What are some hidden gem anime films worth watching? What counts as a hidden gem? In my opinion I think a hidden gem anime film is something that didn’t go mainstream. A film that many people put off because it isn’t by some big studio production, like Studio Ghibli, or director.
Do all five of these films meet those criteria? Maybe not, but not many people talk about these films. In my opinion, these are great films that deserve more attention.
Looking for more recommendations? Check out my manga recommendations for 2025 and the anime for Spring 2025!
Hidden Gem Anime Films
Pompo: The Cinephile
Pompo is a talented and gutsy producer in “Nyallywood,” the movie-making capital of the world. Although she’s known for B-movies, one day Pompo tells her movie-loving but apprehensive assistant Gene that he will direct her next script: a delicate drama about a tormented artistic genius, starring the legendary and Brando-esque actor Martin Braddock, and a young actress seeking her first break. But when the production heads towards chaos, can Gene rise to Pompo’s challenge, and succeed as a first-time director? (Rotten Tomatoes)
If there’s one true hidden gem on this list, it’s definitely this film. I don’t see anyone ever recommending this on articles and forums. If you or someone you know loves film and cinematography, I suggest you watch this film. It’s a light-hearted story about creating a movie.
The voice actors and Director of this film aren’t anyone famous. The studio that produced this has only done nine other work, one of them being The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes.
But the work that they’ve done on this film is amazing. I hope they do more in the future.
To Me, The One Who Loved You + To Every You I’ve Loved Before
For these two movies I won’t give a synopsis. I suggest just choosing to start with either movie, then watch the other one next. The two movies are supposed to be interchangeable, and the stories slightly change with whichever you start with. I personally started with To Every You I’ve Loved Before.
The characters, soundtrack, and the story; I loved them all. I didn’t ‘dislike’ anything but if I had to choose it would be the art style, it looks ‘off’ to me. Not sure why but it does. I may do a separate article for these movies as they deserve them.
They Were 11
In the distant future, a survival test strands ten space cadets on a spacecraft. However, the space cadets find eleven of them on board. Who is the imposter, how did they get on board, and what do they want?
This is an old movie coming from 1986. They Were 11 is an anime film adaptation of a manga of the same name, which came out in 1975. This story is basically ancient in the anime world. I saw it recommended as a good mystery anime. If you can get over the old anime art style and choppy animations, the story is good.
It might come off as ‘outdated’ to most people but if you just go into it with an open-mind and not compare it to modern day anime, it’s worth your time.
Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You
Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town is 10 years old today. This means he is now old enough to become a Pokémon Trainer. Ash dreams big about the adventures he will experience after receiving his first Pokémon from Professor Oak. (IMDB)
Now I know a Pokémon movie may not be a hidden gem, however most fans will put this film off simply because it’s not canon. I’m a huge Pokémon fan myself, and as a fan I loved this movie. People often misunderstand the film. It’s meant to tell an alternate timeline of Ash and Pikachu’s story.
The art style may put you off, it isn’t like the traditional TV Series. The animation looks better though.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Makoto is a typical teenage girl who spends most of her days slacking off with friends. One day while rushing to meet her aunt, she nearly gets hit by a train, but at the last second, finds herself jumping backwards in time to before the accident. She immediately makes use of her newfound ability to re-do every minor inconvenience–from poor exam results to awkward confessions of love. However, when faced with the consequences of tampering with time, Makoto must do everything she can to avoid a dire future that can’t be reversed. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Out of all the recommendations on this list this film is my favourite. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time isn’t that old, releasing in 2006, it still holds up to today’s standards I’d say. It’s a Sci-fi & Romance about the consequences of time traveling. The story isn’t original by any means, but the film has it’s own flavour.
Don’t Look Any Further For Hidden Gem Anime Films
Like I said at the start these may not be true hidden gems. But these are films I don’t see talked about enough for whatever reason. If I had to strongly suggest one of these films it would be Pompo: The Cinephile. I’m a huge fan of films and cinematography, this film captured the fun and fulfillment in that field of work. It reminded me of university where my friends and I made a bunch of films for our course. It was a lot of hard work, the times were stressful. But seeing the final product at the end was fulfilling.
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Miguel channels his love for manga, anime, and gaming into creating digital contents with a goal to become a notable writer who continues to captivate his readers.
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- Miguel F.https://animeinjapan.com/author/miguel-f/
