Keeping up with all the new anime releases can be tough. With hundreds of shows coming out each year, it’s hard to know what’s worth your time. While it’s great to see how anime has evolved, fans shouldn’t assume that newer series are automatically better than older ones. Focusing only on the latest releases means you might be missing out on some truly excellent anime from the past.
Many classic anime movies have fundamentally shaped the art form. While some were initially hits but now feel dated compared to modern films, others have stood the test of time and remain better than many of the most acclaimed anime movies released in recent years.
Ghost In The Shell Combines A Cyberpunk World With Cerebral Storytelling
Released in 1995, Ghost in the Shell was one of several anime films – including Akira, Vampire Hunter D, and Ninja Scroll – that proved anime could be a sophisticated art form for adult audiences. These films remain influential today, inspiring countless others. However, Ghost in the Shell stands out for its impact on the cyberpunk genre. Its distinctive mood and futuristic setting didn’t just shape other anime; it even influenced live-action films like The Matrix.
I recently watched Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell, and I was blown away by how beautiful the animation still is – it honestly holds up better than a lot of sci-fi anime being made today. Like a lot of Oshii’s work, the movie really gets you thinking about what makes us us, and whether we truly have free will, especially when you consider cyborgs and artificial intelligence. What struck me is how relevant the themes are, even now. You see echoes of Ghost in the Shell in newer shows like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Psycho-Pass, which are still grappling with those same questions about identity and control in a futuristic world.
The enduring popularity of Ghost in the Shell is clear, explaining why the franchise keeps expanding, most recently with a series by Science SARU. The original film has left a lasting mark on pop culture, and even its 2004 sequel, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, remains a noteworthy and timeless work by director Mamoru Oshii.
Only Yesterday Is A Staggering Look Into Happiness, Hope & Purpose
While Studio Ghibli is strongly associated with Hayao Miyazaki, many other talented directors contributed to the studio’s success. Isao Takahata was a key storyteller for Ghibli, directing films like Pom Poko, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and Only Yesterday. Takahata was particularly skilled at portraying everyday challenges through a fantastical perspective. Only Yesterday might not have a groundbreaking plot, but its relatable and deeply human story resonates with viewers.
Taeko Okajima is a Tokyo office worker who takes a trip to her family’s home in the countryside. This journey leads her to reflect on her childhood and whether she’s living the life young Taeko would have wanted. The film, Only Yesterday, is deeply sincere and explores what truly motivates Taeko. It’s filled with regret, fond memories, and genuine emotion, and offers a beautiful look at how our past experiences shape who we are today and what our future might hold.
Both Only Yesterday and The Grave of the Fireflies are powerful films by Takahata. While The Grave of the Fireflies is often considered the more impactful film, its deeply sad story can be hard to watch. Only Yesterday, though sometimes a little sad, is a more enjoyable and uplifting experience, and it was influential in shaping how coming-of-age stories are told in animation.
Perfect Blue Is A Powerful Psychological Thriller With Timely Themes
Satoshi Kon created a perfect series of anime films before his untimely death. There isn’t a single weak film in his collection, and movies like Millennium Actress (2001) and Tokyo Godfathers (2003) – both over two decades old – still resonate powerfully today. But it was his first film that truly established him as a masterful director, beautifully exploring themes of identity, perception, and reality that would become hallmarks of his work.
Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue delves into the unsettling identity crisis of Mima, a pop singer who leaves her group to become an actress. As Mima tries to reinvent herself, her sense of reality unravels, and she struggles to distinguish between what’s real and what’s not. At the same time, she’s haunted by a dangerous stalker fixated on her former pop star image. The film powerfully examines the dangers of obsessive fans and one-sided relationships—themes that feel especially relevant today, even though the movie was made in 1997.
Many anime series explore mental illness using strange and psychological stories, like Serial Experiments Lain, Monster, and Satoshi Kon’s Paranoia Agent. However, Perfect Blue is still considered the best example of its kind and a defining film of the 1990s. It’s still shown in theaters and continues to attract viewers, proving its lasting appeal and making a remake unnecessary.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind Celebrates Nature’s Endless Beauty
Hayao Miyazaki is a legendary figure in the world of anime, and many of his films are considered classics that will be enjoyed for generations. He quickly gained recognition with beloved movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Princess Mononoke in the 1980s and 90s. While all of his work is special, his 1984 film, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, feels particularly unique.
Nausicaä is a thrilling fantasy adventure that also explores important themes about Japan’s history after nuclear war and humanity’s impact on the environment. These themes are central to Miyazaki’s work because he feels strongly about them. You can see echoes of Nausicaä in his other films, like Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and The Boy and the Heron. Plus, Nausicaä herself is one of Miyazaki’s most compelling female characters, and she paved the way for strong heroines in later Studio Ghibli films, such as Mononoke, Sophie, and Chihiro.
Even after more than 40 years, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind remains captivating for both people new to anime and longtime fans. The film beautifully connects plants and animals, creating stunning imagery and imaginative creatures. It’s difficult to watch shows like Made in Abyss or Scavengers Reign without recognizing the influence of Nausicaä‘s pioneering depiction of the natural world.
The End Of Evangelion Redefines Anime Endgames With Angst-Ridden Energy
Many consider Neon Genesis Evangelion to be one of the most influential anime ever made. The series, a thought-provoking take on the mecha genre, packs a lot into its 26 episodes. However, it was the film The End of Evangelion that truly cemented its legendary status. Created in response to fan dissatisfaction with the original ending, Hideaki Anno’s film is a daring and controversial work that pushes boundaries.
The End of Evangelion is a disturbing and intense portrayal of the world’s final moments. SEELE, the organization opposing NERV, attempts to force a global transformation called Human Instrumentality, and the fate of humanity rests with Shinji Ikari. While featuring epic battles with the Evangelions, the film is deeply psychological, reflecting the director Hideaki Anno’s own struggles. Shinji’s emotional breakdown is a powerfully raw and unforgettable depiction of inner turmoil, making for a challenging but ultimately moving and thought-provoking experience, much like great art.
Recent anime movies, such as those based on Puella Magi Madoka Magica or the Kizumonogatari trilogy, have tried to capture the same intense, world-ending feeling as The End of Evangelion. While these films are good, they haven’t had the lasting impact of The End of Evangelion, which people are still discussing almost thirty years later. The new Evangelion series should probably avoid trying to recreate that same kind of movie experience, as it’s unlikely they could achieve the same unique and powerful result.
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2026-02-26 21:13