Studio Ghibli is the most famous Japanese animation studio worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. Known for financing and creating some of Japan’s best and most popular films, Studio Ghibli consistently delivers high-quality work. A significant factor in its success is co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, who directed many of their most acclaimed and beloved movies. But if you want to go further, watching anime outside of Studio Ghibli is also worth your time. Here are the best anime not made by Studio Ghibli.
1 Your Name (2016)
Mitsuha Miyamuzu, tired of the dull countryside, dreams of an exciting life in Tokyo. On the flip side, Taki Tachibana, who seems to be living Mitsuha’s dream, is busy building a future in architecture. But when a supernatural event causes them to switch bodies, they must adapt to each other’s lives without raising suspicion. Together, they communicate to unravel the mystery behind their extraordinary situation.
2 Old Man Z (1991)
Many early ’90s animes stand out for their stunning aesthetics. Each frame is richly detailed, characters are memorable and unique, and the plots are wildly imaginative. A prime example is the dark comedy “Old Man Z”. In this anime, a malfunctioning computer, seemingly possessed by an old man’s wife’s spirit, escapes from a hospital and causes chaos throughout the city as it pursues a dream of seeing the sea.
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3 Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Ghost in the Shell is a 1995 cyberpunk thriller by Mamoru Oshii, based on Masamune Shirow’s manga. Set in 2029 New Port City, inspired by Hong Kong, it follows cyborg agent Motoko Kusanagi as she hunts the hacker Puppet Master. The film explores human cyborgs and AI, using groundbreaking cel animation and CGI. Composer Kenji Kawai blends Japanese and Bulgarian music in the iconic opening song, “Making of a Cyborg.” Though a box office failure, the film gained a cult following, influencing works like The Matrix and earning a place as one of the best in anime and sci-fi.
4 Akira (1988)
Akira stands out as one of the most iconic Japanese animated films. This high-energy sci-fi masterpiece blends psychics, biker gangs, superpowers, and epic explosions in a futuristic “Neo-Tokyo.” While intense and sometimes overwhelming, its stunning visuals make Akira a unique experience. If you can’t find Akira in your area, use a free VPN, it’s worth it. The film showcases the incredible worlds and images that talented animators can create, solidifying its place in popular culture.
5 A Silent Voice (2016)
Shouya Ishida, a once-popular kid, bullies deaf classmate Shouko Nishimiya to gain attention. When Shouko’s suffering is discovered, Shouya takes the blame and becomes an outcast. Years later, burdened by guilt and regret, he seeks redemption and a chance to make amends.
“A Silent Voice” is a touching story of redemption that underscores the impact of thoughtless actions and the value of sincere apologies. Despite some criticism of its portrayal of deafness and underdeveloped supporting characters, its emotional depth and high production values have made it a favorite among anime fans.
6 Miss Hokusai (2015)
Miss Hokusai tells the compelling story of Ōi, daughter of the renowned Japanese artist Hokusai. In a society where women were not recognized, Ōi’s incredible talent was often overshadowed by her father’s name. This intellectual biopic weaves together episodes from Ōi’s life, illustrating her struggle and growth as an artist. Despite the challenges she faced, Ōi’s genius shines through, proving her artistic prowess was equal to, if not greater than, that of her famous father.
7 Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
Mari Okada’s directorial debut, “Maquia,” is an emotional rollercoaster that tugs at your heartstrings. The story centers on Maquia, a 15-year-old from the ageless Iorph race who can live for centuries. Amidst the chaos of war, she discovers a child survivor and makes the heartfelt decision to adopt and raise him as her own. Get ready to experience a tale of love, loss, and resilience.
8 Wolf Children (2012)
Hana, a typical college student, finds herself in an extraordinary situation when she falls in love with the last werewolf alive and has two wolf children, Ame and Yuki. Their family enjoys a peaceful life until Hana’s lover dies unexpectedly. Determined to raise her children away from societal judgment, Hana moves to the countryside. There, Ame and Yuki can grow up close to nature, free from discrimination.
Conclusion
Studio Ghibli’s animated films have long been box office champions in Japan and worldwide, winning countless awards and praise from critics and audiences alike. Their dominance in the anime film industry often overshadows non-Ghibli films. However, a few other anime films have also achieved notable success, tackling themes like artificial intelligence and featuring real-life Japanese locations. These films have made significant contributions to the anime industry through their engaging storylines, well-developed characters, and stunning animation.