Over the past couple of decades,animehas steadily risen in popularity outside of its native Japan. It’s easy to see why. This form of animation has a lot to offer western viewers. Although it can seem stiff at first glance, the fluidity and spectacle it infuses into its set-pieces are unparalleled.
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That said, western shows are nothing to sneeze at. Despite many of them looking like cheap Flash animation nowadays, several series strive to be something more. Not only do they opt for more serious storytelling, but they try to use their medium to its fullest extent, delivering visuals that live-action works can only dream of. As such, these fantastical tales might appeal to someone with more anime-oriented sensibilities.
10Code Lyoko
This was one of several French shows that tried to cash in on the anime surge of the early 2000s. That said, it’s more suited to the genre thanTotally SpiesorMartin Mystery. First of all, it takes place in a school: a comically familiar staple in anime.
More importantly, it deals with its group of plucky kids entering a virtual world to thwart an evil computer virus. The subsequent shift to 3D animation turns them into feudal Japanese warriors to combat the malicious machines. In that sense, it’s easy to seeCode Lyokoas a predecessor to shows likeSword Art Online. Speaking of virtual worlds…
9Tron: Uprising
TheTronmoviesalready had an immense sense of style, but this spinoff amplifies that style tenfold. Taking place entirely in the computerized world,Tron: Uprisingfeatures striking sights and dynamic designs, all of which have the slick presentation of a Japanese urban noir akin toAkiraorDeath Note.
The immaculate visuals are punctuated by breathtaking action scenes. Never have the speed and power of these programs been so explosively represented. Most 3D anime works tend to look stiffer than their 2D counterparts, so this is a rare instance where the West outshines the East in animated set pieces. How often can you say that?
8Teen Titans
When animator Glen Murakami branched off fromthe mainline DC Animated Universe, he hoped to make his own superhero show that stood out from the pack. His method was not only focusing on a younger team of crime fighters but also drawing from lighthearted anime stylings.
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The resulting show is as character-driven as one would expect from the folks at Warner Bros. Animation. However, the younger heroes naturally have more exaggerated exchanges, which are illustrated by the forays into chibis and other comedic aesthetics. It’s similar to what one would see fromMy Hero AcademiaorGin Tama. It’s jarring, but it’s supposed to be. That’s part of what makes it funny.
7Jackie Chan Adventures
Many anime tales have some collecting element to them, be theyDragon Ballsor some other mystical item. From that perspective,Jackie Chan Adventuresseems tailor-made for the same audience. Sure, much of the mythology stems from China instead of Japan, but the content remains every bit as irreverent.
The heroes travel the world, collecting talismans, sealing demons, and combatting cultish crooks. Their success usually comes down to beautifully animated kung fu fights and the occasional spell. Best of all, it’s headed bythe undeniable likeability of its iconic star(as well as voice actor James Sie’s killer impression).
6Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi
IfTeen Titansdipped its toe into comedy anime, the show about the band goes all in. Puffy AmiYumi is the pop duo who sings theTeen Titanstheme and many other songs in the series, and their own show presents a crazy account of their life on tour.
Allthe comedic anime tropesfrom the superhero show are dialed up to eleven, from the distorted designs to the off-the-wall humor. This matches the wild energy that the pair portray in their songs. Those who don’t enjoy those stylings, though, will likely quit out of sheer annoyance.
5Godzilla: The Series
The kaiju genrehas been big in Japan for decades. It’s no surprise that anime works likeGundamandAttack on Titanhave capitalized on it. Why not revisitthe one who jumpstarted this trend? Granted, this show revolves around the controversial American Godzilla from 1998, but he thankfully reaffirms himself here as a deadly force worthy of his name.
Through the series, Godzillafights all kinds of creepy monsters across the globewith the help of his surrogate family–the scientific response team H.E.A.T. On top of the surprisingly witty writing, each episode has all the monster battles that any kaiju fan could want. This might make the show more enticing for longtime Godzilla devotees than his two recent anime entries:Singular Pointand theNetflixtrilogy.
4Sym-Bionic Titan
Few western animatorsare as revered as Genndy Tartakovsky. His shows have always excelled at visual storytelling.Sym-Bionic Titanis his chance to pay homage to a genre he grew up with. As a kid, he loved robotic battle tales likeVoltron, and that love is plain to see here.
The show focuses on an alien princess and her protectors, who don mechanized armor to protect their new Earth home from the same tyrannical threats that drove them from their old one. Each frame of this conflict oozes the heightened personality one would expect from Tartakovsky, making every battle a treat for the eyes. Plus, unlike the actualVoltronshow made in the West, this one didn’t wear out its welcome.
3Avatar: The Last Airbender
Among the more respected animated shows in recent memory,Avatarsports the spirit of globetrotting adventure (and schmaltzy melodrama) present in many long-running anime. It’s especially reminiscent of Shonen anime likeDragon BallandOne Piecein that regard.
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Echoing those properties also means injecting the magic into the picture, and that’s whereAvatartruly shines. This world is deeply rooted in Asian culture. That’s clear by just looking at the different nations, but the mystical elements take heavy inspiration from ancient myths. What’s more is that they’re all seamlessly channeled into martial arts, making for some uniquely exciting action all around.The ingredients are all there for an eastern fablebrought to western viewers.
2Castlevania
Of all the entries on this list, this show makes the greatest push toward emulating an anime. The artful, operatic sensibilities on displays–patient direction, contemplative dialogue, shadowy aesthetic, etc.–invoke methodical series likeHellsing.
That comparison also goes for the relentless devotion to horror and gore, all of which is conveyed in a sublimely stylized fashion nearly unmatched in animation or live-action. This makes it a perfect fit forthe theatrical horror extravaganza that isCastlevania. Never has mass slaughter looked this oddly beautiful.
1Samurai Jack
IfSym-Bionic Titanwas Tartakovsky’s tribute to titanic robots,Samurai Jackishis ode to epic adventures with traveling heroes. A wayward warrior wanders a fearful future, seeking a way to return to his own time and undo the damage of the demonic despot, Aku. Along the way, his altruistic nature compels him to help those in need, inspiring the subjugated people to resist the evil of Aku through his heroic exploits.
Right there is the perfect format for weekly adventures, andSamurai Jacktakes full advantage of that. Every episode presents a radically different setting and scenario, but never once do the creators skimp on the care and attention of bringing it to life. Each shot has a clear purpose and a wealth of colorful detail, existing as a magnificent painting in an equally magnificent collection.
Hammering home the impact are the sleek and efficient fight scenes worthy of a samurai. The clever choreography blends seamlessly with the stylish direction, furthering the already-penetrating atmosphere. It fuels some of the most thrilling action-adventure spectacles on western TV.
