This study delves into the clinical characteristics and outcomes of movement disorders (MDs) in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a condition that has been under-researched. Conducted at the First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2017 to September 2022, it retrospectively analyzed 64 patients, dividing them based on the presence or absence of MDs. The findings reveal that a significant majority (76.6%) exhibited MDs, with orofacial dyskinesia, dystonia, and stereotypies being the most prevalent. Notably, chorea was more common in patients under 12 years. Those with MDs experienced higher rates of prodromal symptoms, autonomic and consciousness disorders, pulmonary infection, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. They also showed signs of more intense inflammation, more severe disease, and poorer short-term prognosis, as indicated by higher peripheral blood neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, cerebrospinal fluid NMDAR antibody titers, ICU admission rates, length of stay, and maximum mRS scores during the disease course and at discharge. This study underscores the significant impact of MDs on the clinical severity and prognosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and targeted management strategies for affected patients.