Top 20 Anime Movies To Watch Before You Die

When I published a starters guide to watching anime, the first item listed is "ask your friend." Today, I'll play the part of a friend introducing sharing my top 20 must-see anime movies.

This is a personal list, but I believe most of these will definitely be on some other anime fan's list.

1. Akira (1988)

This ultimate anime classic by Katsuhiro Otomo stands atop of the list for one reason - it's awesome. I saw it when I was really young and all I remember back then was the continuous destruction of some Japanese city and cool bikes.

2. Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

Directed by Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, this is one of the few older anime movies with fluid and consistent animation.

3. Grave of The Fireflies (1988)

1988 was a good year for ground-breaking anime. We have the sci-fi action-packed Akira, then we are offered with a chilling wartime movie by Ghibli through director Isao Takahata. 

4. Spirited Away (2001)

"Headache." That was all my friend said after watching the movie. This is a movie to blow your mind. A story of a child lost in a world where fantasy and magic are real. With the direction of Hayao Miyazaki, it bagged the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2001 

5. Nausicaa of the Valley of The Wind (1984)

A post-post-post-apocalyptic story on humanity and the need for survival. This pre-Ghibli production by Director Hayao Miyazaki is considered to be the blueprint for his succeeding works. 

6. Princess Mononoke (1997)

Another Hayao Miyazaki. A historical fantasy masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki with some of the most amazing and detailed fight scenes! 

7. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

A heartwarming, Christmas tale of three homeless buds (a drunkard, a runaway and a former drag queen) and a baby that will change their lives. Smooth character animation of relatable people. This must-watch movie during the holiday season was directed by Keiko Nobumoto.

8. Steamboy (2004)

The most expensive anime produced to date, Steamboy is set in an alternate Victorian world where steam is the main source of power. Produced by Sunrise and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. 

9. Ghost in the Shell (1995)

A digital action film by director Mamoru Oshii based on a manga of the same title by Masamune Shirow. This sci-fi digital-age classic is packed with realistic action sequences and stunning character, equipment and tools designs. 

10. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999)

Another film by director Mamoru Oshii. Jin-Roh takes a love story and put in the middle of a violent terrorist activities. Bloody and realistic, this political movie delivers the story in stark details.

11. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

12. Blood: The Last Vampire (2000)

13. Patlabor 2 (1993)

14. Ninja Scroll (1993)

15. Vampire Hunter D - Bloodlust (2000)

16. Apple Seed: Ex Machina (2007)

17. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)

18. Paprika (2006)

19. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

20. Origin: Spirit of the Past (2006)