The Best Anime Ever: - The Top Ten Favorite Movies Of Yours Truly
Jul 28 '04 (Updated May 15 '08)
The Bottom Line The ten best anime films.
My last anime list was seriously out of style and so I've decided to go back and redo - this time listing only movies, and including ten at that. Here it is, my top ten favorite anime movies of all time!
#10. - The Cat Returns
The Cat Returns Full Review
I may be alone in choosing this one to start the list at but I'll be darned if The Cat Returns isn't one of the quirkiest, most lighthearted, not to mention pure fun of Studio Ghibli's releases. The storyline follows the adventure of a young girl named Haru as she is being forced to marry a young cat prince in the Kingdom of Cats as reward for saving her soon-to-be husband's life. Haru isn't exactly a blushing bride and with the help of the mild mannered animate cat doll known as the Baron she sets out to escape the clutches of the twisted Cat King. This one is more for the kids, but there's plenty for adults to enjoy too.
#9. - Vampire Hunter D
Vampire Hunter D Full Review
Vampire Hunter D is a stylish film which follows a young half vampire as he takes on one of the most powerful undead lords in the world - Count Magnus Lee. Did I mention that our silent hero is only doing this because he has secret feelings for a girl who was bitten by said blood sucker? Vampire Hunter D may not have the best storyline ever but it's got style in spades and some pretty entertaining action sequences too. This one may be more suited for people who are already into anime.
#8. - Akira
Akira Full Review
Akira is easily one of the most recognized anime films of all time, and with good reason even though I didn't enjoy it quite as well as most people. Akira forecasts the end, and rebuilding of Japan. The film takes place in futuristic city called Neo Tokyo in which rival biker gangs roam the streets. One of these punks in particular is kidnapped and the scientists in charge perform all sorts of weird experiments on him which grants him the power of Akira. With this power comes great responsibility, but all this is cast aside for a chance to wreak havoc on the city. This is definitely one of the more intelligent anime films to make this list, and while I do highly recommend it I certainly didn't like it as much as everyone else.
#7. - Steamboy
Katsuhiro Otomo's blockbuster hit Steamboy didn't quite measure up to the legendary quality of the director's former glory, Akira, but it comes pretty close. Lush visuals and an air of adventure are this film's claim to fame as it tells the story of a young boy who's sole mission is to protect his family's great invention - a powerful machine that can create infinite amounts of steam. This of course attracts the attention of several questionable characters, but the main character (Ray Steam) must determine what is right for himself. What makes Steamboy even better than the legendary Akira is that it is much more accessible.
#6. - My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro Full Review
As the second Ghibli film to mark this list, My Neighbor Totoro is simply magical. The film tells the story of two young girls and their father as they move into the countryside. Neither of the children quite know how to cope with the illness of their mother, luckily they've got a jolly giant rodent named Totoro to keep them company. Miyazaki paints one his most imaginitive stories yet with a cast of fantasy characters which include the rather unusual Totoro and even a magical cat that is not only shaped like a bus but also functions as one as well. I usually hate using the term 'heartwarming' but it fits My Neighbor Totoro to a tee.
#5. - Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Full Review
Nausicaa is by far one of the most underrated anime films out there, plain and simple. In a similar vein to Miyazaki's immensely popular Princess Mononoke, Nausicaa at first seems to focus entirely on being a banner for pro-environmentalism and some people say that this is all the movie is about. This is completely untrue - the tale is one of adventure, courage, and love. It's a rather deep story with many layers to untangle and it's one of the few anime films which features a completely satisfying ending. This is one that you shouldn't miss.
#4. - Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro
Lupin the 3rd: The Castle of Cagliostro Full Review
Lupin the 3rd is one of my favorite anime series, and so it's no doubt that the first feature film (helmed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki) would be a winner. The plot follows the not so humble thief, Lupin (and his awesome sideburns) as a simple counterfeit plate heist turns into a quest to save a princess and restore order to a country ruled over by the nefarious Duke of Cagliostro. What ensues is a highly comical yet well crafted adventurous story that's incredibly captivating. Even those of you who don't know who Lupin is should still give this one a gander.
#3. - Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke Full Review
If you've only seen one anime film before then chances are that this is it. Princess Mononoke was one of the very first anime films to hit success in the West and it deserves every amount of critical acclaim that it's recieved over the years. Princess Mononoke follows a conflict between man and nature with a young warrior caught in the middle. This particular hero is not long to live due to a wound caused on his arm by the hatred of a dying beast, and thus is his journey to stop the hate from spreading. On top of featuring an amazing story Princess Mononoke is also breathtakingly beautiful.
#2. - Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue Full Review
The story of an ex Japanese Pop idol might be hard for the average American to enjoy, but once you give it a chance you will find one of the most twisted and stylish animated films of all time. Perfect Blue follows the young Mima Kirigoe as she opts to make a career change from the music to the film industry in Japan. This is not an easy adjustment for Mima especially when she begins to hallucinate and people involved with her start ending up dead. Perfect Blue captures the essence of classic horror and keeps you in suspense until the very end. Perfect Blue is a magnificent movie as long as you aren't bothered by the more foreign style of the movie.
#1. - Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies Full Review
Few times have I openly cried during a movie, and even fewer times was it during an animated feature. Grave of the Fireflies is the most heart wrenching film I've ever seen and this comes from someone who prides himself on not getting choked up over movies. The film tells the harrowing tale of a young boy and his little sister as they are ripped from their world one fateful day when their village is bombed during World War II. Their mother dies soon thereafter, and with their father fighting overseas the young children must fend for themselves in a world that has forgotten them. In my opinion this is by far the greatest anime film ever concieved.
Agree? Disagree? Comments are more than welcome, just keep in mind that this piece reflects only my opinion.
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