A fantastic prequel with a slightly more serious tone than the original series, and fantastic acting and animation.
Ghost in the Shell 2.0
An important, seminal cyberpunk experience that has aged a little since 1995, but still an interesting piece that cements the genre.
Great Pretender
With a more adult tone than most anime, this felt like Cowboy Bebop meets Matchstick Men in a bright, bold, modern style. Definitely worth checking out.
Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files {Rail Zeppelin} Grace Note
A fun (though verbose) Fate/Zero spinoff that channels the vibes of Sherlock Holmes, Hogwarts, and the Fate Universe, with a myriad of cameos from other Fate entries.
Higurashi: When They Cry
Despite poor animation, Higurashi brings a unique and potent horror experience that will stick with you for days or weeks on end.
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
This is the best anime movie from a TV series that I've seen. KyoAni's love for their craft is strongly felt here in a beautiful and emotional piece. All the good of Haruhi improved while trimming all eye-roll moments.
Land of the Lustrous
A gorgeous and fresh experience with masterfully crafted music and visuals and strong emotional elements.
The Garden of Sinners (Kara no Kyoukai)
For having the same writer, composer, and animation studio that brings us Fate/Zero and the Heaven's Feel movies, Garden of Sinners has stellar animation and music for a boring, unconvincing story.
Serial Experiments Lain
The unsettling lovechild of The Matrix and Donnie Darko (yet predecessor of both), Lain is an existential ride that is hauntingly more relevant today than when it aired 22 years ago.
Zoku Owarimonogatari
A good wrap-up for some lingering characters while being a fitting inclusion to the series.