Nekojiru-sou

insert wojak meme

impressionistic emotional pieces that express a powerful melancholy

anime with dark and psychological themes (ෆ˙ᵕ˙ෆ)♡

Most adaptations are, at best, on par with the original. Some aspects are better, some worse, so it's down to preference as to how to enjoy a story. There are, of course, many, *many* outright stinkers that make one think the original was far worse than it actually was. But sometimes there comes an adaptation made with such outstanding effort, it elevates the source material onto a completely new level of experience: either through masterful editing or reimagining of the original narrative, or visionary direction, or incredible sound design, or career-topping performance from animators and/or voice actors.

This list covers anime adaptations that I consider far and away superior to their printed source materials. To the point where there isn't any need at all to read the original as long as the adaptation exists because everything is just better in the latter.

Do note that I don't necessarily consider all of these shows great per se; the only condition for them to be here is to be much superior to the original work across the board. A notable example of a horribad manga somewhat saved by outstanding adaptation effort is Erased. Similarly, while Devilman: Crybaby is contentious by itself, almost all of its faults lie with Go Nagai's original, and Masaaki Yuasa's version still manages to mitigate many of them.

Also note that I'm omitting sequels, subsequent seasons, etc., to avoid clutter, and in MOST (but not all!) cases they would also apply. Notable exceptions exist, e.g. One-Punch Man season 2. In all other cases I'll either use the first installment in the series or the one I consider the best-made (for example, if it's a movie with greater production values than the rest of the series).

See also the opposite of this list: Outstanding manga with incredibly disappointing adaptations: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/2346

More entries will be added in the future. Existing entries are subject to revision.

This list constitutes my personal views and stances. If something isn't on it, it likely means I haven't watched it or am not familiar enough with the original to have a qualified opinion. Feel free to shoot me suggestions via DMs, but make sure you have a convincing argument if it's not something that's already on my main manga/anime list. I don't promise it'll end up here, but I will consider all suggestions.

This is the kind of stuff you'll want to show to your older relatives or a friend / significant other who isn't into anime in particular but is open to new experiences. Not necessarily to hook them on anime but simply to share a good time together.

What helps an anime end up on this list:
* either subdued or distinctly avant-garde appearance that transcends common anime design sensibilities;
* mature, adult-life-related themes;
* well-crafted, compelling story and character interactions;
* fresh and daring ideas or their execution;
* being otherwise remarkable as an art piece;
* moderate length.

What DOESN'T help an anime end up on the list:
* referencing or pandering to otaku culture, incessant fan service, and all that crap;
* slow-burn slice-of-life narrative;
* overly random, absurdist, reference-heavy humor;
* being too long or narratively incomplete;
* being too tropey;
* not being very good in general (regrettably, this includes bad and mediocre adaptations of good manga/LNs, so no Berserk, My Home Hero, or Golden Kamuy on the list).

These aren't absolute rules but they're hard enough that I would only consider minor exceptions. There is most certainly not enough room for every single piece that fits the bill, so take this as my personal, heavily curated top-50. If there is a sequel or a side-story that also deserves attention (or, conversely, one you should skip), I will mention it in the annotations, so please watch them.

List is subject to revisions and reordering.

anime featuring liminal spaces and which may or may not also embody the liminal. a transitional space, unsettling un-belonging, altered reality

Arranged by score

"Elitist" has been a very generic and broad term to generalise many types of not-so-mainstream or "deep" anime, so this list is very diverse and it's criteria are not always clear cut and objective. Nonetheless I try to provide a proper explanation for why each entry is included. Generally speaking these are shows that fit one OR more of these adjectives: Experimental, Avant-Garde, Psychological, Philosophical, Obscure, Classic, Critically Acclaimed, Artsy, Old, etc...

Some shows here are not necessarily obscure or underground at all, but they are still here because they have been stereotyped as "elitist" by the community over time, due to their experimental or artsy nature. Similarly, some shows here are not necessarily artsy or experimental in nature, but their old/underwatched/obscure nature gives them a reason to be here. Not all aspects have to be checked to be included. Only one per franchise.

I have personally watched the great majority of the anime in this list, but there are a couple which I haven't. Still added them because of how strongly they are stereotyped as "elitist" or have fitting characteristics to be classified as such. I know my list still lacks many essential classics, I will continue to add and expand into this list as I watch those personally.

For more recommendations, go to my other Interest Stacks, "Elitist Anime 2" , "Elitist Anime 3" and "Elitist Anime 4", whose links are:

- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4256
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4756
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/10188
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/15961

Anime with unique art-style/premise and or surreal/dreamlike sequences

Animes starring anthropomorphic animals.


Part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/3720
Part 3: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/6893
part 4: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/56914

List of anime for "elitist". These anime have been considered as "deep" animations by various critics and analysts.

In this compilation there are animes with quite complicated stories that are not recommended for all audiences. As they are: cult, artistic, experimental, avant-garde, underrated, psychological, philosophical, unique or mind-blowing anime.

This list has a part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4197

What is life.

Surreal anime that have an upbeat tone!


Feel free to DM or message me about any questions, suggestions, or opinions about this stack!

the ultimate chronically online girl stack

Art house, in relation to cinema, is a genre of films that are intended to be serious artistic works rather than merely popular entertainment but the descriptor can also be applied to anime. Furthermore, avant-garde refers to innovative, experimental, radical or unorthodox concepts and techniques. This can of course also be used in reference to anime and manga.

As MAL currently sadly only allows a max of 50 entries on interests stacks this list mainly prioritises the stand out and most high quality examples of avant-garde and art house anime television shows, feature films, OVAs and short film compilations. For a more comprehensive list which features the numerous experimental short films on the site as well as manga, I direct you to my accompanying Art house, Avant-Garde and Experimental club of the same name.

Featuring little to no dialogue and/or characters and the experience is carried by the music and/or visual atmosphere.

Part 1 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/311
Part 2 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/5128
Part 3 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/8036
Part 4 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/8173
Part 5 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9135
Part 6 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9240
Part 7 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9448
Part 8 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9461
Part 9 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/20874

Moe Nagata - https://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=2076686