From compilation films to 100% original theatrical releases, there have been dozens of anime movies released in Japanese theaters this year. Let’s break down my choices for the top 5.

*Note: Entries are listed in alphabetical order.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6MiNx3r8K8

Anemone: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution

Genre: Sci-fi, Mecha

Studio: Bones

Non-spoiler plot summary: In the near future, seven massive coral explosions known as “Eurekas” have occurred across the globe, resulting in the deaths of 2.6 billion people. The forces of humanity have tried to fight back but conventional weapons are all but useless against the coral–not to mention the monster that protects it. Yet all hope is not lost. One young woman, Anemone, has the ability to battle the coral in the mental realm where it is most vulnerable. But the first time Anemone does, she faces off against a strange green-haired girl in a mecha suit who, when defeated, calls out a single, mysterious word: “Renton.”

Why you should watch it: Far from being a recap film with a sprinkling of new footage like the first Eureka Seven: Hi-Evolution film, the vast majority of Anemone is newly animated and its story is 100% original. While much of the greater story is left unexplained (as a third movie is coming), the film nonetheless brilliantly crafts a story of two young women struggling to deal with insurmountable personal loss–and by encountering each other, finding hope for the future.

Visually, the film sports three different kinds of animation which are weaved together to tell its story. 4:3 reused TV footage is used to denote scenes in the mental world. On the other hand, new 3D animated scenes show Anemone’s past while more traditional 2D animated scenes denote the present. It’s a creative trick that allows you to keep track of the story–even when it’s more confusing and fantastical elements come into play.

Watch it if you like: Eureka Seven, Neon Genesis Evangelion

Where to watch: Theaters in the US sometime in 2019.

Read the full review here.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly

Genre: Fighting

Studio: Toei Animation

Non-spoiler plot summary: Stranded for decades on a hellish world with his abusive, revenge-obsessed father as his only companion, Saiyan warrior Broly has survived only thanks to his boundless, infinite rage. Rescued by galactic warlord Frieza, he is given the chance to get revenge upon the son of the man responsible for his exile: the Prince of all Saiyans, Vegeta.

Why you should watch it: Not only does this film introduce popular Dragon Ball Z movie villain Broly into the main Dragon Ball continuity, it turns him from a one-note, pure-evil villain into a truly sympathetic one. There is no true hatred in Broly; his berserker rage is simply the defense mechanism that allowed him to survive the hellish conditions of his life so far. Underneath it all is a kind, lonely soul, yearning for true companionship.

So effective is this reimagining of the character that you’ll find yourself rooting for Broly–even against Goku and Vegeta. And this goes hand in hand with the moral dilemma: Broly is not in control of himself. He is a victim as much as anyone else. But as his berserker rage threatens the world and his power continues to grow, is it right for Goku to kill him?

Watch it if you like: Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, Dragon Ball Z: Bardock – The Father of Goku

Where to watch: Theaters in the US and Canada from January 16, 2019.

Read the full review here.

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

Genre: Low Fantasy

Studio: P.A. Works

Non-spoiler plot summary: Maquia is a young, immortal girl growing up in a remote village. Unfortunately, her peaceful life ends on the day when a desperate king sends his soldiers to uncover the secrets of her people’s immortality. Forced to flee across a war-torn land, Maquia comes across a baby, still clutched in her dead mother’s arms. Unable to leave it to die–and despite being nearly a child herself–she decides to raise the mortal child as her own.

Why you should watch it: Maquina is a thought experiment centering around the idea of “what if an immortal woman had a mortal child?” One side of the story is the logistics: How would they live? How would they keep the secret?

The other side delves deep into personal aspects of the relationship. As he grows, Ariel, the child, discovers everything from the fact that his mother doesn’t age to the shocking realization that she isn’t even his birth mother. And on the other side of the equation, Maquina has to deal with the fact that nothing she does can change the nature of her existence: she will watch him grow old and die while she remains the same as always.

Its a tale as powerful and joyous as it is heartbreaking. And if nothing else, it will fill you with the need to go hug your mom.

Watch it if you like: Lost Odyssey

Where to watch: Blu-Ray/DVD (February 5, 2019)

Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative

Genre: Mecha

Studio: Sunrise

Non-spoiler plot summary: In the year U.C. 0079, the forces of Zeon dropped a space colony on Sydney, killing billions. Yet, three children who somehow knew this catastrophe would happen managed to save the population of their small, nearby town. Now, twenty years later, one of these children has gone rogue–piloting the most powerful mobile suit in existence: Phenex Gundam. In response, her two childhood friends set out to stop her and bring both her–and Phenex–home.

Why you should watch it: Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative is a tight story about the complicated relationship between three childhood friends. Two are newtypes–humans with limited psychic powers–but one of them, Rita, is far stronger than the other. She is both the one to predict the colony drop and pilot Phenex Gundam. Because of this, the other two friends are filled with a complex myriad of tangled emotions–from love and pride, to jealousy and hatred. It is as these two hunt for Rita that they are forced to confront their feelings and come to terms with who they have each become.

Behind this personal tale is the much larger story of the fallout caused by the last series, Gundam Unicorn. The strange powers exhibited by Unicorn Gundam have upset the balance of power. Now various factions vie for control of this power in the background–making the hunt for Phenex Gundam far more important than it first appears.

Watch it if you like: Gundam Unicorn, Gundam

Where to watch: Japanese Theaters (Though, as the first 30 minutes are available for free on the official YouTube with English subtitles, a Western release seems likely.)

Penguin Highway

Genre: Modern Fantasy

Studio: Studio Colorido

Non-spoiler plot summary: Aoyama is a super logical 4th grade boy who just can’t wait to grow up. A bit too intelligent for his own good, he relates better to adults than kids–especially the local dental assistant, “Onesan.” But one day something odd happens in their sleepy little town: a colony of penguins runs through the town’s rice fields. Determined to find out where they come from, Aoyama begins his investigation. But soon, it becomes apparent that there is far more happening than just penguins appearing out of nowhere.

Why you should watch it: Penguin Highway is the perfect mix of coming-of-age and supernatural mystery. In a lot of ways, it’s your standard 80s kids adventure–i.e., Goonies, Flight of the Navigator, etc. But two things make it stand out.

The first is the relationship between Aoyama and Onesan. She is the only adult outside of his family who treats him as a capable peer instead of just a kid to be talked down to. The other interesting aspect is Aoyama’s logical, step-by-step investigation into the supernatural. His tests and methods may seem silly, but they are all well thought out and get results.

Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that it’s also a stunningly beautiful film animation-wise–especially when it comes down to the penguins and their transformations.

Watch it if you like: Tatami Galaxy, The Night is Short, Walk on Girl, The Eccentric Family

Where to watch: Theaters in the US in Winter 2019

Read the full review here.