A Tank Jumped Out from the Fridge!! (1980)

While at university, Hideaki Anno, a classmate of acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, made a short animated film that displays the artistic skill and depth of theme they would both later be known for. This early work explores many human emotions and experiences, focusing on stories about characters and detailed animation that suggests Anno's future as a major creative force. Though started as a school project, this short film offers a fascinating look into the minds and talents that would shape Japanese animation for years, revealing the beginnings of one of Japan’s most influential animators.