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Seen all▲▼
|
Rating▲▼
|
Comment▲▼
|
| 3x3 Eyes (OAV) |
Good |
|
| 3x3 Eyes: Legend of the Divine Demon (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| 5 Centimeters Per Second (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Adieu Galaxy Express 999 (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Aeon Flux (live-action movie) |
Weak |
|
| Ah! My Goddess: The Movie |
So-so |
|
| Ai no Kusabi (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Ai Yori Aoshi (TV) |
So-so |
|
| Air (TV) |
Good |
|
| Air In Summer (special) |
Good |
|
| Aishiteruze Baby (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Akira (movie) |
Excellent |
This epic movie was a gateway drug for millions of anime fans in the late 80s and early 90s. Although I saw this animation a considerable length of time after that, I was just as awed and inspired by the eye-popping (and quite gruesome) animation, memorable cyberpunk environment, and unique musical score. Many anime fans are caught up in a silly argument about whether this title should or should not be referred to as the "ultimate anime" (as many consider it that, either as a stand-alone movie, an adaptation of Otomo's manga masterwork, or an important gateway into anime for thousands of people), but forget to just enjoy the work for itself. Akira, in terms of both storytelling and eye-candy, is most definitely one of the best anime films of all time, and each viewing is just another reminder for me. |
| Alien Nine (special) |
Good |
|
| Amazing Nuts! (OAV) |
Excellent |
This collection of music videos animated by Studio 4°C is a visually interesting, if somewhat inconsistent, piece of work. "Global Astroliner" is amaaaaazing, though. Like Tarantino meets Gorillaz meets heroin, plus a dash of amazing. I love it. |
| Angel Densetsu (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Angel's Egg (movie) |
Masterpiece |
This dark tale of a small girl sullenly wandering through an abandoned, post-apocalyptic city, is a triumph of mood and setting. This animation is not about unnecessary dialogue, intricate plot, or mindless action. It is quiet, thoughtful, and absolutely gorgeous to watch. Its visual splendor is second to none. |
| Angelic Layer (TV) |
Good |
|
| Ani-Kuri 15 (special) |
Excellent |
|
| Animation Runner Kuromi (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Animation Runner Kuromi 2 (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| (The) Animatrix (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Anne of Green Gables (TV) |
Excellent |
While many consider the Canadian 1980s mini-series the definitive adaptation of L. M. Montgomery's classic novel, this Isao Takahata-directed World Masterpiece Theater series perfectly captures all the elements of Anne and Prince Edward Island with impressive detail and a large dose of heart. Anne herself is plain but charismatic, optomistic and often a little vain. Like many young girls, she has a flair for the dramatic and tends to exaggerate everything. She's a flawed, but lovable, realistcally portrayed little girl who we get to see grow and mature over 50 episodes. Recommend for fans of the original work and other WMT titles. |
| Appleseed (OAV) |
So-so |
|
| Appleseed (movie) |
Good |
|
| Aquatic (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Aquatic Language (special) |
Good |
|
| Arashi no Yoru ni (movie) |
Excellent |
One of the finest children's films of all time. Wonderful animation meets a simple but touching story to create a gorgeous film, both aesthetically and emotionally. I hope beyond hope this film gets an English dub someday, because it's something I'd LOVE to show to as many children as possible. |
| Area 88 (OAV) |
Excellent |
This is really an extraordinary piece of animated filmmaking. The story is simple yet extremely moving, and Shin is a highly empathetic main character, devoid of the cliches and pitfalls of typical hero archetypes. He feels dimensional and sincere, and it's hard not to find yourself identifying with him. In terms of production quality, the beauty of this animation cannot be overstated. Every dogfight is animated in loving detail, right down to the scattered ammunition shells and reflections of light. Great anime, great war story, great storytelling in general. |
| Arion (movie) |
Good |
|
| Arjuna (TV) |
Masterpiece |
I admire this title's audacity to bring serious environmental and social issues to the forefront. Add to this beautiful artwork, wonderfully fluid animation, and the best example (ever) of how to effectively use music to enhance a story, and you have one of the crowning achievements of modern anime. |
| Armitage III (OAV) |
Bad |
|
| Armitage III: Poly-Matrix (movie) |
Awful |
|
| Ayakashi - Samurai Horror Tales (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Azumanga Daioh (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Babel's Book (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Baby Blue (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Baccano! (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Banner of the Stars (TV) |
Excellent |
The excellent sequel to Crest of the Stars. Recommended for all the same reasons as its predecessor. |
| Banner of the Stars II (TV) |
Very good |
This continuing tale of Jinto and Lafiel doesn't have quite the strength as the first two installments, but it's essentially more of the same. The characters continue to be strong and identifiable. |
| Barefoot Gen (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Barefoot Gen 2 (movie) |
Good |
|
| Bartender (TV) |
Not really good |
|
| Bastard!! (OAV) |
Weak |
|
| Battle Angel (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Battle Arena Toshinden (OAV) |
Weak |
|
| Battle Royale (live-action movie) |
Very good |
|
| BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Belladonna of Sadness (movie) |
Good |
|
| Berserk (TV 1997) |
Good |
|
| Beyond (OAV) |
Excellent |
The highlight of the Animatrix OVA, this Koji Morimoto-directed short film is a feast for the eyes. This story explains the phenomena of haunted houses and law-breaking physics as a result of a glitch in the matrix. The best part of this short is the feeling of awe that is inspired as the protagonist and a group of kids explore the haunted house. Their discoveries and subsequent giddiness is shared with the viewer. This is also one of the most successful instances of combining 2D characters and 3D backgrounds. |
| Bible Black (OAV) |
Awful |
I tend to avoid hentai most of the time, but kept hearing praise for this title. I thought I'd give it a whirl to see if hentai actually CAN tell a decent story. Well... it can't. I have no clue what people see in this title. The characters are just as flat, and the story is just as uninteresting as any other hentai. A complete waste of time. |
| BioHunter (OAV) |
Awful |
|
| Birdy the Mighty (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Black Magic M-66 (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Blame! (ONA) |
Not really good |
|
| Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Blood: The Last Vampire (movie) |
Good |
|
| Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-chan (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Blue Seed (TV) |
Good |
|
| Blue Submarine No.6 (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Bobby's Girl (movie) |
Masterpiece |
Nostalgic, nuanced, wonderful. This film perfectly captures the universal sense of approaching a crossroads in life every person shares. The absolutely phenomenal pencil-shaded animated sequence by Koji Morimoto alone makes this film worth seeing. |
| Bokura ga Ita (TV) |
Good |
|
| Boogiepop Phantom (TV) |
Good |
|
| Bottle Fairy (TV) |
Not really good |
|
| Boys Over Flowers (TV) |
Very good |
Addictive like a drug! This fun tale of a poor girl in a rich kid school is easily one of the top shoujo titles ever produced. The character relationships, although over-the-top and melodramatic at times, are usually very touching. Makino is one of my very favorite heroines of all time. Much tougher than the typical shoujo lead. |
| Brain Powered (TV) |
So-so |
|
| Broken Down Film (movie) |
Excellent |
Classic short film by Osamu Tezuka. This clever animation is both a homage and a parody of the early American Western. Subtle touches such as the film scratches and interaction with the film frames make this much more entertaining than the normal 7-minute cartoon gags. |
| Bronze: Zetsuai Since 1989 (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Bubblegum Crisis (OAV) |
Excellent |
The ultimate cyberpunk anime! Heavily influenced by Ridley Scott's classic film Blade Runner, this story of four female mercenaries and their battle against the cyborg-producing Genom corporation is the best cyberpunk anime (aside from maybe Ghost in the Shell) ever made. |
| Bunny Drop (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Candy Candy Movie |
Good |
|
| Cannon Fodder (movie) |
Excellent |
The last segment of the onmibus film Memories. Although not quite as memorable as Magnetic Rose for me, this Orwell-esque journey through the day of a totalitarian, military nation is a very successful film, albeit grim. It's a good reminder of what our future could be like if the wrong people gain power. |
| Captain Harlock: Mystery of the Arcadia (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Cardcaptor Sakura (TV) |
Very good |
Classic mahou shoujo! Classic Clamp! Pretty, frilly outfits! What's not to like here? Well, okay, there's plenty of cliché to be found here, but the series is so fun it's easy to get sucked in anyway. |
| Cardcaptor Sakura The Movie 2: The Sealed Card |
Excellent |
|
| Cardcaptor Sakura: The Movie |
Good |
|
| Case Closed: The Phantom of Baker Street (movie 6) |
Good |
|
| Castle in the Sky (movie) |
Good |
|
| (The) Cat Returns (movie) |
Very good |
A fun romp from Studio Ghibli. This one lacks the characteristic Miyazaki designs and amazingly high production values of theatrical Ghibli releases, but it still features smooth and expressive animation, lush backgrounds, and a great little story. I probably laughed out loud more often during this movie than any other Ghibli release. Great for all ages. |
| Cat Soup (OAV) |
Masterpiece |
Even more surreal than Mind Game, this short film held me in complete awe. Imaginative art and exceptional animation highlight this strange tale to create a unique experience that won't soon be forgotten. |
| Catnapped! The Movie |
Very good |
|
| Chance Pop Session (TV) |
Decent |
|
| (Le) Chevalier D'Eon (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Chibi Maruko-chan: Watashi no Suki na Uta (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Chihayafuru (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Chihayafuru 2 (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Chinese Ghost Story (Chinese movie) |
Very good |
|
| Chobits (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Chocolate Underground (ONA) |
So-so |
|
| Colorful (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Comedy (OAV) |
Masterpiece |
A short film by Studio 4°C, this time directed by Kazuto Nakazawa. One of the finest short animations ever to emerge from Japan, this simple and stirring tale tells the story of a little Irish girl trying to save her village from the British invasion of Ireland. Unique subject matter for an anime. Director Nakazawa creates a beautiful, mysterious mood for the animation with a subdued, greyish color pallete and classical opera as BGM. Strongly recommended. |
| Comic Party (TV) |
|
|
| Connected (OAV) |
Very good |
An Ayumi Hamasaki music video directed by Koji Morimoto. The song isn't very good, but the animation is amazing. |
| Coo: Tōi Umi kara Kita Coo (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Cooking Master Boy (TV) |
Good |
|
| Countdown (OAV) |
Not really good |
|
| Cowboy Bebop (TV) |
Excellent |
CLASSIC. One of the first series (after Sailor Moon and Macross Plus) I became very enamored with. This show also sealed my now-infamous admiration for one Ms. Yoko Kanno. High-energy with great music and fantastic animation, Cowboy Bebop is a great watch for just about anyone. |
| Cowboy Bebop: The Movie |
Good |
|
| Crayon Shin-chan: Arashi o Yobu Jungle (movie 8) |
Very good |
|
| Crayon Shin-chan: Arashi o Yobu Mōretsu! Otona Teikoku no Gyakushū (movie 9) |
Good |
|
| Cream Lemon Part 4: POP CHASER (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Crest of the Stars (TV) |
Excellent |
This series has some of the best writing and character interaction I've ever seen--in any medium. I assume this is because the show is based on a novel. The balance between realistic SF and traditional fantasy is absoltely perfect, which creates a story that takes place in an imaginary world, but more or less follows the laws of physics. Also, Lafiel is one of the strongest anime heroines ever. |
| Cromartie High School (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Cyber City Oedo 808 (OAV) |
Weak |
|
| Daddy Long-Legs (TV) |
Good |
While this World Masterpiece Theater title took a while to grow on me (the main character Judy, in particular), I felt it was a very satisfying series by the end. The central romance is what saves the show from its otherwise standard premise of a poor girl attending a rich private school. If you enjoyed this series, you might want to try Boys Over Flowers. |
| Daicon films (special) |
Excellent |
A true pre-Gainax gem. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these shorts. You can see all the raw energy and excitement of a bunch of college kids cramming as much explosions and pop culture tributes into 5 minutes as possible. Daicon IV in particular is absolutely gorgeous, and sports all the names that would become synonymous with quality Gainax masterpieces down the line--Hideaki Anno, Mahiro Maeda, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, Takami Akai... what an incredible line-up. This was the appetizer to Gainax's masterpiece 1987 main dish: The Wings of Honneamise. |
| Darkside Blues (movie) |
So-so |
|
| Death Note (TV) |
Good |
|
| Deathtic 4 (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Delinquent in Drag (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Demon City Shinjuku (OAV) |
Not really good |
|
| A Detective Story (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Devil Hunter Yohko (OAV) |
Good |
|
| (The) Diary of Tortov Roddle (ONA) |
Very good |
Although this short tale about a wanderer lacks the philosophical musings of Kino's Journey or A Wind Named Amnesia, it certainly has a charm all its own. I love the art and animation style, which is very different from mainstream anime titles. |
| Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei (OAV) |
So-so |
|
| Digital Juice (OAV) |
Excellent |
An eclectic collection of short films, Studio 4°C impresses once again with high animation quality and unique storytelling. Highlights include Osamu Kobayashi's "Table and Fishman," a wonderfully weird tale about... well... a table and fishman, and Koji Morimoto's "Aerial Bar," maybe his most abstract work to date. |
| Dimension Bomb (movie) |
|
|
| Dirty Pair: Affair on Nolandia (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Dirty Pair: Flight 005 Conspiracy (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Dirty Pair: Project Eden (movie) |
Good |
|
| (The) Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya (movie) |
Masterpiece |
|
| DNA Sights 999.9 (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Doggy Poo (Korean movie) |
Excellent |
Please don't be fooled by the title! This short film is extremely poignant, touching, and breathtakingly beautiful. I was in tears by the end. Excellent for children. |
| Dominion Tank Police (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Doorbell (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (movie 1) |
So-so |
|
| Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (movie 3) |
Decent |
|
| Dragon Ball Z: The World's Strongest (movie 2) |
Decent |
|
| Dragon Half (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Drop (movie) |
Very good |
A short but sweet film by Tezuka. Not his best short film, but certainly a lot of fun. |
| Durarara!! (TV) |
Good |
|
| Eden of the East (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Eden of the East: Paradise Lost (movie) |
|
|
| Eden of the East: The King of Eden (movie) |
|
|
| (The) Elevator (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Elf Princess Rane (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Elfen Lied (TV) |
Decent |
I watched this title after it was released in the states and collected its wide fanbase, so constant hype and buzz raised my expectations considerably. And they were met. During my second viewing, though, the show's flaws presented themselves with painful clarity. Elfen Lied is a visually beautiful work--definitely one of Gonzo's strongest series to date (especially with their recent decline in animation quality). And although the show is often described as "horror," I see it more as a poignant tragedy. But its bizarre switches between serious drama and cutesy comedy don't quite work for me. Most people seem to like it, though. |
| Elfen Lied (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Emily of New Moon (TV) |
|
|
| Emma: A Victorian Romance (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Emma: A Victorian Romance Second Act (TV) |
Very good |
|
| End of the World (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Escaflowne: The Movie |
Very good |
|
| Eternal Family (TV) |
Excellent |
This amazing thirty-minute abstract narrative is one of Koji Morimoto's finest works. And considering the breadth and quality of his work, that's saying a lot. Quirky characters and bold keyframes bring this colorful story of a TV family to life. |
| Eureka Seven (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (movie) |
Good |
|
| Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Excel Saga (TV) |
Good |
|
| Extra (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Fake (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Fancy Lala (TV) |
|
|
| (The) Fantastic Adventures of Unico (movie) |
Good |
|
| Fantastic Children (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (movie) |
Good |
|
| Final Fantasy: Legend of the Crystals (OAV) |
So-so |
|
| Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (US CG movie) |
Decent |
|
| (The) Final Flight of the Osiris (OAV) |
Not really good |
|
| Fist of the North Star (movie) |
Awful |
|
| (The) Five Star Stories (movie) |
Excellent |
If only all animation had the intricacy and detail of the art in FSS... There's not much more I can say about this title that hasn't been said before by countless fans, so I'll leave it at that. |
| FLCL (OAV) |
Masterpiece |
Exhillerating, breathtaking, wonderful. Highly creative animation meets a whimsical cast of characters to bring together this slightly surreal, highly entertaining comedy. A must-see. |
| Four Day Weekend (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Franz Kafka's A Country Doctor (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Free! Eternal Summer (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Fruits Basket (TV 1/2001) |
Very good |
|
| Full Metal Panic! (TV) |
Good |
|
| Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Fushigi Yugi (TV) |
Good |
|
| Future Boy Conan (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Galaxy Express 999 (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| (The) Galaxy Railways (TV) |
Good |
|
| Gall Force - Eternal Story (movie) |
Good |
|
| Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (TV) |
Good |
|
| Gantz (TV) |
Good |
|
| Gauche the Cellist (movie) |
Excellent |
A lovely adaptation of Kenji Miyazawa's novel of the same name. Isao Takahata brings Miyazawa's rich world to colorful life with wonderful animation and his unique directorial style. The highlight of this film is watching Gauche practice his cello. The animation perfectly captures the concentration and skill required to master a string instrument (I should know, as I'm a violinist myself!) and Gauche's playing is good, but not totally polished, as any practicing cellist should sound like. A wonderful film for animation and music fans alike. |
| Genius Party (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Genshiken (TV) |
Very good |
If you've even been, or even known, a hardcore anime fan in your life, there's a lot to laugh at (or with???) here. Bonus points for the Hana no Ko Lunlun cell phone ring, Kosaka. I love how this series really captures that familiar feeling of wasting time. We've all spent days where we decided to marathon Neon Genesis or read all 21 volumes of Kare Kano instead of do something productive. Prepare to feel the guilt again! In anime form! Watch college kids waste time on their hobby while you marathon this series instead of working on that graduate thesis you've been putting off. Because once you start watching, it's incredibly hard to stop. |
| Genshiken 2 (TV) |
|
|
| Ghiblies (special) |
Excellent |
|
| Ghost Hound (TV) |
Good |
|
| Ghost in the Shell (movie) |
Excellent |
A cyberpunk classic. The highlight of the entire GITS franchise, this enigmatic film is a marvel of beauty. Director Mamoru Oshii creates an amazing futuristic setting and lets the audience explore it and drink it in. I love it when directors invite their viewers to explore the worlds they create in their films, and Ghost in the Shell is definitely an open invitation. Oshii lovingly lingers each shot, giving us extra time to take in a small sign in the background, or the reflection of light in a window. I'm enveloped by Megatokyo when I watch Ghost in the Shell, and I love it for that. Also, Motoko Kusanagi breaks a lot of female stereotypes in anime, which I appreciate. She's an incredibly strong woman, an icon of both femininity and technology. |
| Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (movie) |
Awful |
|
| Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Ginga no Uo URSA minor BLUE (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| (The) Girl Who Leapt Through Time (movie) |
Very good |
|
| (The) Gokusen (TV) |
Good |
|
| Golden Boy (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| GoShogun: The Time Étranger (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Grappler Baki: The Ultimate Fighter (OAV) |
Worst ever |
|
| Grave of the Fireflies (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Green Legend Ran (OAV) |
Good |
|
| GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (live-action TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Gunbuster (OAV) |
Excellent |
CLASSIC. One of the finest science fiction anime titles ever produced. The ending is just spectacular. Required viewing for any Gainax fan, or even just a fan of mecha action in general. |
| Gunslinger Girl (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Gurren Lagann (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Haibane Renmei (TV) |
Excellent |
Absolutely beautiful. The last episode had me in tears. Recommended for fans of Kino's Journey. |
| Hana Yori Dango (movie) |
Decent |
The theatrical counterpart to the television series (see comments for Boys Over Flowers. The animation is lovely, and the same colorful cast is back, with all their endearing personalities intact, but this is just waaaaaay too short. Thirty minutes just isn't enough time to tell a self-contained story completely independent of the TV series. Loses points for story, but it's a worthwhile viewing for hardcore Hana Yori Dango fanatics. |
| Hanasaku Iroha - Blossoms for Tomorrow (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Happy Machine (movie) |
Masterpiece |
Masaaki Yuasa, you've done it again! Happy Machine is definitely my favorite piece in part 1 of Genius Party. Devoid of dialogue, the short makes use of highly whimsical visuals and character acting to portray the story and emotions. Very unique and entertaining. Just the next excellent offering from a brilliant, brilliant director. |
| Harlock Saga (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Heat Guy J (TV) |
|
|
| Hellsing (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Higan (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Hijikata Toshizo: Shiro no Kiseki (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Hime-chan's Ribbon (TV) |
Good |
|
| His and Her Circumstances (TV) |
Excellent |
This is probably my favorite shoujo romance series. I am a big fan of the Kare Kano manga as well, but the TV series is absurd and hilarious and wonderful in every way. I would have given this a "masterpiece" rating had it not been for the last handful of episodes. I have yet see any anime character who can make me laugh as loudly as Asaba. |
| Honey and Clover (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Honey and Clover II (TV) |
Good |
|
| Honō no Tenkōsei (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Horus - Prince of the Sun (movie) |
Good |
|
| Howl's Moving Castle (movie) |
Excellent |
Oh, Howl. You drama queen, you. I enjoy this film because of the delightfully suave and silly title character. I have only swooned once for an animated character. And that character was Howl. "Oh, Cloe!" you say. "What kind of reason is that to give an anime an Excellent rating?" Well, to that I say, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." Howl is the beauty and Howl's Moving Castle is my joy.
|
| Human Crossing (TV) |
Decent |
|
| I''s Pure (OAV) |
Good |
|
| INTERSTELLA 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Iria - Zeiram the Animation (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| (The) Irresponsible Captain Tylor (TV) |
Good |
|
| Japanese-English Pictionary (movie) |
Good |
|
| Jikū Bōken Nūmamonjaa (OAV) |
Bad |
|
| Jin-Roh - The Wolf Brigade (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Judge (OAV) |
Weak |
|
| Jumping (movie) |
Masterpiece |
A masterful short film from the superlative animator Osamu Tezuka. It acts simultaneously as a political allegory and pure visual eye candy. |
| Junkers Come Here (movie) |
Excellent |
One of the best animated films in the world for children. It's fun, sweet, and deals with a darker bit of childhood that many children have had to come to terms with (dealing with their parents' divorce). Refreshingly original and touching. Recommended for children of all ages. |
| Juon: The Grudge (live-action movie) |
Decent |
|
| K-ON! (TV) |
Good |
|
| K-ON!! (TV 2) |
So-so |
|
| Kai Doh Maru (OAV) |
Not really good |
|
| Kaiba (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Kakurenbo - Hide & Seek (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Kaleido Star (TV) |
Excellent |
This is one of my absolute all-time favorite series, and one I consistently 1) watch again and again and 2) lend out to people asking for anime recommendations. Sora's dream to become a star performer on Kaleido Stage (think Cirque du Soleil) is one we watch unfold with all the trials and tribulations that come with any goal that requires hard work and fierce passion. Plenty of laughs are to be had, particularly when Fool is involved. The animation is quite excellent for a TV series, and consistent throughout. |
| Kamichu! (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Kamikaze Girls (live-action movie) |
Good |
|
| Kanon (TV 1/2002) |
So-so |
|
| Kanon Kazahana (special) |
Not really good |
|
| Kemonozume (TV) |
Excellent |
Masaaki Yuasa's directorial follow-up to the brilliant Mind Game. This solid television series lacks the magic and production values of Yuasa's previous film, but the series retains Mind Game's flawless pacing, kinetic energy and quirky humor. Most of all, it has heart and characters you genuinely care about. Add that to Yuasa's unique art style and jazzy music and you have a feast of visual and audio goodness, all wrapped up in a fun story that never leaves you bored. |
| Kid's Castle (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Kid's Story (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Kiki's Delivery Service (movie) |
Excellent |
One of Miyazaki's strongest films. Especially good for young girls; it has a strong, uplifting message about how to believe in yourself. Kiki is a strong heroine and a good role model. Beautiful music and fantastic animation enhance this wonderful story. |
| Kill Bill Chapter 3: The Origin of O-Ren (movie segment) |
Excellent |
|
| Kimagure Robot (TV) |
Excellent |
A fun series of two-minute animations by the ever-creative Studio 4°C revolving around disfunctional robots. Very funny. |
| Kimi ni Todoke 2nd Season (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Kino's Journey (TV) |
Excellent |
Kino, the traveler, visits different countries and cultures with her talking motorbike Hermes. I've once heard the series referred to as the "embodiment of existentialism" and it's not entirely unfitting. This is a very good title for anybody interested in philosophy, or anyone tired of the same tired anime formula. Definitely in a league of its own. |
| Kino's Travels: Life Goes On (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Kite (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Koi Kaze (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Kujibiki Unbalance (OAV) |
So-so |
|
| Kujira no Chōyaku - Glassy Ocean (movie) |
Excellent |
This short film does what few full-length films and 50+ episdoe TV series can do: it captures my imagination and keeps me in a suspended state of awe the entire time I'm watching. Superb storytelling and interesting (and unconventional, for anime) visuals enhance this memorable viewing experience. Highly recommended. |
| Kumo to Tulip (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Kurau: Phantom Memory (TV) |
So-so |
|
| Labyrinth (movie) |
Excellent |
The first section of the Manie Manie omnibus film, this short animation is my favorite of the three sections. Telling a simple story of a girl falling into a whimsical world, it plays out more like Tobira O Akete than Spirited Away, thanks to stylish animation, interesting character designs and slightly creepy undertones (thanks to the phantasmal residents of the magic world). I love that the character designer and animation director for this short was a woman: one Atsuko Fukushima, married to none other than Koji Morimoto! |
| Last Exile (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Last Order Final Fantasy VII (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Leda - The Fantastic Adventure of Yohko (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Legend of Crystania - The Motion Picture |
Decent |
|
| Legend of the Forest (movie) |
Masterpiece |
I absolutely delight in everything Osamu Tezuka has been involved with. From his incredibly innovative short films such as Jumping and Broken Down Film to his beloved features such as Unico, there is not a single work which I don't hold in reverence. I believe Legend of the Forest is his crowning achievement. Not only for its mind-boggling animation, but for its homage to the history of animation. In an incredible display of creativity, Tezuka's story folds out through different stages reflecting the birth of animation, starting with illustrations, the zoetrope, moving on through "Humorous Phases of Funny Faces," "Gertie the Dinosaur" and "Felix the Cat," and ending with classic Disney style, and even a bit of UPA. I'm a bit of a film history nut, so this title is my dream come true. |
| Like the Clouds, Like the Wind (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Limit Cycle (movie) |
Bad |
|
| Little Nemo - Adventures in Slumberland (movie) |
Decent |
|
| A Little Snow Fairy Sugar (TV) |
Good |
Sugar baby love! This cute little series is... just that. Very, very cute. With lots of cute and little things. Like little cute fairies that say things like "Twinkle twinkle!" and "Fluffy!" and eat sweet frosting-covered mini waffles. Underneath all the cute, though, is a surprisingly touching story and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Its artwork, particularly the European-influenced backgrounds, is very lovely as well. |
| A Little Snow Fairy Sugar Summer Special |
Decent |
|
| Lucky Star (TV) |
Good |
|
| Lucky Star OVA |
Decent |
|
| Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (movie) |
Excellent |
Hayao Miyazaki's feature-length directorial debut. This film is wonderful because it captures the fun and energy of the original Lupin series while smoothing Lupin's edges a little, making him (and all the regulars) slightly sweeter. All the action sequences in this film are stellar. |
| M.D. Geist (OAV) |
Not really good |
|
| Macross 7 (TV) |
|
|
| Macross 7 Encore (OAV) |
|
|
| Macross 7 the Movie: The Galaxy's Calling Me! |
|
|
| Macross Dynamite 7 (OAV) |
|
|
| Macross Frontier (TV) |
Good |
|
| Macross Plus (OAV) |
Excellent |
My first introduction to the music of Yoko Kanno. Even after all these years, I consider the Sharon Apple concert sequence as one of the most engaging and successful sequences in anime. I prefer this version to the movie. |
| Macross Plus Movie Edition |
Good |
|
| Macross Zero (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Maetel Legend (OAV) |
|
|
| Magic User's Club! (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Magical Girl Pretty Sammy (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi (TV) |
Good |
|
| Magnetic Rose (movie) |
Masterpiece |
Another one of my favorites from Koji Morimoto. The first part of the omnibus film Memories, this short film succeeds where other suspense/thriller/paranormal anime fail through empathy and compassion for its characters. Heinz's loss is the most heartbreaking I've ever experienced. And yes, I feel like I experienced it with him. |
| Mahoromatic - Automatic Maiden (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Mahoromatic: Something More Beautiful (TV) |
Decent |
|
| (La) Maison en Petits Cubes (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Male (movie) |
Good |
An interesting short film from Osamu Tezuka. Very strange storytelling from a cat's perspective and an unexpected ending makes this worth watching at least more than once. |
| Maria Watches Over Us (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Maria Watches Over Us 3rd Season (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Maria Watches Over Us Season 2: Printemps (TV) |
Good |
|
| Master Keaton (TV) |
Good |
|
| Master Keaton (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Matriculated (OAV) |
Bad |
|
| (The) Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (TV) |
Good |
|
| Memories (movie) |
Excellent |
See comments for Magnetic Rose, Stink Bomb, and Cannon Fodder. |
| Memory (movie) |
Excellent |
What is it that clutters our brains and reminds us of things long past? How does memory affect our perception of reality? Osamu Tezuka explores these questions and others in this masterful short film. |
| Mermaid (movie) |
Excellent |
The message of this short film is this: never allow your dreams to be rationalized away by the status quo, no matter how whimsical they may seem. This fairy-tale-like short film is a wonderful reminder to let your dreams and hopes survive under any circumstances. |
| Mermaid Forest (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Mermaid's Scar (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Metropolis (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Mezzo (TV) |
Good |
|
| Mezzo Forte (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Midori Days (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Millennium Actress (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Mind Game (movie) |
Masterpiece |
The only consistency in the animation style of this film is its unfailing habit of completely changing and transcending genre every few minutes. One would think a fusion of such a variety of visual styles would prove unsettling, but it all fits together brilliantly. Even better is that the film has emotional content and a solid story to back up the amazing art. |
| Mix Juice "Jigen Loop - SOS Rescue Version" (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Miyuki-chan in Wonderland (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (OAV) |
Not really good |
|
| Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special Edition (movie) |
Good |
|
| Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Monkey Punch no Sekai Alice (OAV) |
Weak |
|
| Mononoke (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Monster (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Moondrive (movie) |
|
|
| Mr. Arashi's Amazing Freak Show (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Mt. Head (movie) |
Excellent |
Koji Yamamura's most famous and acclaimed work. Falling under the much-too-ignored category of independent short animation, this quirky tale about a man whose head inexplicably sprouts a sakura tree is beautifully animated and sports smart character designs and rough, jagged pencil lines. A great short film for anyone looking for something off the beaten path. |
| Mushi-Shi (TV) |
Masterpiece |
Stunning. Subtle. Melancholy. Hopeful. Masterpiece. |
| My Beautiful Girl Mari (Korean movie) |
Excellent |
Like the majority of the Koream animation I've been exposed to, this film is quiet and subtle. Absolutely gorgeous to watch, as well. |
| My Neighbor Totoro (movie) |
Excellent |
A classic! Perfect viewing material for young children. The difference between this and most animations meant for young children, however, is that this doesn't become stale and uninteresting as one grows older. It's timeless. |
| Nadia - The Secret of Blue Water (TV) |
Very good |
|
| NANA (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Nandarou (special) |
Good |
|
| Naruto (TV) |
Very good |
At its best, Naruto is one of the most gripping shounen action series ever made. Its characters are appealing and remarkably endearing (particularly its strong supporting characters like Rock Lee) and the story is absorbing and surprisingly melancholic. Similarly, the artistry of Naruto at its best is some of the most beautiful animation to make an appearance in TV anime. Famed key animator Norio Matsumoto's sequences, in particular, stand out as highly polished gems of amazing fight choreography. When Naruto is not at its best--overuse of flashbacks, drawn-out, time-stretching fights, and hiccups in art/animation quality are often problematic and impede an otherwise enjoyable viewing experience--it's still a lot of fun. I even found myself intrigued by some of the filler material ("Curry of Life" is a very fun arc)! |
| Naruto Shippūden (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Nasu: A Migratory Bird with Suitcase (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Nasu: Summer in Andalusia (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (movie) |
Excellent |
A classic film from Studio Ghibli. Nausicaa is a wonderful leader and a strong role model for young women. |
| Neo-Tokyo (movie) |
Very good |
See comments for Labyrinth, Running Man and The Order to Stop Construction. |
| Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV) |
Masterpiece |
Disregarding the fact that this is one of the most disputed titles (probably ever) in anime, I enjoy the integrity of this title just for itself. I like that it takes risks in the presentation of the storytelling, and even if it doesn't quite live up to the mammoth expectations it has set for itself, I would rather see something attempt to be bold and fail than stay safe and succeed. |
| Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth (movie) |
Good |
|
| Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| New Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning (movie) |
Very good |
|
| NieA_7 (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Night on the Galactic Railroad (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Nightwalker: The Midnight Detective (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Ninja Scroll (movie) |
Bad |
|
| Nobody's Boy Remi (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Nodame Cantabile (TV) |
Excellent |
Any person who has ever studied music or played an instrument HAS to see this series. It is a wonderful treat for music appreciators, or anyone who ever took a music class at school. Band and orchestra kids: this one's going to make you feel nostalgic. |
| Nodame Cantabile: Paris (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Noiseman Sound Insect (movie) |
Masterpiece |
Another masterpiece by Koji Morimoto. The greatest strength of this piece is the sheer whimsy and creativity of Noiseman's world. Only Morimoto could create such a unique universe. The pacing is flawless as well. |
| Now and Then, Here and There (TV) |
Excellent |
One of the most depressing and somber anime ever made. But it is also uplifting, as you can see how the human spirit can overcome adversity and find happiness in the end, no matter how many horrible circumstances they've had to face. |
| Ocean Waves (movie) |
Good |
|
| (The) Old Crocodile (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Oldboy (Korean movie) |
Very good |
|
| On Your Mark (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Once Upon a Time (movie) |
Very good |
One of my earliest anime films and still one of my favorites. It doesn't portray the brutality and heartache of warfare as unabashedly and realistically as, say, Grave of the Fireflies, but it is a touching, emotional film about two people who love each other but are forced to fight because ot their parents' grudges. It also brushes on the lure of power and how it easily it can corrupt even the seemingly most pure-hearted people. |
| Only Yesterday (movie) |
Very good |
|
| (The) Order to Stop Construction (movie) |
Excellent |
The last segment of the Manie Manie (Neo Toyko) omnibus film. This excellent Otomo-directed short is one of his most funny (it's like a menacing version of Kimagure Robot) animated works. What happens when robots stop listening to humans? The results are both funny and slightly unsettling. |
| Oruchuban Ebichu (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Oshin (movie) |
Excellent |
This tale about a young farm girl forced to become a servant to help feel her starving family is easily one of the most touching anime films ever made. It's similar in tone to somber films such as Barefoot Gen and Grave of the Fireflies, but is not altogether miserable. It has its share of uplifting, touching moments and by the end of the film I cared for Oshin very much. Based on the classic Japanese television drama by the same title. |
| Otaku no Video (OAV) |
Excellent |
My first glimpse into the otaku culture! This fun OVA (the unofficial history of the Gainax animation studio) is one of my favorite anime. The great characters, admirable animation, and many, many, many references to other anime and manga make this a fun title to watch over and over. |
| Other Worlds (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Ouran High School Host Club (TV) |
Very good |
Yet another tale of a poor girl attending a prestigious elite academy, Ouran's charm is in its wacky and memorable characters, particularly the Ouran Host boys themselves. Their wild and hilarious antics make for more laugh-out-loud moments than just about any other comedy on the market right now. And because of their charming personalities, you learn to care for each of them as well, leading to some surprisingly poignant episodes. Mamoru Miyano and Maaya Sakamoto's performances as Tamaki and Haruhi are especially memorable and the highlights of an incredible voice cast. |
| Outlaw Star (TV) |
Good |
|
| Pale Cocoon (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Panda! Go, Panda! (movie) |
Good |
|
| Paprika (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Paradise Kiss (TV) |
Very good |
A sweet coming of age tale about kids in fashion school and a girl who discovers a talent for modeling. I like how rounded and realistic all the characters are (with the exception of George, whose actions seemed maddeningly ambiguous at times). I would've given an "Excellent" rating, except the last episode felt like it ended rather suddenly and without resolution. |
| Paranoia Agent (TV) |
Masterpiece |
One of the hardest emotions to evict from the viewer when watching animation is fear. Let's face it; most "horror" animation isn't scary at all. But Paranoia Agent succeeds where others fail. Creepy, otherworldy, and inhabited by a colorful (if slightly strange) cast of characters, this is one experience that led to my reluctance to walk alone at night. This is Satoshi Kon's finest work. |
| Parasyte -the maxim- (TV) |
Good |
|
| Passage of the Stars - Birth (special) |
Excellent |
|
| Peach Girl (TV) |
|
|
| Perfect Blue (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Perspektivenbox (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Pet Shop of Horrors (TV) |
So-so |
|
| Phoenix (TV) |
|
|
| Phoenix 2772 - Space Firebird (movie) |
Good |
|
| (The) Phoenix: Chapter of Ho-o (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Piano (TV) |
Good |
|
| Pikachu's Summer Vacation (movie) |
Weak |
|
| Pilot Candidate (TV) |
Weak |
|
| (The) Place Promised in Our Early Days (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Planetes (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Please Save My Earth (OAV) |
Excellent |
A classic shoujo title. While the manga is better, this touching 6-part OVA captures the poignant mood of Saki Hiwatari's original work quite well. Beautiful music, provided by Hajime Mizoguchi, emphasizes each dramatic scene and the central romance involving Shion and Mokuren is heartbreakingly tragic. |
| Pokémon 2000 - The Movie (movie 2) |
Bad |
|
| Pokémon: The First Movie (movie 1) |
Bad |
|
| Pom Poko (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Porco Rosso (movie) |
Very good |
|
| (Le) Portrait de Petite Cossette (OAV) |
So-so |
|
| Prétear (TV) |
Good |
|
| Princess Arete (movie) |
Excellent |
Not a movie for the masses. The pace of this film quietly proceeds in a relaxed fashion, pausing in the middle and taking considerable time to get to know Arete, Boax and Ample through-and-through. It celebrates simplicity and complexity by telling a small fairy tale through its multi-layered characters. The exquisite soundtrack and pastel-heavy art add to its delicate storytelling. |
| Princess Jellyfish (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Princess Mononoke (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Princess Nine (TV) |
Very good |
The best sports anime I've ever seen. This slightly melodramatic tale follows the high school baseball pitcher Ryo and her fellow teammates as they struggle to play alongside men and win at Koshien stadium. Greatly empowering for young girls. |
| Princess Tutu (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Professor Dan Petory's Blues (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Program (OAV) |
Weak |
|
| Project A-ko (movie) |
Good |
|
| Project A-ko 2: Plot of the Daitokuji Financial Group (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Project A-ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Project A-ko 4: Final (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Project A-ko: Uncivil Wars (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Psycho Diver: Soul Siren (OAV) |
Bad |
|
| Puni Puni Poemy (OAV) |
Not really good |
|
| Queen Emeraldas (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| R.O.D -The TV- |
Not really good |
Pales in comparison to the original OVA (see comments for Read or Die), both in terms of story and animation. The new "paper sisters" fail to captivate as Yumiko did, and the "action" sequences are often downright sloppy in execution. The plot is contrived and loaded with asinine (not to mention predictable) twists and turns. A disappointment. |
| RahXephon (TV) |
Decent |
|
| RahXephon: Pluralitas Concentio (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Rampo (live-action movie) |
Decent |
|
| Ranma ½ OAV |
Good |
|
| Ranma ½: Big Trouble in Nekonron, China (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Ranma ½: Nihao My Concubine (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Re: Cutie Honey (OAV) |
Excellent |
This is the best work GAINAX had done since FLCL. Wildly creative keyframes and a beautifully bright color palette, as well as a highly energetic musical score by Susumu Ueda (I would've sworn it was written by Shiro Sagisu) create a unique and fun experience. The first episode on its own would definitely warrant a "Masterpiece" rating, but the frantic kinetic energy that makes the animation in it so fantastic fades a bit in the second two episodes. Still loads of fun, though. |
| Read or Die (OAV) |
Excellent |
Beautiful animation meets slick character designs and nicely paced action. Reminiscent of James Bond, if you want a live-action comparison. There's not too much going on here on a deeper, more thoughtful, or philosophical level, but it sure is a lot of fun! The paper manipulation element is a stroke of creative genius. |
| Record of Lodoss War (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Redline (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Revolutionary Girl Utena (TV) |
Masterpiece |
The best quality of this show is the sheer creativity of its art direction. Spinning roses? Sure. Romanesque architecture in every background? Why not? Upside-down floating castles? Works for me. The animation isn't the greatest, but the engaging story, quirky characters, and bizarre editing techniques reeled me in and kept me at undying attention. |
| Revolutionary Girl Utena: The Movie |
Masterpiece |
The feature film version of Utena is even more stylized than the TV series, if you can believe it. Add fluid, beautiful animation, toss in a handful of absolutely gorgeous backgrounds, mix in a dash of creative editing and top off with a 20-minute car transformation/wash/race/chase sequence, and you have an abstract experience that's bound to stick with you for a long time. |
| RG Veda (OAV) |
So-so |
|
| (The) Ring (live-action movie 2002) |
Very good |
|
| (The) Ring Two (live-action movie 2005) |
Decent |
|
| Robot Carnival (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Robotech (U.S. TV) |
Decent |
|
| (The) Rose of Versailles (TV) |
Excellent |
This highly romanticized telling of the French revolution is easily one of most refreshing titles available today, despite its age. It is easy to see that Utena was highly influenced by this story of a girl raised as male, later to become a commander in the French guard. |
| Roujin Z (movie) |
Good |
|
| Royal Space Force - The Wings of Honnêamise (movie) |
Excellent |
Classic. One of Gainax's finest works, and a personal favorite. Absolutely glorious animation and attention to detail and real-life physics make this a must-see for animation lovers. |
| Rozen Maiden (TV) |
Good |
|
| Rumbling Hearts (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Rumiko Takahashi Anthology (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Rune Soldier (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Running Man (movie) |
Decent |
By far the weakest segment of Manie Manie (Neo Tokyo). The animation is nice, but the abstract narrative just isn't absorbing enough to hold my interest. It's also completely overshadowed by the two other excellent animated shorts. |
| Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture |
Decent |
|
| Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Sailor Moon (TV) |
Excellent |
My "gateway drug" to anime fandom. I first saw this show when I was 11 years old and I've been hungrily pursuing anime ever since. I appreciate any title that makes little girls feel empowered, because it reminds me of the way I felt when I first saw Sailor Moon. Not the most original mahou shoujo title ever, but still plenty of fun. Perfect for pre-teen girls. |
| Sailor Moon R (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Sailor Moon R: The Movie |
Very good |
|
| Sailor Moon S (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Sailor Moon S: The Movie |
Excellent |
|
| Sailor Moon Sailor Stars (TV) |
Very good |
I would've rated it "excellent," but I didn't get to see enough of the outer senshi. Especially creepy little Hotaru, my favorite. Other than that, this is a fitting ending to a very enjoyable series. |
| Sailor Moon SuperS (TV) |
Good |
|
| Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie |
Very good |
|
| Samurai 7 (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Samurai Champloo (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Samurai Girl Real Bout High School (TV) |
Bad |
|
| Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei (TV) |
Good |
|
| Scramble Wars (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Scrapped Princess (TV) |
Good |
|
| Second Renaissance (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Serial Experiments Lain (TV) |
Excellent |
A philosophical take on cyberpunk. I love Lain not only because of the big questions it asks about humanity and the connection between reality and fantasy (or, in this case, electronic), but because it has a fantastic mood and genuinely creepy episodes. Very unique; there's not much out there that can be compared to Lain. |
| Shadow Skill (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Shadow Skill 2 (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Shadow Star Narutaru (TV) |
Good |
|
| Shanghai Dragon (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Shangri-La (TV) |
Not really good |
|
| She and Her Cat (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| She, The Ultimate Weapon (TV) |
Good |
|
| Shirobako (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Slayers - The Motion Picture |
Good |
|
| Slayers Gorgeous (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Sol Bianca (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Sol Bianca: The Legacy (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Sora Iro no Tane (special) |
Good |
|
| Space Pirate Captain Herlock The Endless Odyssey (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Spice and Wolf (TV) |
Good |
|
| Spirited Away (movie) |
Masterpiece |
This coming-of-age tale is like a sweeter, but far more bizarre, version of Alice in Wonderland. With a dragon. Dragons are good. |
| Spriggan (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Spring and Chaos (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Star Blazers (TV) |
Good |
|
| Steamboy (movie) |
Good |
|
| Stink Bomb (movie) |
Very good |
The middle segment of Memories. This humorous tale is a story of medicine gone wrong. Not as engaging as the brilliant Magnetic Rose or as stylishly conceptual as Cannon Fodder, but a fun segment nonetheless. |
| Strawberry Marshmallow (TV) |
Very good |
Highly recommended for fans of Azumanga Daioh. This cute and funny series succeeds where other moe-heavy shows fail because of its highly entertaining and memorable cast. The art and animation itself is consistent and eye-pleasing as well. |
| Summer Days with Coo (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Summer Wars (movie) |
Good |
|
| (The) Super Dimension Fortress Macross (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| (The) Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| (The) Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II: The Movie (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Super GALS! (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Survival 2.7D (OAV) |
Excellent |
An excellent music video by Koji Morimoto which has a surprisingly straightforward narrative. The song is very nice and upbeat as well. The animation is stellar. |
| Suzuka (TV) |
Not really good |
|
| Sword Art Online (TV) |
Good |
|
| Sword Art Online II (TV) |
|
|
| Sword Art Online: Extra Edition (special) |
So-so |
|
| Table and Fishman (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Tales from Earthsea (movie) |
Not really good |
|
| Tales of the Street Corner (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Tamala 2010 (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Team Ranma vs. The Legendary Phoenix (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Tekken: The Motion Picture (OAV) |
Worst ever |
|
| Tekkonkinkreet (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Tenchi in Tokyo (TV) |
So-so |
|
| Tenchi Muyo! (OAV 1/1992) |
Very good |
The very first Tenchi OAV! I'll forgive you for jump-starting the harem craze, Tenchi. The characters in this animation is what really makes it memorable. The girls here aren't one-dimensional stereotypes, but unique individuals with their own quirks and tragic pasts. And have you ever seen anything as charming as Ryo-Ohki? Honestly? I don't think so. |
| Tenchi Muyo! Mihoshi Special |
Good |
|
| Tenchi Muyo! Ryo Ohki (OAV 3/2003) |
Good |
|
| Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki (OAV 2/1994) |
Very good |
|
| Tenchi Muyo! The Night Before The Carnival (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Tenchi the Movie - Tenchi Muyo in Love |
Good |
|
| Tenchi The Movie 2 - The Daughter of Darkness |
Good |
|
| Tenchi Universe (TV) |
Good |
|
| Texhnolyze (TV) |
Very good |
|
| They Were 11 (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Time of Eve (ONA) |
Excellent |
|
| TO-Y (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Tobira o Akete (OAV 1995) |
Excellent |
This very simple tale of a girl who explores a fantastic, whimsical landscape in her dreams is one of the most beautiful animations I have ever seen. Reminiscent of Yellow Submarine, a little. Another Koji Morimoto masterpiece. |
| Tojin Kit (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Tokyo Babylon (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Tokyo Babylon 2 (OAV) |
Decent |
|
| Tokyo Godfathers (movie) |
Excellent |
A touching comedy from the masterful storyteller Satoshi Kon. This movie's greatest asset is the character of Hana, who, although obviously a man, comes across as extremely feminine and maternal. I never think of Hana as anything but a "she," which was obviously director Kon's intention. I adore all the quirky characters and their strange personalities and back stories. A wonderful film. |
| Tomie (live-action movie) |
Good |
|
| Tomie: Forbidden Fruit (live-action movie) |
Weak |
|
| Toradora! (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| (The) Transformers: The Movie (U.S. movie) |
Decent |
|
| Trava (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| A Tree of Palme (movie) |
Excellent |
|
| Trigun (TV) |
Very good |
|
| Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE the Movie: The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom |
Decent |
|
| Tweeny Witches (TV) |
Excellent |
I LOVE shows about strong girls who help others discover their abilities and inner strength. Animated by Studio 4°C, this show packs a lot of excitement and energy as it follows the adventures of Alice, a girl who adores magic, who finds herself in a world of witches. Needless to say, she's not disappointed at all with this turn of events. Great for kids and adults alike; I appreciate the emphasis on values such as trust and friendship without becoming didactic. |
| (The) Twelve Kingdoms (TV) |
Very good |
A rich, superbly detailed world is the main draw of this title--I haven't felt so enchanted and overcome with childlike wonder since the first time I saw Spirited Away. The world of the Twelve Kingdoms is meticulously laid out and inhabited with colorful characters, who all begin to feel surprisingly real. I was amazed at how, about halfway through the series, it seemed like the Twelve Kingdoms was the reality and Earth (Japan) the dream world. Also refreshing is the protagonist's choice to stay in her kingdom, instead of going back to her humdrum life as a high school student. I've always wanted to see more of this in fantasy titles, since it's so much more alluring for the imagination. The only down side to the series is the animation quality. While the designs and artwork are very beautiful, they are unfortunately marred by destractingly poor animation, which is adequate at its best. Nonetheless, this is not a title to miss out on for any fantasy fan (especially the second arc, involving Taiki). |
| Twilight of the Dark Master (OAV) |
Weak |
|
| Twilight Q (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Unico in the Island of Magic (movie) |
Good |
|
| Vampire Hunter D (OAV) |
Good |
|
| Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (movie) |
Decent |
|
| Vampire Princess Miyu (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Vampire Princess Miyu (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Venus Wars (movie) |
So-so |
|
| (The) Vision of Escaflowne (TV) |
Excellent |
The best mecha-shoujo hybrid ever! ;) This title gets points for its strong female lead, Hitomi, who is an all-around likeable character and a daring risk-taker, traites which are hard to find in heroines in mecha series. Besides that, a strong soundtrack enhances a compelling love story in an epic fantastical setting. One of the best fantasy series ever made, with appeal for both males and females. |
| Voices of a Distant Star (OAV) |
Excellent |
Proof that with enough effort and the right resources, an animator is capable of doing anything he/she wants. This tragic love tale is doubly impressive because it was created entirely by a single person. And the visuals! The gorgeous backgrounds and detail to lighting make this an experience to remember. |
| Volcano High (live-action movie) |
So-so |
|
| Voltage Fighter Gowcaizer (OAV) |
Awful |
|
| Wanwa the Puppy (movie) |
|
|
| Wata no Kuni Hoshi (OAV) |
Good |
|
| (The) Weathering Continent (movie) |
Good |
|
| Welcome to the NHK (TV) |
Good |
|
| When They Cry - Higurashi (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Whisper of the Heart (movie) |
Excellent |
A classic Studio Ghibli film. A little more laid-back than the typical fantasy Ghibli fare, this tells the story of a young girl falling in love at the end of middle school. A simple tale, beautifully told. |
| Wicked City (movie) |
Worst ever |
|
| A Wind Named Amnesia (movie) |
Very good |
A very philosophical telling of a different kind of apocolypse. What would happen if everyone in the world suddenly forgot everything--thier identities, thier familes, even how to speak? The result is very chillilng. This kind of reminds me of a very condensed Kino's Journey. |
| Windy Tales (TV) |
Excellent |
|
| Winter Days (movie) |
Very good |
I'm used to expecting mixed bags when it comes to anime omnibus films, but holy moly! Talk about extreme, polar opposites! First off, I must say that, ironically, the two short films in this particular anthology that blow all the others out of the water are not Japanese at all, but, in fact, Russian. Master Russian animators Yuri Norstein and Alexandr Petrov (two of my all-time favorite animators) were invited to contribute their talents to this unique collaborative, and their animated films are, for lack of a better word, spectacular. Norstein displays his trademark cut-out stop motion animation and earthy pallete, while Petrov displays his well-known, absolutely breathtaking paint-on-glass technique. Both films are beautifully rendered, well-animated, and well worth watching the movie for alone.
The rest of the shorts, however, vastly vary in quality and storytelling. Second best to Norstein and Petrov is Isao Takahata's charming fox short, and Koji Yamamura's well-animated short. Legendary Kihachiro Kawamoto makes an appearance as well, contributing a puppet stop-motion animation. Most of the other shorts (about 20 in all) are, regrettably, quite forgettable. This was a fine experiment in taking anime into the realm of fine art--this is quite possibly THE most fine art influenced anime made to date--but Winter Days suffers from mixed quality. |
| Witch Hunter Robin (TV) |
So-so |
|
| Wolf's Rain (TV) |
Excellent |
Kanno's heavily Brazillian-influenced soundtrack highlights this melancholy tale of a group of outcast wolves searching for "paradise." I've always been drawn to stories about journeys and discovery, and the sheer creativity of the Wolf's Rain premise sets it apart from many other fantasy/sci-fi anime. The lead characters, although archetypes, are interesting and fleshed out enough to have unique and memorable personalities. Highly recommended for people looking for an epic journey tale that breaks away from the normal stereotypes. |
| Wolf's Rain (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| (The) Wonderful Wizard of Oz (TV) |
Good |
|
| World Record (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| X (movie) |
Very good |
|
| X (TV) |
Good |
|
| X OAV |
Decent |
|
| xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream |
Very good |
|
| Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou (OAV) |
Very good |
|
| Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou: Quiet Country Cafe (OAV) |
Excellent |
|
| Yonna in the Solitary Fortress (movie) |
Bad |
|
| Your Choice! (movie) |
Very good |
|
| Your Lie in April (TV) |
Decent |
|
| Yu Yu Hakusho The Movie: Poltergeist Report (movie 2/1994) |
Decent |
|
| Zettai Shonen (TV) |
So-so |
|
| Zone of the Enders: Idolo (OAV) |
So-so |
|
