What was the best anime movie? Here are the six nominees for Film of the Year!
It’s that time of year again as the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards are right around the corner. The past year gave us quite a few anime that hit the big screen and were definitely worthy of adulation. From sports to drama, familiar series and directors, these nominees bring it all. So, let’s take a look at each anime movie up for Film of the Year in this year’s Anime Awards!
HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle
Directed by: Susumu Mitsunaka
Your favorite volleyball boys from Karasuno are back on the big screen in a new Haikyu!!movie. It’s the spring National tournament and for the first time in a competition, Karasuno are facing their eternal rivals Nekoma. Two teams that know each other incredibly well have to go head-to-head where only one team can be left standing in “The Dumpster Battle.”
Released in theaters in 2024 for both Japan and the US, HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle ended up being the second-highest grossing Japanese film for 2024 after earning over 11 billion yen at the box office
Look Back
Image via GKIDS
Directed by: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
The adaptation of Chainsaw Man author Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga became an instant hit for all audiences. Between the emotional drama of Fujino and Kyomoto’s friendship to the ways you’re able to see the rise of becoming a manga artist, this is a film that won’t leave a dry eye for any audience. It’s a story that resonates with artists and non-artists alike and will show you just how hard work can leave an impression on anyone.
After its release in the summer of 2024, the film has already picked up multiple awards and nominations, including wins from the Hochi Film Awards, the Japan Film Academy Prize, Seiyu Awards, and the Tokyo Anime Award Festival.
Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain
Image via Netflix
Directed by: Kenji Nakamura
It’s time to take it back to 2007 as the television anime series Mononoke is back with a brand new movie. The mysterious Medicine Seller returns after almost 20 years, along with a star-studded voice cast to provide yet another supernatural story. With its beautiful visuals that stand out amongst this crowd and its mysterious tale, this is one film you won’t want to miss out on.
Following its release in July of 2024, it was announced that this would become a trilogy of films, so fans of not only this film, but the series, will get to see more of it in theaters. It also won bronze at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next
Directed by: Tensai Okamura
For the fourth time, My Hero Academia hits theaters with a new original story that has Izuku and the rest of Class 1-A in a strange predicament. What happens when they have to fight someone who resembles and is trying to emulate All Might? That’s the core question in My Hero Academia: You’re Next as they have to take on the newly created “Dark Might,” a mafia leader who wants to save Japan after watching All Might and All For One’s fight. It’s the action you expect from My Hero Academia, but on a bigger scale.
You’re Next premiered in Japan in August of 2024, not only becoming My Hero Academia’s highest grossing film of the franchise, but also became the tenth highest grossing film in Japan for 2024 as well. It was also released in the United States in October of 2024.
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White
Directed by: Takashi Katagiri
A new original story in the SPY x FAMILY world, SPY x FAMILY CODE: White sees the Forger family get wrapped up in a potential international incident where all members of the family are needed to prevent not only Operation Strix from being shuttered, but all out war from breaking out. As is tradition with this series, you get a good amount of action and perhaps some of SPY x FAMILY’s most hilarious comedy to date.
Despite releasing at the tail end of 2023, CODE: White managed to be the fourth highest grossing Japanese film of 2024 after releasing in Japan and internationally as well.
The Colors Within
Image via GKIDS
Directed by: Naoko Yamada
Acclaimed director Naoko Yamada returns to the big screen in her second collaboration with Science Saru. The Colors Within showcases a world where Totsuko can see others as specific colors. This leads her into a friendship with fellow classmates and eventually their formation of a band. The Colors Within showcases Naoko Yamada’s wonderful ability to delve into human relationships and the beauty that can be found within them.
Japanese audiences were able to see the film in August of 2024, while North American and UK fans saw it in January of 2025. This is another film that has already picked up some award hardware with it winning Best Animation at the Shanghai International Film Festival.
The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards will be live from Tokyo, Japan, on May 25, 2025! Make sure to celebrate your favorites from the year by voting every day until voting closes on April 14 at 11:59:59 p.m. PT!