Anime Foundationals: 13 Anime Films that are too cool to miss!
I’ve been meaning to write this for quite some time, but it took an article from Twitch (and my being way too busy to see any new films this week) to spur me to actually put this list down on paper.
Now, whatever your opinions are on anime, there’s no doubt you harbor a few reservations toward it. Even if you like anime, you have to worry about the “animation is for children” stigma from the uninitiated, or the dreaded badge of the Otaku from those who potentially are (Rachel Bigler of The Anime Blog, a dreamlogic friendly site, has posted a passionate article on the subject here). Not helping matters are the inclusion of children’s shows like Naruto in the “Adult” Swim lineup, the endless joy found in the mainstream media lampooning cosplayers (I’d never do it, but you have to admit there’s a lot of talent that goes into making those crazy getups), and again, the slobbering obsessive Otaku.
But, believe it or not, there are anime films you can watch without risking a permanent labeling as an Otaku goon, an overgrown child, or a tentacle loving pervert. Some of them are even downright awesome.
Which leads me to my list. Many of the films listed below served as my introduction to Anime, opening my eyes to the mature and thoughtful storylines that could be found within the genre — something still sadly lacking from American animated efforts. The first few titles listed may be blatantly obvious, but the latter, maybe not so much. There are no Dragonball Z’s or Pokemon’s to be found here; just examples of genuine cool and artistic finesse. Similarly, it being a foundational list, titles like Paprika, Ergo Proxy, Gantz, and Basilisk will not be discussed. Lastly, its worth noting that I am using the term “film” loosely, as there are a couple OAVs that factor into the list. Still, I guarantee even the most judgmental of jocks will find something to enjoy.
As always, if you have any suggestions, please post them below.
Akira . The first anime film I ever saw, way back in the early nineties. If you don’t know it, hit your local store immediately. The opening biker battle is easily one of the greatest animated feats in motion picture history. The end sequence will have you shouting “Kaneda” and “Tetsuoooooooo” like an idiot whenever the film is mentioned in polite circles, for the rest of your life.
Ghost in the Shell . One of the 1990’s big event anime films, and therefore another gateway drug for many a mainstream viewer. A far cry from the boneheaded series, Ghost in the Shell is as deeply thought provoking and metaphysical as Blade Runner, and one of the most visually stunning entries in the genre’s history. It doesn’t hurt that the end finale is one of the most bullet riddled ever, and inspired the lobby shoot out in The Matrix. The second film is just as good, if not better. Check them both out.
Ninja Scroll . Every other animated ninja film is simply child’s play. Seriously, Ninja Scroll is raw and exciting in the way that few animated films, if any, have ever matched since. Jubei the swordsman battles the seven devils of Kimon, with the help of his lovely koga ninja, Kagero. Unadulterated awesomeness ensues. This will add “Burn in your golden hell!” to your list of anime quotes.
Fist of the North Star . If this anime film is known for anything, it has to be head explosions on a massive scale. The story follows Ken, the man with seven wounds, as he kicks ass and takes name in a post apocalyptic world. Fist of the North Star is not particularly deep, but its cult status is enduring. See it just to say you have.
Golden Boy . Sadly, this guilty pleasure gets lumped in with the hentai more often than not. There’s actually no sex to be found, and the tale is pretty sweet. The six-episode show follows the adventures of Kintaro Oe, self proclaimed student of life, as he flits about various odd jobs and falling in love with pretty young women. He’s a bit of a letch, but he’s hard working, and never fails to improve the environment he enters. A cute and sexy show that’s as fun for girls as it is for the guys.
Blade of Kamui (aka: Dagger of Kamui) . An epic, globe trotting adventure of swordsmanship, shinobi, an evil shogunate, and lost treasure. Dagger of Kamui is a bit long, and heavy on drama, but worth a look as one of the more story focused ninja films. The film was released back in 1985, so it may look too antiquated for today’s youth, but it’s fairly rewarding.
Vampire Hunter D (1985) . I never dug this one that much. It’s fairly tedious and uninteresting by modern standards. However, it’s one of those that you will find mentioned in cult conversations, and playing the midnight circuit. A future set tale of Blade style vampire hunting (made many years before Blade, of course). You probably know about this already, so I’ll leave it at that. Still, I’d recommend this one over the flashier 1990s sequel.
Record of Lodoss War . A hard edged fantasy tale that’s as rewarding for regular action fans as it is for rabid Anne McCaffrey goons. There are no cutesy gnomes or fey hobbits to be found in this story. Just an epic quest with likable characters, killer swordplay, and fairly attractive elf girls. That’s right. Elf girls. I sometimes wonder what the Lord of the Rings would have been like if women weren’t relegated to the same representational proportionality as black people in Star Wars…but that’s a topic for another article.
Angel Cop . This is another entry that really tests the patience. It is of interest to see just how far anime violence can go, and how venturing to such excess can actually be boring. The tale follows a female police agent and…well. It’s not that important. See it in order to put everything else into perspective.
Battle Angel . James Cameron has actually been looking to turn this one into a live action feature film for quite some time. It’s yet another female cyborg action tale, but the animation is so slick the action sequences rival the best of actual science fiction films. There’s a bit to do with class divisions (ground dwellers and floating city dwellers), but for the most part it affords little in the brain food department. Still, a very cool little film.
Demon City Shinjuku . It’s exactly the same thing as Wicked City, only without the rape and tentacle action. Demon City tells the tale of a young man tasked with saving the word from demons. The action takes place in a post-apocalyptic Shinjuku, Tokyo, and happens to be some of the coolest on this list. This one was actually featured in Johnny Mnemonic as one of the three images that locked/unlocked the data. Highly recommended.
Grave of the Fireflies . This film will make you cry like nothing else. The Ghibli produced tale of a young brother and sister who try to survive poverty and homelessness following the bombing of their village in WWII Japan. If you’ve ever doubted animations ability to move you, see this film.
Gunsmith Cats . Unparalleled animated car chases, featuring perky female cops. The show is high on action, but not so much on story. Still, it’s quite a bit of fun. It’s also worth checking out Riding Bean, though I think that one is still available only on VHS.
Honorable mention:
Perfect Blue (the subject matter is a bit sketchy for general viewing, but it’s no less the mind trip), The Professional: Golgo 13 (not to be confused with Golgo 13: Queen Bee), Twilight of the Dark Master, Bio Hunter ( a little short, but from the guys who brought you Ninja Scroll), Wicked City(despite the content, the animation is incredibly slick), Princess Mononoke (a bit later than anything else in this list), Naussicaa (a bit more family friendly than anything else on this list). Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crytals (I’m a final fantasy fan, and this was kind of cute), Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma (that song!), Twilight of the Cockroaches (live action and animation).
