To outsiders of the medium, modern televised anime is generally recognized by a uniform style. Ask anyone on the street to name the tropes, and without hesitation, they will likely start a list: big eyes, cutesy feminine characters, skimpy outfits, saturated colors, fantastical beasts, and a lighthearted atmosphere. Others might immediately note the films of Studio Ghibli, or nostalgic shows from their childhood like Pokemon or Naruto, appealing to a more universal audience.
Regardless of association with the subject, most people will recognize the appeal of at least one visual style available in anime, and those who dive in further will often find themselves awestruck by many of the beautiful works that fall under the radar of the pop anime market. Taking a departure from artistically-driven shows that are more commonly referenced (Redline, FLCL, Evangelion, etcetera), here are some more overlooked anime series with visually striking art unlike anything television has ever seen before.
10 Mononoke
This avant-garde horror anime is pulled straight from a haunted painting, with every frame oozing style and texture. Mononoke, a spin-off of the 2006 horror anthology Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, follows the character “the medicine seller” as he exorcises demons plaguing his land.
Mononoke is a visual treat, with an unmatched colorful flow that perfectly contrasts its horrific imagery. At first glance, any viewer will be captivated by its unique style.
9 Genius Party
Genius Party and its sequel anthology, Genius Party Beyond, collect short films from some of the biggest names in the anime industry. With twelve shorts total, all strikingly original, this is a fantastic look at what independent animators can do with full creative freedom.
These compilations are a beautiful accompaniment to the Ani*Kuri15 series that aired on the Japanese TV station, NHK. However, Genius Party gave many of the same animators a larger platform to work on, rather than being restricted to the minute-long segments of the latter project, and the added freedom shows through in the final product.
8 Paranoia Agent
The late director Satoshi Kon’s second-to-last venture in large scale animation, Paranoia Agent is not only a visually beautiful work of art, but another deep look into Kon’s philosophy about entertainment, self-image, and dreams.
Much like Kon’s other work, Paranoia Agent requires some analysis to truly appreciate, but on a surface level, the visuals and plot tie together perfectly into an unforgettable experience. Fans of shows like Twin Peaks, Psycho-Pass, or other crime dramas will find themselves perfectly enthralled with this surreal hunt for an elusive killer.
7 Space Dandy
From director Shingo Natsume, alongside Shinichirō Watanabe of Cowboy Bebop fame, Space Dandy is a dandy guy… in space!
Space Dandy follows the comedic adventures of Dandy, a bounty hunter exploring the depths of space. The series brings to the table some of the best animators in the industry, including Bahi JD (Promare), Yoshiyuki Itô (Ghost in the Shell), and Gosei Oda (Spirited Away). While much less serious in tone than its predecessors, Space Dandy is a pinnacle of the medium, with breathtaking animation and unmatched charm and humor.
6 Ergo Proxy
Often overlooked in favor of its sister series, Ghost in the Shell, Ergo Proxy takes another shot at the age-old question of “what does it mean to be human?” Strikingly sleek in its presentation, the series foregoes the colorful futurism of sci-fi like Blade Runner and instead follows a darker, post-apocalyptic version of the cyberpunk theme.
Though Ergo Proxy was a little later to the party than some of the genre’s more popular entries, its fans revere it nonetheless as one of the best pieces of cyberpunk media.
5 Kemonozume
From Madhouse Studio, the renowned gods of art direction in anime, Kemonozume (directly translated to “Beast Claw”) is a monstrous riff on the classic Romeo and Juliet formula. The series follows the forbidden romance between a martial-arts monster hunter and his biological rival, a woman who hides her true beastly form.
Kemonozume is another collaborative effort of several visual masters, equal parts slick and gritty, and stands tall as one of the best overlooked anime of the early 2000s.
4 Kaiba
Another Madhouse joint, Kaiba follows the titular character as he searches for lost memories. Taking a sharp turn from the traditional chibi anime style, Kaiba takes a visual middle-ground between classic Astro Boy and something a bit more abstract.
Noted by many as Masaaki Yuasa’s best work, this series is a wonderful take on love in a unique sci-fi environment, something not often seen in the film industry.
3 Tatami Galaxy
Another several-director project, Tatami Galaxy is a lighthearted comedy romance highlighting the heartfelt whimsy of young love with gorgeous color palettes and fluid animation.
Regarded by many as a perfect encapsulation of university life and a fast-waning youth, Tatami Galaxy is the type of series that sticks with its audience long after it’s over. From its touching writing to its poignant visuals, this one shouldn’t be missed.
2 Devilman Crybaby
While Devilman Crybaby’s eccentric style put many viewers off, this series became a cult favorite soon after its release. What initially looked like another colorful, charming feather in director Masaaki Yuasa’s cap quickly turned out to be the best adaptation of the titular demon yet, and proved to be a heartbreaking venture for those who stuck around.
Yuasa, who also previously co-directed Tatami Galaxy, is well known for his uniquely striking style. Crybaby is an emotional odyssey and a worthy contender for his best work.
1 Mushi-shi
This surreal anime, based on a manga of the same name, follows the travels of Ginkgo, a freelance folklorist journeying across Edo Japan. Most, if not all episodes follow an anthological structure as Ginkgo stops along his path to assist village folk with their supernatural afflictions.
Mushi-shi plays a lot like old Grimm tales, with many of its episodes highlighting a certain poetic philosophy or moral message. The original author, Yuki Urushibara, made sure to fill the world of the manga with beautifully original creatures, and the director went above and beyond to honor the whimsical creepiness of her original designs. While quiet and mundane in its initial presentation, Mushi-shi knows when to hit hard with its compositions and horror visuals.
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