Get ready for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2025! It’s the time of year to celebrate the best anime, and this year, the movies are really amazing. We’ve seen some fantastic anime films over the past year, from exciting sports stories to touching dramas. Whether you love familiar characters or enjoy stories from famous directors, these nominated movies have something for everyone.
Anime Movies Nominated for Film of the Year
Let’s take a closer look at each anime movie that’s in the running for Film of the Year at the Anime Awards!
HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle
Directed by: Susumu Mitsunaka
The super popular volleyball team from Karasuno High is back! This time, they’re on the big screen in a brand new Haikyu!! movie. It’s the big national tournament, and for the first time ever in a real competition, Karasuno is facing their biggest rivals, Nekoma High. These two teams know each other so well, but now they have to battle it out, and only one team can win in what’s called “The Dumpster Battle.”
Released in theaters in both Japan and the United States in 2024, HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle was a huge hit. It became the second-highest-grossing Japanese movie of 2024, making over 11 billion yen at the box office! If you want to see this exciting match, you can even watch it at home or on the go on Crunchyroll.
This movie is a must-watch for Haikyu!! fans. It brings all the energy and excitement of the series to the big screen. The rivalry between Karasuno and Nekoma is legendary, and seeing it play out in a movie format is truly special. The animation is top-notch, capturing every spike, block, and dive with incredible detail. Even if you’re not a sports anime fan, the themes of teamwork, perseverance, and facing your rivals are universal and engaging. The emotional investment in these characters and their journey makes “The Dumpster Battle” a thrilling and satisfying cinematic experience.
Look Back
Directed by: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Look Back is based on a one-shot manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man. It quickly became a favorite for many viewers. This movie tells a touching story about the friendship between two girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, and how they both grow as manga artists. It’s an emotional journey that explores the ups and downs of pursuing a creative dream. Many people have said this movie is a real tearjerker, so be prepared to feel all the feels!
Released in the summer of 2024, Look Back has already won several awards and nominations. It won awards from the Hochi Film Awards, the Japan Film Academy Prize, the Seiyu Awards, and the Tokyo Anime Award Festival. This shows just how much critics and audiences have loved this film.
Look Back is more than just a story about making manga. It’s a story about friendship, dedication, and the impact of hard work. It resonates with artists because it honestly portrays the struggles and triumphs of the creative process. But even if you’re not an artist, you’ll connect with the movie’s themes of pursuing your passions and the power of human connection. The film’s emotional depth and relatable characters make it a powerful and memorable viewing experience. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on your own dreams and relationships.
Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain
Directed by: Kenji Nakamura
Get ready to go back to the world of Mononoke! The popular TV anime series from 2007 is back with a brand new movie. The mysterious Medicine Seller, known for fighting evil spirits, returns after almost 20 years! The movie features a fantastic voice cast and a brand new supernatural mystery to solve. Mononoke is known for its unique and beautiful visual style, which really stands out. This movie promises to be just as visually stunning and mysterious as the original series.
Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain was released in July 2024. Exciting news for fans: it’s been announced that this movie will be the first in a trilogy! So, we’ll get to see even more of the Medicine Seller and the world of Mononoke in theaters in the future. The movie also won a bronze award at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, showing its international appeal.
Mononoke The Movie is a welcome return to a beloved anime world. The Medicine Seller is an iconic character, and his unique approach to dealing with supernatural threats is captivating. The film’s distinctive art style, inspired by traditional Japanese art, is visually breathtaking and creates an immersive atmosphere. For fans of mystery, folklore, and visually stunning animation, Mononoke The Movie is a must-see. The announcement of a trilogy further excites fans, promising more intricate stories and captivating visuals in the Mononoke universe.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next
Directed by: Tensai Okamura
For the fourth time, My Hero Academia is hitting theaters with a new original story! This time, Izuku (Deku) and the rest of Class 1-A are facing a very strange situation. They have to fight a new villain who looks just like All Might and is trying to copy him! The main question in My Hero Academia: You’re Next is: what do you do when you have to fight someone who is pretending to be like your greatest hero? The villain is called “Dark Might,” a mafia boss who wants to “save” Japan in his own twisted way after watching All Might and All For One’s epic battle.
This movie delivers all the action you expect from My Hero Academia, but on an even bigger scale. You’re Next premiered in Japan in August 2024 and became My Hero Academia’s highest-grossing movie ever! It was also the tenth highest-grossing movie in Japan for 2024. It was released in the United States in October 2024, bringing the superhero action to international audiences.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next offers a fresh and compelling narrative within the established My Hero Academia universe. The concept of a villain mimicking All Might creates a fascinating moral and physical challenge for Deku and his classmates. The movie expands on the themes of heroism and what it truly means to be a symbol of peace. Packed with dynamic action sequences, beloved characters, and a thought-provoking storyline, You’re Next is a thrilling addition to the My Hero Academia franchise and a must-see for fans of superhero anime.
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White
Directed by: Takashi Katagiri
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White is a brand new story in the world of SPY x FAMILY. The Forger family gets caught up in a big international problem. All members of the family – Loid, Yor, Anya, and even Bond – are needed to stop a disaster. They have to prevent Operation Strix, Loid’s important mission, from being shut down and stop a war from starting! As always with SPY x FAMILY, you can expect lots of action and maybe even the funniest comedy the series has given us so far.
Even though it was released at the very end of 2023, SPY x FAMILY CODE: White was still a huge success in 2024. It became the fourth highest-grossing Japanese movie of 2024 after being released in Japan and around the world. You can also watch this movie on Crunchyroll!
SPY x FAMILY CODE: White successfully translates the charm and excitement of the series to the big screen. The movie offers a self-contained adventure that showcases the unique dynamics of the Forger family. Balancing high-stakes spy action with heartwarming family moments and laugh-out-loud comedy, CODE: White is a delightful cinematic experience for fans and newcomers alike. The movie expands the SPY x FAMILY world while staying true to the core elements that make the series so popular. It’s a fun and engaging film that the whole family can enjoy.
The Colors Within
Directed by: Naoko Yamada
Naoko Yamada, a highly praised director, is back with her second movie made with Science Saru studio. The Colors Within tells the story of Totsuko, a girl who can see people as colors. This special ability leads her to make friends with classmates, and together they form a band. The Colors Within shows Naoko Yamada’s amazing talent for exploring human relationships and finding beauty in everyday connections.
Japanese audiences were able to see The Colors Within in August 2024, while fans in North America and the UK got to see it in January 2025. This movie has already won awards, including Best Animation at the Shanghai International Film Festival, highlighting its artistic merit.
The Colors Within is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that delves into the complexities of human perception and connection. Naoko Yamada’s signature delicate direction and Science Saru’s fluid animation style create a truly unique and captivating viewing experience. The movie explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the beauty of individual differences. With its focus on character relationships and subtle emotional nuances, The Colors Within is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that showcases the power of animation to tell deeply human stories. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven narratives and artistic animation.
The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards will be broadcast live from Tokyo, Japan, on May 25, 2025! Make sure to vote for your favorite anime of the year every day until voting closes on April 14th at 11:59:59 p.m. PT!