Anime has long been a medium cherished for its varied storytelling, distinctive art styles, and engaging characters. While most series consist of episodes ranging from 20 to 25 minutes, some remarkable works feature theatrical-length episodes that offer a cinematic experience. Here are ten of the best anime with theatrical-length episodes that you should definitely watch:

1. “Ghost in the Shell” – A cyberpunk classic that delves into themes of self-identity and consciousness through the eyes of Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg law enforcement officer.

2. “Akira” – Set in a dystopian future, this landmark film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo revolutionized animation with its intricate detail and explosive narrative.

3. “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time”- The final installment in the “Rebuild of Evangelion” movie series, this feature provides a culmination of the emotional and apocalyptic saga.

4. “Spirited Away” – Hayao Miyazaki’s Oscar-winning masterpiece is a fantasy about Chihiro’s journey through an enchanted world trying to save her parents.

5. “Your Name” – Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this visually stunning film tells the story of two teenagers who mysteriously begin to switch bodies.

6. “Princess Mononoke” – Another classic by Hayao Miyazaki, highlighting the clash between industrial humans and nature gods with captivating animated sequences.

7. “The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya” – A sequel to the series “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,” this film involves time travel and alternate realities with the same captivating characters from the series.

8. “Howl’s Moving Castle”- In this fantastical journey, we follow Sophie after she is turned into an old woman by a witch’s curse and her adventures with the wizard Howl.

9. “Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale”- A feature film continuation from where the second season left off; this movie combines augmented reality elements with the show’s usual virtual reality setting.

10. “Weathering With You” – This romantic fantasy drama focuses on Hodaka Morishima and Hina Amano as they alter the weather while grappling with their own life challenges in Tokyo.

These films not only exemplify high-quality anime but also showcase how longer episode formats can be utilized to craft deeper storylines and richer character developments that captivate audiences around the world.