The Orion2 List

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.

Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal, Director's Cut

Immensely popular in Japan, Samurai X (aka Rurouni Kenshin) is an addictive anime series about the intrepid journeys of a masterless roving samurai named Himura Kenshin. This director's cut combines the first two episodes of the series. After his family is slaughtered by bandits, 8-year-old Kenshin is "adopted" by a master who sees something in the young boy and decides to teach him the Mitsurugi sword technique.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

The Place Promised in Our Early Days

In this animated film, Japan is under two regimes after the country's loss in World War II. Hokkaido remains under Japanese rule while America holds the rest, a bitter division that's wrenched the nation and left its citizens confused. Curious, Sayuri and her pals decide to build a vessel that would help them investigate a looming tower in Hokkaido, a plan they abandon when Sayuri falls ill. Is there a connection between her coma and the tower?

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.

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.

Serial Experiments Lain

There is the world around us, a world of people, tactile sensation and culture. There is the wired world inside the computer, of images, experiences and a culture all of its own. After a classmate commits suicide, thirteen-year-old Lain discovers how closely the two worlds are linked when she receives an email from the dead girl: 'I just abandoned my body. I still live here...' Has the line between the real world and the wired world blurred?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Darker Than Black

The sudden and unexplained appearance of "Hell's Gate" -- a mysterious and seemingly impenetrable field -- wreaks havoc on Tokyo's status quo. But it also adds a new element to the city's social structure: psychics who possess supernatural abilities. The dangerous powers of these so-called "Contractors" are disturbing enough. That is, until one of them -- a killer known as the Black Reaper -- emerges as an even deadlier threat.

Dragon Ball Z: Great Saiyaman: Crash Course

In this collection of episodes from the popular anime series, Videl and Goten prepare for the World Martial Arts Tournament. The excitement begins when the two take flying lessons from Gohan so they can qualify. On the day of the competition, the Z-fighters reunite, and a mystery guest appears -- a hero who's presumably been dead for seven years. And during the preliminaries, Sharpner, who has a crush on Videl, vows to unmask the Great Saiyaman.

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.

Bleach: Memories of Nobody: The Movie

Mortal high school student Ichigo and his half-ghost friend, Rukia, are alarmed when unknown spirits descend on their city. As they attempt to discover the spectres' secrets, a mysterious girl named Senna arrives and begins eliminating the ghosts. Senna puzzles Ichigo and Rukia, but their confusion turns to terror when they become trapped in an all-out war of spirits sparked by her actions. This gripping tale is based on a manga by Tite Kubo.

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.

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.

Shin Chan: Season 1: Part 1

Shin Chan has a way of being inappropriate, pissing off his parents but making everyone around him laugh. He manages to get himself into sticky situations -- all while being in kindergarten. Originally a controversial Japanese anime series, Shin Chan has since been adapted for an American audience and aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block, rendering the show a grown-ups only, equal-opportunity comedic offender.

Macross

Anime buffs will recognize "Macross," which initially ran as a Japanese sci-fi series, as one of three elements in the Robotech epic. When humans recover an abandoned space vessel and turn it into a battleship they dub the Macross, they don't count on its dormant computer system reviving itself. By firing on an alien ship and pulling Earthlings into a war with the Zentradi race, the Macross changes the course of human history.

Shin Chan: Season 1: Part 2

Shin Chan, that pint-size butt-baring bundle of outrageous behavior, is back for more shocking adventures in this collection of episodes from this animated show's first season, in which Shin Chan makes a dubious deal with the devil. He also loses his cousin's beloved pet rock, finds himself kidnapped by alien dogs for his mistreatment of mutt Whitey, and even plans to elope -- but with whom?

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!

Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles: The Movie

Released as an animated sequel to the short-lived "Robotech" television series, this futuristic drama picks up where the program left off, following members of the Robotech Expeditionary Force on their search for Adm. Hunter and the missing SDF-3 starship. Extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette that details the making of the animated sequel, which blends 2D animation with cel-shaded CG mecha animation.

Fullmetal Alchemist

In this anime tale from the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim series, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric use the taboo science of alchemy to try to resurrect their mother. Instead, they unleash a chemical reaction that tears apart their bodies. Fast-forward four years: The siblings are scouring the land for the mythical Philosopher's Stone, which could restore their maimed bodies. And they may have located the fabled rock … in an affluent desert burg.

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.

Akira

Based on the popular anime series, Akira is the story of two childhood friends, Tetsuo and Kaneda, who are pulled into the post-apocalyptic underworld of Neo-Tokyo. Kaneda is a bike gang leader, and Tetsuo is a member of a tough motorcycle gang who becomes involved in a covert government project called Akira. On his way to save Tetsuo, Kaneda runs into a group of anti-government activists and corrupt scientists, and a bloody battle ensues.

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

In a futuristic world that's been ravaged by World War III, humans and robots known as bioroids coexist peacefully, transforming the last smoldering city on Earth into the cyberpunk oasis of Olympus. But paradise isn't as idyllic as it seems, which makes it a target for terrorists bent on destroying the city. Kazuyoshi Katayam directs this fast-paced sci-fi anime adventure based on the manga by Masamune Shirow.

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.

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?

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.

Fist of the North Star

Following a nuclear war, the surface of the Earth has become a wasteland. While the survivors fight just to stay alive, a battle for control rages between assorted dictators, mutants and biker gangs. Only one man can restore order -- Kenshiro, the chosen one. With his mastery of Hokuto Shinken, a form of martial arts so brutal that only a single being can be trusted with its power, Kenshiro is civilization's last, best hope.

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.

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.

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.

Karas: The Revelation

With good turned evil Eko gaining power after abandoning his role as the guardian Karas, the new Karas -- Otoha -- must double his efforts to restore order and protect humans from the invisible demons that surround them in this anime series. As Eko vents his fury at the clueless humans, Yurine, Nue and Otoha team up to rescue the city from his wrath and prepare for an epic battle to save the people once and for all.

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

Whenever law student Light Yagami writes down a person's name in his newly found notebook, that person ends up dead. Deciding to take the law into his own hands, Light use his powerful new tool to wipe out criminals from the face of the Earth. When thousands of criminals suddenly turn up dead all over the world and crime rates begin to fall, authorities try to figure out who's responsible for the dramatic change in this Japanese anime series.

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: The Spirits Within

It's an Armageddon scenario with a Greenpeace subtext when Dr. Aki Ross races against time to keep phantom-like alien invaders from destroying what's left of life on Earth in this computer-animated adventure based on the video game. In an attempt to curb the invasion, Ross advocates a measured approach while hawkish General Hein pushes for a blind annihilation of everything on Earth. The voice cast includes Ming-Na, Alec Baldwin and James Woods.

Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

Two years after leading the charge against the evil Sephiroth in this sci-fi anime adventure, Cloud has taken refuge in the country, running a delivery service for Tifa's bar, which doubles as a safe haven for children stricken with a deadly disease. But Cloud and his friends are called back into action when the mysterious Kadaj and his brothers show up on the scene, looking to be reunited with their mother.

Final Fantasy: Unlimited Complete Collection

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.

Jing, King of Bandits: Seventh Heaven

Intent on stealing the renowned Dream Orb from dangerous prison complex Seventh Heaven, master bandit Jing and his sidekick Kir get themselves locked up in the mystical jail notorious for holding even magical inmates who can't escape its walls. But once they arrive, Campari, the owner of the orb, traps them in a confusing prison of dreams they must elude before they can proceed with their thievery in this anime adventure.

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.

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

Based on the novel by Hiroyuki Morioka, Banner of the Stars recounts an epic war between mankind and the evil Abh Empire. Focusing on the personal relationship between an Abh Princess and a lone human, Jinto, this is a tale of peace-loving individuals attempting to work together for the greater good. Features beautiful anime action entwined with a touching humane story.

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.

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.

Gundam Wing

When Earth's nations unite under the Earth Sphere Alliance and take to the stars, it looks like smooth sailing. But the Alliance becomes corrupt, and tyrannical rule spills over into the colonies. Fearing the worst, the colonies initiate an offensive strike that will use suits fashioned from gundanium, an indestructible alloy.

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. …

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.

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.

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.

Naruto Shippuden 2: Bonds

When strange ninjas ambush the village of Konohagakure, the citizens brace for another world war. It's up to volatile adolescent ninja Naruto Uzumaki and his long-missing pal, Sasuke Uchiha, to save the planet in this epic adventure. The action-packed anime sequel to Naruto Shippuden: The Movie is based on the best-selling Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mashashi Kishimoto.

Pilot Candidate

Facing extinction at the hands of a menacing alien race known as the Victim, humankind must mount a defense of the planet Zion, the last hope for the people of Earth. Five humanoid fighting weapons dubbed Ingrids are all that stand between humanity and annihilation -- but who has the skills to pilot the giant robots? This action-packed anime series directed by Hongo Mitsuru will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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.

Black Lagoon: Season 2: Second Barrage

In the second season of the hit anime, mercenary Revy and her sister Eda team up for a high-paying gig to shuttle a brilliant counterfeiter to safety. Also, after a year aboard the Black Lagoon, Rock has come a long way from his old identity as mild-mannered Japanese businessman Rokuro Okajima. In this season, the much-changed Rock takes a trip to Japan, with the fierce Revy as his escort and bodyguard.

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.

Black Cat

This anime series from Japan follows the thrilling adventures of former assassin Train "Black Cat" Heartnet who abandons his elite enclave of hit men to become a bounty hunter. Traveling the country with his partner, Sven Vollfied, Train uses his killer instinct to hunt down notorious and wanted criminals. Join the Black Cat and his trusty companion as they bring bad guys to justice, while evading Train's former associates.

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.

Mouse

Twenty-year-old Sorata teaches art at the Yamanoue School, and no one would ever suspect that this mousy-looking teacherwould have a life beyond his studies. But Mouse, Sorata's secret alter ego, is a thief with international notoriety - and a shameless (and successful) flirt! With his sexy, busty assistants -- math teacher Mei Momozono, P.E. teacher Hazuki Kakio and school nurse Yayoi Kuribayashi -- Mouse is an unstoppable thief.

Ark

As the planet Alcyone faces obliteration, the remnants of its two civilizations have crowded together in a domed metropolis carried upon the back of an enormous robot called the Ark, designed by the Cevean people with the help of a mysterious priestess. The warlike Storrions capture the Ark and now have squatters' rights there, but without the priestess's guidance, the Storrions have no way to pilot or control the robot. James Woods stars.

Kaena: The Prophecy

Kirsten Dunst plays Kaena in this fable about a young girl who believes that a tree world called Axis is pleading for her to help them save their sap. Despite her tribe's objections, Kaena journeys to the ends of Axis's root system to find out what's causing the problem, and there, she unearths a secret that will profoundly change her life and those around her. Co-stars Richard Harris and Anjelica Huston.

Daphne in the Brilliant Blue

In this anime series, Maia's dream of entering the prestigious Ocean Agency is shattered when she fails to pass the admissions test. Her rejection from the program means she's no longer an eligible student, forcing her out of student housing. With no job, money or place to live, she joins the Nereides squad, a group of buxom female secret agents who work under dangerous conditions and make big bucks. But is a big paycheck worth risking her life?

Dirty Pair Flash: Vol. 1: Angels in Trouble

When Kei and Yuri, junior auxiliary agents for the Worlds Works and Welfare Agency, become partners, they instantly dislike each other. But the teen duo slowly learns how to work well together, protecting the universe with their oversized artillery. Based on Haruhiko Takachiho's popular novels, this classic anime series follows the voluptuous pair's destructive adventures getting into fights, raising mayhem and ultimately saving the day.

Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad

An exciting new world opens up for 14-year-old Koyuki when he meets rock guitarist Ryuusuke in this coming-of-age anime series. Koyuki joins Ryuusuke's up-and-coming band, Beck, and sets off on a life-changing rock 'n' roll adventure. The group runs into roadblocks on the long, hard road to success, and Koyuki, Ryuusuke and the other members of Beck must learn to juggle the demands of the band with school and the challenges they face as teens.

Bubblegum Crash: Total Crash Collection

In the year 2034 in the city of Mega Tokyo, the vigilante force the Knight Sabers -- made up of Sylia, Priss, Nene and Linna -- represents the city's only hope of defeating the cyberconspiracy that threatens to destroy it. But to take down the mysterious enemy behind the plot, the gals must join forces with the cybernetically augmented soldiers charged with carrying out the shadowy villain's evil plan.

Aquarian Age

Based on a popular trading-card game, the anime series Aquarian Age opens with teenaged friends Kyota, Shingo and Junichi dreaming of pop stardom. But when Kyota begins having visions of mysterious fairy girls and finds that the beauties are supernatural beings involved in a centuries-old battle for humankind, he shelves his musical ambitions to join in the struggle and usher in a prophesied Aquarian Age.

Malice@Doll

Robot prostitute Malice@Doll roams a deserted city unsuccessfully looking for johns after the human race is obliterated in this adult anime tale. With no people left, the android serving class has a meaningless existence. But after a horrific tentacled beast rapes Malice@Doll, she inexplicably turns human. With a renewed purpose in life, she tries to share the gift of humanity with others of her kind.

His and Her Circumstances

Get involved in this fiercely romantic anime series about two high school students, Yukino and Soichiro, who harbor a secret: They're deeply insecure because of their family situation and childhood. Soichiro's parents were neglectful, and Yukino feels a driving need to succeed at all costs, even if it means forsaking love. But somehow, their feelings for each other manage to ride out the rough waters.

Fruits Basket

Yuki Sohma is a handsome 16-year-old whose family harbors a strange secret: If any of them are hugged by a member of the opposite sex, they transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. To complicate his happy but weird home life, Yuki's family has taken in one of his classmates, a young orphan named Tohru. Each day is a new adventure for Yuki, who wonders, will his friend discover his family's secret and reveal their curse to the world?

Ah! My Goddess

A whiz with his studies, engineering student Keiichi Morisato doesn't demonstrate the same prowess with the ladies. But one fateful evening, a wrong number puts him in contact with the "Goddess Hotline." One wish later, Keiichi finds himself blessed with Belldandy, the perfect girlfriend and an honest-to-goodness goddess. Unfortunately, she doesn't have any idea of how to act in the human world, and her presence quickly upturns Keiichi's world.

Aeon Flux: The Complete Animated Collection

Sexy secret agent Aeon Flux (voiced by Denise Poirier) takes on a world of chaos and corruption in this collection of MTV's cutting-edge anime series. The leather-clad beauty brings an impressive set of talents -- including assassination, seduction and domination -- to the task of dispatching scoundrels. Extras include commentary by the creative team, the pilot episode, MTV "Liquid Television" shorts, two featurettes and more.

The Big O

What happens to a place when its past is wiped out without a trace? That's the puzzle facing Paradigm City in this animated action series, where an unexplained phenomenon called "The Event" has given the town's citizens collective amnesia. What exactly happened, and how can it be undone? Only The Big O, a robotic cop, and Roger Smith, a crime fighter, may be able to find the answer.

The Big O: Season 2

In the second season of this anime adventure, three giant megadeus robots invade Paradigm City, creating chaos, stirring up lost memories and leading negotiator Roger Smith closer to discovering the truth about what happened 40 years ago. With Alex Rosewater making a grab for power, rumors swirling that a dragon is heading to the city and foreign agents trying to destroy all memories, it's up to Roger to save the day.

The Black Gate

Looks can be deceiving, and in this case, the object of trickery is an inn overlooking the California ocean run by Rebecca Lacey (Rebecca Kyler Downs). Apparently, the inn may be ground zero for an otherworldly battle for the soul of its owner -- and of those who check into the place. Ghostbuster Scott Griffin (Jeff Rector) may be the only one who can put an end to the shenanigans that take place there, but will he figure out how?

Blood: The Last Vampire

In this anime horror romp, Saya is a secret slayer of demons who's sent undercover to a military base in Tokyo just before Halloween. Posing as a student, she discovers that her classmates are slowly being turned into shape-shifting vampires. As the gruesome bloodsucking threat grows, Saya finds that she and her special sword are Tokyo's only hope in its battle to remain human.

Blood+: Part 1

In this groundbreaking adventure anime, teen amnesiac Sayo Otanashi is determined to destroy the shape-shifting bloodsuckers that have plagued Japan for centuries, but to do so, she'll have to recover her memory. Blending computer-generated and hand-drawn animation with a gorgeous musical score from Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer, the 25 episodes included here feature action, horror and suspense aplenty.

Madlax

At first glance, female hired gun Madlax and naively unassuming student Margaret appear to have nothing in common. But they've recently discovered that their seemingly different lives cross at one deadly point. Now, they must uncover and solve a perplexing puzzle before the dark forces opposing them end their lives. Will the knowledge of their preordained doom -- and their self-imposed task -- bind them together or pull them apart?

Ghost Talker's Daydream

Dominatrix Misaki Saiki moonlights as a spirit medium in this anime. Misaki, who can talk to spirits who haven't crossed over to the other side, works for the city investigating supernatural phenomena. But this multitalented gal also has a certain way with men and resorts to working at the local sex club for extra income, requiring her to deal with twisted mortals and troubled ghosts on a daily basis. Includes all four episodes of the series.

Kakurenbo: Hide & Seek

There's a street where no one lives, where ghostly lights flicker in the shadows -- and it's whispered that the children who play hide-and-seek there after dark are kidnapped by demons and disappear forever. Joining the game to search for his missing sister, a boy named Hikora gathers eight children to help him in his quest. But when the street lamps flare (even though no one is there to light them), it appears that they're not alone.

Trinity Blood

Set in a postapocalyptic future, this hit anime series follows the battle for world domination between the Vatican, which has become a mighty military and political entity (and humanity's protector) and rapacious vampires known as the Methuselah. Fighting for the Vatican -- with humankind's survival at stake -- is Abel Nightroad, who's part of the Special Ops force AX ... and secretly a vampire who feeds on his own kind.

Afro Samurai: Season 1

In a futuristic Japan where conflicts are settled by the sword, Afro Samurai (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) must avenge his father's murder by challenging a powerful warrior named Justice (Ron Perlman) in this anime miniseries. If he can defeat Justice, considered the premier samurai, Afro will become the new No. 1. He's joined on his quest by Ninja Ninja, who provides excellent strategic advice in combat -- but who also may be a hallucination.

Karin

A family of discreet vampires lives a quiet life in modern-day Japan in this offbeat anime series that focuses on Karin, the eldest daughter of the blood-sucking clan. Unlike the rest of her family, Karin has a surplus of blood -- meaning she can sleep at night and attend school during the day just like any other teenager. But school presents its own problems, most of which come from a couple of transfer students -- both of them boys.

3x3 Eyes

Pai -- the last surviving member of an immortal race of beings blessed with three eyes -- desperately searches for a way to become human and leave her checkered past behind in this fantastical anime based on Yuzo Takada's most successful manga. Aiding her on her quest is her immortal companion, Yakumo, who reluctantly accepts that his own destiny is linked to Pai's uncertain future.

Witchblade

In the wake of a catastrophe that virtually destroys Tokyo, police officer Masane Amaha acquires the legendary Witchblade -- a mythical sword bestowed throughout history only to a chosen few -- and assumes the identity of a mighty female warrior. With her young daughter's life to protect, Masane's mission is clear. But whether the Witchblade is a righteous weapon of God or a tool of the devil remains to be seen in this anime adventure series.

Hell Girl

A mysterious Web site is activated at midnight and awaits people who have been wronged. With the click of a mouse, those who summon Hell Girl to do their bidding already know the price and accept the consequences of carrying out vengeance. When a grudge is posted to the message board, Hell Girl is dispatched to take the marked person straight to hell. And since the price is no small matter, the avenger must commit to damning a soul.

Venus Versus Virus

In this anime series, schoolgirl Sumire leads a normal life -- except for her ability to see ghosts. When she meets demon-killer Lucia, she joins her as part of the Venus Vanguard, a group charged with defending the world from the lethal Viruses. Demons thirsty for human souls, the Viruses can be seen only by certain people blessed with supernatural vision. If the Venus Vanguard doesn't stop them, they'll destroy all of humanity.

Air: The Motion Picture

Traveling puppeteer Yukito Kunisaki plans to earn money at an upcoming summer festival in a seaside town. While there, he meets Misuzu Kamio, an odd girl. As the two become close, the mythical tale of Kanna, a girl with wings, parallels their story. Confined in a palace because of her powers, Kanna falls in love with her guardian, who tries to help her escape and fly to the mother she's never met in this fanciful anime series.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion: Part 1

In the year 2010, the Empire of Britannia uses robotic Knightmare Frames to invade Area 11 (formerly known as Japan). Meanwhile, Lelouch -- a Britannian high schooler living in Area 11 -- stumbles into the heart of the local resistance. Taking the side of the rebels, he receives the power of Geass, which ensures that any order he commands will be obeyed. The revolution is on in this stirring anime series from director Goro Taniguchi.

Devil Hunter Yohko

Boy-crazy Yohko lives her life as a normal 16-year-old -- until the day she discovers she's the 108th in a line of devil hunters. That means it's time for her to start fighting the supernatural beasts in this action-packed, magical anime series. The fierce girl-warrior must face horrific demons in brutal battle on a regular basis, while she continues to deal with school, classmates and, of course, boys.

Crusher Joe

This special program contains the complete Crusher Joe, both the OVAs and the movie. The OVAs begin with "The Ice Prison," a cemetary core (which happens to be a prison) that has been deliberately knocked lower in its orbit, threatening the planet. "Last Weapon Ash" finds the Crushers on the job trying to destroy a top-secret weapon, ASH, which has the ability to destroy all organic matter on a planet.

Harmagedon

From the darkest depths of space, an eternal, malevolent being named Genma approaches the Earth after having already destroyed half the universe. Princess Luna must assemble a group of fledgling psychic warriors to fight Genma, who's intent on finishing what he started. Japan's most talented animation vets teamed up to create what's become a cult favorite.

Kiddy Grade

Space-age special agents Eclair and Lumiere fight for peace and justice for the Global Union in this anime set in star century Zero-One-Sixty-Five. To ensure interplanetary economic harmony and cooperation, the planets of the Global Union created the Galactic Organization of Trade and Tariffs. Cyborg agents Eclair and Lumiere hunt down those who threaten to undermine global unity, while trying to uncover conspiracy within their own organization.

Ninja Scroll: The Series

This fast-paced anime series features Jubei Kiwagami, a fighter who puts his life on the line for the right price. Never one to align himself with just one faction, Hubei has managed to remain independent -- that is, until he's swept up in a tug-of-war between two opposing factions vying for control of the Dragon Stone. Hired to keep watch over both groups, Jubei finds his loyalty tested when he learns about the true power of the coveted rock.

Megazone 23

A pioneer in anime, this film from the 1980s tracks the exploits of main character Shogo Yahagi as he dodges the armed forces who are after him in an attempt to ultimately save the universe. As Shogo bides his time racing the streets on his motorcycle, he's excited to find a rare model bike that's being hotly pursued by government officials. While trying to evade authorities, Shogo also discovers the dangers facing civilization in the future.

Saikano

In this animated adventure, teen couple Shuuji and Chise travel to Sapporo one day only to be terrified by a fleet of foreign bombers. All seems lost until a mysterious red light destroys the invaders and saves the city. Shuuji is stunned when Chise reveals that she's the source of the mystery weapon. Life becomes both exciting and complicated for average teenager Shuuji and his cyborg girlfriend engineered for mass destruction by the government.

Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi

Who would've thought shopping could be so brutal? When young Sasshi and Ayumi uncover the secret to their local mall, they accidentally transport themselves to an alternate universe. Trapped in the doppelganger Abenobashi shopping mall, the youngsters desperately try to find their way home. This spot-on parody skewers anime and other film genres and contains mature content unsuitable for children.

Last Exile

In the futuristic land depicted in this fantastical anime adventure, two pilots, Claus and Lavie, botch a delivery and wind up in the midst of two warring factions that battle it out in the skies for supremacy under the watchful eyes of the Guild. As battleships scour outer space for enemies and steely generals call the shots, the duo must find their way to safety -- no matter what it takes.

Escaflowne

In this popular anime fantasy, typical high school student Hitomi Kanzaki finds her world anything but typical when she's suddenly whisked away to Gaea, an enchanted realm filled with incredible creatures, excitement and menace, allies and enemies. Channeling her latent psychic powers and befriending a swordsman named Van, Hitomi makes her way through an unfamiliar land that holds the promise of adventure, danger and romance.

Noir

In this anime adventure, Mireille is a professional assassin who's contacted one day by a young woman claiming to be an amnesiac named Yumura. Drawn in by Yumura's story, Mireille discovers that Yumura possesses the skills of an assassin and may be able to unlock some of the secrets of Mireille's past. Soon, it becomes clear that both women are the focus of a deadly conspiracy that will call upon all their skills to stay alive.

Mecha Masters: Genocyber: The Collection

Written, directed and designed by leading anime artist Koichi Ohata, this futuristic, sci-fi thriller chronicles the Kuryu Group, a global company that's developed Genocyber -- an innovative new weapon. At Genocyber's core are two sisters: Diana, who has become more machine than human, and feral Elaine, who possesses incredible psychic ability. Together, the siblings turn into a nightmarish force as Kuryu attempts to tip the scales of power.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion: Part 2

Zero and the Order of the Black Nights set a landslide trap for Imperial Princess Cornelia in the mountains of Narita, all but ensuring victory for their side. But suddenly, Suzaku appears, and the childhood friends face off once again. Despite C.C.'s intervention, the casualties pile up. And when the identity of Shirley's father is revealed, she vows to seek revenge against the Order of the Black Knights.

Now and Then, Here and There: Vol. 1: Discord and Doom

Dragged through a time warp by a giant machine, Shu is thrust into a hellish future of slavery and war. There he is captured by an army of kidnapped children. Caught between reluctant soldiers and the madman who has stolen their innocence, Shu fights to save the future. Can one child stop a war?

Legend of Himiko #1: Sacred Fire

In a world where good and evil exist as palpable forces, a darkness is stirring. The undead are marching against the cities of light to capture the sacred fire that is the source of their power. But one hope remains: Called into this world by the magical flame, a young girl named Himiko is thrust into the maelstrom of danger, betrayal and war. She is heir to the sacred fire and holds a power that could save its Guardians ... if she survives!