By Admin 
Remember when watching anime was considered uncool? Yeah, thank god we’re past that phase. Because there are so many excellent pieces to explore. We are witnessing a high rise in manga readership and anime. Whether it’s seasonal shows or genre-specific movies, there’s something for everyone. A popular fan-favorite are Studio Ghibli movies. The plots and visuals are worth every bit of hype, however, we need to talk about some underrated flicks too.
If you are an anime lover on the lookout for some hidden gems, we’ve got not one but eight recommendations for you! Let’s dive in!
1. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl
Tipsy and topsy-turvy. Have you ever felt like the intoxicated you can take on the world? Well, this movie brings that idea to life. Wholesome interactions, dance battles, silly blunders and so much more. This movie is definitely a comforting watch for millennials and Gen-Z both. Not only is the plot gripping but the animation is amazing too. It emphasizes the essence of youth even at its silliest. Every character has an aura that engages you until the end.
2. Inu-Oh
This 2021 release is a visual and sound treat. What starts as a gentle tale of friendship develops into a strong political and social criticism. Using rock/opera genre to represent a historical event is a first. One that Inu-oh executes perfectly. This movie was presented at several international film festivals and received a lot of praise, and rightfully so. Bizarre and fantastic, it’s a mystical story that grabs your attention and keeps you hooked.
3. Paprika
Deviating from the whimsical themes, let’s talk about a mature piece; Paprika. Fair warning, not every anime is meant for children and this movie is a great example. There are many triggering and intense themes that we’d recommend not exposing young viewers to. Most scenes even feel like a fever dream you can’t shake off. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s an absolute masterpiece. The limitations and curiosity of the human mind are fascinating areas, and Paprika explores them masterfully.
4. Pompo the Cinephile
Lights, camera, action! This is for every cinephile out there. Relatable characters, cinematography, heartfelt plot, you name it, this movie has it. It dives deeper into the art of making movies via the essence of loving them. While the themes are obvious, the story is wonderful enough to retain your attention. The characters have been designed to fool you; they may look young and amateurish but they’re insightful and deep. The exciting color palette and animation further add to its charm.
5. Perfect Blue
Cerebral and mysterious. You can’t see what’s coming next. It’s layers upon layers of secrets and we can’t depend on the main lead. She’s just as caught up as we are. A story that has been designed to drive you crazy with codes and symbols. The animations pull you in and leave you amazed. For a 1997 film that paints a haunting image around stardom, identity, and obsession, this movie was way ahead of its time. If you want a mind-bending thriller, this movie is for you. However, please be mindful of the triggers before jumping in.
6. Angel’s Egg
This 1985 Sci-Fi is a puzzling experience. The internet is filled with countless interpretations of the religious imagery, messages, and themes surrounding the movie. This is unlike any anime movie you’ve ever experienced. The animation is beyond excellent, but if you are not an interpretive watcher, this might feel slow. It has mesmerizing sceneries with the potential to be wallpapers, but it doesn’t mean it’s an easy watch. The lack of dialogue further intensifies the mystery and leaves you thinking ‘what did I just watch?’
7. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
This is known to be one of the most expensive anime movies so far. Watercolor painting combined with animation meant a lot of work. This is why it took almost 8 years to complete and release this film. Shadowing, shots, color palettes, everything has been chosen carefully. Anime lovers can surely enjoy it for its engaging plot and impressive animation. It’s detailed, intense, and an ode to the classic animation style in Japan. If you want a fair mix of story and visual appeal, this movie is a must-watch.
Most of these movies are available on streaming platforms to watch. If your internet connection is fast, you can enjoy these non-stop and if not, well, what are you waiting for? Skim through reliable internet providers to find a suitable match.