The Ultimate Anime Showdown on Max: Unveiling the #1 Must-Watch Series!

Max, formerly known as HBO Max, boasts a vast streaming library that includes an impressive selection of anime. While competitors like Crunchyroll and HiDive still offer the largest quantity of anime titles, other streaming services like Hulu and Netflix have proven to be popular choices for anime fans as well. Despite not having a large number of original titles, Max maintains a collection of anime with top-notch quality.

What sets Max apart from its competitors is its impressive lineup of recognizable titles. US viewers can enjoy the renowned Studio Ghibli films, and Max also offers some of the biggest releases from Japan. Although their anime selection may not be extensive, the quality of the content should not be underestimated. With that in mind, here are ten of the top anime available on Max as of August 2023.

10 Housing Complex C

This chilling series was released by Adult Swim for Halloween 2022. As Max is under the same parent company as Cartoon Network, the anime became instantly available on the platform, with each new episode being added the day after airing.

For horror enthusiasts, this spine-tingling series is a must-watch, delving into the eerie setting of an isolated housing complex in the rural countryside. As a new family and a group of migrant workers move in, a disturbing phenomenon unfolds where individuals mysteriously vanish one-by-one. This captivating mystery intertwines seamlessly with elements of cosmic horror and intense suspense. Moreover, with only four episodes, it can be easily binge-watched in one terrifying night for those seeking a scare.

9 The Night is Short, Walk On Girl

The Night is Short, Walk On Girl is an enchanting romantic comedy directed by Masaaki Yuasa. It provides a surreal glimpse into Japan's nightlife, as we follow a young girl who wanders the streets, indulging in drinks along the way. Throughout her journey, she is accompanied by a potential admirer who is determined to express his feelings for her before the night comes to an end.

This story lacks a straightforward narrative and instead presents a series of abstract events, mirroring the unpredictable nature of a typical night out for many individuals. It is an extraordinary experience that must be witnessed to fully comprehend.

8 Castle in the Sky

7 Howl's Moving Castle

As the first film from Studio Ghibli on this list, this often overlooked Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece definitely deserves more recognition. Castle in the Sky tells the story of a young boy who stumbles upon a girl descending from the heavens. They soon realize that she is a descendant of Laputa and embark on an extraordinary adventure to reach the legendary castle in the sky, racing against a mysterious individual. This film provides non-stop excitement from start to finish, offering a thrilling sense of adventure comparable to Indiana Jones. It unquestionably ranks among Miyazaki's finest works, yet fails to receive the credit it truly deserves.

Howl's Moving Castle, another masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, tells the story of Sophie, a woman cursed to live in the body of an elderly woman. When she stumbles upon Howl, a wizard, she starts working for him in his quirky castle and quickly becomes involved in a larger rebellion. This film is highly regarded among Miyazaki fans and it's not hard to understand why.

6 Weathering With You

Experience the mesmerizing blend of tradition and modernity as machine and magic harmonize in the enchanting realm of Howl's Moving Castle. Delve into the evocative exploration of the devastating impacts of war that permeate this captivating tale. Essential for any enthusiast eager to immerse themselves in the magical creations of the esteemed Hayao Miyazaki.

6 Weathering With You

Upon its release, Weathering With You made a significant impact, driven by the immense hype that surrounded it. As the successor to Makoto Shinkai's groundbreaking masterpiece Your Name, his subsequent creation naturally captivated a great deal of interest, owing to the stellar quality of its predecessor. It is without question that his latest endeavor proved to be highly satisfying.

Weathering With You is an incredibly captivating romance film that revolves around Hina, a young girl who possesses the extraordinary ability to manipulate the weather. As her newfound powers spread like wildfire, people start approaching her with a flood of requests, seeking to enhance their social gatherings by altering the weather according to their desires. This film delves into a compelling narrative, making it challenging to divulge any further without spoiling its mesmerizing twists and turns. Therefore, it is highly recommended for anime enthusiasts to approach this masterpiece with minimal prior knowledge. Don't miss out on

5 Belle

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This captivating rendition of the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast took the global stage by storm upon its sensational premiere in 2021. Crafted under the masterful guidance of celebrated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda, renowned for his mesmerizing work on Wolf Children, the narrative unfolds in a contemporary reality akin to our own, where virtual reality has seamlessly replaced conventional social media, becoming an inseparable part of our everyday existence. Our protagonist, Suzu, a notably introverted individual in the real world, seamlessly transitions into a dual existence as one of the most adored figures in the virtual realm, bearing the enchanting alias of U.

However,

4 When Marnie Was There

, when she becomes aware of a terrifying creature known as the "Beast" plaguing the residents of U. Driven by curiosity, she embarks on a search to unveil the true identity of this mysterious being. Similar to Weathering With You, it is highly recommended to approach this tale with little prior knowledge, as its captivating storyline is woven with unexpected twists and revelations that are sure to astonish viewers. While loosely inspired by the classic Beauty and the Beast narrative, it takes artistic liberties to create a unique and captivating experience. Furthermore, complemented by breathtaking animation, Belle is an absolute must-watch film that should not be overlooked.

A unique twist on a ghostly tale, this film captivates as a drama rather than a horror. Anna's venture to the rural outskirts for the summer with her foster family acquaints her with a perplexing island situated across the lake. On this island, she encounters Marnie, a girl who mysteriously materializes at specific moments and embarks on clandestine meetings with Anna throughout the summer.

As the months pass,

3 Princess Mononoke

, the discovery of a secret concerning Marnie's true identity. The narrative captivates through Anna's relentless pursuit of answers, delving deeper into the enigmatic house across the lake and unraveling the complexities of Marnie herself. Woven alongside are profound themes of solitude, culminating in a gratifying conclusion, making it one of Studio Ghibli's most underrated masterpieces.

Hayao Miyazaki's film centered on the environment has garnered high praise for being one of his most insightful narratives. This story of ecological resistance revolves around a youth stumbling upon a enigmatic lady in the forest, affectionately named by the villagers as Princess Mononoke. She is a young woman filled with animosity towards mankind, fervently battling to safeguard the woods from the clutches of destruction and industrialization caused by the iron mines.

2 Spirited Away

However, as the demon continues its journey across the land, the situation escalates to such an extent that her worst nightmares become a reality. This captivating tale is enriched by vivid descriptions of the enchanted forest and the ethereal beings that inhabit it. Miyazaki masterfully breathes life into the trees, crafting a mesmerizing fantasy realm that demands to be witnessed rather than merely recounted.

This film catapulted Miyazaki onto the global stage, establishing his presence in the international film industry. It made history by becoming the first animated feature to win the prestigious Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Furthermore, it held the title of the highest-grossing anime film for several years, until 2020 when it was surpassed by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.

1 Kiki's Delivery Service

The beauty of it all lies in its simplicity. While the plot may revolve around a young girl named Chihiro on a mission to rescue her parents from a witch, it is the vivid imagery that truly captivates. Every character, from the enigmatic No Face to the mysterious Haku, the Spirit of the River, breathes life into this enchanting fantasy world. It is a realm that feels authentic and imbued with rich cultural tapestry. This is not merely a movie; it is an immersive experience.

Undeniably, the most exceptional anime currently available on Max is Kiki's Delivery Service, a timeless masterpiece by Miyazaki in 1989. This enchanting tale, based on Eiko Kadono's novel, revolves around Kiki, a young witch, and her articulate feline companion, Jiji. They embark on an independent journey in a quaint town, wherein Kiki strives to establish her reputation as a talented witch.

Starting a delivery service, she aims to showcase her magic skills and establish herself as a valuable member of society. However, as the demands of the job increase, she realizes that magic cannot always provide the ultimate solution. "Kiki's Delivery Service" remains relevant even after many years due to its exploration of burnout, a theme that many individuals can relate to in today's overworked society. While it diverges from the original book, the film delivers a powerful narrative that benefits from these deviations, culminating in a poignant moment not found in the source material.

Despite not having an extensive anime library like Crunchyroll, Max distinguishes itself as a must-visit platform for anime enthusiasts. The inclusion of Studio Ghibli titles alone is enough reason to give it a try. Moreover, its collection of lesser-known gems elevates Max to a crucial service for fans seeking the very best in anime filmmaking.