Makoto Shinkai: His Movies, Best Works, and What’s Next in 2025
who is Makoto Shinkai? Makoto Shinkai is a renowned anime director whose films are celebrated for their stunning animation, emotional depth, and breathtaking storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of his early works like 5 Centimeters per Second or you’ve been captivated by his recent masterpiece, Your Name, Shinkai’s movies leave a lasting impact.

In this guide, we’ll explore his complete movie list, dive deep into why Your Name is considered his best movie, and give you an exciting preview of his upcoming movie in 2025. From the evolution of Shinkai’s animation style to his best films, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Whether you’re discovering Shinkai for the first time or revisiting his classics, this post is the perfect starting point.
- His complete list of movies, ranked by popularity and release order.
- Why Your Name is considered his masterpiece.
- What we know (and what we expect) about his upcoming film in 2025.
Whether you’re new to Shinkai’s films or a long-time fan, this guide will give you everything you need to dive deeper into his works.
Table of Contents
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Makoto Shinkai’s Movies: Watch in Order or By Popularity
Makoto Shinkai’s films are known for their breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a seasoned fan, the way you watch his movies can greatly impact your experience. You have two options: watch them in chronological order to follow Shinkai’s growth as a filmmaker, or explore them by popularity to dive into his most acclaimed works.
If you choose to watch his movies in order, you’ll witness the evolution of his animation style and storytelling techniques. Starting with Voices of a Distant Star in 2002, Shinkai’s early films focus on themes of distance and longing. As you move through his filmography, you’ll see how his attention to detail in visual storytelling becomes more refined, culminating in global hits like Your Name and Weathering With You.

Alternatively, watching his most popular films first is a great way to get a sense of why Shinkai has captured the hearts of so many. Your Name, Weathering With You, and 5 Centimeters per Second are some of his most well-known films. These films offer a deeper look into human connections, fate, and the power of love.
For a complete guide on Shinkai’s films ranked by release and popularity, check out our full post on Makoto Shinkai’s Movie List. Whether you’re new to his work or revisiting his classics, you’ll find something new to appreciate with each viewing.
Complete List of Makoto Shinkai’s Movies in Chronological Order
From his debut in 2002 to his latest release in 2022, here’s a complete list of all his movies:
- Voices of a Distant Star (2002)
- The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)
- 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)
- Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
- The Garden of Words (2013)
- Your Name (2016)
- Weathering With You (2019)
- Suzume (2022)
To dive deeper into each film and see which ones stand out, check out our guide to his movies.
Makoto Shinkai’s Best Movies Ranked by Popularity
While all his films are worth watching, some have gained more attention globally. Here’s a quick ranking of Shinkai’s most popular films:
- Your Name
- Weathering With You
- 5 Centimeters per Second
Want to know more about each of these films and why they’re so beloved? Visit our post on Makoto Shinkai’s Best Movies.
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Why ‘Your Name’ Is Makoto Shinkai’s Most Iconic Film
Story: A tale of body-swapping, love, and fate.
Visuals: The animation in Your Name is nothing short of breathtaking.
Soundtrack: RADWIMPS’ music perfectly complements the film’s emotional depth.
Your Name (2016) isn’t just one of Makoto Shinkai’s most successful films—it’s a cultural phenomenon. This anime movie is often regarded as his best work due to its unique blend of stunning animation, an emotionally charged storyline, and unforgettable music by RADWIMPS. The film follows the lives of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously swap bodies and form an unlikely bond. As they try to navigate this connection, they must also confront the forces of fate and time.
One of the standout features of Your Name is its visual storytelling. Shinkai’s meticulous attention to detail brings to life vibrant, atmospheric landscapes that feel almost tangible. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Tokyo or the rural town of Itomori, each scene is a work of art. The film’s visuals are often described as some of the best in anime, rivaling even the works of Studio Ghibli.
The emotional depth of Your Name also plays a crucial role in its iconic status. The film beautifully portrays themes of love, loss, and longing, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Its relatable characters, combined with a twisty yet heartwarming narrative, keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
If you’re curious about why Your Name continues to hold such a special place in fans’ hearts, visit our detailed post on Why ‘Your Name’ Is Makoto Shinkai’s Masterpiece. This film remains a timeless classic, transcending the boundaries of anime and capturing the emotions of viewers across the globe.
If you’re wondering why Your Name is considered his magnum opus, explore our detailed post on Why ‘Your Name’ Is His Masterpiece.

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What’s Next for Makoto Shinkai in 2025?
Fans are already buzzing about what’s next for Makoto Shinkai as we look toward 2025. After the success of his previous works, especially Suzume (2022), Shinkai is ready to take on new challenges in his next anime project. Though specific details about the plot remain under wraps, there are a few things we can expect from his next film.
One thing we know for sure is that Shinkai will continue to explore deep emotional themes. His films often delve into the complexities of human connections, fate, and the interplay between time and memory. As Shinkai’s style has evolved, fans can expect his next movie to feature even more immersive animation and intricate storytelling, something that has made his films so special in the first place.
Additionally, with Shinkai’s focus on nature and the environment in films like Weathering With You, we may see him continue to incorporate environmental themes into his work. Given the growing global interest in issues like climate change, it wouldn’t be surprising if his next film touches on these topics, blending them with the personal, emotional journeys that have defined his career.
To stay updated on all the latest news about Shinkai’s upcoming projects, including more details about his 2025 movie, be sure to check out our post on What We Know About Shinkai’s 2025 Movie. Fans can look forward to another masterpiece that will undoubtedly capture their hearts and imaginations.
Release Date: Likely late 2025, but no official confirmation yet.
Themes: Shinkai has hinted at exploring new emotional territories, possibly venturing deeper into themes of human connection and nature.
The Evolution of His Style: As Shinkai’s storytelling matures, fans can expect even more immersive worlds and heart-tugging narratives.
Want to stay updated on his upcoming projects? Check out our post on What We Know About Shinkai’s 2025 Movie for more details.

Conclusion
Makoto Shinkai’s films are an emotional journey, filled with stunning visuals and poignant narratives that leave a lasting impact. From his early works to his global hits like Your Name and Weathering With You, Shinkai has firmly established himself as a visionary director in the world of anime. His ability to convey deep human emotions through visual storytelling has earned him a dedicated fanbase, and with his next project on the horizon, the excitement is palpable.
As we look forward to his upcoming 2025 movie, it’s clear that he will continue to explore themes of love, fate, and the natural world, all while pushing the boundaries of animation. Whether you’re revisiting his previous works or discovering them for the first time, there’s always something new to appreciate in his films.
For more on Shinkai’s complete filmography, insights into his best works, and a glimpse of his future projects, be sure to check out our other posts linked above. Keep your eyes on this incredible director—his films are sure to keep inspiring and captivating audiences for years to come.
Internal Links
Find out why Your Name is considered Shinkai’s best work – Learn about its plot, stunning visuals, and cultural significance.
Stay updated on Makoto Shinkai’s upcoming 2025 movie – Get the latest news and speculations on his next film.
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Which Makoto Shinkai movie is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore more of his films by clicking on the links above.
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