Anime is a term used in reference to Japanese animated films. Anime has a distinct artistic and storytelling style and is very different from western style (American) animated movies.

Japanese anime generally features in-depth storylines and emotionally complex characters. Anime is generally more serious in tone than most American animation and treats the audience like mature, intelligent adults.

Most people are familiar with the Americanized versions of DragonBall Z and Pokemon. However, those barely scratch the surface of real anime.

1. Akira - It seems nearly impossible to talk about anime and not have this film come up. This is truly a classic. The movie is set in Japan after a major world war which has destroyed all major cities around the world. Tetsuo is part of a secret military project and he learns of the mysterious Akira who was frozen in an underground chamber. There are terrorists and lots of action. The movie was directed by Katsuhiro Otomo.
   
2. Ninja Scroll - This movie is rather bloody and there's one scene with sexual content so young kids shouldn't see it. However, for the older crowd (18+) this is a really good ninja action flick.
   
3. Noir - Two highly skilled female assassins running around killing everything. 'Nuff said.
   
4. El Hazard - The series is set in Roshutalia, the world that Lune Venus is princess of. The main characters, and the human people of Roshutalia are constantly battling insect people, led by Queen Diva. The series is a mix of comedy and action.
   
5. Princess Mononoke - This amazing film was written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki (Nausicaa, Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Kiki's Deliver Service). The voice actors are Americans - Gillian Anderson, Minnie Driver, Claire Danes, Billy Cudrup, Billy Bob Thorton, and Jada Pinkett Smith. The storyline and characters are amazing. Essentially, the film is about a conflict between the forest and a mining colony. This is a must-see anime film.
   
6. Ghost in the Shell - The original feature-length movie. It's set in a future that's dominated by super computers and cybernetic technology where humans live in a virtual world. It will remind you of The Matrix, however this anime film came out 4-years before The Matrix. The main character is a female cyborg cop and her adventures.
   
7. Rurouni Kenshin - Himura Kenshin is a red head who becomes an amazing swordsman. The setting is during the Meiji era in Japan during the 1870s. The animation and storyline are both top notch.
   
8. Oh My Goddess! - Yup, it's a love story. An unsual love story between a somewhat nerdy college student, Morisato Keiichi, and a goddess - Belldandy. Be careful what you wish for because you may get more than you want... Since it's a clever romantic comedy guys should like it too.
   
9. Video Girl Ai - Moteuchi Yota is in love with a girl he can't have. Since he's lonely he picks up a movie from the video store. But he gets way more than he was hoping for! Amazingly, the girl in the movie comes to life and likes Yota! This movie is for an 18+ audience.
   
10. Gunsmith Cats - I'm a sucker for gun-tottin' hotties. These two ladies own a gunshop but they're also bounty hunters on the side. Comedy and action abound in this very entertaining series.