What animated movies should you watch in theaters? Here's a guide to choosing the best ones of 2024.

If you find yourself left with only a sense of regret after watching a theatrical anime, wondering "Why did I watch this?", then you need to make an intentional choice rather than simply watching whatever comes your way. A film is just a tool for telling a story, and what truly determines whether a work will enrich your time and emotions is your own criteria. AllMovie presents a method for extracting the true value of theatrical anime, not as a simple recommendation, but as a selection guide based on key checkpoints.

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6 Questions You Must Ask When Choosing a Theatrical Anime

1. Is this work an 'extension' of the story, or a 'complete' one? → A *complete* work either concludes the original series or tells a completely separate story. An *extension* builds upon the existing world of the series, introducing new events or character relationships. Complete works allow for full immersion even without prior knowledge, while extensions require some familiarity with the fandom. Therefore, we recommend a 30-minute or so overview of the worldbuilding before watching, especially for extensions. The more it's an extension, the more crucial it is to understand the established characters and their emotional relationships, otherwise the narrative flow will feel disjointed.

2. What is the track record and directorial experience of the production team? → The atmosphere and flow of an anime are heavily influenced by the director and the head writer (often called the "director"). For example, if the director has extensively researched the original novel or manga's worldbuilding, the anime's narrative structure will be more closely connected to the source material. Conversely, if the director has previously worked on different genres, their style may be reflected in this work. Therefore, the production team's history is a key indicator of what aspects the work will emphasize.

3. Does the music and sound design faithfully carry over the atmosphere of the original work? → Music is a crucial emotional delivery tool, accounting for over 30% of the impact in anime. You should check if the composer who worked on the original anime or game is involved in this work. If the music is similar to, or carries the same feeling as, the original, viewers will feel a sense of "identity preservation." Conversely, if the musical style or atmosphere is significantly different from the original, you may feel a sense of discomfort, wondering "Why is this music here?" The main theme and ending songs are particularly important elements that determine the overall atmosphere of the work.

4. Does the animation style and direction focus on 'expressing the emotions of the main characters'? → Animation conveys emotion through visuals and movement. In theatrical releases, it's crucial to see how the direction emphasizes the intensity of emotions in key scenes (e.g., duels, farewells, plot twists). For example, if subtle changes in a character's eyes or the way their hair flows in the wind are depicted, it indicates a high level of "emotional delivery." Conversely, if the scene direction is overly flashy or filled with unnecessary action, it can disrupt the serious mood.

5. Does the direction of key scenes highlight the 'core keywords' of the story? → The message or central theme that the work aims to convey (e.g., 'the price of love,' 'recovery of a solitary being') is concretized through the direction. For example, if the theme is 'hope,' symbolic scenes like starlight falling on the night sky or a child's laughter should appear repeatedly. If these keywords are missing from the direction, or replaced with irrelevant scenes, it's a sign that the core of the work has been diluted. This can lead to the question, "Why did I watch this?"

6. Has the film's length and structure considered 'emotional fatigue'? → Theatrical releases longer than 120 minutes typically have one of two structures: maintaining continuous tension or focusing on emotional healing. The former is characterized by a fast pace and continuous action scenes, which can lead to "emotional exhaustion" after watching. The latter focuses on a relaxed pace and character dialogue, making it ideal for when you need a break. Especially for young viewers or those who are prone to emotional exhaustion, the one that leaves you feeling "lighter" at the end is more practical.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can you fully enjoy a theatrical anime even without knowing the original story? → It's possible, but the work is easier to enjoy independently if its 'structure and setting' are clear. For example, works that establish a completely new world and provide detailed background information for the characters, like 'Sound of Memory,' can be enjoyed even without prior knowledge. However, if it's a 'sequel to an existing series,' you may miss the core of the story if you don't know the character relationships or historical background.

Q. What criteria should you use to evaluate the 'visual quality' of an anime? → Visual quality is more important than simply resolution; it's about the 'consistency of direction and color'. Pay attention to whether the color tone transitions smoothly during scene changes, and whether the texture of the backgrounds and characters is appropriate for the emotions being conveyed. For example, desaturating or blurring the colors in a sad scene can positively impact emotional delivery. Conversely, if the color is too exaggerated or the screen is covered with a uniform tone, it can increase visual fatigue.

Q. Can you evaluate a theatrical anime as 'moving' rather than just 'fun'? → Absolutely. The depth of emotion and the control of tension are more lasting values than just 'fun'. Especially, works that seamlessly guide emotional transitions will still evoke emotions even upon repeated viewing. However, if you're expecting 'emotional impact,' the core of the story should focus on universal themes like humanity, choice, and regret. Works that simply stimulate emotions without a consistent message may only provide a 'feeling of pleasantness' rather than genuine emotional impact.

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Theatrical anime is not just a 'fun performance.' Since you're investing your time and emotions, the quality of your viewing experience can be dramatically different depending on the criteria you use to choose. By using these 6 checkpoints, you can avoid regretting "Why did I watch this?" and instead feel confident that "This is exactly the anime I was looking for." Now, your choice should be guided not just by "I want to watch it," but by the wisdom of determining whether it can "live up to your expectations."