Top 10 Anime Sequel & Side Story Movies

Top 10 Anime Sequel & Side Story Movies

When our favorite anime shows take the leap to the big screen, they rarely disappoint.
Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be counting down the Top 10 Anime Spin-Off Movies.

For this list, we’re looking at animated movies that either wrapped up the series they were based on or took us on a new adventure with the characters we love. Only movies with pre-existing material will be considered for this ranking.

#10: “Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion” (2013)

In this sequel, we follow Homura Akemi as she continues her struggles in this familiar magical setting. A new enemy has stood forth, and its up to this team of magical girls to take them down – but as Homura notices she’s surrounded by familiar faces that simply shouldn’t be there…she realizes something is amiss. The movie is a worthy addition to the anime with fantastic expressionistic animation, beautiful art, and great music. If you were a fan of the show or the previous movies, you will like “Rebellion.”

#9: “Sword Art Online the Movie -Ordinal Scale-“ (2017)

Serving as a side-story to the novels and anime by the same name, this movie is about a next-gen wearable device that uses Augmented Reality to get players into a game. The device is a major hit as players enter the world of ordinal scale, but not everything is at it seems. Duh. One of the highlights of the film is finally seeing Kirito and Asuna team up in-game once again. But you’d think after all these near-death situations that The Black Swordsman would give up gaming for good…whatever, you keep doing you man...

#8: “K-On! Movie” (2011)

As graduation looms, the founding members of the Light Music Club decide to take a trip abroad. Their destination? One of the rock and roll capitals of the world: London. This sweet continuation of the anime series takes us on what could be the final adventure of this group of young musicians. It’s heartfelt and sees the club members learn a lot about themselves and each other in their travels, producing something that even those who aren’t too keen on the original series can enjoy.

#7: “Steins Gate the Movie: Load Region of Déjà vu” (2013)

Taking place after the events of the series, we find Rintarou troubled by the effects of time travel. As he fades from reality, Kurisu must bring him back since she is one of the few who remember him.
Where did he go? How will she save him? Why is this happening? The movie manages to feel less like a cash-grab and more like an essential part of the Steins;Gate series as a whole – making it a worthy continuation of what many consider the greatest time travel stories in all of anime.

#6: “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods” (2013)

After the disaster that was Dragon Ball GT, a lot of people were cautious when they heard there was another sequel to this prized series. Fortunately, Battle of Gods retained everything fans loved about Dragon Ball. When the god of destruction, Beerus, awakens from his long slumber he has two things in mind – fighting the ‘super saiyan god’ and eating some delicious food. Things quickly turn sour after a certain pudding-cup incident and the Z-Fighters must face their toughest foe yet. It may be a little more comedic and light hearted than some people’s expectations, but this honestly adds to the charm and doesn’t hurt the earth-shattering battles one bit.

#5: “Cowboy Bebop: The Movie” (2001)

Like the animated series it’s based on, this movie features the same type of amazing soundtrack and gorgeous visuals. The plot follows Spike and the gang as they embark on an adventure to capture a terrorist named Vincent, who is hell-bent on releasing a chemical agent on humanity. Unlike other entries on this list, “Cowboy Bebop: The Movie” doesn’t take place after the animated series, it takes place during it…and we’re sure you can guess why. Still, regardless of its impact on the story as a whole, this movie will get you invested throughout.

#4: “One Piece Film Strong World” (2009)

One Piece has a lot of movies under its belt, but none stand out quite like Strong World. In response to an attack, the Straw Hats are forced to return to East Blue where they meet Gold Lion Shiki, an old pirate with some pretty amazing abilities. Series creator, Eiichiro Oda, oversaw the project giving it less of a filler feeling and imbuing it with that One Piece magic you’ve come to expect. It’s hot-blooded, brilliantly animated and great addition to the One Piece mythos.

#3: “Gintama the Movie: The Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuya” (2013)

One day while working in a cinema, Gintoki discovers a movie pirate, and upon apprehending the crook, he’s transported to the future where humanity has suffered a “White Plague”. It’s up to Gintoki to gather the futuristic versions of his pals and figure out the mystery behind this terrifying curse. Given that its Gintama, you wont be too surprised to hear that despite having this gloomy-sounding plot, this film is hilarious.

#2: “The End of Evangelion” (1997)

Wrapping up one of the most influential anime in history, this movie is considered by many to be a masterpiece of the genre. Buuuut it is a little weird and has been know to unnerve people with its convoluted plot and trippy visuals. Now that the threat of the Angels has been thwarted, the shadowy organization of SEELE finally makes their movie, hoping to complete the Human Instrumentality Project. What follows is a mind-bending series of events complete with horrifying mass-produced EVAs and Orange tang. We of course have to make a shout out to the movies in the Rebuild series – especially 2.0 which very nearly took this spot on our list.

Before we unveil our top pick, here’s a few honorable mentions:

“Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack” (1998)

“Kuroko’s Basketball: Last Game” (2017)

“FMA: The Sacred Stars of Milos” (2011)

#1: “The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya” (2010)

A continuation of the fantastic anime series, this movie meets and exceeds expectations. Kyon finds that things are quite different. Some of his friends no longer recognize him and others have straight up disappeared from his life – we’ll let you guess which. He discovers that he must go on a journey to return to his reality, which leads to a few heartbreaking scenes as well as some unexpected turns. One thing this movie managed to do is Leave us begging for another entry into the franchise – COME ON KYO-ANI! F*ck!