Find yourself lost in the world of nostalgia with RetroCrush’s selection of the 21 best movies. Whether you’re looking for action, mystery, or drama, this list has something for everyone. Dive into stories filled with adventure and timeless tales that continue to captivate audiences around the globe.

1. Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01

IMDb Score: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70%

runtime 47 minutes

Join engineering student Sujimoto Kouji as he navigates Tokyo in a runaway battle tank armor, the MADOX. It’s a thrilling ride where mishaps abound, especially when Kouji doesn’t quite read the manual. This anime is a blend of humor, accidental heroism, and a dash of romance as Kouji races against time to save his date and himself from a grudge-holding tank driver.

2. Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie

IMDb Score: 5.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 35%

runtime 90 minutes

After the Battle City Tournament, Yugi faces a new threat from the ancient Egyptian villain Anubis. With the power of the Eighth Millennium Item, Anubis plans world domination. Despite its mixed reviews, fans of the series will appreciate the classic duels and the enduring bond between Yugi and his alter ego, the Pharaoh. It’s a throwback to simpler times when card games determined the fate of the world.

3. Helter Skelter

IMDb Score: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67%

runtime 127 minutes

Helter Skelter explores the dark side of beauty through Lilico, a top model spiraling into chaos due to cosmetic surgery side effects. The movie is a haunting commentary on vanity and the lengths people will go to maintain perfection. It’s as intense as it is thought-provoking, shedding light on the pressures and isolation that come with idolization and the fleeting nature of fame.

4. Millennium Actress

IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

runtime 87 minutes

A mesmerizing journey through time and film, Millennium Actress blurs reality and cinema. It tells the story of Chiyoko Fujiwara, a reclusive actress, as she revisits her life experiences through the eyes of a filmmaker. This beautifully animated tale captures the essence of love, dreams, and the passage of time, leaving audiences both enchanted and introspective about the nature of storytelling.

5. Ring

IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%

runtime 96 minutes

Ring introduces the cursed videotape that sparked a horror phenomenon. Journalist Reiko’s discovery of the tape and subsequent investigation bring viewers face to face with Sadako, the vengeful spirit. Its minimalist style and eerie atmosphere have inspired countless adaptations, making it a cornerstone in horror cinema that continues to haunt and thrill audiences worldwide.

6. Yu-Gi-Oh!: Bonds Beyond Time

IMDb Score: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 50%

runtime 50 minutes

Time travel and teamwork are at the heart of Bonds Beyond Time as Yusei Fudo teams up with Jaden Yuki and Yugi Muto to thwart the villain Paradox. Fans will enjoy the nostalgia and crossover of three beloved Yu-Gi-Oh! series, as well as the central message of friendship and perseverance. It’s a fun, fast-paced adventure that brings different eras of the franchise together.

7. Demon City Shinjuku

IMDb Score: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%

runtime 82 minutes

With demons threatening to plunge the world into chaos, Kyoya inherits the duty of stopping the evil sorcerer Rebi Ra. Venturing into the heart of Shinjuku, this dark fantasy combines action and supernatural elements in a race against time. It’s an intense ride through a shadowy world where the line between heroism and despair is as thin as a sword blade.

8. Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie

IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

runtime 102 minutes

Street Fighter II brings the iconic video game to life with an adrenaline-pumping storyline featuring Ryu, Ken, and the notorious Bison. The movie is a nostalgic nod to the classic arcade era, packed with martial arts action and an engaging plot. It’s a must-watch for old-school gamers, blending dynamic fight scenes with the timeless struggle between good and evil.

9. Ring 2

IMDb Score: 5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 54%

runtime 95 minutes

Continuing the chilling saga, Ring 2 delves deeper into the mystery of Sadako’s curse. Mai Takano’s investigation unveils more about the fatal videotape and the supernatural consequences it holds. It expands the original lore with more psychological horror and suspense, offering an intriguing follow-up for fans eager to learn more about the haunting mythos surrounding Sadako.

10. Wicked City

IMDb Score: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

runtime 82 minutes

In a world where humans and demons must coexist, Wicked City tells the story of Taki and Maki, two agents tasked with preventing a war between their worlds. This dark, stylish anime is laden with action and adult themes, exploring the complexity of interdimensional relations. It’s a gripping tale of duty, loyalty, and the potential for peace amidst chaos.

11. Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture

IMDb Score: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 60%

runtime 98 minutes

Fatal Fury follows the quest for the Armor of Mars, embroiling Terry Bogard in a battle to stop a power-hungry adversary. This action-packed anime brings the fighting game to the screen with vivid animations and a gripping storyline. It’s a classic tale of courage and the struggle against overwhelming odds that will resonate with fans of the genre.

12. Time of EVE: The Movie

IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

runtime 106 minutes

Time of EVE explores the blurred line between humans and androids in a future society. As Rikuo discovers a café where the two are treated equally, he questions societal norms and what it means to be human. The film offers a thoughtful reflection on prejudice, identity, and empathy, wrapped in a beautifully animated package that invites viewers to see beyond the surface.

13. City Hunter: Shinjuku Private Eyes

IMDb Score: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%

runtime 95 minutes

Ryo Saeba is back in action in Shinjuku Private Eyes, blending humor, action, and detective work in classic City Hunter style. With his sidekick Kaori, Ryo tackles dangerous cases while charming the ladies, providing a fun and engaging adventure. It’s a delightful mix of comedy and crime-solving that fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy.

14. Night on the Galactic Railroad

IMDb Score: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%

runtime 113 minutes

This classic tells the heartfelt journey of Giovanni and Campanella through the stars, exploring existential themes and personal growth. It’s a beautifully animated tale that invites introspection and wonder, as viewers join the boys on a cosmic train ride to self-discovery. The film is a poignant exploration of friendship, dreams, and the universe’s mysteries.

15. No Longer Human

IMDb Score: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 65%

runtime 120 minutes

No Longer Human dives deep into the life of famed Japanese author Osamu Dazai, unraveling his struggles with identity, addiction, and relationships. This intense drama captures the essence of Dazai’s existential despair and the chaotic beauty of his life. It’s an evocative portrayal that remains faithful to the spirit of Dazai’s work, offering insights into the fragile human psyche.

16. Barefoot Gen

IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

runtime 83 minutes

Barefoot Gen is a poignant, harrowing depiction of Hiroshima’s bombing seen through a child’s eyes. It’s a powerful anti-war film that showcases resilience and the human spirit amidst devastation. This heart-wrenching tale emphasizes the importance of peace and remembrance, leaving a lasting impact on audiences as they witness history’s tragic consequences.

17. City Hunter: Million Dollar Conspiracy

IMDb Score: 6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 72%

runtime 90 minutes

In Million Dollar Conspiracy, Ryo and Kaori are hired by the alluring Emily O’Hara, only to find themselves entangled in a dangerous scheme. The film delivers the signature mix of humor, action, and suspense that City Hunter fans adore. It’s a thrilling ride full of unexpected twists, proving once again that nothing is ever straightforward in Ryo’s world.

18. Sakuran

IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74%

runtime 111 minutes

Sakuran transports viewers to the vibrant world of Edo-period Yoshiwara, following a feisty oiran navigating the politics of love and power. The film’s stunning visuals, combined with Anna Tsuchiya’s compelling performance, create an immersive experience. It’s a bold, colorful exploration of a woman’s quest for freedom and autonomy in a constrained society.

19. Fatal Fury: Legend of the Hungry Wolf

IMDb Score: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%

runtime 45 minutes

In Legend of the Hungry Wolf, Terry Bogard is on a quest for revenge against Geese Howard, the man who killed his father. This anime adaptation of the popular video game offers thrilling fights and a deep dive into Terry’s emotional journey. It’s a must-watch for fans seeking to experience the origins of the Fatal Fury saga.

20. Appleseed

IMDb Score: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

runtime 101 minutes

Set in the utopian city of