Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Alternative names: Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu, Gin’Eiden
Release year: 1988 – 1997
Genres: Action, Drama, SciFi
Episodes: 110
Stream available on: Available for purchase only
What is the anime about? For many decades, the Galactic Empire has been at war with the Alliance of Free Planets. Both sides are trying to achieve their own goals – while the Alliance attempts to defend democracy, the Empire seeks to suppress the rest of the galaxy.
Why should you see the anime? Legend of the Galactic Heroes is still regarded as a true milestone in military and political anime even after over 30 years. Although the art style has suffered a bit due to age, the characters and political backgrounds of the story are often still unmatched. While the series also has some weaknesses, such as some slow parts in the middle, it is overall an exciting and well-thought-out story that no anime fan should miss.
Akira
Alternative names: AKIRA
Release year: 1988
Genres: Action, Cyberpunk
Episodes: 1 (Film)
Stream available on: Available for purchase only
What is the anime about? In the heart of Neo-Tokyo, the protagonists Tetsuo and Kaneda belong to a motorcycle gang and enjoy speeding through the streets at night and engaging in battles with other gangs. However, after one of these conflicts, Tetsuo is captured by the military and subjected to various experiments that ultimately unleash psychic abilities within him. Kaneda tries to rescue his friend while Tetsuo’s growing powers become an increasing threat that may destroy the entire city once again.
Why should you see the anime? Akira is one of the award-winning anime films that the older generation may still remember. Since it is “only” a film, it can be watched rather quickly. Akira introduced many ideas that would later gain significance in the then still unexploited cyberpunk genre. Those who want to see many of the origins or simply want to watch a good, exciting film are well-advised here.
Grave of the Fireflies
Alternative names: Tombstone of the Fireflies, Hotaru no Haka
Release year: 1988
Genres: Drama
Episodes: 1 (Film)
Stream available on: Available for purchase only
What is the anime about? At the end of World War II, Japan is devastated by bombings. The two siblings Seita and Setsuka have lost their parents and home due to the war and now roam the land trying to survive. They struggle not only with hunger and illness but also with the apathetic despair of adults and the horrors that can arise in such a situation.
Why should you see the anime? “Grave of the Fireflies” is an anti-war film that carries particular significance at any time. The story is gripping and sometimes somewhat disturbing – but in any case, very moving. The film is quite far removed from the usual “anime madness” that one often – somewhat stereotypically – associates with this medium, and could thus also appeal to non-anime fans.
Do you have any other classics that you would label a clear “must-see”?
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