-Fans of the popular genre all over have seen many famous, broundbreaking and often spectacular anime films, series and OAVs. The ever growing popularity of Japanese animation has gone beyond anything expected in the the United States and other countries. With the recent commercial releases of anime films and series on television and the big-screen, it's nice to see that so many new fans are appreciating this timeless form of art. Which was (In case you didn't already know) started in Japan nearly four decades ago. Many animes started it all, established the genre to what it is today. Often anime films are masterful pieces of filmaking in their own right. Titles that deserve high praise and historical significance in the world of Japanese animation. With knowing this, "The Anime Overview" has comprised a set of titles which we feel deserve to be in any anime hall of fame, as the top 10 most (both commercially and subjectively) influential animes. And with that statement, we give you the top ten... #1: (Mononoke Hime) Princess Mononoke -Legendary animator/director Hayao Miyazaki did it again, when he produced one of the most groundbreaking, remarkable and visually extravagant anime films ever made. Containing production values nearly exceeding all his past productions combined, and a thought-provoking epic storyline; "Princess Mononoke" opened the doorways for many new animators, and the success of anime worldwide. Such a masterful film proves once and for all that art has no boundaries, animation has no limit and that anime was a force to be reckoned with. #2: Akira -Otomo's classic sci-fi masterpiece of corruption, political unrest and secret government experiments easily became one of the most monumental anime films of all time. Spectacular animation holds great foundation to a complex and philosophical epic storyline. A cornerstone of the genre which has become a cult favorite amongst fans, making 'akira' worthy of a place in anime history. #3: (Pockect Monsters) Pokémon -The hugely successful company of "Nintendo" attempted one of the biggest gambles in videogame/anime/money-making history. In 1995, their gamble soon payed off. What came to be known as one of the most popular and successful animes of all time has now reached the interests of many young children and collectors all over the world. In the many forms of games, books, trading cards, television series and feature films; "Pokémon" has become a cult favorite. While 'ski-rocketing' the success of anime in the 90s, topping charts on T.V. in America and being a favorite amongst young fans everywhere; Pokémon has become an instant phenomenon, and quite possibly the biggest 'sleeper-hit' in anime history. The success and popularity which made the series a "household name", earns "Pokémon" a much deserving position in the anime top ten. #4: (Tetsuwan Atom) Astro Boy -In the early 1960s, the animation world witnessed the first signs of what was to become one of the most recognized and popular animation genres in history. Japanese animation had it's first taste of the mainstream with the release of "Astro Boy", which is definately a title anime could not be left without. A fantastic and classic series, one that will be remembered by anime fans. For without "Astro Boy", anime probably would not be as successful as it is to this day. A groundbreaking title in it's own right, and one of the first to make it to television in the U.S. Paving the way for the many great anime series and movies to come. #5: (Macross) Robotech -In all it's history, probably no anime was arguably more respected and successful than Robotech. A truly epic and often spellbinding series gained popularity in the 80s, and continues to be a favorite amongst fans to this day. As a huge groundbreaker the series influenced the debut of many anime in America, smashing the boundaries of many popular 'saturday morning cartoon' shows. The series introduced the many great qualities of anime television series. Robotech was an inspiration for the series of today, and will remain a favorite amongst anime fans. A definate classic. #6: Sailor Moon -One of the most popular anime sagas of all time was the story of a young girl and her friends' quest to defend against evil. A series which has made it's way into the hearts and living rooms of many devoted fans and young girls. While being a successful series as any, the show has gone beyond anything expected. The popularity of Sailor Moon never ceases to halt at any time, and only grows as more and more fans learn of the genre. The series has developed a genre in itself, one that most all fans can relate to. With that in mind, 'SM' earns a place as #6. #7: Dragonball Z -Several different series, countless characters and episodes along with a list of fans too long to even comprehend. Indeed, the success of the Dragonball universe has been amongst anime fans for a long while. Starting in the 80s while nearly finishing in the late 90s, the success of DBZ is as great as any. Perhaps what is even more amazing is the amount popularity of the series, which extended to several other countries outside Japan. But wherever one turns, one is bound to see some form of the anime classic. Praised to be the greatest action cartoon ever made, if there is one series that fits this description, Dragonball is it. #8: (Koukaku Kidoutai) Ghost In The Shell -"Ghost In The Shell" is arguably one of the most technically elaborate animes produced. While being the first anime to be theatrically released worldwide, gathering an array of critical praise, popularity and technological status equal to that of classics like "Akira"; the film was said by many directors and critics to be the "first truly adult animated film of the 90s". A distinctive and remarkable science fiction thriller paved the way for the growing success of anime in the U.S. A movie which gave rise to the term "Japanimation". "Ghost In The Shell" will no doubt, become a classic of Japanese Animation. #9: (Shinseiki Evangelion) Neon Genisis Evangelion -Director Hideaki Anno's masterful vision of a dark and advanced future was easily a series the world may not have been ready for. Just when fans thought they had seen everything, Gainax's masterpiece showed us that the success of anime was just beginning. The most controversial animated television series in history made it's debut in Japan of 1995. A success which soared into anime history, becoming the most popular anime show of it's time. While containing enough fantastic art to stir the imagination, and enough defying subject matter to break the boundaries of all animes that ever came to pass; NGE became an instant phenomenon. The series established a new standard for the quality of the genre, becoming a popular favorite amongst fans. Anno's brilliance is only overcomed by his ability to bring fans such fantastic epic stories, ones which challenge the imagination. NGE is truly made out to be the great anime show it really is, earning this title a position as #9. #10: (Uchuu Senchen Yamato) Star Blazers -The timeless, classic animation epic pushed the boundaries of the mainstream, offering a taste of things to come. Stellar animation, fantastic characters and an involved storyline were all important aspects of this 70s hit. Like many great titles, this series established Japanese animation to be a respectable and competitive genre. One which challenged the cliche to the epic, the average to the excellent; and the remarkable world of anime. These aspects make "Star Blazers" a true pioneer of Japanese animation. Of all the classic animes, it is truly one of the greatest of them all. Hot Turkeys (Tied For #11): Mobile Suit Gundam (all or most of them), Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" (now, likely #1), the "Tenchi Muyo!" saga & "Cowboy Bebop". Back To Main Page