Best Drama Anime of 2009

In Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the lives of Edward and Alphonse Elric are irrevocably altered when an alchemical attempt to resurrect their deceased mother backfires. By violating the taboo against human transmutation, the brothers pay a horrific price: Alphonse forfeits his entire physical form, while Edward sacrifices a limb to anchor his brother's soul to a suit of armor. Seeking refuge with their neighbor Pinako Rockbell and her granddaughter Winry, a talented mechanic who crafts automail—sophisticated robotic limbs—for Edward, the duo eventually embark on a perilous journey. Their goal is to restore their bodies through the legendary Philosopher's Stone, an artifact capable of bypassing the law of equivalent exchange. As Edward rises in prominence as a formidable alchemist and acquires the title "Fullmetal," their pursuit draws them into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens the very fate of their world.

In Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Sawako Kuronuma is unfairly feared and avoided by her classmates because her resemblance to a famous horror character earns her the nickname Sadako; they mistake her kind and introverted nature for something menacing. Longing for ordinary friendships, she becomes drawn to Shouta Kazehaya, the school's most popular student, whose bright and outgoing personality she deeply admires. When Kazehaya invites her to join a bravery challenge, Sawako sees it as a chance to connect with others, including Ayane Yano and Chizuru Yoshida. As she navigates these new social experiences, she believes Kazehaya is improving her life, unaware of the profound effect she has on him.

In the initial conflicts against the monstrous Angels, young Eva pilots Shinji and Rei bore the weight of humanity's hopes alone. Now, as the Angels' lethal assault intensifies and the apocalyptic Third Impact draws near, Shinji and Rei share their burden with two new Eva pilots: the fiery Asuka and the enigmatic Mari. Piloting their colossal Eva machines into battle, these four young souls fight desperately to save mankind from the heavens, but can they save themselves in the process? Note: This title exists in multiple versions, indicated by the version number: 2.0 was the original theatrical release on June 27, 2009, while 2.22 is the Blu-ray/DVD release from May 26, 2010, featuring new scenes and readjustments.

Merchant Kraft Lawrence continues his northern journey alongside the wolf deity Holo in search of her lost home, Yoitsu. Along the way, they accumulate modest earnings while uncovering more details about Holo's history. However, the road to Yoitsu is fraught with difficulties. Lawrence meets another merchant who displays a keen interest in Holo, causing him to doubt whether she will remain by his side. Amidst hazardous business dealings, Lawrence clings to his dream of eventually owning a shop of his own. Confronted by these trials, he is forced to reevaluate his bond with Holo, embrace new trading prospects, and determine if it is time for the goddess and himself to part ways.

In the heart of America, the streets are ruled by the mafia, where assassinations are a frequent occurrence. These violent acts are often the work of Inferno, a clandestine group that utilizes their almost invincible human weapon called "Phantom." One fateful day, a Japanese traveler unwittingly witnesses one of Phantom's hits. Fearing for his life, he seeks safety in an abandoned building. However, he is captured by Ein, the young female identity behind Phantom, and Scythe Master, the head of Inferno. The traveler undergoes a brutal brainwashing process and is subsequently rechristened as Zwei. Now a mindless pawn of Inferno, Zwei finds himself immersed in a world of deceit, treachery, and violence. His journey to survival is fraught with danger, with each moment threatening his very existence. Yet, deep down, he holds onto the hope of reclaiming his lost memories and escaping the grip of his manipulated reality.

In Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, middle school student Mirai Onozawa, frustrated with her everyday life, wishes for everything to be destroyed. That wish takes a dark turn when a massive magnitude 8.0 earthquake strikes. During summer break, Mirai reluctantly goes with her younger brother Yuuki to an Odaiba exhibition featuring robots, which he is excited about. As they explore the venue, a catastrophic earthquake hits the Kanto region, leaving the siblings stranded in the chaos. Among the ruins, they meet Mari Kusakabe, a single mother and motorcycle enthusiast, who offers to help them. Together, their goal is to make their way through the devastated city and reunite with their families.

Included as a bonus episode on the eighth and final DVD of Clannad ~After Story~, this story takes place in an alternate timeline. In this version, Fujibayashi Kyou becomes the central love interest instead of Furukawa Nagisa. Love can be wonderfully thrilling, yet also deeply painful. Fujibayashi Ryou, Kyou's younger sister, has feelings for the male lead, Okazaki Tomoya. With Kyou's encouragement, Ryou gathers the courage to confess, and Tomoya and Ryou begin dating. But as their relationship develops, Kyou starts to realize her own growing feelings for Tomoya, sparking a love triangle. When the truth comes to light, both sisters experience the hardships of love and must choose between the two most important people in their lives: Tomoya, or each other.

This series consists of six anime adaptations of modern Japanese literary classics: Osamu Dazai’s No Longer Human (Ningen Shikkaku) and Run Melos! (Hashire Melos!), Natsume Soseki’s Kokoro, Ryunosuke Akutagawa’s Hell Screen (Jigoku Hen) and The Spider's Thread (Kumo no Ito), plus Ango Sakaguchi's In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom. No Longer Human (Ningen Shikkaku) follows a student whose life takes on a complete loss of direction. Over the course of three different chapters, this young man slides into despair, addiction, and darkness, gradually wasting his years. The final chapter finds him alone as a burnt-out, haggard shadow of the person he once was. In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom (Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita) is a tale of love involving a woman from the 12th century and a mountain bandit who takes her by force. Kokoro is a 1914 story of a young man's path through the Meiji era, focusing on his growing friendship with an older mentor he calls "Sensei". The story is about the transition from Meiji period to modern time, building on themes of isolation from Soseki's prior work, this time through inherited strands of egoism and guilt. Run Melos! (Hashire Melos!) adapts the classic Greek account of Damon and Pythias. At its core is a friendship that never falters. Melos, the hero, stands by his promise to save his friend's life despite overwhelming obstacles, and at last his courage has earned its reward. The Spider’s Thread (Kumo no Moto) follows the Buddha Shakyamuni, who discovers an unsympathetic culprit undergoing agony in Hell. The prisoner once did mercy in the form of a single small act, failing to kill a spider he saw deep in battle. Taken by this selfless act, Shakyamuni sends down in a silken thread from Paradise to Hell, but the decision the fate of the condemned one has to act on his own—the thread waits for him to take it, if only he can. Hell Screen (Jigoku Hen) delves into a gifted artist who receives a commission from a great noble lord to paint scenes of the Buddhist Hell. Unable to create what he cannot witness personally, he foolishly attacks through the lord's servants and characters, crafting his twisted vision of hell as his bloodlust finally plunges the entire house into madness and catastrophe.

Kobato Hanato, a kind and earnest young girl, is on a journey toward a particular destination. To achieve this, she must assist people who are suffering. Whenever she successfully heals someone's emotional wounds, a bead resembling a piece of candy is created and stored in a special container. Once that container is full, her desire will come true. Alongside her stuffed animal companion, Ioryogi, Kobato meets many individuals dealing with different hardships—including a child struggling with family troubles and a high school girl dealing with the intricacies of romance. Using her naturally bright personality and friendly attitude, Kobato strives to bring happiness into their lives.

Hidden truths and startling revelations are unveiled for the first time in the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection, a new set of stories set in previously unexplored corners of the FMA universe. Follow Ed and Al as they chase rumors of successful human transmutation into a web of shocking family drama and deceit. Catch a glimpse of unseen sides of Winry and Hawkeye's personalities. Brave the freezing north with a young Izumi Curtis as she fights to deepen her understanding of alchemy. Investigate the legendary friendship between Mustang and Hughes and watch them evolve from military school rivals into hardened brothers forged by the horrors of the Ishvalan War. You thought you knew the whole story. You thought every tale was told. The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection provides evidence: You were wrong. 1. The Blind Alchemist (盲目の錬金術師, Moumoku no Renkinjutsushi) Adapted from a side story of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga published in the Fullmetal Alchemist Perfect Guidebook (2003). It concerns a blind alchemist named Jude, who serves the Humbergang family. He once broke the taboo of alchemy. 2. Simple People (シンプルな人々, Simple na Hitobito) A story about Riza (why she let her hair grow longer) and Winry (why she had her ears pierced and how she obtained her earrings). 3. The Tale of Teacher (師匠物語, Sensei Monogatari) Based on a side story of the Fullmetal Alchemist manga, the third OVA focuses on Edward and Alphonse's teacher, Izumi Curtis. The story is composed of two parts. The first part shows how Izumi survived Mt. Briggs to become an apprentice of a renowned alchemist. The second part shows how Izumi and Sig met and experienced love at first sight. 4. Yet Another Man's Battlefield (それもまた彼の戦場, Sore mo mata Kare no Senjou) The story centers on Roy at age 18 in a military boot camp, how he met an Ishbalan recruit named Heathcliffe Arbor, and how he became a friendly rival to Hughes.

In "Cross Game," Kou Kitamura and Aoba Tsukishima are constantly at odds, even though their families are close friends and business partners. Kou, the only child of a sports store owner, has no interest in baseball, despite developing his batting skills through regular visits to the batting center run by the Tsukishima family. Meanwhile, Aoba is passionate about baseball and shines as a pitcher. Although they seem like complete opposites, Kou and Aoba share a deep bond through their feelings for Wakaba Tsukishima, Aoba's older sister and Kou's destined love interest. Wakaba often sparks their ongoing rivalry. Whether they will eventually recognize their common ground is uncertain, but baseball might be the key to resolving their personal struggles.

White Album explores whether a lasting romance can truly exist between an ordinary university student and a budding idol singer. Touya Fujii is a typical college student who balances his studies with a part-time job to get by. His main worry is the limited amount of time he can spend with his girlfriend, Yuki Morikawa. Yuki is an up-and-coming idol singer facing her own challenges. Though she hasn't reached the same level of fame as established idol Rina Ogata, Yuki is starting to draw media attention and land television appearances. While this might seem like a positive development, not everyone is happy about her rising popularity or Rina's involvement. The fierce, competitive nature of the idol industry means rival singers are keeping a close eye on Yuki's progress. Having your girlfriend appear on TV might sound exciting, but how does it affect Touya? With the pressure from Yuki's career and the various people he encounters at university, their relationship may be put to the test.

In "Sweet Blue Flowers," the shy and gentle Fumi Manjoume was once inseparable from her outgoing and supportive friend Akira Okudaira during elementary school until Fumi's family moved away. After returning to her hometown and enrolling at Matsuoka Girls' High School, Fumi finally reunites with Akira, who now attends Fujigatani Girls' Academy. However, their relationship no longer feels the same as it once did. Shortly after starting school, Fumi becomes the focus of attention from the popular senior Yasuko Sugimoto, drawing more interest than any other underclassman. Having always relied on Akira for support, Fumi must forge her own path and identity beyond Akira's influence. Meanwhile, Akira longs to regain the close bond they once shared. The story follows whether these two friends can overcome the challenges of adolescence and preserve their connection before the pressures of growing up drive them apart.

In the eccentric setting of Irabu General Hospital, the unorthodox psychiatrist Dr. Ichirou Irabu and his captivating nurse Mayumi help patients struggling with mental disorders that disrupt their daily routines. Mayumi's striking look and her notably short pink nurse outfit draw careful attention. Dr. Irabu himself exhibits three distinct personas: a child wearing an oversized lab coat, an articulate young adult with graceful mannerisms, and a self-centered, lively green bear. He uses questionable treatment methods, often pursuing personal gains outside his medical duties and frequently disregarding his professional responsibilities. Each patient confronts the heart of their condition, linked together by an invisible thread that connects their narratives.

Many millennia in the past, a meteor hurtling from space threatened to annihilate the world, but Arceus intervened and halted it. During that act of protection, Arceus sustained severe injuries, and Damos (ダモス) nursed it back to health. In gratitude, Arceus vowed to make the barren land of Michīna fertile and prosperous, and thus presented Damos with the Jewel of Life (命の宝玉). Arceus allowed Damos to borrow 16 portions of its own body in order to create the Jewel of Life, with the condition that they be returned on a designated day. But the parts were never given back, and Arceus, feeling betrayed, swore that it would judge humanity when it awakened. Many millennia later, Satoshi, Hikari, and Takeshi arrive at the riverside town of Michīna (ミチーナ), a place enveloped in natural splendor. They head for the ruins of Michīna, which stand atop a huge rock, with a wide, beautiful lake spread out at its base. Satoshi and his friends are entranced by the lake, yet suddenly waves rise upon its surface and a watery tornado starts wreaking havoc. A girl named Sheena, a descendant of Damos, rushes out from the Michīna ruins. Perceiving the danger, she summons Dialga and cries out, "Dialga, please!" and Dialga manages to quell the tornado. At last, Satoshi and his friends are able to enter the ruins, where Kevin and Sheena relate the ancient legend of Michīna. Just after they finish recounting it, the battle among Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina grows violent, and the Michīna ruins are shattered. Then Arceus awakens...

In the land of Ryoza, the neighboring provinces of Shin-Ou and Tai-Kou have long coexisted in peace. Queen Shinou rules over Ryoza, while her foremost general, Grand Duke Taikou, defends the kingdom with an army of mighty war-lizards known as the "Touda." Despite the enduring alliance between the two regions, mounting friction threatens to ignite a brutal civil war. In Ake, a village within Tai-Kou tasked with raising the Grand Duke's army, lives Erin, a cheerful girl who spends her days observing the work of her mother Soyon, the village's head Touda doctor. However, while under Soyon's care, a catastrophic incident befalls the Grand Duke's most powerful Touda, and the peaceful life Erin and her mother had known vanishes as Soyon faces severe punishment. In a desperate attempt to save her mother, Erin falls into a river and is swept away toward Shin-Ou. Unable to return home, Erin must learn to build a new life among completely different people, all while seeking the truth about both beasts and humanity itself, as tensions between the two regions continue to escalate.

A four-episode OVA series where each installment tells a different side story from the original material. Episode 1 – Reshuffle: Because of the effect of Friagne's treasure device, Shana and Yuji end up swapping bodies. They try to handle the situation without anyone finding out, but... Episode 2 – Domicile: Lately, Shana has been acting strangely. Concerned for her, Yuji and Wilhelmina decide to secretly follow her after school one day. What secret could Shana be hiding? Episode 3 – Overture (Part 1): While hunting a particular tomogara, Shana consumes the existence of a torch named Oogami Junko to make her investigation across the city easier—while also dealing with the family problems Junko left behind after being devoured. Episode 4 – Overture (Part 2): Continuation of episode 3.

In the peculiar shop run by Yuuko, who grants your deepest desires for an appropriate price, Kimihiro Watanuki seeks to rid himself of his ability to see spirits. To pay for this wish, he works for Yuuko, performing tasks such as cleaning, running errands, and assisting her other clients. In xxxHOLiC Shunmuki, Watanuki and his friend and rival, Shizuka Doumeki, join their friend Kohane Tsuyuri and her grandmother for a meal, reflecting on how much they have grown since their first meeting. Later, Watanuki has a dream in which Doumeki's grandfather, Haruka, asks him to retrieve specific items from the family temple's storage room. Accompanied by Doumeki, Watanuki finds that this task resembles a treasure hunt, with each item leading them to the next, culminating in an unforeseen yet fated outcome.

In "Hanasakeru Seishonen," Kajika Louisa Kugami Burnsworth, the only daughter of powerful industrial magnate Harry Burnsworth, has lived a sheltered life since she was two years old. After an assassination attempt took her mother's life while protecting her, Harry sent Kajika to the isolated island of Giviolle to be raised by a local woman named Maria. On the island, Kajika grew up alongside a white leopard named Mustafa and received occasional visits from a boy named Li Ren Fang. At fourteen, Kajika returns to her father, who informs her that she must participate in a game to decide her future husband. To secure her cooperation, Harry explains that she must confront the harsh realities of her fate with the man she chooses. Her task is complicated by her limited knowledge of the three candidates Harry has selected, known only for their exceptional charm and brilliance, and by the fact that the candidates are unaware they are being considered as potential suitors. Kajika must also ensure that her chosen partner willingly agrees to marry her. The story explores themes of affectionate love, fervent passion, chivalrous friendship, steadfast loyalty, family relationships, and political maneuvering. The weight of Kajika's destiny is evident, as the constant danger to her life becomes intertwined with the complex selection process, which is more than just a game. Harry's goal is to find a suitable protector for Kajika before a significant secret about her is revealed—one even she herself does not know.

In a world shattered by relentless earthquakes, much of Japan lies in ruins, with nature reclaiming the land under a blanket of lush vegetation. Strict global emission regulations have widened the divide between rich and poor. To address this, the Japanese government launches "Project Atlas"—a futuristic utopian city meant to replace Tokyo. However, this city can accommodate only a privileged few, leaving countless others to survive as refugees in the encroaching wilderness. This flawed solution draws opposition from diverse foes: Kuniko Houjou, heir to a rebellious community; Mikuni, a mysterious and powerful child sheltered in a hidden temple; Kunihito Kusanagi, a soldier serving under Atlas, a technologically advanced conglomerate; Karin Ishida, a brilliant economist who manipulates global financial systems; and Ryouko Naruse, the sinister leader driving Atlas's dominance over this new world order. These rebels unite under the banner of "Metal-Age." Can they come together and prove that unity and collaboration can overcome such harsh divisions?

After the battle in Celes, Fai escapes with Kurogane's assistance, continuing to support Syaoran and Sakura. Upon arriving in Nihon, Kurogane reunites with Tomoyo. Seishirou then emerges, prompting a clash with Syaoran over a feather. After obtaining the feather, Syaoran enters the Dream World, where he meets Sakura, Watanuki, and the Clone again.

In a futuristic European metropolis, four lethal professionals operate across the surface streets and the criminal underworld: Mihai Mihaeroff, an ex-assassin; Badou Nails, a one-eyed mercenary who never stops smoking; Fuyumine Naoto, a female orphan skilled with a katana; and Heine Rammsteiner, an albino gunman altered through genetic engineering. Note: The first anime volume was released in Japan alongside the fourth volume of Miwa's Dogs: Bullets & Carnage manga on May 19, 2009, while the second anime volume arrived with the Dogs: Stray Dogs Howling in the Dark manga volume on July 17, 2009.

The second season of White Album, also known as episodes 14-26.

In a world where the GGP holds global control, Rin Ogata's promising path as a ballet dancer was abruptly ended by a severe injury, forcing her into retirement. Years later, while attending college, she discovers a transforming robotic vehicle called a Rideback. Her well-honed balance and elegance from her ballet background allow her to master its operation. However, her exceptional talent attracts unwanted scrutiny from the authorities.

When Nicoletta was a little girl, her mother, Olga, abandoned her and ran off to Rome to remarry. Now, 15 years later and a young woman, she travels to Rome with the intention of ruining her mother's life. She tracks Olga down to a restaurant called Casetta dell'Orso, but the second Nicoletta steps through its door, everything changes. It's a peculiar place staffed entirely by mature gentlemen wearing spectacles, and like their clientele, she is helpless against their wise smiles and warm voices. Before Nicoletta realizes it, her plans for vengeance start to fade, and she's swept up in the sweet romance of everyday Italian life.

Halo Legends presents seven distinct stories set in the Halo universe, each created by a different production studio. "The Babysitter" follows the Helljumpers, elite Orbital Drop Shock Troopers on a secret assassination mission behind enemy lines. "The Duel" tells the story of an ancient Arbiter who abandoned the Covenant faith and now faces the consequences of being labeled a heretic. "The Package" focuses on a Spartan unit, including the Master Chief, as they undertake a covert operation to board a Covenant flagship and retrieve a vital item. In "Origins," the Master Chief and Cortana are stranded after Halo 3, and Cortana recounts the Forerunners' fall, the Flood's destruction, humanity's rise, and the subsequent war between humans and the Covenant. "Homecoming" explores Spartan Daisy's reflections on her SPARTAN-II background as she helps evacuate UNSC troops caught in a Covenant ambush. "Prototype" follows Marine Sergeant Ghost as he fights fiercely to atone for his past mistakes. Finally, "Odd One Out" is a non-canonical parody featuring Spartan 1337, who endures a series of unfortunate events.

In "Umi Monogatari," Marin and her younger sister Urin, who reside beneath the sea, discover a beautiful silver ring resting on the ocean floor. Despite Urin's hesitation and the warning story of an elder turtle who journeyed to the sky world and never came back, Marin's compassionate nature compels her to return the ring to its owner. They locate Kanon Miyamori, who had tossed the ring away after a heartbreak. Even though Marin believes the ring is too valuable to be thrown out, Kanon casts it back into the water. As they search for the ring, Urin gets separated and accidentally breaks the seal on a stone coffin, releasing the evil entity called Sedna. The turtle elder, Matsumoto, who had vanished earlier, reappears and explains to Kanon and the sisters that Marin is the Priestess of the Sea. Together with the Priestess of the Sky, they can imprison Sedna again. It is revealed that Kanon herself is the Priestess of the Sky. Though initially unwilling, Kanon and Marin unite to defend the world from Sedna's devastating force.

This upcoming series once again centers on Corticarte, and it connects to Ichiro Sakaki and Noboru Kannatsuki's Shinkyoku Sōkai Polyphonica crimson S light novel adaptation, which takes place during the Academy years of the storyline.

Adapted from the Korean drama series of the same name, Yoo Jin develops feelings for Joon Sang when she is a young girl. After she loses him in an accident, she chooses to marry her childhood friend. But Yoo Jin later encounters someone who looks exactly like the boy she lost, which places her in a difficult situation. The program had 23 members from the original Korean cast providing voices for the characters and was aired with Japanese subtitles. Note: Includes episode 0.

The fourth season of Maria-sama ga Miteru unfolds at Lillian Girls’ Academy, where the students’ lives are buzzing with activity. The Yamayuri Council is collaborating with the all-boys Hanadera Academy on a theater production, and the school festival looms on the horizon. Yet Yumi’s responsibilities are nothing next to the challenge Sachiko has given her: selecting someone to become her petite soeur. Can Yumi withstand the strain of such a weighty choice, or will she buckle beneath the expectations of the Council—and Sachiko herself?

The tale unfolds in 1955 within Kokuga, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. A millennium earlier, this location hosted the ancient capital of Suo no Kuni, and remnants of the Heian Period (year 794-1185) endure today through its ruins and historic place names. Shinko, a third grader at the local elementary school, hails from one of the town's old, respected families. The little girl is known for the odd curl on her forehead, which she nicknames "Mai Mai," and for spending much of her time romping through the fields. In private, though, her true delight lies in envisioning and daydreaming about life a thousand years in the past, letting her mind roam freely through the Heian era. Then one day, a transfer student named Kiiko arrives from Tokyo and joins Shinko's class. Accustomed to the big city, Kiiko struggles to feel at ease in this small town, yet bit by bit her bond with Shinko grows stronger. In time, the pair find themselves swept up in a strange occurrence from a thousand years ago...?!

In the near future, humanity undergoes a new energy transformation with the discovery of Photon Power. This energy source, extracted from ore found beneath the foothills of Mount Fuji, was meant to resolve global energy shortages through its immense potential. Seeking to claim this power is Dr. Hell, a madman obsessed with world domination, who alongside his lieutenants Baron Ashura, Count Brocken, and Viscount Pygman, commands an army of mechanical beasts unearthed from ancient Greek ruins to capture the Photon Power Laboratory. Confronting this assault is the fiery young Kabuto Kouji, who pilots the Photon Power-powered robot built by his grandfather, Mazinger Z. Yet in this conflict between Dr. Hell and the Kabuto family, numerous legends tied to the Mycenaean Civilization and Bardos Island, along with the hidden truths of Mazinger Z, remain obscured in mystery. This new series, inspired by the mecha show that launched the genre, Shin Mazinger Shougeki! Z-Hen, resets the narrative with a fresh cast, delivering an original story separate from the original series.

This two-episode OVA presents an alternate take on the original Da Capo storyline, exploring a hypothetical situation in which Junichi Asakura reciprocates Kotori Shirakawa's feelings.

Born to a beloved yet low-ranking consort, Hikaru Genji is known as the Shining Prince and is the cherished second son of the Emperor. Though he is barred from inheriting his father's throne, Genji's life is filled with every delight and romance imaginable. However, the one desire of his heart remains unfulfilled—a love that even the Emperor's authority can never grant him.

A theatrical film version of Madhouse's Aoi Bungaku Series anime. The film will re-edit the four episodes based on Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human (Ningen Shikkaku) novel, which have character designs inspired by manga artist and novel illustrator Takeshi Obata. This "director's cut" will include new "navigation" footage which is being created specifically for the film with narrator Masato Sakai.

Before arriving at Green Gables, Anne Shirley experiences numerous adventures. She resides with a family, taking care of the children and assisting with household tasks. During this time, she learns more about her identity, realizing her name is "Anne" rather than "Ann." Throughout it all, she remains her charming yet slightly eccentric self.

This is a special recap of the anime Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, broadcast to celebrate the series receiving the Excellence Prize at the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival. Two versions of this recap exist. The first is a 65-minute television special that aired on Fuji TV on December 12, 2009. The second is a 95-minute film released in three theaters on January 17, 2010, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Great Hanshin earthquake.

Elliptical Orbit: Fifteen years have passed since communication with Earth was lost, and the space freighter Flying Dutchman is now requesting clearance to dock at a remote lunar station. The vessel carries liquid protons, a vital energy source for Earth's survival, but faces sudden danger when galactic terrorists attack the station, seeking to destroy this new power supply and seal humanity's fate. Symbiotic Planet: In a cosmos defined by interplanetary expansion and strange alien ecosystems, Aon and Elena—a couple from opposing nations competing over resources—attempt to build a shared existence despite resistance from their leaders. Their path grows more difficult due to an alien fungal outbreak and the schemes of a militant fanatic. To endure, they must cling to their bond and discover how to coexist with the remarkable creatures populating this breathtaking yet hazardous world.

In the year 2220, Earth is threatened by the expansion of a moving black hole. A plan is developed to relocate over 300 million people from the planet. When the latest transport fleet is attacked, the Space Battleship Yamato, now under the command of Susumu Kodai, rushes to its defense. Also on board is his daughter Miyuki, the child of Susumu and Yuki. Note: The Director's Cut runs 123 minutes and includes several different scenes, along with an alternative ending.

Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape ravaged by nuclear war, the story follows futuristic soldiers investigating a ruined zone who discover a damaged robot. The humanoid unit resembles a classic household robot reminiscent of Asimov's creations. Upon booting it up, the soldiers access fragmented videos stored in its memory, witnessing the world through the robot's eyes over the passing years. Spanning just under seven minutes without a single word of dialogue, this film poignantly illustrates how all our experiences and the things we hold dear remain in constant peril.

During World War II, in an isolated mountain village in Kōchi Prefecture, the inhabitants hold a firm belief that Americans and British are "brutes," a view reinforced by the deaths of their relatives. Eiko, a young elementary school student with blue eyes inherited from her American father, moves from Yokohama to this village and is subjected to constant bullying from her classmates. Nevertheless, her homeroom teacher Akiko shows her a certain amount of kindness, while the rest of the staff share the students' prejudices. Kenta, a boy in Eiko's class, distinguishes himself by approaching her with curiosity rather than hostility. The village's circumstances change when the wounded father of one of Kenta's classmates returns from the war, and additional casualty reports reach the community, deeply affecting the children's lives.

20 years after his departure, the elephant father delivers a message to his newlywed daughter.

This 2009 Korean animated series follows the legendary masked vigilante from the Joseon period, Iljimae, who steals from corrupt officials to aid the impoverished. The protagonist, born to a noble father and an enslaved mother and left behind as a baby, comes back to Korea looking for his relatives. After his first love, Dal-yi, is unjustly executed, he takes on the solitary masked identity of Iljimae, until a woman named Wol-hee pulls him back into society.