Malice@Doll

impressionistic emotional pieces that express a powerful melancholy

"Elitist" has been a very generic and broad term to generalise many types of not-so-mainstream or "deep" anime, so this list is very diverse and it's criteria are not always clear cut and objective. Nonetheless I try to provide a proper explanation for why each entry is included. Generally speaking these are shows that fit one OR more of these adjectives: Experimental, Avant-Garde, Psychological, Philosophical, Obscure, Classic, Critically Acclaimed, Artsy, Old, etc...

Some shows here are not necessarily obscure or underground at all, but they are still here because they have been stereotyped as "elitist" by the community over time, due to their experimental or artsy nature. Similarly, some shows here are not necessarily artsy or experimental in nature, but their old/underwatched/obscure nature gives them a reason to be here. Not all aspects have to be checked to be included. Only one per franchise.

I have personally watched the great majority of the anime in this list, but there are a couple which I haven't. Still added them because of how strongly they are stereotyped as "elitist" or have fitting characteristics to be classified as such. I know my list still lacks many essential classics, I will continue to add and expand into this list as I watch those personally.

For more recommendations, go to my other Interest Stacks, "Elitist Anime 2" , "Elitist Anime 3" and "Elitist Anime 4", whose links are:

- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4256
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4756
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/10188
- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/15961

List of anime for "elitist". These anime have been considered as "deep" animations by various critics and analysts.

In this compilation there are animes with quite complicated stories that are not recommended for all audiences. As they are: cult, artistic, experimental, avant-garde, underrated, psychological, philosophical, unique or mind-blowing anime.

This list has a part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/4197

Anime that are especially eye catching visually, often in it's background art and/or general aesthetic. aka anime I find myself taking lots of screenshots of. Only one entry per series. Will be updated as I watch more stuff.

Featuring little to no dialogue and/or characters and the experience is carried by the music and/or visual atmosphere.

Part 1 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/311
Part 2 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/5128
Part 3 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/8036
Part 4 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/8173
Part 5 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9135
Part 6 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9240
Part 7 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9448
Part 8 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9461
Part 9 - https://myanimelist.net/stacks/20874

For lovers of ps1 and ps2 graphics

For those who like the "weird" types of anime

i made this list for ppl who wanna watch something weird and awesome and cool. hopefully stuff you won't see on many other lists. this is my 3rd time remaking this list, hopefully the mal mods will accept it lmfao

i'll keep editing this list as i watch more stuff

good anime with a score of 6 or less.

The OVA market dried up as straight to video releases became a thing of the past, which is unfortunate because a lot of interesting and unique anime were released in this format. The point of the list is to feature worthwhile OVAs that are more than just fanservice or shoddy extras for TV series. Sigh, due to the explicit content warning feature, I've excluded Mezzo Forte, but it would be on here otherwise.

The night is silent and darkness predominates in every corner of the countryside or the city, so keep quiet and watch these shows carefully.

These anime have strong & dark depictions of suffering, mental illness, trauma violence, sex and various sociopolitical and economic problems in a grounded way and without sugarcoating it, although in fiction it is often impossible to completely avoid the distorting lense of epicness or melodrama when portraying reality.

When I say that these shows portray reality, I don't mean to say that they are necessarily based in material reality, as some are sci-fi or fantasy. What I mean, is that these shows portray the bleak and harrowing aspects of human condition without pulling any punches, and without romanticizing it (to some extent).

These shows often have a positive and hopeful overall message and/or ending sometimes, so I wouldn't call this a list of "depressing" shows. However, they have in common that they revolve around brutal and mature depictions of psychological, physical and spiritual pain of individuals and society, while also having a haunting and opressive feel to them.

In the dawn of the digital age, many creators have expressed their hopes and fears about technology and its influence on human society through science fiction anime, creating many interesting interepretations of what our future could be (or even what our present is) with regards to the ever accelerating integration of technology into our lives.

Some of these anime may explore technological revolution in a military or political context, some others in intimate personal dramas. Some are hard, realistic, grounded sci-fi with a lo of genuine scientific backing and others are bordering in fantasy. Some of these are true cyberpunk, and others are entirely opposed to it. Some of these works are pessimistic and fearful about tecnhology, whereas others present hopeful and idealistic possibilities, and some others simply present a grey future with as many advantages as disadvantages. But the main connecting aspect here is the exploration of sci-fi as a fundamental theme and the exploration of te philosophical, sociopolitical and/or psychological consequences of technology whether directly or indirectly, seriously or lightheartedly.

Common tropes & themes: artificial intelligence & meaning of being human, technological implants/bodily enhancements, virtual/augmented reality, social media & deep internet, space travel & space war, extreme capitalism and urbanism in the digital age, personal relationships between humans and androids, discrimination and opression between humans and androids, psychological/physical deterioration due to use of experimental technology

Notes:
- For Blame! read the manga instead
- For The Animatrix, watch The Matrix movies first
- For Blade Runner: Black Out 2022, watch the Blade Runner movies first

Heisei Internet Anxiety refers to a cultural phenomenon in Japan that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, during the Heisei era (1989-2019), characterized by a sense of unease and disconnection brought on by the rise of the internet and digital technology.

As more and more people in Japan began to use the internet and mobile devices to communicate and consume media, concerns arose about the impact of this technology on social and personal relationships, as well as on mental health. In particular, the phenomenon of "hikikomori" (social withdrawal) became a topic of public concern, with some people attributing it to the isolating effects of internet use.

At the same time, the internet was becoming a source of anxiety and uncertainty for many people, as the rapid pace of technological change and the sheer volume of information available online made it difficult to keep up and maintain a sense of control over one's online presence. This led to a sense of disorientation and disconnection from both the physical world and from one's own identity.


H.I.A anime often delve into topics such as:

1) Social Isolation: Depicting characters who struggle with feelings of loneliness and disconnection in an increasingly digitized world.

2) Identity Crisis: Exploring the blurring boundaries between the physical and digital realms, and the challenges individuals face in defining their identities in the online sphere.

3) Virtual Reality: Examining the allure and dangers of virtual spaces, as well as the consequences of becoming too immersed in digital worlds.

4) Online Communities: Portraying the dark side of internet culture, including cyberbullying, harassment, and the spread of misinformation.

5) Existential Themes: Raising questions about the nature of reality, consciousness, and the human condition in an age dominated by technology.


Here are some essential H.I.A anime:

Hello, and please note that the animes mentioned on this list are all philosophically driven. They may cause uneasiness while watching them because they make us introspect on our ideas of how life is/should be accompanied by complex abstract questions that often don't have answers.

On a positive note, these animes will introduce you to new and unique perspectives as you'll be shown the philosophies of others and learn how they perceive the world. Due to this, you may inherit some of their thought processes and learn to empathize with their reasoning, which further develops your own theories and understanding of the world, human nature and the purpose of our existence.

On a negative note, many of these animes will take philosophical concepts and blow them out of proportion to force the message or make it obvious.
Consequently, many of the animes on this list will also be uncomfortable to watch.
If you're a sensitive individual, please prepare yourself mentally before watching any of these animes, as some thick skin may be required at times.
Viewer discretion is advised.

Lastly, a majority of the animes on this list fall into these genres:
Avant-garde
"Dementia"
Psychological

Happy watching :)

This is a list of anime from the late 90's and 2000's that have a certain charm or vibe to them that I really love. I'm sure a lot of you also enjoy this sort of vibe, so hopefully this can help you find series that invoke something else you love. Enjoy!