13 Genre-Defying Anime That Aren't Like Anything Else

Prior to the show's release in 1997, the creators of Cowboy Bebop were certain they were unleashing something Earth-shattering into the world. Their conviction spurred them to hide a declarative manifesto in the anime's title credits:

They must create new dreams and films by breaking traditional styles. They are sick and tired of conventional fixed style jazz… the work, which becomes a new genre itself, will be called COWBOY BEBOP, will play without fear of risky things.

While this might seem immodest, it's also shockingly accurate. The series abandons typical anime tropes, and instead draws inspiration from jazz and bebop music. This influence carries over into every facet of the show, from the brilliantly crafted soundtrack to the sharp, free-form lines, skewed camera angles, and vibrant colors that comprise the series's art style. 

Each episode is referred to as a "session" (furthering the musical theme), and titles are references to specific songs or genres (such as "Toys in the Attic," or "Asteroid Blues"). The result is a show that's absolutely unforgettable; it has carved out a space in the anime canon that no other series can fill. 

In a world where communication regularly takes place over the internet, what does it mean to connect with another person? When Serial Experiments Lain came out in 1998, this was a bold question, as no one knew how the internet would affect society or the human mind.

To explore the issue, Serial Experiments Lain employs a surreal, symbolic art style that has yet to be replicated by another show. While some of its conclusions may seem outdated, it now serves as a window through which viewers can gaze upon humanity's entry into the digital age. 

The original season of FLCL is only six episodes long, but its influence has been felt since its debut in 2000. A sixth grader named Naota (AKA Ta-Kun) just wants to live an ordinary life, but his dreams of normality go out the window when he meets Haruko Haruhara. 

The Galactic Space Police Brotherhood investigator explodes into Naota's life on a Vespa that defies the laws of physics. Within a few moments of meeting the boy, Haruko clobbers him with a bass guitar, leaving a strangely phallic welt on his forehead. 

FLCL offers flashy, minimalist art and unpredictable storylines that to this day feel largely inimitable. 

If you want to see battles involving balloons that act like dogs, transmission towers that imprison people, and a transforming carnivorous monster called Notorious BIG, you need to check out JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

The 2012 series is one of the weirdest anime ever created, and there's nothing else like it.

Technically speaking, all anime are works of art, since they are drawn into creation. While most series feature art styles that compliment their narratives, it's rare to find a show with visuals that can be appreciated on their own merits. 

The 2007 series Mononoke, a 12-episode anime based on the Japanese horror story Ayakashi, openly defies conventional anime aesthetics. Each frame appears to be hand-drawn on a piece of old parchment, directly contributing to the show's atmosphere.

Gorgeous, multicolored textures combine with wildly trippy imagery to create an unparalleled visual experience. 

To the uninitiated, Monogatari might seem like a supernatural harem anime. While it technically fits this description, the show's incredible art style puts it in a league of its own. 

Thanks to the creative minds at Shaft studio, seemingly mundane situations are spiced up with brilliant visual flourishes. Everyday conversations are underscored by text running up and down the walls, mood-setting splashes of vibrant color, and inventive camera angles.

Monogatari also displays a remarkable attention to detail, and is riddled with small touches like characters who have realistic tear ducts.