Vaporwave Aesthetics
Anime
Vaporwave is a music and visual aesthetic that emerged in the early 2010s and is characterized by its use of samples from 80s and 90s pop culture, creating a nostalgic and dreamlike atmosphere. While there is no specific genre of anime that is vaporwave, many anime series and films have been noted for using certain elements that have made them popular among vaporwave enthusiasts. Here is a list of essential vaporwave anime that you might enjoy:
The films contain at least some of the following elements that contribute to Vaporwave:
-Aesthetics and Neon
-Vintage CGI
-90s consumerism
-80s/90s business/corporate life and setting
-70s thru 90s Asian culture
-Liminal space and cinematography/ minimalism
-Light toned color palette (especially white, pink and cyan)
-Digital revolution and post-internet
-Funky/pop/electronic music/OST and subgenre of Chillwave
-Philosophical and sometimes depressing themes on existentialism
-Avant garde, mind-bending, surreal storyline/narration
-Subgenres of mallsoft, officesoft, futurefunk, virtual utopia, cyberpunk and more.
The films contain at least some of the following elements that contribute to Vaporwave:
-Aesthetics and Neon
-Vintage CGI
-90s consumerism
-80s/90s business/corporate life and setting
-70s thru 90s Asian culture
-Liminal space and cinematography/ minimalism
-Light toned color palette (especially white, pink and cyan)
-Digital revolution and post-internet
-Funky/pop/electronic music/OST and subgenre of Chillwave
-Philosophical and sometimes depressing themes on existentialism
-Avant garde, mind-bending, surreal storyline/narration
-Subgenres of mallsoft, officesoft, futurefunk, virtual utopia, cyberpunk and more.
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
An iconic cyberpunk anime film set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo that explores themes of rebellion, government corruption, and technology run amok. This film is often cited as a major influence on the Vaporwave genre.
Movie, 1995,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
This classic cyberpunk anime film explores themes related to the nature of consciousness and identity in a world where technology has advanced to the point of allowing for human cybernetic enhancements. The film's striking visuals and haunting soundtrack have made it a cult favorite among fans of vaporwave.
TV, 1998,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:10
This classic anime series follows a group of bounty hunters who travel through space in search of their next job. Its eclectic soundtrack, which features jazz, blues, and rock music, and its use of retrofuturistic designs make it a perfect fit for vaporwave aesthetics.
TV, 1995,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
This iconic anime is known for its apocalyptic themes, mecha battles, and philosophical questions. It also features imagery of neon-lit cities, making it a perfect fit for the vaporwave aesthetic.
Movie, 1998,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
This 1997 film follows a pop singer named Mima as she tries to break into acting, only to become embroiled in a series of violent incidents. Its themes of identity, reality, and perception, as well as its haunting soundtrack, make it a classic of the vaporwave genre.
OVA, 2000,
6 eps
Me:-
Author:6
This 2000 series follows a young boy named Naota as he becomes embroiled in a battle between a giant robot and a mysterious woman. Its surreal imagery and use of alternative rock music, along with its themes of adolescence and growing up, make it a perfect fit for the vaporwave genre.
TV, 1998,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
This anime explores the relationship between humans and technology, with a dark and surreal atmosphere that is a hallmark of vaporwave.
OVA, 1987,
8 eps
Me:-
Author:-
This cyberpunk anime features an all-female team of mercenaries fighting against rogue robots in a futuristic version of Tokyo. Its use of neon lighting and retro-futuristic visuals make it a staple of the vaporwave aesthetic.
Movie, 2006,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
This anime movie explores the dream world and the line between reality and imagination, with a surreal and psychedelic style that aligns with the vaporwave aesthetic.
TV, 2003,
22 eps
Me:-
Author:9
This dark and brooding anime series from the early 2000s explores themes related to the nature of power and violence in a dystopian future. The series' haunting visuals and atmospheric soundtrack contribute to its distinctive vaporwave aesthetic.
Movie, 1993,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
A anime film that does contain some elements of Vaporwave, particularly in its exploration of post-industrial society and the relationship between technology and humanity. The film's use of liminal spaces and minimalist cinematography also aligns with some Vaporwave aesthetics. However, the film's visuals and soundtrack are more grounded in the cyberpunk genre, and the overall tone is more serious and philosophical than what is typically associated with Vaporwave. So while it may have some overlap with Vaporwave, "Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor 2 the Movie" is not a pure example of the genre.
Movie, 1984,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
"Macross: Do You Remember Love?" does contain some elements of Vaporwave, particularly in its use of '80s neon aesthetics and its depiction of a futuristic society. The film's soundtrack is also inspired by '80s electronic music, which aligns with Vaporwave's use of similar music genres. However, the film primarily falls under the mecha and sci-fi anime genres, and it focuses more on action and romance than Vaporwave's typical themes of existentialism and post-internet society. So while it does contain some Vaporwave elements, "Macross: Do You Remember Love?" is not typically considered to be part of the Vaporwave genre.
Movie, 1995,
3 eps
Me:-
Author:7
This anthology anime features three short films, each exploring different themes related to memory and the human experience. Its use of surreal and dreamlike visuals make it a perfect fit for the vaporwave aesthetic.
TV, 2014,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:6
A sports anime that explores themes of identity, talent, and friendship through the world of competitive table tennis. The series features a unique and stylized aesthetic that incorporates elements of minimalism, surrealism, and a jazzy electronic soundtrack.
Movie, 2009,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
A surrealist anime series that explores themes of fate and family, featuring a blend of surreal and avant-garde visuals, 90s consumerism, and an eclectic soundtrack.
OVA, 1985,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:6
A surrealist anime film that explores themes of religion and existentialism, featuring a haunting and atmospheric visual style and a minimalistic, electronic-inspired soundtrack.
TV, 2006,
23 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A science fiction anime series set in a dystopian future and featuring a blend of cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic aesthetics, as well as a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack.
Movie, 1987,
3 eps
Me:-
Author:6
This anthology film features three different segments, each with their own unique take on Vaporwave themes and aesthetics.
Movie, 2000,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
A gothic horror anime film set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western gothic elements, as well as an atmospheric and haunting soundtrack.
Movie, 2006,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:4
A surreal and visually stunning anime film set in a futuristic city, featuring a blend of Japanese and Western art styles, as well as an eclectic and moody soundtrack.
ONA, 2018,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:3
A supernatural anime series that explores themes of morality and identity, featuring a surreal and psychedelic aesthetic and a synthwave-inspired soundtrack.
TV Special, 1993,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:2
A romance anime film that features a synthwave-inspired soundtrack and a nostalgic color palette, blending elements of liminal spaces and vintage aesthetics.
TV, 2019,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:-
A science fiction anime series that takes place in a futuristic version of Mars and features a pop-inspired soundtrack and a colorful and neon-lit aesthetic.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:-
A science fiction anime series set in a futuristic world where energy is harnessed from another dimension, featuring a blend of cyberpunk and retro-futuristic aesthetics, as well as an electronic-inspired soundtrack.
TV, 2004,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:-
A science fiction anime series based on the classic novel, featuring a blend of 19th century European aesthetics and futuristic, cyberpunk elements, as well as a haunting electronic soundtrack.
Movie, 2010,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
A science fiction anime film trilogy that explores themes of identity and the nature of reality, featuring a blend of cyberpunk and steampunk aesthetics, as well as a synth-heavy soundtrack.
TV, 2011,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:-
This anime uses surreal and metaphorical imagery to explore themes of fate, family, and identity, with a dreamlike and mystical atmosphere that is common in vaporwave.
Movie, 2001,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
A science fiction anime film set in a retro-futuristic city and featuring a blend of 1920s/30s art deco and Asian culture, as well as a jazzy soundtrack.
TV, 2004,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:-
A psychological anime series that explores themes of societal anxiety and identity, featuring a surreal and dreamlike aesthetic and a haunting soundtrack.
TV, 2006,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
This anime series follows the life of a reclusive young man named Tatsuhiro as he struggles with social anxiety and an addiction to video games. The show's use of surreal and abstract imagery creates a dreamlike atmosphere that is characteristic of vaporwave.
TV, 2011,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:-
A dystopian anime series that explores themes of identity and social inequality, featuring a blend of futuristic and minimalist visuals, as well as an atmospheric and haunting soundtrack.
Movie, 1991,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
Roujin Z" does contain some elements of Vaporwave, particularly in its depiction of a futuristic society and its exploration of the relationship between technology and humanity. The film's use of liminal spaces, minimalist cinematography, and light-toned color palette also align with some Vaporwave aesthetics. Additionally, the film's soundtrack has some electronic-inspired elements. However, the film is primarily a science-fiction comedy that parodies the healthcare industry, so it doesn't delve deeply into existential themes or feature a surrealist or avant-garde visual style. Overall, while it does contain some Vaporwave elements, "Roujin Z" is not typically considered to be part of the Vaporwave genre.
TV, 1997,
39 eps
Me:-
Author:-
A anime series that contain contain elements of Vaporwave, particularly in its use of surrealism and avant-garde visuals, as well as its 90s aesthetic and electronic-inspired soundtrack. The show also features a mix of liminal spaces and 70s-90s Asian culture, and its exploration of philosophical and existential themes aligns with some of the Vaporwave genre's interests.
TV, 2014,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:-
With its vibrant colors, eclectic music, and humorous tone, Space Dandy is a space opera that feels both retro and futuristic at the same time, making it a perfect fit for the vaporwave aesthetic.
Movie, 2009,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
A science fiction anime film that takes place in a virtual world and features a retro-futuristic aesthetic inspired by 80s arcade games and a funk-inspired soundtrack.
TV, 2002,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
A supernatural anime series that blends elements of detective fiction and action, featuring a blend of Gothic and minimalist visuals, as well as a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack.
TV, 2010,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:-
This anime series follows the adventures of a college student as he navigates a surreal and often confusing world in search of true love. The show's use of surreal and abstract imagery, combined with its exploration of themes related to identity and the nature of reality, make it a standout example of vaporwave anime.
Movie, 2017,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
A surreal and avant-garde anime film that takes place in a liminal space between reality and dreams, featuring a colorful and neon-lit version of Kyoto and a funky electronic soundtrack.
Movie, 1987,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
A horror anime film set in a dark and dystopian version of Tokyo, featuring a blend of cyberpunk and supernatural elements, as well as a synth-heavy soundtrack.
TV, 2003,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:4
This series follows a traveler named Kino as she visits different countries and encounters a variety of people and cultures. Its themes of exploration, individualism, and self-discovery, as well as its serene soundtrack, make it a great fit for the vaporwave aesthetic.
TV, 1999,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
his mecha anime series from the early 2000s features a distinctive visual style that incorporates elements of both traditional anime and retro film noir aesthetics. The show's soundtrack, which combines elements of jazz and rock music, also contributes to its unique atmosphere.
TV, 2006,
14 eps
Me:-
Author:-
This offbeat anime series from the mid-2000s follows the adventures of a high school student who becomes entangled in a series of strange and supernatural events. The show features a whimsical and surreal visual style that incorporates elements of both traditional anime and contemporary pop culture.
Movie, 2004,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:-
This hyperkinetic and surreal anime film follows a pair of amnesiac criminals as they try to escape from a futuristic prison. The film's frenetic visuals and punk rock soundtrack make it a uniquely anarchic entry in the genre.
Movie, 1995,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:7
This mecha anime features a love triangle between three pilots in a futuristic society where technology has advanced to the point of creating sentient AI. Its use of neon lighting and futuristic cityscapes make it a great fit for the vaporwave aesthetic.
OVA, 1985,
4 eps
Me:-
Author:-
This 1985 series is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a motorcycle gang uncovers a conspiracy involving a sentient computer program. Its blend of cyberpunk and mecha influences, as well as its iconic soundtrack, make it a must-see for any vaporwave fan.
