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An absolute titan of a date in cinema history, delivering record-shattering Studio Ghibli flights, the massive global phenomenon that launched the Pokémon movie franchise, legendary crossover battles, and gorgeous fantasy epics:

• Ali Baba to 40-hiki no Touzoku (1971) • Mazinger Z tai Devilman (1973) • Sirius no Densetsu (1981) • Dragon Ball Movie 2: Majinjou no Nemurihime (1987) • Saint Seiya: Jashin Eris (1987) • Kaze no Tairiku (1992) • Kurenai no Buta (1992) • Silent Möbius 2 (1992) • Pokemon Movie 01: Mewtwo no Gyakushuu (1998)

From Hayao Miyazaki's charming animation contributions in Ali Baba and the ultimate retro superhero crossover Mazinger Z vs. Devilman, to Toei's iconic 1987 double-feature of Dragon Ball: Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle and Saint Seiya: The Movie, alongside Production I.G's gorgeous fantasy The Weathering Continent, Kia Asamiya's cyberpunk sequel Silent Möbius 2, Hayao Miyazaki's majestic aviation masterpiece Porco Rosso, and Kunihiko Yuyama's historic, multi-million dollar blockbuster Pokémon: The First Movie... July 18 stands as arguably the single most commercially explosive and culturally significant theatrical date in the history of anime.

A highly prestigious and historic summer date featuring legendary Ghibli comic strips, massive generation-defining Nintendo blockbusters, and moving anti-war reflections:

• Kaiketsu Zorori: Mahoutsukai no Deshi/Dai Kaizoku no Takara Sagashi (1993) • Tsuru ni Notte: Tomoko no Bouken (1993) • Pokemon Movie 02: Maboroshi no Pokemon Lugia Bakutan (1999) • Tonari no Yamada-kun (1999)

From Isao Takahata's groundbreaking, beautifully stylized digital watercolor family comedy My Neighbors the Yamadas, and Kunihiko Yuyama's massive box-office phenomenon Pokémon the Movie 2000: The Power of One featuring the legendary debut of Lugia, to the delightfully mischievous cinematic origins of Kaiketsu Zorori, and the deeply moving, educational peace film On a Paper Crane: Tomoko's Adventure... July 17 beautifully bridges massive commercial entertainment with profound artistic milestones.

An absolute powerhouse, earth-shattering date in cinema history marked by the release of the most influential cyberpunk film of all time, legendary fighting game adaptations, and beautiful fairy-tale fantasies:

• Maken Liner 0011 Henshin Seyo! (1972) • Ganbare Genki (1980) • Unico: Mahou no Shima e (1983) • Akira (1988) • Arisubyeon-ui Kkumnamu (1988) • Akai Kiba: Blue Sonnet (1989) • Garou Densetsu: The Motion Picture (1994) • Guskou Budori no Denki (1994) • Yukiwatari (1994)

From Katsuhiro Otomo's groundbreaking, multi-million dollar cyberpunk masterpiece Akira, which forever changed the global landscape of animation, and Masami Hata’s wonderfully surreal Osamu Tezuka fantasy Unico in the Island of Magic, to Masami Obari's explosive, high-octane martial arts spectacle Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture, and the beautiful, literary-inspired reflections of Kenji Miyazawa’s tales (Guskou Budori and Yukiwatari)... July 16 stands as a monumental pillar of cinematic artistic achievement.

An absolute titan of a date in anime history, delivering standard-setting cyberpunk mecha, timeless Studio Ghibli romance, explosive Saiyan finales, and legendary sci-fi premier blockbusters:

• Dirty Pair (1985) • Akuma-kun (Movie) (1989) • Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor the Movie (1989) • Little Nemo (1989) • Dragon Ball Z Movie 13: Ryuuken Bakuhatsu!! Gokuu ga Yaraneba Dare ga Yaru (1995) • Mimi wo Sumaseba (1995) • Ninkuu (Movie) (1995) • Slam Dunk: Hoero Basketman-damashii! Hanamichi to Rukawa no Atsuki Natsu (1995) • Chou Kidou Densetsu DinaGiga (1998)

From the iconic TV debut of the original sci-fi trouble-mashing duo Dirty Pair and Mamoru Oshii’s monumental cyberpunk political thriller Patlabor: The Movie, to Yoshifumi Kondou’s heartwarming Ghibli masterpiece Whisper of the Heart, and the legendary debut of the Dragon Fist in Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon... July 15 stands as one of the most culturally massive and artistically influential dates for anime theatrical releases.

A phenomenal summer lineup featuring delightful rom-com antics, sweeping cosmic space operas, high-speed aviation action, and intense, aristocratic shojo drama:

• The Kabocha Wine: Nita no Aijou Monogatari (1984) • MAPS: Densetsu no Samayoeru Seijin-tachi (1987) • TWD Express Rolling Takeoff (1987) • Oniisama e... (1991)

From Toei Animation's charming, large-scale cinematic romance spin-off The Kabocha Wine, and the legendary, star-faring treasure hunts of the original 80s Maps OVA, to the high-flying, military fighter jet action of TWD Express, and Osamu Dezaki's absolute masterclass in tragic, beautifully dramatic high-society shojo storytelling in Dear Brother... July 14 beautifully bridges lighthearted nostalgia with deeply emotional and stylistic retro masterpieces.

A historic mid-80s theatrical blockbuster date featuring legendary intergalactic voyages, high-stakes international soccer, iconic phantom thief capers, and lighthearted space pirate adventures:

• Captain Tsubasa: Europe Daikessen (1985) • Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru (1985) • Lupin III: Babylon no Ougon Densetsu (1985) • Uchuu Kaizoku Mito no Daibouken: Futari no Joou-sama (1999)

From the profound, beautifully avant-garde and philosophical masterwork Night on the Galactic Railroad, Seijun Suzuki's brilliantly vibrant and stylized Lupin III: Legend of the Gold of Babylon, the high-octane international cinematic debut of Tsubasa Ozora on the European pitch, and the chaotic interstellar family comedy finale of Space Pirate Mito... July 13 stands as a spectacular showcase of classic theatrical anime milestones.

An absolutely historic blockbuster date marking the premiere of one of the greatest cinematic masterpieces of all time, alongside magical girl beach specials, legendary soccer tournaments, and spooky summer ghost hunts:

• Mahou Shoujo Lalabel: Umi ga Yobu Natsuyasumi (1980) • Captain Tsubasa: Sekai Daikessen!! Jr. World Cup (1986) • Gegege no Kitarou: Saikyou Youkai Gundan! Nippon Jouriku!! (1986) • Maple Town Monogatari (Movie) (1986) • Ziggy: Soreyuke! R&R Band (1991) • Cutie Honey F Movie (1997) • Gegege no Kitarou: Youkai Tokkyuu! Maboroshi no Kisha (1997) • Jigoku Sensei Nube: Kyoufu no Natsuyasumi!! Ayashi no Umi no Densetsu! (1997) • Mononoke Hime (1997)

From Hayao Miyazaki's record-shattering, revolutionary environmental epic Princess Mononoke and the high-octane pitch action of Captain Tsubasa's Jr. World Cup, to the glamorous theatrical return of Cutie Honey F and a spectacular triple-feature of 90s summer horror comedy (Nube and GeGeGe no Kitarou)... July 12 stands as a legendary pillar of the Japanese summer theatrical season.

A historic mid-summer date featuring legendary space opera cinema, the definitive pioneer of sleek phantom-thief action, explosive Saiyan combat, and heartwarming family drama:

• Kidou Senshi Gundam II: Ai Senshi-hen (1981) • Cat's Eye (1983) • Dragon Ball Z Movie 07: Kyokugen Battle!! Sandai Super Saiyajin (1992) • Akachan to Boku (1996)

From Yoshiyuki Tomino's legendary theatrical masterpiece Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow, and the iconic premiere of Tsukasa Hojo's sleek, stylish phantom-thief sister trio in Cat's Eye, to the thrilling cinematic debut of Androids 13, 14, and 15 in Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13!, and the deeply moving, tender slice-of-life brotherhood bonds of Baby and Me... July 11 perfectly bridges cinematic mecha monuments, legendary pop-culture blockbusters, and emotional television classics.

An extraordinary, historic summer date marking the cataclysmic theatrical finale of a legendary mecha epic, iconic Akira Toriyama comedy blockbusters, classic Shonen supernatural cinema, and dazzling retro adventures:

• Daikyouryuu Jidai (1979) • Densetsu Kyojin Ideon: Hatsudou-hen (1982) • Densetsu Kyojin Ideon: Sesshoku-hen (1982) • Dr. Slump Movie 02: "Hoyoyo!" Uchuu Daibouken (1982) • Patalliro! Stardust Keikaku (1983) • Dr. Slump Movie 07: Arale-chan N-cha! Penguin Mura yori Ai wo Komete (1993) • Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho (Movie) (1993) • Kyoushitsu wa Obake ga Ippai: Boku wa Yuusha da zo (1998) • Himalaya no Hikari no Oukoku (1999)

From Shotaro Ishinomori's prehistoric television special Age of the Great Dinosaurs and Yoshiyuki Tomino's monumental, universally influential cinematic masterpieces Space Runaway Ideon (Contact and Be Invoked), to the spectacular big-screen debuts of Yu Yu Hakusho and Patalliro!, alongside the whimsical cosmic comedy of the Dr. Slump summer theater specials... July 10 stands as one of the most creatively massive and emotionally impactful theatrical dates in anime history.

A monumental mid-summer date packed with legendary theatrical double-features, Akira Toriyama cinematic milestones, hard-boiled vampire mysteries, and nostalgic visual novel bonus shorts:

• Document Taiyou no Kiba Dougram (1983) • Xabungle Graffiti (1983) • Bikkuriman: Muen Zone no Hihou (1988) • Dragon Ball Movie 3: Makafushigi Daibouken (1988) • Tatakae!! Ramenman (Movie) (1988) • Dr. Slump Movie 09: Arale-chan N-cha!! Wakuwaku Heart no Natsuyasumi (1994) • Dragon Ball Z Movie 11: Super Senshi Gekiha!! Katsu no wa Ore da (1994) • Night Walker: Mayonaka no Tantei (1998) • To Heart Omake (1999)

From Yoshiyuki Tomino and Ryousuke Takahashi's massive Sunrise mecha compilation movies (Dougram and Xabungle) and the legendary martial arts crossovers of Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure and Ramenman, to the explosive Bio-Broly showdown in Dragon Ball Z Movie 11 and the slick, late-night gothic vampire detective investigations of Night Walker... July 9 stands as an exceptional showcase of peak summer theater events and cult-classic television history.

A spectacular summer lineup featuring legendary demonic superheroes, vast cosmic treasure hunts, high-tech metal wrestling, and the ultimate hard-rock midlife crisis:

• Devilman (1972) • Maps (1994) • Metal Fighter Miku (1994) • Kachou Ouji (1999)

From Go Nagai's foundational, historic dark superhero masterpiece Devilman, and the sweeping, cosmic space-faring adventure of the 90s Maps OVA series, to the high-octane, exoskeleton-suit female wrestling action of Metal Fighter Miku, and the brilliantly funny, sci-fi hard-rock journey of a salaryman saving the universe with his guitar riffs in The Legend of Black Heaven... July 8 highlights the incredible range of anime's wild imagination.

An absolute powerhouse, legendary date in anime history featuring defining cinematic blockbusters, timeless space operas, iconic Shonen movies, and beloved magical girl milestones:

• Macross: Do You Remember Love? (1984) • SF Shinseiki Lensman (1984) • Dragon Ball Z Movie 03: Chikyuu Marugoto Choukessen (1990) • Kennosuke-sama (1990) • Pink Mizu Dorobou Ame Dorobou (1990) • Sore Ike! Anpanman: Baikinman no Gyakushuu (1990) • Hon Ran (1993) • Nurse Angel Ririka SOS (1995) • Mahoutsukai Tai! (TV) (1999)

From the breathtaking, historic theatrical release of the sci-fi romance masterpiece Macross: Do You Remember Love? and the early CGI space spectacle of Lensman, to the explosive cinematic debut of Turles in Dragon Ball Z: Tree of Might alongside Akira Toriyama's theater shorts (Kennosuke-sama and Pink), and the emotional magical girl action of Studio Gallop's Nurse Angel Ririka SOS... July 7 stands as one of the most culturally significant summer release dates in the history of the medium.

A truly legendary, historic date featuring foundational magical girls, iconic 90s horror blockbusters, and two of the most influential psychological thrillers of all time:

• Ginga Reppuu Baxingar (1982) • Psychoarmor Govarian (1983) • Mahou no Yousei Persia (1984) • Lemon Angel YJ-ban (1990) • Bronze: Kouji Nanjo Cathexis (1994) • Gegege no Kitarou: Daikaijuu (1996) • Jigoku Sensei Nube (Movie) (1996) • Serial Experiments Lain (1998) • Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai (2007)

From Studio Pierrot's classic magical girl adventure Persia, the Magic Fairy and Go Nagai's unique psychokinetic mecha creation Psychoarmor Govarian, to the historic broadcast premiere of Ryutaro Nakamura's cyberpunk mind-bender Serial Experiments Lain, and the bone-chilling, mystery-solving return to Hinamizawa in Higurashi: When They Cry Kai... July 6 stands as a monumental pillar for dark mysteries and imaginative retro classics.

A spectacular mid-summer date packed with foundational super robots, gritty hard-boiled crime, legendary military mecha side-stories, and whimsical fantasy journeys:

• Blocker Gundan IV Machine Blaster (1976) • The Kabocha Wine (1982) • Choujikuu Romanesque Samy: Missing 99 (1986) • Kizuoibito (1986) • Soukou Kihei Votoms: Big Battle (1986) • Elmer no Bouken: My Father's Dragon (1997) • Ninpen Manmaru (1997) • Barbapapa Sekai wo Mawaru (1999) • Nanako Kaitai Shinsho (1999)

From Nippon Animation's classic combined super robot teamwork in Machine Blaster and the delightful romantic-comedy antics of The Kabocha Wine, to Ryousuke Takahashi's gritty, high-stakes military mecha arena battles in Votoms: Big Battle, and the whimsical, beautifully animated children's literary adaptation Elmer's Adventure... July 5 showcases an incredible cross-section of anime's evolution through the late 20th century.

A profoundly emotional and historic summer date featuring timeless literary journeys, legendary boxing finales, classic baseball dramas, and moving historical tales:

• Hoshi no Oujisama Petit Prince (1978) • Ashita no Joe 2 (Movie) (1981) • Captain Movie (1981) • Zouressha ga Yatte Kita (1992)

From Knack Productions' whimsical, poetic adaptation of the classic French novel in The Adventures of the Little Prince, and Osamu Dezaki's absolute cinematic boxing masterpiece Ashita no Joe 2, to the inspiring, grassroots youth baseball spirit of the Captain feature film, and the deeply moving, post-war historical reflection of The Elephant Railway... July 4 serves as a beautiful testament to the dramatic depth and emotional power of classic Japanese cinema.

A monumental date in anime history dominated by legendary mecha wars, iconic space scoundrels, cyber-martial arts, and historic fantasy epics:

• Sengoku Majin Goushougun (1981) • Space Adventure Cobra (1982) • Choujikuu Seiki Orguss (1983) • Machine Robo: Cronos no Dai Gyakushuu (1986) • Transformers: The☆Headmasters (1987) • Shin Dousei Jidai: Hawaiian Breeze (1992) • Misute♡naide Daisy (1997) • Shadow Skill: Eigi (1998) • Senkaiden Houshin Engi (1999)

From the iconic giant robot sci-fi battles of GoShogun, Orguss, and Transformers: The Headmasters, and Osamu Dezaki's breathtakingly stylish, cinematic space opera masterpiece Space Adventure Cobra, to the fierce, bone-crunching martial arts tournament action of Shadow Skill, and the massive supernatural fantasy war of Soul Hunter... July 3 stands as a spectacular showcase of classic Japanese animation powerhouses.

An exceptional mid-summer lineup featuring legendary space armor, martial arts training journeys, nostalgic visual novel romances, and iconic tactical robot battles:

• Uchuu no Kishi Tekkaman (1975) • Tekken Chinmi (1988) • Kakyuusei (TV) (1999) • Medarot (1999)

From Tatsunoko Production’s gritty, futuristic space knight armor epic Tekkaman, and the classic Kung Fu training adventures of Iron Fist Chinmi, to Elf's foundational retro dating-sim romance adaptation Kakyuusei, and the wildly popular, high-octane toy-customizing robot battles of Medabots... July 2 bridges historic 70s sci-fi roots with the peak of late-90s childhood television classics.