Entertainment
Top 20 Series About Small Towns With Dark Secrets
15. Howl's Moving Castle
Howl's Moving Castle is a whimsical, anti-war fantasy where a cursed young woman finds purpose inside a walking steampunk fortress. With its dreamlike animation and unforgettable castle design, it’s one of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic works. | © Toho
14. Barefoot Gen
Barefoot Gen delivers a brutally honest look at the Hiroshima bombing, based on the real experiences of a survivor. Its raw, unforgettable imagery set a precedent for war-themed anime and left a lasting mark on how animation can tell real human stories. | © Herald Enterprises
13. Paprika
Paprika is a wild ride through the subconscious, with dazzling dreamscapes and reality-bending visuals that only Satoshi Kon could deliver. It inspired films like Inception and remains a bold, brilliant farewell from one of anime’s most visionary directors. | © Sony Pictures Entertainment
12. Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke combines myth, nature, and war in one of Studio Ghibli’s most powerful epics, helping bring Hayao Miyazaki global recognition. Its influence can be seen across movies, anime, and games – from Avatar to The Legend of Zelda. | © Miramax Films
11. Ninja Scroll
Ninja Scroll helped push anime into Western adult audiences in the '90s with its bloody sword fights and gritty supernatural action. Its stylish violence and martial arts flair left a mark on everything from Naruto to The Matrix. | © Toho
10. Your Name
Your Name became a global sensation thanks to its breathtaking visuals, emotional storytelling, and unexpected twists. It cemented Makoto Shinkai’s place as one of anime’s top directors and showed that modern romance anime could reach worldwide acclaim. | © Toho
9. The Tale of the White Serpent
The Tale of the White Serpent was the first color anime feature film, opening a new chapter for animation in Japan. Based on a classic Chinese folktale, it helped bring traditional stories to global audiences and paved the way for future anime films. | © Global Pictures
8. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train broke records and expectations, turning a seasonal anime arc into a blockbuster event. It set a new standard for anime films by proving that canon stories could thrive on the big screen. | © Toho
7. Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell helped shape cyberpunk as we know it, blending futuristic action with big questions about identity and consciousness. Its influence is everywhere, from The Matrix to modern sci-fi, and it remains a must-watch for anime and tech fans alike. | © Shochiku
6. The End of Evangelion
The End of Evangelion is a surreal, intense finale that reimagines the ending of the original series in a more graphic, emotionally raw way. Love it or not, it cemented Evangelion's status as a landmark in psychological and philosophical anime. | © Toei Company
5. Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is a heartbreaking look at war through the eyes of two children trying to survive in post-WWII Japan. It’s widely regarded as one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made – animated or not. | © Toho
4. Akira
Akira shattered Western assumptions about anime being just for kids, introducing a gritty, hyper-detailed vision of sci-fi dystopia. Its impact on animation, cyberpunk, and pop culture is still being felt decades later. | © Toho
3. The Dull Sword
The Dull Sword is the oldest surviving anime, dating back to 1917, and it only runs four minutes. Found in an antique shop nearly a century later, this silent short laid the foundation for an entire medium to grow. | © Kobayashi Shokai Ltd.
2. Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue is a gripping psychological thriller that dives into the dark side of fame and identity. Satoshi Kon’s debut film didn’t just unsettle audiences – it inspired directors like Darren Aronofsky and helped redefine what anime could tackle. | © Rex Entertainment
1. Spirited Away
Spirited Away helped put anime on the global map, becoming the first non-English animated film to win an Oscar. Its surreal world of spirits, stunning hand-drawn animation, and emotional depth made Studio Ghibli a household name. | © Crunchyroll
