As technology and CGI get more advanced, so do the films we know and love. There are a variety of new and exciting works coming out this year to kick off the decade, especially in the world of anime movies. Even though we are excited to see what these films have to offer, there are also quite a few that invite an incredibly healthy dose skepticism.
As a result, it is crucial to look into what each story has to offer and decipher which anime films will be able to captivate audiences. On top of the story, a look into the animation style, art direction, and concept are all definitely paramount to determining which anime movies we're excited about in 2020, and which ones we aren't.
10 EXCITED FOR: Tokyo Godfathers (March 2020 Restoration)
Tokyo Godfathers portrays a captivating story in its trailer, based around three extremely relatable, low-class characters who rise to the occasion and save the day. This is not a tale of a superhero saving a woman in distress from an unstoppable evil, but rather three average citizens banding together to bring a child back to its mother.
The film is being brought back for restoration and conveys real-world issues mixed in with a beautifully modern portrayal of Japan.
9 NOT: Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 (June 2020)
Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 is the fourth film in the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy. Being the fourth film in the series already raised several questions, but the movie is finally coming out after its initial debut announcement back in 2015. The sci-fi anime property has released a 10 and a half minute preview to try to get fans excited for its release.
The lengthy preview might be reaching for an audience that isn't there to receive it. Naturally, the CGI and animation may seem outdated as well, especially since the series has been in the making for over a decade now. The thing that can save this movie is, of course, a meaty plot - we're talking about Evangelion, after all. But that is a bit of a distant hope due to the writers walking away from this project and extending the release date (not the most heartening prospect).
8 EXCITED FOR: Fate/Stay Night [Heaven’s Feel] III (March 2020 Initial Release)
The entirety of the Fate/Stay Night franchise has proven to be a hit, keeping audiences firmly planted in their seats as the stories unfold to reveal the characters' intense internal dilemmas. What makes this series different than that of a typical anime fighting saga is that the characters truly question who they are and how they fit into society.
Through the acceptance of death and destruction, the characters have been able to battle darkness and despair. Expectations are high for the in-depth story structure of the third release.
7 NOT: Psycho Pass 3: First Inspector (March 2020)
Psycho Pass 3: First Inspector is an example of a sequel release that may be reaching for a story that isn't there or hasn't been told already in the first one. Although there has been little information on the synopsis, Mipon already suggests possible issues with the root concept of cutting down the structure from an eight-episode series into a compilation movie.
It may be tough to say exactly whether the story will hit its target with audiences, but the lack of information and the compilation issues raise red flags.
6 EXCITED FOR: Children Of The Sea (April 2020 American Release)
Children of the Sea was initially released in Japan back in 2019, so there has been quite a bit of buzz about the already successful run of this film. Needless to say, western anime fans are anticipating it eagerly.
Audiences can't wait to watch as main character Ruka is drawn into an otherworldly water adventure, confronted with and compelled to unravel a mysterious occurrence -- all the world's fish disappearing.
5 NOT: Majo Minarai O Sagashite (May 2020)
This is an anniversary film release of popular series Ojamajo Doremi -- something that nobody saw coming
Majo Minarai O Sagashite has the feel of a dated early 2000's film. This film obviously has the foundation for a well-developed story, though two decades dated does make its potential to hook with the audiences of today. It may also lack the graphical fidelity and modern animation style that contemporary audiences will cling onto.
4 EXCITED FOR: Made In Abyss: Dawn Of The Deep Soul (April 2020)
This long-awaited follow up will open up the audience's mind to an entirely different world deep down under. Main characters Riko, Reg, and Nanachi battle into the darkness in order to find a path to the light. The film's deeply imaginative themes will likely have fans poring over it for hours after leaving the theater.
Additionally, the highly anticipated film will mix storytelling with revolutionary animation styles creating a must-see for 2020 viewers.
3 NOT: Kimetsu No Yaiba: Infinite Train (2020)
This popular manga is being adapted into a film that has pushed its release several times now. Even now the exact date is unclear, which raises concern as to why there is so much uncertainty invested in the film's production process, if not the content itself.
Audiences can only sit back and wait for the film to come out, all the while hoping that brilliant story in the manga is portrayed correctly on screen.
2 EXCITED FOR: Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna (March 2020)
There's no lengthy explanation needed as to why we are all excited for Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna. The Japan release in February went phenomenally and those who haven't seen it yet are waiting patiently for it to hit local theaters.
The adventure of Digimon keeps on trucking with Taichi and company, the plot unraveling around the alarming discovery that as they grow into adulthood, their partnership with their Digimon will come to an end. Fans are excited for this hour and a half long ride.
1 NOT: Fate/Grand Order: Shinsei Entaku Ryoiki Camelot (2020)
Fate/Grand Order: Shinsei Entaku Ryoiki Camelot is another film on this list that has thus far eluded a more exact date of release, more than likely owing to production issues. The trailer skews towards vague at the very best, but during this prequel flick we'll be joining heroic knight Artoria Pendragon to follow her exploits and trials in Camelot.