Ranking All Satoshi Kon Anime: A Complete Guide

Satoshi Kon is renowned as a preeminent creative force within anime over the past two decades. His masterpieces have played a pivotal role in promoting anime as a legitimate art form. His films are frequently compared to illustrious titles such as Spirited Away and Akira, earning a revered position in cinematic history.

Although Kon’s life was cut short at the age of 46 due to pancreatic cancer, his artistic legacy remains undeniable. His contributions as a writer and director have indelibly influenced the anime landscape and resonate across various mediums, including significant Hollywood productions. This article attempts to rank all of Satoshi Kon’s anime films and series, exploring how they measure up against one another.

Updated on December 3rd, 2024, by David Heath

While many dismiss the accolades received by iconic figures, it is clear that Satoshi Kon’s untimely passing did not extinguish the spark that inspired profound and introspective anime. Despite a surge of creative works in the genre, few have managed to achieve the high standards set by Kon.

Following his death, the ambitious project Dreaming Machine faltered, as production teams such as Madhouse and MAPPA struggled to carry forth Kon’s distinctive vision. Nevertheless, the animated narratives he completed continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of creators, from acclaimed directors like Darren Aronofsky and Guillermo Del Toro to budding filmmakers. Below, we present an updated list ranking Satoshi Kon’s works based on their ability to encapsulate his unique style and thematic depth.

8 Good Morning

An Early Morning Routine Condensed into One Minute

Studio: Madhouse
Runtime: 1 Minute
Available On: YouTube

Unless the long-awaited Dreaming Machine is completed, Kon’s final work before his death was the short film Good Morning. This brief narrative simply illustrates a woman’s morning routine, capturing the sleepy essence of waking up through mesmerizing animation. The short employs innovative translucent techniques, depicting the woman’s gradual transition from a state of grogginess to waking readiness. Notably, it boasts more frames than typical 30-minute anime episodes and serves as one of 15 segments commissioned for the Ani*Kuri15 project.

7 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

How the Stardust Crusaders Inspired Kon’s Directorial Career

Studio: A.P.P.P
Runtime: 35 minutes per episode
Episodes: 13
Available On: DVD only

Kon’s entry into anime began with opportunities that would eventually lead him to direct Perfect Blue. His significant contributions to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure arose during his collaboration with Katsuhiro Otomo, where he provided the script and storyboard for a memorable encounter in the OVA series. Despite its lesser acclaim compared to modern adaptations, Kon’s direction offered a nuanced view of the narrative elements that would later define his directorial style.

6 Memories

Three Shorts, One Remarkable Contribution

In conjunction with Katsuhiro Otomo, Kon worked on the anthology film Memories, which features three distinct stories. Although credit goes to Otomo for the overarching themes, Kon’s segment, Magnetic Rose, stands out for its haunting narrative about memory and loss. The short effectively lays the groundwork for the themes that Kon would explore in future works, emphasizing the psychological aspects that permeated his films.

5 Paranoia Agent

Exploring Fears through Kon’s Only TV Series

Paranoia Agent marks Kon’s sole television series, weaving a narrative that delves deep into societal fears and paranoia. The series follows Tsukiko Sagi, a character designer, as she grapples with the enigmatic figure of ‘Li’l Slugger’, who becomes a catalyst for chaos in Tokyo. With its intricate storytelling and psychological depth, the show parallels the themes found in Kon’s films, capturing the essence of societal anxieties and personal fears.

4 Paprika

A Daring Exploration of Dreams and Reality

Studio: Madhouse
Runtime: 90 Minutes
Available On: Tubi and AppleTV+

Kon’s last feature, Paprika, masterfully merges the boundaries between dreams and reality. The film follows Dr. Atsuko Chiba as she navigates the dream world to assist her patients. The plot takes a thrilling turn when a ‘dream terrorist’ jeopardizes their safety. Kon’s lush visual storytelling and psychological themes demonstrate his profound understanding of the human psyche, influencing future filmmakers while remaining a cornerstone of animation.

3 Perfect Blue

A Stark Examination of Identity and Obsession

Often acclaimed for its poignant exploration of mental health, Perfect Blue examines the devastating impacts of obsession and identity dissolution in the digital age. Although it is an adaptation of Yoshikazu Takeuchi’s novel, Kon’s unique vision breathes life into this complex narrative, making it both timeless and relevant. The film retains a place in contemporary discussions about internet culture and its consequences, echoing themes still prevalent today.

2 Tokyo Godfathers

Confronting Society’s Issues with Heartfelt Storytelling

Studio: Madhouse
Runtime: 92 Minutes
Available On: Amazon Prime, Hoopla, Tubi, PlutoTV, and Freevee

Tokyo Godfathers diverges slightly from the surrealism characteristic of other Kon films, embedding itself in reality to tell a poignant story. The film follows three homeless misfits discovering an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve, confronting social issues while maintaining a hopeful narrative. By blending humor with heartfelt moments, Kon creates a narrative that celebrates humanity amidst adversity.

1 Millennium Actress

A Soul-Stirring Journey through Film and Memory

Studio: Madhouse
Runtime: 87 Minutes
Available On: Amazon Prime, Peacock, Retro Crush, Asian Crush, Shout, and Freevee

Millennium Actress stands out as a defining classic among Kon’s oeuvre. This film deftly intertwines elements of fiction and reality, following the life of actress Chiyoko Fujiwara through the lens of a documentary filmmaker. The moving narrative not only portrays her cinematic journey but also delves into the nature of love and loss, solidifying Kon’s prowess in storytelling that resonates profoundly with audiences.

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