The Best Original Anime Movies Streaming on Netflix Currently, Ranked

Netflix has become kind of an anime treasure chest lately. From tear-inducing stories to sugary teen romances to mind-melting classics, the platform has filled its library with some seriously binge-worthy anime films. But of course, not all anime movies are built the same.

So instead of leaving you scrolling endlessly through that endless ‘Because you watched’ carousel, here’s the ultimate ranking of the top original anime movies now streaming on Netflix, from worst to best, according to IMDb ratings.

12. My Oni Girl (2024)

This one’s a cute little ride, literally. A shy ‘yes-man’ boy and a sassy oni girl hit the road to find her mom, while snow mysteriously starts falling in summer. Yeah, that’s how quirky the premise is.

It’s very Studio Colorido: bright, snappy, and very much made for the wholesome vibes crowd. Will it change your life? No. Will it leave you smiling and maybe humming the ending song? Absolutely yes. It’s a Netflix-original comfort food anime.

11. Maboroshi (2023)

Mari Okada said, “What if time itself just stopped?” and that’s pretty much the vibe here. The film is set in a town where time froze after a mysterious explosion, and a bunch of teens are left navigating love, identity, and existential weirdness.

It’s moody, surreal, and sometimes confusing, but in a cool, creative way. Think of it as the dream sequence episode of your favorite show stretched into a movie. Not for everyone, but if you’re in the mood for something atmospheric and strange, it hits.

10. A Whisker Away (2020)

Okay, hear us out: this one is basically ‘what if a girl liked a boy so much she literally turned into a cat to get close to him?’ Sounds weird, right? It is. But it’s also surprisingly heartfelt.

It’s got whimsy, magical masks, and a sprinkle of Studio Ghibli-lite energy. The romance doesn’t always land perfectly, but if you love quirky ‘what even is happening?’ plots with heart, this is an easy Netflix watch.

9. Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (2021)

This film is like summer bottled up and turned into an anime. Two awkward teens, one who can only express himself through haiku, the other hiding behind a mask, collide in a world of sunshine, vinyl records, and pure vibes.

It’s low-stakes but high on charm, the kind of film that makes you want to go sit in the park with a soda and daydream. The art pops, the music bops, and it’s the anime equivalent of an iced latte on a hot day.

8. Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017)

Studio Ponoc’s debut feels like the spiritual little sibling of Studio Ghibli. Flying broomsticks, magic schools, glowing plants, it’s basically everything you loved about Kiki’s Delivery Service, but in its own fun remix.

The story doesn’t dig super deep, but that’s not the point. It’s colorful, energetic, and perfect for when you just want a whimsical, light adventure without the emotional trauma.

7. Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (2023)

This one is all about the spectacle. If you’re already into Black Clover, it feels like the anime just hit turbo mode: massive fights, new villains, and spell effects that look like they cost an entire country’s GDP.

If you’re not a Black Clover fan, don’t worry, it’s still pretty fun as a standalone fantasy brawl. It’s flashy popcorn anime at its best; you can jump in instantly.

6. 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)

Makoto Shinkai, before Your Name fame, was already out here crushing hearts. This one tells three interconnected stories about love, distance, and the slow heartbreak of growing apart.

It’s quiet, melancholy, and visually gorgeous in that signature Shinkai way. Warning: Do not watch this right after a breakup. Or maybe do, if you’re into emotional masochism.

5. Suzume (2022)

Shinkai strikes again, this time with a magical road trip featuring a girl, a boy-turned-chair (yes, really), and doors that lead to natural disasters. It’s whimsical, funny, and absolutely jaw-dropping in the visuals department.

What makes Suzume shine is the balance: it’s got blockbuster adventure energy but still keeps that tender Shinkai core of love, loss, and moving forward. A real crowd-pleaser.

4. A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)

This one doesn’t mess around. It tackles bullying, disability, guilt, and forgiveness in a way that feels raw but deeply human. You’ll cry, but you’ll also feel oddly hopeful by the end.

Kyoto Animation does its usual magic here, gorgeous visuals and delicate storytelling that make the characters feel painfully real. Not a casual watch, but absolutely essential.

3. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997)

You think you’re prepared for this movie? You’re not. Hideaki Anno basically said, “Let’s end Evangelion by throwing the entire anime rulebook into a blender.” The result? Two hours of cosmic weirdness and existential gut punches.

It’s shocking, confusing, brilliant, and will probably make you question everything you know about anime, or yourself. Perfect for fans of chaos.

2. Violet Evergarden: The Movie (2020)

If beauty could kill, this movie would be illegal. Kyoto Animation went all-in with Violet Evergarden: The Movie, giving us an emotional finale that’s both visually jaw-dropping and narratively devastating.

It’s about letters, love, and learning how to live with pain while still moving forward. Every frame is painterly, every note in the score tugs at your heart, and if you’re not crying by the end, check your pulse.

1. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

And finally, the heavyweight champion of heartbreak. Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies isn’t just an anime movie, it’s an experience. A brother and sister struggling to survive during WWII, rendered with such tenderness that it’ll leave you shattered.

It’s devastating but also achingly beautiful. This isn’t a casual watch; it’s the kind of film you schedule for a night when you’re ready to cry and then just sit in silence afterwards. Truly one of the greatest anime films ever made.

Here’s a quick overview of the films we have listed above.

So there you have it, these anime films on Netflix, running the whole emotional spectrum from fluffy romances with magical cats to timeless classics that will emotionally dismantle you. Netflix may shuffle its lineup now and then, but right now, you’ve got a buffet of stories waiting to hit you right in the feels.

Now the big question: which one are you pressing play on tonight, something light and cozy, or are you brave enough to take on Grave of the Fireflies? Let us know in the comments section below.

All the movies mentioned above are currently available to watch on Netflix.