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From the creative plotlines of Studio Ghibli to the gripping tales of Makoto Shinkai, anime movies have grown beyond mere entertainment. They’re now a major global influence, impacting world cinema.
Over the past 20 years, these films have spread far and wide, gaining universal popularity. They present audiences with an attractive blend of detailed animation, compelling storylines, and wide-ranging genres. Though they originate in Japan, these movies have broken the bounds of regional cultures and stand tall in the limelight of the entertainment industry.
As we dive into the previous anime movies that have stood the test of time, we explore how these movies have thrived, leaving an unforgettable mark on people’s hearts across continents.
Black Jack 21 (1996)
If you love Osamu Tezuka’s famous medical show, “Black Jack”, you’ll appreciate the movie “Black Jack 21”. Released in 1996, the plot of the movie revolves around a skilled surgeon Black Jack, who deals with tough medical situations and moral choices.
The movie earned praise for its fine animation, deep characters, and thrilling plot, all traits that “Black Jack” is known for. It maintained the true essence of Tezuka’s original work while adding new layers to the story.
Is the Movie Related to the Game Black Jack?
Despite its title, “Black Jack 21” does not deal with gambling. Instead, it is a doctor drama that revolves around the complexity of life and death situations. There are no similarities with regard to theme and storyline. Even though both are worlds apart, the shared name may spark curiosity among fans of the game and people in general who may link the two streams together, creating an unexpected bridge between the realm of animated medical drama and the strategic world of Blackjack gaming.
Blackjack, a classical card game, isn’t new to casinos. Lately, it has gathered interest, particularly in online gaming circles. It’s a basic game with a competitive twist. This makes it a hit among casual players and serious gamers alike. Maybe it’s the popularity of online blackjack games that makes many people think that “Black Jack 21” is somehow related to the game, but whether you are a fan of online gaming or just enjoy watching anime movies, this one will definitely be an interesting choice.
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Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away, created by Hayao Miyazaki, turns the mundane into something special. It’s about Chihiro, a little child lost in a weird, puzzling world. Chihiro must navigate a bathhouse run by spirits to free her parents from a spell and while doing so she meets with incredible characters and overcomes several obstacles along the way.
Hayao Miyazaki was inspired to make this movie after spending his summer holiday with his family and five little girls. He saw them watching films that were not suitable for them, so he thought of creating a story where the young female protagonist would develop her strength from within.
The movie was highly praised upon its initial release in Japan. It made $395.8 million around the globe and became the biggest-earning movie ever in Japan’s history. The film held this title for 19 years until it was broken by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train in 2020.
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (2020)
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is a cinematic success, continuing the story of the well-known Demon Slayer anime series, the 5th season of which is underway. It follows Tanjiro Kamado and his friends as they explore strange happenings on the Mugen Train, fight against demons, and deal with their own struggles. While forming friendships and bonds, they untangle a plot that mixes action, feelings, and the supernatural.
The movie was praised for its integral narrative, intense emotionality, the nature of action scenes, and for its cinematography. In 2020’s pandemic, the future of cinema looked bleak and uncertain. Even so, the movie Demon Slayer collected a massive $507 million worldwide in ticket sales, earning the title of the year’s top money-making film. It was also the first time in history that a non-Hollywood movie topped worldwide charts for an entire year. In doing so, it broke numerous records including being Japan’s highest-grossing film ever.
The film was also honored with many accolades such as Animation of the Year at the 44th Japan Academy Film Prize and Best Animation Film at the 45th Hochi Film Award.
Your Name (2016)
Your Name is a romantic fantasy film that tells the story of two strangers who have never met, but experience each other’s lives through body swapping. As the plot unfolds, time and destiny come under siege by a celestial event that is visually stunning and emotionally resonant in this excellent anime film.
The film did great both in earning money and impressing critics. It made a whopping US$382 million around the globe, setting a record as Japan’s top money-making movie. It got some serious respect too, taking home prizes like Best Animated Feature at the 2016 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and at the 49th Sitges Film Festival.
Final Thoughts
From action-packed adventures to heartfelt romances, anime movies have gained global acclaim due to their admirable versatility and commendable plot lines.
Film enthusiasts owe a big thanks to fandoms and digital streaming. They’ve made these masterpieces accessible to anyone up for a watch. Now, movie lovers have a doorway to many interesting stories that they can enjoy.
