All Makoto Shinkai Anime Movies For The Complete Experience

Makoto Shinkai anime movies are known for their stunning visuals, heartwarming stories, and thought-provoking themes. The acclaimed Japanese animator has created a name for himself in the anime industry with his distinct style and compelling narratives.

From “Your Name” to “Weathering With You,” each of his anime films has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Read on for all the Makoto Shinkai anime movies you should add to your must-watch list.

Who Is Makoto Shinkai?

Born in 1973, Makoto Shinkai started his career as a graphic designer and video game producer before shifting to animation. He gained recognition for his five-minute short film, She and Her Cat, which he made on his personal computer.

The success of this film led him to create more works independently before joining Comix Wave Films in 2004. Since then, Shinkai has become one of the most renowned anime directors in Japan and worldwide.

All Makoto Shinkai Anime Movies You Need To Binge Watch

For those new to Makoto Shinkai’s works, here are all Makoto Shinkai anime movies that you should add to your binge-watch list:

Other Worlds (1999)

Shinkai’s debut work, “Other Worlds,” is a one-minute film featuring a conversation between a man and a woman. Although it lacks an intriguing storyline, the animation holds a captivating charm that captivates viewers.

She and Her Cat (1999)

As mentioned earlier, She and Her Cat is a five-minute short film that launched Shinkai’s career. It tells the story of a cat named Chobi and its owner, who is struggling with personal and career issues. It’s also the first movie where Shinkai was involved in voice acting. Despite being short, the film captures the bittersweet essence of life and relationships.

Voices of a Distant Star (2002)

Shinkai’s first feature-length anime movie, Voices of a Distant Star, brings to life a heartfelt story about love and separation. The film follows two high school students who are forced apart when one of them is recruited to fight in a war against aliens. As they communicate through text messages, their relationship is tested by distance and time.

Your Name (2016)

This romantic fantasy drama follows two high school students who are inexplicably switching bodies. As they try to navigate each other’s lives and figure out the reason for their strange phenomenon, they eventually form a bond that transcends time and distance. Your Name became the highest-grossing anime film of all time upon its release and received critical acclaim for its stunning animation and emotional storytelling.

Weathering With You (2019)

Set in a world where rain never seems to stop, Weathering With You tells the story of a high school student who meets and falls for a girl with the power to control the weather. As they grow closer, they discover that her gift comes at a price – impacting their lives and the world around them. This film received praise for its beautiful animation and engaging plot, making it another successful work by Shinkai.

5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)

This three-part film follows the story of two childhood friends who are separated and their attempts to reconnect over the years. Through each segment, we see the characters grow and change as they struggle with distance, time, and their feelings for one another. The film is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the bittersweet moments in life.

Suzume (2022)

Undoubtedly, Suzume stands out as one of Makoto Shinkai’s most remarkable projects to date. The narrative revolves around Suzume Iwato, a peaceful high school student residing in a serene location. During her daily commute to school, she coincidentally encounters an individual who happens to be exploring an abandoned site.

Initially, she pays little attention to this encounter, but her curiosity eventually takes hold of her. When she discovers the individual’s identity, Suzume embarks on an adventure that will change her life forever.

The Garden of Words (2013)

In this short film, a young man struggling to find his place in the world meets a mysterious woman with her own set of challenges. Together, they form an unlikely bond and learn to face their problems together through their love for each other. The film’s stunning animation and emotional depth have made it a fan favorite among Shinkai’s works.

Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)

This adventure fantasy film follows the journey of a young girl who discovers an underground world full of mythical creatures and ancient secrets. As she uncovers more about this mysterious place, she also learns about herself and the power of friendship. This film stands out from Shinkai’s other works, focusing on fantasy and adventure, but still retains his signature style and storytelling.

The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)

Set in an alternate reality where Japan has been divided into two countries, this film follows three friends who reunite and set out to fulfill a childhood promise. It explores themes of friendship, loss, and the consequences of personal choices.

Someone’s Gaze (2013)

This short film is a beautiful and emotional story about love, memory, and moving on. It perfectly showcases Shinkai’s ability to tell a complete and impactful story in just a few minutes.

Where To Watch All Makoto Shinkai Anime Movies

All of Makoto Shinkai’s movies can be streamed on various platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Some may also be available for rental or purchase on other digital platforms. As you can see, some of the short films listed here already have their full versions available on YouTube, making it easier for fans to watch and enjoy them.

With the increasing popularity of anime worldwide, it’s now easier than ever to access and appreciate Shinkai’s works. So gather your snacks and start binge-watching these captivating anime films by the talented director Makoto Shinkai!

Expanding Your Anime Horizons

Makoto Shinkai’s heartwarming and visually stunning works have captured the hearts of many anime fans around the world. His films not only tell beautiful stories but also showcase the power of animation as a medium for storytelling.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering Makoto Shinkai anime movies for the first time, these films will leave a lasting impact. So add them to your must-watch list and get ready to be immersed in the magical world of Makoto Shinkai’s anime.