Best 12 Incredible Anime OVAs You Must Watch - retoreview

Welcome to the world of anime Original Video Animations (OVAs), where the boundaries of storytelling are pushed to their limits, free from the constraints of television schedules or ongoing series arcs. OVAs stand as standalone works of art, offering captivating narratives, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable characters in compact, self-contained packages. Whether delving into the depths of sci-fi, unraveling the intricacies of fantasy worlds, or exploring the human condition through drama and comedy, these 12 anime OVAs represent the pinnacle of the medium's creativity and innovation. Join us as we embark on a journey through a diverse array of genres and styles, each OVA promising a unique and unforgettable experience for anime enthusiasts around the globe.

When mankind's savagery eclipses his fear of death, hope dwindles for those striving to live honest lives. Under a full moon, a young boy, enslaved by bandits, witnesses their murder by his rescuer. Renamed by his savior, Shinta becomes Kenshin Himura, destined to be a swordsman. Though his gentle heart seems ill-suited for such a path, his resolve to protect the innocent is unwavering.

"Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen" explores the origins of the man who would become known as Hitokiri Battousai, long before he vowed never to kill and earned his fearsome reputation. The young Kenshin grapples with the conflict between justice and corruption, with the fate of a nation hanging in the balance.

In the near future, humanity embarks on its first journeys into the far reaches of the galaxy. During these expeditions, they encounter a formidable race of insectoid aliens known as the "Space Monsters," who appear determined to eradicate mankind and are closing in on Earth. In response, humanity develops giant combat robots, piloted by carefully selected youth from around the world.

Shortly after the discovery of the aliens, Noriko Takaya, the daughter of a renowned but deceased space captain, enrolls in a training school despite her dubious piloting skills. There, she meets Kazumi Amano, a stunning and exceptionally talented pilot who is her complete opposite. Unexpectedly paired together, Noriko and Kazumi must navigate the trauma of war and their own emotional struggles as they fight to protect humanity.

Naota Nandaba is a typical sixth grader in a sleepy town where nothing extraordinary ever happens. When his brother Tasuku leaves for America to play baseball, Naota takes on the responsibility of looking after everything Tasuku left behind, including his top bunk bed and his ex-girlfriend Mamimi Samejima, who hasn't stopped clinging to Naota since Tasuku's departure.

Unbeknownst to Naota, his uneventful life is about to take a wild turn. Enter Haruko Haruhara, a Vespa-riding, bass guitar-wielding, pink-haired whirlwind. Her first encounter with Naota leaves him with tire tracks on his back and a giant horn on his head. Despite his desire for peace and quiet, Haruko's arrival at his family's home drags Naota into an epic battle for supremacy that threatens the very fabric of Earth—and perhaps the entire universe.

In the depths of the night, creatures of darkness and malevolence prey upon any unfortunate human who crosses their path. Standing against this menace is Hellsing, an organization dedicated to eradicating these supernatural threats and safeguarding humanity's existence. Leading this crusade is Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, a formidable commander who dedicates her life to battling the undead.

Despite her formidable military force, Integra's greatest asset is the vampire Alucard, who betrays his own kind to serve as Hellsing's ultimate exterminator. Alongside him is Seras Victoria, a newly turned vampire who assists in their relentless fight. Together, Alucard and Seras face not only monstrous foes but also any who dare to challenge Hellsing, regardless of their guise.

In the epic struggle for mankind's survival, Hellsing Ultimate demonstrates that appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes, the most powerful weapon is one's darkest nightmare.

Yomiko Readman, a charming bibliomaniac with a penchant for books and a slight vision impairment, leads a double life as a substitute teacher at a Japanese high school and a covert operative for the British Library Special Operations Division, known by her codename "The Paper." Endowed with the extraordinary ability to transform paper into any object she envisions, she combats the formidable IJIN (Great Historical Figure) Army, using her paper-crafted arsenal to thwart their self-serving ambitions. Accompanied by her mysterious partner, "Ms. Deep," Yomiko embarks on a global journey to unravel the enigma surrounding the resurrection of historical figures and their quest for global domination.

Amidst the clash of ideologies and the toll of war's tragedies, these two strategic masterminds find themselves grappling with the true motivations driving their conflict.

Among the crew of the Yamato are individuals spanning a spectrum of experience, from the youthful brilliance of Tactical Officer Susumu Kodai to the seasoned leadership of Captain Juuzou Okita. Though diverse in backgrounds and skills, they are bound by a singular objective: to embark on a perilous voyage spanning 168,000 light-years to Iscandar, in a race against time to save humanity from certain annihilation.

Two new students, Mitsuhashi Takashi and Itou Shinji, fed up with the monotony of their mundane existence and their lack of popularity, see their enrollment in a new school as a chance for a fresh start. They embark on a mission to transform their identities and embrace the rebellious life of delinquency. Initially at odds with each other due to Itou's sense of justice conflicting with Mitsuhashi's mischievous nature, they eventually forge a strong bond and become inseparable allies. Together, they embark on a series of escapades with the goal of earning the title of the most notorious delinquents in all of Japan!

On her inaugural day at junior high, Mato Kuroi encounters Yomi Takanashi. Initially taken aback by Mato's upfront nature, Yomi soon warms up, and the duo swiftly forges a close friendship, spending every day together. As a symbol of their bond, Mato gifts Yomi a cell phone charm—a blue star, mirroring her own.

However, as they enter their second year, their dynamic undergoes a shift. Assigned to separate classes, Mato gravitates towards Yuu Koutari, whom she befriended through the basketball team. Their once inseparable bond dwindles to the extent that Mato can't locate Yomi, almost as if she has vanished into thin air.

Meanwhile, Black★Rock Shooter embarks on a mission to defeat the Dead Master. These adversaries, despite their opposition, share a connection reminiscent of Mato and Yomi. As their narratives intersect, it becomes apparent that Yomi's disappearance might be linked to the blue star-shaped charm and the legendary gunslinger herself.

Detroit Metal City (DMC) reigns supreme in the realm of indie music, boasting a fervently embraced death metal aesthetic that captivates audiences with its dark and raw essence. At its helm stands Johannes Krauser II, an extravagant frontman infamous for his portrayal of a demonic entity risen from the depths of hell to commandeer humanity—an image meticulously crafted for public consumption.

Yet behind the veil of Krauser II's menacing persona lies Souichi Negishi, an unassuming college graduate. Contrary to his onstage alter ego, Negishi is gentle-natured, peace-seeking, and harbors a penchant for Swedish pop melodies. Forced by circumstance, he navigates the outlandish world of DMC's flamboyant performances to sustain his livelihood.

Detroit Metal City unravels the comedic exploits of Negishi as he endeavors to balance his tumultuous band life, navigate the complexities of budding romance, and contend with his fervently devoted yet eccentric fanbase.