Mostly, when a person listens to something about animation, kids watching movies come to mind. It is disheartening to know that such a field with a wide opportunity to tell such deep, emotional, or complicated stories is always classified as child-appropriate even before thinking about it. Somewhere out there, there is definitely an animated film that you would love, whether it is experimental, dark fantasies, deep drama, or thought-provoking sci-fi. Today in this article, I will take you through the top 10 adult animated movies that you must put on your watchlist. They prove one thing for sure: animation is not just for kids; it’s a great storytelling device for all ages.
1. Dark Fantasy: Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is a ghostly story set during World War II. This is an animated movie from Japan that is directed by Isao Takahata, which chronicles how two siblings manage to survive in the aftermath of war. It is a movie with a lot of emotional depth and eventually devastating in the portrayal of the effects of war, mostly on civilians and children.
This isn’t a film for the faint of heart; this is a powerful, soul-shaking experience that will no doubt have people thinking long after the credits have rolled. Animation befits this tragic tale in every way; Grave of the Fireflies is surely one of the most impactful animated films ever made.
2. Sci-Fi Epic: Akira
Akira is a seminal adult animation science fiction film that was released in 1988. It was directed by Katsuhiro Otomo and set in a dystopian future, where the core story of the movie revolves around a secret military experiment that goes awry and causes chaos and destruction in the city of Neo-Tokyo. The main character, Kaneda, has to stop his friend, Tetsuo, who has gained dangerous psychic powers from the experiment.
Akira is a film known for its beautiful animation, complex plot, and deep philosophies on power, corruption, and identity. It is a must-see for every science fiction and animation enthusiast.
3. Mind-Bending Psychological Thriller: Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller by Satoshi Kon, a movie that blurs the thin line between reality and illusion. The movie revolves around Mima, from a pop idol to an actress who aims to experiment with her new roles. The more she started doing things that were mature, the more she would get stalked and slowly lose her foothold in reality.
The film embodies matters of identity, fame, and the dark side of the entertainment industry. The plot is fast-paced and filled with disturbing images to keep one entertained. It’s an excellent movie for lovers of psychological thrillers.
4. Existential Drama: Anomalisa
Anomalisa is a stop-motion animated film by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson. The film follows the life of Michael Stone, the author of a couple of books on success in customer service, who perceives every person around him as looking the same and having the exact same voice. His life, which he has perceived to be rather humdrum, takes an unusual turn as he gets acquainted with Lisa, who somehow does not appear like everyone else to him.
It deals with themes such as loneliness, identity, and the struggle to find meaning in life. Anomalisa is considered Charlie Kaufman’s complex and unique structure of adult-like themes and stop-motion animation, which is often referred to as a profound creation that leaves deep impressions on its viewers.
5. Black Comedy: Waltz with Bashir
Waltz with Bashir: It also happens to be the very first animated documentary ever shot by Ari Folman. It is an account of his experience as a soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War. The bunch of interviews, along with the use of surreal dream sequences in the film, help to explore memory, trauma, and the horridness of war.
It’s this unusual type of animation that has netted Waltz and Bashir many accolades. Besides, the movie, though dark and with harsh introspectives, deals with its grave theme with elan, is often novel in approach, and is highly recommended for all serious animation film fans.
6. Post-Apocalyptic Tale: The End of Evangelion
A full-length animated feature, The End of Evangelion is an alternative ending for the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where the very last piece of existence is in a tussle against the Angels—mysterious beings—directed by Hideaki Anno, the hero has to confront his own ghosts by tackling these threats head-on.
The complex narrative, psychological depth, and stunning animation make it the best movie. It’s a challenging but rewarding watch for fans of genres in the realms of science fiction and psychological drama.
7. Surreal Adventure: Paprika
Paprika is another Satoshi Kon masterpiece—an unreal adventure that takes place within dreams. Dr. Atsuko Chiba, a psychologist, uses a device that allows the therapist to help his patients by going into their dreams. When the device is stolen, the boundaries between dream and reality start to blur.
With never-ending, graphic animation and brain-spinning storylines combined into one, the film is a treat for both the human eye and the human intellectual mind. Paprika is a sure must-see for those interested in the possibilities of animation and the power of the subconscious self.
8. Dystopian Allegory: Animal Farm
Review: Animal Farm: A Graphic Adaptation A film adapted from the famous novel by George Orwell, this time has two directors, John Halas and Joy Batchelor, dealing with how “a group of farm animals achieve the control of their farm to found a society where animals reign.” Immediately, power corrupts, and everything deteriorates worse than before.
The movie remains very loyal to the themes of the novel, which revolve around political corruption, propaganda, and the betrayal of ideals. It is an intellectual film infused with animation based on Orwell’s chilling allegory.
9. Melancholic Romance: The Red Turtle
A full-length feature without dialogue, The Red Turtle is in the style and tradition of Studio Ghibli and is directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit. The story narrates the stranded man on a deserted island who encounters a mysterious red turtle, spinning around feelings of the solitude of man and, surprisingly, the one of nature that is much bigger in the cycle of life, etc. through absolutely spellbinding hand-drawing.
As poetic in tempo as it’s in emotion, The Red Turtle is one touching film that reaches out to the human condition. It’s such a unique and moving experience, perfect for those who appreciate artful storytelling.
10. Philosophical Sci-Fi: Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell is a bold science fiction film that is directed by Mamoru Oshii. It is set in the future, when humans will have the ability to enhance their bodies with cyber-augmentations. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg cop, while she tries to pursue the Puppet Master, an elusive hacker. In questions of humanity, origin, and identity within the consciousness field, this will give rise to several philosophical dilemmas.
Ghost in the Shell is a very deep storyline, with very good animation at the same time. It is something each science-fiction fan must watch, as well as people interested in philosophical questions about the nature of existence.
Conclusion
With a good number of animated movies developed for adults, the storylines presented range from dark fantasy and psychological thrillers to philosophical sci-fi and heartfelt drama. The following top 10 adult animated features are a satisfying feast not just for the vision but for the mind and heart, regaling adult viewers with substance and style. Whether you are new to adult animation or already initiated, these films are likely to blow your mind. So put on those popcorn, lie on the couch, and get ready to be flabbergasted by the wonders of the adult animation world.
