Author, Cartoonist, Brawl in Cell Block 99 & Bone Tomahawk writer/director S. Craig Zahler's Anime Recommendations
by S_Craig_Zahler | created - 13 Nov 2014 | updated - 15 Dec 2022 | PublicAs an anime watcher since the 1970s and a collector of Japanese language originals since the early 80s (often untranslated VHS tapes of things like Bubblegum Crisis, Golgo 13, and Metal Skin Panic), I've seen tons of stuff. Creative designs, interesting worlds, dynamic animation, exciting action, atmospheric coloring, general craziness, and emotional resonance are often what I like about this stuff. I'm a very big fan of directors Noboru Ishiguro, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Jun Kawagoe, Hiroyuki Imaishi, Hayao Miyazaki, and Osamu Dezaki, and the mecha designs of Kunio Okawara and Shinji Aramaki.
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1. Getter Robo Armageddon (1998–1999)
Not Rated | 28 min | Animation, Sci-Fi
Sent to jail after being accused of murdering Getter Robo creator Dr. Saotome, Ryoma Nagare must once again team up with his former comrades and pilot Getter Robo when Saotome returns from ... See full summary »
Stars: Naoya Uchida, Bill Wise, Hideo Ishikawa, Douglas Taylor
Votes: 171
2. X (2001–2002)
Not Rated | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
Kamui Shirou and Fuuma Monou have been best friends ever since they were kids. Fate, however, separates them when Fuuma's mother died under a mysterious circumstances. Fast forward, 6 years... See full summary »
Stars: Ken'ichi Suzumura, Jun'ichi Suwabe, Mitsuaki Madono, Ryôka Yuzuki
Votes: 1,848
3. Gurren Lagann (2007)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Two friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion against the powerful Spiral King, who forced mankind into subterranean villages.
Stars: Tetsuya Kakihara, Shizuka Itou, Yuri Lowenthal, Marina Inoue
Votes: 20,991
4. Galaxy Express 999 (1979)
PG | 129 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The adventures of a brave young boy who travels from planet to planet in a determined quest to avenge his mother's death.
Director: Rintarô | Stars: Masako Nozawa, Masako Ikeda, Yôko Asagami, Miyoko Asô
Votes: 2,367
5. Princess Mononoke (1997)
PG-13 | 134 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
On a journey to find the cure for a Tatarigami's curse, Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of a war between the forest gods and Tatara, a mining colony. In this quest he also meets San, the Mononoke Hime.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka, Billy Crudup
Votes: 433,146 | Gross: $2.38M
6. Golgo 13: The Professional (1983)
Not Rated | 91 min | Animation, Action, Crime
After killing the son of a powerful oil tycoon, an infamous hit-man is targeted by American governmental forces and superhuman killers.
Director: Osamu Dezaki | Stars: Tetsurô Sagawa, Gorô Naya, Toshiko Fujita, Kôsei Tomita
Votes: 3,366
7. Death Note (2006–2007)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Crime, Drama
An intelligent high school student goes on a secret crusade to eliminate criminals from the world after discovering a notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written into it.
Stars: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong, Ryô Naitô
Votes: 377,643
8. Porco Rosso (1992)
PG | 94 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
In 1930s Italy, a veteran World War I pilot is cursed to look like an anthropomorphic pig.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Shûichirô Moriyama, Tokiko Katô, Bunshi Katsura VI, Tsunehiko Kamijô
Votes: 101,896
9. Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A creature named Kyubey offers Madoka and Sayaka a wish if they agree to become 'magical girls' and fight abstract beings called 'witches'. However, a magical girl named Homura is, for uncertain reasons, determined to stop this agreement.
Stars: Aoi Yûki, Chiwa Saitô, Emiri Kato, Cristina Valenzuela
Votes: 11,287
10. Berserk (1997–1998)
TV-MA | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Guts, a wandering mercenary, joins the Band of the Hawk after being defeated in a duel by Griffith, the group's leader and founder. Together, they dominate every battle, but something menacing lurks in the shadows.
Stars: Marc Diraison, Nobutoshi Canna, Carrie Keranen, Kevin T. Collins
Votes: 52,897
11. Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982–2002)
TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
An alien spaceship crash lands on Earth and her secrets lead to a desperate war against an alien enemy sent to retrieve the ship.
Stars: Arihiro Hase, Mari Iijima, Vic Mignogna, Monica Rial
Votes: 2,300
12. Star Blazers (1979–1984)
22 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In the year 2199, a starship must make a dangerous voyage to the distant planet Iscandar and back to save Earth from an alien invasion.
Stars: Eddie Allen, Michael Bertolini, Amy Howard Wilson, Lydia Leeds
Votes: 1,567
13. King of the Braves GaoGaiGar (1997–1998)
Animation, Action, Adventure
A special organization using giant robots and aided by an alien boy battles the threat of a menace that inflicts havoc by turning humans into destructive mecha menaces.
Stars: Nobuyuki Hiyama, Maiko Itô, Tsutomu Kashiwakura, Tomoe Hanba
Votes: 119
14. Hellsing Ultimate (2006–2012)
Not Rated | 50 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
The vampire Alucard, his master Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, and his newly sired ward Seras Victoria, try to protect England from a war-crazed SS-Major who seeks to start an eternal war with his vampire army.
Stars: Katie Gray, Crispin Freeman, Victoria Harwood, Ralph Lister
Votes: 26,682
15. Gunbuster (1988–1989)
PG | 30 min | Animation, Action, Drama
A young pilot, daughter of a deceased space captain, is selected to pilot a gigantic robot as a key point of Earth's defense during a space war.
Stars: Noriko Hidaka, Rei Sakuma, Norio Wakamoto, Maria Kawamura
Votes: 2,005
16. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
The series starts off at a tournament where a one armed samurai faces a blind one and quickly flashes back to reveal the history between the two fighters.
Stars: Daisuke Namikawa, Emi Shinohara, Seizô Katô, Mike McFarland
Votes: 2,675
17. Macross Plus (1994)
Not Rated | 35 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
Two old friends/rivals find themselves rival test pilots in competing projects while a mutual old flame returns to them with her own secrets.
Stars: Edward Mannix, Bryan Cranston, Michael Forest, Paris Themmen
Votes: 4,002
18. Future Boy Conan (1978)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Long after a devastating war almost destroyed the entire world, a boy with superhuman strength fights to save his friends from those who seek to conquer what is left of civilization.
Stars: Noriko Ohara, Sabrina Pitre, Masatô Ibu, Lili Beaudoin
Votes: 4,985
19. Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (1996–2013)
TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Action, Drama
During a one-year war, a young lieutenant leads a mobile suit team against a secret Zeon weapon, meeting its pilot who questions the morality of the war.
Stars: Steve Staley, Steve Kramer, Debra Rogers, David Ellenstein
Votes: 1,874
20. KILL la KILL (2013–2014)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
A young girl arrives at a school of superhumans to find out the truth behind her father's murder.
Stars: Ami Koshimizu, Aya Suzaki, Toshihiko Seki, Shin'ichirô Miki
Votes: 16,775
21. Armored Trooper VOTOMS (1983–1984)
TV-MA | Animation, Action, Drama
The end of the 100 year war between the planets Bavalant and Melkia does not allow Melkian soldier Chirico Cuvie a moment of peace. His accidental involvement in a clandestine mission ... See full summary »
Stars: Hozumi Gôda, Shigeru Chiba, Banjô Ginga, Kazuko Yanaga
Votes: 228
22. Galaxy Express 999 (1978–1981)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
The adventure of a young boy on board a space train, as it travels to a myriad of incredible worlds.
Stars: Masako Nozawa, Masako Ikeda, Kaneta Kimotsuki, Kôji Totani
Votes: 530
23. Golgo 13 (2008–2009)
TV-MA | 1,250 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Duke Togo, a.k.a. Golgo 13, is a highly-skilled assassin hired only by those who pay top-dollar for his services - whether it's the FBI, CIA, industrial corporations or mafias. Regardless ... See full summary »
Stars: Hiroshi Tachi, David Wald, Chris Ayres, Mitsuo Senda
Votes: 522
24. Arcadia of My Youth (1982)
Not Rated | 130 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Space captain Harlock, the latest in a family of proud aerial warriors, begins his journey to free the oppressed Earth from the despotic Illumidas Command.
Director: Tomoharu Katsumata | Stars: Makio Inoue, Kei Tomiyama, Yûjirô Ishihara, Shûichi Ikeda
Votes: 1,021
25. Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984)
Not Rated | 114 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Earth braces for an invasion of giant male bionoids and their enemy, giant female bionoids.
Directors: Noboru Ishiguro, Shôji Kawamori, Katsuhito Akiyama, Tatsuya Kasahara | Stars: Arihiro Hase, Mari Iijima, Mika Doi, Michio Hazama
Votes: 3,427
26. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
After his hometown is destroyed and is traumatized, young Eren Jaeger vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction.
Stars: Jessie James Grelle, Bryce Papenbrook, Trina Nishimura, Yûki Kaji
Votes: 508,898
27. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
TV-MA | 83 min | Animation, Action, Crime
A cyborg policewoman and her partner hunt a mysterious and powerful hacker called the Puppet Master.
Directors: Mizuho Nishikubo, Mamoru Oshii | Stars: Atsuko Tanaka, Iemasa Kayumi, Akio Ôtsuka, Kôichi Yamadera
Votes: 156,700 | Gross: $0.52M
28. Gunbuster 2: Diebuster (2004–2006)
27 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
A young girl leaves her home to be a space pilot. She meets top pilot Lal'C during a space monster attack and joins the Solar Defense Force.
Stars: Yukari Fukui, Maaya Sakamoto, Miyuki Sawashiro, Mitsuo Iwata
Votes: 656
29. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (I) (2004)
PG-13 | 100 min | Animation, Drama, Mystery
In the year 2032, Batô, a cyborg detective for the anti-terrorist unit Public Security Section 9, investigates the case of a female robot--one created solely for sexual pleasure--who slaughtered her owner.
Directors: Naoko Kusumi, Mizuho Nishikubo, Mamoru Oshii | Stars: Akio Ôtsuka, Atsuko Tanaka, Tamio Ôki, Kôichi Yamadera
Votes: 40,278 | Gross: $1.04M
30. Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (1989)
Not Rated | 180 min | Animation, Action, Drama
In a space colony, a young boy discovers a cadre of terrorists and innocently decides to help them.
Stars: Daisuke Namikawa, Kôji Tsujitani, Megumi Hayashibara, David Hayter
Votes: 1,493
31. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
G | 86 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Votes: 379,611 | Gross: $1.11M
32. Urotsukidoji: Legend of the Overfiend (1989)
Not Rated | 108 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
The relative coexistence of the human world, demon world and beast world is soon to be disrupted by The Overfiend, an immensely powerful demon who'll be reborn after 3000 years to remake the world to his own liking.
Director: Hideki Takayama | Stars: Christopher Courage, Rebel Joy, Sonny Weil, Bick Balse
Votes: 3,662
33. Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem (2003)
Not Rated | 68 min | Animation, Adventure, Music
A continuation of the story told in the Daft Punk music videos "One More Time," "Aerodynamic," "Digital Love," and "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger."
Directors: Daisuke Nishio, Hirotoshi Rissen, Leiji Matsumoto, Kazuhisa Takenouchi | Stars: Romanthony, Thomas Bangalter
Votes: 15,556
34. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
PG | 119 min | Animation, Adventure, Family
When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashûin, Akihiro Miwa
Votes: 448,314 | Gross: $4.71M
35. Bubblegum Crisis (1987–1991)
TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
A female mercenary team, armed with unique power armor suits, battle the forces of the corrupt mega-corporation, Genom in futuristic Tokyo.
Stars: Yoshiko Sakakibara, Kinuko Ômori, Michie Tomizawa, Akiko Hiramatsu
Votes: 1,761
36. Hellsing (2001–2002)
TV-MA | 23 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
A British taskforce, lead by the daughter of the vampire hunter Prof. Van Helsing, battles the supernatural with the aid of two vampires.
Stars: Jôji Nakata, Yoshiko Sakakibara, Fumiko Orikasa, Steven Brand
Votes: 18,204
37. Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1988–1997)
TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Action, Drama
Various people, especially two rising commanders, cope with a massive continual space conflict between two interstellar nations.
Stars: Yûsaku Yara, Ryô Horikawa, Katsuji Mori, Nozomu Sasaki
Votes: 4,713
38. Astro Boy (1963–1965)
TV-Y7 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
As long as trouble's brewing across the universe, the small but powerful robot, Astro Boy, will have adventures, assisted by his mentor, Dr. Elefun.
Stars: Billie Lou Watt, Mari Shimizu, Esperanzita Martínez, Ray Owens
Votes: 1,040
39. Golgo 13: Queen Bee (1998 Video)
Not Rated | 57 min | Animation, Crime, Drama
Golgo 13 is hired to assassinate Queen Bee, the second-in-command of a South American rebel army, to prevent her from killing the United States democratic presidential nominee.
Director: Osamu Dezaki | Stars: Tarô Arakawa, John DiMaggio, Kinryû Arimoto, Denise Poirier
Votes: 815
40. Champion Joe (1980)
Not Rated | 153 min | Animation, Action, Drama
While serving his sentence in a Tokyo juvenile detention center, a wandering orphaned slum-dog enters the world of professional boxing after befriending an incarcerated pugilistic prodigy.
Directors: Yoichiro Fukuda, Yasuharu Hasebe, Tetsuya Chiba, Osamu Dezaki | Stars: Teruhiko Aoi, Shôji Ishibashi, Jûkei Fujioka, Ryûtarô Tatsumi
Votes: 235
41. Mazinkaiser (2001– )
TV-14 | 210 min | Animation, Sci-Fi
In one of their epic battles, the Mazinger Team suffers a crushing defeat at the hands of Dr. Hell and his minions after Mazinger Z is stolen and its pilot, the legendary Kouji Kabuto, is ... See full summary »
Stars: Hiroya Ishimaru, Ai Uchikawa, Hiroshi Yanaka, Kôsei Tomita
Votes: 238
42. Blood: The Last Vampire (2000)
Not Rated | 48 min | Animation, Action, Horror
Saya is a Japanese vampire slayer whose next mission is in a high school on a US military base in 1960s Japan, where she poses as a student. She uses a katana/samurai sword to kill vampires.
Director: Hiroyuki Kitakubo | Stars: Yûki Kudô, Saemi Nakamura, Joe Romersa, Stuart Robinson
Votes: 13,293
43. Shin Jeeg (2007– )
23 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
The story of Kotetsushin Jeeg takes place fifty years after the original and features a new cast of characters - primarily the new main character Kenji Kusanagi, a high school student and ... See full synopsis »
Stars: Jun'ichi Suwabe, Daisuke Ono, Kana Ueda, Susumu Chiba
Votes: 39
44. Ninja Scroll (1993)
Not Rated | 94 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A vagabond swordsman is aided by a kunoichi and a spy in battling a demonic clan of killers - led by a ghost from his past - who are bent on overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Director: Yoshiaki Kawajiri | Stars: Kôichi Yamadera, Emi Shinohara, Takeshi Aono, Osamu Saka
Votes: 40,682
45. Lupin the 3rd: Episode 0: The First Contact (2002 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 90 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
A news reporter interviews Jigen about how he first met Lupin.
Director: Minoru Ôhara | Stars: Kan'ichi Kurita, Eiko Masuyama, Gorô Naya, Kiyoshi Kobayashi
Votes: 495
46. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979–1980)
TV-14 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In the war between the Earth Federation and Zeon, a young and inexperienced crew find themselves on a new spaceship. Their best hope of making it through the conflict is the Gundam, a giant humanoid robot, and its gifted teenage pilot.
Stars: Hirotaka Suzuoki, Tôru Furuya, Toshio Furukawa, Kiyonobu Suzuki
Votes: 2,772
47. Cyber City Oedo 808 (1990–1991)
TV-14 | 120 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In 2808 A.D., three convicts are conscripted by the Cyber Police to fight crime in the hi-tech metropolis of Oedo - while being forced to wear collars that can kill them at any time.
Stars: Hiroya Ishimaru, Kaneto Shiozawa, Tesshô Genda, Norio Wakamoto
Votes: 2,311
48. Fight! Iczer-1 (1985 Video)
Not Rated | 100 min | Animation, Horror, Sci-Fi
Iczer-1 needs to stop the Earth invasion by the evil Cthuwulf and she needs to now find a partner to defeat the forces of evil.
Director: Toshiki Hirano | Stars: Arisa Andô, Beau Billingslea, Lilly Browne, Steve Bulen
Votes: 215
49. Macross Zero (2002–2004)
35 min | Animation, Action, Drama
In the year 1999 a huge extraterrestrial battleship crash-landed on Earth, bringing the human race in contact with very advanced technology.
Stars: Ken'ichi Suzumura, Sanae Kobayashi, Yuka Nanri, Akira Kamiya
Votes: 1,046
50. Marriage of God & Soul Godannar!! (2003–2004)
TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
Go and Anna have to join the fight against aliens, on their wedding day.
Stars: Takayuki Kondô, Mai Nakahara, Hilary Haag, Brett Weaver
Votes: 72
51. The Dagger of Kamui (1985)
Not Rated | 132 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
An orphan named Taro killed who Tein-Hei told her was the killer of his family. Taro found out, years later that Tein-Hei is the true killer and the man he killed was his father. Taro's ... See full summary »
Director: Rintarô | Stars: Hiroyuki Sanada, Mami Koyama, Tarô Ishida, Yuriko Yamamoto
Votes: 792
52. Appleseed (1988 Video)
TV-14 | 71 min | Animation, Action, Crime
In a vast futuristic city, built on the ashes of the third world war, a police officer and her cyborg partner fight terrorism.
Director: Kazuyoshi Katayama | Stars: Masako Katsuki, Yoshisada Sakaguchi, Toshiko Sawada, Toshio Furukawa
Votes: 3,039
53. Spirited Away (2001)
PG | 125 min | Animation, Adventure, Family
During her family's move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits, and where humans are changed into beasts.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Daveigh Chase, Suzanne Pleshette, Miyu Irino, Rumi Hiiragi
Votes: 848,018 | Gross: $10.06M
54. The Super Dimension Century Orguss 02 (1993–1995)
30 min | Animation, Short, Action
Years of political tension and mistrust between the two rival nations of Zafran and Revillia escalate to the point of war. Each nations solution: to gain possession of Decimators, the same ... See full summary »
Stars: Shinichiro Ota, Heidi Lenhart, Naoko Nakamura, Bryan Cranston
Votes: 177
55. Casshan (1973–1974)
TV-14 | Animation, Action, Adventure
A scientist turns his willing son into a cyborg and sends him out into a post-apocalyptic world to hunt down his first creation, a homicidal robot dictator and his vast army of mechanical soldiers.
Stars: Ikuo Nishikawa, Reiko Mutô, Kenji Utsumi, Emiko Tsukada
Votes: 190
56. Project A-Ko (1986)
Unrated | 86 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A plucky, super-powered redhead finds herself saving her crybaby best friend from an amorous, bikini armor-clad classmate at their new school and aliens seeking to bring her home.
Directors: Katsuhiko Nishijima, Shigeru Morikawa | Stars: Miki Itô, Emi Shinohara, Michie Tomizawa, Julia Braams
Votes: 1,473
57. Fist of the North Star (1984–1988)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
After a nuclear war turns Earth into a lawless wasteland, Kenshiro, a practitioner of the deadly master art "Hokuto Shinken", fights a succession of tyrannical warriors to restore order.
Stars: Akira Kamiya, Shigeru Chiba, Teiyû Ichiryûsai, Tomiko Suzuki
Votes: 3,569
58. Black Magic M-66 (1987 Video)
48 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
A freelance reporter discovers that two killer androids are running loose and have a little girl for a kill target.
Directors: Hiroyuki Kitakubo, Shirow Masamune | Stars: Yû Mizushima, Ichirô Nagai, Shinji Ogawa, Yoshiko Sakakibara
Votes: 1,317
59. Genesis Climber Mospeada (1983–1984)
TV-PG | 625 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A warrior named Stig Bernard and a bunch of other rebels and soldiers must fight a deadly alien race and track down their ruler.
Stars: Bin Shimada, Hisao Ôyama, Hirotaka Suzuoki, Sanae Miyuki
Votes: 274
60. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
PG | 117 min | Animation, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Warrior and pacifist Princess Nausicaä desperately struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyôda, Gorô Naya
Votes: 182,324 | Gross: $0.50M
61. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
G | 94 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
The Clock family are four-inch-tall people who live anonymously in another family's residence, borrowing simple items to make their home. Life changes for the Clocks when their teenage daughter Arrietty is discovered.
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi | Stars: Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, Mirai Shida
Votes: 104,172 | Gross: $19.20M
62. Devilman (1987–1990)
TV-MA | 57 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
Devilman faces the tortoise demon Jinmen and birdwoman Shiranu.
Stars: Show Hayami, Alan Marriott, Yû Mizushima, Adam Matalon
Votes: 1,857
63. Lupin III: The Fuma Conspiracy (1987)
Unrated | 73 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Lupin and his gang are called to action when Goemon's fiancé is held hostage by a mysterious ninja clan.
Director: Masayuki Ôzeki | Stars: Toshio Furukawa, Banjô Ginga, Mami Koyama, Kaneto Shiozawa
Votes: 983
64. Baoh the Caller (1989 Video)
50 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Doress, a Japanese "black projects" organization, has been gathering psionics and making biological weapons to "make Japan superior". When one of the biological experiments, BAOH, escapes ... See full summary »
Director: Hiroyuki Yokoyama | Stars: Jim Clark, Sandy Clubb, Chuck Denson Jr., Mark Franklin
Votes: 824
65. Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (1985–1986)
TV-14 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Drama
Eight years after the One Year War, the Earth Federation creates an elite force called the Titans to hunt Zeon remnants. When Titans proves to be no better than Zeon, the Anti Earth Union Group (AEUG) is formed to restore peace in space.
Stars: Nobuo Tobita, Shûichi Ikeda, Hirotaka Suzuoki, Miyuki Matsuoka
Votes: 1,545
66. Birth (1984)
80 min | Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
Brother-and-sister heirs to a planetary kingdom face danger as they embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Director: Shin'ya Sadamitsu | Stars: Mîna Tominaga, Kazuki Yao, Ichirô Nagai, Kaneto Shiozawa
Votes: 174
67. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Not Rated | 89 min | Animation, Drama, War
A young boy and his little sister struggle to survive in Japan during World War II.
Director: Isao Takahata | Stars: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Akemi Yamaguchi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Votes: 309,897
68. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)
PG | 137 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Kaguya is a beautiful young woman coveted by five nobles. To try to avoid marrying a stranger she doesn't love, she sends her suitors on seemingly impossible tasks. But she will have to face her fate and punishment for her choices.
Director: Isao Takahata | Stars: Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, James Marsden
Votes: 53,913 | Gross: $1.51M
69. Metal Skin Panic MADOX- 01 (1987 Video)
Not Rated | 48 min | Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Koji Kondo is a young mechanic who finds the Madox-01. He gets stuck inside the machine before he finishes reading the manual. He must now evade the government and find his girlfriend before she disappears forever.
Director: Shinji Aramaki | Stars: Yasunori Matsumoto, Michael McGhee, Scott Simpson, Yôko Asagami
Votes: 367
70. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
PG | 104 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The life and misadventures of a family in contemporary Japan.
Director: Isao Takahata | Stars: Yukiji Asaoka, Tôru Masuoka, Masako Araki, Hayato Isohata
Votes: 15,932
71. Dead Leaves (2004)
Not Rated | 55 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Two aliens awaken on Earth with no recollection of their past and embark on a devastating crime spree but are sent to an infamous lunar penitentiary named Dead Leaves.
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi | Stars: Kappei Yamaguchi, Takako Honda, Yûko Mizutani, Mitsuo Iwata
Votes: 4,410
72. Megazone 23 Part II: Please Give Me Your Secret (1986 Video)
Not Rated | 82 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Framed for murder and on the run, Shogo Yahagi must make contact with EVE to determine the fate of everyone on board Megazone 23, which is under attack from the alien Dezalg.
Directors: Yasuo Hasegawa, Ichirô Itano, Katsuhisa Yamada | Stars: Kazuki Yao, Maria Kawamura, Shigeru Chiba, Kôichi Hashimoto
Votes: 365
73. Vampire Hunter D (1985)
Not Rated | 80 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
When Doris Lang is chosen as the next bride for the vampire Count Magnus Lee, she will hire a mysterious vampire hunter known only as D in an attempt to escape her ill-gotten fate.
Director: Toyoo Ashida | Stars: Kaneto Shiozawa, Michie Tomizawa, Seizô Katô, Satoko Kifuji
Votes: 17,499
74. Megalo Box (2018–2021)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
Junk Dog, an underground fighter with the alias of "Gearless Joe" sets out to join the worlds most prestigious mecha boxing championship, Megalonia.
Stars: Yoshimasa Hosoya, Michiyo Murase, Shirô Saitô, Hiroki Yasumoto
Votes: 3,830
75. Ping Pong the Animation (2014)
TV-14 | 275 min | Animation, Drama, Sport
Five ping pong prodigies learn to navigate the harsh climate of competitive sport and the even more frightening realm of self realization.
Stars: Kôki Uchiyama, Aaron Dismuke, Micah Solusod, Alan Chow
Votes: 4,787
76. Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac (1986–1989)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A group a young warriors known as 'Saints', each in possession of a 'cloth' guarded by a different constellation, must protect the reincarnation of the goddess Athena as she attempts to keep the Earth from being destroyed by evil forces.
Stars: Hideyuki Tanaka, Tôru Furuya, Ryô Horikawa, Kôichi Hashimoto
Votes: 11,143
77. Dangard Ace (1977– )
30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Planetary Robot Danguard Ace is a Japanese science fiction anime series created by Leiji Matsumoto in giant robot genre.
Star: Akira Kamiya
Votes: 76
78. My Hero Academia (2016– )
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A superhero-admiring boy enrolls in a prestigious hero academy and learns what it really means to be a hero, after the strongest superhero grants him his own powers.
Stars: Daiki Yamashita, Justin Briner, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Clifford Chapin
Votes: 78,025
79.
Shootfighter Tekken (2002– )
Episode:
Shootfighter Tekken: Round 1
(2002)
Not Rated | 45 min | Animation, Action, Sport
High school student Kiichi is on the fast track to martial arts super-stardom. An expert in the deadly Nanshin Shadow Style, he faces the challenge of his life: the long-awaited grudge ... See full summary »
Director: Yukio Nishimoto | Stars: James Carter Cathcart, Marc Diraison, Masakatsu Funaki, Dan Green
Votes: 30
80. New Getter Robo (2004)
25 min | Animation, Sci-Fi
Creatures called the Oni have attacked the planet earth, so a scientist creates three mecha robots. The strongest of these robots is called Getter Robo, which three men pilot it, a martial artist, criminal leader and a monk.
Stars: Beau Billingslea, Kirk Thornton, Jamieson Price, Lex Lang
Votes: 110
81. Cyborg 009 (2001–2002)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Nine super-powered cyborg soldiers join forces to combat Black Ghost, the terrorist organization which they were originally created to serve.
Stars: Takahiro Sakurai, Mugihito, Satsuki Yukino, Simon Prescott
Votes: 536
82.
Violence Jack (1986–1990)
Episode:
Violence Jack, Part 2: Hell City - Evil Town
(1988)
Unrated | 58 min | Animation, Action, Drama
The World as we know it has been torn apart shattered by a series of natural disasters that have turned civilization into a brutish nightmare of survival and has left whole cities buried ... See full summary »
Director: Ichirô Itano | Stars: Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Bob Sessions, Arisa Andô, Chieko Honda
Votes: 342
83. Mazinger Z (1972–1974)
30 min | Action, Animation, Sci-Fi
Teenager Koji Kabuto pilots the amazing super-robot Mazinger Z to avenge its inventor (his grandfather) against the Mycene Empire, led by the evil mad scientist Doctor Hell.
Stars: Jôji Yanami, Hiroya Ishimaru, Isamu Tanonaka, Osamu Katô
Votes: 1,506
84. Redline (2009)
Not Rated | 102 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
A story about the most popular racing event in the galaxy, the Redline, and the various racers who compete in it.
Director: Takeshi Koike | Stars: Takuya Kimura, Yû Aoi, Tadanobu Asano, Yoshiyuki Morishita
Votes: 17,168
85. Megazone 23 (1985 Video)
Not Rated | 81 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In 1980s Tokyo, a young motorcycle enthusiast discovers that the transforming bike/mecha entrusted to him by his murdered friend holds the key to the true nature of his world.
Directors: Yasuo Hasegawa, Noboru Ishiguro, Ichirô Itano | Stars: Masato Kubota, Maria Kawamura, Mîna Tominaga, Mayumi Shô
Votes: 724
86. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The adventures of Earth's martial arts defender, Son Goku, continue with a new family and the revelation of his alien origins. Now Goku and his allies must defend the planet from an onslaught of new extraterrestrial enemies.
Stars: Jôji Yanami, Kyle Hebert, Masako Nozawa, Sean Schemmel
Votes: 87,676
87. Wings of Honneamise (1987)
Unrated | 121 min | Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi
In an alternative Earth, a young astronaut participates in a controversial fledgling space program.
Director: Hiroyuki Yamaga | Stars: Leo Morimoto, David Thomas, Mitsuki Yayoi, Heidi Lenhart
Votes: 5,752 | Gross: $0.06M
88. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002–2005)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Crime
The futuristic adventures of a female cyborg counter intelligence agent and her support team.
Stars: Shirô Saitô, Atsuko Tanaka, Osamu Saka, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn
Votes: 20,925
89. Ponyo (2008)
G | 101 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A five-year-old boy develops a relationship with Ponyo, a young goldfish princess who longs to become a human after falling in love with him.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki | Stars: Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Tomoko Yamaguchi
Votes: 163,187 | Gross: $15.09M
90. Voices of a Distant Star (2002)
TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Short, Drama
The love of Japanese high school students Mikako Nagamine and Noboru Tera is tested when Mikako is sent to fight aliens in a distant universe and voice mails to and from Earth become months to years in transmission.
Director: Makoto Shinkai | Stars: Mika Shinohara, Makoto Shinkai, Sumi Mutoh, Chihiro Suzuki
Votes: 9,633
91.
Violence Jack (1986–1990)
Episode:
Violence Jack, Part 3: Hell's Wind
(1990)
Unrated | 60 min | Animation, Action, Drama
The survivors of Kanto's Hell Earthquake built a new city and christened it "Hope Town". However, this peaceful town becomes a nightmare when it's raided by the motorcycle gang, "Hell's ... See full summary »
Directors: Osamu Kamijô, Akihiko Nishiyama, Takuya Wada | Stars: Unshô Ishizuka, Kappei Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi Kobayashi, Run Sasaki
Votes: 292
92. Battle Royal High School (1987 Video)
60 min | Animation, Action, Drama
Hyoudo Riki is just an ordinary guy who likes to wear a tiger mask while Kung-Fu fighting, which means he fits in real well at BATTLE ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL.
Director: Ichirô Itano | Stars: Shin Aomori, David Arnold, Ralph Brownewell, Pierre Brulatour
Votes: 276
93. Zambot 3 (1977–1978)
30 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
When alien invaders come to Earth, the Jin family reveals its alien nature. Their ancestors came to Earth from planet Biar, after it was conquered by the army of Gaizok, who is now aiming ... See full summary »
Votes: 85
94. Mononoke (2007)
TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Fantasy, Horror
A mysterious man called the Medicine Seller travels along feudal Japan, uncovering and slaying evil spirits called "Mononoke".
Stars: Takahiro Sakurai, Michael C. Pizzuto, Eiji Takemoto, Yukana
Votes: 2,972
95. Blue Comet SPT Layzner (1985–1986)
24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In an alternate 1996, the US and USSR take the Cold War to Mars. A group of teenage cadets, the Cosmic Culture Club, are sent as a message of goodwill to both sides by being assigned to the... See full summary »
Stars: Eriko Hara, Masaharu Satô, Kôichi Hashimoto, Minoru Inaba
Votes: 50
96. Gatchaman (1972–1980)
TV-PG | 26 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A team of bird-themed superhero ninjas battle the menace of Galactor, a technologically advanced international terrorist organization determined to conquer the world.
Stars: Katsuji Mori, Isao Sasaki, Kazuko Sugiyama, Yoku Shioya
Votes: 859
97. 009-1 (2006–2007)
TV-MA | Animation, Action, Crime
What would happen if the Cold War was still at large?
Stars: Yumiko Shaku, Hôchû Ôtsuka, Grant James, Jessie James Grelle
Votes: 231
98. Little Witch Academia (2013)
TV-Y7 | 26 min | Animation, Short, Adventure
Inspired by a magician named Shiny Chariot, the lively Akko Kagari enters the Little Witch Academy with the dream of one day becoming as cool and great as her idol.
Director: Yô Yoshinari | Stars: Megumi Han, Fumiko Orikasa, Michiyo Murase, Yôko Hikasa
Votes: 2,262
99. Riding Bean (1989 Video)
Not Rated | 46 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
A superhuman outlaw courier and his female partner/manager are framed for the kidnapping of a millionaire's daughter.
Directors: Yasuo Hasegawa, Yasunori Ide, Osamu Kamijô, Masahiro Tanaka, Shin'ya Ôhira | Stars: Hideyuki Tanaka, Naoko Matsui, Mami Koyama, Kei Tomiyama
Votes: 1,088
100.
Shootfighter Tekken (2002– )
Episode:
Shootfighter Tekken: Round 2
(2002)
Not Rated | 45 min | Animation, Action, Sport
Iron Kiba challenges Key-bo's father to a death match, only to be refused time and again. A scheme is hatched to send an assassin against Key-bo in order to bring Key-bo's father to seek revenge. Key-bo must fight or die!
Director: Yukio Nishimoto | Stars: Mitsuo Iwata, Michele Knotz, Rachael Lillis, Yuka Mori
Votes: 25
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