HBO Max boasts a curated selection of anime, leaning heavily on feature films, which includes nearly every Studio Ghibli movie and several works by Makoto Shinkai. While not as extensive as other streaming services, HBO Max's catalog offers compelling choices for subscribers.
Angel's Egg
Mamorou Oshii's 1985 film Angel's Egg is a singular, dialogue-sparse experience that follows a young girl protecting an enormous egg in a desolate city. The film's moody art and dense symbolism explore themes of faith and existence, making it a complex and visually rich masterpiece.
Lazarus
Shinichirō Watanabe's Lazarus, produced by MAPPA, is a 13-episode series set in 2052. It centers on the Lazarus team, assembled to counter the effects of a miracle drug called Hapna. The series blends elements reminiscent of Watanabe's previous works like Cowboy Bebop with a gripping mystery, kinetic action, and escalating stakes.
Perfect Blue
Satoshi Kon's acclaimed directorial debut, Perfect Blue, delves into celebrity voyeurism and toxic idol culture. The psychological thriller follows former pop idol Mima as her transition to acting blurs the lines between reality and delusion, showcasing Kon's mastery of animation to create disturbing yet thought-provoking imagery.
Children Who Chase Lost Voices
Makoto Shinkai's 2011 fantasy film, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, is a tender story about a lonely girl named Asuna who forms a connection with a boy from another realm. The film explores themes of grief and healing, offering a hopeful perspective on navigating loss.
Ponyo
Hayao Miyazaki's Ponyo is a magical film focusing on the unlikely friendship between a young boy named Sosuke and a goldfish who longs to be human. The movie showcases Miyazaki's signature poetic dynamism and dreamlike imagination, offering a unique entry in the Studio Ghibli catalog.
Wolf Children
Mamorou Hosoda's Wolf Children is an emotional exploration of family and self-discovery. It follows Hana as she raises her two children, who are half-human and half-wolf, after the tragic death of their father. The film's sincere perspective on parenthood and the messiness of human emotion provides a powerful narrative.
The Colors Within
Science Saru's The Colors Within is a musical coming-of-age story about high school student Totsuko, who perceives people as colors. She forms a band with her classmates, finding solace and understanding in shared dreams and the intimacy of formative friendships.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Another Mamoru Hosoda film, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, offers an unconventional take on time travel. Teenager Makoto uses her abilities for trivial matters, but the story emphasizes the fleeting nature of youth and the irreversibility of time, highlighting the importance of accepting consequences and growing from experiences.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Isao Takahata's final film, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, is a visually stunning reinterpretation of a classic Japanese folktale. The movie tells the story of a magical girl discovered in a bamboo stalk, whose life becomes entangled with patriarchal expectations, ultimately critiquing regressive social conventions through its dreamlike animation and moving narrative.