There’s Something For Everyone!
While there are viewers out there that are eagerly awaiting the next batch of seasonal anime, others aren’t exactly enraptured by every new release. After all, like any other medium, anime has a torrent of series and films that aren’t exactly to everyone’s tastes. From Berserk to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and even mind-bending flicks such as Perfect Blue, Japanimation has no shortage of content that can be considered an acquired taste.
However, there are a few select titles that we feel are of such high quality in terms of narrative, visuals and world-building that anyone should be able to enjoy. Even if you’ve sworn off all things anime, every moviegoer should at least check out these Japanese gems!
#3: “Redline” (2009)
Even if you’re not a fan of this style of animation, even if you could not care less about racing, we still guarantee you’ll have a blast with this one. With a protagonist who just might have the most stylish hair in existence, racing enthusiast JP finds himself unexpectedly competing in the Redline; the galaxy’s most dangerous sporting events. With numerous alien competitors, an adorable love interest, and driving sequences so bonkers that you’d swear you were tripping on something, this is one race you’ll definitely want to be a spectator for, if for nothing else, just to check out JP’s immaculate hair. Just look at that thing!
#2: “Your Name” (2015)
You haven’t seen nontraditional romances until you’ve experienced the splendour that is Taki and Mitsuha’s body-swapping journey. As two strangers on opposite sides of Japan leading totally different lives, our two leads find their world’s literally turned upside down when discover that they’ve started to swap in and out of one another’s consciousness at random. Their glimpses into one another’s lives not only provides the foundation of an organic and heartfelt relationship, but also a window into Japan’s various subcultures, adolescence and gender politics. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer. This truly is the definition of a modern classic.
#1: “Spirited Away” (2001)
By far one of Miyazaki’s most accessible feature films, everything to love about traditional anime can be found right here. After finding herself trapped in the spirit word, a young girl named Chihiro must find a way to save her parents and escape, all the while encountering a plethora of characters that could only come from Miyazaki’s imagination. The creativity, the purity and the overwhelming amount of charm will keep you enraptured from beginning to end. While there are numerous Studio Ghibli flicks that would also provide a solid impact, we still fill this heavenly exploration to be the perfect starting point.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks of the Top 10 Anime Movies That Will Make You Cry!
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