With the arrival of Guillermo del Toro's PACIFIC RIM (2013) and its aspirations to pay homage to the world of anime and kaiju, while delivering a wholly original film of his own, there's no better time to step back and offer up some anime-related material worthy of your precious time, but probably only if you're open to animation.
For those looking into what the best anime has to offer maybe this short list will give you some ideas. This is THE SCI-FI FANATIC's edited take of the BEST 108 ANIME EVER as extracted from the now defunct ANIME INSIDER #11.I'll offer some brief assessments.
BEST OF ANIME ROMANCE:
5. LOVE HINA.
4. MARMALADE BOY.
3. SAILOR MOON.
2. KIMAGURE ORANGE ROAD.
1. HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES.
The number one HIS AND HER CIRCUMSTANCES (1998-1999) is a GAINAX coming-of-age classic. It's perfect for the teen set, incredibly funny and poignant.
BEST OF GIANT ROBOTS:
10. MACROSS PLUS.
9. MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM.
8. RAHXEPHON.
7. VISION OF ESCALOWNE.
6. THE BIG O.
5. SUPER DIMENSIONAL FORTRESS MACROSS.
4. GUNDAM SEED.
3. PATLABOR.
2. GUNDAM WING.
1. NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.
The number one NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (1995-1996), also by GAINAX, is highly influential, but even beyond that it is highly entertaining as a series in its own right.There are indeed elements of PACIFIC RIM lifted from series like NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.What are you waiting for?The hand drawn animation is exquisite and the Platinum edition looks amazing, but where is that BLU-RAY already?
BEST OF ACTION-ADVENTURE:
10. NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER.
9. NINJA SCROLL.
8. READ OR DIE.
7. DRAGON BALL.
6. LUPIN THE 3RD.
5. TRIGUN.
4. DRAGON BALL Z.
3. RUROUNI KENSHIN.
2. YU YU HAKUSHO.
1. INU-YASHA.
I don't tend to watch the action-adventure genre in anime, but, as a fan of GAINAX, I actually purchased NADIA: THE SECRET OF BLUE WATER (1990-1991) and watched this epic, mostly beautifully drawn series with my kids when they were young.It's a wonderful family-oriented series with terrific characters.The series also has some wonderful mech craft including the Nautilus (two versions), which I just recently got my hands on for a growing spaceship collection in the .
BEST OF SCI-FI:
5. GHOST IN THE SHELL.
4. MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO.
3. GHOST IN THE SHELL S.A.C..
2. COWBOY BEBOP.
1. AKIRA.
I can't recommend Mamoru Oshii's GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995) enough or his sequel film, GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE (2004), or the many series that have since followed.These are remarkably entertaining stories immersed in science fiction and big, profound ideas about humanity.
Next, if you've been a regular visitor here at MUSINGS OF A SCI-FI FANATIC you know I also covered .While it may not rank among my personal favorites and I may have watched it without the proper frame of mind at the time, it's still a substantial work and worth your time.It's cool.
Now Katsuhiro Otomo's AKIRA (1988) is a funny animal.It's another highly influential film and it's planned for live film adaptation, but I just never loved this film.I've seen it twice and its dystopian vision leaves me cold.It also lacks the kind of characterization I like in my films and television.
I actually prefer STEAMBOY (2004) and I have yet to see MEMORIES (1995) featuring Otomo's CANNON FODDER.
BEST OF THE WEIRD:
5. CAT SOUP.
4. PANDA GO PANDA.
3. SUPER MILK-CHAN.
2. DI GI CHARAT.
1. FLCL.
I haven't seen FLCL (2000), but I hear that it's, well, weird.But I love just about anything by GAINAX and I have it sitting on my shelf.One of these days.Any thoughts out there on this one?The animation is stunningly good as GAINAX once again works hand in hand with PRODUCTION I.G. who made such a splash with the truly awesome THE END OF EVANGELION (1997) and DEATH AND REBIRTH (1997).While we're on the subject of missed series, I also have GURREN LAGANN (2007) in queue.I hope I didn't make a mistake with it, but has been dubbed a much under appreciated GAINAX work.
BEST OF HORROR:
4. HELLSING.
3. PETSHOP OF HORRORS.
2. BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE.
1. BOOGIEPOP PHANTOM.
BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE (2000) inspired a run of anime series (BLOOD+ and BLOOD-C) and a live action film (2009).The live film is likely another example of style over substance but the Hong Kong actioner may be worth checking out.
This short film that really acts to establish PRODUCTION I.G. as a major player.It worked.The animation is exceptional, but there's not much to it.
BEST OF DRAMA:
5. HAIBANE RENMEI.
4. MILLENNIUM ACTRESS.
3. JIN-ROH.
2. PERFECT BLUE.
1. GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES.
The late great Satoshi Kon (1963-2010) delivered a series of wonderful films notably(2001), which I covered.His PERFECT BLUE (1998) also makes the list.He definitely ranks among the classic masters of the art form.Mamoru Oshii's early JIN-ROH (1999; Oshii delivered the screenplay) is also an impressive cautionary tale that really has some resonance today more than ever.His sometimes impenetrable style is an acquired taste, but he has an immense talent.One should really check out his MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (1988), PATLABOR: THE MOVIE (1989) and PATLABOR 2: THE MOVIE (1993).These are beautifully animated films with strong characters and stories for mature audiences.
Finally, Hayao Miyazaki's partner at STUDIO GHIBLI created a wartime masterpiece called GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES (1988).Roger Ebert called it one of the best war films ever made and it really is.It's heart wrenching and gorgeously animated like anything else from STUDIO GHIBLI.
THE BEST OF COMEDY and THE BEST OF GIRL POWER were omitted for obvious reasons.Not obvious?I'm just not into girl power.I like girls and I like girls with power, but I really don't have time for anime with girl power.
This list is all over the map, uneven and omits some serious contenders. Clearly there is also no differentiation in the list between picking films and TV Series. Then how on Earth does the list not select a single film from Master Hayao Miyazaki? Sorry, but as much as they get a selection or two right in my opinion, there are serious omissions throughout the list. This list is also fairly old so keep that in perspective.The landscape of anime has changed substantially.Still, where is BLUE SUBMARINE NO. 7, to offer just one example. GUNBUSTER (1988-1989), ROYAL SPACE FORCE: THE WINGS OF HONNEAMISE (1987) and others are also noteworthy. The fact these are not included is a major oversight. They do appear in Brian Camp and Julie Davis' ANIME CLASSICS ZETTAI! as they rightfully should.
I have highlighted my favorites in GREEN until I can compose THE SCI-FI FANATIC BIG 10 ANIME.
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