I've tried to keep everything on the list more obscure than Utena for the simple reason that I already expect most anime fans to have either seen or made plans to see, say, Neon Genesis Evangelion. I've also not included shows that I have yet to complete (Kyousougiga, etc.) or shows that I enjoyed and think are important but which aren't the sort of thing I spit coffee for hearing people haven't seen (Wolf's Rain, etc.), although I certainly could do more niche or specific addenda.
^ Kill La Kill is on the borderline of "too popular to put here," as noted, although I might add it retroactively thinking about it now, as it is a bit... odd, in reputation.
I have also mainly included Yona of the Dawn because it is The Good Reverse Harem Show, and Korean-inflected high fantasy is very rare in the West indeed. It probably doesn't qualify as a "YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT?!" show, but more people should watch it because it's pretty much guaranteed to get *really fucking good* as it goes on and, uhhh, at least two of the characters are so my type it's not even funny and I am soooo gross.
I have also mainly included Yona of the Dawn because it is The Good Reverse Harem Show, and Korean-inflected high fantasy is very rare in the West indeed. It probably doesn't qualify as a "YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT?!" show, but more people should watch it because it's pretty much guaranteed to get *really fucking good* as it goes on and, uhhh, at least two of the characters are so my type it's not even funny and I am soooo gross.
Not gonna lie, that bit about two characters being your type is one reason, albeit a ways down, as to why I'm checking it out.
Is it wrong that I get the impression that a lot of these give off an air of noticeably "weirdness" in their styling?
Most of these are fairly atypical, yes, although some are just here because I have to restrain my outrage at the universe when people haven't seen them, such as Totoro.
In terms of Miyazaki films everyone already knows and should see, Mononoke-hime and Spirited Away are the obvious choices, although I do feel like Howl's Moving Castle is one of the more *interesting* Miyazaki movies and thus worth recommending in its own right.
In terms of Miyazaki films everyone already knows and should see, Mononoke-hime and Spirited Away are the obvious choices, although I do feel like Howl's Moving Castle is one of the more *interesting* Miyazaki movies and thus worth recommending in its own right.
It's almost-impossible for me to conceive of a fandom in which most any Studio Ghibli film, particularly Totoro, would be "underrated," let alone severely. Not as talked about probably? But like, it's something I've seen everywhere from the randos just getting into anime (including growing up around the folks getting into it), an honorary mention in various blog-style places for anime films and anime in general, outright favorites, a warm reception among the critics... so on.
I recall not being as hot on Howl's Moving Castle on first blush compared to others, but warmed up to it. Should rewatch and read the book though.
I've met a distressing number of fans with mostly OK taste who have admitted to finding Totoro "boring," which has maybe coloured my thoughts on it being underrated insofar as any Ghibli film (that isn't Ocean Waves or something) can be. I've also met an alarming number of younger and even older fans who've just never seen it, which doesn't *happen* with something like Spirited Away or Kiki's Delivery Service.
totoro just seems like way more of a kids movie. i watched it after watching several other ghibli movies and it was just like, yeah, if i had watched this when i was younger i'm sure i'd love it.
Kiki's is directly on my to-watch list and what I've seen of it seems rather interesting.
Oddly, I'm not a huge fan of Spirited Away. It's fun and enjoyable, and easily recommendable to a wide audience, and it was better on the second watch, but still not something I got really into.
I feel like Totoro and Kiki's respectively really capture different phases of childhood in a way that a lot of children's movies don't, including the sad and scary parts, without any real forced conflicts.
Comments
Assassin poems, Poems that shoot
guns. Poems that wrestle cops into alleys
and take their weapons leaving them dead
Huh.
^ Kill La Kill is on the borderline of "too popular to put here," as noted, although I might add it retroactively thinking about it now, as it is a bit... odd, in reputation.
Oddly though I'm probably closer to watching RahXephon and Yona than Totoro.
Specifically either the sub or the original Streamline dub.
In terms of Miyazaki films everyone already knows and should see, Mononoke-hime and Spirited Away are the obvious choices, although I do feel like Howl's Moving Castle is one of the more *interesting* Miyazaki movies and thus worth recommending in its own right.
the book had wales and some kinda fucked up desert, while the movie had the demon dance scene
not sure if it is one free demons dance though
Oddly, I'm not a huge fan of Spirited Away. It's fun and enjoyable, and easily recommendable to a wide audience, and it was better on the second watch, but still not something I got really into.
Still glad I decided to add this to the end of the Garzey stream.