When it comes to anime, shonen movies hold a special place in the hearts of fans. These films often bring larger-than-life battles, heart-wrenching stories, and beloved characters to the big screen, offering an immersive experience that complements the original series. Here, we dive into the 15 best shonen movies of all time, each leaving an indelible mark on the anime landscape.
15) Dragon Ball Z: Fusion Reborn
This movie is the 12th in the Dragon Ball Z series and features the return of the villainous Janemba, who creates a portal between the living world and the afterlife. Goku and Vegeta have to fuse together to stop him, resulting in the hilarious and powerful Gogeta. This movie is full of comedy, action, and fan service, and is a must-watch for any Dragon Ball fan.
14) Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie
This movie is the ninth in the Naruto series and explores an alternate reality where Naruto's parents are alive and his friends have different personalities. Naruto and Sakura are transported to this world by the masked ninja Tobi, who has a sinister plan involving the Nine-Tails. This movie is a fun and emotional adventure that shows a different side of Naruto's world and characters.
13) One Piece Film Z
This movie is the 12th in the One Piece series and follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they face off against Z, a former marine admiral who wants to destroy the New World. Z has a powerful weapon called the Dyna Stones, which can cause massive explosions. Luffy and his crew have to stop him before he unleashes his final attack. This movie is action-packed, dramatic, and touching, and features some of the best animation and music in the series.
12) One Piece Strong World
This movie is the 10th in the One Piece series and marks the 10th anniversary of the anime. It is written by the original creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, and tells an original story set between the Thriller Bark and Sabaody Archipelago arcs. The Straw Hat Pirates encounter Shiki, a legendary pirate who can manipulate gravity. He kidnaps Nami and takes her to his floating island, where he plans to unleash his army of mutated animals on the world. Luffy and his crew have to rescue Nami and stop Shiki's scheme. This movie is a spectacular adventure that showcases Oda's creativity and humor.
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11) Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
If you love shonen anime, you should definitely check out Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods. This movie is a sequel to the original Dragon Ball Z series and features Goku and his friends facing off against a powerful god of destruction named Beerus. The movie has amazing animation, epic fights, and hilarious comedy. It also introduces new transformations and characters that will make you excited for the future of the franchise. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods is one of the best shonen movies ever made and a must-watch for any fan of the genre.
10) Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry
This movie is the second in the Fairy Tail series and is based on a story arc from the manga. It follows the Fairy Tail guild as they are tasked with retrieving a magical artifact called the Dragon Cry, which has the power to destroy the world. However, they are ambushed by a group of rogue wizards who want to use the Dragon Cry for their own purposes. Natsu, Lucy, Erza, Gray, Wendy, and their friends have to fight their way through enemies and obstacles to save the world from destruction. This movie is a thrilling and emotional ride that features some of the best fights and moments in Fairy Tail.
9) My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
This movie is the second in the My Hero Academia series and takes place after the Meta Liberation Army arc in the manga. It follows Izuku Midoriya and his classmates from Class 1-A as they are sent to an isolated island to work as heroes for a training program. However, they are attacked by a group of villains led by Nine, who has multiple quirks and wants to create a new world order. Midoriya and his friends have to work together to stop Nine and his allies from taking over the island and endangering its inhabitants. This movie is an epic showcase of Class 1-A's growth and teamwork, as well as Midoriya's heroic spirit.
8) Bleach: Hell Verse
This movie is the fourth in the Bleach series and is based on an original story by Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach. It follows Ichigo Kurosaki as he is lured into Hell by a mysterious figure who claims to know his mother's fate. There, he encounters a group of Sinners who want to use him to escape from Hell's torment. Ichigo has to fight his way through Hell's horrors while also facing his own inner demons. This movie is a dark and intense journey that explores Ichigo's past and character.
7) One Piece: Stampede
This movie is the 14th in the One Piece series and celebrates the 20th anniversary of the anime. It follows Luffy and his crew as they participate in a pirate festival organized by Buena Festa, a master of festivities. There, they meet many old and new friends and foes, as well as Douglas Bullet, a former member of Gol D. Roger's crew who has a powerful devil fruit ability. Bullet challenges Luffy and the other pirates to a battle for a treasure that is said to be left behind by Roger. This movie is a massive crossover that features almost every character from the One Piece universe, as well as some new ones. It is a fun and exciting tribute to the legacy of One Piece.
6) The Last: Naruto the Movie
This movie is the 10th in the Naruto series and the first in the Naruto Shippuden series. It takes place two years after the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War and serves as a prologue to the epilogue of the manga. It follows Naruto Uzumaki as he faces a new threat from the moon, which is falling towards the Earth. He also has to deal with his feelings for Hinata Hyuga, who is kidnapped by Toneri Otsutsuki, a descendant of Hamura Otsutsuki, the brother of Hagoromo Otsutsuki, the Sage of Six Paths. This movie is a romantic and action-packed story that concludes Naruto's journey and sets up his future.
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5) Dragon Ball Super: Broly
This movie is the 20th in the Dragon Ball series and the first in the Dragon Ball Super series. It follows Goku and Vegeta as they encounter Broly, a powerful Saiyan who was exiled to a distant planet by King Vegeta. Broly is controlled by his father Paragus, who seeks revenge against King Vegeta and his son. Goku and Vegeta have to face Broly's overwhelming strength and fury, while also learning more about their Saiyan heritage and history. This movie is a stunning and explosive spectacle that reimagines Broly's character and origin, as well as expands the Dragon Ball lore.
4) Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King
This movie is the first in the Black Clover series and is based on an original story by Yuki Tabata, the creator of Black Clover. It follows Asta and Yuno as they are invited to join an elite squad of magic knights led by Julius Novachrono, the Wizard King. They are sent on a mission to investigate a mysterious phenomenon that is affecting the Clover Kingdom's magic. Along the way, they encounter a group of rebels who want to overthrow the kingdom and claim its magic for themselves. Asta and Yuno have to use their skills and teamwork to stop them and protect their homeland. This movie is an action-packed and humorous adventure that showcases Asta and Yuno's growth and friendship.
3) Jujutsu Kaisen 0
This movie is a prequel to the Jujutsu Kaisen series and is based on a manga volume of the same name. It follows Yuta Okkotsu, a high school student who is haunted by his childhood friend Rika, who died in a car accident. Rika has become a powerful cursed spirit who protects Yuta from harm, but also causes trouble for him and others. Yuta is recruited by Satoru Gojo, a teacher at Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College, where he learns how to control his curse and fight against other curses. He also meets other students like Maki Zenin, Toge Inumaki, and Panda, who become his friends and allies. This movie is a thrilling and emotional origin story that introduces Yuta and his classmates, who will play important roles in Jujutsu Kaisen.
2) Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
This movie is a sequel to the Demon Slayer series and is based on a manga arc of the same name. It follows Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibira as they board the Mugen Train, where they meet Kyojuro Rengoku, one of the Hashira or Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps. They are on a mission to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances on the train, which are caused by Enmu, one of the Twelve Kizuki or Upper Moons of Muzan Kibutsuji's demon army. They have to fight against Enmu's illusions and traps while also protecting the passengers from harm. This movie is an epic and emotional continuation of Tanjiro's journey to become
1) Gintama: The Final
This is the last movie of the hilarious and epic Gintama franchise, which follows the adventures of a samurai and his oddball friends in an alternate Edo period where aliens have invaded. The movie adapts the final arc of the manga, and it is full of laughs, tears, and epic battles. If you have followed the series from the beginning, you will love this movie. If you haven't, you might want to catch up before watching it, because it has a lot of references and callbacks to previous events.
FAQs
What makes a great shonen movie? A great shonen movie combines action-packed scenes, well-developed characters, and a compelling story. It should capture the spirit of the original series while offering something unique to the viewers.
Are these movies suitable for all ages? While most shonen movies are suitable for teenagers and above, it's always best to check individual ratings and reviews to ensure they are appropriate for the intended audience.
Do I need to watch the series before the movies? While many shonen movies can be enjoyed as standalone experiences, having background knowledge of the series enhances the viewing experience. Some films, like Jujutsu Kaisen 0, serve as prequels and can be watched without prior series knowledge.
Which movie has the best animation? Animation quality can be subjective, but Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is widely praised for its stunning visuals and fluid animation, making it a standout in terms of production quality.
What are some must-watch shonen movies for new fans? New fans should consider starting with Dragon Ball Super: Broly, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, and My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising, as these films offer a great introduction to the genre's action and storytelling.
Where can I watch these shonen movies? These movies are available on various streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Netflix. Some may also be available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
