The Orion List

FLCL

A rock 'n' roll psychedelic romp often compared to Yellow Submarine, Fooly Cooly (or FLCL) is a mind-bending visual rocket ride using anime aliens as allegory for teen angst. The protagonist, 12-year-old Naota, has his life changed forever when he's run over by a guitar-wielding woman on a Vespa. The woman, Haruko, causes a horn to grow from Naota's forehead, but that's just the beginning of adventures for this slightly cynical, lovesick hero.

Ghost in the Shell

In 2029, a hacker known as the Puppet Master is taking over the minds of computer-enhanced humans. Government agent cyborg Motoko Kusanagi is charged with apprehending the villain, unaware that the fiend is searching for her as well -- with plans to carry out a diabolical mission. With fantastic visuals enhancing the complex story line, this cyberpunk classic set the standard for future anime features.

Spirited Away

Adapted from the Japanese original, director Hayao Miyazaki's adventure tale won the Best Animated Feature Oscar for its story of 10-year-old Chihiro. During her family's move to the suburbs, Chihiro wanders into a magical world where a witch rules -- and those who disobey her are turned into animals. When her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro must find a way to help them return to their human form.

Millennium Actress

Japan's great film studio is shutting down after a 70-year run, and a documentary filmmaker is commissioned to make a film about it. He selects the career of one of its biggest stars, Chiyoko Fujiwara, as his central subject. In this anime homage, the filmmaker follows Ms. Fujiwara, who has been living a Garbo-esque life of seclusion for the past 30 years, as she takes the audience through the history of her career and life.

Ninja Scroll

When a monster made of rock attacks a band of ninjas, a masterless ninja named Jubei heroically saves the life of the beautiful female warrior Kagero. But Jubei succumbs to an elderly ninja's treachery and finds himself facing certain death -- unless he agrees to join the quest for vengeance. Bloody, violent and full of imagination, Ninja Scroll is anime at its best.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Inspired by author Yasutaka Tsutsui's novel, this anime follows the adventures of Makoto Konno, a seemingly ordinary high school student who makes a startling revelation when she learns that she's been endowed with the ability to travel back in time. Following a series of frivolous "time leaps," Makoto learns that her powers have a negative impact on the people around her and sets out to correct the effects of her actions.

Cowboy Bebop Remix

Cowboy bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and ex-cop Jet Black patrol the galaxies for dangerous criminals in this futuristic anime. Spike and Jet resort to dangerous tactics to bring in the universe's most wanted, and trouble's never far behind. Joining the pair aboard the spaceship Bebop are femme fatale Faye Valentine, computer hacker Ed and smart doggie Ein. Completely remastered and remixed, this version features newly animated scenes.

Mushi-Shi

An award-winning anime series, Mushi-Shi brings the viewer into a dreamlike world where ghostly organisms called Mushi hover on the borders of perception. Neither plants nor animals, Mushi are primal life forms that can be seen only by some humans -- including Mushi master Ginko. He roams the earth in an effort to learn more about these strange beings, along the way helping people who've experienced the Mushi's supernatural effects.

Grave of the Fireflies

Orphans Seita (voiced by Tsutomu Tatsumi) and Setsuko (Ayano Shiraishi) fight for survival in post-World War II Japan. But society is harsh, and they come to the somber conclusion that they can neither escape the hardships of war nor find enough food to survive. Named the Best Animated Feature at the 1994 Chicago International Children's Film Festival, this film proves that not all anime tales are pixie-dust fantasies or brutal sci-fi standoffs.

Gurren Lagann: Vol. 1

Living in a future where human beings dwell in underground villages, orphans Kamina and Simon dream of visiting the world on the surface of the planet. As luck would have it, Simon discovers a giant robot that allows them to fulfill that wish. But when they reach the surface, they soon find themselves engaged in an ongoing battle with other robots that terrorize the people living above ground.

Samurai X

In 19th century Japan, the land is torn by warfare and rebellion. As a result, small bands of soldiers rise up and find the courage to attempt an overthrow the tyrannical Tokugawa Shogunate. Enter Kenshin, a young orphan whose fighting skills were honed by the great swordsman Hiko. His world is thrown into confusion by the arrival of a mysterious woman named Tomoe -- can she help the assassin become a real man?

Eureka Seven

This futuristic anime series follows 14-year-old Renton, who leads a boring life till a mecha -- piloted by a lass named Eureka -- smashes into his house. After Renton helps her get up and running again, he inexplicably finds himself stalked by the military. When the enigmatic Eureka takes him to meet an airship commander who fronts an underground anti-government movement, Renton is soon drawn into a web of intrigue.

Voices of a Distant Star

This beautiful anime short was created entirely by one person, Makoto Shinkai, on his home computer. It tells the story of young Mikako, who joins the resistance to fend off an alien race's attack on humans. Sent to the far reaches of space, Mikako can only communicate to his love, Noboru, by cell-phone text messages -- and as time goes on, the messages take longer to travel. Can their love survive the passage of time and the brutal war?

5 Centimeters Per Second

In this three-part anime feature, inseparable fourth-graders Takaki Tonoo and Akari Shinohara -- bonded by a love of books -- begin to slowly drift apart when their families relocate. Though the pair continues to communicate through letters, time and distance take their toll, and the two friends eventually lose contact. Will a chance encounter at a railroad crossing bring Takaki and Akari back together?

Castle in the Sky

In this children's anime adventure, young miner Pazu and mysterious girl Sheeta (who wears a magic pendant around her neck) team up to find the long-lost island of Laputa, which is rumored to have great riches and gems. Accompanied by a band of bumbling air pirates led by the quick-tempered Ma Dola, Paza and Sheeta are pursued by government agents who want the riches of Laputa for themselves. Includes some special features.

Serial Experiments Lain: Vol.1: Navi

This disc includes the following episodes (1-4): "Weird," "Girls," "Psyche" "Religion."

Howl's Moving Castle

In this engaging anime based on a children's fantasy novel, 18-year-old Sophie works in her late father's hat shop in a humdrum town. But things get interesting when she's transformed into an elderly woman by the evil Witch of the Waste (voiced by Lauren Bacall). Determined to reverse the spell, Sophie seeks the help of the wizard Howl, who has an amazing moving castle that's fueled by a fire demon named Calcifer. Hayao Miyazaki directs.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Female cyborg Maj. Motoko Kusanagi and her team of Japanese police, Section 9, must decipher the secret behind a spate of android suicides, stop a far-reaching hacker conspiracy, solve a hostage/extorsion situation and more. Based on the popular manga, this anime series explores a futuristic society where technology and cyber espionage reign supreme, along with new types of crime. Kenji Kamiyama directs.

The Animatrix

Straight from the creators of the groundbreaking Matrix trilogy, this collection of short animated films from the world's leading anime directors fuses computer graphics and Japanese anime to provide the background of the Matrix universe and the conflict between man and machines. The shorts include Final Flight of the Osiris, The Second Renaissance, Kid's Story, Program, World Record, Beyond, A Detective Story and Matriculated.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex: 2nd Gig

Cyberworld's been rendered helpless by clever terrorists who've used technology to their advantage. But a glimmer of hope remains thanks to the fearless troops of Chief Aramaki, who aims to stop them in their unrelenting tracks. As this heart-pounding anime series marches on, you'll see Aramaki and the rest of the gang -- including Togusa, Batou and Ishikawa -- turn the tech battle up a notch to push the criminals to their limits.

Kite

College student by day, vigilante by night, Sawa protects the innocent and mercilessly kills criminals in this intense Japanese anime (dubbed in English). Sawa's parents were murdered when she was young, and she was adopted by policeman Akai, who teaches Sawa to kill and assigns her to dangerous missions. Friend and fellow mercenary Oburi convinces Sawa that the two should leave Akai and stop killing, but escaping won't be easy.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Haughty, beautiful and a tad egocentric, Haruhi Suzumiya starts things off with a bang at her new high school by announcing that she has "no interest in ordinary humans" in this popular anime series. Courting aliens, time travelers and superhumans, the teen starts her own club -- the SOS Brigade (whose aim is to "save the world by overloading it with fun") -- and recruits Kyon (the only person who'll talk to her) as her first member.

Elfen Lied

A destructive human mutant with telekinetic powers is befriended by a couple of trusting teens in this sci-fi anime. Lucy, a form of horned mutant that scientists believe will eventually destroy mankind, kills the laboratory guards and escapes, but is shot in the head. With no memories of her past, she encounters two teens who take her in. The teens and their families have no idea what they're in for when Lucy's destructive powers return.

Samurai Champloo

Director Shinichiro Watanabe mixes a maturity rarely found in anime with a historical Japanese setting and a funky hip-hop soundtrack. Fuu is a spacey waitress at a teahouse where a sword fight breaks out between Mugen, a wild warrior, and Jin, a more composed ronin. In exchange for saving them from execution, Fuu demands that they accompany her on a journey to find "a samurai who smells of sunflowers."

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Faced with almost certain destruction of her planet's natural resources, warrior princess Nausicaa rallies her people against an evil queen's rampaging army in an effort to give her homeland a new lease on its future. Hayao Miyazaki directs this environmentally conscious anime that transports viewers to a magical place -- the Valley of the Wind -- where the ultimate showdown between good and evil will play out.

Samurai 7

As villages perish under the thumb of the Nobuseri -- a cruel race of warriors who are part men, part machine -- a young priestess named Kirara travels the countryside gathering stray samurais. But while her hope is that these brave souls can rally to save the land, she's not certain they can put their differences aside. Set in a postwar, futuristic world, this animated tale is based on the epic Akira Kurosawa film The Seven Samurai.

Dragon Ball

The beloved manga anime series hits the big screen in this live-action adventure. If Lord Horn captures all seven dragon balls, world domination will be his. It's up to a ragtag team of heroes, led by Son Goku, to save the day. The rest of the gang includes Master Roshi (Eddie Chan), Bulma (Ju-Hee Lee) and Yamtcha (Kim Chu Che). Fans of the comic will relish this fast-paced, funny fantasy.

Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue follows singer turned actress Mima Kirigoe, who transforms herself into a sexually charged character on a controversial TV series. Her fans revolt -- some even threaten her life. When those involved in her new career are murdered, Mima is driven to paranoia. Will she be next? This unusual flick may be one of the most emotionally evocative thrillers ever animated.

Berserk

A new king reigns supreme throughout Midland, but he achieved his power through heinous means. His men terrorize the town, and nothing stands in their way -- until the arrival of the mysterious Black Swordsman. Meanwhile, a young fighter named Guts meets up with the charismatic Captain Griffith and his band of mercenaries. Their combined strength means interesting things for Midland...

Bleach

This hit Japanese anime series based on the manga by Tite Kubo follows the adventures of spirit-seeing teen superhero Ichigo Kurosaki as he and his supernatural sidekick, Rukia Kuchiki, round up lost souls. Ichigo first inherits his powers from a wounded Rukia, who is in fact a shinigami, or soul reaper. Forced to live temporarily in an artificial human body, Rukia must combine her otherworldly abilities with Ichigo's.

Mezzo Forte

Lithe and lethal, beautiful assassin Mikura loves her work. Cool under fire and a natural with a gun, she's at the top of the heap when it comes to hired hits. That is, until she's assigned to kidnap a baseball team owner called Momokichi, who turns out to be a powerful mob boss. Now, the tables are turned as Mikura finds herself pursued by vicious goons and Momokichi's deadly daughter. Yasuomi Umetsu directs this sexy, gun-blazing anime.

Noein

In this popular anime series from Japanese TV, 12-year-old Haruka and her friend Yuu are planning to run away from home -- but then they meet Karasu, a space visitor from 15 years in the future. Suddenly, Haruka finds herself in the middle of a frenzied battle set years from the present, holding what Karasu and his fellow members of the Dragon Cavalry believe to be the key to saving humanity -- the mysterious Dragon's Torque.

Mezzo

Mikura does whatever it takes to get her job done, and she does it happily. The only thing is, Mikura's job involves killing people for a living, and she's not about to let anything stand in her way when she's at work. As delegates of the Danger Service Agency, Mikura and her two cohorts bring home the bacon by kicking butt, with most of their orders coming from a strange alien and a stunning weathercaster.

Shana

This sleekly designed action television series from Japan follows anime character Shana, a pretty young girl cloaked in black who battles ethereal beings with a sword. Shana saves teenager Yuji from being eaten by a monster and unwittingly pulls him into her supernatural mission to save the world. Featuring techno music by Ko Otani and animation produced by JC Staff, the show combines striking visuals with appealing, well-developed characters.

Trigun

To bounty hunters in this animated adventure series, Vash the Stampede is an outlaw with a massive price on his head. But to Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson of the Bernardelli Insurance Society, Vash is a walking disaster who has cost the company a fortune. On a distant, deserted planet that resembles America's Old West, Vash wanders from town to town, with Meryl and Milly in pursuit trying to minimize the destruction.

Macross Plus

On planet Eden in the year 2040, rival pilots Isamu Dyson and Guld Goa Bowman find themselves in the same city, testing new spacecraft for Project Supernova, an alien defense system. The competition between pilots is intensified by the fact that a mutual love interest, Myung Lone, lives nearby. Also included are the first two parts of the popular animated sci-fi series from Japan.

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa

Picking up where the TV series ended, this full-length anime film follows the efforts of Alphonse and Edward Elric to restore the bodies they lost during their failed attempt to resurrect their mother. Little brother Alphonse dives deeper into alchemy to rescue Edward, who's been stripped of his powers and trapped in a parallel world. Unbeknownst to them, their reunion may be all that can stop a catastrophic war between the two dimensions.

Hellsing Ultimate: Vol. 1

In this popular anime series, the covert Hellsing Organization protects Britain from vampires, and rogue bloodsucker Alucard (Dracula spelled backward) has become their secret weapon in the ongoing war. When Alucard is forced to shoot policewoman Seras Victoria in a hostage situation, he gives her the option of living on as one of the undead. She agrees to work with Alucard, but finds herself torn between her humanity and her bloodsucking urges.

Princess Mononoke

In this anime epic from director Hayao Miyazaki, Prince Ashitaka (voiced by Billy Crudup) is infected with a lethal curse, and must travel to find a cure. On his journey, he discovers himself caught in a battle between a mining town and the animals of the surrounding forest. A girl raised by wolves (Claire Danes) leads the animals, but the forest harbors deadly supernatural powers. Critic Roger Ebert hailed the movie one of 1999's 10 best films.

Full Metal Panic!

Kaname Chidori is one of the most popular girls in her high school class and possesses the powers of "The Whispered," making her a target of one of the world's deadliest terror organizations. To protect her, the anti-terror organization Mithril sends a hotshot young agent named Sousuke Sagara into the school. Unfortunately, Sousuke finds that trying to fit in while maintaining his cover is no easy task.

Robotech

When a mysterious battleship crashes into Macross Island in the South Pacific, the future of mankind is changed forever. As the multi-generational Robotech saga opens, the people of Earth struggle to master the science of robotechnology and rebuild the SDF-1 -- a massive space battle fortress that could be their best hope of defense against the vengeful Zentraedi armada ... which is getting closer every minute!

Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid

Based on the popular novel The End of Day by Day, this anime technothriller picks up where the original series left off. Antiterror organization Mithril learns that the sinister, secretive group known as Amalgam has developed "black technology" and provided the Baltic Army with state-of-the-art weaponry. Join operative Sousuke Sagara as he looks to protect high school student Kaname Chidori and thwart the devious plots of Mithril's adversaries.

Blue Gender

Diagnosed with a rare terminal illness, Kaidou Yuji was put into cold-sleep in the hope that someday a cure for his illness may be found. He receives a rude awakening (22 years later) when he's revived in the middle of a military operation that's evacuating him out of the cold-sleep facility. Giant bug-like creatures named Blue have taken over the world, which sets the stage for plenty of thrills and chills in this rip-roaring anime.

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie

Based on the animated television series, Cowboy Bebop is set on Mars in the year 2071 and tells the story of a spaceship captain, Spike Siegel (David Lucas), and his band of vigilantes. When one of them witnesses a deadly terrorist attack, they all set out to catch those responsible and, more importantly, cash in on the reward money.

Inu-Yasha

Anime goes medieval when teenager Kagome Higurashi tumbles into a well and finds herself in ancient Japan populated by ghouls and goblins. Luckily, she finds a friend in Inu-Yasha, a canine-like creature who's convinced Kagome's the reincarnation of a maiden he's encountered before. Together, they search for the Jewel of Four Souls, a quest that makes Kagome face questions about her past identity.

Appleseed

A battle-weary warrior must save her utopian city in this action-packed 3D anime from Masamune Shirow, Katsuhiro Otomo and Mamoru Oshii. It's the year 2131, and warrior Deunan Knute finds herself in a battle with the Bioroids, a race of artificial humans intent on conquering the city of Olympus -- and, eventually, the world. The soundtrack features tracks by Boom Boom Satellites, Paul Oakenfold, Basement Jaxx and others.

Appleseed: Ex Machina

In the second feature revolving around Masamune Shirow's popular manga, Cyborg terrorists threaten to shatter the precarious peace of postapocalyptic Olympus, home to the last of humanity. After the guerrillas nearly destroy Briareos in a shootout, Deunan -- his partner and gal pal -- is paired with Tereus, a strapping "bioroid" produced from Briareos' DNA. But complications ensue when Tereus takes a shine to Deunan.

Spriggan

Ominae Yu is not your average Japanese teenager; he's a Spriggan -- part of a secret organization that protects the world against potentially destructive artifacts. Yu's sent to Mt. Ararat in Turkey, where the remnants of Noah's Ark have just been discovered. But the nefarious Col. MacDougall knows the Ark to be an alien device that can control the weather and manipulate genetic structure -- and he wants it! Scintillating anime.

Paranoia Agent

From anime innovator Satoshi Kon comes this unique, 13-episode TV series intended for mature audiences. The Tokyo populace goes into panic mode after a string of seemingly random attacks by a bat-wielding lad on golden roller blades. As a pair of detectives probing the case attempt to discover whether the youngster is real or a malevolent specter, they become absorbed in an intricate web of circumstances and characters.

Gilgamesh

The world has come to an end, of sorts, in this thrilling anime adventure. The skies roil with strange visions, killers take wing (literally) to find their prey and humans are cowering in fear. Amid all this chaos, a brother and sister arise from the shadows gifted with supernatural powers. The overlords know what they're capable of, a knowledge that's driven them to hunt the pair down. Can the siblings get away before they're found?

Desert Punk

In a futuristic Japan, where fate has transformed the once-lush landscape into the giant Kanto desert, the complexities of everyday life have pushed many to become criminals, and innocence, decency and heroism are scarce. Amid the chaos, a pint-sized bounty hunter named Sunabouzu (aka the Desert Punk) -- armed with a reputation for excellence and admittedly less-than-noble intentions -- is just looking for his next paycheck.

Highlander: The Search for Vengeance

Fierce Scottish warrior Colin MacLeod seeks revenge against Marcus Octavius -- the tyrant who murdered MacLeod's ladylove centuries earlier -- in this animated continuation of the cult favorite film franchise. Aided by mysterious femme fatale Dahlia and smart-aleck spirit Amergan, MacLeod sets off on a time-traveling quest to hunt down and crush his immortal archenemy. Will MacLeod succeed, or will his seething hatred destroy him?

Samurai Deeper Kyo

During the epic battle of Sekigahara, two samurai with deadly agendas fought separately from the rest of the battle. As Kyoshiro and Demon Eyes Kyo dueled, a shooting star slammed into the Earth, engulfing them both. Years later, the one who survived discovers that he harbors the spirit of his rival deep within himself -- and when that spirit awakens, the real battle is unleashed!

Ergo Proxy

Fusing 2D digital cell animation with 3D computer modeling and special digital effects, this anime series takes place in a domed city of the future where citizens are protected from the effects of global environmental apocalypse. But even in this planned utopia -- a place where humans and androids coexist peacefully under a "total management system" -- trouble lurks as robots infected with a strange virus begin a murderous rampage.

Welcome to the NHK

Unemployed 22-year-old conspiracy theorist Satou Tatsuhiro rarely leaves his apartment, relying on an allowance from his parents and venturing out only at night. But when quirky young Misaki comes to his door, she claims she can help the recluse. Soon, the two begin a series of odd psychological lessons in the local park aimed at reconnecting Satou with the world. This anime adaptation is based on Tatsuhiko Takimoto's novel and manga series.

Vexille

In a futuristic world where Japan has isolated itself with a magnetic field so it can continue the development of robotics and biotechnology, it's up to a U.S. special forces team to find a way inside. Dubbed SWORD, the team is led by a formidable female commander named Vexille, who's tasked with figuring out whether Japan's top secret experiments pose a serious threat to the world at large.

Patlabor: The Mobile Police: Original Series

Cute and spunky, Noa Isumi could be the girl next door ... except that she loves giant robots with a passion that's, well, giant-sized and a little scary. Today's her big day -- her chance to pilot a giant robot of her very own! That would be Alphonse. Watch as girl and robot come together for the very first time in this groundbreaking anime series.

Gundam: The 08th MS Team

An inexperienced young military officer named Shiro Amada can't believe his luck -- or is it a curse? -- when he's given command of the 08th Mobile Suit Team, a squadron of giant humanoid robots designed to help the Federation fight off the evil Principality of Zeon. When his unit is sent to liberate a village occupied by Zeon forces, Shiro's fledgling skills are put to the test … but can he rise to the occasion when it counts?

Devil May Cry

Based on the popular video game, this eye-popping animated series follows the adventures of Dante, the half-human demon hunter known to track down even the most menacing of demons. Hired by a mysterious figure named Morrison to find an heiress who's disappeared, Dante finds himself staring down a vicious pack of demons intent on getting to the young beauty first … and killing her.

Steamboy

In this animated tale that's as riveting as it is retro, genius teen inventor Ray Steam receives a strange spherical device containing a mind-boggling new form of energy that can power a whole country. Soon two ominous gents turn up looking to get their hands on the gadget; next thing you know, Ray is caught in a battle between the Yanks and the Brits, who'll do anything to obtain the priceless orb. Voices include Anne Suzuki and Katsuo Nakamura.

New Fist of the North Star

The adventures of martial arts hero Kenshiro continue as he travels to a dangerous mountain area to save a young boy with the magical ability to make water. In Kenshiro's absence, a new warlord named Seiji takes control of Last Land's precious water supply and kidnaps Kenshiro's friend, the beautiful young healer Sara. Now, it's up to the warrior to return to Last Land and restore order by defeating the evil Seiji.

Paprika

In this cautionary anime tale, reality and the dream world are on a collision course after a DC-Mini -- an experimental device that can record dreams -- is stolen from a psychiatric research facility. When the thief begins intertwining the patients' nightmares with the staff's dreams, it's clear that the DC-Mini has fallen into dangerous hands. Can Dr. Atsuko Chiba and her alter ego, a sprightly avatar named Paprika, stop the madness?

Dears

It's been more than a year since a mysterious spaceship crash-landed on Earth, and the beautiful alien "Dears" that abandoned the craft are still adjusting to civilian life. But when one of them follows high school student Takeya-kun home and begins calling him goshujinsama (master), the teen is in for a change of lifestyle. Meanwhile, he'll have to continue dodging advances from his landlord's daughter, who's dead-set on invading his privacy.

Sky Blue

In the year 2142, Earth's civilization has been doomed by years of wanton destruction of the environment. Only a tiny elite group thrives inside the protected city of Delos in the South Pacific. Outside the city, refugees seeking asylum (called Diggers) make their way as best they can. The loyalty of a female trooper and guardian of Delos is tested when she learns her childhood love is leading a Digger rebellion to end the reign of pollution.

Karas: The Prophecy

In a futuristic Tokyo, humans and spirits are sharing the same living space without realizing it, thanks in part to the guardian raven Karas and his masters, who maintain the precarious balance between both dimensions. But when a former Karas named Eko decides to challenge the system by seizing control, it's up to the entity Yurine, who represents the will of the Japanese people, to secure the future for humanity.

When They Cry

Keiichi is new to the rural town of Hinamizawa and seems to be fitting in well. But on the day of the annual Watanagashi Festival, he discovers a grisly secret: Every year, someone in Hinamizawa is murdered, and another disappears. Soon, Keiichi and his new friends are bound up in the mystery of the festival terror. Each character's story arc is presented as its own tale in this ingenious anime based on the popular visual novels.

Death Note

When he discovers a mystical notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone he wants by merely writing their name, a brilliant student named Light (Tatsuya Fujiwara) develops a god complex and attempts to create utopia. Now, it's up to ingenious detective "L" (Ken'ichi Matsuyama) to stop the supernatural vigilante. Directed by Shusuke Kaneko, this eerie thriller also stars Asaka Seto, Erika Toda and Shigeki Hosokawa.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Collection

In the last year of the 20th century, a mysterious incident known as the Second Impact eradicated half the world's population. Now, in 2015, entities called the Angels attack Earth, gunning for the survivors. Conventional weapons are useless, and only one organization, one machine, one youth can save the world: Evangelion.

Final Fantasy Unlimited

Based on the popular video game, this anime series begins when a gateway to another world abruptly opens. Two monsters quickly appear and, just as swiftly, destroy each other. Their only remains: a mysterious pillar of darkness. And so the journey begins for a set of twins whose parents disappeared that same day; that search for the parents brings the twins to a realm called Wonderland, where fantasy and danger go hand in hand.

Ayakashi Samurai Horror Tales

Set in medieval Japan, this anime series collects three classic horror stories. One tale follows a bird handler who stumbles upon a cursed castle where he meets and falls in love with a forgotten goddess. The other stories portray a woman's ghost haunting her living husband and a terrifying and powerful cat creature. Each scary episode is treated as a self-contained program and is brought to the screen by a different director and creative team.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade

In this actioner that takes place in an alternate history of Japan, Constable Fuse is part of an elite Special Forces unit that maintains peace during a time of civil unrest. As he's battling with guerrillas deep within the underground tunnels of the city, Fuse encounters a young girl armed with explosives who kills herself and injures Fuse. Sent for retraining, Fuse attempts to solve the mystery of why the girl's image continues to haunt him.

Dead Leaves

After awakening on Earth with no recollection of who they are or how they got there, otherworlders Pandy and Retro go on a crime spree. But they're soon apprehended and sent to Dead Leaves, a high-tech prison on the moon, and discover that the facility is also used for cloning and bizarre genetic experiments. Before long, the duo enlists the aid of their deformed fellow inmates in an attempt to escape from the prison.

A.D. Police Files 1-3

This anime series explains the events that led to the Bubblegum Crisis. Leon and his cop colleagues finally meet their ultimate nemesis -- the Boomers, cyborgs that were devised to help humans but inevitably became yet another weapon of mass destruction. Episodes include "File 1," in which Leon tries to figure out why Boomers are malfunctioning; "File 2," where the police investigate mysterious deaths; and "File 3," where a cop turns bad.

Gundam Wing: The Movie: Endless Waltz

Picking up the action one year after the conclusion of the "Gundam Wing" Japanese television series, Earth and the Space Colonies join forces to form the Earth Sphere Unified Nation. The Gundam pilots find themselves attempting to rebuild their lives in this new, peaceful era and have sent their weapons of war into the sun to be destroyed. But when a high-ranking government official is kidnapped, the pilots get called back into action.

Crest of the Stars

After his planet is taken over by the Empire of Abh, Jinto Lin is sent to a special school where he falls in love with the Abh princess and gets caught up in a dangerous political conflict in this anime series based on Hiroyuki Morioka's sci-fi novels. As Jinto trains in diplomacy and learns to speak Abh, he grows closer to mysterious princess Lafiel. Together, Jinto and Lafiel face a war between the Four Nations Alliance and the Abh Empire.

Banner of the Stars II

This animated series finds the Abh Empire at the end of a protracted but successful war. The wounds inflicted by constant combat have taken their toll, though, and everyone's struggling to recover their footing in peacetime. Captain Lafiel's been put in charge of the Lobnas II territory, a former colony of ex-convicts that's far from ready to accept harmony. It appears that the serenity the empire has fought so hard to attain may now be in peril.

Boogiepop Phantom

Five years ago, a city was forever altered by a series of grisly murders. The Boogiepop Phantom inhabits this world, haunting the lives of Japanese schoolchildren who understand that good and evil forces hide just underneath the darkness, invisible to others. Each episode of this atmospheric and challenging anime series focuses on a completely new character as they summon the unknown forces, bringing about inevitable and irrevocable change.

Solty Rei

Solty Rei, an android with superhuman strength, has lost her memory in Dome Shell City, a futuristic world where the rich lord over the destitute. After saving his life, she is adopted by bounty hunter Roy Revant, and together they fight to uncover the truth behind the faceless corporations controlling society. Solty also helps Roy search for his lost daughter, but when Solty's secret comes out, Roy's loyalty is put to the test.

Gunslinger Girl: Season 1

The Social Welfare Agency, in spite of its name, cares little for the interests of those it serves. No wonder Henrietta, an orphan who's been living there, has become a hardened soul and a killer. Henrietta remembers nothing about her childhood, and somehow she's grown into someone who keeps an emotional distance from the hard truths about her life: that her family was mercilessly destroyed. Love, however, may bring her back. …

Tokko

Recently graduated from the police academy, Shindo Ranmaru is assigned to the Special Mobile Investigation Force. He meets Rokujo Sakura, who works for a secret internal unit called Tokko. When Shindo's parents are killed -- along with entire families in his hometown -- he joins Tokko to avenge their deaths. But the perpetrators may be more sinister than Shindo can imagine, and the mission more dangerous than the rookie can handle.

.hack//Roots

In this futuristic anime series, when young Haseo begins playing the new online video game The World R:2, he quickly finds himself confronting serious challenges from players who are out to kill him. But Haseo must figure out a way to stop the game from affecting reality after his friend Shino is attacked and lapses into a real-life coma. Meanwhile, Haseo has caught the attention of two rival players' coalitions.

Gunbuster 2

Young Nono is willing to work hard to become a space pilot, but she had no idea it would be this hard when she hatched her plan and moved to the big city. Now, slinging hash at a diner, Nono finds her dream returning when Lal'C, part of a team of elite psychic pilots, befriends her. Soon, the girls embark on a series of adventures, with Nono demonstrating her superhuman strength as they fight off a space monster attack.

Samurai Gun

This anime escapade travels back in time to the Industrial Revolution, when shoguns ruled the land with iron fists (or, rather, swords). Anyone who dared question their supremacy was subjected to brutal punishment and even death. Tired of the oppression, a band of samurais, led by the courageous Ichimatsu, hatch a plan to fight back, armed with weapons never before seen on a battlefield: special "guns" used to dole out justice.

The Third: The Girl with the Blue Eye

In this anime based on the novels and short stories of Ryou Hoshino, young heroine Honoka resides on a planet overrun by giant bugs and ravaged by outlaws, where she makes her living as a jill-of-all trades assisted by her sand tank Bogie. With sword skills aplenty and a nose for danger, she's ready to tackle any job. But when Honoka finds a young man alone in the desert, she begins a journey that will challenge even her superior abilities.

Tsubasa

Just as young archaeologist Syaoran is on the brink of telling his childhood friend Princess Sakura that he loves her, a magical occurrence causes Sakura's memories to scatter. Now, Syaoran must travel from the Kingdom of Clow and across worlds seeking the shattered pieces of Sakura's soul. This exciting anime fantasy series is based on a manga by the prolific all-female Japanese mangaka group Clamp.

The Twelve Kingdoms

Based on the popular series of fantasy novels by Fuyumi Ono, The Twelve Kingdoms is the story of Youko Nakajima, a young student who meets a blond stranger and is told that it is her destiny to travel to a distant world. Soon, along with her classmates Sugimoto and Asano, Youko finds herself in a mystic world where she and her friends must undertake a perilous journey to the Kingdom of Kei.

Haibane-Renmei

In this wistful anime series, the angel-like haibane arrive in Guri in seed pods that fly into the walled town and grow into cocoons. Their names are derived from the dreams they've had while "growing" inside the cocoon, and they have no memory of their previous life. New arrival Rakka -- full of questions about her purpose and surroundings -- joins Nemu and Reki, oldest of all the haibane.

Chobits

Awkward 18-year-old Hideki Motosuwa has left his family farm in Hokkaido in hopes that the extra time studying in Tokyo will help him pass his college entrance exams. This loveable, geeky guy seems to fall in love with every woman he meets, but when he finds a cute female android who defers to him, everything seems to be going his way. The two try to navigate the oddities of Tokyo life in this anime series from the female artists' studio Clamp.

Naruto

In a remote village, young, mischievous Uzumaki Naruto has a hard time fitting into the Ninja Academy. Nevertheless, the boy harbors a long-held dream that someday he'll become the head of the ninja village: the greatest warrior ever. In pursuit of his goal of becoming the Fourth Hokage, Naruto is set upon a course that will either prove or dispel his lofty aims.

Dragon Ball Z: Vol. 2: The Saiyans

This three-episode collection from the "Dragon Ball Z" anime series focuses on the genesis of the Saiyan threat to Earth, as well as Gohan's transformation from a child into a promising young warrior. In "Gohan's Metamorphosis" and "Gohan Makes a Friend," Gohan learns crucial lessons while training alone in a hostile environment, and in "Trouble on Arlia," two wicked Saiyan soldiers on their way to Earth invade the planet Arlia.

Black Lagoon: Season 1

In this anime series centered on mercenaries who smuggle goods in and out of Asia from a boat dubbed the Black Lagoon, industrialist Rokuro Okajima finds business is anything but usual when the gang kidnaps him to obtain a disk in his possession. Things take a bizarre turn, however, after the mild-mannered executive joins his captors, serving as a translator and negotiator for his pirate pals' criminal enterprise.

Requiem from the Darkness

In the 1860s, Japan is in turmoil. Momosuke, a would-be author, is traveling the countryside in search of 100 stories to incorporate into a book. On the road, he meets a trickster, a puppeteer and a bird caller. As the four traveling companions witness the ugliest aspects of human nature, they decide that they should mete out punishment to those who have transgressed the lines of acceptable behavior. It's vigilantism, Japanese style!

Gate Keepers 21

In 1969 Japan, a mysterious group of soldiers known only as the Invaders is using unconventional guerilla tactics in an attempt to slow Japan's recovery from WWII. As the Invaders plan a new attack, led by old foes Ghost Girl and the revived Kaiser Kikai, the obstacles are more difficult than they thought. Ayane tries to recruit a new member from her high school, who is willing to join until she discovers that the Invaders are human.

Gun Sword

In this clever anime series, a lone tuxedo-clad swordsman known as Van wanders the desolate landscape on the planet Endless Illusion, tirelessly searching for the enigmatic clawed man who murdered his wife. With his potent armor and shape-shifting sword to protect him, Van traverses the lawless land, clashing with outlaws and reluctantly picking up a young traveling companion, Wendy, who's engaged in her own search for her missing brother.

Yukikaze I: Danger Zone

Based on the popular Japanese novel, Yukikaze comes to life with amazing animated action sequences. Thirty years ago and without many people on Earth knowing, an alien force opened an inter-dimensional gate in Antarctica. The unified forces of Earth formed an elite military unit, the Yukikaze, under the command of the United Nations in order to push the aliens back towards their own dimension, but the war rages on. Can it ever be won?

Hellsing

Led by Integra Hellsing, the mysterious Hellsing organization works to protect mankind from supernatural threats, a mission the agency accomplishes by relying heavily on the abilities of its top operative, the renegade vampire Alucard. Throughout this anime series, the Hellsing fighters deal with attempts on the Queen's life, rival agents from the Vatican and attacks by the dangerous Valentine brothers.

The Black Cat

Murder's afoot after wealthy matron Henrietta (Cecilia Loftus) dies, leaving her fortune to her collection of cats in this classic whodunit with a cast of characters dying to get their hands on Henrietta's fortune. One by one, the players meet with foul play, and the mounting death toll confounds investigators. Broderick Crawford, Hugh Herbert, Basil Rathbone, Bela Lugosi and Gale Sondergaard co-star in this mystery gem.

Speed Grapher

As this anime unfolds, former war photographer Saiga is working in Tokyo as a spy for the rich and powerful Hibara Ginza. While on assignment gathering information on the secretive Roppongi Club, he's unexpectedly captured. In transit, he meets Kagura, a beautiful girl whose powers unlock a secret within himself: whatever he takes a picture of explodes.