I’ve been able to catch good anime movies on Netflix here and there, but Crunchyroll is king, and I especially wanted to watch the top-tier movies I’ve heard so much about. Now that I have a subscription, I’ve been burning the midnight oil just to catch up.
What I wasn’t expecting was to get caught up in a wide variety of anime genres, all with heavy emotional journeys. Crunchyroll recommended a couple to me, like King of Thorn and Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, and I’m definitely glad it did. Not only are these movies worth the Crunchyroll subscription, but they also double as a good place to introduce anime to your friends.
King of Thorn
Stream King of Thorn on Crunchyroll
I was always fascinated by the tale of Medusa and the tragic story that led to her transformation. When I found out King of Thorn featured a “Medusa” virus turning people to stone, with a horror twist, it immediately had my attention. Once awakened from being cryogenically frozen, a group of survivors finds their world has been infested by strange vines and creatures.
King of Thorn isn’t all shock and horror, though. Despite being one of just over 100 survivors, they’re still human, and human problems cause conflict between the survivors, like the seemingly dangerous Marco. Not to mention the shy and unassuming Kasumi, whose flashbacks unravel an even bigger mystery and plot twist. The fact that there are only 160 survivors, and most die shortly after, adds a layer of tension and existential dread throughout the movie.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
Stream Josee, the Tiger and the Fish on Crunchyroll
From the very start of Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, you can’t help but fall in love with the dynamics of the two main characters. Tsuneo essentially saves Josee’s life, and from there on out, it’s never easy for these two lovebirds to be apart. What resonates with me is that Josee goes through so many struggles but never loses her whimsy, from suffering the loss of her grandmother to choosing a completely different career path.
Now that I think about it, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish isn’t all that different from live-action romance movies, with the two reluctantly falling in love. You see it way before they do, of course, with how sweet they are to one another at the movies or simply on a walk. If you love sappy love stories, give this one a watch with your partner, but know you may end up crying in front of one another.
Suzume
Stream Suzume on Crunchyroll
Suzume was on my watch list on Netflix for far too long, but once I saw it again on Crunchyroll, I finally gave it a go. I heard through the grapevine that Makoto Shinkai’s work is exceptional, and very few of his movies are on Crunchyroll. So, Suzume is my first exposure, and I was immediately enthralled by the mix of fantasy and emotion. It gave me that same sense of whimsy and adventure as Spirited Away, though the similarities stop there.
For starters, Suzume is a very thoughtful person who will fight through any trial with passion in the Ever-After to protect those she loves. Even against a cataclysmic threat like the disturbing worm that’s causing earthquakes all over Japan, and her own personal struggles, you never doubt Suzume’s efforts. And this is all done against a backdrop that is highly detailed and popping with color.
Sword of the Stranger
Stream Sword of the Stranger on Crunchyroll
I love Sword of the Stranger for its very clean and down-to-earth story, where it’s just focused on a handful of characters, namely Nanashi (or “No Name”) and Kotaro. It plays with concepts of identity, morality, and redemption. As a ronin, Nanashi wanders the land, but ends up crossing paths with Kotaro, who’s being pursued by Chinese warriors. Reluctantly, Nanashi decides to help, including the rescue of Kotaro’s dog, Tobimaru.
Though Nanashi doesn’t admit as much, protecting Kotaro—a bright and very kind young boy whose destiny is to be sacrificed for immortality—is a way for him to cleanse the lives he took. And he does it with deadly efficiency, without ever using his own blade. When Nanashi’s sword is drawn, the movie ends with an awesome action sequence that borders on superhuman. Definitely give Sword of the Stranger a watch if you aren’t too squeamish about blood.
Akira
Stream Akira on Crunchyroll
Akira takes place in Neo-Tokyo, a newer, futuristic version of Tokyo that’s under serious government corruption. It just so happens the government is also responsible for experimenting on “espers,” people with telekinetic powers, who are trying to tap into the power of God. In fact, it’s what led Tokyo to be destroyed and rebuilt as Neo-Tokyo. Now another powerful esper has been discovered, and the powers lie in the hands of Tetsuo, a member of a no-good bike gang.
The movie heavily leans into the nature of divinity (which had me questioning reality), underground government shenanigans, and loyalty. But it isn’t just the story that makes Akira so exceptional (despite not being a complete adaptation of the manga); it’s a joy to watch for the sake of studying. The skill on display in the animation cannot be overstated and should be seen even if you don’t care for the movie, especially the scenes involving their sweet bikes.
Crunchyroll can’t keep getting away with these great movies
It feels like I’m only scratching the surface of what Crunchyroll has to offer in the way of anime movies, but they are on a roll so far. Sword of the Stranger has superb action scenes, while Josee, the Tiger and the Fish, and Suzume were emotional, thoughtful, and a work of art in their own right.
