Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem

Four talented alien musicians are kidnapped by a record producer who disguises them as humans. Shep, a space pilot in love with bass player Stella, follows them to Earth. Reprogrammed to forget their real identities and renamed The Crescendolls, the group quickly becomes a huge success playing soulless corporate pop. At a concert, Shep manages to free all the musicians except Stella, and the band sets out to rediscover who they really are — and to rescue Stella.

Directed by Kazuhisa Takenouchi, Leiji Matsumoto, Hirotoshi Rissen, Daisuke Nishio, Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem leans on a strong ensemble — Romanthony, Thomas Bangalter — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about animation titles of 2003.