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Roujin Z. The long forgotten anime of the 90’s that-with along the rest of Katsuhiro Otomo’s lesser works- has found its way to me. After watching this hilarious movie I can say wholeheartedly I enjoyed it. Even with it lacking the quality and depth of his other significantly better pieces I still had a good time. With the population of elderly skyrocketing and the number of people to take care of them lessening, the Ministry of Public Welfare takes up a new project to solve this humanitarian crisis. Coined the Z Project, this plan is supposed to help maintain the health of the elderly without... See full review

Tokyo Godfathers. Known for being one of Satoshi Kon’s more lighthearted works in the industry. While it isn’t as avant garde or heavy hitting as his other pieces, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t as good as them. With great writing, charming characters, heartwarming themes, and wonderful animation, Tokyo Godfathers strays from Kon’s usual get up in the most sentimental way possible. We are introduced to our main characters teenage runaway Miyuki, crossdresser Hana, and former father but present alcoholic Gin, three very different homeless people living together on the street... See full review

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. The seriously delightful and genuinely enjoyable anime about the blunders of youth with an unusual twist, time travel. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a coming of age movie you don’t want to miss. Reminiscent to A Letter To Momo for it’s perky-ness as well as fresh-ness, this anime is perfect to watch on a brisk spring day and bask in the entertaining events that unfold within this anime. With amazing writing, an enchanting storyline, heart felt themes, beautiful visuals, and a shocking plot twist, this anime movie will undoubtedly capture your heart and your... See full review

Tokyo Tribe 2. The hit or miss delinquent anime heavily influenced by African American culture, filled with urban charisma, brutal action, lovable characters, gang wars, risque scenes, and that early 2000’s anime magic. Tokyo Tribe 2 was on my watch list for a very long time, so I decided to pick this obscurity up. Possessing in your face street visuals, crudely nostalgic animation, a thick black brash caricature-esque artstyle, a loud contrasting color scheme, and a hip hop influenced soundtrack, Tokyo Tribe 2 has an early 2000’s rough metropolitan charm to it. One that is fit to be in the... See full review

Watamote. The hilariously depressing and comically awkward slice of life anime that presents the struggles of an extremely introverted high school girl trying to become popular. Parallel to Welcome to the NHK, Watamote has a fun, edgy, satirical charm to it. Taking gloomy topics like social anxiety, loneliness, panic disorder, image problems, and the eagerness to feel wanted and turning it into ridiculously relatable dark humor. This is one of the many things that makes Watamote so popular. Its relatability. Lots of people enjoy this anime because they can relate to the social problems the main character... See full review

Welcome to Irabu’s Office. The freakishly surreal anime that feels like the leftover bile of an adult swim acid trip. Exhibiting the use of a brilliantly vivid color scheme, everchanging sketch-like artstyle, use of rotoscoping, and the outlandish implementation of 3d objects against the 2d animation all make for an unorthodox mix of a violently colorful disco fever dream. The visuals are gratingly multicolored, the blend of flamboyant patterns and striking colors is something you would see in the experimental section of abstract art. In short. It's super flashy. Welcome to Irabu’s... See full review

A Letter to Momo. The wonderfully charming and criminally underappreciated movie about coming of age, demonstrated through the mischievous events that surround our main character Momo. A Letter to Momo has a distinctive ambience that encapsulates the blunders of adolescence through a serene and sunny perspective. I suggest watching this movie on a nice bright summer day and you’ll know what I mean. Reminiscent of a Ghibli movie, A Letter to Momo has the same exact whimsicality found within this popular franchise of anime movies. You can even see it in the art style as well as the certain events that... See full review

One Punch Man. If you’re familiar with anime you have heard this popular name before. Famous for its stunning fights and unusual premise One Punch Man takes a satirical spin on the popular trope of an overpowered main character, making way for a hilarious action packed anime. At first I didn’t watch One Punch Man because I thought it was oozing corniness, now coming two and a half years later to re-watch it I realized how much I had really missed out. The idea for an overpowered main character who is conflicted with his strength because it isn’t fun to win all the time is just well... See full review

Welcome to the NHK. The bizarrely charming expressionist anime that deals with heavy topics like anxiety, depression, and reclusiveness through the colorful lens of satire. Welcome to the NHK has been referred to as one of the go to psychological anime for newcomers to anime and I see why. Many topics being extremely relatable, realistic, and harshly universal for many people, this anime is something people can latch onto from their own experiences. Despite the distressing topics Welcome to the NHK isn’t a sad or disheartening anime. It's actually the opposite. Filled with a bright color scheme... See full review

Tekkon Kinkreet. Another oddball yet wonderful anime produced by the eccentric Studio 4c. Looking like it was ripped out of a children’s book Tekkon Kinkreet has one of the most unique art styles and visuals I have ever seen. The characters and background look as if a seven year old drew them; boasting the most simplistic features, quaint scenery, thin scraggly lines, and a bright color scheme this anime captures the artistic genius of the juxtaposition between adolescence and adulthood. Our two main characters are Black and White, two young feisty orphans that are overprotective of their broken down... See full review

Redline. The enchantingly bizarre racing anime that is action packed to the brim for a fun watch. Not shying away from brilliant colors or eccentric events this movie is the epitome of strange but in the best way possible. I usually don’t really like racing anime so to watch this was out of the ordinary for me. The only thing that really drew me in to watch it was the artstyle and I don’t regret staying because of it. Adorning an intensely rich color scheme that flaunts different shades of primary colors in the most flamboyant way Redline is chroma eye candy. This anime’s peculiar artstyle... See full review

Mushishi. The captivatingly mellow anime that is perfect to watch on a rainy day before bed. Much like the House of Five Leaves, Mushishi is relaxing but not boring. With hand crafted tales of the otherworldly mystical mushi this anime tells a delightful new story each episode. Our main character is a travelling Mushishi named Ginko. He helps people who are tormented with what they think to be supernatural problems or just random nuisances on the surface of things but digging deeper the real cause of these issues would be the seldom seen creature mushi. As Ginko gets rid of the mushi that plagues each... See full review

Akira. You have probably heard this iconic name before if you're in the anime community. Mostly because of its impact on revolutionizing the perception of anime in the west, it's groundbreaking animation as well as cinematography, and surreal plot events. Akira is highly regarded as a straight up classic for anyone that has heard of anime. It's extremely fascinating and is bound to lure you in with its gripping dreamlike events, beautiful dystopian and sci-fi visuals, as well as unusual plot. While it is definitely a classic, many struggle to comprehend the crazy events that unfold in the movie so let me... See full review

House of Five Leaves. The anime that I had low expectations for coming in to, but now just finishing it I realize it's bound to throw your mediocre expectations away and captivate you. Lacking any real action since its main focuses are story oriented with the divulgence of character backgrounds and interaction, House of Five Leaves is still extremely intriguing. We have lovable and well written main characters, great development, and enchanting tales of character pasts as well as their presents to serve as our entertainment. And damn does it not disappoint. Our story is placed in feudal Japan with a timid... See full review

Jin Roh. After hearing excellent reviews practically everywhere of Jin Roh I had to check it out myself. After watching this movie I have to say those reviews were right, this is a gem. Jin Roh is a dark tale about deception in post war ridden Tokyo who is trying to desperately reconstruct its rusty remnants to stay afloat. In the process of this slow reconstruction civil unrest runs rampant forcing the government to deploy their special unit from the Capitol Police to quell these violent cries. This is where our main character Fuse Kazuki comes in who stumbles upon a terrorist bomber who by surprise, is a... See full review

Haibane Renmei. I can't begin to describe the comfort and warmth this anime gave me through the realistic as well as excellent deptiction of human bonds and personal strugges. With the beautiful earthy lackluster color scheme and the setting resembling an 1800’s village in the outskirts of England on top of a valley, Haibane Renmei manages to create a strangely comforting atmosphere. One that nostalgically reminds me of Wind in the Willows for whatever reason. The soft soundtrack doesn’t fail to encapsulate the aura of this anime with bubbly and relaxing symphonies to compliment the mood. Our... See full review

Hellsing Ultimate. The anime that kept me entertained through each bloody episode. Hellsing Ulitmate is a sinister show that takes a ghastly spin on the long divided history between the Catholics and Protestants as well as the Nazis, pulling together a fast paced action packed butchery full of vampires, ghouls, schisms, fascists, rivalries, and genocide. Starting off we are introduced to one of our main characters Sir Intregra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, the current Bureau Director of the Hellsing Organization as well as the last member of the Hellsing family. Before she rose to be the leader she is, she... See full review

Afro Samurai. The insanely interesting as well as one of a kind sienen anime that is bound to be engraved into your mind with it’s beautiful changing color schemes, smooth animation, brutal action, unique characters, and crazy use of perspective. Takashi Okazakiha took his love of North American hip hop and soul music as well as his creative genius to create a one of a kind artistic ambience aimed for western audiences. This distinct aura presents itself from the unorthodox mix of urban African American influences, futuristic technology, and feudal Japan making one memorable piece of unconventional... See full review

Death Note. You have probably heard this name before even if you aren't into anime. The premise alone for Death Note has to be one of the most captivating and ingenious plot devices in all of anime. With this very premise it paves the way for the brilliant execution of moral dilemmas, morally grey anti-heroes, plot twists, races to outwit each other, and multi layered religious symbolism. Death Note is extremely stimulating because of this. Time after time it made me think what if I were in their shoes?  This had me critiquing each thing Light or L did and wondering if I would do it too. This sort of... See full review

Mononoke. From just looking at the anime poster I was automatically interested; the bright colors, the textured background, and ukiyo-esque character adorning the front page. Mononoke captures your eyes with its unique textured backdrop that has an uncanny resemblance to crumpled washi paper. This technique of using one texture for everything executed in something other than a photograph or a drawing could be called lazy or visually brassy yet Mononoke accomplishes this with elegance and aesthetically pleasing surrealism. Every scene in Mononoke looks like it could be taken out of your screen and plastered... See full review

Angel's Egg. If I had to describe my experience watching Angel’s Egg it would be a dark mesmerizing yet oddly comforting surreal fever dream. It's like finding an old dusty VHS tape at your grandma’s house around night time and plugging it in to find a seemingly ancient cartoon that hypnotizes you. This anime is definitely a strange riddle to crack that leaves you puzzling its value and purpose. It's worth as a social commentary or allegory is up for interpretation among viewers. This aspect I find super interesting since I am a sucker for avant garde anime with an interpretational meaning. What... See full review

Baccano. The multiple narrative anime of a lifetime. Being extremely enjoyable as well as entertaining Baccano has a charm to it that is found in very few anime. What made me click on Baccano was hearing people say it was historical and a seinen (which I am a sucker for historical anime as well as ones that fall into the sienen demographic) and that it was similar to Black Lagoon. I went into Baccano blindly and I was blown away with it's unforgettable action, amazing characters, great storytelling, and crazy plot twists. When this anime starts we are introduced to our main narrators who are presenting the... See full review

Serial Experiments Lain. The surreal and hair raising enigma that never failed to keep me questioning each episode. This anime is an avant garde frankenstein mixing multilayered symbolism and psychological futuristic themes, harboring the uncanny and uncomfortable as it presents itself to the audience. Lain, our main character is an antisocial girl not bothering to really connect with people or have interest in technology until one day she receives an email on her Navi from a deceased classmate. That moment triggers essentially the downfall of Lain. Now craving more information about Navis, the Wired, and... See full review

The Promised Never Land. A beautifully captivating blend of horror and shonen riddled with tense strategic tactics as well as unexpected plot twists. What made me interested in this anime were the awfully young protagonists. I am a big sucker for kids battling things that are way more powerful then them. Maybe it’s the terrifying power dynamic that presents itself or maybe it’s seeing how immature children can handle something that’s beyond comprehension that drags me in. I would have to settle on both. Our main characters Emma, Ray, and Norman are around the ages of 11-12 ... See full review

Space Dandy. What this great anime excels at is executing a absurdly hilarious himbo filled comedy with a aimless plot as well as non linear storytelling and making it delightfull. Our main character Space Dandy is the most randomly funny himbo you can find in the galaxy spending his free time admiring the female body and going to his favorite chain of "breasturants" Boobies. Dandy gets into insanely comical situations with a 70's/80's inspired soundtrack, a colorful space background, and a hysterical talking gorilla side character who sometimes steals the spotlight. What never failed to make me... See full review

Girls Last Tour. What drew me in for this unusual anime is the distinct contrast between the two cute chibi like middle school girls with the bleak rubble filled background. The two young female characters are seemingly happy and lighthearted compared to the melancholic situation they are in. Chito and Yuuri are travelers of the desolate urban decayed dystopia they survive in, trying to go to the upper levels of their world hoping to find food and fuel each step of the way. This unique premise immediately caught my eye. Before I knew it I was hooked. I found myself enjoying the hilariously cute character... See full review

At first I wasn’t going to watch Dorohedoro because I was under the impression that it was some eighties anime that looked weird (I don’t know how I came to the conclusion of it being made in the 80’s ok T_T) but I ended up giving in anyways. I had gone into it blindly with no expectations for it but this anime still managed to blow my non-existent expectations away with its eccentric worldbuilding as well as character design and scenery art choices and its peculiar yet charming characters. I was also blown away by the impressive cgi. Many 3d anime fail to bring out the potential cgi has... See full review

Megalo Box. The anime that wasn't great but wasn't bad. You could say it was good. One thing I liked about the anime was the art style it reminded me of late nineties to early 2000s anime. I also liked the whole vibe surrounding it, that nice stereotypical far future dystopian wasteland filled with the struggling lower class and the careless upperclass. One thing I am kinda disappointed in is that it could have been so much better if the characters had depth and development and if the world they were living in had more substance. I feel like if the characters would have been developed properly and maybe... See full review

FLCL. One of those hidden gems of anime that you either hate, love, or simply don't understand. I enjoyed it a lot because I am one for wacky anime that requires some thinking. FLCL excels at creating extragavantly enjoyable characters, a bizarre narrative structure, almost non existent plot, and the episodic nature which the anime lies in. There are mulitiple hidden meanings as well as metaphors strewn within the show mostly stemming from it's main theme coming of age. FLCL took this theme and presented it in the most eccentric, surreal, and avant-garde way possible. While spitting in the face of the rules... See full review

Dororo. This anime pulls you in with a eye catching premise filled with revenge and foreshadowings of violence, so of course I was interested. As I watched I thought it was going to be a fun quest like anime with not many hints of darkness/mature themes (because of the synopsis) and I believed the characters where going to be flat. I was pleasantly wrong. I enjoyed the story of Hyakkimaru and Dororo far more than I imagined. I loved how effectively they demonstrated moral ambiguity and actions out of desperation in the show in a light way. I loved seeing these themes intertwine with Hyakkimaru himself... See full review