting, and poetic. Made on a budget of just €3.5 million, the film grossed €50 million at the box office. It features no dialogue, relying solely on natural animal sounds, and was created using Blender, a free and open-source 3D software. Flow won Best Animated Feature — Latvia’s first-ever Oscar — and was also nominated for Best International Feature Film. It became the most-viewed film in Latvian theaters, surpassing all previous records.
Where to watch: Mubi/Prime Video
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
IMDb: 7.7 | Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
5. Toy Story (1995)
The film that redefined animation forever. Pixar’s first full-length CGI feature is more than nostalgia – it’s a timeless meditation on friendship, growing up, and letting go.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Genre: Adventure/Family
IMDb: 8.3 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
6. Cars (2006)
A heartfelt story about finding meaning beyond fame. Lightning McQueen’s journey from arrogance to empathy still strikes a chord today, with visuals that perfectly capture small-town Americana.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Genre: Comedy/Sports
IMDb: 7.2 | Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
7. Soul (2020)
Pixar’s most philosophical work yet – exploring purpose, passion, and what it truly means to live. With stunning jazz-infused music and profound storytelling, Soul isn’t just for kids – it’s for anyone searching for meaning.
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Genre: Fantasy/Drama
IMDb: 8.0 | Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
8. Mahavatar Narasimha (2025)
India’s entry into the mythological anime space, Mahavatar Narasimha is a breathtaking fusion of Indian mythology and Japanese-style animation. The film reimagines the tale of Lord Narasimha – the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Vishnu — through a visually stunning and emotionally charged lens. With detailed character design, powerful music, and intense battle sequences, it marks a new era of Indian animation stepping onto the global stage.
Where to watch: Netflix
Genre: Mythology/Fantasy
IMDb: 8.7 | Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Final Thoughts!
From hand-drawn artistry to digital innovation, these films remind us that animation isn’t a genre – it’s a medium of pure imagination. Whether it’s a cat, a toy, or a jazz musician – they all tell human stories that transcend borders.
