Originating around the 2010s, vaporwave is a subculture encompassing electronic music, visual art, internet memes, and style, distinguished by its fusion of retro-futuristic tunes and visuals. This movement draws inspiration from the ’80s and ’90s, incorporating elements such as: bright neon hues, vintage software and web interfaces, ancient Greek statues, 3D-rendered objects, brand logos, glitch art, palm trees, and Japanese text. While specific components may vary, the essence typically involves blending classical art references with dreamlike retro imagery.
Incorporating Japanese text and anime characters is a common feature of designs with a vaporwave aesthetic. These visuals often carry a subtle commentary on consumer culture while also stirring feelings of nostalgia and escape. The use of anime imagery seems particularly fitting due to its harmony with the overall vibe. To fully capture the essence of this style, here are some excellent anime series that will create just the right surreal, retro techno atmosphere, infused with a touch of anime charm. Whether you appreciate it for its aesthetic value or for the memes, these shows will undoubtedly deliver that unique blend of nostalgia and futurism.
1) Neon Genesis Evangelion
In a world where Earth is under attack by enigmatic extraterrestrial beings called Angels, it falls upon the secretive scientific entity known as NERV, led by the enigmatic Gendo Ikari, to protect mankind using massive humanoid machines called Evangelions. When Gendo summons his estranged son Shinji to pilot one of these machines, Shinji discovers that there’s much more at stake than simply battling enormous monsters. As Shinji teams up with the headstrong Asuka Langley Soryu and the quiet Rei Ayanami to combat the Angels, they realize that their struggle extends beyond physical threats in their Evas, encompassing their personal past traumas, fragile psychological states, and the hidden truths surrounding NERV and Gendo’s objectives.
In a setting where colossal high-tech mechs contrast with a nostalgic backdrop, featuring the NERV organization’s insignia prominently, and starring Shinji, who often engrosses himself in his DAT cassette player, “Neon Genesis Evangelion” embodies themes of escapism and philosophy. Given its name incorporating “neon,” this anime is an ideal fit for the vaporwave style.
Neon Genesis Evangelion can be streamed on Netflix.
2) Sekko Boys
Fresh out of college and embarking on her new role at Holbein Entertainment Company, Miki Ishimoto harbored a lifelong dream to be an artist. However, when she was compelled to sketch only marble statues and her teachers failed to acknowledge her unique artistic flair, she abandoned that aspiration in favor of another: to excel in the business side of entertainment. On her inaugural day, Miki is assigned to oversee a fresh idol group. Initially thrilled about the opportunity, she becomes apprehensive when she discovers that the group, known as The Sekkou Boys or “The Rockies,” consists of four Greco-Roman sculptures: St. George, Mars, Hermes, and Medici.
This production doesn’t get more “vaporwave” than ancient Greco-Roman statues clashing with the contemporary neon-lit idol backdrop. And with eccentric anime voiceovers juxtaposed against stoic stone idols, this series injects a comically ironic touch of internet meme culture into its narrative.
Sekko Boys can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
3) Sailor Moon
One day, an ordinary, somewhat clumsy and tearful student named Usagi Tsukino finds herself in an extraordinary situation when she rescues a cat with a crescent mark. Unbeknownst to her, this feline turns out to be Luna, who has come to reveal that Usagi possesses a specific fate: to evolve into Sailor Moon, one of Earth’s planetary protectors. By employing her enchanted brooch for transformation, she embarks on a mission to safeguard the earth by vanquishing the malevolent creatures dispatched by Queen Beryl of the Dark Kingdom and recovering the lost princess of the Moon Kingdom, her fellow Sailor Guardians, and the fabled Silver Crystal.
I’ve found myself observing that Sailor Moon, or Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon/Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, is undeniably one of the most iconic magical girl anime series. With its distinctive female protectors of Earth, recurring monster-of-the-week plotlines, and dreamy (unintended) pink ambiance, Sailor Moon has transcended time to become a cherished magical girl franchise that seamlessly fits the vaporwave aesthetic.
Sailor Moon is available for streaming on Hulu, Tubi, and Pluto TV.
4) Serial Experiments Lain
In both school and at home, Lain Iwakura isn’t particularly outgoing. However, when her father introduces her to the internet, which we’ll refer to as “The Wired”, she begins to understand its significance in society, from emails to video games to drug transactions. She discovers that the impact of the internet extends beyond just the devices themselves. As Lain delves deeper into The Wired in an attempt to uncover why a series of peculiar events seem to be happening around her, she ends up forging connections with people that she hadn’t expected.
In the realm of computers, the constant hum of machines, the whirring of fans, and the rhythmic clicks of mice and keyboards; the universe encompassed by “The Wired” is more vibrant than the monotonous world we know, subtly seeping into our reality. The anime series “Serial Experiments Lain” beautifully blends the glitches and outdated technology in both the philosophical exploration of cyberpunk existentialism and the dreamlike surrealism reminiscent of vaporwave.
5) Thermae Romae
Feeling stuck in generating fresh, pioneering concepts, ancient Roman architect Lucius Modestus finds himself disheartened during his job search. To lift his spirits, friends escort him to a public bath for relaxation. Overwhelmed by the chaos of the bathhouse, he seeks tranquility submerged but instead discovers a hidden tunnel that transports him to a contemporary Japanese bathhouse. Armed with pre-modern wisdom and motivated by the technologically advanced foreign bathhouse, Lucius endeavors to replicate what he’s experienced in an attempt to recapture attention and restore his standing among his peers.
From my perspective as an observer, the fusion of ancient Roman architecture with contemporary Japanese technological innovations creates a captivating setting that feels like it’s straight out of a vaporwave anime. Just like the quirky Sekko Boys, Thermae Romae adds a dash of humorous meme-worthiness to the lively bathhouse scene, keeping things entertaining and engaging.
Thermae Romae is available for streaming on Prime Video and Crunchyroll.
6) FLCL
Naota Nandaba is your typical, unexceptional middle school student who believes life in his town lacks excitement since his brother Tasuku left for baseball in the U.S. To keep things running smoothly, he takes care of things like his bunk bed and clingy ex-girlfriend Mamimi Samejima, standing in as a substitute for his brother. However, when Haruko Haruhara, a motorcycle-riding, bass guitar-playing, pink-haired woman with a penchant for being violent, enters his life, things become far from ordinary. After hitting him with her bass and kissing him, Naota mysteriously grows a horn on his head that he tries to hide. Instead of leaving him alone, Haruko moves in with him and pulls him into a conflict he’d prefer to avoid.
In a disorganized, puzzling fashion, the animated series FLCL exudes an eccentric, experimental feel, layering metaphorical subtext and pop culture references reminiscent of vaporwave. An apt quote for a computer error message in this context could be “never knows best”.
FLCL is available for streaming on either Max or Crunchyroll where available.
7) Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie
In the tranquil South Island, Sonic the Hedgehog and his companion Miles “Tails” Prower reside near a wrecked airplane on the shore. However, they are abruptly called upon by the leader of Planet Freedom. Upon arrival, they discover the mischievous Dr. Eggman in the president’s office, not scheming for global domination as usual, but pleading for aid. He explains that the generator powering his city, Eggmanland, has been stolen and is on the verge of an explosion. Realizing the potential danger to both Eggmanland and themselves, Sonic and Tails decide to lend a hand.
In this anime, the opening scene bathed in sunlight, ocean waves, sandy shores, palm trees, and tunes from a boombox creates a captivating vibe reminiscent of the vaporwave aesthetic. It’s no surprise that Tails is riding a wave and Sonic is relaxing on the beach, considering there’s nothing more fitting for a vaporwave atmosphere than an anime set against the backdrop of a nostalgic Sega video game paradise in the tropics.
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2025-05-15 02:10