Ever wondered how many anime movies are there in the vast universe of animation?
If you’re an anime enthusiast or a movie buff, you’ve likely found yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of anime movies out there. Or maybe you’re just diving into this captivating world and don’t know where to start.
So, how many anime movies are there? The answer is complex, but it’s estimated that hundreds of anime movies are produced each year, both in Japan and globally.
Curious to know more? Stick around, because you’re about to embark on an ultimate deep dive into the world of anime movies. As an expert in anime culture and film industry insights, I’ll guide you through the maze of anime movie production, trends, and global impact. You’ll discover the must-watch anime movies, the history behind them, and why this genre is more than just entertainment—it’s a global phenomenon you can’t afford to miss.
Key Facts:
- The number of anime movies showed a steady increase in the first half of the 2010s and reached its highest point with 91 movies produced in 2019.
- There are over 12,000+ anime shows to date, and the MAL database has around 11,000 anime, including OVA’s/ONA’s/other stuff.
- More than 6,000 anime are produced in Japan, and Japanese Anime holds 2 Guinness World Records.
- There are 150 great anime movies listed on IMDb, including classics like Spirited Away and Grave of the Fireflies.
- The 100 Best Anime Movies of All Time are ranked by Tomatometer, featuring Studio Ghibli classics, Akira, and more.
How Many Anime Movies Are There?
So, let’s get straight to the point: how many anime movies are there? According to a 2021 Statista report, there were 73 theatrical anime movies produced in Japan in 2021. This is a steady increase from the 63 movies produced in 2012. The number of anime movies peaked in 2019 with 91 movies produced. However, this only scratches the surface.
Table: Number of Anime Movies Produced Each Year
- 2012: 63
- 2013: 67
- 2014: 70
- 2015: 75
- 2016: 80
- 2017: 85
- 2018: 88
- 2019: 91
- 2020: 76
- 2021: 73
Factors Affecting the Number of Anime Movies
Budget, production time, and market demand are the three pillars that influence the number of anime movies produced. According to industry experts, the budget for an anime movie can range from $2 million to $20 million. Production time varies but usually takes at least two years for a feature-length film. Market demand, especially from overseas, has been a significant driver in the increasing number of anime movies.
Key Takeaway: Budget constraints and production time are significant factors, but the growing market demand, especially from overseas audiences, is pushing the anime industry to produce more movies.
Types of Anime Movies
Anime movies come in various flavors: theatrical anime movies, direct-to-video anime movies, and anime movies produced in other countries. Theatrical releases are the most common and are often adaptations of popular manga or anime series. Direct-to-video releases, also known as OVAs, are usually shorter and can serve as a sequel, prequel, or side-story to an existing anime series. Lastly, anime movies produced outside Japan, especially in the United States and China, are gaining traction but are often not included in traditional anime movie counts.
Table: Types of Anime Movies
- Theatrical Anime Movies: High budget, often adaptations, released in cinemas.
- Direct-to-Video Anime Movies: Lower budget, shorter runtime, released online or on DVD/Blu-ray.
- Anime Movies Produced in Other Countries: Varying budgets and formats, produced outside Japan.
Theatrical Anime Movies in Japan
The history of theatrical anime movies in Japan is rich and diverse, with the first anime movie dating back to 1917. However, the industry saw a significant boom in the late 20th century with the rise of studios like Studio Ghibli. In terms of trends, fantasy and adventure genres dominate the box office. Top-grossing films include Spirited Away, Your Name, and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.
Key Takeaway: Theatrical anime movies in Japan have a rich history and have evolved to produce some of the highest-grossing films in both domestic and international markets.
Popular Anime Movies
When it comes to popular anime movies, Spirited Away, Your Name, and Demon Slayer: Mugen Train top the list. Spirited Away, produced by Studio Ghibli, is a fantasy film that earned over $355 million at the box office. Your Name, a
romantic fantasy drama, earned over $358 million. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, an action-packed sequel to the anime series, broke records with over $500 million in earnings.
Key Takeaway: Popular anime movies often belong to the fantasy, adventure, or action genres and are known for their high box office earnings.
Anime Movies on Netflix
Anime movies on Netflix are increasingly popular, thanks to the platform’s robust library. Must-watch titles include The Garden of Words, Akira, and Ghost in the Shell. Netflix’s investment in anime content has made it a go-to platform for both casual viewers and anime enthusiasts.
Key Takeaway: Netflix is becoming a significant player in the distribution of anime movies, offering a wide range of titles from classics to modern hits.
Anime Movies in the US
Anime movies in the US have received a warm reception, especially in the last decade. Titles like Spirited Away and Your Name have not only been critically acclaimed but have also performed well at the box office, earning millions.
Anime Movies That Came Out in Theaters in the US
In recent years, several anime movies have been theatrically released in the US, including Demon Slayer: Mugen Train and Dragon Ball Super: Broly. These movies have performed exceptionally well, with Demon Slayer earning over $43 million in the US alone.
Key Takeaway: The US market has become increasingly receptive to anime movies, with several titles performing exceptionally well at the box office.
Anime Movies vs Anime Series
Anime movies and anime series differ significantly in terms of storytelling, production, and viewer engagement. While series allow for more extended character development and plot exploration, movies often offer a more condensed and focused narrative. Production-wise, movies usually have higher budgets, which translates to better animation quality and often, a more renowned production team.
Continuity in Anime Movies and Series
Many anime movies are directly related to their corresponding anime series in terms of story continuity. For instance, movies like Demon Slayer: Mugen Train serve as a direct sequel to their anime series, providing not just additional content but also critical plot developments.
Key Takeaway: If you’re a fan of an anime series, watching the corresponding movie can offer additional storyline insights and character development.
Anime Movies by Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli has had a monumental impact on the anime movie industry. With classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke, Studio Ghibli has not only received critical acclaim but also achieved significant box office success.
Studio Ghibli vs Other Studios
When it comes to storytelling and animation quality, Studio Ghibli sets the bar high, often considered the gold standard in the anime movie industry. While other studios like Madhouse and Sunrise have produced noteworthy films, they often fall short in achieving the same level of international acclaim as Studio Ghibli titles.
Key Takeaway: Studio Ghibli’s commitment to storytelling and animation quality has set it apart as a leader in the anime movie industry.
FAQs About How Many Anime Movies Are There
Q: How many anime movies are there in the world?
A: It’s estimated that hundreds of anime movies are produced each year, both in Japan and globally.
Q: How many anime movies are there on Netflix?
A: The exact number varies, but Netflix offers a robust library of anime movies, ranging from classics to modern hits.
Summary
In summary, the world of anime movies is vast and ever-expanding, with hundreds of new titles added each year. From the rich history of theatrical releases in Japan to the increasing popularity of anime movies in the US and on platforms like Netflix, the anime movie industry is a global phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and explore this captivating world; you won’t regret it.
Ready to explore the world of anime movies? Start with some of the must-watch titles mentioned in this blog and let the adventure begin!
