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Anime movies have always been a playground for innovative storytelling, pushing the boundaries with their unique animation, captivating narratives, and memorable characters. They often embrace experimental and unexpected themes, transcending genres and allowing creators to explore diverse subjects freely. With larger budgets and production values than TV series, many anime films have earned a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of 20 of the most distinctive and influential anime films ever made. These movies stand out due to their exceptional subject matter, top-notch production quality, or unconventional presentation. The list spans various genres and includes classics as well as more recent masterpieces, ensuring a wide selection for your next anime movie marathon. It’s important to note that this isn’t a ranked list; each film offers its unique qualities and will resonate differently with each viewer. This compilation simply aims to celebrate the best of what the medium has to offer.
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The 20 Most Unique Anime Movies of All Time
Lily C.A.T. (1987)
Created as a tribute to both the films “Alien” and “The Thing,” Lily C.A.T. is a timeless classic in the realm of anime horror. The narrative follows the crew and passengers of the spaceship Saldes as they travel through hyperspace towards a remote interstellar mining colony. During their hypersleep, the ship unwittingly collects a piece of space debris that harbors a deadly bacterial life form. When this creature awakens, it swiftly claims the lives of five team members, and the survivors soon realize that it can assume any form it desires. Stranded on the ship, they must navigate a treacherous path to stay alive while uncovering the hidden agendas that brought them to this perilous situation.
Lily C.A.T. stands out as a masterful horror story, blending the isolation found in “Alien” with the grotesque body horror akin to “The Thing.” The film remains compelling even 35 years after its initial release, thanks to its daring and repulsive imagery.
The film’s primary allure lies in its monstrous creature designs, as the entity takes on a series of horrifying forms throughout its brief runtime. However, one should not disregard the enthralling mysteries at the core of the story. While the film could benefit from more time to establish a more ominous atmosphere, Lily C.A.T. undeniably ranks as one of the greatest horror anime films ever made.
Akira (1988)
Akira is primarily a dystopian science-fiction anime with a penchant for body horror, reminiscent of what made Lily C.A.T. famous. This iconic work has had a profound influence on directors across various genres and mediums, thanks to its striking visuals and scene composition. The famous “Akira slide” has been paid homage to in numerous other films.
However, it’s not just the visuals that make this story remarkable; it’s the compelling narrative. There are very few science-fiction tales that can match the legendary status of the world created in Akira. Even though most of the manga hasn’t been adapted, it doesn’t diminish the grand scope and impact of this narrative.
The story begins in 1988 when an enigmatic event involving a psychic entity named Akira leads to the destruction of Tokyo, triggering a global conflict. Three decades later, Neo-Tokyo is a city plagued by crime and corruption. The protagonist, Shotaro Kaneda, heads the Capsules motorcycle gang. In a confrontation with the Clown gang, Kaneda’s closest friend, Tetsuo Shima, is captured by the Japan Self-Defense Force.
Tetsuo’s testing reveals that he possesses psychic abilities on par with Akira, prompting a series of experiments. Concurrently, Kaneda becomes involved in a resistance movement to save his friend. What unfolds is a gripping and gory odyssey into the sinister heart of Neo-Tokyo.
Belle (2021)
“Belle” is a recent movie released in July 2021, which tells the story of Suzu Naito, a young woman who lost her mother in a tragic childhood accident. She can no longer sing and feels disconnected from her high school peers. At the urging of her friend Hiro, Suzu joins a new social media app called U.
In the virtual world of U, Suzu’s avatar transforms into a beautiful woman, and she regains her singing voice. She adopts the name Bell and becomes a popular pop idol. However, the virtual world is not as idyllic as it seems, with a mysterious Beast lurking on its fringes.
“Belle” is a modern reimagining of the Beauty and the Beast tale but with a unique twist—there is little focus on romance. While there are subtle romantic elements in the story, it primarily revolves around self-discovery. Suzu, who has lost her sense of self after her mother’s death, embarks on a journey to find her place in a confusing world.
The film’s transition between 2D animation for the “real” world and 3D animation within the U app may initially feel disorienting, but once you get past this, the movie offers a visually stunning and thematically rich experience.
Spirited Away (2001)
Studio Ghibli’s extensive collection of films is well-regarded for its fantasy narratives, and while many of their enchanting tales could have been included in this list, Spirited Away stands out as the quintessential example of the studio’s fantasy storytelling. It is a work of art in world-building, unfolding a narrative at a deliberate pace that pays homage to Japanese folklore, all wrapped up in breathtaking visuals. Unquestionably, Spirited Away has earned its place as one of the most beloved animated films of all time.
Spirited Away follows the journey of Chihiro, a young girl who relocates with her family to a quaint town in rural Japan. During their stay, they stumble upon a mystical realm, and an ill-fated decision to consume enchanted food transforms Chihiro’s parents into pigs. Stranded in this fantastical world, Chihiro heeds the advice of a young man named Haku and secures employment at a bathhouse.
The bathhouse is overseen by Yubaba, a character who has taken part of Chihiro’s name, leaving her with the dire warning that losing her name entirely would condemn her to an eternal existence in this otherworldly realm. Throughout her labor at the bathhouse, Chihiro encounters and assists a diverse array of spirits, all in pursuit of the ultimate goal: rescuing her parents and escaping this mystical place.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Ghost in the Shell takes place in a futuristic 2029 where cybernetic enhancements are commonplace, featuring intense gunfights and cyberpunk cityscapes. The story follows Makoto Kusanagi, a Public Security officer in New Port City, Japan. When a mysterious hacker called the Puppet Master targets high-ranking officials, Kusanagi’s team is tasked with finding and exposing them. However, the Puppet Master isn’t just another digital entity, leading Kusanagi to question her own identity.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest science-fiction thrillers ever, Ghost in the Shell served as an inspiration for The Matrix. It’s a fast-paced cyberpunk noir with exceptional design and animation, but what sets it apart is its philosophical exploration. The film delves into the intersection of human and machine, challenging the boundary and the essence of humanity. Kusanagi’s pursuit of the Puppet Master is a thought-provoking examination of our potential future, exploring the marvels and risks of technological advancement. For these reasons, it’s a must-watch movie.
Perfect Blue (1997)
Perfect Blue is a dark and thought-provoking film that explores the negative aspects of celebrity culture, the challenges of fame, and the psychological horrors of contemporary society. The story follows Mima Kirigoe, a former J-Pop star trying to make a transition into acting. She faces harsh criticism, an obsessive stalker named Me-Mania, and the pressures of her new career, which push her to the brink of a mental breakdown, resulting in disturbing hallucinations.
As the plot unfolds, Mima becomes increasingly disturbed by a series of brutal murders that target her fellow cast members, and the evidence begins to suggest her involvement. Her struggle intensifies as she grapples with her own fragmented memories, leading her to question her own identity and the true identity of the killer.
Director Satoshi Kon, known for his striking visuals and exploration of human psychology, demonstrates his talent in Perfect Blue. The film delves deep into Mima’s descent into madness, driven by stress and societal pressure. While many anime films often focus on fantasy or futuristic settings, Perfect Blue maintains a firm footing in reality, at least until Mima’s perception of reality begins to unravel. The film’s exploration of celebrity and internet culture feels remarkably contemporary, even though it was released in 1997. Perfect Blue is a thrilling and captivating experience, incorporating various intriguing and enigmatic elements that can captivate a wide range of audiences.
Metropolis (2001)
Inspired by Fritz Lang’s famous film of the same name, Metropolis presents a complex science-fiction dystopia set in a futuristic city where both humans and robots coexist, albeit in an uneasy manner. The robots face discrimination and are confined to the city’s lower levels. Duke Red, the de facto ruler of the city, has enlisted Dr. Laughton to create Tima, a robot designed to control a powerful weapon integrated into Red’s latest skyscraper.
However, before Tima can be activated, an anti-robot paramilitary group led by Red’s son, Rock, sets fire to the laboratory. Kenichi, a detective pursuing Laughton, rescues the girl, setting in motion a series of events that will have a profound impact on the city of Metropolis.
At first glance, Metropolis may not appear to be a dark science-fiction tale. Its visual style draws from classic anime like Astro Boy, featuring seemingly simplistic and cartoonish character designs. However, beneath this surface lies a thematically rich and powerful narrative that delves into the essence of humanity, much like other films on this list.
The narrative skillfully unfolds the conflict between humans and the sentient robot inhabitants of Metropolis, building upon the original manga while drawing significant inspiration from Fritz Lang’s cinematic masterpiece. Themes and philosophical explorations are at the core of this distinctive science-fiction story, solidifying its status as an iconic work in the genre.
Grave of the Fireflies (1989)
Isao Takahata, one of the co-founders of Studio Ghibli, was born in 1935 and lived through the horrors of World War II, which strongly influenced his anti-war message in his directorial work. His film “Grave of the Fireflies,” based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s short story, is often considered his greatest achievement. The story revolves around two siblings, Seita and Setsuko Yokokawa, who become orphans after the Allied bombing of Kobe.
The film depicts their struggle for survival, starting with seeking refuge at their aunt’s house and resorting to stealing food and supplies. Throughout the narrative, there’s a profound sense of sadness as Seita tries to maintain his sister’s happiness in dire circumstances. “Grave of the Fireflies” shares the signature Studio Ghibli art style and production quality that made “Spirited Away” famous. However, it differs in that it carries a much heavier and less hopeful tone.
This film is a somber and challenging story, and while you root for the young protagonists, there’s a constant undercurrent of darkness. It stands out as one of the best portrayals of war, focusing not on the soldiers but on the innocent civilians affected by it. It serves as a symbolic, weighty, and meaningful exploration of the loss of innocence, making it a necessary watch. Just be prepared for an emotional experience, as tears are likely to be shed.
The Animatrix (2003)
The Animatrix is a collection of short films that connect to The Matrix universe. When promoting the first Matrix film, the Wachowskis collaborated with influential Japanese animation studios to create nine distinct shorts. While the Wachowskis had some input in the writing, they allowed the studios creative freedom in terms of direction and visuals. The result is a set of incredibly unique and visually stunning anime stories. As with any anthology, some are better than others, but they effectively highlight each studio’s strengths.
These nine short films are incredibly diverse in both their visual style and storytelling. Some delve into the backstory of The Matrix, exploring the rise of technology and the conflict between humans and robots. Others focus on the human rebellion in a distant future. Some follow ordinary people navigating the virtual world, while others have a significant impact on the franchise’s lore.
Regardless of whether they use 2D or 3D animation, each studio uses these films to showcase their storytelling prowess. Whether you’re a Matrix fan or not, each short is a superb demonstration of modern animation’s capabilities.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
As previously mentioned, this list could have been exclusively filled with Studio Ghibli films. This animation studio has produced some of the most remarkable works in the contemporary animation industry, each serving as a testament to compelling storytelling and top-tier animation. However, very few stand out as prominently as “The Tale of Princess Kaguya.” Adapted from a well-known Japanese literary tale, the narrative revolves around a young girl discovered growing inside a bamboo shoot.
The bamboo cutter brings her home and decides to raise her as his own, believing her to be of divine royalty. He eventually takes her to the capital, even though the newfound princess yearns for her simpler life in the countryside.
While “The Tale of Princess Kaguya” follows the familiar story elements found in many fairy tales, it’s not the story itself that earns this movie a place on this list. Don’t get me wrong, the film’s narrative is beautifully presented in a way that only Studio Ghibli can achieve, but it’s the animation that truly sets it apart as one of the most unique animated films. The film’s animation emulates the appearance of traditional Japanese pen and ink art, using muted watercolors to breathe life into its world.
This technique contributes to the creation of a graceful and otherworldly atmosphere, perfectly suiting the divine nature of the protagonist. The artwork in this film is simply stunning, successfully capturing the essence of a fairy tale better than any other.
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Inu-Oh (2021)
Described as “feudal Japanese hair metal” in the world of cinema, Inu-Oh promises a unique and visually stunning experience. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, this 2022 film blends traditional Japanese elements with a contemporary twist. It has received widespread acclaim, highlighting Yuasa’s talent for creating visually mesmerizing and thematically intense movies, all while incorporating compelling music.
The film’s core narrative revolves around the art of storytelling and the way history is shaped and reshaped by various perspectives. It also gives a voice to individuals often marginalized by society.
Inu-Oh draws inspiration from Hideo Furukawa’s novel “Tales of the Heike: Inu-Oh” and follows the story of two unlikely companions: Inu-Oh, a disfigured Noh dancer, and Tomona, a blind biwa player with the ability to see spirits due to a mystical sword incident. They discover that Inu-Oh is accompanied by the souls of deceased Heike warriors.
Together, they embark on a journey through the countryside, sharing stories of the departed. Their performances provoke the anger of the Ashikaga Shogunate, who seek to control the narrative of the Heike clan’s downfall. Inu-Oh’s malevolent father is also determined to thwart their endeavors by any means necessary.
Mind Game (2004)
While the other movies in this list follow conventional storytelling, Mind Game sets itself apart by embracing a trippy and psychedelic style, creating a profoundly bizarre world, and delivering a narrative that keeps you guessing throughout. The story revolves around Nishi, an aspiring comic artist who reunites with his childhood friend Myon. However, things take a dark turn when Myon’s father gets entangled with the Yakuza, leading to a violent encounter during Nishi’s visit.
What unfolds is a tale involving deities, the afterlife, time loops, and enigmatic whales, all told in a way that only Masaaki Yuasa could envision. Mind Game is anything but ordinary, and its uniqueness is what makes it so captivating. It constantly surprises you with imaginative and surreal visuals that challenge your preconceptions about storytelling. This film may not cater to everyone’s taste, but for those willing to delve into the weird and unconventional, Mind Game is like taking a plunge into the deep end.
This film marks Yuasa’s directorial debut in the world of feature films, and it already showcases the distinctive elements that would later be refined in his subsequent works like Inu-Oh. While his storytelling would evolve over time, Mind Game remains a must-see for its exceptional and unconventional approach.
Violet Evergarden: The Movie (2020)
Violet Evergarden: The Movie is one of just two films in a particular list that adhere to the storyline of an existing anime. The series revolves around the central character, Violet, as she grapples with adapting to a life devoid of war. It’s a contemplative and unhurried narrative that follows a woman’s quest to fathom the essence of existence. For the majority of her life, she served as a weapon, dispatched to battlefields for destruction.
The only person who treated her as a human was her commanding officer, Gilbert. However, his apparent demise during the war forces her to learn the meaning of freedom and truly live. To achieve this, she takes on a job as a letter writer, aiming to grasp the emotions of her clients.
The movie serves as a continuation of these events. Violet persists in her role as an Auto Memory Doll, now assisting a young man named Yuris. Yet, she soon uncovers a possibility that Gilbert might still be alive, prompting her to embark on a journey to find him. Similar to the series, the film maintains a somber tone, placing a strong emphasis on Violet’s emotional journey.
It’s not a war narrative; it’s a rare exploration of life after the war and how combat profoundly affects individuals, a theme beautifully depicted by Violet Evergarden. Additionally, the animation deserves special mention for its skillful fusion of 2D and 3D styles, resulting in some of the most breathtaking imagery in contemporary anime.
Summer Ghost (2021)
Anime often has a knack for blending different genres into captivating works of art, and “Summer Ghost” is no exception. Despite its short 45-minute duration, director Loundraw weaves a compelling and emotionally charged story about three teenagers trying to make sense of the world.
The film seamlessly melds elements of slice-of-life drama with hints of the supernatural, resulting in a moving portrayal of human experiences. It features exquisite artwork and a heartfelt narrative, devoid of explosions or action scenes. Instead, it offers a quiet and contemplative exploration of life and death.
Aoi Harukawa is a victim of relentless bullying at school, Tomoya Sugisaki grapples with the heavy weight of his academic future, and Ryou Kobayashi was once a star basketball player until a grim diagnosis changed his life. Though these three individuals are strangers to each other, they come together on an abandoned airfield to summon the Summer Ghost.
According to legend, sparklers can soothe the spirit and draw her near, but when they do conjure the young spirit to their gathering, they discover that they can only see her because they are each on the verge of death. Dissatisfied with the answers they receive, Tomoya becomes fixated on uncovering the true nature of the spirit, while the others grapple with the revelations.
Promare (2019)
Studio Trigger is renowned for its unique and exceptional anime creations, and Promare stands out as one of their remarkable achievements. This mecha anime film is an exhilarating, visually stunning experience, akin to an exhilarating fever dream. It features intense combat sequences and a cast of eccentric characters.
Anything that bears the Studio Trigger name is almost a guarantee of quality, and Promare is no exception. It’s part of a legacy of brilliantly animated works characterized by vibrant colors, stunning visual effects, and a seamless blend of 2D and 3D animation that never feels discordant.
Promare is set in a distant future on Earth, where 30 years prior, a catastrophic event known as the Great World Blaze led to spontaneous human combustion, resulting in the loss of half the world’s population. Some of the survivors developed pyrokinetic abilities and became known as Burnish.
The story revolves around Galo Thymos, a member of the Burning Rescue squad, whose mission is to combat a militant Burnish group led by Lio Fotia. However, a cataclysmic threat emerges from the Earth’s core, and political intrigues force Galo to question whether he is truly fighting for the right cause.
Barefoot Gen (1983)
Barefoot Gen is a highly esteemed work in the world of manga, known for its portrayal of the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. It has inspired multiple adaptations, including live-action films, anime, books, and operas. This discussion focuses on the 1983 animated film, but regardless of the version, Barefoot Gen is essential reading and viewing.
Despite its cartoonish visuals, the story delves into the struggles of young individuals trying to overcome extreme hardships after surviving the atomic bomb. To truly grasp the impacts of war, Barefoot Gen serves as an exceptional teacher.
The narrative of Barefoot Gen loosely follows the life of the author, Keiji Nakazawa, who himself survived the Hiroshima bombing. It revolves around a character named Gen Nakaoka, who serves as a representation of Nakazawa. Gen resides in Hiroshima at the end of World War II and does everything possible to support his family, despite enduring persistent malnutrition and the constant threat of air raids.
On August 6, 1945, while at school, an American plane drops the first atomic bomb. Gen’s friend is instantly killed by the blast, but Gen manages to survive, trapped under debris. What follows is a powerful and unflinching exploration of the devastating impact of the atomic bomb and the destruction of Hiroshima, as witnessed through the eyes of shattered innocence.
Belladonna of Sadness (1973)
There are no other films quite like Belladonna of Sadness. It is a gorgeous, incredibly dark film set in the French countryside, with heavy-handed religious and philosophical overtones. The film is heavily sexual, with several scenes of sexual assault, sexuality, and various thematic iconographies throughout. This is not a kid’s animated film, by any means. The film is unique for this intense focus on these themes, but it is the animation that truly puts this film above all the rest. Rendered in a beautiful watercolor aesthetic and unique flowing inks, the art is a brutal contrast to the darkness and corruption on display.
Jeanne and Jean are a newly married couple in a rural French village. After Jeanne is brutally raped by the baron and his men, her relationship with her husband becomes strained, and a mysterious spirit presents himself to her. He offers her power in exchange for her servitude, and through its power, she and her husband become the richest citizens in the village, each finding new work while the rest of the town falls to famine.
However, her pact with the spirit has its costs, and Jeanne learns that power leads to envy as the Baron’s wife turns the town against her. A brutally powerful story, Belladonna of Sadness is unlike anything else in modern film.
Redline (2009)
In stark contrast to the previous description, Redline is an action-packed science-fiction racing movie that offers breathtaking visuals and eccentric characters. The film’s storyline doesn’t delve into profound themes, but its clever humor and exceptional race animation elevate it from being just another racing film to a truly groundbreaking experience.
Right from the start, Redline delivers non-stop, adrenaline-pumping entertainment, featuring explosions, robotic soldiers, and a wide array of imaginative alien and character designs. Above all, Redline aims to provide a fantastic time and excite its audience, even if it doesn’t necessarily provoke deep thought.
The protagonist, Joshua “JP” Punkhead, is a racer with a distinctive pompadour, employed by the mafia. In the Yellowline, the preliminary race for the prestigious Redline event, JP is instructed to finish in second place. However, when he refuses to throw the race, his boss destroys his racing car. During his recovery, JP discovers that two racers dropped out of the Redline, offering him an unexpected opportunity to participate.
There’s a twist, though. The Redline is scheduled to take place on Roboworld, a heavily militarized society of cyborgs that has declared a threat to eliminate any racer who lands on the planet’s surface. Despite this perilous situation, JP decides to register, setting the stage for an intense, explosive, and utterly remarkable science-fiction racing spectacle.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997)
The famous Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series left many of its fans puzzled with its philosophical and religious-themed ending, prompting the release of Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion in 1997 as a reimagined conclusion. The film continues the story as Shinji, Rei, and Asuka confront their former superiors in a battle against Gendo, Shinji’s father, who has initiated the Human Instrumentality Project to merge the souls of all Earth’s inhabitants. To combat this threat, the teenage pilots must grasp the full potential of their EVA units.
Regardless of whether one supported the original series’ ending or found it detracted from the story’s message, The End of Evangelion is a compelling directorial choice. The film, with its feature-length format, allowed directors Hideaki Anno and Kazuya Tsurumaki to make the most of their budget. The production quality of the film is remarkable, featuring impressive action sequences and surreal scenarios. While philosophy and emotional storytelling remain central, the film’s overall execution surpasses the original series, which is quite remarkable given the impact of the original.
New Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021)
Certainly, “New Gods: Nezha Reborn” is technically not considered an anime; it’s a Chinese animated feature directed by Zhao Ji and produced by Light Chaser Animation Studios. Despite being somewhat underrated, the movie stands out due to its distinctive premise. It draws inspiration from the novel “Investiture of the Gods” and is set in a futuristic city called Donghai.
The story follows Li Yunxiang, a courier who discovers that ancient gods have been reborn in modern incarnations, and he becomes the contemporary host for Nezha. With the Dragon Clan pursuing him, he must learn to harness his newfound divine powers to settle an age-old grudge.
“Nezha Reborn” is the first installment in an intended series, with “New Gods: Yang Jian” released in 2022. This series takes the rich backdrop of Chinese mythology and transforms it into a grand superhero narrative. The film features epic battles that showcase the best in modern 3D animation, and the character designs are exceptional. Light Chaser Animation Studios excels in high-speed fight choreography, a skill prominently displayed in this film.
While the core story isn’t exceptionally original, as it draws from a well-known novel, the film’s unique qualities lie in its artistic direction, impressive animation, and its rootedness in Chinese culture, which is not often explored in this manner.
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