Anime movies are all the rage nowadays, whether they are original ideas like Mamoru Hosoda's new Scarlet, non-canon spinoffs like most Naruto films, or canon sequels like the upcoming Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc. However, while there are many exciting forthcoming films and countless classics, the hottest film out right now is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle.
Infinity Castle is the first of a trilogy of films set to release in 2025, 2027, and 2029 that covers the final arc of Demon Slayer, one of the most popular anime series of all time. It is a worldwide sensation with top-tier animation, breathtaking visuals, and magnificent fight scenes. However, two years is a long wait for the next film, which is why this list will recommend ten movies to watch if fans enjoyed Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Infinity Castle. This list will contain original movies, canon and non-canon spinoffs of anime/animated films that are action-oriented.
'Redline' (2009)
Kicking off this list is a peculiar anime film that many fans probably haven't seen, but 100% should. Redline is a sci-fi racing movie that follows JP and Sonoshee, two racers who are one step closer to achieving their dream of winning the titular planet-wide race that happens every 5 years. However, this year, the host country is home to dangerous individuals and a corrupt government that doesn't want the race and press to expose their government secrets.
Redline doesn't have a standout plot or profound story, but neither does Demon Slayer: The Movie - Infinity Castle. Instead, Redline will guarantee one thing: high-octane thrills through some of the best animation and artwork that fans have ever seen. This anime film is bonkers in an endearing way, using its flashy animation and riveting action to create a visual masterpiece that fans can't look away from.
'My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising' (2019)
Some anime films on this list will be spinoffs, meaning they would have to have seen the original show to understand this content. While some may not prefer it, some of these anime films are worth it, including My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising, the second movie in the My Hero Academia saga. This movie follows Class 1-A on a remote island for part of their school work, but they soon discover a new villain who is even more dangerous than their last opponent.
Even if fans have to go through five seasons to get up to this point, the movie is well worth it because of its phenomenal animation and exhilaration overload. Heroes Rising promises fights, action, flashy and fluid animation, and more fights. It features amazing twists and developments that fans of the series were eager to see, culminating in a battle shounen experience that no one should miss. Let's hope that the final season of My Hero Academia matches this film.
'Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry' (2017)
Demon Slayer may be popular, but it also has its fair share of haters; even then, it doesn't match up to one of the most polarizing anime series, Fairy Tail. This magical shounen follows a guild of wizards and their many adventures. One adventure leads to the film Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry, where the group must travel to a new, wondrous island to reclaim the titular object, which has the power to destroy the world.
Fans don't necessarily need to see Fairy Tail before this movie, but it is highly recommended to get a grasp of the characters, story style, world, and magic system. Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry has big stakes, fun character moments, engaging fight scenes, and plenty of fan service for fans who enjoy that. It may not be the most polished film, but it is as good as some of Fairy Tail's best arcs, meaning it is sure to deliver on the emotion and action.
'Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain' (2024)
While fans of Demon Slayer probably don't like the show just for the demons, that aspect can be a plus, and if they do like that, then they should check out the Mononoke movies. This iconic series is receiving a trilogy of films, starting with Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain, followed by Mononoke The Movie: Ashes of Rage, which is out now as well. The first one is about the mysterious spirits plaguing the Inner Chamber.
Luckily, viewers don't need to see the original anime if they want to check out Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain, as it follows the same structure and isn't directly connected. While Ashes of Rage is equally good, fans should start with the first one. Phantom in the Rain is a spectacle unlike any other anime, using its visual style, unique editing, mind-bending animation, and color to create one of the most beautiful anime movies. The demons and horror aspect is an added plus, creating a gripping film that leans into the supernatural side of anime.
'One Piece Film: Z' (2012)
One Piece has made a bunch of movies over the years, but none have matched One Piece Film: Z. When the Straw Hat Pirates rescue a drowning man, they learn that he is a Neo-Marine, whose tactics were too dangerous for the Marines. He now pursues pirates with lethal force and plans to use a world-ending weapon to rid the oceans of any pirates and, subsequently, all humans.
The One Piece anime is arguably the most popular at the moment, and since Infinity Castle is the most popular anime film, fans should bridge that gap and check out One Piece Film: Z. It contains a surprisingly captivating story with solid visuals and entertaining fights. It may offer a fairly typical shounen story, but the movie handles it in a way that makes it fresh, especially with the glory of One Piece's worldbuilding, characters, action, and goofiness.
'Ne Zha 2' (2025)
Infinity Castle may be the most popular animated film at the moment, but it isn't the best in 2025. Instead, that honor would go to Ne Zha 2, the Chinese sensation that became the highest-grossing animated film of all time with over $2 billion. Drawing on the mythological character and story, this film follows a young, rebellious boy as he awakens his powers and confronts a new threat that poses a danger to the world.
While this entry only mentions Ne Zha 2, it is implied that fans should also watch the first Ne Zha to get the necessary context. Ne Zha 2 became the highest-grossing animated film ever for a reason, because it is action-packed with epic fight scenes, grand visuals, and some of the best animation put to screen. Ne Zha 2 is a cinematic event that rivals Infinity Castle, meaning fans of that should definitely check out this film if they want the same level of animation and action.
'Gintama: The Very Final' (2021)
Gintama was infamous for teasing its ending but never actually delivering the conclusion, which is why the final movie, Gintama: The Very Final, is a hilariously named film that tells fans it is actually over. However, Gintama is set to receive a spinoff anime in 2025 to celebrate its anniversary. This film serves as the conclusion for Gintama, pitting Gintoki and Yorozuya against Utsuro in a battle to protect Earth.
Like Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle, Gintama: The Very Final is a finale to the story, sending it off in a big way with a big-budget anime movie. Naturally, only fans who have seen Gintama should watch the film. Gintama: The Very Final encompasses everything good about the anime, from hilarious moments to profound depth to political plots to phenomenal action. Gintama: The Very Final is the perfect send-off to one of the greatest anime series of all time.
'KPop Demon Hunters' (2025)
2025 must be the year of smash-hit animated films because, as Japan delivered Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle and China made Ne Zha 2, South Korea produced KPop Demon Hunters. This Netflix sensation is already one of the platform's biggest movies, following a group of Kpop singers who battle demons after performing on stage. However, they never thought that their toughest threat would be attractive male pop stars.
If fans liked Demon Slayers, maybe they will like Demon Hunters? KPop Demon Hunters has it all, from expressive, fluid, flashy, and detailed animation to infectious songs to engaging characters and a gripping story. This movie hooked the world with its songs and marketable aesthetic, meaning Demon Slayer fans are sure to find some enjoyment in it, even if Kpop Demon Hunters is flashier and targeted towards a different demographic.
'Fate/stay night Heaven's Feel' Trilogy (2017-2020)
Sometimes, a trilogy comes along that is so good that this list can't recommend just one of them; that is why the entirety of the Fate/Stay Night Heaven's Feel trilogy is on this list. The Fate series is iconic for its multiple iterations, and this follows the events of Fate/stay Night Unlimited Blade Works, setting off the Fifth Holy Grail War that is sure to be filled with action, historical battles, and a city-wide battle royale.
The first film is good, but the Heaven's Feel trilogy gets better with every entry, concluding with the third film, which is on par with Infinity Castle. To entice fans even more, Heaven's Feel is produced by the same studio as Demon Slayer, ufotable, meaning viewers can expect some of the best animation they have ever seen, especially when it comes to action. The fight scenes are breathtaking and remarkable, creating an action-fueled cinematic experience that is as good as any battle shounen anime fans will see.
'Jujutsu Kaisen 0' (2021)
This list has featured many anime and animated films, but the closest series to Demon Slayer is Jujutsu Kaisen. And movie fans are in luck, because the franchise released a prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which tells the story of Yuta. After his childhood friend dies, she now possesses Yuta with undying love, never letting anything harm him, especially the new threat that terrorizes Japan, a former sorcerer who has dangerous ideals.
If fans liked Infinity Castle, then Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is the perfect film to watch next due to the similar vibe, inclusion of demons/spirits, intensity, action, fights, and fantastic animation. The best part is that since Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel, fans don't need to have seen Jujutsu Kaisen, a must-watch for real anime fans, as this film is a solid entry point. It may not reach the highs of animation, thrills, and fights, but it still excels in those categories while also having a noteworthy story and well-written characters. Infinity Castle is one of the greatest anime films, but Jujutsu Kaisen 0 should be next on the watch list.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 PG-13 Animation Action Fantasy Release Date December 24, 2021 Where to watch Close WHERE TO WATCH Streaming RENT BUY
Cast Megumi Ogata, Kana Hanazawa, Yuichi Nakamura, Takahiro Sakurai, Mikako Komatsu, Koki Uchiyama, Tomokazu Seki, Mitsuo Iwata, Takaya Kuroda, Risae Matsuda, Satsumi Matsuda, Shizuka Itoh, Show Hayami, Koichi Yamadera, Subaru Kimura, Satoshi Hino, Rie Kugimiya, Marina Inoue, Chinatsu Akasaki, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Kenjiro Tsuda, Aya Endo, Kotono Mitsuishi, Yuu Hayashi, Sora Tokui Runtime 105 minutes Director Sunghoo Park Writers Hiroshi Seko Powered by Expand Collapse