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Subgenre Sampler

 
Ghost in the Shell: The New MovieGhost in the Shell: The New Movie (2015)
Dir. Kazuya Nomura
The groundbreaking cybernetic anime finds new life in this topical re–boot, as Japanese special ops uncover a web of government corruption…
Harlock: Space PirateHarlock: Space Pirate (2013)
Dir. Shinji Aramaki
Feat. Shun Oguri, Yu Aoi
An epic 3D–animated space opera based on the adventures of iconic anime character Captain Harlock, a space revolutionary determined to help…
Children Who Chase Lost VoicesChildren Who Chase Lost Voices (Journey to Agartha) (2011) Aro Favourite
Dir. Makoto Shinkai
This eye–watering love letter to the godfather of anime, Hayao Miyazaki, not only replicates, but in many ways surpasses Studio Ghibli's…
Halo LegendsHalo Legends (2010)
Spun–off from the popular X–Box video game franchise, this eight episode series explores the mythology and back–story of the HALO…
Loups=GarousLoups=Garous (2010)
Dir. Junichi Fujisaku
Confined to her home by a deadly virus, a shy 14–year–old girl ventures into the outside world when one of her online friends goes…
Eden of the East (TV Series)Eden of the East (TV Series) (2009)
Dir. Kenji Kamiyama
A sprawling, suspenseful anime series in the wake of popular narrative arc serials (i.e. LOST, FLASH FORWARD), this centres on an amnesiac man who…
Fullmetal Alchemist (TV Series)Fullmetal Alchemist (TV Series) (2009)
Two brothers scour a war–torn land for the Philosopher's Stone, a fabled relic which grants the ability to perform Alchemy in impossible ways.
King of ThornKing of Thorn (2009)
Dir. Kazuyoshi Katayama
An impressively realised anime set in a world beset by a "Medusa" virus which turns its victims into stone. Both visually and conceptually complex,…
RedlineRedline (2009)
Dir. Takeshi Koike
This turbo–charged anime spectacle centred on a death–defying racing tournament is an out–and–out thrill ride, with breakneck…
Sengoku Basara (TV Series)Sengoku Basara (TV Series) (Samurai Kings) (2009)
In the bloody Warring States Period, of feudal Japan, many generals fought in an endless struggle for power, but one man proved to be too big of a…
Summer WarsSummer Wars (2009) Recommended
Dir. Mamoru Hosoda
Stupendously entertaining hybrid of eccentric family comedy and technological dazzle, centred on the woes of a whiz kid who inadvertently sabotages…
ToTo (2001 Nights) (2009)
Two standalone stories from Yukinobu Hoshino’s manga "2001 Nights" are vividly rendered in this 3D–animation concerning fantastical but…
Batman: Gotham KnightBatman: Gotham Knight (2008)
Dir. Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Feat. Kevin Conroy, David McCallum, Parminder Nagra
From the producers of BATMAN BEGINS and the highly anticipated 'The Dark Knight' comes this stylish anime collection of six sequences tracing…
Sky Crawlers, TheSky Crawlers, The (2008)
Dir. Mamoru Oshii
Mamoru Oshii’s (GHOST IN THE SHELL) latest head–scratcher conceives an alternate World War II–reality around another conceptually dense…
Appleseed Ex MachinaAppleseed Ex Machina (2007)
Dir. Shinji Aramaki
Propulsive, bulked–up sequel to the hi–tech APPLESEED movie, continuing the exploits of its kiss–ass female heroine, now deployed…
Evangelion 'Rebuild' MoviesEvangelion 'Rebuild' Movies (1.11: You Are (Not) Alone, 2.22: You Can (Not) Advance, 3.33: You Can (Not) Redo) (2007-2014)
Dir. Hideaki Anno
The much repeated, much imitated anime makes its big screen debut as a ‘reboot’ of the landmark 26 episode series, following boy hero Shinji’s…
Ghost Hound (TV Series)Ghost Hound (TV Series) (2007)
Dir. Ryutaro Nakamura
Conceived by Masamune Shirow (GHOST IN THE SHELL), this genre–bending anime series concerns the experiences of three boys who can see into an…
Strait JacketStrait Jacket (2007)
Dir. Shinji Ushiro
Sorcerers battle a marauding demon race in this flashy, steam–punk adventure.
Vexille Vexille (2007)
Dir. Fumisiko Sori
Brawny sci–fi anime set in the year 2077, in which a special agent is sent to examine the capabilities of Japan’s robot technology, and its…
Aachi and SsipakAachi and Ssipak (2006) Recommended
Dir. Beom-jin Jo
Feat. Ryoo Seung-beom
Bawdy Korean anime imbues its puerile subject matter – where in a post–apocalyptic society, human excrement is the currency of choice –…
Bleach (TV Series)Bleach (TV Series) (2006)
Immensely popular anime series follows the supernatural adventures of a gifted teenager whose ability to channel the powers of a ‘Soul Reaper’…
Freedom (TV Series)Freedom (TV Series) (2006)
Dir. Joe Egender
Katsuhiro Otomo's distinctive character designs flavour this beautifully rendered seven–part anime serial, originally devised as a marketing…
Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex: Individual ElevenGhost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex: Individual Eleven (2006)
Dir. Kenji Kamiyama
Concluding sequel to THE LAUGHING MAN serves up the '2nd Gig' season of STAND ALONE COMPLEX as a reconstituted feature length film. See SOLID STATE…
Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex: Solid State SocietyGhost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex: Solid State Society (2006)
Dir. Kenji Kamiyama
High–end, feature–length addition to the GHOST IN THE SHELL universe, employing a futuristic, if baffling array of spectacular anime…
Origin: Spirits of the PastOrigin: Spirits of the Past (2006)
Dir. Keiichi Sugiyama
Thoughtful, cautionary tale of biological engineering gone awry. Like Miyazaki, this concerns itself with environmental matters through a…
PaprikaPaprika (2006) Recommended
Dir. Satoshi Kon
Mind–altering extravaganza of stolen dream technology from the anime trailblazer behind PERFECT BLUE, forged from the dir’s pet themes of…
Tales From EarthseaTales From Earthsea (Gedo senki) (2006)
Dir. Goro Miyazaki
The animated feature debut from Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao, based on Ursula K Le Guin's popular 'Earthsea' novels, this is a commendable addition to…
TekkonkinkreetTekkonkinkreet (2006)
Dir. Michael Arias
Notable Western–directed anime about two street kids defending their turf across a sprawling, fantastical cityscape. Involving yakuza muscle…
Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex: The Laughing ManGhost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex: The Laughing Man (2005)
Dir. Kenji Kamiyama
A compartment–sized crash course in the STAND ALONE COMPLEX universe, this two hour feature skillfully edits down the seven volume TV series…
GisakuGisaku (2005)
Dir. Baltasar Pedrosa
Spanish–anime hybrid concerns an alliance of samurai warriors pitted against a demonic ‘Master of Darkness’ hell–bent on destroying…
Karas - The Prophecy / The RevelationKaras - The Prophecy / The Revelation (2005)
Dir. Kei'ichi Sato
Large–scale, CG rendered anime concerns the battle for Tokyo between two guardian angels who weld various powers of the occult. Two volumes:…
Samurai 7 (TV Series)Samurai 7 (TV Series) (2005)
Dir. Toshifumi Takizawa
Daring anime update of Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI, set in a post–apocalyptic world where partly–bionic former samurai roam the wilderness…
Transformers Cybertron (TV Series)Transformers Cybertron (TV Series) (2005)
The Transformers revival continues with this latest addition to the popular animated series.
Appleseed - The MovieAppleseed - The Movie (Appurushîdo) (2004)
Dir. Shinji Aramaki
Muscular and violent anime set in a post–WW3 landscape, where a gung–ho woman warrior is captured and transported to a seemingly benign…
Dead LeavesDead Leaves (2004)
Dir. Hiroyuki Imaishi
Jittery and brutal anime from the makers of KAI DOH MARU, in which a pair of young amnesiac miscreants (Pandy and Retro) half–destroy a city…
Elfen LiedElfen Lied (2004)
Dir. Mamoru Kanbe
Anime TV series adapting the earlier part of a manga of the same name by Lynn Okamoto that was considered edgy in its time due to being pretty dark…
Final Fantasy VII: Advent ChildrenFinal Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2004)
Dir. Tetsuya Nomura, Takeshi Nozue
The second major feature film to emerge from the PlayStation game franchise (after FINAL FANTASY – THE SPIRITS WITHIN), this again encases some…
Gankutsuou (TV Series)Gankutsuou (TV Series) (Count of Monte Cristo, The) (2004)
Born into an aristocratic family in Paris, Albert sets out on a journey with his best friend, Franz, to escape his privileged yet dull life. They…
Gantz (TV Series)Gantz (TV Series) (2004)
Dir. Ichirô Itano
A kinetic and ultraviolent adaptation of Hiroya Oku's legendary 'manga' comics, beginning with the resurrection of several unconnected indivduals by…
Ghost in the Shell 2: InnocenceGhost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004)
Dir. Mamoru Oshii
Visually emphatic, conceptually flummoxing sequel to Mamoru Oshii's cyberpunk touchstone GHOST IN THE SHELL. Cybernetic detective Batou returns to…
Howl's Moving CastleHowl's Moving Castle (2004) Aro Favourite
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Yet another miraculous animated odyssey from Hayao Miyazaki, who finds a perfect vehicle in the English fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones, about a…
Naruto - The Movie(s)Naruto - The Movie(s) (2004-2014)
Dir. Tensai Okamura
The NARUTO series concerns its titular hero and his companions protecting the world from bands of rogue ninjas and other dangers in wait. In…
Otogi ZoshiOtogi Zoshi (2004)
Dir. Mizuho Nishikubo
A historical fiction series from the I.G. Anime production house (makers of NINJA SCROLL and KAI DOH MARU) that achieves a good balance of action,…
Paranoia Agent (TV Series)Paranoia Agent (TV Series) (Mousou dairinin) (2004) Recommended
Dir. Satoshi Kon
Beautifully animated and conceptually ambitious 'anime' TV series from the dir. of PERFECT BLUE, set in a present–day metropolis of social…
Place Promised in Our Early Days, ThePlace Promised in Our Early Days, The (2004)
Dir. Makoto Shinkai
Evocative and measured anime, which bases its sci–fi storyline around a future Japan divided by civil war into two islands separated by…
SteamboySteamboy (2004) Recommended
Dir. Katsuhiro Otomo
A rapturous adventure set in quasi–futuristic Victorian England, where a young lad is given a "steamball" to take care of and becomes slowly…
Transformers Energon (TV Series)Transformers Energon (TV Series) (2004)
Dir. Jun Kawagoe, Yutaka Sato
Fairly creditable sequel to the original animation series (following on from Transformers: Armada), with the Autobots and Decepticons living in peace…
Interstella 5555Interstella 5555 (The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem) (2003) Recommended
Dir. Kazuhisa Takenôchi
Quirky and well–crafted animated feature, which extends a series of music–videos by the French electronica group Daft Punk, which…
Kino's Journey (TV Series)Kino's Journey (TV Series) (Kino No Tabe) (2003)
Dir. Ryutaro Nakamura
Unusual and yet quietly rewarding Japanese anime about a young girl, Kino, who travels the world on her sentient motorcycle, Hermes, seeking wisdom,…
Planetes (TV Series)Planetes (TV Series) (2003)
The year is 2075 AD. The dream of working and living in the vast openness of space is now a reality. However, a new threat has arisen and if left…
Armitage - Dual MatrixArmitage - Dual Matrix (2002)
Dir. Katsuhito Akiyama
Set on a future Martian colony amid growing tensions between humans and cyborgs, this digitally–enhanced anime puts action above ideas, but…
Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex (TV Series)Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex (TV Series) (2002-2004) Recommended
Dir. Kenji Kamiyama
A surprisingly excellent television sequel to the classic 'anime' of 1995, this chiefly concerns the life of a female police officer in a special…
Haibane Renmei (TV Series)Haibane Renmei (TV Series) (2002)
Dir. Tomokazu Tokoro
Accomplished Japanese anime TV series that shuns the usual props – weaponry, robots, demons, spaceships – for a bittersweet tale of a…
Hellsing (TV Series)Hellsing (TV Series) (Herushingu) (2002)
Adapated from his own manga comicbook by Kouta Hirano, this concerns the battle of survival of the Hellsing Organisation, a shadowy group which looks…
Ichi The Killer - Anime VersionIchi The Killer - Anime Version (2002)
Dir. Shinji Ishidaira
An animated prequel to the ultra–violent Japanese thriller of the same title, this flashes back to explain how Ichi gained his psychopathic…
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed (TV Series)Mobile Suit Gundam Seed (TV Series) (Kido Senshi Gundam Seed) (2002)
In the Cosmic Era, mankind has developed into two subspecies: Naturals, who reside on Earth, and Coordinators, genetically enhanced humans capable of…
Spirited AwaySpirited Away (2002) Aro Favourite
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Feat. Miyu Hiragi, Miyu Irino
Animation visionary Hayao Miyazaki gets to fully unlock his boundless imagination through the otherworldly adventures of an innocent young girl that…
Cowboy Bebop - The MovieCowboy Bebop - The Movie (2001) Recommended
Dir. Shinichiro Watanabe
A full–length adventure for the bounty–hunting crew of the spaceship 'Bebop', pursuing a bioterrorist across the Martian…
Fruits Basket (TV Series)Fruits Basket (TV Series) (2001)
A teenage girl ingratiates herself to a mysterious family who are known to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac in this peppy comedy romance,…
Kai Doh MaruKai Doh Maru (2001)
Dir. Kanji Wakabayashi
Short though superbly animated fable of ancient Japan concerning a young girl who is raised as a samurai warrior in feudal times. From the…
Voices of a Distant StarVoices of a Distant Star (2001)
Dir. Makoto Shinkai
A short but compelling 'anime' that was also written and animated by dir. Shinkai. Set on a future Earth, where the looming threat of Tarsians…
Escaflowne: The MovieEscaflowne: The Movie (2000)
Dir. Kazuki Akane
Lavish, if much darker theatrical version of the popular anime TV series, reinventing its beloved heroine as a disenchanted high school girl…
MetropolisMetropolis (2000)
Dir. Rinataro
Visually splendid ‘future–noir’ set in a teeming, multi–leveled city, inhabited by several storylines: a detective quest, the…
Requiem From The Darkness (TV Series)Requiem From The Darkness (TV Series) (Kurayami no rekuiemu) (2000)
A supernatural anime series set in the Edo period, in which an aspiring writer, Momosuke, sets out into the troubled land to collect 100 ghost…
SprigganSpriggan (2000) Recommended
Dir. Hirotsugu Kawasaki
Spectacular ‘anime’ produced by Katsuhiro Otomo (AKIRA) that springs an elaborate futuristic plot, centred round the search for a…
Big O, The (TV Series)Big O, The (TV Series) (1999)
Dir. Kazuyoshi Katayama
Reasonably inviting anime series is set in the noirish future of an 'Art Deco' metropolis ("Paradigm City") where the inhabitants have, except for…
Dragonball Z (TV Series)Dragonball Z (TV Series) (1999)
A violent Japanese children’s animation that features standoffs between various good and evil characters. Rather repetitive after a while, though…
Jin-Roh: The Wolf BrigadeJin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999) Recommended
Dir. Hiroyuki Okikura
Feat. Michael Dobson, Mike Kopsa
Visually rich and tasteful ‘anime’ set in a slightly futurised post–WW2 Tokyo, where an anti–terrorist commando, suspended from duty,…
Now and Then, Here and ThereNow and Then, Here and There (Ima, soko ni iru boku) (1999) Recommended
Regarded for its unflinching depiction of ‘atrocities’ in a grim totalitarian society, this is an exceptionally bleak, if sufficiently grounded…
Cowboy Bebop (TV Series)Cowboy Bebop (TV Series) (1998) Recommended
Dir. Shinichiro Watanabe
Feat. Steven Blum, Beau Billingslea, Wendee Lee
The futuristic adventures of animated bounty–hunter Spike Spiegel and pals on the frontiers of the solar–system, newly colonised to…
Serial Experiments Lain (TV Series)Serial Experiments Lain (TV Series) (1998) Recommended
Dir. Various
A uniquely thoughtful Manga TV–Series concerning an introspective teenage girl who starts receiving emails from a deceased classmate and is…
Trigun (TV Series)Trigun (TV Series) (1998)
The $60,000,000,000 Man – Vash the Stampede is a wanted man with a habit of turning entire towns into rubble. The price on his head is a…
Princess MononokePrincess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) (1997) Recommended
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
A landmark animation that set box–office records in Japan and was a hit worldwide due to it’s stunningly smooth visuals, and complex,…
Rurouni Kenshin (TV Series)Rurouni Kenshin (TV Series) (Wandering Samurai; Legends of Kyoto; Tales of the Meiji) (1996-1999) Recommended
Dir. Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Beloved adaptation of the manga series of the same name by Nobuhiro Watsuki, about a former assassin in the early Meiji period who takes a vow never…
Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell (1995) Recommended
Dir. Mamoru Oshii
An Anime feature technically superior to AKIRA. There's car chases, shoot–outs, tongue–in–cheek dialogue aplenty, but where it…
LandlockLandlock (1995)
Dir. Yasuhiro Matsumura
Feat. Darryl Borden, Ally Coyote, Sarah Lafleur
Two–part techno mystical adventure features detailed anime character designs by Masamune Shirow, creator of GHOST IN THE SHELL.
MemoriesMemories (1995) Aro Favourite
Dir. Katsuhiro Otomo, Tensai Okamura, Kouji Morimoto
A unique triptych, threaded loosely by its dystopian–future theme, that integrates three very different narratives and animation techniques…
Neon Genesis EvangelionNeon Genesis Evangelion (1995) Recommended
Dir. Hideaki Anno
Iconic Japanese manga set in the yeat 2015 on an Earth devasted by wars, and suddenly invaded by nearly invincible extraterrestrial "angels". An…
Whisper of the HeartWhisper of the Heart (1995) Recommended
Dir. Yoshifumi Kondo
A bookish, teenage girl grows into maturity through her love for a lad who wishes to be an Italian–trained violin–maker. With only…
A.D. Police III (1994)
Angel Cop (1994)
All episodes on one tape.
Royal Space ForceRoyal Space Force (Wings of Honnemaise) (1994)
Dir. Hiroyuki Yamaga
Quality Anime feature distinguishes itself by taking its time to develop story and character, as well as boasting intricate animation. Score by…
Street Fighter II: The Animated MovieStreet Fighter II: The Animated Movie (1994)
Dir. Gisaburô Sugii
Bison, the ruthless leader of the international terrorist organization Shadowlaw, has been desperately searching for the greatest fighter on the…
Battle Angel AlitaBattle Angel Alita (Gunnm) (1993)
Adapted from the work of Yukito Kishiro, this anime concerns a refitted female cyborg, who rediscovers her lost fighting skills. Set in a distant…
Geno Cyber I (1993)
Geno Cyber II & III (1993)
Macross Plus: Complete CollectionMacross Plus: Complete Collection (1993)
Ninja ScrollNinja Scroll (1993)
Dir. Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Top rate period manga.
Wicked CityWicked City (1993)
Human and demonic worlds converge in this brooding anime horror, memorable for its sexually violent imagery and, in particular, its spider–like…
Doomed Megalopolis Pt.s 1 & 2 (1992)
Fist of the North Star (1992)
3 X 3 Eyes (1991)
Two parts two tapes.
Crying Freeman (1991)
Six part serial over 5 tapes Chapter 1: Portrait of a Killer Chapter 2: The Enemy Within Chapter 3: Retribution Chapter 4: The Hostages Chapter…
Legend of the Four Kings (1991)
Four parts on two cassettes.
Roujin ZRoujin Z (1991)
Dir. Hiroyuki Kitakubo
Futuristic morality tale from writer Katsuhiro Otomo (AKIRA) about a compassionate young nurse who is determined to help an elderly invalid strapped…
Cyber City Oedo 808Cyber City Oedo 808 (1990)
Three parts three cassettes.
Devil Man - The Demon Bird (1990)
Patlabor 2Patlabor 2 (1990)
First sequel to the cult movie based upon the Japanese anime TV Series concerning a future Tokyo, where Mobile Police enforce the law.
Violence JackViolence Jack (1990)
Dir. Takuya Wada
Feat. Minako Arakawa, Issei Futamata
Three–part compilation of post–apocalyptic, subterranean episodes from the creator of the DEVIL MAN series. Banned in Australia,…
AkiraAkira (1989) Recommended
Dir. Katsuhiro Otomo
Dazzling cyberpunk animated feature adapted from the cult comic books, it's a violent, anarchic, wildly ambitious ride through Neo–Tokyo in…
Dominion Tank Police (1989)
Four parts on two cassettes.
Legend of the Demon Womb (1989)
Legend of the OverfiendLegend of the Overfiend (Urotsukidoji) (1989)
A genuine Manga 'video nasty', this has all the trademark elements of sex, violence and the supernatural to enough of an extreme to ensure an…
PatlaborPatlabor (1989)
Dir. Mamoru Oshii
Feat. Shigeru Chiba, William Dufries
A more action–orientated film based on the Japanese anime TV Series. Set in a futuristic Tokyo where armoured Mobile Police enforce the laws,…
Venus Wars (1989)
Devil Man - The Birth (1987)
Project A-KoProject A-Ko (Purojekuto A-ko) (1986)
Amusing anime focused on three school girls and their run–ins with giant robots, aliens and butch woman. Will certainly entertain true anime…
Lensman (1984)
Space Adventure CobraSpace Adventure Cobra (1982)
Dir. Osamu Dezaki
Space opera at its soapiest – a rouge intergalactic criminal thwarts alien pirates, saves the universe, and gets the ladies in this retro anime…
Voltron: Defender of the UniverseVoltron: Defender of the Universe (1981)
A quintessential retro import by way of Japan that found its way onto afternoon TV screens in the eighties, this gleefully pre–empted POWER…
Castle of CagliostroCastle of Cagliostro (1980) Recommended
Dir. Hayao Miyazaki
Ground–breaking animated feature from the director of PRINCESS MONONOKE holds its own in today's high–tech animation environment. Based…
Space Firebird 2772Space Firebird 2772 (1980)
Dir. Taku Sugiyama
Futuristic Sci Fi anime conceived by the creator of ASTRO BOY sees a young cadet sent on a search to retrieve a mystical 'firebird', which may have…
Lupin the Third: Secret of MamoLupin the Third: Secret of Mamo (1978)
Dir. Soji Yoshikawa
The first in a popular series of films featuring "Lupin III" (based on the graphic novels by Monkey Punch), this nostalgically–styled manga…
GigantorGigantor (1965)
Pioneering Japanese animation in which young Jimmy Sparks defends the Earth against marauding aliens using a... gigantic flying robot. An influence…
Tokyo Babylon
Four parts two tapes

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