When an anime series attains significant popularity, it frequently leads to the creation of a sequel movie. While numerous renowned anime franchises boast multiple full-length films, these productions typically stand alone as side stories, not considered entirely canonical to the main series. Yet, exceptions exist. Certain anime sequel movies hold full canonical status and effectively address significant narrative gaps within their respective series. The finest among these not only contribute crucial elements to their franchise’s overarching storyline but also stand alone as enjoyable cinematic experiences.
A prevalent challenge in the realm of anime adaptation is the tendency for anime to outpace the source manga’s narrative, often concluding before the manga’s completion. This discrepancy has prompted the development of anime sequel movies, strategically crafted to furnish more conclusive or manga-aligned endings for open-ended anime series. Moreover, these sequel movies frequently serve as bridges between entries in extensive franchises, introducing pivotal facets and characters integral to the newer series.
Martian Successor Nadesico: Prince of Darkness (1998)
At its core, Martin Successor Nadesico can be seen as a comedic reinterpretation of Evangelion. Despite moments of genuine emotion and tragedy, the series predominantly maintains a light and humorous tone. In contrast, the sequel film, Prince of Darkness, deviates from the original’s comedic nature, opting for a notably darker ambiance. Despite garnering recognition in Japan through several awards, fans have been critical of Prince of Darkness.
Compounding the shift in tone, the film lacks crucial context, which is exclusively available through a Sega Saturn video game unreleased outside Japan. This game emerged post-movie release in Japan, leaving international audiences without vital background information. Despite the franchise suffering from fan backlash, viewed independently, Prince of Darkness presents itself as a commendable space opera anime with a compelling soundtrack and a nostalgic 90s art style.
Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
With nearly three decades of hindsight, it’s quite amusing that Pokémon: The First Movie was initially conceived as the grand conclusion to the entire Pokémon franchise. Despite this original intent, the Pokémon phenomenon not only endures but thrives, boasting 25 movies and over 1000 anime episodes by 2023 and earning its status as the most financially successful media franchise to date.
While the English adaptation does temper certain thematic aspects present in the original script, The First Movie retains a notably darker tone compared to the anime series. Surprisingly, this departure largely succeeds, as the film features genuinely emotional moments and a compelling central theme. Even with the alterations made for the English release, The First Movie manages to maintain its impact and resonates with audiences.
K-On! Movie (2011)
Observing the After School Team embark on a time-travel journey to London for their graduation excursion, the K-On! Movie seamlessly extends the series’ trademark laid-back and tranquil atmosphere. While the narrative remains uneventful, it is punctuated by numerous uproarious instances. The film delves deeply into the slice-of-life humor inherent in the series, showcasing impeccable character animations, dynamic reactions, and the interplay of the main cast’s distinct personalities.
Aligned with its anime precursor focused on music, K-On! Movie boasts an exceptional soundtrack, elevating the auditory experience. The girls’ exploration of London unfolds with comedic nuances and engaging interactions. Naturally, given their musical inclination, the protagonists seize the opportunity for a quintessential homage to the Beatles, traversing Abbey Road with an obligatory shout-out.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (2019)
In the continuation of an anime series where the protagonist meets his demise, the challenge faced by “Lelouch of the Re;surrection” lies in justifying the return of the central character, Lelouch. This necessity raises concerns as it risks diluting the somber yet gripping conclusion of the initial anime. Nevertheless, the Code Geass movies exist in a distinct cinematic realm, complete with its own narrative canon, thereby technically preserving the integrity of the original series’ ending.
The writers approached Lelouch’s resurrection with meticulous consideration, demanding significant effort from the characters, including Lelouch himself. Ultimately, “Lelouch of the Re;surrection” deviates notably from the overarching tone of the main anime series, culminating in a conclusion that, despite its departure, embraces a distinctly happy ending.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack (1988)
While not formally recognized as the inaugural Gundam film, Char’s Counterattack distinguishes itself as the initial movie in the franchise that deviates from the compilation format, departing from the utilization of footage from the original anime series. Functioning as a sequel to the original Mobile Suit Gundam and its successive series, Zeta Gundam and ZZ, the film serves as the apex of the ongoing narrative from these preceding installments. As the title suggests, Char’s Counterattack prominently features Char Aznable, the formidable antagonist from the original Gundam and a widely celebrated character within the entire Gundam saga.
The storyline meticulously revolves around the longstanding rivalry between Char and his perennial adversary, Amuro, the protagonist of the original Gundam. The film grants both characters ample opportunities to showcase their prowess as their conflict reaches its zenith, culminating in a remarkable yet poignant conclusion that befits one of the most legendary rivalries in the annals of anime history.
Fullmetal Alchemist: The Conqueror of Shamballa (2005)
There are two anime adaptations of Fullmetal Alchemist. The first, titled simply Fullmetal Alchemist, was broadcasted from 2003 to 2004. Notably, this initial adaptation was produced concurrently with the ongoing creation of the original manga, leading to a divergence from the source material as the anime outpaced the manga’s storyline.
To address unresolved plot elements from the first anime, Conqueror of Shamballa was created. This sequel aimed to tie up loose ends, particularly the situation where Edward finds himself transported to 1920s Germany, separated from the main cast. In this film, the two parallel worlds intersect as Nazi forerunners attempt to conquer the Fullmetal Alchemist universe, seeking to exploit alchemy for their sinister purposes. The resolution provided in Conqueror of Shamballa, however, was superseded by Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the 2009 adaptation that closely adheres to the original manga’s narrative.
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (2020)
Due to the disruptions in the traditional movie-watching experience caused by the COVID pandemic and its broader theatrical release, Mugen Train emerged as the second highest-grossing film of 2020. However, it is essential not to undermine Mugen Train’s success merely as a consequence of these exceptional circumstances. This anime movie stands out on its own merits, showcasing a distinctive and accelerated narrative compared to the typical Demon Slayer arc, concluding within a concise two-hour timeframe.
Despite its heightened focus on action, Mugen Train retains the breathtaking visual allure characteristic of the Demon Slayer series. Beyond the intense action sequences, the film carries authentic emotional depth, building up to a genuinely bittersweet climax that adds a layer of poignancy to the overall narrative.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Rebellion (2013)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica stands out as one of the most intense and subversive Magical Girl franchises, challenging and redefining various genre conventions in a brutal and horrifying manner. While the original anime series concluded on a bittersweet note, portraying a victory for the protagonists at the cost of significant sacrifice, the subsequent Rebellion installment took a darker turn, aligning with the franchise’s overall grim tone.
Rebellion’s last-minute twist veers strongly into the realms of darkness, unraveling the underlying optimism that once tempered the original series’ conclusion. Despite this shift, it undeniably forges a compelling and intriguing new narrative landscape, setting the stage for a promising direction in the upcoming Madoka sequel.
The Last: Naruto the Movie (2014)
Between 2004 and 2015, a total of 11 Naruto movies were released. However, only two of them, namely The Last and Boruto, are considered fully canon within the Naruto series. The distinction arises from their crucial role in introducing the next generation of characters who later take the lead in Boruto and connecting the narrative gap between the conclusion of Naruto and the inception of Boruto. While The
Last boasts a compelling storyline with notable action sequences, its paramount strength lies in its function as the ultimate culmination of the Naruto series. The movie opens with a stylized recap, summarizing the series up to that point, and concludes with the fulfillment of long-awaited happy endings for the beloved and familiar characters from the Naruto universe.
Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013)
Accompanied by its direct sequel film Resurrection ‘F,’ Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods serves as a precursor to the Dragon Ball Super series. Concluding with an epilogue set a decade after the Majin Buu Saga, the original Dragon Ball Z left a narrative gap that Dragon Ball Super would later fill. Battle of Gods acts as a bridge, seamlessly integrating the audience into key elements of Super’s storyline. The introduction of Beerus, the formidable God of Destruction, in the movie marks a pivotal moment as he evolves into a recurring character in Super, contributing to the series’ expanded cosmological dimensions.
Goku’s unveiling of the Super Saiyan God form in the film foreshadows Super’s exploration of even more potent forms and abilities for the characters. While Battle of Gods plays a crucial role in connecting Dragon Ball Z to Super, its focal point remains the intense battle between Beerus and Goku, two of the franchise’s absolute powerhouses. The film not only serves a vital narrative purpose but also captivates fans with an epic showdown, solidifying its status as the paramount anime sequel movie of all time.
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