Summary
Many anime films that come out of Japan are dramatic tellings of love, loss, and regret designed to tug at the heartstrings of fans all over the world. The stories that bring tears to the eye and leave a warm feeling in one’s heart are the most memorable.Your Nameis one such film that was released among a split audience but made an impression nonetheless.
Your Nameis a brilliant and vibrant piece of art that will leave viewers yearning for more. Luckily, there is a sea of films that bear great emotional weight that viewers can cry their eyes out over. Stories of unrequited love, love that did not last, and love that never got the chance to bloom. For those who lovedYour Name, here are some recommended anime movies to watch.
Updated on June 11, 2025, by C.M Edwards:Your Namewon the hearts of millions and became one of the most talked about animated films to come out of Japan by the brilliant creators at Comix Wave Films and acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai, who has cemented himself as a master of storytelling. In a long line of spectacular films, Your Name sits in a league of its own that mixes a brilliant concept with fantastic artistry. The story sits on the edge of paranormal mystery, as two teenagers find themselves in each other’s bodies halfway across the country from one another. While volatile at first, the journey both characters go on is unique and well-told.Your Name carries themesthat many types of fans may enjoy, including those who like slice-of-life series or tragic romance stories. Fans of the film have a large variety of animated films to watch and continue to fill the void that Your Name leaves behind. Makoto Shinkai has shown no sign of slowing down as he is fresh off the heels of Suzume, another groundbreaking story. Anime fans in search of similar films toreach the feels on Your Namehave a long list of available media.
2006
Madhouse
Makoto Kono is quickly approaching her high school graduation, and as her better years are soon behind her, the crisis of her future begins to weigh on her shoulders. As she slowly agonizes over her existence, Makoto discovers a phenomenal ability that allows her to travel back and forth through time.
Able to revisit the prominent moments in her life pushes her to make changes and alter the decisions she’s made. This inevitably backfires as time is flimsy and can quickly come undone if tampered with.The Girl Who Lept Through Timeis a classic animated film and a highly praised production by director Mamoru Hosoda, known forWolf ChildrenandThe Boy and the Beast.
2022
Clap
The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit to Goodbyes, follows the deteriorating life and mental state of a young boy and girl, Kaoru and Anzu. Kaoru’s home life has become a volatile environment after his younger sister tragically dies and his parents become irreconcilable, forcing them into a divorce. Anzu is having trouble with her future, having little clue how to accomplish her goals and seeking a miracle to aid her. Both discover a mysterious tunnel that has powerful abilities and may be the answer to both of their problems.The Tunnel To Summer, The Exit To Goodbyesis one of Studio Clap’s best works and is a stunning story that all anime fans should watch at least once.
2019
CloverWorks
Aoi is a young girl on the edge of setting out into the world on her own. After a grave tragedy that tore her family apart, she has been raised by her sister Akane all her life. Having seen the effects of losing her better years and missing out on her dreams, Aoi wants to move out and give her sister back her freedom while at the same time following her dream ofbecoming a musical talent.
A bizarre event occurs when Akane’s old boyfriend appears, not a day older than the last time Aoi saw him, and the story follows the time they lost while trying to grieve and survive.
2021
Flat
A local legend states that only those close to the brink of death can see the specter that haunts a specific area outside the town. Even more, the ghost is said to be able to answer questions for anyone who is able to perceive it. Three young individuals put the legend to the test as their lives slowly dwindle out of their control.
Tomoya, unable to bear the weight of his academic goals, seeks a solution to his problem while his friend Ayo seeks to escape the hardships she endures at the hands of her own peers. Finally, Ryou must face the fact that his life won’t be turning out the way he planned and may be shorter than he thought. All three of these budding adults hope that the Summer Ghost can answer their questions, which may be their last summer together.
2017
Shaft
Fireworks is a winding tale that follows many paths to one final climax that hopefully goes in the favor of those involved. Norimichi is a young lad looking forward to enjoying the summer with his friends. As they gather together to make plans, they decide to find out if fireworks are flat and viewed from the side. While Norimichi looks out into the days ahead of him with hope and optimism, a young girl named Nazuna feels like she has reached the end of her rope.
Seeking an escape from her situation and neglected home life, Nazuna drafts Norimichi to run away with her. Unfortunately, Nazuna’s foolproof plan proves more dire than staying where she is. With a bit of hope and a little time travel, Norimichio seeks to give Nazuna the ending she deserves and save her summer.
2004
Comix Wave Films
Another great film by ComixWave FilmsThe Place Promised in our Early Days, is a touching story that spins viewers on quite the journey in a muddled world with blurred lines of existence. Two young friends, Fujisawa and Shirakawa, who share the same devotion to a girl, Sawatari, decide to combine their efforts and fly away to a place they could never hope to reach together.
While hope is a strong motivator, life proves that it has other plans for the three individuals, and their dreams fall into the past. Things take a drastic turn, and the only way to turn things around is to turn a dream into reality. This story sits as one of Makoto Shinkai’s early works and shows just how much he’s grown as a storyteller.
2018
Comix Wave Films is an outstanding studio that excels at telling emotionally powerful stories. When two young friends are torn apart by war, emotions run high as they try to hold onto something small with an enormous gap between them.
Voice of a Distant Staris set in a futuristic Japan that has just been pulled into an intergalactic war. This war splits two love birds apart and keeps them out of touch due to time dilation, forcing their interactions to be years apart. The film approaches the idea of how love can overcome all things, including war, distance, and silence.
P.A Works
More often than not, it is thetragedy that leaves an impressionon viewers of an animated film, and the tragedy ofWhen the Promised Flower Bloomsleaves a deep cut. Set in a mystical fantasy world, Maquia is a member of an immortal race. She feels disconnected from her own people, and often dreams of the outside world away from her homeland.
The outside world finds Maquia and brings fire and chaos when humans attack in an attempt to steal the secret of immortality. Maquia survives and wanders, now completely alone, until she discovers a human child. Out of desperation, she decides to raise the child as her own but is ill-prepared for the responsibility and the difference in their growth.
2020
Saber Works
The supernatural aspect ofOver the Skywill attract the attention of many fans ofYour Name, and the beautiful animation from Saber Works will keep viewers watching until the end. In the film, young Mio is head over heels for her best friend but cannot muster the strength or courage to tell him.
Mio’s conflicted emotions cause an argument, and the two fall apart. After thinking about it all night, Mio can’t wait for the next day so she can apologize. Unfortunately, on the way, Mio finds herself in a different world after being caught in a car accident. Mio’s journey to not only find a way home but also find herself leads on an emotional journey that viewers will be hooked on until finished.
TMS Entertainment
Kiyomi Hidaka is a young man with the world on his shoulders as his parents go through a taxing divorce, which forces him to choose sides. Deciding to live with his father, Kiyomi befriends a young girl going through similar circumstances.
As the two grow closer, a thorn threatens their budding love when their parents become engaged. This story has a sweet story and is a two-parter that can be watched from both perspectives.
