RELATED: Makoto Shinkai’s Best Movies, Ranked
Are Makoto Shinkai’s Movies Related?
After fans noticed some cameos in Your Name and Weathering with You, there have been theories that all of Makoto Shinkai’s movies are connected. But sad to say, that is not the case. Each movie is a stand-alone, although, given the cameos, some might believe that they come from the same universe. There are also some theories that Makoto Shinkai loves to bring back some of his characters as a representation of the works he has done before. Nonetheless, fans of Makoto Shinkai’s movies can only speculate for now.
What Is the Best Watch Order for Makoto Shinkai’s Films?
Although a watch order is not necessary to enjoy Makoto Shinkai’s films, we have listed down the movies he has written and directed based on their release dates:
She and Her Cat: Their Standing Points (1999)
This short film was released in 1999 and tells the story of a cat who fell in love with its owner. The story is told from the perspective of the cat. Shinkai explained at an anime expo in 2013 that the movie was based on a girl he was dating before.
Voices of a Distant Star (2002)
Voices of a Distant Star is a popular Shinkai film set in outer space. The movie focuses on how humans live on Mars but they were attacked by an alien race. Voices of a Distant Star follows the story of two high school students who secretly have feelings for each other.
The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)
The sci-fi movie is set in an alternative universe at a time when the Soviet Union took over Hokkaido. It centers on two high school boys who plan to create a small airplane to check the mysterious tower in Hokkaido.
5 Centimeters Per Second (2007)
5 Centimeters Per Second tells the story of a young boy who became close friends with a shy girl, but the two were pulled apart because of their parents’ jobs. The movie is divided into four parts that follow the main leads from their childhood to adulthood.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
Children Who Chase Lost Voices is about a young girl who entered a mysterious parallel world. She traveled that world with her teacher as he believed that it could help him bring back his dead wife.
Someone’s Gaze (2013)
This seven-minute film is set in the future. It follows Aya, who lives alone and away from her family. It is told from the perspective of the family’s cat, Mii. It tackles familial bonds and how time affects relationships within the family.
The Garden of Words (2013)
The Garden of Words is known for its slow-paced progression and subtle storyline. It is about a male student and a high school teacher who met after they both skipped school. The Garden of Words is a tale of companionship and love.
Your Name (2016)
This box office hit won the hearts of viewers when it came out in 2016. Your Name is about two high school students who switched bodies. The two characters, Mitsuha and Taki, had an unbreakable bond that transcended time and distance.
Weathering with You (2019)
Weathering with You follows the story of Hodoka who met a girl named Hina who can control the weather. The movie tackles climate change and its effects on people and Japan.
Suzume no Tojimari (2022)
Makoto Shinkai announced that a new film will be released in November 2022 entitled Suzume no Tojimari, another fantasy film that fans will definitely watch out for. The movies are available to watch on global streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll and Netflix.
