10 Cult classic anime that you should watch

A cult classic anime has a certain quality; impact, enduring power, and how some stories pierce your heart and never quite go away are more important than fame or mainstream success. These cult classic anime provoke never-ending debates among fans and continue to inspire upcoming generations of artists.

The ten titles listed here are among the best examples of why anime can leave an impression on viewers, regardless of their familiarity with the genre. These cult favorites are worth watching.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions of the writer.

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Perfect Blue, Elfen Lied, and 8 other cult classic anime

1) Cowboy Bebop

Faye, Jet, Spike, and Edward as ween in the anime (Image via Sunrise)

Any discussion of cult classic anime often begins with Cowboy Bebop due to its particular mannerisms, ideas, and cool impression. The series has jazz background music and a spacefaring future setting. It focuses on people who work as bounty hunters on the spaceship Bebop.

Each episode is a standalone story. The episodes tell a story filled with sadness, things left behind, and the character's search for meaning. A mix of science fiction, blues, Western movies, and a touch of whodunnit elements gives it a solid status as a classic with a distinct feeling.

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2) Trigun

Vash the Stampede (Image via Madhouse)

Initially, Trigun might appear as a silly science fiction story set in the West. But under the humorous gun battles and funny actions is a touching look at people, a desire to avoid violence, and getting a second chance.

One of the most interesting characters in this anime is Vash the Stampede. He is a well-known gunslinger with a funny way of doing things, while having a bad history. Trigun is a much-loved cult classic anime because of the way it mixes humor and tragedy.

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3) Death Note

Light Yagami (Image via Studio Madhouse)

Rarely has any anime reached the same level of psychological depth as Death Note. In this suspenseful story, Light Yagami, a smart student possessing a deadly notebook, competes with L, an intelligent detective who wants to stop him.

As their battle of wits grows, viewers get to consider questions about justice, power, and its abuse. With its quick plot plus familiar characters, Death Note is a good example of a cult classic anime that crosses genre boundaries and captivates many people.

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4) Perfect Blue

Mima Kirigoe (Image via Madhouse)

Satoshi Kon is a popular director and animator, has helmed Perfect Blue. It is a thriller that looks at the dark side of fame and identity. The anime follows a former pop singer turned actress is followed by a stalker as she struggles with her own identity.

The movie makes it hard to differentiate between what is real and what is not. Hollywood movies such as Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream have similar themes. With its unsettling story and artistic approach, this cult classic anime leaves a lasting impact.

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5) Elfen Lied

Lucy, as seen in the anime (Image via Arms Corporation)

Elfen Lied presents an anime experience that often disturbs viewers on an emotional level. The story has extreme violence, psychological trauma, and a tragic romance. It follows Lucy, a mutant who possesses deadly abilities. She moves through a world that fears and hates her.

Beneath its gory exterior, it offers a moving analysis of loneliness, abuse, and forgiveness. Although it's not for everyone, Elfen Lied is a cult classic anime that will stick with you if you can handle its intensity.

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6) Akira

Shotaro Kaneda (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Without Akira, no list of cult classic anime would be complete. The potential of anime as a high art form was first shown to the public in this ground-breaking movie.

In a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, the story follows a biker gang. The gang becomes involved in a government plot that includes psychic abilities and the breakdown of society. The animation is impressive, reflecting thoughtful ideas and a cyberpunk look. Akira changed anime in the West, and continues to affect science fiction media.

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7) Ghost in the Shell

Motoko Kusanagi (Image via Production I.G.)

A complex, slow-paced anime, Ghost in the Shell investigates consciousness, technology, and human characteristics. Government agent Motoko Kusanagi, who has cybernetic enhancements, begins to question her own being. She follows a mysterious hacker, Puppet Master.

This cult classic anime is known for its philosophical ideas and unusual visual representations, was a forerunner to films like The Matrix. It continues to be a standard for cyberpunk storytelling.

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8) Black Lagoon

Revy (Image via Madhouse)

Black Lagoon is a must-watch anime if you enjoy hard-hitting, morally dubious shows. It follows a group of mercenaries as they take on risky assignments that make it difficult to distinguish between right and wrong. The premise is set in Southeast Asia's criminal underbelly.

If Quentin Tarantino meets anime, it will be this cult classic. Black Lagoon's stylish, chaotic, and surprisingly thoughtful when it needs to be. This anime features spectacular action, clever banter, and captivating antiheroes.

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9) Samurai Champloo

Jin, Mugen, and Fuu (Image via Manglobe)

Samurai Champloo is another cult anime from the man behind Cowboy Bebop, blending contemporary hip-hop tastes with samurai drama from the Edo era. The end product is a distinctively stylized exploration of Japanese martial arts, music, and history.

The series is propelled ahead by the unexpected friendship that develops between the three main characters, stoic Jin, untamed Mugen, and resolute Fuu. This cult classic anime is a tribute to creative risk-taking in narrative because of its smooth animation and genre-defying tone.

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10) Serial Experiments Lain

Lain Iwakura (Image via Triangle Staff)

Serial Experiments Lain is not your typical anime. It is mindboggling, truly avant-garde, and way ahead of its time. It follows the story of Lain, a shy girl who becomes entwined in the Wired, an online network that mixes with reality.

The show explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the purpose of living in a globalized world, but only after reality itself begins to crumble. Serial Experiments Lain is the ultimate cult classic anime for fans of solving intricate riddles for its enigmatic plot and eerie ambiance.

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Final Thoughts

These ten anime shows are only the tip of the iceberg in the world of cult classic anime. What unites them is that they are dissecting societal morals, tapping into our collective unconscious, or simply dazzling us with their style and craftsmanship.

They leave an impression on viewers. Start with these cult classic anime selections if you're prepared to venture outside of the mainstream and immerse yourself in anime that challenges conventions and ignites passion; you might discover your next obsession.

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