Mushishi

These series and animated films take place in the countryside, forest, or other rural location.

A collection of shows for those who love supernatural critters.

Anime that have important characters that are monstrous or that differ from a regular human.

*or yokai or spirits or anything of the sort

Collecting these like pokemon cards because its become my niche

Arranged by score

Is it true that there's no better salvation than not being born in this world? Is the world that ugly that it's not worth living in? Should I even give it a chance?

Here we are on this earth, with only a few decades to live and we lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in year's time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, great thoughts, real affections, and enduring undertakings. For life is too short to be little

warning: include theme of death and or nostalgia
Updated up to: Spring 2023


Part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/20845

More you might like: https://myanimelist.net/profile/RokkanShojo/stacks

"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

Music is perfect when it comes to stimulating your emotions and imagination. When I'm in a funk, these perk me right back up and get my creative juices a-flowing, and maybe they'll help you, too. (Requests welcome.)

A selection of 21st century anime series featuring characters who are adults. From ordinary office workers to traveling peddlers to superheroes, adult protagonists can have a variety of life experiences and many different ways of living. Young emerging adults may still be trying to find their path in life, while established older folks are more likely to have mastered the art of adulting - or at least learned enough to muddle by. Some adults become jaded over time from repeated exposure to the reality that life is often painful, depressing, and unfair. Others retain a more positive outlook by focusing on their dreams for the future or take a more pragmatic approach by putting all their efforts into improving their lives here and now.

These travelers wander from place to place for various reasons. They may travel the land for their job, be on a journey due to a strong sense of wanderlust, or are adventurers on a quest of some sort. Others may be homeless, exiled, or on the run and have no place to put down roots. Basically, a list of non-isekai shows from various genres where the characters change location frequently.

Anything with visually appealing art that makes you go stunned and will make you never want to look away from that scenery, and can be used as your background wallpaper.

Anime with morally gray characters

Everyone has on opinion on the 'best' anime. But which are the anime that—regardless of quality—you simply have to watch before you die? Here are the ones you need to see!

Anime either based on, heavily influenced by or drawing key aspects from folklore. Folklore encompasses the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, people or culture passed down through the generations by word of mouth and later often recorded in written form.

While the majority of works listed in this club have their origins in East Asian folklore (for obvious reasons) also included are examples of folklore ranging from portrayals of the mythology of Ancient Greece, stories featuring local spirits, legendary folk heroes, adaptions of Brothers Grimm fairy tales and narratives featuring the Gods of the Norse pantheon as characters. Modernised interpretations and retellings have been largely excluded.

As MAL currently sadly only allows a max of 50 entries on interests stacks this list prioritises the stand out and most high quality examples of folkloric anime. For a more comprehensive list which also includes manga, I direct you to my accompanying folklore club of the same name.

Shows/Movies of all kinds that are either meant for or can be enjoyed by an older audience. A treasure trove of excellence covering a wide range. Story-driven thrillers, well researched historical shows, brilliant world-constructions, poetic narrations, gripping thrillers, dark comedies, complex future visions, tightly packed action, avant-garde art, solid entertainment, tear-jerking dramas to light-hearted slices of lives.
No big-boob dumdums, high-pitched VAs, fan-/lip-service or plot-around-the-holes-type shows. Teenage angst and school-settings are rarities in these two lists.