by To celebrate the theatrical release of Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Mysterious! My Yokai Vacation (Kiki Kaikai! Ora no Yokai Vacation), which premiered in Japan on July 31, 2026, anime fans have revealed their favorite films from the long-running Crayon Shin-chan movie franchise.
A recent reader poll conducted by Anime! Anime! asked fans one simple question:
“Which Crayon Shin-chan movie is your favorite?”
The results highlight why the franchise has remained one of Japan’s most beloved animated film series for more than three decades, with classics from the 1990s, 2000s, and modern era all earning strong support.
From emotional family dramas to hilarious adventures and unforgettable action, the rankings prove that Crayon Shin-chan continues to appeal to audiences of every generation.
About the Survey
The survey was conducted between July 11 and July 17, 2026, receiving 327 responses from anime fans.
Survey Highlights
- Total Responses: 327
- Survey Period: July 11–17, 2026
- Male Respondents: Approximately 45%
- Female Respondents: Approximately 55%
Age Breakdown
- Under 19 years old: Approximately 25%
- 20s: Approximately 20%
- 30s: Approximately 30%
- Remaining votes came from older age groups.
The balanced demographic demonstrates the enduring popularity of Crayon Shin-chan, with fans ranging from children to adults who have grown up with the series.
Celebrating the Release of the 33rd Movie
The poll coincides with the release of the franchise’s 33rd theatrical film, Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Mysterious! My Yokai Vacation.
In the latest adventure, Shinnosuke Nohara and his friends accidentally wander into a mysterious world inhabited by yokai (Japanese spirits and monsters), leading to another action-packed comedy filled with supernatural encounters.
Since the release of Action Mask vs. Leotard Devil in 1993, a new Crayon Shin-chan movie has been released almost every year, making it one of Japan’s longest-running animated film franchises.
- Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back
Support Rate: Approximately 15%
Released in 2001, The Adult Empire Strikes Back remains the most beloved movie in the franchise.
The story follows Shin-chan and the Kasukabe Defense Force as they battle an organization attempting to trap adults inside an idealized version of Japan’s nostalgic past.
Although filled with comedy, the movie is widely praised for its surprisingly mature themes.
Many fans described it as the most emotional film in the series.
One reader wrote:
“I always cry during the scene where Hiroshi regains his memories through the smell of his shoes and embraces Shin-chan.”
A Movie That Changes as You Grow Older
Many respondents noted that their feelings about the movie changed dramatically after becoming adults.
As children, viewers often saw the villains simply as people obsessed with the past.
As adults, however, many came to understand their longing for simpler times.
Several fans praised the film for exploring themes such as:
- Nostalgia
- Family
- Growing older
- Moving toward the future
- Appreciating everyday life
Its emotionally complex storytelling continues to make it one of anime’s most respected family films.
- Crayon Shin-chan: Adventure in Henderland
Support Rate: Approximately 11%
Released in 1996, Adventure in Henderland earned second place thanks to its unforgettable blend of comedy, fantasy, and horror.
The story follows Shin-chan as he uncovers the secrets hidden inside the mysterious amusement park known as Henderland.
Many fans praised the film’s creepy atmosphere.
Several memorable scenes—including the unsettling sequence involving Hiroshi and Misae in the bath—continue to frighten viewers decades later.
At the same time, the movie never loses the franchise’s trademark humor.
Memorable Characters
Fans also celebrated the film’s colorful supporting cast, including:
- Toppema
- Macao
- Joma
- Snowman Per
Many readers noted that these characters remain so popular that merchandise continues to be produced even today.
The film’s final battle also received widespread praise for perfectly balancing action and comedy.
- Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: Appare! Sengoku Great Battle
Support Rate: Approximately 9%
Released in 2002, this historical adventure transports the Nohara family back to Japan’s Sengoku period.
There they encounter:
- Samurai Matabei Ijiri
- Princess Ren Kasuga
before becoming involved in a battle over Kasuga Castle.
Many readers praised the movie’s surprisingly emotional romance.
The bittersweet relationship between Matabei and Ren left a lasting impression on audiences.
Fans described the ending as one of the franchise’s most heartbreaking conclusions.
Comedy Meets Historical Drama
Despite its emotional story, the film never forgets its comedic roots.
Readers highlighted unforgettable moments such as:
- Driving a modern car through a battlefield.
- Using exercise equipment as a weapon.
- Classic Shin-chan humor mixed with authentic samurai drama.
Many praised the movie for successfully balancing serious historical storytelling with absurd comedy.
Other Fan Favorites
Several additional movies also received enthusiastic support.
- Serious Battle! Robot Dad Strikes Back
Many fans cited Hiroshi’s emotional struggle over fatherhood as one of the franchise’s most touching stories.
The famous arm-wrestling scene remains one of the most memorable moments in Crayon Shin-chan history.
- The Storm Called: The Glorious Yakiniku Road
Viewers loved the wonderfully ridiculous premise of the Nohara family racing to Atami simply to enjoy premium yakiniku.
The film’s nonstop comedy, musical numbers, and high-speed chase scenes earned widespread praise.
- Fast Asleep! Dreaming World Big Assault
Fans appreciated the movie’s imaginative fantasy setting and emotional themes surrounding dreams and courage.
- My Moving Story! Cactus Large Attack
Many readers admitted they cried during the emotional farewell between Shin-chan and the Kasukabe Defense Force before the story transformed into a thrilling survival adventure involving giant man-eating cacti.
- The Storm Called! Sunset on the Kasukabe Boys
This western-inspired adventure remains popular thanks to its unique setting, memorable atmosphere, and emotional ending.
- The Great Pursuit of the Dark Tamatama
The movie introduced Himawari Nohara in the theatrical series and showcased Shin-chan’s gradual growth as an older brother.
Fans praised its perfect balance between family drama and comedy.
- Our Dinosaur Diary
The newest film in the ranking proves that recent entries continue to resonate strongly with audiences alongside beloved classics.
Why Crayon Shin-chan Movies Continue to Inspire Fans
One of the biggest reasons behind the franchise’s lasting popularity is its remarkable range.
While many people associate Crayon Shin-chan with comedy, the movies often explore surprisingly mature themes, including:
- Family relationships
- Growing up
- Friendship
- Loss
- Nostalgia
- Courage
- Sacrifice
- Hope
The series seamlessly blends heartfelt storytelling with outrageous humor, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.
Many respondents noted that revisiting the movies later in life allowed them to appreciate emotional moments they had completely overlooked as children.
A Franchise That Has Spanned More Than Three Decades
Since its theatrical debut in 1993, the Crayon Shin-chan movie series has become one of Japan’s longest-running and most successful animated franchises.
Across more than 30 theatrical films, Shin-chan and the Nohara family have traveled through time, explored mysterious kingdoms, fought robots, dinosaurs, spies, aliens, and supernatural creatures—all while maintaining the series’ signature humor and heart.
The release of Crayon Shin-chan the Movie: Super Mysterious! My Yokai Vacation continues that tradition, introducing a brand-new adventure centered around Japan’s fascinating world of yokai.
Final Thoughts
The latest fan poll demonstrates that The Adult Empire Strikes Back remains the definitive Crayon Shin-chan movie for many viewers, thanks to its emotional storytelling, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes.
Meanwhile, classics like Adventure in Henderland and Appare! Sengoku Great Battle continue to be celebrated for their creativity, humor, and emotional depth.
Whether you’re revisiting these beloved films or discovering them for the first time, the Crayon Shin-chan movie series offers an incredible mix of comedy, adventure, action, and heartfelt family stories. With the release of My Yokai Vacation, now is the perfect time to explore—or revisit—the franchise’s rich cinematic history and experience why these movies have remained fan favorites for more than 30 years.
