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“Mother of Flies,” a small independent film from Fantasia regulars the Adams family, has won the jury-selected Cheval Noir award for best film at the 29th Fantasia Film Festival.

Acquired by Shudder in advance of the festival, “Mother of Flies” is written and directed by John Adams, Zelda Adams, and Toby Posner and also stars the family trio, as well as daughter Lulu Adams. One of the buzziest films at the festival, it is also the first U.S. film to win Fantasia’s coveted Cheval Noir for Best Film.

In the Cheval Noir jury statement, jury president Pascal Plante wrote, “This might not be the film with the most means or the flashiest camerawork, but it’s a film that, in a meta way, reminds us why we even bother to make films in the first place. [It’s] an earnest film; a true indie that feels authentic, vital, and impeccably crafted.

One need only peruse the titles of some of the previous films by Belgium-based husband-and-wife directing duo Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani—included among them, “The Strange Colour of Your Body’s Tears” and “Let the Corpses Tan”—to get a loose yet sturdy idea of the sort of filmmaking they inhabit: namely, visually dynamic and narratively obscure genre pastiches indebted to the horror/thrillers of a time when a textured, hand-drawn poster and a snazzy title were enough to give even the most forgettable of exploitation flicks a sizeable shelf-life.

Not to say that Cattet and Forzani are coasting entirely on the creativity of their titles and the retro appeal of their marketing materials to elevate idle filmmaking. On the contrary, just five minutes into their latest, “Reflection in a Dead Diamond” (2025) is about all you’ll need to assess that these filmmakers are trying very hard to replicate a...

Four of the most legendary anime movies of all time will soon have a new streaming home in the United States. The Criterion Channel will be adding numerous new titles to its growing online platform this August.

Criterion's official website shared the news that four of Japan's most celebrated anime films would be added to The Criterion Channel in August 2025. The featured titles include the 1995 cyberpunk masterpiece Ghost in the Shell, an avant-garde anime film called Tamala 2010: A Punk Cat in Space, the 2006 psychological thriller Paprika, and 2009's sci-fi racetrack adventure Redline.

Criterion Channel Adds Legendary Anime Movies to Streaming Service

The Criterion Channel currently streams Naoko Yamada's Liz and the Blue Bird as well as five films by acclaimed Your Name and Weathering with Youfilmmaker Makoto Shinkai: 5 Centimeters Per Second, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, She and Her Cat...

Intended or not, the Criterion Channel’s programming of Maurice Pialat and Michael Roemer pairs two auteurs who spoke the same death-riddled language. August’s lineup will bring nine features and one short from the former, four features and one documentary by the latter, while series on Sammo Hung and Bigas Luna will combine the misery with something poppier, sexier, more violent––the perfect way to close out summer.

On the series side, “’90s Soundtrack Movies” finds the overlap between Lost Highway and Pump Up the Volume; a highlight of Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project features major works like Kalpana and Chess of the Wind; and a new anime program starts with Ghost in the Shell and Paprika. Criterion Editions feature The Red Balloon, Prince of Broadway, Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould, Trainspotting, Eastern Condors, and Deep Cover. Restorations of Michael Imperioli’s The Hungry Ghosts, Christophe Honoré’s Ma mère,...

Darren Aronofsky summer is upon us, as his ninth feature “Caught Stealing” hits theaters August 29. But the week before, his iconic 2010 ballerina-on-the-brink thriller “Black Swan” will return for a special IMAX 15th anniversary engagement on August 21 and 24. Searchlight Pictures will take the Best Picture nominee — and Best Actress winner for Natalie Portman — to more than 200 IMAX screens on August 21 and 24.

Directed by Aronofsky and shot by Matthew Libatique, “Black Swan” has been specially remastered for the IMAX format, joining recent premium retro screenings like the upcoming golden anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” and the 10th anniversary of Robert Eggers’ “The Witch.”

According to Searchlight, more plans to celebrate “Black Swan’s” 15th birthday will be announced throughout the year, and the company has released a brand new trailer (below) to get things started. Portman swept the movie awards season that year for her physically and mentally grueling portrayal of...

When it comes to anime movies and films, Studio Ghibli has established an unofficial monopoly in producing some of the best projects the industry has ever seen. The Japanese animation studio has not only produced Oscar-winning movies, but the constant success of Ghibli has overshadowed all the non-Ghibli anime movies within the anime community.

However, this doesn’t mean that there are no anime films that can compare themselves to Studio Ghibli’s greatest hits. In fact, some of them have given tough competition to Ghibli’s movies and thus deserve mainstream recognition in order to prove to the world that the world of anime is too big and expansive.

The universal recognition of these non-Ghibli anime films is necessary for other creators to gain the confidence they need to rival one of the greatest animation studios in the world.

1. Your Name (2016) Your Name anime movie | Credit: CoMix Wave Films

The 2016 Makoto Shinkai anime film,...

Unlike the majority of Western, English-language shows — with the exception of certain cartoons — an anime's opening theme song is still a major aspect of the viewing experience. Thanks to anime production being largely based around 13-episode cours, most anime will regularly get updated opening and ending themes. On top of that, plenty of anime have been lucky enough to get talented composers who genuinely care about creating quality background music for the episodes themselves.

Although several anime on this last are iconic classics of the medium, the fact that they have such strong soundtracks may often by overlooked thanks to the other reasons for their popularity.

The original English Pokémon theme set the tone for the next three decades

Thanks to the mind-boggling popularity of the Pokémon anime, right from the very beginning, the words "I want to be the very best" got burned into a generation of young minds.

In 2004, a peculiar series took a portion of the anime world by storm. Investigative stories can be compelling on their own, but Paranoia Agent brought something extra to the genre that still gives fans chills. The series was released at a time when anime wasn't nearly as popular as it is today, though, which means that it flew off the radar of many potential fans. In a couple of months, however, this will be corrected — Mvm announced that the series is getting a gorgeous steelbook Blu-ray edition, barely a year after its 20th anniversary. The special edition hits shelves on August 11.

Paranoia Agent centers around a series of violent crimes that start taking place in Musashino, Tokyo. In the incidents, people are attacked with a bat, and the attacker gets around the city on inline skates. The problem is, the only suspect is a little boy who, in theory, shouldn't...

Anime often hooks us with a bold opening, only to twist into something wildly different by the end. These shows evolve in tone, stakes, or style, surprising us with transformations that make their debuts feel like distant memories.

We’ve ranked 10 anime that shift dramatically from their first episode, from intriguing to jaw-dropping. Here’s why these series take you on an unexpected ride.

10. Hunter x Hunter (2011-2014) Madhouse

The first episode introduces Gon’s cheerful quest to become a Hunter like his dad. It feels like a light adventure, but the series dives into dark, complex arcs like the Chimera Ant saga.

The shift to gritty battles and moral dilemmas shocks us. We’re gripped by its unpredictable depth.

9. Gintama (2006-2021) Sunrise

Gintoki’s debut as a samurai odd-job worker sets up a goofy, episodic comedy. Later, it weaves in epic battles and heartfelt drama across sprawling arcs.

The...

Christopher Nolan, a name synonymous with greatness. His films have the power to alter reality, both literally and metaphorically. In recent years, he has created films like Oppenheimer, Tenet, The Dark Knight Trilogy, and many more.

Some have watched it, some haven’t, but one film has been watched by everyone. It is none other than his magnum opus, Inception. The film has established Nolan as a visionary who would push the limits of storytelling and create unreal effects that would leave one jumping in and out of reality.

The 2010 film is an embodiment of this notion, as it features a never-before-seen plot that sometimes starts hurting our brains. However, amidst the cinematic brilliance of the work, it leaves the question of whether he used a cult-classic Japanese film to recreate excellence like no other.

Is Christopher Nolan’s Inception a by-product of Paprika’s magic?

Most film connoisseurs and...

Netflix’s long-awaited adaptation of the beloved video game series Splinter Cell has now debuted footage for fans – and the reception has been glowing. Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is an animated adaptation of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, and has been developed by Ubisoft Film & Television and animation studios Sun Creature and Fost. The series is directed by Guillaume Dousse and Félicien Colmet-Daage, and finds John Wick and Nobody's Derek Kolstad on board as head writer.

After being announced all the way back in 2020, Splinter Cell: Deathwatch is now expected to land on the streamer this year, with Ubisoft execs recently showing several clips to eager fans at Annecy Animation Festival, who reportedly went "wild" over what they saw. As per a report by Deadline, the clips featured the series’ protagonist Sam Fisher, voiced by Ray Donovon , as he throws himself into epic fight scenes and car chases.

As...

Madhouse isn’t just a mere name, but it has weight to it. The animation studio has given us some of the massive hits over the decades. From Death Note to Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, their works are beyond impressive.

Then there’s One Punch Man that has its cherished fanbase, come to think of it. One of the reasons behind this is the Director, Shingo Natsume. He graced the industry with his brilliance, and his new project seeks to outdo this.

His collaboration with Madhouse for the upcoming movie seems favorable. It looks promising and refreshing, but there might be several reasons why this might exceed the audience’s expectations. How so? Well, let’s unpack this!

Madhouse and One Punch Man director announces new flick

If there’s one word to describe Madhouse, it’s versatile. The studio has worked on an array of projects over the years.

New details are emerging about the upcoming Splinter Cell animated series, Deathwatch. Ubisoft executives recently gave fans a sneak peek at the new Netflix adaptation.

Per Deadline, three clips were shown to audiences at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. This included the first appearance of Sam Fisher (voiced by Liev Schreiber), as well as an "epic fight scene and a car chase." Afterward, the creative team talked about how Tom Cruise's character in the Mission: Impossible franchise influenced the TV version of the popular video games, with the story now being set in 2025.

"It was interesting to have this aging character, not totally like the Tom Cruise version but more realistic, and more weathered by life," producer Hugo Revon said. He also talked about Liev Schreiber's contributions as the voice of Sam Fisher, saying, "His voice comes to life. It is so natural." Schreiber is bringing Fisher to...

Teased last September during Geeked Week, the animated TV series “Splinter Cell: Deathwatch” was the first Netflix title to be teased at the Annecy Animation Festival today.

An Ubisoft TV & Film Division project co-produced by Æsten and Fost Animation studios, the series dives deep into what made the “Splinter Cell” franchise successful: gritty realism, a stealth/espionage setting and geopolitical warfare.

Showcasing never-before-seen footage of the upcoming series, Ubisoft, Æsten and Fost teams presented their project to a captivated Annecy audience in the packed yet cozy setting of Salle Pierre Lamy.

What is “Splinter Cell”? Directly inspired by the works of American novelist Tom Clancy, the “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell” series launched in 2002 with the first video game iteration of the franchise, created by Ubisoft. The French studio, which had already launched another franchise based on Clancy’s “Rainbow Six,” captivated the video game community with harsh, riveting infiltration-based gameplay...

Delighted Splinter Cell fans were shown a trio of clips from the upcoming animated Deathwatch series today at Annecy as Ubisoft execs gave them a peek into the making of the highly-anticipated Netflix adaptation.

The audience at a packed Salle Pierre Lamy were shown three clips featuring the first appearance of protagonist Sam Fisher, voiced by Liev Schreiber, an epic fight scene and a car chase.

The creative team talked the crowd through the various influences that have had such an impact on the TV version, which fast forwards Fisher’s story to 2025. One of Ubisoft’s flagship franchises, the hugely popular game series follows Fisher, the highly trained agent of a fictional black-ops sub-division within the Nsa, dubbed “Third Echelon”, as he overcomes his adversaries. Having first been announced in 2020, the Ubisoft series will air later this year on Netflix.

Director Guillaume Dousse said he approached the immense task...

If you’ve ever watched a Hollywood blockbuster and felt, “Hey, this kinda feels anime-ish,” well, you’re not imagining things. Over the years, some of the most memorable and mind-blowing movies in the West have taken heavy inspiration from anime. And we’re not referring to superficial influences or “maybe kinda sorta” similarities. We’re referring to straight-up, “yoink that theme, add some budget, and roll camera” love letters.

Hollywood has always had a thing for anime’s over-the-top visuals, wild plots, and big ol’ existential meltdowns. From mecha warfare to dream-hopping craziness, anime has been the hidden ingredient in some of your favorite films. So buckle up, because we’re diving into five incredible movies that were inspired by anime. Some of these are obvious homages. Others? Well, after you know the source, you can’t help but see it.

1. Pacific Rim: The lovechild of mechs and mayhem...

It’s a fascinating time to be an anime fan. On one hand, Japan’s still pumping out hit after hit, like Jujutsu Kaisen, the Chainsaw Man, and Attack on Titan, and the fanbase keeps growing stronger. But on the other hand, there’s a new player quietly climbing up the ranks, and no, it’s not Korea with some random webtoon adaptation. It’s China. That’s right, Chinese animation, aka donghua, is slipping in the back door like a sleeper agent in a shonen anime.

And one of the greatest legends in the anime industry just raised the red flag. We’re talking about Masao Maruyama, the man behind not one, not two, but three powerhouse studios: Madhouse, Mappa, and M2. This man worked with legends like Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars) and helped bring us modern masterpieces like Pluto on Netflix. So when he says he’s concerned...

What is love? For some, it is mutuality––a chemistry, care, and concern that blossoms into an equally supportive relationship. For others, it is devotion––a one-sided, obsessional affection that the lover finds selfless.

Japanese idol group Happy Fanfare sing about love, but they’re not allowed to pursue their own––such is the “No Love” clause present in their contracts. Their romantic isolation is deemed vitally important to the business of idol stardom, allowing their male fans to hold onto the fantasy of the attainable yet unattainable female. This ideal is perpetuated by meet-and-greet sessions where the quintet express fond recollection of fans’ past gifts and comments. A parasocial relationship is nurtured, but the cracks start to show when reality creeps in.

Koji Fukada is known on the festival circuit for cool, often unsettling character dramas that put the family unit in flux. Love on Trial is something of a departure: a heartfelt,...

Crunchyroll’s Ani-May 2025 Celebration ( Photo Credit – Facebook )

Crunchyroll is kicking off Ani-May 2025 with a bang, and anime fans, whether new, seasoned, or just curious, are in for a month-long celebration worth tuning into. With a lineup of 20 hit series becoming available to stream at no cost, the platform opens the floodgates to a universe of genre-spanning stories, iconic classics, and fresh chart-toppers. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia of Cowboy Bebop or the adrenaline of Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling, the sheer variety guarantees there’s something irresistible in the mix.

Catch Up Before the Next Wave Hits

Besides, this isn’t just a content dump. Crunchyroll is giving fans more reasons to mark their calendars. The lineup features several titles that have either just wrapped or are preparing to make their return, so there’s a perfect storm of timing and hype. Solo Leveling, which finished its latest season to roaring applause,...

Crunchyroll's third annual Ani-May celebration is kicking off in style, with celebrations across global retail, digital and streaming from the biggest names in anime, including Solo Leveling , Kaiju No. 8 , Bananya , Toilet-bound Hanako-kun and more! Check out the full breakdown below of everything you can expect this Ani-May, from retailers like Hot Topic and Uniqlo, to exclusive merch and home video from some of your favorite anime series. In the United States and Canada: Uniqlo will be offering Crunchyroll 30-day free trial codes with eligible online Ut purchases, as well as special UTme! Collection designs from manga artist Remi Yamamoto, available at their NYC flagship stores. Yamamoto will also be creating live manga portraits on May 18 at the 5th Avenue location. Hot Topic will roll out special promotions, exclusive anime merch and more throughout the month of May in its U.S. and Canada locations and on its website.

Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon are big names in the anime industry. I have grown up watching both their works. Both have served cult classics that remain unparalleled in their respective genres. The works of both creators and directors have led to a huge international exposure.

Be it Perfect Blue and Paprika or My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, the works of these two mammoth creators are legendary. But the difference between the two has always stood out to me.

While both creators specialize in anime movies, their works could not be more different. While Satoshi Kon invokes a feeling of uneasiness and eeriness, Miyazaki loves creating whimsical and fantastical tales. In fact, they are the perfect parallels to each other.

Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon have perfectly contrasting approaches

Hayao Miyazaki mainly creates movies for children. His target has always been children, and adults are simply a secondary thought in his works.

Well, Twisted Devotion is a story which tells you what is going to happen before it shows you. Picture this – a world renowned pop-star who has no bodyguards, which makes her an easy target for kidnapping; her boyfriend who is a scapegoat and not the savior she needs, and lastly, a stalker who is as sensitive and scared as his victims.

Films about stalkers obsessed with people in the public eye have been a staple since as long as psychological thrillers have existed. From the Stephen King classic, Misery, where an obsessive fan rescues her favorite author after a car crash, only to kidnap him in order to compel him to rewrite the ending of his book according to her own liking; to the anime masterpiece Perfect Blue by Satoshi Kon, which elevates the para-social relationship of a fan and the object of their adulation, through a visually rich landscape...

Armie Hammer was long absent from the scene due to his legal troubles. The Call Me By Your Name star is finally making his comeback with a couple of upcoming projects. One of these projects has recently raised headlines after its original title, The Dark Knight, raised the eyebrows of Warner Bros. and Batman fans.

Now it is reported that the upcoming Armie Hammer crime thriller has changed its title after a friendly discussion with Warner Bros.

Armie Hammer in a still from The Man from U.N.C.L.E | Credits: Guy Ritchie/Lionel Wigram Films What do we know about Armie Hammer’s upcoming thriller?

Variety reports that Armie Hammer’s upcoming crime thriller under German director Uwe Boll has been renamed Citizen Vigilante. Earlier, the film was named The Dark Knight, which raised conversations for sharing similarity to Christopher Nolan‘s critically and commercially acclaimed Batman film.

Christopher Nolan worships James Bond, but his favorite 007 film? It’s one of the worst ever made. Not Skyfall, not Casino Royale, we’re talking full-blown guilty pleasure territory. And probably a good thing Bond producers turned him down.

If this mess inspired him, who knows what kind of cinematic chaos he had in mind for 007?

Christopher Nolan on the set of Oppenheimer | Credits: Universal Pictures Christopher Nolan’s favorite Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, is one of the franchise’s biggest misfires

Christopher Nolan loves On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The rest of the world, not so much. The 1969 Bond flick, starring one-and-done 007 George Lazenby, sits at a mediocre 17th place on IMDb’s Bond rankings — hardly the elite status you’d expect from the favorite film of Hollywood’s biggest Bond fanboy.

A still from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service | Credits: Eon Productions

Still,...

Adam Scott's Lumon Industries escapades on Apple TV+'s Severance got the world spellbound. The series is simple but effective in its deployment of a sci-fi dystopia. It's not shy about stillness, sparse dialogue, and the story twists slowly, simmering beneath the surface before finally boiling over. Severance takes its deceptively tame approach and weaves an existential dread to permeate the series. Season 2 is now in the rearview, an abundant success worth the three-year wait after Season 1.

Yet there's good news. All those ingredients audiences love about Severence can be found in an unlikely medium: anime. Anime pushes boundaries that the Ben Stiller-produced series loves to. Existential exploration into identities runs through realms that feel impossible to execute through conventional filming. Several standout anime mirror Severance's stylish aesthetic and its fascination with memory and self. Be sure to let your Innie know about the must-watch anime to serve as a Severance hold-over below.

Anime has become such a global phenomenon and an artistic style of its own that its influence — both in visuals and writing — can be felt in major Hollywood films. What's more, some of the most popular and respected filmmakers and actors in the industry produced these films. From sly nods to massive tributes, these Hollywood films made sure that audiences around the world knew how much they owed to anime's creative spirit.

It should be noted that these films wore their anime influences proudly on their sleeves, unlike the oft-cited Black Swan and Inception. In the latter's case, directors Darren Aronofsky and Christopher Nolan denied any overt or subtle similarities between their films to certain anime. Respectively, the late great Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue and Paprika.

Creed III's Fights Were Inspired More by Anime Than Real Boxing Streaming on Prime VideoImage via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures

When Michael B. Jordan...

Anime has given a lot to the world; there is no doubt that manga and anime have become mainstream sources of entertainment today. However, with the advancements in technology, AI-generated animation is rapidly infiltrating the anime industry.

One example that seems to push for the usage of AI and become the ‘poster’ is the anime Twins Hinahima. There have been many instances where we have seen AI being used.

Himari from Twins Hinahima | Credits: KaKa Technology Studios

Director Iizuka Naomichi (the one behind Twins Hinahima) argues that AI will create new “opportunities” for animators, but his vision ignores a fundamental truth that the anime industry has been built on the efforts of many giants who struggled to portray the best art they could.

Would the giants of anime approve?

There are many greats like Osamu Tezuka, Satoshi Kon, and Hayao Miyazaki who dedicated their lives to anime so future generations...

Since its surprising theatrical run, The Substance has established itself as an instant classic. It showcased incredible horror scenes and brilliant makeup effects and opened the door for other body horror films in the years ahead. Movies like Together have been picked up by major studios after The Substance‘s success, and there will undeniably be more body horror flicks in production because of Fargeat’s masterpiece. While we wait for those movies, let’s check out some of the great horror, comedy, and drama films that both inspired The Substance and will appeal to fans of the movie.

1. American Mary (2012) Directed by Jen Soska & Sylvia Soska

While The Substance is a little heavy on its themes around plastic surgery to maintain youth, American Mary never hesitates to make this part of the text. The indie horror film might not feature great performances, but it does nail a campy, hedonistic...

There’s no doubt Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai have made banger movies that took anime films’ popularity to a global level, and they do get a lot of love for that. But how can we forget there was another genius in the Japanese anime film industry that even Japanese people don’t talk about much nowadays? It’s none other than Satoshi Kon!

Satoshi Kon’s last film Paprika | Credit: Studio Madhouse

His movies are truly one-of-a-kind, blending psychology, social commentary, and stunning visuals in a way that’s still hard to replicate. From the mind-bending surrealism of Paprika to the eerie social commentary of Perfect Blue, each and every Kon’s films is extremely thought-provoking and also visually stunning.

Recently, industry insiders like Mappa founder Masao Maruyama and anime critic Ryusuke Hikawa shared the same feeling of losing sight of Kon’s contributions. They also believe this is...

Image Credit: Matt Lief Anderson With his music serving as a staple of Adult Swim’s ambiance, Flying Lotus, the producer name of Steven Ellison, was very likely the soundtrack of many fans’ formative anime years. For those who may not have heard his music while sneaking late night episodes of Trigun and Cowboy Bebop , you may have heard his works featured in series such as Carole & Tuesday and Yasuke , or felt his musical genius on Kendrick Lamar’s seminal release To Pimp a Butterfly amongst his many solo and collaborative releases. Ellison is so much more than a musician though. His directorial talents can be seen in music videos, short films, and feature length productions, with the latest of these being his sci-fi horror drama, Ash , for which he also did the music. He is not one to shy away from showcasing his love of anime, and that bled...

The best anime has to offer comes in many different formats — including feature films, which tell some of the medium’s most potent and highly acclaimed stories in a concise, dynamic manner. An incredible way to enjoy a spectacular narrative without excessive time commitments, anime movies also avoid many of the pitfalls longer series run into much more often.

A feature length film doesn’t have the luxury to include sprawling stories or narrative detours, resulting in every scene in the best anime movies being deliberate and serving the purpose of elevating the plot. Representative of many genres — and, sometimes, even entire franchises — the best anime films are faultless from beginning to end, not losing their audience’s attention even for a second.

Perfect Blue Contains Impactful Details in Every Frame Stream Perfect Blue on Apple TV

One of the most esteemed directors in the medium’s history, Satoshi Kon...

A prolific medium with titles to suit whichever form of entertainment the viewers desire, anime has no shortage of wide-ranging epics one could spend months catching up to, short and sweet one-cour shows to watch over the weekend, and multi-seasonal series perfect to enjoy at one’s own pace. An equally multifaceted category, anime movies offer self-contained, impactful narratives with minimal time commitment required.

Embarking on a completely new adventure and losing oneself in a novel, gripping story every day is entirely possible with anime films, leaping from imaginative high fantasy to grounded drama to thought-provoking science fiction. Some of the medium’s most acclaimed, trailblazing exemplars come as feature films, and, in today’s age of streaming, most of them are readily available to enjoy from the comfort of one’s home. With these incredible anime films, all a part of Crunchyroll’s expansive catalog, an entire week of riveting ventures awaits.

In the world of anime filmmaking, two names stand as titans for their craft: Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon. Though their creations are as varied as they can be in terms of tone, theme, and style, they share an undeniable mastery of storytelling that has left a lasting impact on both Japanese and international anime fans.

A still from Spirited Away. | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Miyazaki is famous for his whimsical, dreamlike tales that most often revolve around adventure, childhood, and environmental themes. Whereas Kon established a niche for grown-up, psychological fiction that blur the line between fantasy and reality. In many ways, Satoshi Kon was the perfect parallel to Hayao Miyazaki, a peer force whose brilliance existed in striking contrast to the Ghibli master’s warmth and accessibility.

Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki: Two masters of different dreams

Hayao Miyazaki is often regarded as an escapist filmmaker. His movies allows...

The strength of an anime series’ writing can sometimes be determined at first glance — be it in the context of series famous for their stellar narratives, like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Attack on Titan, or titles tied to acclaimed creators, like Satoshi Kon’s Paranoia Agent. However, not every anime’s merits are as easily discernible from the get-go, and some of the medium’s most narratively compelling exemplars end up being overlooked due to deceiving first impressions.

Powerful writing, nuanced characterization, and evocative thematic substance can sometimes hide in anime series that, to the casual eye, don’t stand out as particularly intelligent or competently written. These anime might not strike viewers as thought-provoking masterpieces initially, yet reward those who give them a shot with some of the most riveting writing in the medium.

Related10 Shows to Avoid If You're Just Getting Into Anime

From Berserk to The Promised Neverland,...

While he is celebrated as Edward Cullen, Robert Pattinson’s filmography as an actor is manifold. This is true for his roles in The King and Good Time where he nailed the accents and mannerisms. The same goes for his upcoming movie which is promising in terms of its premise and its inspiration.

Robert Pattinson in a still from Mickey 17 | Credit: A-24

Pattinson, in an interview, opened up about the influences behind the upcoming movie Mickey 17. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film draws influences and quirks from anime as revealed by the actor. This also, ties in well with the Japanese animation industry’s impact on Hollywood.

Robert Pattinson’s inspiration for Mickey 17

Robert Pattinson is a seasoned actor known for his roles in Twilight and Batman. Yet, the actor has a diverse roster of filmography that showcases his versatility. The Lighthouse and The Devil All The Time...

A boundless, multifaceted medium with a rich past and exhilarating present, anime is a diverse world of storytelling even the most ambitious and devoted of fans could hardly explore in its entirety. Nowadays, anime has gotten popular enough that most people have seen at least a few of the medium's greatest hits.

For some, however, anime represents much more than a casual deviation from familiar entertainment to enjoy from time to time — it’s a beloved hobby and a passion they explore with purpose. Completing 100 anime series is the first major milestone fans hit on their path from a casual viewer to a proper fan. This milestone, though, is still only scratching the surface of all the incredible narratives the anime medium offers. It’s an impressive accomplishment that signifies a person’s level of dedication and experience. With the expanded watchlist come telltale signs that one’s interest in...

A diverse and uniquely appealing medium with countless devoted fans, anime has long since established its niche in mainstream pop culture. What has been considered an obscure and commonly misunderstood hobby in the past has now evolved into a booming worldwide cultural phenomenon acclaimed by general audiences and critics alike.

However, even if anime is more internationally accepted now than ever, plenty of people - even those deeply engrossed in other visual storytelling mediums, like film and TV - are still prejudiced against it, not recognizing anime as worthwhile. Be it due to the intrinsic mischaracterization of animation as “childish,” the lingering negative stereotypes, or the simple lack of exposure; many refuse to give anime a fair chance. Thankfully, these incredible anime films could help even the most skeptical movie buffs change their outlook on the medium.

Related10 Most Rewatchable Anime Films of All Time

Some anime films are so compelling they demand multiple viewings,...

This week on The Anime Effect: Leah and LeAlec chat with comic book artist Joe Eisma about why comic fans should read manga, the inspiration he's gotten from Naoki Urasawa and more! In our audio-exclusive episode we fill you in on the latest news in the anime world including Yu-Gi-Oh! games coming soon and a Sanrio collaboration, when you can watch Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- in the United States , and more! Episode 49 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 49 Summary In this week's news episode, LeAlec, Leah and Alex discuss the live-action Solo Leveling adaptation announcement , Kaiju No. 8 getting the Fortnite treatment, among other updates. Plus, we talk to Joe Eisma about...

Tubi has become a dark horse giant in terms of anime streaming, with several classic anime shows and movies available on the free platform. This is now set to include two cinematic gems by the legendary Satoshi Kon.

Satoshi Kon is known for his influence on and creation of multiple iconic anime works, with two of his best now headed to Tubi. Among these is an acclaimed and somewhat experimental movie that's synonymous with the themes seen in much of his work. Heading to Tubi in just a few days, these round out a growing catalog of must-watch and even exclusive anime available to stream.

Related February 1 Will Be a Great Day for Naruto Fans

Several new dub episode releases of both Naruto Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations are set to hit a major streaming service next month.

Two of Satoshi Kon's Best Anime Movies Are Heading to Tubi...

Everyone in the anime community hails Hayao Miyazaki as the one director who writes women well. The female protagonists of Studio Ghibli films are role models for anime fans who are longing for great representation without any s*xualization.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was one of Miyazaki’s earliest films directed and written by him. Even the original manga was all his brilliant mind. The titular protagonist of the film is one of his most beloved too.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. [Credit: Toei Company]

The portrayal of Nausicaä isn’t black and white, she’s incredibly complex and seeks understanding rather than violence, despite living in a dangerous world. She values all living beings and her sense of adventure attracts the audience.

On the subject of Nausicaä’s appearance, Hayao Miyazaki talked about the distaste he has for the way Japanese...

Quick Links The Case for 'Paprika' Inspiring 'Inception' The Case Against 'Paprika' Inspiring 'Inception' 'Paprika' and 'Inception' are Similar, But Equally Great

Almost everybody’s seen Inception. While The Dark Knight was the film that gave Christopher Nolan the auteur license he still holds to this day, it was arguably Inception that ensured his status as a household name. Nolan has spoken openly about how it was his passion project since almost the start of his career and how he was only able to bring it to life once he had the experience and prestige under his belt to make it happen. Even 15 years later, it remains one of his most startlingly visionary achievements.

Yet many have noticed more than a few similarities between Inception and anime legend Satoshi Kon’s final film (and one of his best), Paprika. That movie also focused on dream worlds and figures with the...

Amid the announcement of Christopher Nolan's next magnum opus, an adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey starring Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron, two of his most talked-about movies made their way to Netflix. On January 1, the streaming platform added Inception and Interstellar to its streaming library, a nice little New Year's gift for its subscribers as 2025 rolled in.

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as professional dream thief Dom Cobb, Inception was what the internet liked to call a complete mind-fuck when it first came out in 2010. For many viewers, it did not make a lot of sense up until a second or third watch, yours truly along them. But several five-star reviews, millions at the box office, and eight Oscar nominations later, it became evident that Nolan had broken new ground in Hollywood.

However, Inception was definitely not the first sci-fi movie to...

The world of cinema has often blurred the lines between homage, inspiration, and imitation. For instance, Christopher Nolan’s 2010-released movie, Inception took the world by storm with its mind-bending narrative, stunning visuals, and intricate exploration of dreams. Yet, this blockbuster bears a striking resemblance to a fascinating work by a veteran anime filmmaker: Satoshi Kon’s Paprika.

Leonardo Dicaprio as Dominick Cobb from Inception | Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Was Inception inspired by, or even a direct copy of, Satoshi Kon’s 2006 anime masterpiece, Paprika? Released four years prior to Nolan’s blockbuster, Paprika explores the convergence of dreams and reality through advanced technology and psychological intrigue. While some argue that Inception was borrowed heavily from Paprika‘s core premise, others see it as a coincidence or an homage.

Uncanny parallels between Paprika and Inception

Paprika, which was released in 2006, was Satoshi Kon‘s last film before his untimely death...

Tokyo Godfathers is considered the all-time best Christmas anime watch. The creator, Satoshi Kon, has experimented with mind-bending themes before, but Tokyo Godfathers went way beyond his usual specialty. Yet, fans accepted it with open arms, mainly due to its wholesomeness.

Satoshi Kon is also the creator of Perfect Blue, Paprika, Millenium Actress, and other critically acclaimed movies. All of them have been one megahit after another, bringing home tons of praise. But it was Tokyo Godfathers that proved just how wide of a range the director and animator has.

Satoshi Kon didn’t want things to get redundant with Tokyo Godfathers Tokyo Godfathers by Satoshi Kon | Credits: Madhouse

Tokyo Godfathers is admittedly a huge departure from the type of movies Satoshi Kon had done till then. Before this wholesome movie, he directed Perfect Blue and Millenium Actress, both of which blended reality with dreamlike elements. Both are also fairly in the psychological genre.

Tite Kubo’s Bleach features a lot of strong and powerful characters, but very few of them can stand up to the might of Kuchiki Byakuya. He is not only the 28th head of the Kuchiki Clan but is also the captain of the 6th Division in the Gotei 13. He is a fan-favorite character who is known for his calm and egotistic personality that has helped in many ways.

Byakuya Kuchiki from Bleach | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Being the captain of a Gotei 13 Division, Byakuya is bound to have an insane amount of strength in the form of his Zanpakuto and his Bankai. His Bankai is called Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, and it is probably the only Bankai that was able to match the power level of Ichigo’s Zangetsu. And it was only possible because of his most dangerous attack called Shukei: Hakuteiken.

Shukei: Hakuteiken’s is one of the strongest attacks ever seen in Bleach,...

Of all the Bankai in Bleach, Byakuya Kuchiki’s Senbonzakura Kageyoshi tops the chart. Be it aesthetics or formidability, his ability is top-tier in terms of its lethal nature. It is also one of the most powerful bankai in the series.

But most importantly, it truly lives up to its nature. The Senbonzakura is a complete visual treat in every aspect. And while it’s enchanting for the most part, its skills are fatal in more ways than one.

Senbonzakura Kageyoshi in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

One of its key abilities that stands iconic to this date is the Shukei Hakuteiken. The 6th Division captain was able to incapacitate Ichigo through this very ability.

Barring the aesthetics, Tite Kubo gave the character one of the most lethal abilities in the series. While it is a powerful weapon, its lethality, and daunting nature isn’t explored to...

Ever since Bleach started, the one title that Ichigo Kurosaki has held permanently is the Substitute Shinigami because of him being part human. A Substitute Shinigami is a rare occurrence in Bleach, and the only two Substitute Shinigamis that Tite Kubo has featured in the narrative are Ichigo and Kugo Ginjo, the leader of the Fullbringer organization, Xcution.

Bleach anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Bleach fans might not know this, but all the Substitute Shinigamis are given a special Shinigami badge that serves a lot of purposes. Initially, it was portrayed as a reliable tool that helped Ichigo in many different ways. However, as the story progressed, it was revealed that the Shinigami badge actually suppressed Ichigo’s reiatsu (spiritual pressure).

Thus, in a way, the Shinigami badge actually limited Ichigo’s true power in many different aspects. If Ichigo had had access to his entire reiatsu from the start of Bleach,...

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most celebrated storytellers of our time, founding Studio Ghibli, home to iconic films like Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, The Boy and the Heron, and more. The Studio Ghibli co-founder is regarded as a legendary director and animator whose entire filmography is exceptional.

Hayao Miyazaki | Image by 文部科学省ホームページ, licensed under Cc By-sa 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

While fans admire Miyazaki-sensei’s storytelling, the animation studio’s ability to craft breathtaking scenery never fails to leave them in awe. Miyazaki, known for his cynicism, has often expressed disdain for many practices in the anime industry.

He once shared his harsh views on the hugely popular Pokémon series and criticized the negative influence the industry has on today’s youth.

Hayao Miyazaki’s harsh views on the globally beloved Pokémon series

Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli have been often considered to be the greatest duo in the anime industry.

The recent revelation about Shanks having a twin who is a member of the God Knights is one that One Piece fans have anticipated for a long time. Ever since Shanks has been portrayed in a contentious situation where he met the Five Elders, fans have been hoping for an explanation that would justify all of this, and Shanks’ twin is the perfect answer for it.

Shanks meets the Five Elders in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

However, the official introduction of Shanks’ twin begs another question about whether he is his brother, and if so, does this mean that Shanks is a Celestial Dragon himself? Eiichiro Oda has yet to reveal more details about the Twin Shanks, and till then, fans have been devising multiple theories about who this mysterious character is.

According to a One Piece theory, the Twin Shanks is not Shanks’ real brother but a clone with super soldier strength.

Beneath the vibrant art style and engaging narratives of anime and manga lies a darker side: the pervasive over-sexualization of female characters. Among them, the legendary Studio Ghibli co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki strays away from this trope by creating grounded, realistic, and self-reliant female characters. However, Miyazaki is not the only exemplary one, several others have fought against the irritating trope, and one of them is none other than Satoshi Kon.

Satoshi Kon’s Paprika | Credit: Studio Madhouse

The late filmmaker has challenged these conventions with his groundbreaking films, offering complex portrayals of women that transcend harmful stereotypes. Yet, as the anime industry grew, series like One Piece and Bleach amplified the very tropes these visionaries sought to critique, perpetuating fan service that often undermines character depth.

Anime visionaries’ challenging stereotypes with harsh realities

Anime’s treatment of women has long been a point of heated debate, both within and outside the fandom.