Since their beginnings, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “The Wall” have had cult followings.

The devotion to movies such as these goes beyond dressing and acting in character.

The devotion goes beyond seeing every screening of these shows.

For many, the devotion becomes a lifestyle.

This type of “faddish devotion” for movies has been slowing moving into a new area, cartoon animation.

Animated shows such as “Speed Racer” have become an obsession to new audiences.

Originally termed Japanamation, anime is highly modernized animation that was created in Japan, Owen Rhoden, Ames Science Fiction and Fantasy Association president, said.

What makes anime different from most cartoons is”the background looks real while characters remain cartoonish,” Rhoden said. “It’s just more real.”

Mostly designed for Japanese television, anime movies are usually short. Approximately 30 minutes in length, Rhoden said.

As anime begins to seep into the U.S., these movies are becoming television shows.

However, because they are aimed at much wider audiences, not all may be appropriate for children, Rhoden said.

For those interested in anime, the Ames Science Fiction and Fantasy Association in cooperation with the Central Iowa Anime will be hosting Anime Movie Night tonight.

The evening will include four shows all approximately 30 minutes in length.

Shows include “Mobile Suit GUNDAM 0080 War in Pocket Volume Four,” “Riding Bean,” “Macross Plus Volume One” and “El-Hazard Volume Four.”

The screenings begin at 7 p.m. in Carver, room 50.

The shows are free to the public.