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The anime medium has come a long way from its early beginnings on the silver screen to its modern capacity to draw crowds in theaters. As anime has become more popular among mainstream audiences, the medium's mature films have become increasingly beloved cult classics among fans. Whether an anime film is based on existing works or fashioned from completely original material, the best R-rated anime movies are celebrated for the dark tone and themes that define them.

Ghost in the Shell and Ninja Scroll are two of the most noteworthy R-rated anime films, but they are far from the only groundbreaking movies to redefine the mature side of the medium. The success of darker anime movies like these and many others is, in part, the catalyst for the growth of the medium's audience. A handful of R-rated anime movies are such masterpieces that they remain among the greatest works the medium has to offer fans.

We're at a point where US and Japanese pop culture are reciprocating a level of influence on each other. The history and development of anime were influenced by classic American cartoons from the Golden Age of Animation. In the years that anime has exploded in popularity in North America, major US productions have been notably influenced by anime — The Matrix was publicly stated to be influenced by '90s anime movie Ninja Scroll and the beloved Avatar: The Last Airbender owes an obvious stylistic debt to anime techniques and storytelling conventions.

With that in mind, it's hardly surprising that there are several anime and manga series that have clearly been influenced by the US superheroes coming from Marvel and DC Comics — and other smaller publishers, too. There are several stand-out superhero anime and manga series. For fans of the comic book heroes from Marvel and DC, these anime shows are sure to be particularly enjoyable.

It's not every day an Emmy-winning series recognized in The New York Times' Best TV Shows in 2023 and 2024 feels like it flies under the radar. Nevertheless, such is the case for Blue Eye Samurai. The Edo-period revenge anime sits at a curious crossroads in the animation world. With 4.8 million views in its first two weeks on Netflix, a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score, and an Emmy win, no one could say it's underrated or a commercial failure. Yet, the gorgeously rendered series is hardly discussed among the folks who might appreciate it most: anime fans.

Much like the main protagonist Mizu hides her identity, Blue Eye Samurai operates in disguise in the anime landscape. The French-produced revenge tale, created by Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, boasts Japanese historical settings, samurai combat so smooth some consider it sakuga despite its CGI animation, and clear Samurai Champloo and Ninja Scroll influences. Still, a controversial combination — its production home,...

Quick LinksSakamoto Days Uses Family As a Way to Heal AggressionSakamoto Days Portrays Forgiveness As a CureSakamoto Days Makes Listening Another SolutionSakamoto Days Hinges on Faith and Goodwill Curing Evil Men

The following contains spoilers for Sakamoto Days Season 1, Episode 9, "All Aboard," streaming now on Netflix.

As far as anime and manga go, it's hard to ignore how prominent testosterone, aggression and violence are to the medium. Most anime are male-centric when it come down to it. This is no more evident than with popular franchises like Dragon Ball, Naruto, Boruto, Chainsaw Man and Vinland Saga. Even old-school anime such as Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D fall into similar waters.

As nuanced as the series can be, Sakamoto Days isn't any different. Sure, the anime features strong women in its narrative, but most of Sakamoto Days revolves around the eccentric Taro Sakamoto trying to evade assassin, while Shin Asakura...

Ahead of the game’s release date on March 20th, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is unveiling two new animated shorts exclusively on Crunchyroll News. The animations by Sato Creative transport viewers to a vivid world based in feudal Japan, showcasing principal characters, Yasuke — a samurai based in historical legend — and Naoe, a stealthy and agile shinobi. The shorts give a brief look into the characters’ origin stories as the scene is set for a tale of vengeance, renewed purpose and shared destiny in the backdrop of the Iga Province. Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks more than 17 years of the long-standing Assassin’s Creed franchise. The game promises to give both Yasuke and Naoe equal narrative stake in the game, as well as allow the player the ability to swap between the contrasting play styles of both protagonists. Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe Animated Short Assassin's Creed Shadows Yasuke Animated Short Creative Director Jérôme Perrillat Collomb,...

In addition to bringing you the most important Marvel and DC-related news, we are also committed to bring you weekly updates of the all the major anime industry news you may have missed every week.

This week begins with a piece of anime news that will probably be of particular interest in DC Comics fans.

Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League confirms release date and English dub

The anime film's official website has confirmed that Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League will initially release digitally on March 18, with the physical home media releases following for 4K Uhd and Blu-ray coming on April 15. This announcement follows a previous reveal of the movie's release in Japan, including a special debut on the Japanese version of Cartoon Network on March 20.

Coinciding with the announcement of the international release is the release of the movie's first English-language trailer (posted above). The trailer includes the following summary of Batman Ninja vs.

The anime medium is more popular than ever, and a major reason for this is the overwhelming number of genres and subgenres that have garnered dedication over the years. In particular, the success of ninja anime has been especially pronounced over the years, because of the overwhelming popularity of a single series, Naruto.

Naruto and its sequel series, Naruto: Shippuden, played a major role in the proliferation of anime around the world, but while they might be the best-known ninja anime, they're far from the only ones. Both before and after Naruto's debut episode aired, many other enjoyable ninja series have aired, some of which give the beloved shōnen anime a true run for it money.

Brave 10 Blends Historical Details and Heroic Actions Streaming on Crunchyroll

Like most ninja & samurai anime, Brave 10 is set during one of Japan's historical eras — in this case, the Warring States Period.

The 1990s was a watershed decade for anime, especially in the West. This was the era in which the medium became more mainstream, with programming blocks such as Toonami bringing Japanese hits to American kids. Of course, not all of the anime brought over in the '90s were family-friendly, but this only made some of them more iconic.

There were numerous 1990s anime that truly proved that animation wasn't just for kids, namely for Westerners who had such beliefs. Not meant for children or teens, some of these works were full of content that would make Walt Disney blush. Even though they were intended for older viewers, many kids still snuck a watch with these hardcore anime - and it was worth it.

Related10 Hard to Watch Anime You Need to Mentally Prepare For

Some anime are just too dark or heart wrenching for the average viewer handle, but...

Debuting in the late 1990s, Cowboy Bebopis now over 25 years old and one of the most iconic anime of all time. Now, fans can watch the series' movie side story in theaters as part of a limited engagement.

Iconic Events has brought several anime movies to the big screen in the past year, and now, it's Cowboy Bebop's turn. The latest in a series of Anime Cinema Nights, the screenings for Cowboy Bebop: The Movie will only take place across three days. Thus, now's the time for fans to search for local screenings and get their tickets, currently on sale, today.

RelatedCowboy Bebop Creator Returns to TV Screens for New Spring 2025 Anime Series

Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe returns to TV screens this April for the highly anticipated sci-fi action anime series, Lazarus.

Cowboy Bebop's Anime Movie Flies Back Into U.S. Theaters Image via Sunrise, Bones, and Bandai...

Any fan of heavy music who also happens to spend a lot of time online has probably come across the State of the Scene Podcast before. With their frequent news updates, hilarious memes, and, of course, discussion episodes about the latest releases, brothers Sam and Marcos are finding their way to your eyes and ears one way or another. When not headbanging, they can be found catching up on the latest anime! I chatted with Sam and Marcos about their gateway anime, the overlap of anime and scene music fandoms, and the debt we all owe Hot Topic. We're here to talk about anime, so the best place to start is back when it all started. What is your anime origin story? Sam : Sure. Mine's a little odd. So quick, quick me lore, and Marcos technically. My dad was in the Air Force in Spain. That's where he met...

If you happened to catch Misery Signals on their farewell tour, first of all I am extremely jealous. Not just because you got to see one of the most influential metalcore bands of all time, but you also got to see one of the best up and coming metalcore bands around, Trench. Trench brings the heavy and dark, and it may not be a surprise to learn how much of that is influenced, whether directly or indirectly, by the anime they watched growing up and still watch to this day. I chatted with vocalist Jay Breen about anime and how they were able to bring their influences to life in the video for “Divided Between New Skin.” Can you tell me a little about your anime journey? How it started and where you are now? Are there genres you gravitate toward? What is your favorite anime series or movie of all time?...

Anime is one of Japan's biggest and most popular exports. The unique animation style has allowed multiple directors to push boundaries and craft ambitious narratives that appeal to various audiences. By far, the most groundbreaking anime title to make a sizable impact in the United States was Akira, released in 1988. The release of Akira would help pave the way for other successful anime films such as Ghost in the Shell, Ninja Scroll, and the Evangelion series. Akira combined elements of body horror and cyberpunk in a modernized version of Tokyo that enthralled many audiences, particularly those who had flocked to see other notable tech-noir features such as Blade Runner and Terminator.

Before Akira found its way to American shores and helped usher in the anime craze as we know it today, Wicked City, released the year prior, implemented tech-noir and elements of cyberpunk fused with a captivating story regarding a...

In the world of melodic death metal, there are not many bands with a stronger legacy than The Black Dahlia Murder. As one of the titans of the genre, they have a catalog filled with devastating riffs coupled with fantastical lyrics that paint numerous pictures of destruction, fantasy, and power. Where did that creative spark come from? In part, from anime of course! I had the amazing opportunity to sit down with drummer Alan Cassidy and bassist Max Lavelle to talk about all things anime and music. Would you mind introducing yourselves? Alan : I am Alan Cassidy and I play the drums in The Black Dahlia Murder. Max : I am Max Lavelle and I play bass. So when did you both start with anime? Alan : So when I was growing up as a kid in Southern California, I don't know if it just happened to be the TV station or what,...

Anime Expo Cinema Nights has brought back numerous anime classics to the big screen in 2024, including major releases for the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise. Now, another gem that debuted almost 40 years ago is about to make its big theatrical return through the screening event.

The original 1985 Vampire Hunter D movie was the first of several adaptations of the light novel series. Becoming a cult hit in the realms of anime, it, like another Axcn release, was instrumental in bringing adult-oriented anime to Western audiences. Now set to turn 40 years old, the movie is one of the next films to be showcased as part of Anime Expo Cinema Nights.

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The new Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim movie collaboration with AMC releases a new popcorn bucket in the shape of a hammer over 2 feet long.

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Blue Eye Samurai is an adult animation action-adventure drama series created by Michael Green and Amber Noizumi. The Netflix animated series is set in Japan’s Edo period, and it revolves around a mixed-race swordmaster, Mizu, in her quest for revenge. Blue Eye Samurai’s voice cast includes Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Song, Darren Barnet, Randall Park, and Kenneth Branagh. So, if you loved the intense personal drama, brutal action, and compelling characters in Blue Eye Samurai, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Samurai Champloo (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video)

Samurai Champloo is a Japanese historical action-adventure series written by Masaru Gotsubo. The Adult Swim series revolves around two warriors with completely different personalities who hate each others’ guts. They are brought together by a young woman named Fuu,...

Since the first Vampire Hunter D novel was released in 1983, writer Hideyuki Kikuchi and illustrator Kevin Leahy have crafted over 40 novels in the series. The story follows the titular Dhampir – half-human and half-vampire – as he hunts vampires across a far-future after a nuclear war. Despite the series’ popularity, 2000’s Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is only the second (and most recent) feature adaptation.

The film opens with the arrival of Baron Meier Link, a vampire nobleman whose ascending carriage brings a foreboding air that freezes running water and makes roses wither away. He departs into the night with Charlotte Elbourne, a young woman whose family believe that she was abducted. This leaves her family to hire D with the intention of rescuing Charlotte from the vampire’s clutches, even if it means killing her if she has been turned. Also on Baron Link’s trail are a family of bounty hunters,...

2024 saw the limited theatrical re-release of Ninja Scroll, a 1990s anime film gem. Now, fans who didn't get to watch it on the big screen can enjoy it on a major streaming service.

Hidive is about to become the streaming home of the action-packed classic Ninja Scroll, with the legendary movie joining the service this month. There, it will be part of a lineup that includes several major hits, new and old. With the year marking something of a belated anniversary for the film, fans of violent yet beautiful old-school anime will be able to enjoy the movie with the click of a button.

Related Solo Leveling Anime Movie Gets Exciting Update

The upcoming North American theatrical release of Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- receives an exciting update for anime fans eagerly awaiting Season 2.

One of the Most Iconic Anime Movies of the '90s Is Coming to Hidive

Recently, the "Anime...

A brand-new anime action game will launch on PlayStation consoles in November. Ninja Kamui: Shinobi Origins will soon be available for PS4 and PS5 owners.

Rainmaker Productions announced the release date for Ninja Kamui: Shinobi Origins on PlayStation consoles. The anime-inspired video game will be released on Nov. 14, 2024, for the PS4 and PS5 via backward compatibility. Ninja Kamui: Shinobi Origins is a prequel to the Adult Swim anime series that premiered on Feb. 11, 2024, on Toonami. Sunghoo Park, the South Korean animator best known for directing Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, directed the anime-original series for Cartoon Network.

Related Frieren: Beyond Journeys End PC Bundle Review: This Gaming PC Does Justice to the Highest-Rated Anime of All Time

The Frieren: Beyond Journeys End limited edition PC is a near-perfect tribute to the highest-rated anime, but one unfortunate flaw holds it back.

Ninja Kamui: Shinobi Origins Leaps From Nintendo Switch to PlayStation in New...

With many of the most beloved anime films of the 1980s and 1990s being scattered, difficult to track down, or even outright unavailable, the latest news about Ninja Scroll coming to Hidive is a welcome development. According to a recent Hidive press release from November 6, 2024, Ninja Scroll will be available to watch on-demand via the streaming service on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at noon Edt. For fans of boundary-pushing anime from a different era, Ninja Scroll is commonly considered among the best films of the 1990s and a must-watch for fans of the classics.

Ninja Scroll follows rogue ninja Kibagami Jubei as he fights to stop the Devils of Kimon from overthrowing the Japanese government of the Edo period. Jubei is aided by Tokugawa Shogunate spy Dakuan and Kga kunoichi Kagero. The film is animated by Madhouse and received a follow-up anime, Ninja Scroll: The Series, in 2003 for one season, yet it...

The anime industry lost a long-treasured gem as Ryou Kouno, a talented art director, passed away recently. Kouno has been in the anime industry for decades and has made significant contributions during her career. News of her passing away has been received by fans with grieving hearts.

She was a part of popular works like Mob Psycho 100, Devilman Crybaby, Perfect Blue, and many more. Her easy adaptability to such widely different art styles made her a favorite in her field.

Talented Art Director Ryou Kouno Passes Away Mob Psycho 100 | Credit: Studio Bones

Ryou Kouno, a popular background artist and art director in the anime industry, passed away on October 23, 2024. News of her death was publicly revealed two days later, on October 26, by her nephew via Twitter. Her nephew also reported that she passed away due to suspected gastrointestinal bleeding.

Fans of the artist have commented their condolences under the post,...

This week on The Anime Effect: To celebrate 10 years of The Book of Life , filmmaker Jorge R. Gutierrez joins the show to talk about his love for anime, including how Spirited Away inspired his celebrated film and the surprising place he first watched Akira . Plus, the latest news on One Piece , SK8 the Infinity and much, much more, including recommendations from our resident anime experts! Episode 36 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 36 Summary In this week's episode, LeAlec, Nick, and returning guest host Josellie Rios chat about their Fall 2024 anime watchlist so far, a new Goku balloon gets ready to debut in New York City, and we chat about My Hero Academia announcing its final season.

Even before the anime adaptation was announced, Uzumaki has been widely praised as one of the best works by mangaka Junji Ito. Featuring a cursed town besieged by a strange spiral design, the story of the manga showcases unrelenting terror and creepiness. More than most attempts at a scary manga or anime, however, Uzumaki mainly excels at inhuman body horror.

Junji Ito himself is known for body horror, with most of his works using this concept to unnerve readers and the relationships with their own human forms. This is used to grievous effect in the Uzumaki manga and anime, with the spiral's curse seeing its victims lose control of their own agency. Sadly, the new anime adaptation falters a bit in this regard, but it still showcases just why the Ito story has been so widely regarded in the fear factor department, especially compared to how sanitized anime as a whole has become.

This October, Crunchyroll's premium anime streaming service is adding over a dozen new titles to its free-to-watch AVOD collection. In the spirit of Halloween, this lineup encompasses a wide variety of genres, from edgy dark fantasies like Overlord and Hell's Paradise to spine-chilling Junji Ito horror stories.

Crunchyroll announced the special seasonal lineup in a recent press release. From Oct. 1-31, those without a paid Crunchyroll membership will have access to every season of 20 additional series from Crunchyroll's 1,300+ anime catalog. Some of these works, including Soul Eater and Devil May Cry, will also be added to Crunchyroll's 24/7 anime channel, which will feature an exclusive series of titles from Halloween onward. This limited-time program block will be available from Oct. 28 at 12 p.m (Pt) through Nov 1. The complete list of upcoming AVOD titles is included below.

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As a follow-up to the longer interview we did with From First to Last singer & guitarist Matt Good, we are pleased to bring you a list of their most influential and favorite anime! This list features picks from Matt as well as guitarist Travis Richter. Read ahead and discover your new obsession or be reminded to do a rewatch of a classic anime in a whole new light! After that, be sure to check out their newest single at the end of this article! Travis Richter’s Anime Influences Demon City Shinjuku Image via Amazon Prime " Demon City Shinjuku was one of the first anime films I watched as a kid and it completely warped my brain. He’s got this wooden sword that’s spiritually blessed to destroy demonic energy and travels around a demon-invaded Tokyo. The anime felt like a fever dream-like reality." Akira " Akira made me fall in love with anime.

The original Mobile Suit Gundam anime series was once retold as a trilogy of films, with the Universal Century timeline eventually culminating in another classic piece of anime cinema. Now, the lineup that already brought the action-packed film Ninja Scroll to the big screen in the U.S. is doing the same with the first four Gundam movies.

Anime Expo Cinema Nights is continuing throughout 2024 and into 2025, with the event series covering multiple anime classics. These include four movies in the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, three of which will be screened this year. With the franchise as a whole now 45 years old, it's a great way to allow Western fans to celebrate the beloved Real Robot anime brand.

Related Netflix Releases First Full Sneak Peek of Bandai Namco's Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance

The first full preview for Netflix's newest Gundam anime showcases how the gritty mecha anime series expands upon the Universal Century timeline.

Anime is more popular than ever, with the late 2010s and early 2020s seeing widespread success for the medium. This is not only in Japan, but the world over. While the modern day may have raised the stakes for anime as a whole, some of the best examples of what the medium has to offer were released in the 1980s and 1990s.

Various retro anime OVAs took the concept of animation to its limit, reveling in breathtaking animation and experimental storytelling. These works also broke the mold in terms of adult content in anime, with many known for their violent and action-packed scope. They all, in their own ways, defined anime for a generation of viewers, which is why both older fans and newcomers should check out these original video animation gems from yesteryear.

Demon City Shinjuku Is a Bloody Classic Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

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Iconic Events Releasing, in collaboration with Bandai/Namco, has announced the addition of several Mobile Suit Gundam films to the Ax Cinema Nights 2024/2025 lineup.

The screenings will include the three compilation movies of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack. All four films are a part of Gundam’s Universal Century timeline, and form the backbone of the series which has spawned multiple spin-offs and Au narratives. Check out the watch order for Gundam below!

Related:

Gundam Watch Order: The Complete & Easy Guide To Watch The Mecha Anime Series!

These films will be presented in their original Japanese language with English subtitles and will begin screening this October, continuing into April 2025.

Check out the screening details below:

1. Mobile Suit Gundam (Toho)

Screening Dates: Oct 2, 2024 (sub), Oct 6, 2024 (encore screening)

In Universal Century year 0078, the space colony Side 3 declares itself the Principality of Zeon and launches a...

Anime's ninja and samurai genres are some of the medium's most plentiful areas to play around in, and they've only become more popular in recent years. Series like Jubei-Chan, Samurai Champloo, Basilisk, and even more recent fare like Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku and Ninja Kamui set high standards that prove just what's possible in an anime action story. These stories celebrate true excess in battles, characters, and violence, but Ninja Scroll is a cut above the rest -- both figuratively and literally. The anime classic's 30th anniversary is the perfect time to revisit it to see how far it's come and if its blade has dulled after three decades.

Here, Jubei Kibagami, a prolific ninja-turned-assassin, tries to forget his tragic, traitorous past and make a living as a hired mercenary. Jubei's travels put him in direct opposition with a cabal of demonic ninjas, the Eight Devils of Kimon, who plan...

Alongside “Ghost in the Shell” and “Akira”, “Ninja Scroll” is considered one of the most influential anime movies of all time, particularly for highlighting that the category is not only addressed to children, as was the popular opinion before, especially outside of Japan.

Iconic Events Releasing’s 2024-2025 Ax Cinema Nights series will screen Ninja Scroll in over 500 U.S. theaters on September 11, 12 & 15 and be presented in both Japanese with English subtitles and English dub

A team of ninjas arrives at a village to investigate an epidemic that killed all of its inhabitants. However, they find themselves ambushed by a monster and end up dead except for a female kunoichi, Kagero, that the monster takes captive. Jubei, a masterless samurai, saves her but ends up in the middle of a larger case, which results in him having to fight the Eight Demons of Kimon, a team of ninjas with supernatural...

Originally released almost 30 years ago, the first Ghost in the Shell movie is an anime classic that has continued to be highly influential and beloved by many to this day. Now, it's set for a commemorative screening that celebrates the work of a departed cast member.

Via Oricon, set to air for just one week, the screening is in memory of Atsuko Tanaka, who recently passed away. Based on the upgraded version of the film, the movie will be available for fans to pay their last respects and enjoy the iconic film together. While it's so far set to only be a Japanese event, the legacy of Tanaka's character and voice is certain to live on across the world.

Related Cowboy Bebop Brings '90s Nostalgia Back to North America With Special Screening

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is one of several film classics being screened in the U.S.

30 years after Ninja Scroll redefined how far an anime could go for audiences everywhere, Cbr got the chance to touch base with the legendary Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Writer and director of Ninja Scroll, Yoshiaki Kawajiri reflects on a career that's transitioned into storyboarding, what a new Ninja Scroll would look like, and the "No. 1" movie he's made.

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Related The Most Influential Ninja Anime of the '90s Returns to North America

30 years after its original release, the legendary anime movie Ninja Scroll is set to be screened in theaters across the United States in 2024.

Cbr: Its been over 30 years since Ninja Scroll released and left its mark on the industry. How do you reflect on the film three decades later?

Yoshiaki Kawajiri: The impact of a really good movie does not fade after time, even if it was made 50 years ago. I have...

Cowboy Bebop is easily one of the most popular anime franchises of all time, with the title well-known for its mature themes, iconic characters and jazzy soundtrack. Now, the movie is set to be part of a special series of anime screenings taking place across the U.S. and Canada in over 500 theaters.

Part of the Anime Expo Cinema Nights in conjunction with Iconic Events Releasing, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie is just one of numerous classics heading to the big screen throughout North America. Now over 20 years old, the movie is itself a great addition to the show's canon. While it won't be coming back out until 2025, fans can count down the days with other great anime movies in the meantime.

Related One of the Most Controversial Anime of the '90s Gets New International Release

An infamous yet highly influential 1998 anime title that helped inspire works such as Kill Bill...

Now known as one of the most influential and iconic anime from the 1990s, Ninja Scroll is a classic of action and style. Mostly given this acclaim by older anime fans, the movie will now be available in theaters once more for a new generation to enjoy.

Advance tickets for upcoming screenings of Ninja Scroll are now available to purchase. This will include not only the movie itself but also a special presentation featuring the mind behind it. Screenings of the legendary film have even been expanded, allowing more viewers than ever to see what made the movie so successful decades ago.

Related One of the Most Controversial Anime of the '90s Gets New International Release

An infamous yet highly influential 1998 anime title that helped inspire works such as Kill Bill is coming to Blu-ray in a restored "integral" edition.

Ninja Scroll 30th Anniversary Tickets are Now Available for...

Ax Cinema Nights 2024 will feature new films, old favorites, and a Japanese group concert. Tickets for all programs in Ax Cinema Nights 2024 are now available for purchase online. Ax Cinema Nights 2024 is poised to be the best iteration of the event yet.

For the past two years, Anime Expo has been sponsoring Ax Cinema Nights, an event where anime films both old and new are brought to theaters for a limited-time viewing. Great films such as A Silent Voice and the entire film catalog of the legendary Satoshi Kon have been part of the event, and because of that, its quickly become an iconic part of the community.

Ax Cinema Nights has always been a great way for people to see quality anime films, and 2024 will be no different in that regard. The lineup for Ax Cinema Nights 2024 was previously announced at Anime Expo 2024 to feature films that are new to the program,...

Los Angeles, CA – Iconic Events Releasing, a company specializing in distributing limited engagement theatrical events to movie theatres, has announced an extraordinary lineup of acclaimed classic anime films scheduled to screen across the U.S. and select cities in Canada as part of the latest edition of Anime Expo Cinema Nights (“Ax Cinema Nights”). These immersive, experiential community screenings commence in September and continue into Q2 of 2025. Subtitled and dubbed screenings will be presented for most titles. Each film will be shown in more than 500 theatres throughout North America.

This season's Ax Cinema Nights program includes some of the most influential anime films ever made. The lineup includes the 30th anniversary theatrical release the acclaimed samurai period action adventure, Ninja Scroll, the futurist cyberpunk mindbender, Metropolis 2001, based on a story by the “Godfather of Manga,” Osamu Tezuka, a special 15th Anniversary 4K restoration of director Satoshi Kon's groundbreaking anime,...

Discotek has brought many obscure and retro anime titles to Blu-ray over the years, allowing modern fans and old-school enthusiasts alike to collect and enjoy them. Now, the distribution company is adding one of the most controversial anime titles ever to its growing library.

Known as both Kite and A Kite, the Yasuomi Umetsu movie is widely considered a controversial title due to the nature of its content. Nonetheless, it's also a highly influential entry in the "girls with guns" genre that's gone on to inspire countless other media, including global franchise names like Kill Bill. With the Ova coming soon to Blu-ray thanks to Discotek, international anime fans will be able to see just how far the notorious movie goes.

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The complete Dragon Ball Super anime series gets a release date for Crunchyroll Store's limited-edition Blu-ray box set,...

Quick Links Ninja Scroll Is One of the Most Iconic 1990s Anime Movies How Demon Slayer and Ninja Scroll are Similar The Other Works of the Ninja Scroll Creator

Demon Slayer has cut to the heart of the anime and manga industries, with the franchise absolutely dominating both streaming and sales charts. Right up there with hits such as One Piece and Naruto, it's helped to usher in the current wave of dominance for anime as a whole across the world. It has a particular style and tone, but it's not entirely unique, with fans of the property likely enjoying a notable gem from yesteryear.

Ninja Scroll is one of the most iconic anime movies of all time, with the film synonymous with an era for the medium that's quite different from its current success. Stylistic and edgy in all the right ways, it's many times mentioned in the same...

Cbr Anime Week is brought to you by Hulu Animayhem

The anime adaptation of the Look Back one-shot story by Chainsaw Man's Tatsuki Fujimoto was released in theaters in Japan on June 28, 2024. However, North American fans looking forward to a mass theatrical release of the anime movie are in for a disappointing surprise.

An online user who goes by the name of @/matenboi on X (formerly Twitter) wrote a thread about the Look Back anime movie premiering at Anime Expo 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Kiyotaka Oshiyama, the director, writer and character designer for the Look Back anime movie, answered questions from the audience after the screening was over. One audience member asked Oshiyama if he planned on making the film 60 minutes long. Oshiyama said he wanted to make the movie long enough so that it could be screened at film festivals, but also said the storyboards were 60 minutes in length during the early development process.

Modern science fiction/fantasy films owe a lot to Star Wars, especially the CGI fest that were the Prequels. Without those films, it would have been impossible to have characters like the Na’vi in James Cameron’s Avatar or Thanos in the MCU.

Ahmed Best played Jar Jar Binks || Lucasfilm

Characters like Jar Jar Binks and Yoda are what made these other characters possible, showcasing how a CGI character can interact with the physical world. One of the best fights to show how this can be incorporated to make a great scene was the one between Yoda and Count Dooku in Attack of the Clones

As brilliant as the fight was, the credit for a lot of it goes to Ahmed Best, the actor responsible for playing one of the most reviled characters in the fandom. A character who is still used as an insult among fans, Best was...

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Ninja Scroll is one of the most iconic and influential anime of the 1990s. Now, it's coming back in a big way, with a new theatrical release planned in honor of the legendary movie's 30th anniversary.

Via a press release, and revealed at Anime Expo 2024, the upcoming theatrical release is part of a wave of similar screenings set across 2024 and 2025. Available in two different formats, the movie will be able to reach a wider audience than ever. Brought about by a collaboration between Hidive and one of the biggest movie theater chains in the U.S., tickets are set to be made available soon.

Related Exclusive: DanMachi Returns to Hidive With Debut Season 5 Teaser Trailer & Simulcast Release Window

Hidive acquires DanMachi Season 5 (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?), which is set to be one...

Ahmed Best, known as Jar Jar Binks, choreographed Yoda's Dooku fight in Star Wars, ensuring it wasn't silly but served to showcase Yoda's prowess. Best drew on martial arts and anime influences to create a new lightsaber form, Ataru, for Yoda's duel. It was crucial to nail the scene. Yoda's battle in Attack of the Clones set the stage for the rest of the Star Wars series, ensuring a positive reception. Ahmed Best's work was crucial.

Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best has revealed how he choreographed Yoda's Dooku battle in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Viewers were thrilled when Ahmed Best returned to Star Wars in The Mandalorian season 3, wowed by the stunning fight choreography demonstrated by his Jedi Master Kelleran Beq. But that wasn't his first contribution to Star Wars' fight choreography; incredibly, he was also the mastermind behind Yoda's duel with Count...

Alice Hirsch/ @h.irsch Jesus Piece combines heavy metal with a love of all things anime and it really shows their work. Aaron Heard spoke with Crunchyroll News about his tattoos, love of the Samurai Champloo sword, and which anime he's been keeping up with. This interview has been edited for clarity. You put out one of the albums of the year last year with “...So Unknown.” Congrats on that and I love seeing how it’s taken the band to new heights! Aaron Heard: Oh, man, it's been awesome. Really just breathed new life into everything. You know, once you've been playing the same songs for a long time, it gets a little redundant, you know? Now that we have some new tracks to play, it’s just like a new fire. Seeing the “Gates of Horn” video is actually what inspired me to reach out. I saw it...

Launched in 2012, Kontravoid is the solo project of Cameron Findlay. Born in Canada and based now in LA, Findlay has perfected his own brand of dark pop that cruises freely through electronic music genres. With the release of the video for his latest single “Reckoning,” Findlay also showcased his love for anime. Tapping into his love of the works of Yoshiaki Kawajiri, the video provides a window into this overall influence anime has on his artistic endeavors. When an artist is so clear about their love of anime, naturally we have to talk to them! Keep reading to learn more about Findlay’s influences and see his top 10 favorite anime. Can you tell me a little about your anime journey? How it started and where you are now? Are there genres you gravitate toward? Findlay : I grew up in Toronto, and in the late ’90s/early 2000s there used...

Most people with even a cursory interest in anime likely have, at some point or another, Googled something like "best anime movies of all time" or "best anime to get into anime." Despite excluding far more than they include, lists can be useful, providing an idea of consensus and recommendations for personal investigation. Suppose you were or are one of those people who looked up either of the aforementioned queries. In that case, you've undoubtedly encountered director Mamoru Oshii's 1995 adaptation of Ghost in the Shell. Appearing on almost any list combining "best" and "anime," it's undoubtedly secured its place in the pop cultural canon. It has garnered approval from the Wachowskis, Lilly and Lana, James Cameron, and countless mangaka. But besides a traceable paper trail of influence, Ghost in the Shell is a sui generis work that is often cited but rarely matched.

Adapted from Masamune Shirow's manga of the same name,...

“You just couldn’t die, could you?”

There are certain anime evergreen customs that are omnipresent in the medium, with ninja and samurai right at the top of the list. Audiences have their share of options when it comes to such content, whether it’s established classics like Rurouni Kenshin, Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl, and Ninja Scroll, or newer modern hits like Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku, Yasuke, and Blue Eye Samurai. It’s harder to stand out in a genre that’s done it all before, but this only makes Ninja Kamui’s success even more significant. Adult Swim is not one to chase trends, but they’ve tapped into an electric energy here and produced a powerful series that confidently slices its way through the competition.

The danger of a show like Ninja Kamui that prides itself in vicious violence is that characters can feel more like caricatures and...

Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly told acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, who he’s worked with on films including Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street, to watch Hayao Miyazaki’s renowned Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.

In an interview by Letterboxd, posted on YouTube, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese reflect on the films that influenced their work together, where DiCaprio’s sole recommendation to Scorsese was Miyazaki’s critically acclaimed Spirited Away. DiCaprio stated, "I was asked what films I introduced to you (Scorsese), but considering you’ve seen every film ever made up until 1980, it’s pretty hard to say. Other than, maybe Spirited Away, Miyazaki’s films, and maybe Princess Mononoke." Scorsese confirmed, "It was Spirited Away you told me to watch."

Related Artist Gets Slammed After Lying About Working With Miyazaki on The Boy and the Heron Colombian artist Geraldine Fernndez is slammed on social media after lying...

Quick Links Goku Midnight Eye is an Adaptation of Journey to the West Goku Midnight Eye’s Heavy Cyberpunk Aesthetic is What Makes it So Memorable Goku Midnight Eye Took a Radically Approach to its Source Material Than Other Anime Journey to the West is a classic Chinese novel that combines comedy, fantasy, action, and historical drama. Goku Midnight Eye is a unique cyberpunk anime adaptation of Journey to the West with a heavy cyberpunk aesthetic. Goku, the protagonist of Goku Midnight Eye, shares similarities with Sun Wukong from Journey to the West and possesses incredible powers.

Of all the classic Chinese novels, Journey to the West is arguably not just the most famous, but the most influential. Combining comedy, fantasy, action, and historical drama into a single narrative, Journey to the West tells the tale of a monk who travels far from his home in China in search of Buddhist sutras.

The VHS era brought anime to the underground film market, which led to a lot of ultra-violent anime being shuffled around the '80s and '90s anime scene. While many credit family-friendly entertainment like Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh! with anime becoming mainstream, the underground nerd culture would hoard VHS tapes featuring material that no American media company would dare distribute.

The anime from this era ranged from nihilistic cyberpunk to post-apocalyptic horror to brutal action stories. Despite how flashy some of them looked, the most violent anime of this time period were often cheap to produce and easy to make. In fact, the adult video model for anime almost proved to overshadow mainstream anime in Japan. In the '80s and '90s, a surge of ultra-violent anime hit the airwaves, featuring very twisted and horrific themes.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on December 20, 2023: With how popular anime has...

The Matrix sequels have been disappointing compared to the original, although each film has memorable action sequences or added intriguing elements to the mythology. Animated spinoff The Animatrix has a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than The Matrix, with 89% compared to the original's 83%. The Animatrix expands the franchise's world and explores new concepts, making it a potential blueprint for the franchise's future.

The Matrix movie with the highest Rotten Tomatoes score somehow isn't the 1999 original. It's almost easy to forget what an epoch-defining moment the original Matrix was when it hit theaters in 1999. The movie's mix of action, cyberpunk and philosophy blew the collective minds of audiences and critics, and while some elements have aged badly, it's still a classic. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the subsequent Matrix movie franchise, with each of the three sequels proving disappointing in different ways.

Anticipation for Reloaded and Revolutions was sky high...

Ninja anime often blend historical roots with supernatural elements, creating unique and flashy stories. Naruto is one of the most famous ninja anime, featuring a young ninja who strives to become the village's leader and hero, despite his desire for peace conflicting with the traditional role of a shinobi. Other notable ninja anime include Nabari no Ou, Ninja Scroll, Flame of Recca, and Basilisk, each offering their own take on ninja narratives with a mix of action, drama, and historical references.

With Under Ninja currently airing, depicting hidden ninja in modern Japan, fans may want to revisit some of the best anime about ninja. These stealthy, deadly figures date back to feudal Japan, where they were used for infiltration, spying, and even assassination. For this work, they were trained in ninjutsu: the art of ensuring that one’s presence is undetectable.

In the centuries since, ninja have taken on a sensationalized image,...