People can argue and debate their favourite TV shows and films online. Here, we will inadvertently enter into the anime debate with some of the most popular anime series and movies.
If you're new to anime or looking for something to watch, here's what anime is and some anime worth watching.
What Is Anime?
The definition of what anime is and what counts as anime is also the subject of heated debates on the internet. Don't even get us started on the various classifications and subgenres of anime.
For the uninitiated, the word anime is simply a shortening of the English word "animation". In Japan, anime is just animated productions that can include both domestic and international productions.
However, outside of Japan, anime is typically used in English to refer to Japanese animation for film and TV.
Japanese animation is a rich tapestry of diverse genres, each with its own unique hallmarks and recognisable characteristics. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming dramas, there's a wealth of shows, movies, and sub-genres waiting to be explored. You might be surprised at what you find in Japan's anime culture.
The stereotypical idea of anime is that of the big-eyed, spiky-haired characters. Still, while some examples here certainly have this, you'll also see that this is only sometimes the case.
One of the fascinating aspects of anime is the distinct visual styles of different studios, animators, and directors. If you're familiar with the works of Studio Ghibli, Toei Animation, Kyoto Animation, and Gainax, you'll know that each has its own unique flair, adding to the rich tapestry of anime. This is why so many people want to watch anime and learn how to draw in an anime style.
With so many different genres for different ages and tastes, it's impossible to please everyone. Still, there are a few suggestions here for series and movies that you might enjoy.
Akira
Akira is a classic anime movie. Released in 1988, it is set in a dystopian 2019. It features beautiful animation, incredible visual and stylistic choices, and an intriguing plot that covers several fascinating themes.
The movie was based on the manga (a Japanese comic or graphic novel) of the same name that was released in 1982.
The story covers members of a biker gang in Neo-Tokyo, a rebuilt version of Tokyo that was destroyed in 1988.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a manga and anime series that follows humans in a walled city constantly attacked by man-eating giants known as titans.
In this popular anime series, the protagonists regularly fight the titans, using special equipment, such as grappling hooks and ropes, to propel themselves around while attacking the titans with swords.
The action is exciting and often the highlight of most of the episodes. However, there are also story arcs and plot points relating to the characters and how they deal with life under the constant threat of attack from the unnerving and destructive titans.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura is a 1990s anime adapted from the shōjo manga of the same name. In Japanese, these are typically manga aimed at teenage girls or young women. However, there are no hard and fast rules on what manga or anime you can read or watch.
The plot covers a young schoolgirl who releases a set of magical cards that grant magical powers into the world. The titular Sakura is on a mission to collect these cards.
Make sure you watch Cardcaptor Sakura instead of the heavily edited Cardcaptors, a version that made the plot unintelligible.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is an anime series from the late 1990s about bounty hunters on the spaceship Bebop. The story takes place in 2071 and is widely considered one of the best anime series of all time.
With just 26 episodes, this is one of the shorter anime series and one that's relatively easy for viewers to get into and watch.
Digimon Adventure
Digimon Adventure is the 1999 Japanese anime series that many English-speaking viewers saw simply as a copy of the hugely popular Pokémon series. However, in many ways, fans of this series prefer it to Pokémon. However, you can easily watch both and make up your mind.
Remember, there's no need to choose between series like Digimon and Pokémon. You can enjoy both and appreciate the unique experiences each offers. Anime is a diverse and inclusive medium, and there's something for everyone.
Dragon Ball / Dragon Ball Z
For many viewers in the West, Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z are essential viewing for those new to anime.
The dubbed versions were aired worldwide and were hugely popular with viewers. In English-speaking markets, it was even more common for viewers to have seen episodes of Dragon Ball Z before having watched Dragon Ball, despite the latter being made and taking place earlier.
Even those who know nothing about anime may recognise the series' most popular characters, particularly the protagonist Goku, arguably one of the most popular anime characters ever.
Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist is a 2003-2004 anime series set during the Industrial Revolution. The plot revolves around the Elric brothers, who are looking for the Philosopher's Stone to heal themselves after they damaged themselves using alchemy to attempt to bring their mother back to life.
Like many anime series, this was inspired by the manga. A 2009-2010 series called Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was more faithful to the original manga.
Gintama
Gintama is one of Japan's bestselling manga series. The anime series began in 2006 and ran for 10 seasons, albeit across various series, spinoffs, etc.
The story takes place in late Edo period Japan, in an alternative history in which aliens attack humanity and ultimately take over.
The protagonist, Gintoki Sakata, is a samurai who fights said aliens and rescues their prisoners.
It's a comedic series with elements of drama.
Ghost in the Shell
Initially a manga series, the 1995 Ghost in the Shell anime movie is one of the most critically acclaimed anime movies ever.
If you watch and like Akira, you'll likely enjoy Ghost in the Shell, whose visuals and themes inspired The Matrix.
The movie takes place in 2029, where technology can augment or replace the human body. A cyborg federal agent chases the antagonist, "The Puppet Master", who's hacking into the minds of these technologically augmented humans.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a manga and anime series that follows various characters. Each instalment and series has someone with the nickname "JoJo" (though there's usually only one "JoJo" per season or series).
With each season and instalment occurring at a different time and location, it's difficult to explain the franchise accurately. Still, if you're looking for something weird, fantastic, and downright bizarre, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure lives up to its name.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is an anime series from the Gundam franchise that includes mecha (giant robots or mechanical military fighting machines). For many in the West, it is one of the first mecha anime series broadcast, with Cartoon Network in the USA helping to popularise it.
The Gundam franchise started with Mobile Suit Gundam in the late 1970s. Still, the 1995-1996 Mobile Suit Gundam Wing became one of the most popular ever.
If you like mecha or think giant robots are incredible, the Gundam franchise might be an excellent place to start.
Love Live! School Idol Project
Long Live! School Idol Project is one of Japan's most popular anime and manga franchises. In addition to manga and anime, there are music videos, video games, and CDs.
This is the story of a high school student and her friends becoming “idols” (young celebrity singers) to save their Japanese school.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime series and franchise. The 1995 series follows Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy who has to pilot giant mecha called Evangelion to fight the series' main antagonists, mysterious invaders known as Angels.
For many, this is the greatest anime series of all time and covers themes of psychology, mythology, and even the Jewish and Christian religions through a contemporary setting. The plot takes place in 2015 in an alternative history.
Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke is a 1997 anime film. It's one of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's most popular and critically acclaimed works, though you could easily watch any of them, including Spirited Away, which features later on in our list.
The plot takes place in the 14th century, when a young prince, Ashitaka, is cursed and has to travel to find a cure.
The story is based on Japanese folklore and includes themes of ecology, morals, and war itself.
Spirited Away
Spirited Away is one of the most beautiful anime movies ever made. This 2001 anime movie sees the ten-year-old protagonist, Chihiro, transported to the spirit world inhabited by Japanese folkloric kami spirits.
Her parents are turned into pigs, and the young Chihiro has to work in a bathhouse while she tries to escape the spirit world and bring her parents back to their human forms.
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