Anime recommendations

[Mr.Savage]

Black Lagoon & Cowboy Bebop have already been recommended, which are usually my go-to standbys.

The only other one I could recommend would be Spice & Wolf, which in my opinion is criminally overlooked.

S&W starts out a bit slow, and is more contemplative than action-y, but when the action does ramp up, it's quite intense.
It also was graced with one of the finest English dubs ever put to anime, along with a fitting soundtrack, and very nice artwork.

I'd highly recommend giving it a full viewing.

The first episode can be found here, for your convenience.


Some other honorable mentions would be the movie Steamboy {which has Patrick Stewart in it), along with the Last Exile series, though I'd avoid the English dub on that one.

Trailers for both, if intrigued:

Spoiler

 

[Madame_Lawliet]

Looks like I got ninja'd on most of the big dogs, I'll have to come up with some more creative choices...

Michiko and Hatchin
Fantastic series, even though it's very very western-centric in terms of writing and presentation (I'd go as far as to call it Taranteno-esque). It's got a really cool visual style it's dark as hell but has plenty of genuinely funny moments, and it's by most of the same people who made Cowboy muthahfuckin Bebop so that's gotta count for something.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
I'm specifically referring to the newest ongoing adaptation of Jojo's which started in 2012, but I also like the OVA from '98, it's pretty good too in it's own right. But Jojo's 2012 is pretty much the closest thing to a perfect adaptation of the manga you could ask for, it retains all the delightfully over the top characters, stories, and dialog that characterize Jojo's, and make for a very addicting and entertaining series. It's never been a better time to start either because the new season (titles "Stardust Crusaders" after the title of the manga arc it's an adaptation of) is still only about halfway through, and it's often considered the high point of the entire series!

Princess Jellyfish
This one struck a more... personal chord with me, it's a more acquired taste then the others I've mentioned and it's not for everyone, but if you're in the right state of mind this show has the perfect mix of clever writing that manages to be both very funny and very serious (sometimes at the same time), ingenious art direction and character design, and it all just amounts to a very enjoyable show overall.
Also, Kuranosuke is the model of who I aspire to be as a person, just sayin'.

Watamote
Again, kind of an aquired taste, but if you had a highschool experience that was anything like Tomoko's (EG: being the introverted, socially incapable, recluse who'd rather being gaming or watching anime then doing... anything else; Read: Me) then you are going to LOVE this show. If you didn't... then this might come off as the single most mean spirited thing you've ever watched, it's that subjective. I've known people who consider this the best anime ever made, and I've known people who were terrified and disturbed deeply by it.
All I can say is give it a watch, you'll just have to see what you think.

Oh and it's been said but...
Panty and Stocking, Panty and Stocking, Panty and Stocking, PANTY AND STOCKING!!!
It's my favorite anime and I hope it becomes one of yours too!

 

[Mikeybb]

Has anyone mentioned cromartie high yet?

It's silly, but fun.

 

[infohippie]

Controversial question, and not asking to start a flame war, but dubs or subs? because dubs narrows down the reconsiderations a bit.

I'll never understand the sub only people, even if its totally a valid version. You lose so much in a sub.

That's... weird. I prefer subs precisely because I find you lose so much in a dub. The tone of voice in particular, but quite often some Japanese language idiosyncrasies are glossed over or Westernised in a dub while subs tend to preserve more of the underlying connotations, especially if you have a little bit of familiarity with how some aspects of the language work.

Also, to OP, let me add my voice to those recommending both Madoka Magica and Cowboy Bebop. They are both fantastic shows that everyone should see. I would also suggest Girls und Panzer, Nichijou, Dennou Coil, Mushishi, Moretsu Pirates, and Angel Beats.

I have also recently finished watching Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai (There's No Way My Little Sister Can Be This Cute) and, while I am not sure it would be good for someone just venturing into anime for the first time, it has become another favourite of mine.

 

[Pickles]

Id recommend

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Code Geass
Akame ga Kill
Black Lagoon
Cowboy Beepop
Trigun
Hellsing
Darker than Black
Afro Samurai
Death Note
Neon Genesis Evangelion. Theres either the original series or a set of 4 movie remakes (only 3/4 are out so far).

If you want something funny with a bit of action Id recommend Full Metal Panic: Fumoffu

I know a lot have been mentioned in this thread already, but thats a pretty good sign they're worth watching.

 

[Raggedstar]

If it's action you're looking for, Hellsing Ultimate is a great place to start, though very violent It's not terribly complex, but a lot of good action and has an entertaining cast of characters (on both good and evil sides). It's about a secret order that monitors and takes out vampire activity, led by a descendent of Hellsing himself, using the defeated Count as their fiercest weapon. The story mostly follows the organization as they take down an invasion of Nazi Vampires from burning England to the ground. The rabbit hole goes a little deeper than that, but that's the basic summary.

There are two iterations of Hellsing, however. There is an older tv series, but like many anime, it was created before the manga was finished and goes off in a weird direction. Then there's Hellsing Ultimate, which is the one I recommend more. Not only does it follow the manga, but is overall so much stronger. It's animation is gorgeous, the story is a lot richer (though unfortunately some minor things were cut) and is just generally...better. Though it isn't technically a tv series, it is split up into 10 volumes of varying lengths (each roughly covers the content of one book in the manga).

If Nazi Vampires don't please you, I don't know what will.

 

[hermes]

What is your taste? Anime is so varied its hard to recommend something without knowing what you are into.

Recent anime series that I have enjoyed are:
- Space Dandy
- Hunter x Hunter
- Kill la Kill
- Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

If you are interested in some classics, I would advise you to check:
- Evangelion
- Cowboy Beebop
- Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood
- Blood+

If you are more interested in romance or comedy, let us know so we can give you some advice...

 

[Spanglish Guy]

What is your taste? Anime is so varied its hard to recommend something without knowing what you are into.

Recent anime series that I have enjoyed are:
- Space Dandy
- Hunter x Hunter
- Kill la Kill
- Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

If you are interested in some classics, I would advise you to check:
- Evangelion
- Cowboy Beebop
- Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood
- Blood+

If you are more interested in romance or comedy, let us know so we can give you some advice...

I am open to try anything really, but if I had to give a preferred genre is probably action although I am a fan of comedic series too. Kill la Kill is a series I am half way through right now so any anime like that I am sure to like too.

 

[RedDeadFred]

As someone who also has really only just started getting into anime, I would highly recommend Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood. The characters are spectacular. I can't think of the last show I watched where I had so many favourite characters. The plot is extremely interesting and gets really quite huge in scope. The action scenes are also quite excellent. Another excellent thing about this show is that the English dub is fantastic. I tried watching it subbed afterwards but I just couldn't do it. King Bradley especially has an excellent voice actor which is part of why I found him such a compelling character.

Other than FMAB, I would recommend Code Geass. There's a lot of mech battles if you are into that kind of thing so you know the action is going to be pretty great. There's a lot of scheming and strategy involved so the story is a lot of fun. The second season isn't as great but it more than makes up for it by having one of the best endings to anything I've ever seen.

Finally, I'll recommend the first season of Death Note. It is excellent. You've probably heard about this show by now so I won't explain too much. Just don't watch the second season because it really almost ruins the show. The pretend it ends after the first season and you'll be quite satisfied.

Other shows I've watched or am in the process of watching:

Attack on Titan -it's.... alright. I liked it more when the main character wasn't just another "uber strong best chance we have" kind of character. If you're into that, you'll probably like this show more than me. It involves giants eating people, while said people fly around on these interesting contraptions and fight the giants that way.

Knights of Sidonia -it starts off really slow and throws a lot of characters at you that are really hard to care about (frankly I still don't care about most of them). The action ramps up a bit and the concept is pretty interesting. Although, once again, the main character is the super awesome, best chance we have kind of character.

Sword Art Online -I could only make it through two episodes. Just awful in my opinion. The concept is interesting, but the writing, the story, and the characters are all quite bad IMO.

 

[hermes]

What is your taste? Anime is so varied its hard to recommend something without knowing what you are into.

Recent anime series that I have enjoyed are:
- Space Dandy
- Hunter x Hunter
- Kill la Kill
- Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

If you are interested in some classics, I would advise you to check:
- Evangelion
- Cowboy Beebop
- Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood
- Blood+

If you are more interested in romance or comedy, let us know so we can give you some advice...

I am open to try anything really, but if I had to give a preferred genre is probably action although I am a fan of comedic series too. Kill la Kill is a series I am half way through right now so any anime like that I am sure to like too.

Then you should try Cowboy Beebop and Jojo, as they can have a good balance of action and comedy...

FMA and Hunter x Hunter can be lighthearted at parts, but are pretty serious in general. Evangelion and Blood+ are practically devoid of all comedy, they are downright dramas with some action. Space Dandy is on the other side of the spectrum, with some decent action, but a lot more emphasis in comedy...

If you are a fan of comedy, and relatively knowledgeable of anime, you should give Excel Saga a try...

 

[Kittyhawk]

First thing you need to learn about anime is that, its fairly easy to tell the good from the crap via its title and premise.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Hajime No Ippo, Baccano, FMA Brotherhood, Hellsing Ultimate, Black Lagoon, Seirei No Moribito, Mitchiko to Hatchin, Claymore, Kill La Kill, Attack On Titan, Kiseiju (coming in Oct 2014), Knight of Sidonia, Space Brothers, Space Dandy, One Outs, Cowboy Bebop, Darker Than Black, Dirty Pair tv series, Berserk tv series and recent movies, Casshern, Ghost in the Shell Season 1 and 2, Log Horizon, Tower of Druaga, Birdy The Mighty, Crusher Joe, Legend of Galactic Heroes, Armored Trooper VOTOMS, Area 88, Yukikaze, Nadescico, Evangelion, Blue Sub No.6, Last Exile, Basilisk, Shigurui, Masker Keaton, Zipang.

Oh and don't forget Samurai Pizza Cats (which is hilarious fun. Legend of Korra, The Boondocks and Black Dynamite get honourable mentions of awesome and worthy of your time, while not j-anime.

Beware! There's a lot of crap or substandard anime out there. Avoid like plague the moe/ecchi/harem fan service crap with no damn story to tell, but dumb/cute characters to flaunt in your face instead. Most of the above you'll find on dvd or stream. Some is out of print or not available officially. Good luck.

Tips on how to choose anime:
1. Check out promo art (what does it say to you??
2. Read premise (what does it say to you?
3. Decide what's worth your time and what isn't.
4. Enjoy

 

[infohippie]

Controversial question, and not asking to start a flame war, but dubs or subs? because dubs narrows down the reconsiderations a bit.

I'll never understand the sub only people, even if its totally a valid version. You lose so much in a sub.

That's... weird. I prefer subs precisely because I find you lose so much in a dub. The tone of voice in particular, but quite often some Japanese language idiosyncrasies are glossed over or Westernised in a dub while subs tend to preserve more of the underlying connotations, especially if you have a little bit of familiarity with how some aspects of the language work.

Also, to OP, let me add my voice to those recommending both Madoka Magica and Cowboy Bebop. They are both fantastic shows that everyone should see. I would also suggest Girls und Panzer, Nichijou, Dennou Coil, Mushishi, Moretsu Pirates, and Angel Beats.

I have also recently finished watching Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai (There's No Way My Little Sister Can Be This Cute) and, while I am not sure it would be good for someone just venturing into anime for the first time, it has become another favourite of mine.

And while I usually also mean the psychological reasons which drag your eyes to text, the main reason I prefer dubs is BECAUSE of the tone of voice. Many completely irrelevant to preserve things in the Japanese language are lost and supposed to be obvious because it is expecting you to have an extremely strong knowledge of Japanese and Japanese culture. English dubs nowadays almost always tend to try and make equivilents, while rarely changing the content or point.

Hardly irrelevant, and there are often no good equivalents in English. Unless you're watching some relatively simple shonen show, of course. As for "dragging your eyes to the text" - can you not just quickly read them at a glance then concentrate on what is happening in the scene? After over three decades of watching things with subtitles (not just anime, all kinds of foreign language movies too), I hardly even notice subs any more. I just kind of take them in in my peripheral vision while watching the scene unfold.

It can take upwards of 5 years living around people to actually be able to receive these things naturally and in a way that preserves the reason they were there in the first place.

What nonsense. Exposure to the medium over time will do the same. Just because you might not yet be used to some of these factors does not mean that other people are not.

And yes, subtle tone changes and subtle emotions, while not as common as in western shows due to the over the top natural of pretty much all anime, is still definitely there and is an important example of something. English voice actors usually try and recreate the subtle emotions. Nearly all modern dub studios have the level of quality to actually do this well, and its why a bad dub is extremely rare nowadays.

"Over the top nature of nearly all anime" - It really does sound like you have mostly experienced shonen action series. While those can be enjoyable, there is a vast range of different anime out there where subtleties of the language can be much more important.

The problem with subs is that the quality of sub groups has essentially frozen at 'fansub level' and there thing about 95% of fansubbers is their REALLY bad at subbing compared to professional jobs and annoying it appears like they have started grabbing fansubs for dvds with the quality I'm seeing. Subs have a habit of completely missing the point, relying on cop out poor translations to appear more accurate, and ruining openings and closings with completely unnecessary subtitles.

Okay, I'm not sure what you are actually watching then, since over the decades I have nearly always found that fansubs actually tend to be BETTER than commercial subs. They try to minimise any changes or Westernisation of the dialogue and do their best to present as direct a translation as possible. I think the main reason for our different preferences is that I am looking for an experience as close to the original viewing experience as possible while you seem to be looking for a Westernised equivalent that evokes a similar feel while remaining grounded in Western culture. Perhaps I am wrong, but that is how it sounds to me. There is nothing wrong with that, just don't assume that everyone wants that same thing out of the medium.

 

[[Kira Must Die]]

Controversial question, and not asking to start a flame war, but dubs or subs? because dubs narrows down the reconsiderations a bit.

I'll never understand the sub only people, even if its totally a valid version. You lose so much in a sub.

That's... weird. I prefer subs precisely because I find you lose so much in a dub. The tone of voice in particular, but quite often some Japanese language idiosyncrasies are glossed over or Westernized in a dub while subs tend to preserve more of the underlying connotations, especially if you have a little bit of familiarity with how some aspects of the language work.

As someone who also prefer dubs, my problem with subs is more to do with the subtitles in general. For me, it's like watching a bot play a game for you. You see the mechanics and story, enough so that you can make a judgement on it, but it's not quite the same as actually holding the controller. Reading the dialogue, for me, isn't quite the same as actually listening to the dialogue.

Also, while dubs do tend to westernize the translation, especifically to make the dialogue flow better for Western audience, for the most part I never feel like you're losing anything segnificant. The story's still the same, the character's still the same, nothing is really changed, except for maybe a few jokes and throwaway lines. I don't believe watching an anime subbed or dubbed makes a difference between me loving it or hating it.

Well, unless it's Garzey's Wing or Ghost Stories, that is. In which case always dubbed.

But if I'm gonna hate an anime, it's gonna be for the anime itself, not because I watched it dubbed.

 

[EmpReb]

List of must have seen to have your otaku card.

Cowboy Bebop (The movie too)

Evangelion(not the rebulids)

Code Geass

Full Metal Alchemist(both the original and brotherhood)

Elfin Lied If you want blood death and well yeah blood death + echhi I would say its good at testing your waters on the more crazy and bloody animes.

Ghost in the Shell. Movie, SAC, SSS, Sequal, 2nd GIG at least see SOME THING OF IT.(Iffly on the Arise reboot right now) it cause the matrix so GO SEE IT.

Full Metal Panic Fumoffu! Pure basic boot camp of school house humor and still a legend.

Angel Beats is just pure goodness

Clannad(I need to get around too it but so many animes so little time). Its a talked about and all about how after story makes you cry... A LOT.

So yeah go get watching.

Oh and here is the deal on subs vs dubs. If you are getting the latest shows right as they are released its going to be subs IE if you are an active fan its pretty much required to do watch any new show. While a lot of the older shows have dubs. Watch Cowboy Bebop dubbed to get what the standard should be then figured out your self. I just watch DUBBED version of Pyscho-pass after seeing it a year ago subbed. Still good and was supprised it was really good but went and watch the new longer edit on streaming again and still enjoyed the subs. Really just don't switch in the middle of watching through a full viewing(IE all the episodes or seasons) and you will be fine. That is more jarring to hear japanise out of characters you heard dubs an episode ago or the other way around. Messes up your enjoyment a whole lot more than being dubs or subs. Though some times the Dubs or SUBS will standout better. Looking at you Yano dubbed voice actor for The Future diary.

 

[infohippie]

Controversial question, and not asking to start a flame war, but dubs or subs? because dubs narrows down the reconsiderations a bit.

I'll never understand the sub only people, even if its totally a valid version. You lose so much in a sub.

That's... weird. I prefer subs precisely because I find you lose so much in a dub. The tone of voice in particular, but quite often some Japanese language idiosyncrasies are glossed over or Westernised in a dub while subs tend to preserve more of the underlying connotations, especially if you have a little bit of familiarity with how some aspects of the language work.

Also, to OP, let me add my voice to those recommending both Madoka Magica and Cowboy Bebop. They are both fantastic shows that everyone should see. I would also suggest Girls und Panzer, Nichijou, Dennou Coil, Mushishi, Moretsu Pirates, and Angel Beats.

I have also recently finished watching Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai (There's No Way My Little Sister Can Be This Cute) and, while I am not sure it would be good for someone just venturing into anime for the first time, it has become another favourite of mine.

And while I usually also mean the psychological reasons which drag your eyes to text, the main reason I prefer dubs is BECAUSE of the tone of voice. Many completely irrelevant to preserve things in the Japanese language are lost and supposed to be obvious because it is expecting you to have an extremely strong knowledge of Japanese and Japanese culture. English dubs nowadays almost always tend to try and make equivilents, while rarely changing the content or point.

Hardly irrelevant, and there are often no good equivalents in English. Unless you're watching some relatively simple shonen show, of course. As for "dragging your eyes to the text" - can you not just quickly read them at a glance then concentrate on what is happening in the scene? After over three decades of watching things with subtitles (not just anime, all kinds of foreign language movies too), I hardly even notice subs any more. I just kind of take them in in my peripheral vision while watching the scene unfold.

It can take upwards of 5 years living around people to actually be able to receive these things naturally and in a way that preserves the reason they were there in the first place.

What nonsense. Exposure to the medium over time will do the same. Just because you might not yet be used to some of these factors does not mean that other people are not.

And yes, subtle tone changes and subtle emotions, while not as common as in western shows due to the over the top natural of pretty much all anime, is still definitely there and is an important example of something. English voice actors usually try and recreate the subtle emotions. Nearly all modern dub studios have the level of quality to actually do this well, and its why a bad dub is extremely rare nowadays.

"Over the top nature of nearly all anime" - It really does sound like you have mostly experienced shonen action series. While those can be enjoyable, there is a vast range of different anime out there where subtleties of the language can be much more important.

The problem with subs is that the quality of sub groups has essentially frozen at 'fansub level' and there thing about 95% of fansubbers is their REALLY bad at subbing compared to professional jobs and annoying it appears like they have started grabbing fansubs for dvds with the quality I'm seeing. Subs have a habit of completely missing the point, relying on cop out poor translations to appear more accurate, and ruining openings and closings with completely unnecessary subtitles.

Okay, I'm not sure what you are actually watching then, since over the decades I have nearly always found that fansubs actually tend to be BETTER than commercial subs. They try to minimise any changes or Westernisation of the dialogue and do their best to present as direct a translation as possible. I think the main reason for our different preferences is that I am looking for an experience as close to the original viewing experience as possible while you seem to be looking for a Westernised equivalent that evokes a similar feel while remaining grounded in Western culture. Perhaps I am wrong, but that is how it sounds to me. There is nothing wrong with that, just don't assume that everyone wants that same thing out of the medium.

Westernization is a requirement when translating. You cant give a straight direct sub without changing any of the content else you've fucked up the translating part. It doesn't mean you should change things for no reason of course, but any good translation does change stuff. Many many sub groups change nearly everything at the same quality as baka-tsuki translates light novels: about as badly as you can get. For example, leaving honorifics in only benefits the subber. All it does is make subtitles sound more accurate when it actually means you havn't done your fucking job. As they say, 99.5% of the time, if you cant translate an honorific easily, then it wasn't important anyway and can be ignored entirely.

You appear to be confusing translating with interpreting. I want as direct a translation as possible, without losing anything by trying to convert things to their closest Western equivalents. I can't stand trying to watch heavily Westernised crap. As for honorifics, I would MUCH rather they be left in, they can offer a lot of subtle meaning. In some of the shows I watch, entire plot points revolve around the choice of one particular honorific over another. How are you going to Westernise that and keep any kind of meaning?

Secondly, all anime voice acting is over the top by the heritage of Japanese voice acting, serious or super shonen explosion fun time or whatever, its all done in an exaggerated manner. Some are more over the top about it, but they are all exaggerated to a fairly large degree. Its a trope of the entire Japanese VA industry.

Thirdly, its a psychological thing that your eyesight will be drawn to text, whether your reading it or not. Lets say theres some acctiony scene. If I were to try and watch it with subtitles on, I'd have more trouble paying attention then if they were gone, even those in both situations, I'm not looking at the subtitles. Studies have confirmed this many times that its a thing humans do. Its actually why I get pissed when ever a fansubber fucking puts subtitles in an opening or closing. Their basically telling me I have to turn off subtitles during them else it hurts the whole thing. And that means I cant stay in a reclined relaxed manner which is never ok.

I am sorry you have such a hard time splitting your attention. I do not, so subtitles are much easier to deal with for me.

I think we are going to just have to agree to disagree. We are approaching the viewing experience from completely different angles and obviously looking for completely different things. You dislike subs, that is fine. I prefer subs, that is also fine. Each to their own, just don't try to claim yours is objectively better for everyone.