7 anime films worth checking out in Netflix

The first thing that comes to mind when one says "anime films" would probably Studio Ghibli.

But once you're done binge-watching the Ghibli films, all made available on Netflix (except "Grave of the Fireflies"), you can broaden your horizons to include the others in this list.

Here are some anime films worth checking out in Netflix while we're all stuck at home:

Flavors of Youth

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What’s it about?
Three stories set in three cities in China that explore the highs and lows of youth: from a bowl of noodles that evoke childhood memories, a model who’s coming to terms with her fading youthful beauty, and a first love that just didn’t stand the test of time.

Why watch it?
Heartwarming slice of life stories brought to life by Makoto Shinkai’s home studio, CoMix Wave Films, the creative force behind Shinkai’s hit movie "Your Name."

Stream it here.

Altered Carbon: Resleeved

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What’s it about?
Mercenary-for-hire Takeshi Kovacs must protect a young tattooist from murderous red ninjas and investigate the suspicious death of a yakuza boss.

Why watch it?
If you find the original "Altered Carbon" series dragging but still want to see Takeshi beat up some thugs, this 60 minuter-plus animated rendition might be for you. Amazing visuals here too reminiscent of Blade Runner 2049. And of course, ninjas. Lots of ninjas.

Stream it here.

Godzilla: Planet of Monsters

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What’s it about?
Godzilla and his merry band of monsters destroy Earth and force humanity to abandon their home. Twenty thousand years later, Earth’s refugees, led by an angsty young captain who has huge beef with Godzilla, attempt to take back the planet. But first, they have to defeat the ancient kaiju.

Why watch it?
Humans v.s. kaijus — always entertaining. The film also has two sequels readily available on Netflix, just in case you want to binge on Godzilla.

Stream it here.

Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What’s it about?
Violet takes a short break from her ghost writer day job and gets a side gig as a tutor for Isabella York, a rich girl with serious issues and a lonely past. She has a few days to teach Isabella the ways of high society, all the while trying to figure out how to make her tutee genuinely happy.

Why watch it?
As expected, every frame here is drawn and painted lovingly. But other than that, the movie has some mild "Portrait of a Lady On Fire" vibes going. Well, to some extent.

Stream it here.

NiNoKuni

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What’s it about?
Two teenage boys, Yu and Haru, get transported to a magical world after a masked villain stabs Haru’s girlfriend, Kotana. In this alternate universe, they must save both Kotana and her counterpart from nefarious forces. A love triangle, unfortunately, gets in the way of heroics.

Why watch it?

Studio Ghibli animator Yoshiyuki Momose of "Spirited Away" directs this film so expect amazing visuals.

Stream it here.

Batman Ninja

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What’s it about?
Gorilla Grodd’s time machine conks out and sends Batman and his favorite villains to feudal Japan.

Why watch it?
Topnotch visuals make this a very cool reimagining of a comic book classic. Batman-sama def won’t make you go “Nani?!”

Stream it here.

BLAME!

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What’s it about?
A smart city goes haywire when machines start exterminating humans. A group of survivors called Electrofishers escape the purge but their food and supplies are quickly running out. Their only hope comes in the form of a mysterious traveler who may or may not be human.

Why watch it?
For your rogue AI-induced dystopian fix.

Stream it here.

BONUS: A Whisker Away (June 18)

What's it about?
Miyo Sasaki is secretly in love with her classmate Kento Hinode. Miyo tries repeatedly to get Kento's attention, but he takes no notice of her. She realizes that the only way to get close to him is to transform into a cat, but at some point, the boundary between herself and the cat becomes ambiguous, and she is forced to give up her life as a human.

Why watch it?
Love, magic, and cats. Plus, it's by "Sailor Moon" director Junichi Satoh.

"A Whisker Away" premieres globally on June 18.

—JCB, GMA News