Akira

Probably the most influential example of Anime is Akira which was based on the Manga by the legendary Katsuhiro Otomo.  Set in the post-apocalyptic community of Neo-Tokyo the hero Tetsuo is a fiercely individualistic member of a  motorcycle gang and challenges the despotic authorities, the robot-like police.  



There are certain science-fiction films, such as Ridley Scott's Blade Runner that are so well crafted that they can influence a genre for decades to come.  Akira, which has been around for some 20 odd years (and currently undergoing a much criticised Hollywood remake.  Production was recently halted as the script was re-worked), has similarly cast a very long shadow over science fiction and also animation.  

Another thing it shares with Blade Runner is how it always offers up something new or missed with each and every viewing.  The plot may seem straightforward to some, vague to others, following the futuristic Neo-Tokyo biker gang in a dystopian society, whose lives are forever changed after an accidental run-in with a secret government-run project dealing with telekinetic powers in children.  Style and substance are both fulfilled in this thrilling, bold landmark film that will never become dated.