In 2023, anime has become mainstream. Gone are the days when western audiences did not understand the beauty and artistic integrity that goes into creating anime. Nowadays, thanks to series like Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Naruto, and One Piece, most western audiences are familiar with what anime is, and why anyone can enjoy it.
However, even before these series made anime mainstream, there was a certain subsection of Japanese animation that was beloved by all. That being, anime films. Thanks to the works of Satoshi Kon, Hayao Miyazaki, and other incredible storytellers, the anime film industry enjoyed, and continues to enjoy huge success around the world. So, in this article, we would like to explore the world of anime films, and talk about some of the best ones.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Mamoru Oshii’s genius visual style helped make Ghost in the Shell one of the most popular and successful anime films of all time. Based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, GitS is set in a cyberpunk world, where AI has achieved a whole new level of development.
In this world, robotics, cybernetics, and digital technology have reached a level where most tasks are performed online. Some argue that we are moving ever closer to a post-cyberpunk world, as AI, virtual reality, and online gambling are already commonplace.
Online gambling websites already allow fans to play their favorite games without leaving the house. So, if that sounds interesting, you can play here and explore the online casino world. And while online gambling is almost certainly common in GitS, much more common are rogue AI’s who hijack human bodies and commit crime.
Luckily, future Japan has found a way to stop these rogues. Namely, human-androids, like Ghost in the Shell’s protagonist Makoto Kusanagi. Widely regarded as one of the greatest anime films, and science fiction films of all time, Ghost in the Shell undoubtedly deserves a mention on this list.
Akira (1988)
If you are a fan of manga, you’ve no doubt heard of Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic, Akira. However, just as popular is the 1988 Akira film, also directed by Otomo. The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, world, where the government uses drugs to awaken psychic abilities within children. However, when they try that same experiment on the teenage, bike gang member Tetsuo things go horribly wrong.
Now, Tetsuo’s friend Kaneda must deal with both government officials, members of the revolutionary band, and Tetsuo himself, all the while attempting to prevent the fabled Akira from awakening and triggering a secondary explosion that might just bring an end to Japan.
Akira is largely considered the film that made anime globally popular. Incredible animation, fantastic visuals, and a potent story about friendship, government control, and the dangers of nuclear weaponry all contributed to this film becoming an international success.
Spirited Away (2001)
How could we talk about the greatest anime films of all time without bringing up Studio Ghibli? Hayao Miyazaki is, perhaps, one of the best-known anime directors of all time. His tales, mostly aimed at children, never fail to bring a smile to even the most jaded adult.
And without a doubt his greatest achievement is the 2001 classic Spirited Away. To date, the only anime film to have ever won an Academy Award, Spirited Away is an Alice in Wonderland story, that follows little, 10-year-old Chihiro’s journey through a bizarre and dangerous world.
Incredible visuals, animation-driven storytelling, fantastic voice acting, and a beautiful message have all gone into making Spirited Away one of the timeless classics of anime. It is truly a dazzling, fantasy tale that will stick with you for a long time.
Honorable Mentions
While the three films discussed in this article are absolute stunning, they are far from the only anime films worth checking out. So, in this final section we would like to briefly go over some other titles that are worth watching.
- Paprika by Satoshi Kon: As with any Kon movie, Paprika is a real trip to watch. The dream-detective aspect of the story certainly served as inspiration for Christopher Nolan films like Inception.
- Metropolis by Rintaro: Based on a story by Osamu Tezuka, Metropolis takes the viewer on a journey through a futuristic city populated by humans and robots alike. Deeply political and incredibly moving, Metropolis is definitely worth a watch.
- Grave of the Fireflies: Following two orphans in the aftermath of WWII, GotF is certain to leave you in tears.