"Masterpieces"

A masterpiece Comedy


GINTAMA!!!

I agree with Gintama there anyway.
Though preferably to stay "no comment" toward the others due to respect issue.

I'd have to say. . . Elfien Lied, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbor Totoro (I died of cuteness), Dragon head, Hohzuki Island, Nijigahara Holograph(makes you reread it multiple times to understand it all)...

I will go with The 08th MS Team, mainly because it was one of the few gundam series that I felt inclined to actually watch through everything. The musical score and animation left a lasting impression on me, not to mention the way they ended it in the last episode. As always of course, you would feel closer to the characters who would on multiple occassions be in real danger (ie danger they can't simply overcome by yelling and mashing buttons). If you haven't seen it, even if you aren't a mecha fan, it's srill worth your time to watch it.

Eiken
Green Green
Grenadier
Haru Wo Daiteita
He Is My Master
I"S Pure
Peach Girl
School Rumble

to name but a few! :P

Cowboy Bebop. Cause yeah.

Neon Genesis Evangelion. Sure, an accidental masterpiece, but masterpieces are often the result of accidents, just most authors won't say it.

Totally have to second Bakemonogatari! More people should see/watch this anime.

Last Exile, though it can be confusing at times.

Gonna also have to say Eureka 7, just because it was so much fun.

Also, to throw in a movie, Perfect Blue. Best psycho-drama Anime I've seen, bar none.

I'm surprised no one's mentioned Now and Then, Here and There. It was a really good anime, with a very compelling story, great artwork, and it was just a really nice show all around.

Hmmm, it's difficult for me to name a select few for this, but...

- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Welcome to the NHK (Best slice of life anime I've ever seen)
- FLCL
- Berserk
- Gantz
- GTO

And last, but not least.

- Hajime No Ippo.

Yeeeeaaaaah, son!

Is it just me or does the term 'Masterpiece' seem to be used pretty loosely?

"Masterpiece in modern usage refers to a creation that has been given much critical praise, ... or to a work of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship." It seems like everyone simply lists their favorites, and good as they may be - do they really qualify as masterpieces? Elfen Lied is a great example, a very good series, and one I enjoyed a great deal - but there are some flaws and while I might rate it as a must see - I don't personally think it qualifies as a masterpiece.

Bebop, Spirited Away, maybe even Evangelion might qualify - but it seems like this has become more of a 'my favorite anime' list - just my observation.

The rurouni kenshin ova series, because they are just such a dark, wonderful backstory / conclusion to the television series (which imo is only worth watching up to the very end of the Shishio Makoto arc). The sheer contrast of the mood, and attitude of the characters in both ova series (in comparison to the much lighter, sometimes comedic tv series) really makes it a noteworthy gem.

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Berserk also falls into this category for me, very rarely have I ever been left with a cliffhanger that impacted me the way the ending of the original tv series did. I am so glad, after so many years, berserk is finally being animated again, the previews of the 2011 features look incredible.

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My all time most favorite anime underdog story (and likely sports based anime) would have to be Hajime No Ippo ~ it is absolutely brilliant, and such a motivating, feel good series (wonderful characters, hilariously comedic moments, and edge of your seat ring matches).

Totally Angel Beats!

The comedy is funny as hell, and the sad moment is really heart-wrecking.

Truly a masterpiece.

Well, for the sake of not sounding redundant, (I can praise Clannad 'till I'm blue in the face, as well) I'll try coming up with some more uncommon responses.

Let's see uh... Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a must watch. I think a review on MAL put it best. Legend of the Galactic Heroes is Star Wars. George Lucas should have to forfeit the trademark to that name because it pales in comparison to the masterpiece that is LotGH. It is an oldie (late 80s through the mid 90s) but a goodie. Perfect characterization and perfect representation of the emotions, the chaos, the politics, behind war. This isn't a simple action anime. It is the definition of a space opera. The series will make you reevaluate your values and how you perceive war. Is war really so black-and-white? Is one side always good while the other is evil? Or are there more shades of gray in war than anyone gives credit.

Monster. Monster is so amazing because it appears, at first glance, like a common and proverbial game of cat and mouse. However, it's amazing because they don't pull out all the "bells and whistles." You get the sense that this could be a real life story of murder and redemption. There is no magic, there is no fantasy, no super powers. This is a tale of a story that could be real, and thinking that as you watch it gives it a whole new perspective.

And, I'll also mention Shinkai, Makoto's movies as well, particularly Voices of a Distant Star, 5 Centimeters per Second, and The Place Promised in Our Early Days. This is also the man who was majorly responsible for the ef series, that a handful of members have already mentioned. His movies are beautiful. The characters, the art, the story, hardly anything compares. He has a very subtle way of telling a romantic story that not even the likes of Clannad can match. Like I've said, Clannad is amazing, but one can hardly argue it was subtle.

There are very few animes that make me "wow" like Cowboy Bebop.

FLCL. They packed nearly every genre I can think of into 6 episodes.

Which is why I wrote I'm not expecting a list of everyone's favourite series, like people listing, some of which already have done, Naruto, Bleach and One Piece - while out of these three I only watch and read Naruto and enjoy it, it has no where near reached the level of masterpiece in my opinion. People who only watch Naruto, Bleach and One Piece and say they are the best anime ever are arrogant and complete morons.

I suppose I can agree with you with Elfen Lied, I might take it back. But I would definitely say the rest of my chosen series are masterpieces - Clannad especially.

Clannad. Is the greatest anime I have ever seen. Not only the story, but the characters are just as amazing. Also, for an anime movie, I would have to say Princess Mononoke. The story is outstanding and it is quite memorable.

Okay..I obviously need to watch Clannad. I have seen the first two episodes and it looked cute but from what I'm getting on here sounds like a must have experience...

but for me I would say Paranoia Agent is a pure masterpiece. It was well written, beautiful, whimsical, dark and hilarious...I couldn't ask for more really. Neon Genesis Evangelion as well. It had its messy spots in the original series, but to be honest, I don't really think its bad at all. I enjoy what they did with it and I adore the rebuild movies so far. What it did for anime is a big deal in general.

But I have to say Saikano is a masterpiece. I read the manga and ...I don't think I've ever been that emotional while reading anything. The anime is quite amazing too. The story is just bittersweet in the best way possible