Appleseed is a sleek and action-packed CGI anime film based on the manga by Masamune Shirow (creator of Ghost in the Shell). Set in a utopian city after a devastating war, the film follows a female soldier and her cyborg partner as they fight to protect their city.

The animation is fluid and the action sequences are well-choreographed. While the story might be a bit more straightforward than some of the other films on this list, it's a solid entry in the futuristic anime genre with some cool mecha designs.

Steamboy is a visually impressive steampunk adventure set in a futuristic Victorian era. Directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, the creator of Akira, this film is a feast for the eyes with its intricate mechanical designs and detailed animation.

The story follows a young inventor who becomes entangled in a plot involving a powerful steam-powered device. It's a grand scale production with incredible action sequences and a fascinating world. The attention to detail in the animation is truly remarkable.

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion provides a polarizing but undeniably powerful conclusion to the iconic anime series. This film is a deep dive into the psychological and existential struggles of its characters as humanity faces its final moments.

It's a visually stunning and emotionally intense experience that offers a different perspective on the series' ending. Whether you loved or hated the original ending, this film provides a definitive and often challenging resolution to the complex narrative of Evangelion.

Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller that masterfully blurs the lines between reality and illusion. Another incredible film from Satoshi Kon, it follows a pop idol who transitions into acting and finds her life spiraling into a terrifying nightmare as her past and present collide.

This film is intense and unsettling, exploring themes of identity, celebrity, and the dark side of obsession. It's a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and a testament to Kon's genius as a storyteller.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time offers a charming and insightful look at the consequences of playing with time. This anime film is a delightful blend of science fiction and coming-of-age story, following a high school girl who gains the ability to leap through time.

It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale about making choices and understanding the value of the present. The animation is beautiful and the characters are incredibly relatable. It's a film that reminds you to appreciate the small moments in life.

Paprika is a dazzling and surreal journey into the world of dreams. From the visionary director Satoshi Kon, this film is a visual feast, blending reality and fantasy in a way that is both mind-bending and utterly captivating. It follows a therapist who uses a device called the 'DC Mini' to enter patients' dreams.

Kon's unique style shines through in every frame, with seamless transitions between dream and reality that will keep you guessing. It's a truly imaginative and unforgettable cinematic experience that explores the power of the subconscious. Sadly, it was one of Kon's last films before his untimely death, making it even more precious.

Ghost in the Shell is a cyberpunk masterpiece that delves deep into philosophical questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of reality in a technologically advanced future. The film follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg police officer, as she hunts a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master.

Its stunning visuals and intricate world-building have had a massive impact on science fiction, inspiring everything from The Matrix to countless video games. The score by Kenji Kawai is haunting and perfectly complements the film's atmospheric mood. It's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Prepare for a sensory overload with Akira, a landmark in animated cinema that redefined what was possible in the medium. Set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, this film is a visceral and thought-provoking exploration of power, corruption, and the terrifying potential of technological advancement. The animation is simply stunning, with incredible detail in every frame of this futuristic cityscape.

Released in 1988, Akira was instrumental in bringing anime to a global audience and its influence can be seen in countless films and series that followed. Its complex narrative and breathtaking visuals continue to captivate viewers decades later. You absolutely have to experience this one.