Anime Dictionary

OAV Definition

Everything you need to know about the OAV term: meaning, etymology, history of the format and differences with other types of Japanese animated productions.

OAV
/o.a.v/ · Invariable masculine acronym · Also written: OVA, O.A.V, O.V.A

Original Animation Video (or Original Video Animation for OVA)

Refers to any Japanese animation work produced and distributed directly on video medium (VHS, LaserDisc, DVD, Blu-ray, or streaming), without prior television broadcast or cinema release.

An OAV can be a single episode, a mini-series of a few episodes, or a complete independent work. It often accompanies an existing anime franchise as a bonus, spin-off, or alternative episode.

AnimeJapan · 日本Since 1983Also: OVAO.A.V · O.V.AOAVS / OVASManga

Etymology and meaning

The acronym OAV is formed from three English words:

  • Original — The work is an original creation, produced specifically for this video medium. It's not simply a recording of a TV broadcast.
  • Animation — It's an animated work (Japanese animated series, as opposed to live-action).
  • Video — Distributed on physical video media (VHS in the 1980s-90s, then DVD, Blu-ray, streaming today).

In Japan, studios preferentially use OAV, while Western press and fans popularized OVA (by inverting "Animation Video" to "Video Animation"). Both terms are strictly equivalent.

Comparison

OAV vs OVA vs Series vs Film

A clear table so you never confuse anime formats again.

FormatMeaningDistributionTypical lengthFamous examples
OAV / OVAOriginal Animation VideoDirect video (never TV)1 to 6 episodes · 20–45 min/epGhost in the Shell, Hellsing Ultimate
TV SeriesTelevision AnimeJapanese TV channels12 to 24 episodes · ~24 min/epDragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece
Anime FilmAnime MovieMovie theaters1h30 to 2h30Akira, Spirited Away, Your Name
SpecialTV SpecialTV · single broadcast45 min to 2hChristmas episodes, non-canonical episodes
Net AnimationONA / Original Net AnimeInternet (Netflix, YouTube…)VariableDevilman Crybaby, Yasuke
History

The history of the OAV format

From 1983 to today, how OAV revolutionized the anime industry.

1983

The first official OAV

Dallos (ダロス), directed by Mamoru Oshii (future author of Ghost in the Shell), is considered the first OAV in history. Released in December 1983 and distributed on VHS by Bandai Visual, it established the format that would revolutionize the industry.

1985–1990

The golden age

The VHS/LaserDisc market explodes in Japan. Cult titles are born: Megazone 23 (1985), Bubblegum Crisis (1987), Gunbuster (1988). OAV allows studios to produce works more violent or daring than on TV.

1990–2000

Peak production

The 90s see an explosion of OAV. Vampire Hunter D, Tenchi Muyo!, Evangelion... OAV systematically accompany major franchises.

2000–2010

The DVD transition

DVD replaces VHS. OAV often become premium bonuses included in collector box sets. Hellsing Ultimate (2006) redefines visual quality standards.

2010–Today

The streaming era

Netflix, Crunchyroll integrate OAV into their catalogs. Some studios directly produce OAV for streaming (ONA). The format remains essential for anime season bonuses.

Reasons for existence

Why produce an OAV instead of a series?

The OAV format offers advantages that TV production doesn't allow:

  • →
    Concentrated budgetFewer episodes = more budget per episode = superior animation quality.
  • →
    Total creative freedomNo TV broadcast constraints: violence, adult content, free duration.
  • →
    Limited financial riskTest a franchise with 2–3 episodes before ordering a full series.
  • →
    Exclusive collector contentOAV sold in Blu-ray box sets encourage hardcore fans to buy physical media.
Famous OAV

OAV that made history

1988
Akira
Founding anime film of Japanese sci-fi
1995
Ghost in the Shell
The quintessential cyberpunk anime
2006–2012
Hellsing Ultimate
The action OAV quality standard
2000
FLCL (Fooly Cooly)
6 episodes of absolute genius
1988
Gunbuster
Gainax before Eva — mechanical masterpiece
1992
Tenchi Muyo!
Harem OAV that defined a genre
FAQ

All questions about OAV

What is an OAV?
An OAV (Original Animation Video) is a Japanese animated work produced directly for video distribution, without prior television broadcast. It's a format unique to the Japanese anime industry that appeared in 1983.
OAV or OVA — which one to use?
Both are correct. OAV is the Japanese form (Original Animation Video), OVA is the Western form (Original Video Animation). In English, OVA is more common due to the influence of English-language anime platforms and media.
Is an OAV an anime film?
No. An anime film is distributed in movie theaters. An OAV is distributed directly on video. The difference is the distribution channel, not the narrative format. Some OAV have the runtime of a film (1h30–2h) but remain OAV by their distribution method.
Can I watch an OAV without seeing the main series?
It depends. Some OAV are independent works (Ghost in the Shell, Akira). Others are bonuses that assume knowledge of the main series (Dragon Ball Z OAV, Sword Art Online OAV). The TMDB sheet for each OAV generally indicates whether it's a spin-off or sequel.
How are OAV different from Netflix anime?
Netflix anime are often ONA (Original Net Animation) — produced specifically for streaming platforms. OAV were historically distributed on physical media (VHS, DVD, Blu-ray). Today the distinction blurs, but OAV remains the traditional term for direct-to-video anime.
Next step

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