Akira (1988) is an undisputed anime classic, that much is true. But it also pretty much ruined all other anime for us by setting the bar so ridiculously high. Akira is a pure adrenaline rush, an epic visual feast about armageddon and rebirth that set the bar way too high. And nothing since (not even Miyazaki) has come close in terms of pure scale, tone and world-building. It is the perfect blend of sound and image that defies any simple description, and once you see it you cannot unsee it. Plus, it makes us yell Kaneda! at the top of our lungs every single time. Watch it, then listen to us talk about watching it. Rinse. Repeat.

5:10 - Masters of the Air (Apple TV+)
13:10 - I Am Big Bird (2014)
17:35 - Self Reliance (2024)
22:10 - The Righteous Gemstones
25:45 - Häxan (1922)
31:30 - Akira (1988)