No matter how devastating the past year was, there were still moments that we cherish. And as for the anime industry, the emergencies and lockdowns did not stop creators from bringing us the best content of all time. Moreover, the past year has seen some of the most phenomenal film releases. One such example is the historical success of the Demon Slayer film. Many other anime films made a mark last year. Today, we have garnered a list of all such films that fans loved. So, without any further ado, here is a list of the 13 Best Anime Movies Of 2020.
1. Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna
The first name in a list of the best 2020 films is the massively popular Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna. The film was released on February 21, 2020. The pandemic was not at its peak at this time. Hence, the film gained a huge box office collection of $24.2 Million. The story kicks off from where it left in the last anime series (Digimon Adventure Season 2). The members of DigiDestined are all grown-ups. Thus, it’s time for all of them to look for serious career options. But fate brings the team together for their last adventure. Both fans and critiques applauded the film for or a satisfactory pay-off to all the prominent arcs. However, you still have to wait until this film arrives in the Western territories.
![DIGIMON ADVENTURE: LAST EVOLUTION KIZUNA - Trailer [English Sub]](https://i0.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/wR7U3IDmFYA/hqdefault.jpg?ssl=1)
2. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel III- Soring Song
On the second spot is the feature film of one of the very popular anime of Japan. Soring Song is a direct continuation of the events from Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel II. The production credit for this beautiful saga goes to Ufotable Studios. The premise is set in the midst of the Fifth Holy Grail War. We are taken to Fuyuki City, where the heroes must save the common people from a mysterious villain. Shirou, Rin, and Illyasviel yet again have the responsibility of saving humanity from this deadly enemy. Therefore, Soring Song is an enjoyable piece of cinema. Well, you may not have heard of this one before but is surely deserves the #2 spot on Best Anime Movies Of 2020 list.
3. Shirobako
Anime Shirobako is one of the well-established series of 2014. Even though the anime was discontinued from further productions in 2015, the idea of an original film was revived in 2020. To everyone’s surprise, the film shined with blooming colors. Thus, on February 29, 2020, Shirobako The Movie hit the big screens. Set in the same world as the anime, we reunite with Aoi Miyamori as she continuous her hectic life at Musashino Animation. Now, a new feature film project heads her way but along with many troubles. Witness this incredible story of hard work that goes into making an anime film. Lastly, you will not even realize when 2 hours will pass watching this one.
4. Violet Evergarden
Another pandemic hit project was the Violet Evergarden Movie that was delayed for several months in the face of a health crisis. Nonetheless, the film saw a release on September 18, 2020. And the box-office performance was surprisingly marvelous. The film gained $20.17 Million just in domestic territories. So, the plot of the film is set in the aftermath of War. The world is finally returning to normalcy. Thus, follow a beautiful journey of Violet as she awaits the love of her life while filling the world with more love and hope. This one will make you a little emotional, but it sure is one of the Best Anime Movies Of 2020.
5. Goblin Slayer Goblin’s Crown
The Goblin Slayer Goblin’s Crown film is a direct continuation of the anime series’ second season. The film came out on February 1, 2020. This White Fox production was a massive success at the Japanese box offices. The story of Goblin Slayer Goblin’s Crown is an adoption of the fifth light novel by Kumo Kagyu. The plot of the film tracks the Goblin Slayer as he senses something strange in the killing patterns of the goblins. Thus, he and his team set out to find what exactly these Goblins are up to. Hence, watching Goblin’s Crown is definitely worth your time!
6. Made In Abyss Dawn Of The Deep Soul
The Made In Abyss Dawn Of The Deep Soul film is also a continuation of the first season of MIA. The film performed decently at the global box offices, earning a gross of $4 million. The film hit the Japanese theatres on January 17, 2020, and then the American screens on August 14, 2020. As for the plot, the story continues to explore different layers of the Abyss in the movie as well. This time, Riko and Regu meet new characters on their way during their adventures. But a dangerous threat lies in the course of their exploration. So, watch the film to find out if these young heroes make it to the Abyss or not.
7. Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0
So, Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 is undoubtedly one of the most successful films of 2020. The movie is a final addition to the Rebuild of Evangelion series. With more than $75.72 million worth of earnings, the film has become quite a phenomenon. Meet Shinji Ikari, who has lost all hope in life. But his mindset changes quickly as Wille enters his life. Both of them become good friends, and Wille gives Shinji a new purpose in life. Watch this beautiful story of constantly changing human perceptions along with Shinji as he finds new hope in life.
8. My Hero Academia Heroes Rising
Studio bones came up with an incredible story to add to an already popular anime show: My Hero Academia. Heroes Rising is a second feature film in the MHA franchise. The global box office collections of this film mark a phenomenal figure of $29.9 million. The plot is set around students of Class 1A as they are on a trip to an island. But this trip quickly turns into a nightmare. A new villain, Nine, is threatening the residents of this Island, and the only saviors are the budding heroes. Do watch this inspiring story of Deku and his friends as they take down one of the strongest villains of MHA.
9. A Whisker Away
A film that was released during the peak of the pandemic but still managed to impress everyone is A Whisker Away. The movie came out on June 18, 2020. Studio Colorido and Toho Animation are behind this standalone film. The plot follows Miyo Sasaki, who is a hopeless romantic. She has fallen head over heels for one of her classmates, Kento Hinode. But this isn’t a regular love story. Miyo Sasaki tries to get closer to Kento by transforming into a cat! Things complicate quickly for Miyo as she starts behaving more like a cat. This simple but engaging storyline makes the anime a part of the Best Anime Movies Of 2020 list.
10. Demon Slayer Mugen Train
What we can undoubtedly call the film of the year is Demon Slayer Mugen Train. The Demon Slayer movie outperformed every anime film that has ever been released. The film even went on to become the highest-grossing movie of 2020. The crazy success of Mugen Train led to a massive global earning of $469.9 million. So, the story follows Tanjiro and his clan of demons slayers on a dangerous train journey. What follows is a jaw-dropping battle in the moving train itself. If you haven’t yet seen this historical film, then stop everything and join the cult.
11. You Are Beyond
Another standalone creation that came out in 2020 is You Are Beyond. The film was released on November 27, 2020. Digital Network Animation is behind this beautiful venture. The plot follows Mio, who is desperately in love with her best friend, Arata. Just when she was about to confess her feelings to Arata, a car hits her on the road. What follows is a completely different setup. That’s right, Mio is reborn in a new world. So, watch the film to find out what her new life has to offer.
12. Given
Studio Lerche brought this perfect love story to us last year. The film came out on August 22, 2020. The plot is about a music band, ‘Given,’ who recruit a new vocalist Mafuyu Sato. This new addition to the band turns out to be the best decision of their life. But a beautiful love story is also brewing during the rehearsals. But how can love come easy when the career is at stake? A simple love story quickly becomes a complicated triangle of emotions. Therefore, given is a must-watch if you are a fan of classic love stories. This one is surely one of the most deserving ones to be on the list of Best Anime Movies Of 2020.
13. High School Fleet
So, High School Fleet came out during the third week of 2020. The film is a beautiful combination of emotion and action. Follow the story of aspirational girls who want to make a career in the marine industry. But it’s never easy to pursue a professional career. Watch this film to witness the hardships of new recruits as they enter a world of practical learning. Hence, High School Fleet is a decent film that you will not regret watching.
So, these were the best releases of the year 2020. We hope that this list will help you in deciding what to watch next. Please share your personal reviews with us in the comment section. For more such listicles, keep an eye on The Anime Daily.