My Personal Ranking of Satoshi Kon Films
When it comes to my journey back into anime, I’ve found it easier to binge from one director/writer or studio. After starting a Studio Ghibli watch-a-thon, I was recommended Satoshi Kon’s catalogue. Originally, I was gonna watch everything but then I became interested in only checking out his original animated films: Millennium Actress, Tokyo Godfathers, Paprika, and Perfect Blue. As for ranking, I’ve decided to rank based on story, style and preference (re-watchability). I really wanted to do one general ranking but each has its own charms that I couldn’t do these films justice with just one list. For this list, the movies are in the order I first watched them then ranked at the end.
Ranked By Story
Millennium Actress (4.5 out of 5)
I am a huge fan of character-driven stories that focus on recollection and reflections. As one of Kon’s quieter works, this has a tenderness that suites my taste better — even if the concept isn’t wholly unique. It is wrought with unexpressed desires and regrets that can only be brought out through hindsight. I think it is safe to say (looking back on myself) that I will always be intrigued by stories focused on the lives of famous women especially starlets — when done from their own perspective.
Tokyo Godfathers (5 out of 5)
We love a found family/misfits story in this household!
With that being said, there was no way I wouldn’t love this story. Our three homeless protagonists, with their quick tempers, and countless flaws abound become these ideals of the good in humanity. Without shying away from the dark realities of homelessness and being the “other” of society, Kon gives a fun movie with antics galore by some of the most lovable characters ever.
Paprika (5 out of 5)
Paprika is a fantastic example of my perfect animated film (and film in general). Genre-bending and reality-bending truly go hand-in-hand. As a fan of speculative fiction with a nice hint of over-my-head sci-fi, this psychological, dream jumping, action-thriller is perfect for me. Part of what makes it an ideal movie is that even with all these elements, the storyline is quite simple. Advanced tech is stolen, bad shit happens, we need to find the culprit and stop them. See? chef’s kiss
Perfect Blue (4 out of 5)
The story of Perfect Blue is a masterpiece of the psychological thriller genre. Now… my rating. I think the story needed one less element. What exactly? No fucking clue. Regardless, this movie turned the paranoia level up to 100 and is undeniably an intense and graphic depiction of stalking, mental illness, shame, and societal pressure. Its highlight of the overtly harmful behaviours women are subjugated to is done truly, scarily well.
Final Ranking (by Story): Tokyo Godfathers, Paprika, Millenium Actress, Perfect Blue.
Ranked By Style
Millennium Actress (5 out of 5)
As with all his films, he does a fantastic job of playing with our (and the characters’) perception of reality. Even though this was my introduction to his works and I’ve seen this signature in them, this is still ultimately my favourite in terms of cutting and transitions. Elegant, timeless, and poignant in every way.
Tokyo Godfathers (4 out of 5)
My style rating for this is solely a reflection of me being a spoilt baby for some Satoshi Surrealism. Given how grounded this movie is, the style was befitting. Vivid imagery and depictions of the city. I loved the higher focus on character expressions. And beautiful use of Tokyo’s city lights; from the lucid lights of alleyways and clubs to the glare of rich weddings and hospitals. I loved it all.
Paprika (5 out of 5)
The style of Paprika is easily the busiest and most ambitious of all the films. But it still works for me. With using the power and flexibility of dreams, it’s easy to lean heavily into what the human subconscious can conjure. As I mentioned, I love the genre-bending and his homages to movies and filmmaking woven in amazingly, so there’s always something to love.
Perfect Blue (4 out of 5)
This movie really leans into the thriller genre with its cuts sharp enough to disorient but smooth enough to keep the lines of reality and hallucinations almost entirely absent. Regardless of the order, you watch these movies, the Satoshi Kon signature will be evident. The slow, tense pace is expertly set across its 80-minute runtime. It’s no doubt that Kon’s prowess in visual storytelling has been present from the beginning.
Final Ranking (by Style): Millennium Actress, Paprika, Tokyo Godfathers, Perfect Blue.
Ranked by Preference (Re-watchability)
Millennium Actress (4 out of 5)
As much as I love this film, the contemplative nature calls for a rewatch that is more an event than something frequent or casual.
Tokyo Godfathers (5 out of 5)
I can honestly see myself watching this movie yearly. The humour is A1 and the plot is well-balanced to make it super easy to revisit.
Paprika (5 out of 5)
Easily rewatchable. Because of how captivating the first watch is, the subsequent viewings are all about the finer details. I can’t imagine getting bored of this one.
Perfect Blue (3 out of 5)
I don’t think I can watch this again anytime soon. As a woman, I get it the first time around. As for the various commentaries on mental illness and the real-life repercussions of societal and gender-based pressures, it’s where the horror lies. Some scenes are, personally, too hard to handle. And that’s okay.
Final Ranking (by Preference): Tokyo Godfathers, Paprika, Millennium Actress, Perfect Blue.
Final Ranking
- Paprika (15/15)
- Tokyo Godfathers (14/15)
- Millennium Actress (13.5/15)
- Perfect Blue (11/15)
