Best Drama Anime of 1998

In Serial Experiments Lain, fourteen-year-old Lain Iwakura is an introverted girl who struggles with social interaction until she unexpectedly receives an email from Chisa Yomoda, a classmate who has already died. Despite having little experience with technology, Lain opens the message and is drawn into the Wired, a digital network akin to the Internet. This event transforms her life as she confronts mysterious puzzles. Figures known as the Men in Black begin appearing around her, questioning her with intimate details about her life that even she does not fully grasp. As the boundaries between the physical world and cyberspace grow indistinct, Lain becomes entangled in increasingly surreal scenarios that challenge the nature of identity, consciousness, and reality. Directed by Chiaki J. Konaka, the creator behind Texhnolyze, this psychological and avant-garde mystery follows Lain's critical choices, which impact both the real world and the Wired. Only through Lain can the full significance of these interconnected realities be understood as one realm fades and another emerges.

Two years after the J-pop idol group CHAM! first won over audiences, member Mima Kirigoe chooses to leave the band to pursue an acting career, a decision that draws mixed reactions from her fanbase. Despite the uncertainty surrounding this move, Mima clings to the hope that her supporters will stay loyal. As she steps away from the group, her life takes an unexpected turn. Eager to shed her idol image, she secures a role in a crime drama, a project that quickly becomes demanding and stressful for both her and her manager, Rumi Hidaka. At the same time, Mima's mental state begins to deteriorate under pressure from a persistent stalker who refuses to accept her exit from the idol world, a mysterious new website that uncannily mirrors her experiences, and CHAM!'s continued success without her. These disturbing events slowly erode Mima's grasp on reality, blurring the line between what is real and what is not.

In the quiet town of Tomoeda, ten-year-old Sakura Kinomoto lives an ordinary life as a fourth grader until she discovers a mysterious deck called "The Clow." While examining this new treasure, she accidentally releases a powerful gust of wind that scatters the cards across the city. This incident awakens Keroberos, known simply as "Kero," the Beast of the Seal. He informs Sakura that she has freed the Clow Cards, magical beings created by the sorcerer Clow Reed. Each card possesses immense power and acts on its own, making them a serious threat once unbound. Consequently, Sakura must step up to neutralize this danger. Designated as the "Cardcaptor" and given the Sealed Key, Kero charges her with finding and capturing every wayward Clow Card. Assisted by her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji and guided by Kero's instruction, Sakura must balance her daily life as a student with her duties as the magical guardian, Cardcaptor Sakura.

Unlike his friends, Takumi Fujiwara has no interest in cars and knows little about the hidden world of car enthusiasts and street racers. As the son of a tofu shop owner, he is responsible for making daily deliveries up and down the winding roads of Mount Akina. For Takumi, conversations about cars and driving only remind him of the routine task he must complete each day. One evening, the Akagi Red Suns, a well-known street racing team, visit Akina to challenge the local mountain course. Led by the skilled Ryousuke and Keisuke Takahashi, the Red Suns aim to dominate every race track in the Kanto area and establish themselves as the fastest team around. Their plans are disrupted when one of their top drivers is outperformed by an old Toyota AE86 during a return trip from Akina. Following this event, the Takahashi brothers become wary of an anonymous driver displaying exceptional skill and a deep understanding of the local routes—the AE86 of Mount Akina.

In "His and Her Circumstances," Yukino Miyazawa, the highly admired female class representative, is the most revered first-year girl at her high school. Known for her top-tier academic performance, athletic prowess, and a refined, friendly demeanor, she has long enjoyed the admiration of those around her. However, beneath this facade, Yukino possesses a deep-seated vanity and works tirelessly to uphold her flawless reputation and image. Her ultimate goal is to command everyone's attention and praise, which fuels her intense rivalry with Souichirou Arima, the male class representative who excels equally in all areas. From their first encounter in high school, Yukino has been fiercely competing with him for dominance. During the midterm exams, Yukino achieves the highest score, surpassing Souichirou. To her surprise, he offers his congratulations, causing her to question her usual manipulative tactics. After Souichirou confesses his love for her, Yukino rejects him, feeling a mix of satisfaction and regret over his dismissal. The next day, Souichirou visits Yukino's home to deliver a CD, where he discovers her true, unguarded self. Armed with this knowledge, he pressures her into helping him with student council duties. As Yukino is forced to interact with Souichirou, she realizes she is not alone in hiding secrets.

During the final moments of the Eve Wars, on December 24 of the year AC 195, the forces of the World Nation and White Fang clashed in a fierce battle. Treize Khushrenada, leader of the World Nation, was killed; Zechs Merquise, leader of White Fang, vanished; and Earth was spared from annihilation thanks to the five Gundam pilots' intervention. Having seen the devastation brought by war and hatred, the people of Earth and the space colonies set aside their conflicts and jointly established a new global government. Under this newly created Earth Sphere Unified Nation, a year of peace has passed. The government and citizens have disarmed, and nearly all remaining mobile suits have been scrapped. Choosing to do the same, Gundam pilots Heero Yuy, Duo Maxwell, Trowa Barton, and Quatre Raberba Winner load their powerful mobile suits into an asteroid and launch them on a one-way trip toward the sun. Yet even as they say goodbye to their Gundams, a new conflict is approaching.

Five years have passed since the War of Heroes ended with the downfall of the Emperor of Marmo. Parn continues his role as the Free Knight of Lodoss, accompanied by his renowned former allies from that conflict. Meanwhile, Ashram, who once acted as the emperor's trusted lieutenant, pursues the scepter of domination with the goal of rebuilding the empire as a tribute to his fallen master. At the same time, a more malevolent power begins to stir, setting the stage for the resurgence of the goddess of death and destruction.

Taichi Keaton travels across the globe, handling a wide range of cases that challenge his many skills. Drawing on his knowledge in investigation, archaeology, and survival, along with his background as a professor, a veteran of the Falklands War, and a former SAS agent, Keaton confronts and overcomes the perilous and thrilling situations that arise in each episode.

Fudo Jun is a stunning supermodel adored by the masses. Yet she harbors a hidden truth she herself is initially unaware of: flowing through her veins are the genes representing the next stage of human evolution—the same blood shared by the beastlike superhumans terrorizing the city. Unlike those monsters, however, Jun manages to cling to a fragile hold on her humanity. She is then enlisted by the enigmatic Asuka Ran, a member of a covert government organization tasked with controlling—or if necessary, eliminating—these rampaging destroyers of mankind. As Devilman Lady, Jun must now hunt down and eradicate her own kind. But the question remains: how much longer can she preserve her sanity in a situation she never asked to be part of?

In the early 21st century, Japan experiences economic and political decline. To revive the nation, the military introduces Tactical Armors (TAs), advanced mechanical suits built for combat. These suits offer enhanced mobility but place extreme strain on their users, limiting effective operation to a select few. Yuushirou Gouwa is among those exceptional pilots, known for his innate ability to control the TAs. As the fourth son of the powerful Gouwa family, he understands the influence of high-ranking officials. His skills and knowledge of TAs are quickly tested as other countries and groups accelerate development of their own combat versions. The situation darkens when Yuushirou meets a cryptic girl who forewarns him of a potential "terror" if he proceeds down a certain path. Despite her caution, Yuushirou's family may be more involved in the mounting tensions than they let on.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes Gaiden is the first of two OVA adaptations that explore side stories from the Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu novel series. This installment focuses on the adventures of Reinhard von Müsel and Siegfried Kircheis within the Galactic Empire as they prepare for the critical Battle of Astarte. In The Silver-White Valley, following their graduation from the military academy, Reinhard and Kircheis are stationed on the icy frontier planet of Kapche-Lanka. Unaware of the danger, they learn that their new superior officer is conspiring to assassinate Reinhard on behalf of a foe of Reinhard’s sister, Annerose von Grünewald. Dreams of the Morning, Songs of the Night sees Reinhard and Kircheis assigned to the Imperial Military Police, where they uncover corruption and harsh practices within the Empire’s law enforcement system. They are then given the task of investigating the murder of a student from their former academy. Dishonor takes place as Reinhard waits to be named Count von Lohengramm. He sends Kircheis to the artificial resort satellite Kreuznach III to relax. Frustrated by the lack of action, Kircheis assists local police in solving a drug trafficking case linked to an attack on a disgraced former Vice Admiral. A Hundred Billion Stars, a Hundred Billion Lights finds Reinhard, still a commodore leading just one squadron, frustrated with the ineptitude of his superiors during a skirmish with the Free Planets Alliance. Under the direct command of Vice Admiral Richard von Grimmelshausen, Reinhard racks up military accomplishments but often clashes with Commodore Hermann von Lüneburg, a former regimental commander of the Alliance’s infamous Rosen Ritter unit.

The assassin unit Weiss Kreuz—often shortened to WK—is made up of four young operatives: Aya, Yoji, Ken, and Omi. Each of them relies on a distinct combat style: Aya wields a katana, Yoji uses strings to strangle his targets, Ken attacks with metal claws, and Omi specializes in a wide variety of projectiles. Taking orders from a mysterious commander known only as "Persia," the group is sent to eliminate drug rings, terrorist factions, and other threats to society. As their missions continue, however, they come to realize that most—if not all—of the enemies they have dealt with are connected in some way to the Takatori family. Rich, powerful, and deeply influential, the Takatoris seem to be the root of the problems WK has been fighting. To truly solve the issue, Weiss Kreuz may have to bring down one of Japan's most prominent clans.

Millie Nocturne's singular ambition is to become the universe's greatest at everything she tries. However, when she attempts her hand at being the "best detective," she finds herself reluctantly teamed up with two individuals who will transform her existence forever: Kane Blueriver, a master of the psi-blade and captain of the starship Swordbreaker, and Canal, the sarcastic holographic representation of the ship's computer. Follow this unconventional trio on their exploits as they race through space, confronting intergalactic crime lords, renegade starships, and hijackers clad in chicken costumes—and that's merely the beginning of their troubles.

In 2023, extraterrestrial entities called "Lucifer Hawks" have started launching invasions from a different dimension. The only force preventing them from subjugating humanity is the Attacked Mystification Police Department, a specialized branch of the Tokyo Police composed of women who possess extraordinary paranormal powers.

Two years have gone by since the conclusion of the original Nadesico conflict, and both Akito and Yurika have vanished without a trace. In that time, former adversaries have become allies—the Jovians and Earthlings now stand united, with Ruri commanding the Nadesico B as its new captain. Boson Jumping has skyrocketed in popularity, giving rise to a sprawling transportation infrastructure known as the Hisago Plan, built around a network of Chulip portals. This system is believed to conceal the secrets behind Bose particles and the tremendous power they wield. If that knowledge were to land in the wrong hands, the fallout would be immense—and trouble is already brewing. A renegade Martian faction has launched an attack, leaving the United Forces baffled and scrambling for a response. In their desperation, they've recalled the original crew of the Nadesico for a covert, off-the-books mission with everything at stake. Can this oddball assortment of former heroes rise to the occasion? Who will seize control of the Boson technology? And what in the world has become of Akito and Yurika?

In the land of Kuruda, combatants wielding magic and extraordinary battle skills compete for the prestigious title of Sevaar, the realm's strongest warrior. Elle Ragu, known as the Shadow Skill, has recently attained this honored rank, but her life remains far from simple. Training her "little brother" Gau in the ways of combat, repelling assassins dispatched by enemy nations, and stopping foreign invasions are all formidable tasks—yet managing her mounting alcohol debts proves to be her greatest trial.

In a small village, twin siblings Tatara and Sarasa are born. Prophet Nagi predicts that Tatara is destined to liberate Japan from the oppressive rule of the King and his four sons. However, tragedy strikes when the cruel Red King kills Tatara. As a result, Sarasa must assume her brother's identity and purpose, setting out on a journey to free Japan and seek vengeance for Tatara's death.

After being rescued from the Himalayas, Federation Ensign Shiro Amada is under suspicion for espionage because of his encounter with a classified Zeon mobile armor. Intelligence officer Alice Miller is assigned to investigate Shiro's actions during the period he was missing. Her written report will determine whether Shiro Amada is a traitor and what fate awaits him as the commander of the 08th Mobile Suit Team.

At Kisuragi School, Chairman Keiko Himuro assembles an all-girl baseball team led by Ryo Hayakawa, whose father was a renowned pitcher. The objective is to prove that girls can compete on equal footing with boys. Their aspiration is to make it to Koshien Stadium, a venue limited to elite teams.

A timeless war has been waged between the monstrous Demons and the noble Guardians over control of Earth, the cherished creation of the great Mother who gave life to all. Their deep-seated animosity stems from the Guardians having stopped the Demons' attempts to wipe out humanity and the world. In the present day, within the bustling Neo-Shinjuku City, only a handful of Demons and Guardians continue this ancient conflict. Humanity has long since taken dominion over Earth, with no real memory of either Demons or Guardians. Yet, in the hidden depths of the city’s underworld, one powerful Demon plots to dominate humankind. Standing against this threat is a sole Guardian, whose actions will determine the future of the human race.

Miho Shinohara, a relaxed third-grader who dreams of becoming a mangaka, discovers Mogu and Pigu, two lost fairies disguised as plush toys. In gratitude for letting them stay until they can return to their home world, the fairies give Miho a special sketchbook and pencil that make her drawings real. With this power, Miho can also change into Lala, a beautiful teenager based on her manga characters. As Lala, she attracts the attention of a talent agency, which moves her from being an ordinary student to a model and eventually an idol singer.

For certain passions, one is willing to die... Code Name: Golgo 13 — Professional Assassin. His assignment: eliminate the notorious Queen Bee, head of a rebel South American liberation army, before she can assassinate a high-profile Presidential candidate. There’s one complication: Queen Bee is no ordinary radical. As a child, her world was shattered, leaving her to survive like an animal. But they never broke her spirit. Now a cunning and powerful woman, she lives solely for passion and vengeance. Once Golgo 13 learns Queen Bee’s true identity, he decides to step aside as a deeply personal feud races toward a tragic conclusion—a conclusion that nobody will see coming!

Ryo, Gawl, and Koji are three young boys who journey into the past with a single goal: to alter the course of history. In their own time, they learn that their nation, Kubere, employs genetically enhanced individuals known as generators as weapons of war. These generators are responsible for the Third War, which devastates most of humanity. Now, Koji, Ryo, and Gawl are determined to change everything.

In a realm where time has frozen, a colossal whale rises from a smooth, glassy sea and gracefully soars across the sky for twelve hours. The visual brilliance comes from a distinctive technique: the artist employs the transparency and solidity of 3D computer graphics solely for the motionless ocean and icy glaciers. Meanwhile, the people, the whale, and the boats are drawn by hand, creating a sharp visual contrast that immerses viewers in a surreal world. This animated short unfolds as a poetic fantasy, weaving a true sense of wonder. Though the process demands immense effort, the outcome is truly breathtaking.

In "Dimension Movement of Nazca," Miura Kyoji, a devoted kendo practitioner, learns that his instructor Tate Masanari is the reincarnation of Yawaru, an Incan warrior seeking to cleanse the world through destruction. Kyoji himself is the reincarnation of Bilka, the warrior who once stopped Yawaru's devastating plans in a past life. As Yawaru gathers other awakened souls to unleash natural forces, Kyoji must face his true identity, questioning whether he is merely a vessel for Bilka's spirit or still truly Miura Kyoji. This internal struggle also determines which version of himself has a better chance to save the world and protect the future he holds dear.

Fuguno Matsuo has spent all 24 years of his life without ever having a girlfriend, and a fortune teller's grim prophecy that he never will leaves him deeply shaken. His circumstances shift unexpectedly when he catches sight of Nagisa-sensei and immediately falls in love, prompting him to earnestly pursue her. Further complicating matters is Hamaoka, a fellow colleague who secretly holds feelings for Fuguno, setting the stage for a love triangle.

After a devastating war leaves Earth in ruins, Haruka is the last human left alive. Despite losing her own kind, she forms a family with the advanced robots that survived the catastrophe. Her robotic companions include Spike, a friendly android completely devoted to her; Trigger, a hot-headed robot who loves guns; Cleric, the thoughtful strategist; Reeves, who looks intimidating but is actually gentle; and Angela, a solitary warrior expert with a sword who avoids people. They all live together in a tall building at the city center, where Haruka experiences some peace. But stability is hard to maintain. Resources are scarce, and wandering war robots still roam, intent on destroying any life they find. Kurogane Communication follows Haruka's fight to survive in this post-apocalyptic world, facing many dangers that challenge her resilience day by day.

Masuo made it through high school and college without ever having a girlfriend. A wrinkled fortune teller once told him that he is fated to remain alone for his entire life. But when Masuo lays eyes on the beautiful Nagisa, his heart stirs for the first time. He faces stiff competition from the flawlessly handsome Kaizuka and the astonishingly ugly Kujira. Masuo is determined to win, yet he keeps getting tripped up by his tendency to find himself in awkward situations with other women at the worst possible moments.

In this 55-minute short film, based on the creations of manga artist Leiji Matsumoto (The Cockpit, Queen Emeraldas), the story resumes one year after the events of Galaxy Express 999. Young Tetsuro and his motherly companion Maetel persist in their fight to free the cosmos from the Mechanized Empire, which has seized control of Earth.

Sentimental Journey consists of twelve distinct short tales, each focusing on a different girl. While these episodes are not directly related, they share a thematic thread: the bittersweet nature of every girl's first love experience.

In 2010, Japan's radio industry grapples with falling listener numbers. To combat this, a station operated by a constantly underachieving staff chooses an unorthodox fix: recruiting Maico, the nation's first android announcer. Although adorable and attractive, Maico soon realizes that being a mere novelty does not suffice to captivate the unpredictable audience, especially given the incompetence of her coworkers.

After a meteor strikes Earth, traitor forces have essentially taken over, and the people are suffering. Amid the chaos, a boy named Tetsuro Daiba—who lost his parents in the meteor hit—is visited by Mello, a mysterious woman who appears in a bright light. When Daiba regains consciousness, he finds himself in a spaceship infirmary under observation. He steals a fighter he didn't know how to pilot (until he tried it) and breaks out, flying like a complete professional. He was able to recall how to pilot from his DNA memory... and to learn more, his doctor friend takes him to a secret underground lab, where the friend acts as a professor researching ways to stop the traitor regime. When the enemy forces invade to take Daiba back, a girl named Rei Yuuki mysteriously shoots down their entire carrier with only a fighter jet! Apparently, both of them possess mysterious powers that the enemies want, which may or may not be linked to their being the only two known survivors of the meteor impact. While searching for a third survivor (who turned out to be a cat), the two are taken by force to Queen Photon, ruler of the traitor regime. She claims she is out to SAVE the Earth from those who sent the meteor. The two don't know whether to believe her or Mello until the telepathic cat breaks them out of the Queen's sealed chamber, and Mello arrives to straighten things out. That's when the two—or rather, three—of them make a choice: stay on a planet that can't support their advanced race, or strike out into the unknown of space.

Title: Gandalla: The King of Burning Desert Rising tensions within a band and a pivotal decision about their music inadvertently pull them into the grasp of the terrifying desert god called Gandalla.

A dramatization based on the novel "The Story of Rennyo" by Hiroyuki Itsuki.

Anime adaptation of the children's fantasy novel by Daisaku Ikeda.

This educational short film takes place in Meiji Era Japan, centered on the Kuzuryuu River. Communities living along its banks face repeated devastation from floods. Despite the villagers' pleas for aid, their requests are ignored. A young boy, who loses his childhood friend in one such flood, grows up determined to bring change. He begins building an embankment, sparking a community-wide effort that soon spreads to other towns along the river.

This educational film highlights the significance of staying connected with others, even when you struggle in certain areas of your life.