Tesla CEO Elon Musk, recently ranked as the second richest person in the United States and the world, revealed his top anime recommendations for newcomers to the genre.
It began when Musk expressed enjoyment of the video game Genshin Impact on Twitter on October 14th. In response, machine learning engineer Pranay Pathhole asked Musk to share his favorite introductory anime series for beginners.
Musk obliged and provided a list of gateway anime that he considers essential viewing for those looking to get into Japanese animation. His picks included mainstream staples long considered ideal entry points for newcomers.
The billionaire tech mogul and real-life Tony Stark have vocalized his appreciation for anime. With his significant platform and influence, Musk’s recommendations will propel many fresh fans into one of Japan’s most popular cultural exports.
As anime continues gaining mainstream acceptance worldwide, Musk’s must-watch list could shape countless viewing habits in the coming years. Check out the Tesla chief’s complete recommendations and see if you agree these classics are perfect for beginners.
Death Note, Evangelion, Ghost in the Shell, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Full Metal Alchemist, Your Name
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 14, 2021
Elon Musk’s Anime Recommendations
1. Death Note
- Episodes: 37
- Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense, Psychological
- Studios: Madhouse
A shinigami, which is a god of death, possesses the ability to kill anyone by simply seeing their face and writing their name in a notebook called a Death Note.
One day, Ryuk, a bored shinigami curious about human behavior, drops the Death Note into the human realm. It’s discovered by Light Yagami, a high school student who starts experimenting by writing criminals’ names.
When those criminals mysteriously die, Light realizes the immense power he now holds. He decides to use the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and create a utopia where he reigns as a god.
As the killings continue, Japanese investigators enlist the help of L, a brilliant and eccentric detective, to solve the case and capture the mysterious killer. Thus begins a high-stakes game of cat and mouse between Light and L.
2. Evangelions
- Episodes: 25 (1995), 1 Movie (End of Evangelion), 4 Movies (Rebuild of Evangelion)
- Genre: Action, Mecha, Psychological
- Studios: Gainax
Neon Genesis Evangelion is renowned for blending elements like mecha combat, alien invasions, existential questions, and the complexities of human nature into a single anime.
Its influence extends beyond anime, impacting other mainstream media as well. The original series premiered in 1995 and has since spawned various films and spin-offs that have attracted audiences worldwide.
3. Ghost in the Shell
- Episodes: 1 Movie
- Genre: Action, Mecha, Psychological, Seinen
- Studio: Production IG
Ghost in the Shell, directed by Mamoru Oshii, is a cinematic adaptation of Masamune Shirow’s manga of the same name, released in 1995.
Regarded as one of the most iconic Japanese animated films globally, Ghost in the Shell made history by topping Billboard magazine’s best-selling video chart. Its influence inspired the Wachowski siblings to create the renowned film The Matrix.
Set in 2029, the film unfolds in Niihama City, a technologically advanced metropolis where cybernetic enhancements are commonplace, enabling individuals to replace their body parts with robotic counterparts.
Within this interconnected world, Sector 9 Public Security tackles corruption, terrorism, and other emerging threats from globalization. Major Motoko Kusanagi leads Sector 9’s investigation into a mysterious hacker, prompting profound philosophical reflections on the nature of existence and identity.
4. Spirited Away
- Episodes: 1 Movie
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
- Studios: Ghibli
Spirited Away, hailed as one of Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces, tells the tale of a young girl named Chihiro who embarks on a remarkable journey in the spirit realm.
Chihiro’s adventure begins when her parents undergo a mysterious transformation into pigs after trespassing in the spirit world, controlled by the formidable sorceress Yubaba.
The film encapsulates the essence of Studio Ghibli, blending fantastical landscapes with magical elements and featuring a resilient young female lead. Spirited Away is an entry point for those seeking to explore the rich and imaginative universe crafted by Studio Ghibli.
5. Princess Mononoke
- Episodes: 1 Movie
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Supernatural
- Studios: Ghibli
Princess Mononoke hailed as a classic film by Hayao Miyazaki, features a compelling narrative centered around a strong female protagonist.
The story follows Ashitaka, an Emishi prince, on his quest to find a cure for a curse, which leads him to encounter San, a human raised by wolves. Along the way, Ashitaka becomes entangled in a conflict between forest spirits and humans in a western land.
Princess Mononoke’s exploration of the clash between industrialization and the preservation of nature remains profoundly relevant today. This powerful thematic element elevates the film to one of the standout works in the Studio Ghibli collection, offering audiences a thought-provoking and captivating viewing experience.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist
- Episodes: 51 (2003) / 64 (Brotherhood)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- Studios: Bones
Following a tragic alchemical experiment gone awry, brothers Edward and Alphonse find themselves in a world marred by disaster.
Determined to restore their bodies, lost in the accident, the Elric brothers set out on a journey to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. This powerful artifact defies the fundamental rules of Equivalent Exchange in alchemy.
As Edward, now known as “Fullmetal,” gains recognition as a skilled alchemist, the brothers become embroiled in a complex conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their world.
Interestingly, entrepreneur Elon Musk once used the image of Edward, the protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist, as his anime profile photo on Twitter, adding to the series’ widespread recognition and appeal.
7. Your Name
- Episodes: 1 Movie
- Genre: Action, Mecha, Psychological
- Studio: CoMix Wave Film
Your Name tells the story of Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, whose lives become intertwined mysteriously and dramatically.
Mitsuha, a high school girl living in the countryside, dreams of experiencing life in the bustling city of Tokyo, a desire that contrasts sharply with her rural upbringing.
On the other hand, Taki, a high school student living in Tokyo, balances his studies with a part-time job and nurtures aspirations of becoming an architect.
One fateful day, Mitsuha finds herself in Taki’s body, experiencing his life in Tokyo. Similarly, Taki inhabits Mitsuha’s body and life in the countryside.
As they navigate this inexplicable phenomenon, Mitsuha and Taki embark on a quest to unravel the mystery and find each other, ultimately discovering a more profound connection that transcends time and distance.
