Anime is at an all-time height of popularity worldwide, with fans everywhere, not just in Japan, enjoying the medium more than ever before. Anime television series are winning awards and inspiring merchandise collections and brand deals, and it seems a new anime film is hitting theaters each week, giving audiences a brand-new genre to enjoy.

Some characteristics anime is known for are overwhelmingly gorgeous animation styles that are truly unique and vary across studios, larger-than-life storylines that often focus on epic battles between good and evil, and life lessons subtly woven into the framework of the story, dispensing valuable morals through the narrative without bashing audience over the head with them blatantly. These seven cinematic movies are not animes at all, but each of these titles contains so many of these recognizable traits that it makes them feel shockingly similar to an anime.

7 Into the Spider-Verse

Created by Sony Pictures Animation

Into the Spider-Verse is the first installment in the Spider-Verse franchise, of which there are currently two movies with a third on the way to theaters on June 4, 2027. There are plenty of adaptations of the familiar Marvel Spider-Man story, with seemingly hundreds of versions of the iconically recognizable character in existence, but Into the Spider-Verse is by far one of the best, for a host of reasons. Miles Morales was once an average teenager, but when a radioactive spider bit him, he developed superpowers. Mile's humble beginnings and sudden superpowers are similar to other anime characters who began as average individuals and became overpowered by chance, like Deku from My Hero Academia, for example.

Another noteworthy aspect of Into the Spider-Verse that earned it abundant acclaim is its previously unseen animation style. The way the film is animated makes it look like the pages of a comic book are moving on-screen, giving the movie a dynamic and completely unique style. Anime series also often take bold risks with their animation styles, and each studio has their own special touch. Into the Spider-Verse's rapidly moving animation style, complete with comic book-style text bubbles, makes it stand out in the best way. Themes of good vs. evil and superheroes fighting villains may be simple, but also crop up in anime again and again, in some of the most popular series, like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia. For all these reasons, Into the Spider-Verse would likely remind fans of their favorite superhero anime.

6 John Wick

Created by Lionsgate

John Wick is one of the most famous action thrillers in recent years, with Keanu Reaves playing his assassin role to perfection. This is one of Keanu Reeves' most well-known roles, because of how well he transforms into his vengeful character and immerses viewers in the life-or-death storyline of the movie. The plot follows the titular character, John Wick, who kicks off a killing spree when criminals rob him of his car and his pet dog while he is mourning his wife's death.

The pace of John Wick is incredibly animelike, jumping from fight to fight as Wick pursues the wrongdoers who stole his possessions during one of the most vulnerable times in his life. There are currently four John Wick movies out right now, and each new installment is more thrilling than the last. John Wick could be a top-tier action anime, with the protagonist following in the footsteps of similar anime assassins like Yor Forger from Spy x Family or the students from Assassination Classroom. Wick's pursuit of his enemies builds an atmosphere of incredible tension, another common facet present in anime series that focus on fights.

5 The Matrix

Created by Warner Bros.

The Matrix movie is considered a classic and should be required viewing for any movie lover, because its one-of-a-kind plot is just that genius. The main character, Neo, is on a quest to uncover the true meaning of the matrix, which everyone around him is living in, unbeknownst to them. Although at this point, most people have heard about the general plot of The Matrix, that does not make the twists and turns in the film less shocking, as Neo fights to destroy the simulation he is trapped in.

The concept of being stuck in a nearly inescapable simulation overrun by machines and technology is a synopsis that seems like the start of a gripping anime series. There are so many mecha anime and other popular technology-related series that fans adore, so The Matrix would likely be loved by those who are fans of this genre. The Matrix also unpacks moral quandaries, like what it means to be free, and these themes are also often explored in anime series too.

4 Blade Runner 2049

Created by Alcon Entertainment

Blade Runner has already led to at least one anime being created, entitled Blade Runner: Black Lotus. The original Blade Runner film was first released in 1982, and a remake came years after, in 2017. The visual beauty of Blade Runner 2049 in particular was enough to entice millions of viewers. Most people can easily recognize the film just from looking at iconic scenes, such as the interaction between Joi's hologram and Ryan Gosling's character, Officer K.

Blade Runner 2049's sci-fi action story follows Officer K, a detective, as he tracks down Rick Deckard, another blade runner who has completely disappeared from their dystopian society. K believes if he finds Deckard, he can finally begin unraveling some of the puzzling mysteries present in their world. So many anime series explore the idea of dystopian societies, like Dr. Stone, Fist of the North Star, and Attack on Titan, meaning that anime fans will absolutely resonate with the dystopian themes and neon, alluring visuals present in Blade Runner 2049.

3 Big Hero 6

Created by Walt Disney Animation Studios

Big Hero 6 is a Disney animated film that was released on November 7, 2014. The movie focuses on the protagonist, Hiro Hamada, as he struggles to process the devastating loss of his older brother, Tadashi Hamada, in an accidental fire. To help Hiro cope, one of Tadashi's inventions, Baymax steps up to look after Hiro. Baymax is an inflatable robot designed to monitor Hiro's physical, mental, and emotional health, and as the movie progresses, him and Hiro develop a true bond of friendship that goes beyond just Baymax's practical help.

Suddenly, Baymax and Hiro find themselves involved in the most important mission of their lives: intervening to stop a villain from destroying their hometown. Big Hero 6 is different from many other Disney films because it is more battle-packed and also explores much deeper topics, like recovering from grief and balancing doing what is right with helping others. Big Hero 6 has many unmistakably animelike elements. From the town of Sanfransokyo, which is a blend of San Francisco and Tokyo, to the film's unique art style that differs noticeably from other films by the company, Big Hero 6's world is certainly reminiscent of an exciting action anime with plenty of heart too.

2 Creed III

Created by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Creed III is the third and most recent installment in the story of Adonis Creed, a triumphant name in the boxing industry. In the film, he encounters his toughest battle yet, going head-to-head with Damian, one of his previous best friends. The movie is a sports film at its core, but also tugs at the heartstrings as it explores Creed's emotional struggles that come with challenging his childhood friend and fighting to keep his title at the top of the industry.

Sports anime is one of the most up-and-coming genres right now, with titles like Blue Lock and Haikyu! absolutely dominating the industry. There are also a handful of beloved wrestling animes, like Baki the Grappler, and Creed III would fit right in with these series. Creed III's emotionally charged fights, dramatic conversations between former friends, and glimpse into the wrestling industry are all elements that would be right at home in an anime series, giving Creed III the same riveting feel.

1 Godzilla vs. Kong

Created by Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures

Godzilla vs. Kong was one of the most action-packed and heart-racing movies of 2021 when it debuted, featuring the long-awaited clash between two ginormous monsters. Both Godzilla and Kong are monstrous creatures who appeared in their own film franchises prior, leveling cities and easily triumphing over opponents with Herculean strength. Godzilla vs. Kong finally brought the two beings together on the big-screen, so they could duke it out once and for all and determine who is mightiest.

Both Godzilla and Kong have already inspired anime series of their own. Skull Island is a Netflix series that takes place after the 2017 film, Kong: Skull Island, while Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters was a 2017 sci-fi anime that followed a group of people struggling to survive in the aftermath of a Godzilla attack on their world. Godzilla vs. Kong itself would make an excellent anime, because of its epic battle sequences between the two monsters. Their fights in the live-action version were awe-inspiring, giving viewers the same feeling as a well-constructed fighting anime series.

Source: CBR