Since my love of lists is never ending, I’ve came up with my next one, and as you can see it’s the top five directors in the anime business. Naturally, the whole list is subjected to the things I like, so if you have any that you’d like to add, I’d love to hear it! I had eight strong candidates to make this list, but I cut it down to five by thinking about which ones had a truly unique flare to their work, and can get you genuinely excited to see them on board for a show or film.

I also tried to originally use some actual pictures of these directors only to quickly discover a good chunk of them apparently may live in secret or something since you can’t find a proper image of them anywhere! So I had to make do with just an image from one of their best work. Not that any of this really is something you care to hear….Anyway, the list begins after the jump!

Honourable Mention

 Mamoru Hosoda

Known For: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki

He earned some recognition back in 2006 with his first job at directing a feature length film, and then went on to  make Summer Wars, which in my opinion was even better than The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. In such a short amount of time, he’s already managed to create quite a name for himself! I haven’t seen his most recent film yet, and having only seen two of his works, I figured I shouldn’t put him on the list since I don’t have much to really judge him with. Nonetheless, from what I’ve been hearing from reviews and the buzz about his latest film, it definitely looks like he’s still on a non-stop roll of creating masterpiece after masterpiece!

The List

5. Tatsuya Ishihara

Known For: Air, Clannad, Kanon, Nichijou, Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu

I can imagine he’s the person KyoAni always relies when they want to adapt or create another hit. Not too surprisingly  he’s also the one behind the latest series Chuunibyou. I’m aware the type of stories he makes are not for everyone, but it’s undeniable that he has talent. His sense of timing and making stories really pack an extra punch through the visuals is truly impressive. He’s able to direct comedy and drama, which are polar opposite genres, both wonderfully!

4. Ryutaro Nakamura

Known For: Serial Experiments Lain, Ghost Hound, Kino no Tabi, Rec

He is the clear master at creating the perfect atmosphere a show needs. He’s someone who creates works that leave you thinking for years to come. Just take a look at Serial Experiments Lain if you don’t believe me…that’s a series people still analyse constantly to this day! In any of his works, it’s clear a lot of time and effort is put into creating a feeling that lingers with you and makes for a memorable experience. You really cannot find what he manages to make anywhere else! Apparently due to an illness, his next work has been put on hold, but I’ll at least continue to hope for a quick recover since Despera looks to be another gem!

3. Satoshi Kon 

Known For: Millennium Actress, Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers, Paranoia Agent, Paprika

A director that will always be dearly missed for his incredible contributions to the world of anime. Often praised as the David Lynch for anime, Satoshi Kon created characters, worlds, and stories that were creative and undoubtedly mind bending. Their complexity and attention to detail no doubt rival films even outside the anime medium. It isn’t a stretch at all to say his works prove that he was a genius, and will be something people praise for years to come.

2. Akiyuji Shinbou 

Known For: Bakemonogatari, Madoka Magica, Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, Hidamari Sketch

Where would Shaft be without this man! When thinking of directors, I knew he had to make the cut. He’s managed to create a style that influences several of today’s anime series, and it’s one everyone can instantly identify as his. It’s incredible! He manages to make dialogue heavy scripts some of the most pleasing to watch spectacles! Just watch any episode from Madoka Magica and his reason for making this list is instantly clear!

1. Hayao Miyazaki

Known For: Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, How’s Moving Castle, Nausicaa, My Neighbor Totoro

You knew it was coming! What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this incredible creator? He makes you question whether he truly has the Midas touch considering  I have yet to see any of his work that I actually disliked. It may be a predictable choice, but how could I ever really choose anyone else? His films are what children continue to grow up on all around the world! Through his directing, he can instantly bring life to any story, and based on the many layers presented in each of his stories, it’s clear he puts so much attention in each of his work. He just has a talent like no other for telling stories.