Top 7 Best Supernatural Anime Movies

Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary as we delve into the realm of supernatural anime films. This genre, renowned for its blend of fantasy, horror, and mystery, offers a unique cinematic experience that will leave you both enthralled and chilled. From haunting ghost stories to thrilling demon encounters, these top 7 best supernatural anime movies will take you on a journey beyond the ordinary.

Get ready to explore the supernatural world and discover the chilling tales that have captivated audiences around the globe.

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1. Hotarubi no Morie

• Genres: Supernatural, Drama, Romance,
• Air Date: September 17, 2011

Hotaru Takegawa is a six-year-old girl who becomes lost in a forest while visiting her relatives. Fortunately, she encounters a masked figure named Gin, who offers to guide her out of the woods. However, he imposes a strict condition: she must never touch him, or he will vanish. After successfully navigating their way out, Hotaru vows to bring him a gift. Unbeknownst to her, Gin is a mountain spirit, and he makes a promise to her as well. Each summer, she is to return, and they will play together, provided she refrains from physical contact. As the years go by, Hotaru faithfully returns to visit Gin.

As their encounters become more frequent, Hotaru begins to develop feelings for Gin, a man with whom she cannot have any physical interaction. Will these two souls be able to transcend the boundaries of the supernatural and the natural world, as well as the constraints of time and space, to unite?

2. Sarusuberi: Miss Hokusai

• Genres: Supernatural, Drama, Historical
• Release Date: May 9, 2015

Miss Hokusai narrates the tale of Ouei, the third of four daughters of a painter named Tetsuzo. An unconventional artist, he creates works that please him, ranging from a grand depiction of the Great Daruma to delicate images of two sparrows on a grain of rice. Ouei experiences some frustration with her father, yet she supports him and possesses considerable talent as a painter herself. One day, while preparing a dragon painting that her father was to deliver, she inadvertently damages it. In her effort to restore the artwork, she falls asleep, only to be visited by the dragon itself, seemingly emerging from another realm during the night.

This narrative illustrates her experiences alongside her exceptionally gifted father, intertwining elements of Chinese mythology, Japanese mythology, and Buddhism. The story unfolds in the historically significant town of Edo in the year 1814, blending the supernatural with historical context and dramatic elements in this acclaimed supernatural film.

3. Fuse: Teppou Musume no Torimonochou

• Genres: Supernatural, Action, Drama, Historical
• Release Date: October 20, 2012

If you are looking for the best supernatural anime movies, consider exploring Fuse: Teppou Musume no Torimonochou. This narrative unfolds during the renowned Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Era), a time before Japan was unified into its present form. The protagonist, Hamaji, resides far from Edo. The government has deemed shape-shifting entities resembling humans, known as Fuse, to be a menace that must be eradicated. Consequently, a widespread hunt for Fuse ensues. Hamaji receives a letter from her brother Dousetsu, inviting her to Edo, which she eagerly accepts, making her way to Tokyo.

However, an unexpected encounter occurs when she meets a Fuse named Shino. This meeting leads to a profound bond between them, and the central challenge becomes aiding him in evading capture in Edo while she grapples with his identity as a Fuse. This captivating story artfully intertwines the historical reality of Edo with the existence of these shape-shifting beings.

4. Aura: Maryuuin Kouga Saigo no Tatakai (Aura: Koga Maryuuin’s Last War)

• Genres: Supernatural, Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Air Date: April 3, 2012

Aura centers on Ichirou Satou, who fully embraced his chuunibyou phase during middle school, adopting the persona of “Koga Maryuuin” among his peers. Now in high school, he has moved past that phase and seeks to fit in. One afternoon, while rushing back to retrieve a forgotten book, he encounters Ryouko Satou, a fellow student who also exhibits chuunibyou traits. Dressed in a costume, he attempts to evade her, but the following day, his teacher encourages him to befriend this eccentric girl. Despite his initial reluctance, Ichirou soon recognizes that Ryouko is enduring bullying similar to what he experienced. Consequently, he resolves to support her, once again taking on the identity of Koga Maryuuin.

This series often blurs the lines of reality, presenting scenes that initially appear ordinary before plunging the characters into a fantastical realm filled with supernatural phenomena. Together, they escape their mundane lives, while Ichirou endeavors to assist Ryouko in confronting the challenges of reality. This movie is truly a remarkable viewing experience.

5. Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away)

• Genres: Supernatural, Adventure, Drama
• Release Date: July 20, 2001

The next one on our supernatural anime movies list, we are pretty sure everyone has seen. It’s Spirited Away! Chihiro is a young girl who is very selfish and does not want to move with her family. However, in the middle of the move, they find an abandoned theme park. There, her parents are turned into pigs after eating some strange food, and as the sun sets, supernatural beings of all sorts begin popping up everywhere! She is helped into a very large bathhouse by Haku and now must make a living there if she ever wants to not only get her family back but get out as well!

While we could go on and on, Spirited Away is the highest grossing film in all of Japanese history and has won numerous awards. Spirited Away excellently blends the concept of supernatural beings, while being set in a world that you could possibly find in old Edo or even Japan. It even has witches!

6. Momo e no Tegami (A Letter to Momo)

• Genres: Supernatural, Drama
• Air Date: Sept 10, 2011

The narrative unfolds as the realm is divided, with supernatural entities emerging one by one in the tale of a young girl navigating her circumstances. Momo, having spent her childhood in a bustling metropolis, faces an unwelcome transition following her father’s passing, relocating with her mother to a secluded island. Unsurprisingly, Momo is discontented with her new surroundings, which consist solely of dilapidated houses, shrines, an abundance of trees, and a few fields. She possesses a letter from her father, serving as a keepsake, yet it contains only the words, “Dear Momo.” One day, Momo ventures into the attic of her new residence and discovers a book.

This book features photographs of renowned Youkai that her father had collected. As these beings come to life, Momo must navigate her own existence while contending with the antics of these fallen deities. Enthusiasts of Natsume Yuujinchou are sure to appreciate this film!

7. Colorful The Motion Picture

• Genres: Supernatural, Drama, Slice of Life
• Air Date: August 21, 2010

The final movie in a list of the best supernatural anime movies is Colorful The Motion Picture. The movie begins with the death of its main character. Indeed, this is the very premise of the narrative. Upon arriving at the station of the afterlife, the protagonist learns that they have won a second chance at life. This soul is then unexpectedly placed into the body of a boy named Makoto, who has recently taken his own life. Awakening in Makoto’s body, he encounters a spirit named Purapura, who informs him that he must identify and rectify the greatest sin from his past existence. He is granted a period of six months to uncover this sin; however, he is plagued by relentless suffering. His experiences at school and in social settings are dismal, but his familial relationships are even more distressing.

In Colorful, Makoto’s journey serves as a profound lesson in embracing the life he has been given. Most significantly, it guides him in discovering and cherishing the most beautiful aspects, the vibrant colors, of his existence.