The never-ending world of anime is inspired from different literature's and artworks which is altogether known as the ‘otaku culture’ in Japan. Every week in Japan, dozens of comic magazines are published, most notably Shounen Jump or Magazine Special, and anime are broadcast across channels with ratings higher than regular dramas.
A number of Studio Ghibli movies have also grossed over 100 million dollars in theaters and won many prestigious awards. There are endless issues that are explored through different Anime. Broader issues such as cultural, political, societal, environmental, or psychological. And more complicated issues like nationalism, fascism, neo-liberalism, and egalitarianism.
1. Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
Grave of the Fireflies, directed by Isao Takahata, is an anime movie that depicts a haunting image of the aftermath of World War II. Two siblings get separated from their parents after an American firebombing and they have to rely on each other for survival. It is a heartbreaking tale about the collateral damages ushered in by wars and how innocent people have to suffer during such troubled times. This movie is a tear-jerker and is still considered one of the best anime movies of all time. The main motive of the movie is to let the audience be aware of the ramifications of war. The story is heart-achingly tragic, mixed with a sense of hopefulness that is in stark contrast to the environment that the main characters found themselves in. This anime movie is a cult classic that transcends the genre and sets the bar high for all the anime movies that came after it.
2. Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is an anime that takes the audience on a mind-bending ride of visuals perfectly woven into a story that is original and unique. Chihiro and her parents find an abandoned theme park and her father insists on exploring the park. Soon after Chihiro finds out that her parents have magically transformed into giant pigs. Then Chihiro meets a young boy named Haku who informs her that the park was a haven for supernatural creatures and she must work in the park to free herself and her parents. The movie is beautifully eerie and must not be missed.
3. Your Name (2016)
Your Name, directed by Makoto Shinkai, is a romance fantasy anime that tells the story of two teenagers who get their bodies swapped with each other. The heart of this anime movie is the dynamics of the relationship of the teenage boy and girl and the interaction between them. The premise itself allows them to bond on a personal level that makes the movie far more intriguing than the usual teenage love story.
4. Arrietty (2010)
Arriety, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, is a simple but magical movie that follows a miniature-sized teenage girl called Arriety. She lives with her family under the recesses of a suburban house. She ventures out rarely to get sugar cubes and other food items. She befriends the boy of the family who owns the house. Her relationship with the boy might usher in misfortune for her family. The movie has some mesmerizing visuals that strike a chord with the audience. The character development for Arriety is strong which helps audiences of any age to connect with the movie even more. This anime movie is memorable because it is stunning in its simplicity.
5. In This Corner Of The World (2016)
In This Corner of the World, directed by Sunao Katabuchi, is an anime movie that presents a fresh take on the war genre as the story is told from the perspective of a character who does not participate in the war herself but her life is hugely affected by the proceedings of the war. The protagonist is a free-spirited girl who is married off to a stranger. She lives in Hiroshima during World War II and struggles every day to maintain a living. In This Corner of the World is a modern-day classic that beautifully captures the ethos behind anime.
6. A Silent Voice (2016)
A Silent Voice, directed by Naoko Yamada, is an anime about redemption. It focuses on serious subject matters like bullying, depression, guilt, and forgiveness. The protagonist of the movie is a former bully who is tormented by the guilt of bullying a girl with a hearing impairment up to the point where she had to change her school. The audience does not feel sympathetic towards the bully’s guilt at the beginning of the movie but as the story goes on, the depth of his guilt becomes clear. Even though he might not be worthy of forgiveness and redemption, his determination in making amends with the girl makes the viewers give him a second chance.
7. Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984)
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is the pioneer of modern anime movies. The backdrop of this movie is set in a dystopian future where the Earth’s ecosystem has been destroyed by an apocalyptic war. The ruins of the war have left the environment of Earth semi-hospitable for human beings. The vast wasteland is referred to as ‘The Toxic Jungle’ in this movie and is mostly inhabited by giant mutant insects. Nausicaa starts to work under Lord Yupa with an aim to restore peace on Earth. This anime revolutionized the worldwide perception about the prowess of Japan over the content of their animated movies and portrayed characters with emotional depth like never seen before.
8. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is filled with breath taking visuals that engage the audience from the very beginning of the movie. This anime is set in the 14th century and depicts a time period when the harmony between animals and gods started to deteriorate. Ashitaka, the movie’s protagonist, sets out on a quest to find the cure of a curse that was cast upon him. This curse granted him supernatural strength and abilities but would be fatal in the long run as it would spread throughout his body and would eventually kill him. While travelling he sees humans ravaging the earth by misusing the natural resources and destroying the ecosystem by waging futile wars. This act of cruelty against nature brings down the wrath of wolf god Moro and his human companion Princess Mononoke. This film tells a fantasy story of epic proportions and is inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology.
9. Akira (1988)
Akira, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, is a revolutionary movie that achieves a milestone in anime story-telling. It is a heavily stylized cyberpunk anime that is packed with action and graphic violence. Akira is the ultimate anime movie in the action genre. It has paved the way for other action/cyberpunk that flooded in during the ‘90s. A biker called Kaneda has to fight with greedy politicians, corrupted scientists, and a powerful warlord to rescue his friend Tetsuo from a government experiment.
10. Perfect Blue (1997)
Perfect Blue, directed by Satoshi Kon, is an animated psychological thriller that does not hold back its punches while talking about the shady activities that take place in the film industry. It is a neo-noir thriller that tells the story of a singer who quits her job to pursue a career in acting. She feels like the only way to succeed would be to lose her individuality and mould herself according to her peers in the industry. The movie deals with serious issues like an existential crisis, mental health, insecurities, stalking and paranoia. The film is atmospheric, haunting and creepy. It is a hidden gem that only hardcore anime fans know about. The story is grounded in reality. It takes the thriller genre and turns it up a notch. Perfect Blue is a must-watch for all anime lovers.
