Top 10 Anime Films of 2023

2023 has been a great year for film in general but a particularly great year for anime. But before we break down my 10 favourite anime, I want to discuss my eligibility criteria for this list. Anime distribution especially from a UK perspective can be inconsistent. Anime films already have limited cinema screenings in many aspects like where they are shown, the show timings and how long they are even in cinemas. Even if a film is shown in cinemas, it could be months or years later before we get a physical or streaming release. Due to this, my eligibility criteria for this list is not going to be overly restrictive. So, to be eligible for this list the anime film would have to been released in UK cinemas, on physical/streaming or shown at festivals in 2023. Yes, this means that older titles are eligible but to be truly honest anime already has inconsistent distribution and I want this list to be a love letter to anime and be a good source of must-watch titles for newcomers and veterans alike. I feel forcing strict rules limits what can and cannot be talked about, so why have them. So, with that in mind let’s start with some honourable mentions.

Demon Slayer – To the Swordsmith Village was a great theatrical experience and being honest was a fun time but while I loved watching this, it is barely a film. This “film” plays the final 2 episodes of the Entertainment District Arc and the first episode of the To the Swordsmith Village Arc. The animation is peak Ufotable and the action is unlike any other anime but it was just 3 episodes of the anime lazily combined they didn’t even remove the credits or the splash screens that appear when the breaks start. So, an honourable mention is the best this will get.

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was released on Blu-ray in 2023 and I feel is a very good entry point for this hit anime series. Based on the pilot manga that would spawn Jujutsu Kaisen, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel that can be described as the perfect slice. You get to taste and enjoy what makes Jujutsu Kaisen such a hit while not having to invest in watching a 24-episode show. The animation is gorgeous and makes me wonder how MAPPA animated this and the final seasons of Attack on Titan. I watched this dubbed as well and I think the English voice cast does a great job. My real big issue is also a positive because it’s a slice of a bigger picture I feel that some of the important lore is glossed over. But the world and characters had me hooked and wanting to check out more.

Number 10 – One Piece Film Red

Seeing a One Piece title on this list might scream alarm bells for some people. Let us discuss the elephant in the room, no you don’t need to be caught up or have even watched One Piece to have a great time with this film. The film follows the Straw Hat Crew as they attend the first-ever concert for beloved singer Uta, however, the concert takes a dark turn and Luffy and his crew must spring into action to save the day. The main appeal of Film Red is the musical numbers. This film is a musical filled with music by up-and-coming icon Ado. The visuals when the music plays are utterly incredible. True standouts are Backlight and Fleeting Lullaby. The way it combines vibrant music video style with epic action scenes is thrilling. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves good music and fun action.

One Piece Film Red is available on 4k Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD from Anime Limited.

Number 9 – Liz and the Blue Bird

Liz and the Blue Bird was released on Blu-ray in the UK for the first time in 2023 and it was a long time coming. Naoko Yamada is one of the best anime directors working today and, in my opinion, directed one of the most important films of the modern age A Silent Voice. The film is about best friends Mizore and Nozomi as they learn the solo for Liz and the Blue Bird a musical piece based on a book that seems to parallel are central characters. The film continues to prove why Kyoto Animation is truly one of the best anime studios. The film is a work of art in every frame. There is so much attention to detail and for a 91-minute-long film, it never wastes a single second.

Liz and the Blue Bird is available on Collectors Edition Blu-ray and Standard Edition Blu-ray from Anime Limited.

Number 8 – The Concierge

From the studio that brought you Ghost in the Shell and Psycho- comes The Concierge. A light-hearted comedy anime that follows Akino a concierge in training at a supermarket for animals. The film is the definition of light-hearted. There is no bad guy or hidden evil. The film is solely about Akino learning how to become a great concierge. This is the most unique project that Production IG has done in quite some time. The animation from them is so visually unique and interesting, the characters have a unique silhouette that uses a lot of straight lines over more modern depictions of characters. The film is quite episodic as the structure goes, Akino encounters a problem, she works out how to fix the problem and then fixes said problem. But the antics that Akino finds herself in to help shoppers are nothing short of laugh-out-loud hilarious. A moment involving a Japanese Fox proposing to his girlfriend is knee-slapping funny. The film is simply a joy and easy to watch.

Number 7 – Sing a Bit of Harmony

What if Skynet was smashed together with the TV show Glee you get Sing a Bit of Harmony a film that is equally wacky as it is sweet and endearing. Following Satomi Amano who lives with her mother who is an AI specialist for the company Hoshima. One day a new exchange student comes into Satomi’s class. However, it turns out the new exchange student is an AI who is meant to be indistinguishable from humans. However, there is one slight problem the AI will randomly break into song. The film is as crazy as it sounds on paper and is an utter blast. The musical numbers are elaborate and filled with life and energy. The story is sweet and carries the film in a way that shouldn’t work on paper but does in execution. As I mentioned before if you like the idea of Skynet meets Glee then give it a watch.

Sing a Bit of Harmony is available to stream on Crunchyroll and also available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Number 6 – The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes

Time is an interesting concept. Time es differently for everyone and how we use that time is a complex decision. I’ve played 1,300 hours of Apex Legends and to some, that might be a waste of time. For me, the time I spent playing that game was time I was having fun with friends and grinding to get better. The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes ponders the question, would you sacrifice time for your heart’s desire? Surrounding this there is a teen romance that is blooming. You would think that these ideas wouldn’t mesh well but the film’s strongest aspect is the romance. It is a film that blends gorgeous animation with amazing characters. Anzu Hanashiro is a true breath of fresh air when it comes to female anime characters. I love this film and while I find the ending to be rocky, I adore everything surrounding it.

Number 5 – Re:cycle of the Penguindrum

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum – Part 1 Your Train Is The Survival Tactic and Part 2 – I Love You are somewhat similar to the Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion films where it condenses the anime footage into films while also adding some new footage to spice things up. Re:cycle of the Penguindrum’s both new footage and old is stunning to look at. For an anime that is over 10 years old, both films look utterly gorgeous. This is the Penguindrum story you know and love but condensed down into 2 films. While it may be cheating to have them both at the same number spot at the same time they were released in cinemas as a double feature and on Blu-ray in one collection so I’m allowing it. While the show being shortened does lead to things not being fleshed out but as anniversary films, I feel they do a great job showcasing what is incredible about the show.

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum is available on Collectors Edition Blu-ray by Anime Limited.

Number 4 – Pompo: The Cinephile

Pompo is a famous movie producer who is famous for her B-Movies. But one day Pompo decides to let her assistant Gene director the next feature. The film is a change of pace from what Pompo normally makes as it’s a series and delicate drama piece. Pompo: the Cinephile is a true love letter to filmmaking and why we love movies. Many jokes are expertly crafted around filmmaking and at many points, I was laughing at the top of my lungs. I also loved the B-Moives that Pompo produces as they are so over the top and very anime at the same time that I feel it is a wink and a nod to the weirder aspects of anime. I also how poignant and emotional this film is. At 90 minutes it flies by, the film is just so expertly crafted and just truly lovely.

Pompo: the Cinephile is available on Collectors Edition Blu-ray by Anime Limited.

Number 3 – The Last Slam Dunk

I am not a sports fan and I’m not a fan of 3D animation in anime. So, in theory, I should not like The First Slam Dunk. However, this film is utterly incredible. While I am still not won over by the 3D animation style. When the film kicks into high gear it is nothing short of pulse-pounding. The film has a unique structure. The film is centred around the final game to win the inter-high basketball championship the film uses flashbacks to explore the team’s back story. The main lead Ryota is a great character to enter this story with. He has a great backstory involving his brother that is emotionally charged and allows us to get sucked into the story unfolding. Seeing the characters overcome their struggles allows the basketball game to be just a pure thrill ride. So as we see the clock tick down we slowly move closer to the edge of our seats as we want to see this rag-tag overcome the odds and win.

Number 2 – Goodbye Don Glees!

3 friends are suddenly blamed for a forest fire, they must go on an adventure to find the proof they need to clear their names. Written and directed by Atsuko Ishizuka this original tale while influenced by other coming-of-age films like Stand by Me still feels fresh and exciting. I feel the film works so well because of the incredible writing by Atsuko Ishizuka. The 3 main characters Roma, Toto and Drop are fleshed out with real character motivations. Drop in particular has one of the best characters in recent memory. The characters drive the story forward and by the end, you will be in tears as the way the film ties every thread together is just masterfully done. Madhouse has made some iconic anime like Paprika, Death Note and One Punch Man season 1 and I feel Goodbye Don Glees! stands up with some of their best.

Goodbye Don Glees! is Available on Collectors Edition Blu-ray, Standard Edition Blu-ray and DVD by Anime Limited.

Number 1 – Blue Giant

Music can transport us to other worlds, I know I listen to music to separate myself from reality. Blue Giant not only features jazz music that is a treat to the ear but the visuals transport and highlight how music like I mentioned before transports us to other worlds. During many of the jazz numbers, the way the animation style would change while can be jarring, did swoop me up and had me on the edge of my seat. The film follows Dai Miyamoto as he travels from Sendai to Tokyo to become the best jazz musician in the world. I think this movie is a masterpiece. This is the anime equivalent of Whiplash. A film that is so captivating and gorgeous that you will be blown away and by the time you get to the final 8-minute jazz song you will be just like the audience watching the music unfold. In pure awe.