Makoto Shinkai is known for global hits like Your Name, Weathering With You, Suzume, and 5 Centimeters Per Second, which many newer fans have missed. He has established himself as a director who combines stunning visuals with emotionally compelling storytelling.

5 Centimeters Per Second is a quieter, more grounded film that does not rely on magical time travel or fantasy. If you haven’t seen it yet, or if you have been meaning to re-watch it, you need to act quickly. The movie is scheduled to leave Netflix in the USA on March 2nd. This gives you just about a month to experience one of the most visually impressive and emotionally raw anime movies ever made.

What is 5 Centimeters Per Second About?

5 Centimeters Per Second is a story about time, physical distance, and the reality of drifting apart from people you love. Unlike Makoto Shinkai’s later movies that went on to break records, this movie does not rely on supernatural elements at all. It is a realistic look at how relationships change as we grow up. The story follows Takaki Tono and his close friend, Akari Shinohara, beginning with their bond in elementary school.

The movie is structured as an anthology divided into three short segments. Each segment is about a specific point in Takaki’s life. The movie starts with Akari moving away for her parents’ work, forcing the two friends to rely on letters to stay connected. The first act focuses on a specific winter day when Takaki decides to visit Akari, fighting through a severe snowstorm and train delays to see her.

There is a certain sadness in that part that can’t be defined in words, but Makoto Shinkai did an amazing job showing it visually. However, the movie is not just about that one journey. As the story progresses through the second and third acts, it moves forward in time. It explores how that early separation impacts Takaki as he navigates high school and eventually adulthood.

5 Centimeters Per Second shows whether a childhood bond can survive the inevitable passage of time and the immense distance between two people.

Now is The Perfect Time to Watch This Short Masterpiece

Takaki from 5 Centimeters Per Second | Credit: CoMix Wave Films

With the live action of 5 Centimeters Per Second just around the corner, and only a month left before it is no longer available on Netflix, now is the perfect time to watch it.

There are more reasons why 5 Centimeters Per Second remains a must-watch, even in 2026. First, the animation quality is exceptional. CoMix Wave Films and Makoto Shinkai are famous for their hyper-realistic backgrounds, and this movie is a prime example. The lighting, the reflections in the train windows, and the depiction of the night sky – everything in this movie is incredibly beautiful.

Furthermore, even if you have a busy schedule, the runtime makes it very easy to watch. The entire movie is only about 63 minutes long. 5 Centimeters Per Second respects the viewer’s time while delivering something that will make you think a lot even after the credits roll.

You can see the themes Makoto Shinkai would later refine in Your Name. In Your Name, the characters are separated by time and space but find a way to love through supernatural means. In 5 Centimeters Per Second, the separation results from the passage of time. It offers a more mature, albeit sadder, look at romance. It suggests that sometimes people just drift apart, and that’s part of life.

With March 2 just one month away, this is your best opportunity to stream it on Netflix. Whether you are a die-hard Shinkai fan or someone who appreciates a good anime, this movie is worth your time. Do not let this gem disappear from your list without giving it a watch.

TITLE5 Centimeters per SecondRUNTIME1 Hour 3 MinutesORIGINAL CREATORMakoto ShinkaiSTUDIOCoMix Wave FilmsIMDb RATING7.55/10MAL RATING7.4/10

Which Makoto Shinkai movie is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.

5 Centimeters Per Second is streaming on Netflix.
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