Often times Anime movies can be overlooked by mainstream audiences who consider such films to be too niche or nerdy to be of interest to them. I’m here to tell you that’s a mistake. This list is full of excellent explanations as to why that is a mistake.
- Akira– One of the most influential films of all time, animated or otherwise. This is the movie that introduced western audiences to Anime for the first time. Not only that, but it stands as one of the films that popularized the cyberpunk subgenre of science fiction. A must watch for any cinephile.
- Ghost in the Shell– Another cyberpunk Anime, another cult classic, and another must-watch. The animation is gorgeous, the story is compelling, and the themes of identity and self-knowledge are complex. Ghost in the Shell has served as inspiration for many western films, including The Matrix. And please ignore the live-action Scarlett Johansson movie. You know what they say don’t judge a Japanese anime by its shoddy live-action American remake.
- Princess Mononoke– A complex film that is hard to do justice to with just a short description. Fantasy and adventure with an epic story and stunning visuals. As layered and sophisticated as any film you might come across. And yet still incredibly accessible. A personal favorite.
- Spirited Away– Perhaps the best movie ever produced by Studio Ghibli and believe me that’s a pretty high bar to clear. This is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of the twenty-first century. A coming of age story, ten-year-old Chihiro becomes trapped in the world of spirits and must find a way to save her parents and return to the human world. Imaginative, heartwarming, and beautiful.
- Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade– Dark and gritty, with plenty of violence and brooding psychological thrills. Taking place in an alternate history version of Japan where fascism has taken root. Terrorists, elite security forces, conspiracy, and political intrigue. If any of that piques your interest then this is definitely one to put on your watch list.
- Ninja Scroll- A samurai film with supernatural elements, how could you not love this? Another one of the cornerstone films that popularized Anime with western audiences. If you’re looking to just relax and enjoy some action without having to think too hard this is for you.
- Perfect Blue– Psychological horror at its finest. Trigger warnings abound with Satoshi Kon’s anime about a popstar turned actress for whom the line between what’s real and what isn’t begins to blur. As the bodies start to pile up, the question becomes: is she the next victim or is she the murderer?
- Grave of the Fireflies– The least fantastical of all the movies on this list. Two siblings try to survive the closing months of World War Two. Moving, poignant, and so, so human. This is for when you need a good cathartic cry.
- Vampire Hunter D- A sci-fi horror romance with post-apocalyptic vampires. I mean what else do I have to say? At this point you’re either on board or you’re not.
- Millennium Actress- Another film from Satoshi Kon about an actress and while I wouldn’t go so far to call this film light-hearted it’s not nearly as dark as Perfect Blue. A story about love and longing with plenty to say about the history of cinema and the place it holds in our lives.