Lily C.A.T.

Lily C.A.T.: A 1987 Sci-Fi Horror Gem That Still Scares

Let’s cut to the chase—Lily C.A.T. isn’t your average space anime. Directed by Hisayuki Toriumi and released in 1987, this underrated OVA (original video animation) dives headfirst into the dark side of interstellar travel, blending sci-fi thrills with bone-chilling horror. If you’re into claustrophobic spaceship settings, shape-shifting aliens, and crews unraveling under pressure, this one’s for you.

The story follows the crew of the Saldes, a corporate spaceship on a mission to explore a newly discovered planet. Sounds routine, right? Wrong. Things take a terrifying turn when a mysterious alien organism sneaks aboard, turning their journey into a fight for survival. The creature isn’t just a mindless monster—it’s a shape-shifter, preying on the crew’s paranoia and picking them off one by one. Think Alien meets The Thing, but with that gritty 80s anime vibe.

What makes Lily C.A.T. stand out is its unapologetic intensity. The animation, while dated by today’s standards, oozes atmosphere. The dimly lit corridors of the Saldes, the eerie silence broken only by the crew’s panicked whispers, and the grotesque design of the alien—all of it adds up to a genuinely unsettling experience. Fans on forums have praised its ability to build tension slowly, letting the fear fester before unleashing chaos. One user on MyAnimeList even called it “a masterclass in psychological horror,” noting how the crew’s distrust of each other becomes as dangerous as the alien itself.

But it’s not just scares—Lily C.A.T. has heart. The characters, though not deeply developed, feel real. You’ve got the stoic captain, the skeptical engineer, the nervous rookie—archetypes, sure, but their interactions feel authentic. When the alien strikes, you care about who survives. The film also touches on themes of corporate greed (the mission is, after all, a money grab) and the cost of exploring the unknown, adding layers to its B-movie charm.

Critics might argue it’s derivative—let’s face it, it borrows heavily from Alien and The Thing—but that’s part of its appeal. It’s a love letter to 80s sci-fi horror, unafraid to embrace its influences while adding its own anime flair. The voice acting, in both Japanese and English dubs, is solid, with Hiroyuki Okita and Masako Katsuki delivering standout performances as the crew’s leaders.

For 20-year-olds who grew up on Stranger Things and Stranger Things-adjacent nostalgia, Lily C.A.T. is a perfect throwback. It’s gory, it’s tense, and it’s got that retro cool factor. Plus, at just 70 minutes, it’s a quick watch—ideal for a late-night horror marathon with friends. Just don’t watch it alone in the dark.

In a world where anime horror often relies on jump scares or supernatural elements, Lily C.A.T. reminds us that nothing is scarier than being trapped with a monster—and with people you can’t trust. It’s a cult classic for a reason, and if you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor. Grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and let the Saldes crew take you on a ride you won’t forget.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A must-watch for horror and sci-fi anime fans. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on.