I’m not really a big anime fan but as a film buff, I have come across a few which have really captured my attention with great works of animation. Most of those include Studio Ghibli films, however, others good ones are included. This list includes a few anime films.

I think even people who aren’t anime fans may enjoy.

1. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Animator Hayao Miyazaki’s films are popular even with non-anime fans but “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” is among his best work and is one that everyone needs to see.

The plot is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a young girl fights to protect her village from the threat of a neighboring kingdom while also avoiding a toxic jungle slowly covering the land.

The animation is superb to look at; it has a strong cast of characters and a good sense of adventure with environmental and anti-war themes. All of these reasons make it a must-see for anyone to enjoy a good animated movie.

It also works as a good alternative for those dissatisfied with the usual works offered by Disney.

2. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Most animated films are light-hearted but not this one. The story of two young siblings trying to survive in Japan after losing their mother to U.S. air raids is a serious and emotional as any good drama made only more interesting by the decision to shoot in animation rather than live-action.

It’s an incredibly powerful experience unlike anything else in the history of movies and definitely worth watching even if you’re not fan of animation. There’s also some good commentary about the perils of war and the trials humans must endure in times of suffering.

3. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
If you’re a fan of films like “The Matrix,” then you have to check out the one that inspired it. Not only is this an impressive piece of animation but also a gritty sci-fi action flick that proves quite entertaining.

Set in the year 2029, the plot follows two cyborg cops who are tasked with capturing a rogue computer program as it moves across the internet and seeks out a physical body to enact its plans.

Most anime films are usually only able to cater to anime fans but this one works perfectly well as a stand-alone work that any film buff or action fan can enjoy.

It also has some interesting ideas on self-identity and morality that make it worth thinking about even after the gunfights and explosions have ceased and the credits roll.

4. Metropolis (2001)
We don’t often get animated films that are able to reach the depths and epic scale of numerous classics but the anime “Metropolis” comes pretty close.

The story revolves around a young boy named Kenichi, who lives in a towering city inhabited by both humans and robots and his adventures with a robotic girl who is being sought after by the city’s ruler for a plot that could destroy the world.

It’s a rather weird film that juxtaposes colorful animation against a dark, violent tone while also exploring themes of class warfare and power. Also, there’s no shortage of interesting characters and intense action to make it worthwhile.

5. Summer Wars (2009)
Although it may not achieve classic status like the other films on this list, “Summer Wars” is still an ingenious thriller boasts eye-popping animation, a clever plot and a wide array of interesting characters.

In a futuristic world where everyone is connected to a virtual world known as OZ, a young student must stop a deadly A.I. that has infected the network and threatens to destroy both the real and virtual worlds.

To some, this may just be another one of those films that combines teen angst with a saving-the-world theme. It’s also very entertaining and emotional enough to provide some extra dramatic depth that makes it worth watching.