In a surprising number of ways, the movies that make up the MCU are reminiscent of the world of anime, such in terms of character design, costume design, setting, plot, and even tone. American comics and Japanese anime don't have perfect overlap, but in many fundamental ways, these two worlds understand each other quite well.
Fans of the MCU may find a lot to like in anime and vice versa, and not just for superhero anime such as One-Punch Man and My Hero Academia. For fans of action, adventure, sci-fi, or fantasy anime, certain MCU movies will be especially appealing and feel like high-quality live-action anime movies in many ways, minus the baggage of the actual live-action anime movies.
10 Spider-Man: Far From Home Focuses On High School Heroes Like In My Hero Academia
It could be said that the second Tom Holland Spider-Man movie has more anime elements to it than any other superhero movie. For one thing, Peter Parker and his friends are all high school students, and a lot of anime series have high school-aged protagonists, including My Hero Academia and Bleach, among many others.
In addition, this series has a lot of quirky humor, solid drama, and heartache to create an intense but balanced mood, and anime is known to do that, too. The fantasy action and the advanced technology featured in this movie will feel familiar to anime fans, too.
9 The First Thor Movie Is Like A Reverse Isekai Anime
It could be said that the first Thor movie is a reverse-isekai story, and anime fans sure know a thing or two about that. In this movie, the powerful but arrogant prince Thor makes trouble with the Frost Giants, and he is banished to Earth at the command of his father, Odin.
Reverse isekai is a wonderful break from the saturated world of regular isekai, and what is more, it's a lot of fun to watch Thor become humble and learn what true strength and sacrifice are really all about. This movie also depicts the colorful fantasy world of Asgard, which is sure to appeal to anime fans the world over.
8 Ant-Man Is A Quirky, High-Tech Adventure
It's difficult to describe exactly how the world of anime handles tone in storytelling, but in general, anime is known for its generous use of quirky, eccentric humor to balance the darker sides of the story, including whimsical creativity and exaggerated lines and facial expressions. The 2015 Ant-Man movie is sort of like that.
This 2015 movie doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's much stronger for it. The hero, Scott Lang, knows how silly his superhero theme is, but he persists and grows as a proper hero all the some. Plus, anime fans will love the advanced technology, goofy humor, and lovable characters of this movie.
7 Black Panther Is A Soft Isekai Trek To Wakanda
If Thor is the MCU's reverse-isekai adventure, then 2018's Black Panther is a partial isekai story. How? Character Everett K. Ross received a real shock when he visited the hidden African nation of Wakanda, a world of astonishing technology, natural splendor, and rich culture.
This bountiful kingdom is hidden from the rest of the world, sort of like the African Switzerland, and anime fans will enjoy the minor isekai elements of this story, plus the exciting action sequences and emphasis on technology and martial arts, all with charming sub-Saharan African flair.
6 Thor: The Dark World Has Both Isekai & Reverse-Isekai Elements
The first Thor movie was a fine reverse-isekai adventure, and the follow-up, Thor: the Dark World, is another series that should appeal to anime fans, though it's arguably one of the weaker MCU movies. Once again, the mighty Thor is hopping to and from different worlds, and this movie has isekai and reverse-isekai elements alike.
The plot might remind viewers somewhat of the second season of The Legend of Korra, when an ancient evil returns as the solar system's planets align (such as Vaatu). And, of course, there is plenty of fantasy action and colorful costumes here for any anime fan to enjoy.
5 The Avengers (2012) Gives Off Alien Invasion & Reverse-Isekai Vibes
A number of anime series feature alien invasions or hordes of monsters, including isekai series, and 2012's The Avengers is like that, too. And, of course, this series has colorful characters and great humor and banter that is sure to feel familiar to anime fans of all stripes.
It helps that this series still has soft reverse-isekai elements, including Thor's and Loki's arrival on Earth and the invasion of the Chitauri aliens in New York City. That, and (subjectively) this is simply a great movie, period.
4 Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014) Has Humor & Goofy Characters
Like Ant-Man and Spider-Man: Far From Home, the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie will feel like home for any fantasy and sci-fi anime fan, in many appealing ways. As expected, this colorful sci-fi adventure has plenty of wonderful humor and goofy characters who each have a hidden serious side.
That already screams "anime!" and it doesn't stop there. It help that Peter Quill, the main character, is an isekai hero, having been abducted by Yondu and the Ravagers as a boy on planet Earth. Peter has been reborn as Star-Lord the space isekai rogue, and he's never looked back.
3 Thor: Ragnarok Features A Fun & Magical Isekai Adventure
All three Thor movies are sure to excite any anime fan, and that sure includes the last one, Thor: Ragnarok. Once again, Thor is experiencing isekai and reverse-isekai shenanigans alike, such as when he and Loki visited New York and when Thor got himself whisked to Sakaar, a strange world of garbage and lost people.
On Sakaar, Thor embarks on a zany and fun adventure of action and magic, and he gets back home just in time to face his powerful sister Hela and her guardian wolf. Thor's amped-up lightning powers are a sight to behold.
2 Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Is The Perfect Balance Of Wacky Humor & Tragic Drama
If the first Guardians of the Galaxy would appeal to fans of action anime fans, then the same is definitely true of the 2017 follow-up, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. The movie begins with the Guardians as a cohesive team, and they are embarking on grander adventures than ever before. How about a living planet?
The zany characters, stylish costumes and settings, and a great balance of wacky humor and tragic drama are all sure to match the tone and style of any high-quality anime adventure. When the Guardians return, their third movie is sure to be a hit for anime fans, too.
1 Spider-Man: Homecoming Follows The Typical High School Protagonist
Both Spider-Man movies are sure to appeal to anime fans, and while the second one feels more flamboyantly anime, the first Spider-Man movie should hit the spot, too. In fact, this series puts particular emphasis on Peter Parker's status as a high school student, and any anime fan knows that anime loves its high school heroes.
Although Spider-Man: Homecoming doesn't really have any isekai or reverse-isekai elements, its high school hero and its colorful action, characters, and costumes are all just right for anime fans.