Sadly people often turn up their noses or avoid anime films because they can be considered nerdy or childish. Sadly people often say that they don't like Japanese films, but then perhaps they’ve never really watched them...
If you are curious about the genre but don't know where to start, there are too many films to choose from or maybe you’re searching for some more, here is a list of 10 MUST WATCH films, to see at least once in your life.
1. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
The cyberpunk masterpiece: set in a futuristic and dystopian Japan in which nanotechnology has control over human life and has led to the hybridization between people and machines.
Follow Section 9, the cybernetically enhanced police, as they try to solve computer crimes committed by a dangerous hacker who manages to access remote parts of cyborg brains and take control of them.
2. Akira (1988)
Considered one of the greatest animated films of all time for its technical quality, details, colours and themes addressed.
It's set in the chaos of a futuristic post-world war Tokyo where gangs of young motorcyclists compete in races and often life-or-death challenges.
3. Lupine the Third and the Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
An important film for being the second dedicated to the character of Arsenio Lupine III, it is Miyazaki's debut as director of a feature film and furthermore, this was the first animated film presented at the Cannes Film Festival.
It tells of the adventures of a thief in search of the source of fake money, to defeat the evil villains, save the damsel in distress they were holding prisoner and take home the treasure.
4. Spirited Away (2001)
Another record-breaking film by Hayao Miyazaki, in which the spiritual, fantastic and realistic mix perfectly. Considered by many to be the most beautiful animated film of all time, loved by the public and critics alike and winner of an Oscar in 2003, it tells the story of the little girl Chiciro who tries to escape the spirit world to save her parents.
A film for both adults and children, from the drawings to the colours to the settings, this masterpiece is sure to make you fall in love with that enchanted world.
5. Perfect Blue (1997)
Considered the perfect thriller thanks to the pace, the simple yet intriguing plot, and personality of the characters.
We’re given a behind the scenes to the world of entertainment without filters, the anguish of success and mental instability due to threatening stalkers and traumatic scenes that the protagonist has to film.
6. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
From the same author as the previous film, this one tells the story of a homeless trio (made up of an old drunkard, a transvestite and a girl who has run away from home) who find an abandoned newborn baby in a rubbish bin. They decide not to leave him there to freeze but instead, to save him. Though since they cannot keep him with them, they begin a journey to return the child to his parents.
7. Howl's moving Castle (2004)
With characters you can’t not fall in love with, beautiful colours, perfect designs and settings this film is loved by fans for all the features typical of Studio Ghibli.
Sophie is a girl who works in the family hat shop and upon one lucky day, she meets the beautiful wizard Howl, who will soon take her on a fantastic adventure in a magical world.
8. The Wind Rises (2013)
Yet another masterpiece from Studio Ghibli with wonderful landscapes in bright colors and sweet characters. This film, the director's last before a decade of hiatus, is about Jiro, a boy who dreams of flying. Even though, due to short sightedness, he’s never had the chance, he will finally have the opportunity to show everyone his talent.
9. Your Name (2016)
In just a few months, this film surpassed the flood of Studio Ghibli films that monopolized the historical charts, including The Wind Rises and Howl's Moving Castle.
Like the other films by director Makoto Shinkai, this one deals with distance, separation and incommunicability between people and in particular, with adolescent love and its torments.
10. A Silent Voice (2016)
A film that deals with heavy topics starting with the story of a young girl who is bullied at school and continues to tell the frequent problems of adolescence such as bullying, internal discomfort, love and friendship.
Despite everything, it is a very tender film with sweet colours and designs. With the peach blossoms in bloom it strongly recalls the atmosphere of spring, therefore perfect for this period.
So what are you waiting for? You no longer have any excuses not to get started in watching these animated masterpieces and diving into the world of anime!
Written by Olga Raimondo