Key insights
- Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha series that evolves into psychological horror, complex characters and emotional turmoil.
- Cowboy Bebop features episodic space travel, cool protagonists, action-packed scenarios and smooth jazz.
- Akira is a dystopian science fiction anime film with supernatural powers and fast-paced car chases.
There are so many successful anime released every year that they are constantly changing the landscape. From slaying demons to figuring out the complexities of longevity, anime can touch on so many genres through a variety of different art styles and stories.
While anime fans love everything new and shiny, going back to the nostalgic is always a good choice. There are so many classic anime that have aged well, while others wouldn't be considered classics until you look at the calendar. Here are some of the classic anime that you must watch.
8 Neon Genesis Evangelion
From mecha to horror
Neon Genesis Evangelion starts off like an average mecha series, but soon turns into a full-fledged psychological horror story. As the young EVA pilots fight to protect Earth from the ever-attacking angels, they must find it within themselves to defeat their inner demons.
The characters are complex and no one is without flaws. However, this only further emphasizes the fact that they are only human. Because of the way the production was handled, this is one of the most interesting anime of all time. With the budget cut, the anime soon reuses scenes and even uses colored pencil drawings for certain frames, but this only adds to the emotional turmoil these episodes convey.
7 Cowboy Bebop
Gentle jazz and an even gentler dub
Spike Spiegel is one of the coolest anime characters of all time. Just the way he moves, talks and handles his weapon is enough to make the guy really likeable. While the anime revolves around him and his fellow bounty hunters traveling through space, the series is quite episodic.
While most modern anime try to tell a cohesive story from start to finish, Cowboy Bebop has the luxury of taking it easy while building towards the climactic ending. This gives the viewer plenty of time to watch Spike and his crew get thrown into numerous action-packed and comedic scenarios.
6 Akira
The origin of the Akira film
Anime definitely loves dystopian and post-apocalyptic scenarios. Akira focuses on Kaneda and Tetsuo, whose friendship fails when Tetsuo begins to develop psychic powers. These powers are also the same ones that devastated Tokyo years ago.
If you've ever wondered where the Akira slide came from, you've come to the right place. This anime film has had such a huge impact on pop culture as a whole that it's impossible not to notice when it's referenced in animation. So if you love high-speed chases, supernatural powers and dark violence, then you've come to the right place.
5 Ghost in the Shell
No, not that ghost in the shell
This is Ghost in the Shell. No, not the film with Scarlett Johansson, but the original animated film. When a hacker named Puppet Master begins breaking into these augmented minds, Motoko Kusanagi must find a way to stop them.
Ghost in the Shell may have been introduced to the world over 30 years ago when it was first serialized, but the message still rings true even as our own world becomes more advanced. The same technology that makes things easier can also be misused, whether in the realm of fiction or reality.
4 Inuyasha
A romantic drama
Inuyasha may seem like a 90s anime at times, but in reality it is a product of the early 2000s. Inuyasha has managed to take the romance genre to a whole new level. While the blossoming love between Inuyasha and Kagome is always at the center of the story, there is also a fascinating and action-packed narrative.
When the Shikon Jewel shatters into pieces, Inuyasha must collect it before it grants power to the darkest of all beings. This show also has a lot of scary monsters running around, which can create frightening images for younger viewers. Revelations and twists also keep the story fresh and make you want to know more about Inuyasha's story.
Unhinged and off course
Full Metal Alchemist will blow your mind if you've only seen Brotherhood. As the manga was successful, Full Metal Alchemist received its first animated series in 2003. However, the story soon took a turn in a completely different direction.
The characters are written differently and their backstories and relationships were changed for the anime. While Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood may fill you with hope and triumph, the original anime goes in the opposite direction. It may not be for those who love happy endings, but if you're looking for an adaptation that sometimes goes a little deeper and fleshes out some of the characters a little more, then check this out.
2 Dragon Ball
What are performance levels?
Before Dragon Ball Z explored Namek, the androids, or even the monster Majin Buu, everything was much simpler. Dragon Ball is the original story in which Goku first meets Bulma and accompanies her on her journey to collect the Dragon Balls.
The plot takes a more traditional martial arts approach, with characters focusing on developing new techniques rather than resorting to transformations. Goku isn't at his best either, but you can see him develop from a naive child in the forest into the fighter he would eventually become. If you love the feeling of characters aging over time, then don't skip Dragon Ball before starting Z.
1 Yu Yu Hakusho
Spirits and psychic powers
Yu Yu Hakusho tells the story of a criminal who spends the last seconds of his life saving a child. This one act of kindness prevents Yusuke Urameshi from going straight to hell while those in charge debate what to do with him.
This results in him being sent back to the realm of the living, albeit with a new role as a ghost detective. With his new powers he fights demons, takes part in tournaments and solves puzzles. Slowly but surely, he begins to change his life as his changed attitude attracts friendlier company. It's a fantastic redemption story for those who love the ghostly and supernatural.
