Experience the magic of Indian mythology through these animated movies and shows

It’s interesting how myths from the Indian epics — the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, or other Hindu gods’ stories — keep reinventing themselves for each new generation. Once oral, then eternally engraved in temple sculpture and Amar Chitra Katha comics, these myths now find themselves incorporated into another new visual vocabulary: anime and animation. Increasing amounts of Indian mythology anime and animation films and series are bringing home-grown stories back. Here are some of the great animated and anime movies and shows based on Hindu mythology.

It’s fascinating to see gods and demons presented in stylised animation. These Indian mythological series and films boil down that ageless conflict between dharma and adharma (as depicted in Ramayana and Mahabharata), but using the visual style of animation or anime. There is elaborate art, cinematic pacing, and also emotional depth. Without further ado, let’s explore the finest Indian mythological animated and anime movies and series you should watch.

While these anime and animated series borrow from the same mythological trough, let’s not forget that animation and anime are different. Anime is specifically the stylised, generally hand-drawn (or digitally imitated) art form that originated in Japan. It is characterised by its unique visual grammar, emotional impact, and storytelling depth.

Note: the titles are ranked according to IMDb.

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1 /7

IMDb rating: 9.1

The Legend of Hanuman is gorgeously animated retelling of the Ramayana‘s most devoted follower. Yes, we are talking about Hanuman, the divine vanara who discovers his true power and destiny. The series traces him from a low-profile fighter to the immortal champion of courage and devotion. Its film-style animation, emotive music, and layered storytelling make it one of India’s finest mythological series and a benchmark for Indian mythological films brought to life by anime-style imagination.

2 /7

IMDb rating: 9.1

A rare Indo-Japanese anime co-production, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama re-tells the ancient Hindu epic in stunning hand-drawn animation and creates a deeply spiritual atmosphere. It’s the tale of Prince Rama, banishment with Sita and Lakshman, and the ultimate battle with Ravana. The movie takes Japanese anime style and mixes it with Indian mythological grandeur — the result is a cross-cultural gem that is both devotional and cinematic.

3 /7

IMDb rating: 8.8

Mahavatar Narsimha is a CGI animated retelling of the avatars of Vishnu, Narsimha and Varaha. The film relates the cosmic rescue of Earth by the demon Hiranyaksha and the mythological battle between Narsimha — half-man, half-lion avatar — and the ruthless king Hiranyakashipu. It retells these myths in high-style animation and epic world-building derived from Indian mythology as part of the conceptualised Mahavatar Cinematic Universe (no kidding!).

4 /7

IMDb rating: 7.6

American animator Nina Paley’s indie masterpiece reimagines the Ramayana through Sita’s eyes. It brings together mythology, jazz-era music, and heartbreak. Sita’s devotion to Rama is paralleled with the director’s own breakup, turning the epic into a feminist, wry, and heartbreakingly human story. With its hand-drawn animation and 1920s jazz soundtrack, Sita Sings the Blues is an audacious reinterpretation that’s both mythological and deeply personal.

5 /7

IMDb rating: 6.9

Krishna Aur Kans tells the story of Lord Krishna’s childhood — his magical youth, his duels with demons, and the final confrontation with his terrifying and murderous uncle Kamsa. A cheerful animated feature for children, it’s also a moral lesson. The colourful visuals and energetic voice acting make the movie a delightful introduction to Hindu mythology for children.

6 /7

IMDb rating: 6.8

The Warrior Prince is a visually stunning retelling of the Mahabharata‘s greatest hero’s transition into manhood. The film charts Arjun’s development from the self-doubting young man to the greatest archer of his time. It alternates exciting combat scenes with pensive philosophy. Disney’s Indian adventure feels ambitious — combining Indian mythological films with international animation sophistication.

7 /7

IMDb rating: 6

Made by Maya Digital Media, Ramayana: The Epic is a richly textured CGI version of the Ramayana tale for the next generation, even if the character models end up being unimpressive. Manoj Bajpayee provides the voice of Rama with his usual gravitas. Ashutosh Rana’s Ravana nicely conveys menace and strength. It brings the story to the 3D age without sacrificing its mythic proportions.