Remember when watching anime meant sketchy websites, bad subtitles, even worse dubbing and praying your laptop didn’t catch a virus? Yeah, those days are officially over. From October 17 to 29, Cinema Akil is bringing back its beloved Anime Season, and this year’s lineup is pure whimsy on a screen.
Five films. Five unforgettable heroines. Each story is a love letter to girlhood and the imagination that weaves itself into life until you can’t really distinguish it. From witches learning independence to princesses dreaming of freedom, these classics remind us why anime has always felt like warm chicken noodle soup for the soul.
So grab your friends, your Studio Ghibli plushie, and maybe a box of tissues (or two). Whether you go for one, two, or all five, this line up deserves the big screen treatment.
Here’s what’s playing:
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, this modern classic follows high-schooler Makoto, who discovers she can literally leap through time. What starts as a fun power trip turns into a heart-tugging reminder that even small choices can change everything.
When: October 17–22
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
From the studios of Hayao Miyazaki, this post-apocalyptic masterpiece follows Princess Nausicaä, a fearless leader determined to heal a toxic world. Think eco-warrior meets ethereal dreamscape.
When: October 17–29
The Colours Within
Directed by Genki Kawamura and Naoko Yamada, this new gem tells the story of Totsuko, a girl who can see people’s emotions as colours. When she forms a band with two classmates, music becomes the key to friendship, vulnerability, and self-discovery.
When: October 18–19
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Isao Takahata’s hand-drawn masterpiece reimagines an ancient folktale about a girl born from a bamboo stalk. It’s haunting, tender, and utterly breathtaking, a meditation on beauty, freedom, and growing up too fast.
When: October 18–25
Kiki’s Delivery Service
A cosy comfort watch if there ever was one. Follow Kiki and her talking cat Jiji as they set up a delivery service by the sea. Between self-doubt and small joys, Kiki learns that finding your place in the world takes a little magic, and a lot of heart.
When: October 19–29
Book your spot at their website cinemaakil.com
Need to get into character for the movies? Check out this cosplayer for some inspo.