Sanctuary

As far as I'm concerned there's an anime about pretty much everything if you look hard enough: diving, underwear design, insurance investigation (yup!) and don't even get me started on cooking. So there, picked titles with main characters directly involved and at least some focus on whatever they're doing for a living or a hobby or both.

Part two^ https://myanimelist.net/stacks/30206 (it's a work in progress though)

The criteria here is simple: Anime released in 2001 or earlier, with under 25,000 MAL Members, and which I've rated a 6 or higher.

A rating of 6 counts for this second Obscurities list given the increased obscurity. A 6 is still an alright score. I've excluded anything that's particularly well-known, like Speed Racer or Voltron, despite both meeting my criteria.

It is perhaps worth noting that I rate things entirely on gut feeling. It's just, "I like that, that was good, it gets a 7.", that's the whole process. I can also find enjoyment in just about anything and there's very little that bothers me.

Ascend: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9611
Descend: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9816

Tags: Old, Obscure, Oldtaku, Retro, Underrated, Hidden Gems

Realistic or semi-realistic art styles, proper face & body proportions, nothing that looks too cartoon-ish or stereotypical overly detailed big anime eyes or moe art style

Do you agree with this list? Is there any animes I should've or should've not added?



Part 2 list: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/22079

More anime dubbed by Ocean Productions Part 2.

This stack includes the remaining TV Shows as well as the OVA and specials they dubbed.

Before the likes of Saint Seiya, Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon conquering the kids in the west, it was actually Akira that opened the door and made people realize that the cartoons coming from Japan weren't what you would expect from Disney or your TV channels.
A huge flood of VHS tapes came showing animations with mature themes, absurd plots, and enough graphic sex and violence to make parents freak out... what a glorious time!
They don't make cartoons like this anymore.

This is a comprehensive list with stuff from very good to very trashy, but all in the same spirit.
Some early 00's also included.

ps: I also recommend, but can't include here, the second Violence Jack movie, A Kite and Mezzo Forte.

Glorious 80's and 90's (Supernatural, Mystery and Horror)
https://myanimelist.net/stacks/30605

Every cinema or direct to video anime film that came out in 1996.

1995: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/34761
1997: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/34763

Disclaimer: There are a few hentai movies, that could be counted as well:
- Advancer Tina (1996)
- Choujin Densetsu Urotsukidouji 5: Kanketsu-hen (1996)
- Ginga Teikoku no Metsubou Gaiden: Aoki Ookami-tachi no Densetsu (1996)
- Harenchi Koumon Manyuuki (1996)
- Heisei Harenchi Gakuen (1996)
- Injuu Kateikyoushi (1996)
- Soap no Moko-chan (1996)

Hitman, Contract Killer, Assassin, Bounty Hunter, Hired Gangster...
Here is a compilation of blood and tears


Rules of this list :

- The plot has to revolve around the HITMAN JOB. Being chased by one counts. Better if the Hitman is the main character. It doesn't have to be always the main focus but just having a assassin arc isn't enough.

- No sci-fi, No super-power, No supernatural, No fantasy. It has to be REALISTIC.

- Only pure ACTION, blood, chase scenes, explosions, firefights, crime, revenge, mafia.

- Contemporary period.

- Using GUNS (Some exeptions are made, if the spirit is still close to the other criterias).

- Maximum 2 anime per franchise.


PS: If you are not afraid of the H3ntaï tag, also check : Mezzo Forte and A Kite