15 Best Anime Tie-In Movies Of All Time

This movie is the sequel to an anime called The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, which is a somewhat divisive show from 2006. It's an odd series that was often nonsensical and didn't even air in chronological order and is the kind of thing you'll either love or hate. Still, whatever end of those you go out on, there's no denying that the movie is solid.

The original show dealt with the escapades of a school club called the SOS Brigade, led by the mysterious yet enigmatic Haruhi Suzumiya, as they searched for fun, paranormal adventures. The movie carries this story on as the protagonist (Kyon) arrives at the SOS Brigade's holiday celebration, only to find that Haruhi has disappeared.

The characters are developed wonderfully in this sequel, especially the leading man Kyon. He goes from a somewhat reactionary character to the movie's driving force. It also shifts the show's tone into something far less erratic and more sombre, giving it a distinctive cinematic feel.

Additionally, the film is close to three hours long, so it's certainly the kind you'd want to watch wrapped up in a blanket on a rainy evening. Still, despite the bloated runtime, it keeps you engaged throughout.