ROBERT LANTZ's
TOP ANIME PICKS Instead of doing a top ten list, which would have been to hard to do given how I love some of these shows and movies, (I wouldn't be able to choose between some of them) I decided a top five list for each Movie, TV series and OVA (Original Video Animation) series would be more appropriate. That way, I can cover the broader range of styles and mediums from TV to movies, each having its own particular style. 
So, here are my Top Five Picks (my personal favorites) in all three of these categories. Movie - 1) Super Dimensional Fortress Macross, the Movie "Love, Do You Remember?"
- 2) Nausicaa in the Valley of Wind
- 3) Omoide Poro Poro
- 4) Wings of Honneamis
- 5) A Wind Called Amnesia
TV Series - 1) The Vision of Escaflowne
- 2) Super Dimensional Fortress Macross
- 3) Marmalade Boy
- 4) Lupin III
- 5) Slayers
OVA - 1) Top Onerai! (AKA= Gunbuster)
- 2) Bubblegum Crisis
- 3) Macross Plus
- 4) Record of Lodoss Wars
- 5) Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 , "Stardust Memories"
A little about each... Super dimensional Fortress Macross, The Movie "Love, Do You Remember?"
Set in the Future, can the human race survive an onslaught by 60-foot tall giant aliens? The only thing standing between the aliens and Humanities extinction, is the alien technology oriented space fortress, Macross. Lots of high flying mecha action and transforming robots. Nausicaa in the Valley of Wind
An environmentally sound piece about the struggle of a small pocket of humanity's survival against itself and the poison jungle that threatens to engulf them all. By Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of Princess Mononoke and Totoro, his attention to detail and real to life characters make this a must see. Omoide Poro Poro (translation...literally 'Tearful Memories')
A ground breaking piece about a normal woman's life as a Tokyo native, and her desire to get into the country and live a more Rural life. Her trip to the countryside sets her thinking about her past and the effect those events and on her life. A great film for those who like to think about what they watch. Wings of Honneamis
An alternate world and its first attempts to journey into space. Can they do it despite all the red tape and bureaucracy? An unlikely hero finds himself in the middle when he volunteers to be the first man in space. An interesting look at what the human heart can do when its mind is put to it. A Wind Called Amnesia
A strange wind swept across the globe one day. And humanity forgot...everything. How will it survive being put back millions of years in today's technologically advanced society? Can humanity exist without the glue of intelligence and evolution? Wataru, the only one who remembers anything, is on a quest to find out. 
Escaflowne The Vision Of Escaflowne
One day while running track, Hitomi Kanzaki is transported to a strange new world. One where she can see the moon AND the Earth in the sky! Giant suits of armor, crazy invading countries, and magical talents all play a part in this breathtaking show that gives us the most refreshing fantasy world since Tolkien! A must see! Super Dimensional Fortress Macross
The original 36 episode TV series that started it all. Invaders from deep space come to reclaim a crashed ship, but the inhabitants of Earth aren't willing to give it up. Will humanity survive the relentless onslaught of the Zentraedi and their overpowering masses? Or will it perish, never to arise from the ashes again? Excellent for transforming robot fans. Marmalade Boy
Anime comes in many varieties, and Marmalade Boy is no exception. High School girl Miki is given a harsh dose of reality when her parents decide to get divorced and then remarry...to another couple! It's a Comedy of epic proportions when the new couple introduces their son to her. And she ends up falling in love with him! Lupin III
Take a Samurai, a Hit man for the Mob, a sexy cat burglar, a ICPO detective and the worlds greatest womanizer/thief and what have you got? One of the most successful anime series of all time, Lupin III. Action, hijinks, adventure, comedy, romance, Lupin the Third has it all. But can this world famous French thief hold onto the treasure long enough to spend it for once? For a series that's been around 30 years or so, it sure looks good. 
Slayers Slayers
Lina Inverse heads this adventure/comedy fantasy series. She's the most powerful magic user on in the world. But it seems everyone is out though beat her to take her title. A dragon, wizards, food, this show has everything you'd expect from a typical D&D  
Gunbuster Top Onerai! (AKA- Gunbuster!)
Studio Gainax has been famous for many fine anime shows and movies. One of the best being Top Onerai! Literally 'Aim for the Top!' This OVA shows what 'Hard work and Courage' can do in the face of overwhelming odds. When a strange alien race begins to try and wipe out humanity, the Space forces are brought out to find the best pilots for the secret weapon, the Gunbuster. A heart wrenching drama with elements of comedy and parody (look for the giant robot show spoofs!) this OVA is one to be remembered for all time. Bubblegum Crisis
Pounding music, pounding pavement, and breakneck action is what Bubblegum Crisis is all about. Not to be confused with the new TV series, the original Bubblegum is a hard hitting powerhouse of Technology gone wrong and what people really are inside. Motorcycle riding meets Machines or destruction. If action with a bit of intrigue is your cup o tea, then BGC is right up your alley. Macross Plus
Set in the far future from the original Macross, this series focuses more on the aspect of the fighter pilots and the testing grounds for their new prototype machines. Two men fighting for the love of one woman. Two men fighting for the right to have their experimental fighter planes out into production. Two men trying to learn how to deal with their own demons. Music by the stellar Yoko Kanno gives this series the added edge it deserves. 
Macross Record of the Lodoss Wars
High Fantasy at its best. This Dungeons and Dragons-esque series hits all the major highlights. Sorcery, Dwarves and Elves, armies at war, Dragons. Nothing else needs to be said for this OVA. Mobile Suit Gundam 0083 'Stardust Memories'
Mobile Suit Gundam is one of the longest running franchises in anime history. And it has a tendency to be some of the very best anime as well. Stardust Memories is no exception. Hard gripping drama, action a plenty, romance for all, and big honkin' robots! What more can I say? Does Jion want to revive the rivalry and war from 4 years ago, or do they have another secret agenda? A stolen Gundam and a fledgling pilot set the stage for a rollercoaster of a ride. | 
