One of the best films filled with Joy, tears, romance, a bit comedy and a heart felt animations are called “Makoto Shinkai Movies”. Every year, production companies create and release hundreds of new anime series for television and theaters in Japan. I would like to introduce a much-discussed new anime director Makoto Shinkai and his best anime. Here for anyone who is unsure about which anime to watch.
As you may know, following the release of his box office success Your Name in 2016, Makoto Shinkai has gained a great deal of international success. Furthermore, with the global success of the most recent anime, Weathering with You, in 2019 he solidified his place as the new leader of the anime business.
Beyond those two most recent releases, Makoto Shinkai has plenty of other amazing anime films. Additionally, these are considered the greatest Makoto Shinkai anime films ever made.
So let get started with list of Best Makoto Shinkai Movies!
5. Suzume
Suzume (すずめの戸締まり), the highly awaited picture by renowned director Makoto Shinkai, gained a huge success in the world of movies. Such as “Your Name and Weathering with You” when it was released in 2022. Shinkai, who is well-known for addressing the subject of natural disasters in his earlier works, decided to center this most recent movie on the Great East Japan Earthquake. 199 countries and territories have experienced the world premiere of Suzume, an extraordinary global release that exceeds Shinkai’s other works.
Shinkai’s works primarily take place in Tokyo, but this movie narrates a story that stretches across Japan, from Kyushu in the south to Tohoku in the north. A 17-year old girl Suzume resident of a peaceful Kyushu town, meets Sota, a mysterious young guy. Sota is traveling throughout the nation to shut a door that leads to disasters. The story progresses as the two protagonists overcome obstacles to stop these tragedies, simultaneously illustrating parallel situations in their individual lives.
Although I can’t tell for sure, it is definitely a better anime than any of Shinkai’s earlier efforts. Still, it’s well worth watching.
4. The Place Promised in Our Early Days
After Makoto Shinkai released his first anime film, Voices of a Distant Star (ほしのこえ), in 2002, he published his second film, The Place Promised in Our Early Days (雲のむこう、約束の場所). In contrast to Makoto Shinkai’s nearly sole creation of the short novel Voices of a Distant Star, this work is also acknowledge as his first full-length anime.
Weathering with You and Your Name, two of Makoto Shinkai’s most recent anime series, are based on his early works, including The Place Promised in Our Early Days. Therefore, the main characters sacrifice everything, even someone they love, in an attempt to fulfill their dreams.
The story revolves around two middle school students, Hiroki and Takuya, in a fictional 1996 Japan. They gave everything they had to finish building the jet so they could take off for the mysterious, symbolic tower. Makoto Shinkai movies like The Place Promised in Our Early Days encapsulate themes of sacrifice and determination, weaving poignant narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
3. Weathering with you
Weathering with You (天気の子), regarded by some anime fans as superior to Shinkai previous film Your Name, is among the finest anime films of 2019. Moreover, the director’s seventh anime film, Weathering with You, outperformed its previous film at the domestic box office. It screens in more places than just Your Name, covering roughly 140 nations and regions.
In this story, Hodaka Morishima, a high school student, travels by plane to Tokyo from his home on a remote island. However, without a job and not enough money, he searches around the strange city in despair. Eventually, he meets Hina Amano in the heart of Tokyo, a girl blessed with the unique capacity to turn any cloud into a sunny day.
2. 5 Centimeters per Second
Many regard Makoto Shinkai’s 5 Centimeters per Second (秒速5センチメートル) as one of his early career classics. Released in 2007, this anime film is divided into three parts, with each lasting roughly one hour: Cherry Blossom petal, Cosmonaut, and 5 Centimeters per Second.
The main heroine Akari and the young kid Takaki are the focus of those three sections. When they were elementary school classmates, they liked one other, but as time goes on, things change. This anime represents a harsh yet accurate “reality”. I can genuinely relate to how they feel because of Makoto Shinkai’s representation of a realistic world. Makoto Shinkai movies like 5 Centimeters per Second delve into the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time, leaving a profound impact on viewers long after the credits roll.
1. Your Name
In my opinion, one of Makoto Shinkai’s (新海誠) best anime movie to watch is Your Name (君の名は。). In 2016, the anime community worldwide receives a positive emotional shock from Your Name.
Your Name isn’t just globally recognized; rather, it stands as one of the most successful Japanese films ever made. Having made approximately $250 million at the box office. The well-loved animation ranks as the second-highest-grossing Japanese film (behind Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away). Additionally, apart from its screenings in theaters across over 120 nations and territories, Your Name notably excelled at the box office in South Korea and China.
In Your Name, there are two major characters: Mitsuha Miyamizu, who lives in the rural Hida Takayama, and Taki Tachibana, who lives in the metropolitan Tokyo area. One day, they discover that they suddenly and repeatedly switch bodies alternately. At that point in time, they find themselves living in three different timelines. Consequently, as they struggle with the unusual situation, Taki and Mitsuha are learning more and more about one another.
In conclusion, Makoto Shinkai’s contributions to the world of anime and manga are nothing short of extraordinary. Through his captivating storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and profound themes, he has redefined the medium and inspired countless artists and filmmakers. Whether it’s the poignant romance of “Your Name” or the ethereal beauty of “Weathering with You,” Shinkai works continue to leave an indelible mark on audiences worldwide, ensuring his legacy will endure for generations to come. Makoto Shinkai movies stand as a testament to his unparalleled talent and influence in the anime industry, shaping the landscape of animation for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What makes Makoto Shinkai’s films unique?
Shinkai’s films stand out for their profound storytelling and captivating visuals.
Q2. Why are “Your Name” and “Weathering with You” considered his most successful works?
These films are hailed as Shinkai’s most successful due to their widespread acclaim and box office success.
Q3. How does Shinkai incorporate themes of love and loss into his films?
Shinkai intertwines themes of love and loss through rich character development and evocative imagery.
Q4. What sets Shinkai apart from other anime directors?
Shinkai’s unique storytelling and ability to evoke deep emotions distinguish him from his peers.
