Anime has been around for a long time, even before it became popular in the West. Older anime movies and shows, often overlooked, changed how the genre became big in cinemas. While some of these movies have now gained recognition in the US, there used to be a stigma around anime fans, making them less popular. Nowadays, people want to explore the roots of anime’s success by watching these older movies. Here’s a great list to start with.
28. Voices of a Distant Star (2002)
This short OVA film, the work of Makoto Shinkai, is one of the best sci-fi anime of all time.
What is it about? The story follows a 15-year-old schoolgirl, Mikako Nagamine, as she is recruited into the UN Space Army. This is to fight in a war against a race of aliens known as the Tarsians. They were named this after being encountered for the first time in the Tharsis region of Mars. Mikako is a special agent who must pilot the giant robotic mecha machine known as Tracer. Upon leaving Earth, her childhood friend, Chihiro Suzuki, remains on Earth, and their only means of communication are via e-mail and mobile telephones. The deeper into space Mikako goes, the longer the lag is between her and Suzuki’s messages.
Why we love it: The OVA explores how space and time can affect the relationship between two people, leaving viewers with a bitter-sweet taste in their mouths after watching.
27. Neo Tokyo (1987)
Project Team Argos and Madhouse Studio conceived this 1987 science fiction anthology. It consists of three segments from a different screenwriter and director.
What is it about? The first is the work of director Rintaro, Labyrinth Labyrinthos. It explores the mind of a little girl in the form of a maze as she plays a game of hide-and-seek with her cat, Cicerone. The second segment is titled The Running Man and is the work of Yoshiaki Kawajiri. It looks at a Death Circus racing circuit and a journalist who discovers the top racer for the past decade has telekinetic abilities. The final segment, Construction Cancellation Order, is the work of Katsuhiro Otomo. It explores the dangers of human dependency on technology and how such an obsession can prove fatal.
Why we love it: The film was praised for its creativity and creator’s take on the sci-fi genre and ended up on many lists of the “100 best anime movies of all time.”
26. Wicked City (1987)
Serving as Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s directorial debut, this film is based on the first book in the Wicked City novel series by Hideyuki Kikuchi, Black Guard. Kawajiri played a huge role in putting this film together as the character designer, key animator, storyboard artist, and animation director. The Japanese name of the film, Yōjū Toshi, directly translates to ‘Supernatural Beast City’, a title very fitting of this dark fantasy horror film. This was after Kawajiri worked on a segment of the previous film, Neo Tokyo (1987), called The Running Man.
What is it about? The story takes place towards the end of the 20th century when an alternate dimension populated by demonic entities called the ‘Black World’ exists. The existence of the Black World is known only to a few humans, and the Black Guards uphold the balance between the two worlds. We follow the double life of Renzaburō Taki, who is a member of the Black Guard when required but works as a salaryman for an electronics company otherwise.
Why we love it: Dark and atmospheric, Wicked City has gathered a cult following over the years, primarily due to its unique blend of horror, fantasy, and eroticism.
25. Ninja Scroll (1993)
Yoshiaki Kawajiri directed and wrote this jidaigeki-chanbara (period drama) film, which was a co-production between Toho, JVC, and Movic.
What is it about? Set in the Edo period in Japan, the story follows Jubei Kibagami after a past betrayal left him without a master. As an itinerant swordsman looking for people to hire him, his patience for anything politics-related is non-existent. Unfortunately, he gets pulled into a political issue that brings up issues from his past when he saves a female ninja, Kagero, from being raped by a man who can turn his body as hard as stone. Kagero is investigating a mysterious plague that wiped out a whole village and ropes Jubei into helping her despite the swordsman wanting nothing to do with it.
Why we love it: Taking place in feudal Japan, the film was greatly praised for its animation and action sequences. It is one of the films on this list that provided inspiration for The Wachowskis’ Matrix film franchise. Ninja Scroll also increased the exposure and popularity of adult animated anime in Japan, joining Ghost in the Shell (1995) and Akira (1988) and gaining a cult following. Taking great inspiration from Western spy fiction and the work of Futaro Yamada, many of Kawajiri’s story and style choices were greatly influenced.
24. Metropolis (2001)
Metropolis is loosely based on Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent German film of the same name. It also draws from Osamu Tezuka’s 1949 manga of the same name.
What is it about? Written by Katsuhiri Otomo and directed by Rintaro, this is a diesel-punk drama film set in a futuristic world where humans and robots coexist. The film follows Tima, a female robot who cannot change genders and cannot fly. The Metropolis is a huge, multi-layered city where robots are discriminated against and forced to live in the city’s lowest levels. This is a result of the human’s unemployed and impoverished states being blamed for the androids taking their work.
The unofficial ruler of Metropolis, Duke Red, has finished the construction of a huge skyscraper called The Ziggurat. Meanwhile, a rogue scientist has created an advanced robot modelled after his daughter, Tima. Being indistinguishable from a human, he plans to use her as the central control unit for a powerful weapon hidden at the top of The Ziggurat. But things take a turn for the worse when Tima begins wondering about her identity, not knowing she is a robot.
Why we love it: A large theme the film focuses on is class struggle in a plutocratic, dystopian society. The biggest change between the film and the manga is how the manga focuses on a humanoid robot named Mitchi, who can fly and change sex.
23. Barefoot Gen (1983)
This adult animated war drama is loosely based on Keiji Nakazawa’s manga series of the same name. The manga series was also loosely based on Keiji’s own experience as a Hiroshima survivor.
What is it about? Directed by Mori Masaki, the film examines the events of World War II in Japan, specifically the bombing of Hiroshima. The film begins with the main character, Gen Nakaoka and his family during the final days of World War II in Japan. They reside in Hiroshima and are struggling greatly to get by, with Gen’s pregnant mother suffering from malnutrition. Gen’s father, Daikichi, and brother, Shinji, wonder why Hiroshima has not been affected by the air raids that have decimated other Japanese cities. That is, until one day, Gen arrives at school one morning, and a lone B-29 aircraft drops an atomic bomb powerful enough that it nearly destroys the entire city.
Why we love it: From the perspective of a child, the narrative gives a detailed description of the protagonist’s first-hand experience of the event. The film has great ratings and is similar in nature to Grave of the Fireflies (1988).
22. Perfect Blue (1997)
This film, based on Yoshikazu Takeuchi’s novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis, is directed by Satoshi Kon and has a screenplay written by Sadayuki Murai.
What is it about? The plot follows Mima Kirigoe, an idol who decides to leave her J-Pop group, CHAM!, to pursue a career in acting. Quickly, she gains the attention of a stalker called Me-Mania, a fan who is very upset about her switching careers. After discovering a website detailing her everyday life in explicit detail called ‘Mima’s Room’, Kirigoe lands a role in a tv show that involves an uncomfortable rape scene. From here, she begins suffering from psychosis, unable to tell reality apart from fantasy, resulting in a series of truly unsettling events.
Why we love it: Dealing with mental illness and the line between reality and fantasy, Perfect Blue follows a similar theme to some of Satoshi’s works, such as Paprika (2001) and Millennium Actress (2001). Initially set to be a live-action film, it was downgraded to release as direct-to-video animation. However, before the release of the OVA, Satoshi decided to release the anime feature as a film, the studio fully expecting it to be a failure. However, the movie became a success, helping to shape the psychological horror genre in Japanese anime.
20. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
This list of the best old anime movies that are classics wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Ghost in the Shell.
What is it about? Set in 2029, the film shows a world with a huge advancement in cybernetic technology. As a result, many humans have replaced either part of their entire bodies with cybernetic parts.
We follow Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg assault team leader for Public Security Section 9, the unit that deals with crime. A master hacker who is only known as the ‘Puppet Master’ has surfaced, and Motoko is assigned to track them down. As the Puppet Master is completely made of cybernetic parts, they are extremely powerful, leaving bodies in their wake. In her hunt for the hacker, Motoko begins to unearth some hard truths and begins to question things about herself that the Puppet Master may be able to answer.
Why we love it: Based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell is a British-Japanese collaboration that serves as the inspiration behind huge franchises such as The Matrix. Despite being a box office failure after its release, the film developed a cult following. It ended up becoming one of the best science fiction anime films of all time, helping to shape the sci-fi genre both in the anime world and the film industry.
Ghost in the Shell also made our list of the best sci-fi anime of all time.
19. Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)
What is it about? The story follows orphans Sheeta and Pazu as they are relentlessly pursued by government agent Muska and his men and Dola and her pirate crew. Both parties are after Sheeta’s blue amulet, which can lead them to the legendary floating city of Laputa. As it turns out, Sheeta’s full name is Lucita Toel Ul Laputa, making her a descendant of the royal family of Laputa.
Why we love it: As Studio Ghibli’s first film, it certainly deserves a spot on this list. And, of course, this means the feature was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. With a score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has received much praise since its release. In fact, at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2006, it was voted the second-best animated film. Taking inspiration from the steampunk genre, ancient Egypt, and Mesopotamia, Laputa: Castle in the Sky also incorporates Biblical and Hindu legends alongside Assyrian-style art.
18. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
This is yet another great film by Mamoru Hosoda, with a resurrection of Yasutaka Tsutsui’s 1967 novel of the same name.
What is it about? When 17-year-old Makoto Konno falls onto a strange walnut-shaped object at Kuranose High School, she quickly discovers she has the ability to leap through time. Of course, she recklessly uses her powers to avoid being late to school, get good grades, and prolong fun moments with her friends. Soon, she realizes that her actions have consequences and that using her abilities so frivolously can greatly affect the lives of her loved ones.
Why we love it: While the film shares the same premise as the book, the characters and storyline have been significantly changed. This film focuses on Makoto Konno, the niece of the protagonist from the novel, Kazuko Yoshiyama. As a result, the novel received a manga series adaptation by Ranmaru Kotone a few months before the film’s theatrical release. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time won ten awards, with the most prominent being the Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year.
17. Wolf Children (2012)
What is it about? Featuring the voice talents of Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa and Haru Kuroki, the film follows Hana as she attends a college in Tokyo. Here, she meets a charming man with whom she falls in love. Upon revealing he is a werewolf, Hana decides to stay with him, and they later have two children, Ame and Yuki. While hunting for food one night, he is killed, and Hana now must raise Ame and Yuki as a single mother. As raising them in the city becomes increasingly difficult, she moves to the countryside in hopes of giving them a better life and protecting their identities as wolves.
Why we love it: As Mamoru Hosoda’s second anime feature film, Wolf Children is one of the newer films to make its way on this list. Releasing just over ten years ago, this film is still fairly new but is already considered a classic. The film was written and directed by Hosoda, with the primary theme of the film focusing on the relationship between a parent and child. Taking inspiration from the people around him who were beginning their own families, the director decided he wanted to give viewers a unique take on what that is like. It is also why Hosoda chose to have the protagonist raise wolf children instead of human ones.
16. Princess Mononoke (1997)
What is it about? The film’s narrative has a two-hour runtime and explores the life of an Emishi prince, Ashitaka, as he gets dragged into a supernatural adventure involving a battle between the gods of the forest and humans. “Mononoke” is not a name, as the title suggests, but a term used to describe supernatural beings that can shapeshift and cause suffering, disease, and death by possessing human beings. Hayao Miyazaki directed this film.
Why we love it: This film received a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised for its compelling story and beautiful animation. Said to be a landmark in the anime genre, this movie is worth a watch.
15. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
A Studio Ghibli classic and another work by Hayao Miyazaki, this old anime movie received widespread critical acclaim for effortlessly capturing the simple nature of childhood.
What is it about? The film is set in the 1950s in Japan and follows the story of sisters Mei and Satsuki as they move closer to their terminally ill mother. Their new house is inhabited by house spirits who lead one of the sisters to a camphor tree. Here, she befriends Totoro, a large, friendly spirit who ultimately befriends the two girls. This is a must-see for fans of anything Studio Ghibli.
Why we love it: The movie received a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and is considered one of the greatest anime films of all time by many sources.
14. A Thousand and One Nights (1998)
Directed by Satoshi Kon and based on Yoshikazu Takeuchi’s novel Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis, the film received an overall positive review, scoring 83% on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is it about? The story follows Mima Kirigoe, who decides to leave the J-pop idol group she is a part of to pursue acting full-time. She goes on to discover that she is being impersonated and stalked by one of her fans, leading to a downward spiral for her mental health due to anxiety and paranoia.
Why we love it: The film features some uncomfortable things that add to its psychological atmosphere. Although there were some bad reviews, the film made its way onto multiple lists that detailed the top anime movies of the time.
13. Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
Although not as old as the other anime movies on the list, this is still considered a classic as it is almost a decade old.
What is it about? Directed by Isao Takahata, the film follows the narrative of Sanuki no Miyatsuko, a bamboo cutter who discovers a tiny girl inside a glowing bamboo shoot. Reminiscent of the fairytale of Thumbelina, the bamboo cutter’s wife decides to raise her as her daughter, believing her to be a divine presence. She then fittingly names the little girl ‘Princess’.
Why we love it: This film received a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and then earned the title of the highest-rated movie for the 2010s. The film went on to receive universal acclaim for its visuals and storytelling.
12. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Another film by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli received critical acclaim and is considered one of the most influential anime films in the developing genre.
What is it about? The film is set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world where the majority of the world’s ecosystem has been devastated, and barely any humans are left. Instead, the remainder of humanity lives in a somewhat hospitable environment known as the toxic jungle. Nausicaä, the film’s main protagonist, can communicate with the giant insects that reside in the toxic jungle. With help from Lord Yupa, she attempts to bring peace back to the planet.
Why we love it: The film then received universal acclaim through its weighted score on Metacritic. This beautiful fantasy adventure film offers fantastic animation and a compelling story, although it does feature quite a bit of violence and gore.
11. Fist of The North Star (1986)
What is it about? The film’s plot follows the heir of a unique set of martial arts skills as he wanders a wasteland in the post-apocalyptic future. He uses his newfound abilities to protect the weak and innocent. This is the perfect film for fans of martial arts-orientated anime.
Why we love it: Written by Susumu Takaku and directed by Toyoo Ashida, this is another anime classic that is a must-see. However, the film has received mixed reviews and some criticism due to its violent nature. But the movie was translated well to fans of the genre that enjoy this sort of media, with a good example being actor and wrestler John Cena, who revealed that the film is his favourite anime movie.
10. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
What is it about? This film by Hayao Miyazaki follows the story of a thirteen-year-old witch in training as she moves to the seaside with her talking cat. Per the rules of her village tradition, she has to spend a year alone if she wants to become a witch. As the title suggests, she begins a courier service once she learns to control her broomstick.
Why we love it: With a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it should not be surprising that the film received universal acclaim for its beautiful animation and great moral. This is a heartwarming film perfect for the entire family.
9. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
You knew it was coming because how could there ever be a list of anime oldies without the inclusion of this masterpiece?
What is it about? It is a beautiful but sad story of siblings Seita and Setsuko, who were just newly orphaned due to the Bombing of Kobe during World War II. Not only that, but they also lost their home in the process and had to travel across the war-ridden land of Japan in an attempt to find food and avoid disease.
Why we love it: Directed by Isao Takahata, this film saw universal critical acclaim and quickly received a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Ranking as one of the best anime films of all time and also ranking as one of the best war films of all time, this one cannot be missed. Almost too sad to watch, this film is saved by the inspiring optimism of the two children as they encounter multiple hardships and troubles. Studio Ghibli did everyone dirty in the best possible way with this piece of art.
Grave of the Fireflies also made our list of the 12 sad anime movies to watch for a good cry.
8. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
It is hard to believe that a film released in 2003 will be twenty years old next year. Directed by Satoshi Kon, the film scored 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics consider the film a different take on the classic Christmas film genre and a rather dark take on a heartwarming family film.
What is it about? The film follows three homeless people’s lives as they discover an abandoned newborn while going through the garbage. They attempt to find the baby’s parents but ultimately form a pseudo-family of sorts and bond to overcome their demons.
Why we love it: This is a beautiful take on strangers finding comfort in one another and a perfect watch if you are still in the Christmas spirit.
7. Vampire Hunter D (1985)
Directed by Toyoo Ashida, the film has a rating of 7,1/10 on IMBD and a score of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is it about? It follows the story of D, an extremely skilled swordsman who is part vampire. He is hired to track down Count Magnus Lee, the film’s antagonist. The movie takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the remaining humans live in a wasteland infested by vampires.
Why we love it: Another classic in the anime world, this is an interesting take on the vampire genre and is worth a watch if you enjoy shows like Hellsing: Ultimate.
6. Millennium Actress (2001)
What is it about? Another film directed by Satoshi Kon follows the story of filmmaker Genya Tachibana as they try to film a documentary on actress Chiyoko Fujiwara. Shy at first, Fujiwara, who is now well into old age, is hesitant to tell her story. But as she becomes increasingly more comfortable with Tachibana, she details her life story from when she was a teenager to full-blown celebrity status.
Why we love it: The film earned 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and is praised for its unique take on the anime genre. Kevin M. Williams from the Chicago Tribune labelled it’ a piece of cinematic art’.
5. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
What is it about? It tells the story of Sophie, a young girl cursed by a witch to turn into an elderly woman. She seeks out the help of the wizard, Howl, who she believes can help break the curse that has been placed on her. Along with the help of Howl’s friends Calcifer and Markl, she tries to break the spell but ends up getting caught up in a war between Howl and a neighbouring kingdom. Unlike other films on this list, it is the perfect fit for the entire family.
Why we love it: Once again, Hayao Miyazaki brought fans a fantastical story that scored 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is praised for its compelling storytelling, beautiful animation, and fantastic world-building. Set in a fictional world where magic and early-twentieth-century technology combine, the film heavily draws from Miyazaki’s opposition to the United States’ 2003 invasion of Iraq. The director was enraged by the matter and wanted to create a film that he felt would be poorly received in a country that is fond of war, like the United States. Furthermore, the movie also positively depicts old age and elements of feminism.
Sophie and Howl’s kiss also made our list of the 11 best anime kisses of all time.
4. Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
What is it about? It follows the story of the Clock family, who lives in another family’s home and steals their resources. They live comfortably until their daughter Arrietty is discovered, and they must escape safely. The film became the highest-grossing Japanese film at the box office in 2010. At the 34th Japan Academy Prize Award Ceremony, Secret World of Arrietty won the Animation of the Year award.
Why we love it: With a score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, this Studio Ghibli classic directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its story and animation. A film that is perfect for children and adults alike. Much of the screenplay was inspired by The Borrowers by Mary Norton and done by Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa. The film serves as Yonebayashi’s directorial debut, with Miyazaki acting as a supervisor. Interestingly enough, this film also marked the cinematic debut of British actor Tom Holland, who starred in the British dub of the film.
3. Spirited Away (2001)
Can we talk about classic old anime movies and not mention Spirited Away?
What is it about? The story follows ten-year-old Chihiro as she travels with her parents and ultimately takes a shortcut, leading them to a strange tunnel. This tunnel leads the family to an abandoned amusement park that the father insists on exploring despite the protests of Chihiro. Not long after this, they stumble upon a restaurant with fresh food, and her parents begin greedily consuming it. Chihiro wanders off and is warned by a strange boy named Haku that she should return and cross the riverbed before sunset.
It is too late by the time she returns to her parents, and she quickly discovers that the amusement park is not abandoned after all but inhabited by multiple spirits. She also sees that her parents have been turned into pigs and must figure out a way to escape and free them with the help of Haku. This is a charming film with slightly unsettling themes that will end up on many viewers’ lists of favourites.
Why we love it: Probably one of the most popular films by Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, the film earned critical success with a score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is praised for its mystical story elements, beloved characters, and exciting take on what it means to appreciate what you have. And who doesn’t love Spirited Away‘s No-Face?
2. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, the film earned a rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and earned its spot in multiple lists detailing the best anime films of all time. In addition, it was the highest-grossing film in Japan at the time of release and grossed over $34 million worldwide. Whisper of the Heart also made our list of the 15 best anime romance movies everyone should watch.
What is it about? The story follows the story of 14-year-old Shizuku Tsukishima, who aspires to become a writer when she grows up. She befriends a boy named Seiji, who wants to become a master luthier. Shizuku initially hates the boy as he teases her relentlessly, but she soon forms an unbreakable bond with him. Together, the two go on a journey in a coming-of-age story that shows genuine friendship can help one achieve anything. The film offers a beautiful story and animation and has a sequel film called The Cat Returns.
Why we love it: The film is based on the manga series by Aoi Hiiragi, Mimi o Sumaseba, that was serialised in the Shueisha’s shōjo manga magazine Ribon. The spin-off series focuses on a figure from the main film known as The Baron, whom the main character, Shizuku, discovers in Mr Nishi’s antique store.
Basically, we get to see the novel Shizuku is writing throughout the first film on display in The Cat Returns. Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, the film also sees more of the stray cat, Muta, as well as Toto, another skirmish animal we see appear in Secret World of Arrietty. The first film saw a live-action sequel by Sony Pictures Entertainment in 2022.
1. Akira (1988)
What is it about? Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, Akira, one of the best anime movies of all time, is set in 2019 when Tokyo was destroyed in 1988 as a catalyst for a world war. Now, all that remains is a version of Tokyo plagued by gang violence, terrorism, corruption, and anti-government protests. During a violent protest, the film’s main antagonist, Shotaro Kaneda, leads his gang against a rival one and ends up crashing into an esper who has escaped a government laboratory through the help of a resistance organization. This leads the group on a journey in which they must face numerous anti-social elements that are brought on by the vicious nature of the city they reside in.
Why we love it: The film scored 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and an average rating of 7.9/10. It is praised for its striking animation and fantastic soundtrack. The design of the future technology shown within the film is also praised, along with the impressive attention to detail. The latter is praised as there is much accuracy in the designs of things such as vehicles and lab equipment.
Furthermore, the film received criticism for its apparent need for more clarity on certain things. One critic stated that it is very complex and expects audiences to read the manga alongside the film to understand the events that are transpiring entirely. This is a strange take on the film as it is, at best, a fun, action-packed science fiction anime movie.
Tell us, what do you think are the best old anime movies?
I guess Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls didn’t make the list because it was a tv series and not a single movie. I assume Robotech didn’t make the list for that reason as well. Bummer.