STORE FILM CRUX+ BLOG THE ANIME THAT INSPIRED YOUR FAVORITE FILMS Even if you think you don't like anime, odds are,  your favorite filmmakers do. Everyone from Quentin Tarantino and Darren Aronofsky, to Wes Anderson and The Wachowskis are anime fans. And if you don't watch them, you're missing out on some of the greatest films ever made. You'll likely also be surprised to see that anime has inspired some of your favorite films directly. People were so surprised after our first viral Anime Inspired video took over social media, that we've received tons of requests to make a part 2. WATCH NOW THE PROBLEM WITH ANIME The problem is, people think anime is a genre. It's not. It's a medium. Anime is just animation from Japan. It's not like saying you don't like classical music. It's like saying you don't like music. Which, to each their own, but any artist worth their salt would never write off an entire filmmaking medium. And a lot of people who claim to not like anime, really just don't like their idea of what they think anime is, and haven't really seen any great anime films. Many of those same people have seen every Disney classic or Pixar movie. So if you've been on the fence, go here and check out our infographic on 'How to Get Started with Anime'. Give it a shot, and you may just come across some of the most creative and imaginitive filmmaking you've ever seen. WATCH NOW THE BEST ANIME FILMS FOR FILMMAKERS Paprika - This will be one of the most creative films you've ever seen. Everything about this avant-garde work from filmmaking genius Satoshi Kon is creative beyond belief, and even served as a bit of inspiration for what we consider to be the best film ever made, Inception. Ghost in the Shell - If you like high concept sci-fi, look no further. You'd be hard pressed to find many films more cerebral. From the stunning animation to the unbelievable cyberpunk futurism, Ghost in the Shell is not only an anime classic, but it also served as the inspiration for a little film you might know called The Matrix. Perfect Blue - Darren Aronofsky was so inspired by Perfect Blue, that he at one point tried to buy the rights. He then used it as inspiration for his own masterpiece, Black Swan. This mindblowing psychological thriller by Satoshi Kon (who's on this list twice for a reason), is really unlike anything you've ever seen, or are likely to see. Spirited Away - Spirited Away is one of the greatest films ever made. It's really that simple. The magnum opus by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away is an absolute must-watch for anyone of any age, filmmaker or not. If you haven't seen it because you've been living under a rock, do yourself a favor. Ninja Scroll - This is one of the most badass films ever made, and is probably way too intense for the average viewer, so tread cautiously if you think that might be you. They just don't make movies like this anymore, and in a way, they never did. Here's hoping they make a comeback. Prepare to have your mind blown. Akira - A formative entry for the cyberpunk genre. To this day, Akira is one of the most stunning works of art ever put to film, and easily one of the most phenomenal uses of the medium. Incredible animation and unbelievable sci-fi come together to create a masterpiece that's inspired everything from video games to Kanye West. Your Name - Most people who have never seen anime would never think they could be so beautiful and personal. Your Name is a lovely tale that is one of the highest grossing films of any kind in the history of Japan. Perfect for anyone looking for lighter fair, with slice of life elements and an interesting twist on a classic premise we typically see in American films. Princess Mononoke - Another stunning work from the master himself, Hayao Miyazaki. Princess Mononoke is unlike any film out there, and one that really only could have come from Japan. It's so unique, it's as if Akira Kurasawa directed a dark Pixar film, and that's still not even close to the magic that Miyazaki brings to the screen. "EVERY ANIMATOR IS REALLY AN ACTOR PERFORMING IN SLOW MOTION, LIVING THE CHARACTER A DRAWING AT A TIME." - John Lasseter Get your brand in front of over 450,000 filmmakers and video creators. HIRE US facebook twitter instagram FILM CRUX 6403 Stoney Creek Drive, Pasadena United States of America You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us.