I hate Anime. Make me like it!

[Uncreation]

How can you dislike cartoons?

There are other cartoons outside of anime, but i guess you were trying to be sarcastic.


Now, unfortunately, i don't have an anime to recommend, because, much like the OP, i dislike them to. I do have a question for the OP, though: why do you want to force yourself to like them? It's fine not to like things, you know? Hell, like i said, i've never liked anime, and i've never had a problem with that, even though a number of my friends like them.

 

[Danik93]

How can you dislike cartoons?

There are other cartoons outside of anime, but i guess you were trying to be sarcastic.


Now, unfortunately, i don't have an anime to recommend, because, much like the OP, i dislike them to. I do have a question for the OP, though: why do you want to force yourself to like them? It's fine not to like things, you know? Hell, like i said, i've never liked anime, and i've never had a problem with that, even though a number of my friends like them.

I had this mindset about other things to... and it turned out to be false. for example I thought techno was garbage that needed to get banned and now one of my favourite artists are Deadmau5 and Daft Punk, etc, so I decided to give Anime a third chance. And the show Baccano is really good! I like it! but I will never get into it I think...

 

[Asuka Soryu]

Trigun and Great Teacher Onizuka were very good and humorous to me.

 

[Miffmoff]

The OTTness of Hellsing is that he's a near immortal vampire with guns that never seem to have to reload

Its quite gory just so you know

 

[TheDarkestDerp]

Well, I agree. I've been a follower of many anime since the days when "japanese cartoons" meant things like "Superbook" or the Americanized "Tranformers", "Hundred Beast Team Go-Lion" or "Speed Racer", but I agree with you on every point.
Most all modern anime follow very tired formulaic stories, are very predictably boring, despite the ridiculous amounts of over-the-top action, and the art is laughable at best. Every girl is 80lbs and sporting nuclear boobs (yet inexplicably just as strong and athletic as any of the male characters...), every guy is either emo-tastic or "cool and aloof" and built like a wiry serpent with a disappointed sea-urchin on his head, and the plots are either fully uninteresting, horribly overdone or both. The shows expect you to suspend your belief to allow for all manner of super powers, supernatural and spiritual things, but at the same time try to remain grounded in some sort of science, trying to quantify some aspect of the show but at the same time completely debasing another. Dry cliche characters, action so out there it's goofy and tired old stories... Thus I haven't seen much come out stateside since about the mid-nineties I've given a rat's toot about.
My advice is to go a little bit further back in your watchings. Most of the lackluster shows we see today are tired reincarnations of earlier programs which did things solid enough the first time around. A good example, though maybe not specifically what you're looking for, being Urusei Yatsura, the original "Boy followed around by inexplicable circumstances and strangely attractive girls all devoted to making his life insane" anime. Every "Space/Action/Comedy/Romance hybrid owes massive amounts to Urusei Yatsura. It's artwork and animation definitely show it's age, but the style is refreshingly different for me, most of the characters being much more humanoid in proportions and the humor is still enjoyable.

 

[gamepopper101]

Have you tried anime films, not just series? Some of them are epic, artistic and complex in stories. I review anime films in particular as a hobby so I know ones that might fit what you are looking at:

- Tekkonkinkreet: OK granted you may be put off by the art style and the confusing third act but it's a brilliant and complex film about two kids ruling a city against gangsters and evil corporates.
- Perfect Blue: This was the film that got Satoshi Kon (RIP) on the map, it's a psychological horror about a former girl group singer beginning an acting career, but psychologically being tormented by her fans and associates.
- Ghost in the Shell: I've heard Stand Alone Complex is better, but that shouldn't stop you checking it out. It's a sci-fi (kinda) about a group of humanoids who are on a mission to stop a wide spead data hack caused by this one specially programmed robot.
- Almost Any Miyazki movie: This is especially if you like fantasy and well crafted storylines. Granted you may be too old to take Ponyo and My Neighbour Totoro seriously (if you wanted to) and Kiki's Delivery Service is more of a girl's film.
- Barefoot Gen and Grave of the Fireflies: If you like war films, these are your two best choices. Both are set near the end of WWII in Japan, Barefoot taking place in Hiroshima and Fireflies in Kobe. They are both partially based on real-life events and really shows what it must've been like back then. People say Fireflies is a really sad story (to the scary point of people crying there eyes out) but I think anyone can handle it, and it was also the film that got my mother into anime for a while so it works.
- The Girl Who Lept Through Time: This is kind of an interesting Sci-Fi about a teenage girl who one day gets the ability to go back in time by running really fast and leaping in the air.

That is pretty much the basics, give them a shot and you might find something you like.

 

[Folksoul]

A delightful 26 episode slice of life comedy called Azumanga Daioh. Either language track is fine.

6 girls in highschool. ***NOT a fanservice anime. I cannot stress this enough.***

Also, a highschool show that is devoid of high school stereotypes!!!

Think Seinfeld meets charlie brown on acid.

100% "you had to be there" jokes and slapstick.

 

[Fridge]

I really,REALLY dislike anime. but I also see myself as an openminded person, So I'll try to get into it! to help you help m I'll say what I dislike about anime and what I need in a series to like it. the anime series I have tried to watch is:

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Berserk, Full metal alchemist, Naruto, DBZ, Death Note and some other stuff I can' remember!

So, What I dislike about anime is the art style in general(I have started to not hate it so I can watch it), the over the top action scenes (Combat should not be "OMG HE IS THROWING PLANETS AT HIM!!!" it should be fairly "realistic"), the depressing tone of some of them (I want to be entertained not depressed), the girls voices, the girls HH cups, and some other stuff

What I like in a series: A good story that is very well written, characters is really important, humor, the setting must be good (I don't care if it's steampunk or Scifi or fantasy, etc) and lastly I want something that makes you think. (Good humor series don't need anything of the tings I have stated. As long as it's funny)

So, do you accept the challenge?

I don't have the links for them but I would say to maybe look at Cowboy Bebop, The Ghost in the Shell series / movies and Gunslinger Girl.

 

[Purple Shrimp]

You should watch Bacca-

I do and I submit Baccano! to you.

You son of a Ninja...

a 17-hour post time difference doesn't constitute a ninja, unless you were writing that post for that long

 

[Thundero13]

Lucky Star, it doesn't have any big over-arching story or big exploding fight sequences just girls at a high school but it's really good & funny and it's only 24 episodes long, it takes a few episodes to really get good though so don't stop after just one episode!

didnt he mention he hates squeeky voices?

There voices aren't annoying at least not in the subbed one, anyway when he says that doesn't that rule out any anime with female soundding female characters in it?

 

[Wintermoot]

Lucky Star, it doesn't have any big over-arching story or big exploding fight sequences just girls at a high school but it's really good & funny and it's only 24 episodes long, it takes a few episodes to really get good though so don't stop after just one episode!

didnt he mention he hates squeeky voices?

There voices aren't annoying at least not in the subbed one, anyway when he says that doesn't that rule out any anime with female soundding female characters in it?

from what I have seen from Lucky Star (wich are pretty much scenes from the Japanese version) the voices are high pitched

 

[LogicNProportion]

I really,REALLY dislike anime. but I also see myself as an openminded person, So I'll try to get into it! to help you help m I'll say what I dislike about anime and what I need in a series to like it. the anime series I have tried to watch is:

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Berserk, Full metal alchemist, Naruto, DBZ, Death Note and some other stuff I can' remember!

So, What I dislike about anime is the art style in general(I have started to not hate it so I can watch it), the over the top action scenes (Combat should not be "OMG HE IS THROWING PLANETS AT HIM!!!" it should be fairly "realistic"), the depressing tone of some of them (I want to be entertained not depressed), the girls voices, the girls HH cups, and some other stuff

What I like in a series: A good story that is very well written, characters is really important, humor, the setting must be good (I don't care if it's steampunk or Scifi or fantasy, etc) and lastly I want something that makes you think. (Good humor series don't need anything of the tings I have stated. As long as it's funny)

So, do you accept the challenge?

I do.

I suggest Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. After this, go for the sequel series, 2nd Gig.

Besides the Major's often-skimpy attire, she also wears a uniform/trench coat throughout the series. It is exempt of everything you dislike about anime, and I guarantee that you will treasure it, especially if you're the kind of person who likes Metal Gear Solid, etc.

From the 2nd Gig series, I completely recommend the 14th episode, "DI: Beware the Left Eye ? POKER FACE."

It is probably my favorite episode of the series, and it's a damn filler episode!

EDIT: SHIT!

Forgot good ol' Gundam Wing! It's basically like the above, only with giant robots.

 

[spartan231490]

I really,REALLY dislike anime. but I also see myself as an openminded person, So I'll try to get into it! to help you help m I'll say what I dislike about anime and what I need in a series to like it. the anime series I have tried to watch is:

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Berserk, Full metal alchemist, Naruto, DBZ, Death Note and some other stuff I can' remember!

So, What I dislike about anime is the art style in general(I have started to not hate it so I can watch it), the over the top action scenes (Combat should not be "OMG HE IS THROWING PLANETS AT HIM!!!" it should be fairly "realistic"), the depressing tone of some of them (I want to be entertained not depressed), the girls voices, the girls HH cups, and some other stuff

What I like in a series: A good story that is very well written, characters is really important, humor, the setting must be good (I don't care if it's steampunk or Scifi or fantasy, etc) and lastly I want something that makes you think. (Good humor series don't need anything of the tings I have stated. As long as it's funny)

So, do you accept the challenge?

IF you dislike the art style I doubt there is much advice I can offer, but as to the other stuff, try "Buso Renkin." It's a short action anime with good characterization. The combat might be a little over the top for you, it depends on what you mean by combat being realistic. The basic premise is a little unrealistic but the combat itself is pretty good as far as realism goes in anime.

EDIT: Also, check out code geass. admittedly, many of the female chars have overlarge breasts, and the last half of the second season get's pretty outrageous with it's combat. but it is the deepest anime i've ever watched and has really really good characters/characterization. Hope that helps.

EDIT2: Fair warning, code geass get's pretty depressing at a lot of points. Buso renkin is fairly lighthearted through the whole thing. A couple of depressing episodes, but definitely a happy ending. also, buso renkin is short, only like 26 episodes, while code geass is closer to 60 with both seasons.

 

[spartan231490]

I really,REALLY dislike anime. but I also see myself as an openminded person, So I'll try to get into it! to help you help m I'll say what I dislike about anime and what I need in a series to like it. the anime series I have tried to watch is:

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Berserk, Full metal alchemist, Naruto, DBZ, Death Note and some other stuff I can' remember!

So, What I dislike about anime is the art style in general(I have started to not hate it so I can watch it), the over the top action scenes (Combat should not be "OMG HE IS THROWING PLANETS AT HIM!!!" it should be fairly "realistic"), the depressing tone of some of them (I want to be entertained not depressed), the girls voices, the girls HH cups, and some other stuff

What I like in a series: A good story that is very well written, characters is really important, humor, the setting must be good (I don't care if it's steampunk or Scifi or fantasy, etc) and lastly I want something that makes you think. (Good humor series don't need anything of the tings I have stated. As long as it's funny)

So, do you accept the challenge?

If I remember correctly, THe major from Ghost has HH cups but other than that it does seem to fit the criteria. As for gundam wing, I think mech combat in general might be too unrealistic for him but gundam wing is prolly the most realistic of the mech combat series.

I do.

I suggest Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. After this, go for the sequel series, 2nd Gig.

Besides the Major's often-skimpy attire, she also wears a uniform/trench coat throughout the series. It is exempt of everything you dislike about anime, and I guarantee that you will treasure it, especially if you're the kind of person who likes Metal Gear Solid, etc.

From the 2nd Gig series, I completely recommend the 14th episode, "DI: Beware the Left Eye ? POKER FACE."

It is probably my favorite episode of the series, and it's a damn filler episode!

EDIT: SHIT!

Forgot good ol' Gundam Wing! It's basically like the above, only with giant robots.

OK, so nothing but the quote posted the first time, lets try again.
If I remember correctly, the major in Ghost has HH cups but other than that I'd say it does fit his criteria.
As for gundam wing, I suspect mech combat in general is over the top for the OP but gundam wing does have a slightly more reserved combat than most mech animes, so it's not a bad suggestion.

 

[^=ash=^]

Hmmm

Starting simple I would say K-ON!. The characters are well portrayed and in my opinion relatable, it's not over the top and it is very entertaining.
Oh an the songs are fantastic.

Spoiler: Season 1 Opening 1

Following that I would suggest Gunslinger Girl. A nice short anime but does very well with the number of episodes at getting the mind going and filling in the characters.

Spoiler: Opening 1

.....

Spoiler: And then..

EDIT:

I don't know how but I forgot Sora no Otoshimono. It's full of humor but does get serious at times. It is hard to explain but it's a good watch and well worth the time to do so.

Spoiler: Season 1 Opening 1

xxx

 

[Chromatic Aberration]

I really,REALLY dislike anime. but I also see myself as an openminded person, So I'll try to get into it! to help you help m I'll say what I dislike about anime and what I need in a series to like it. the anime series I have tried to watch is:

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Berserk, Full metal alchemist, Naruto, DBZ, Death Note and some other stuff I can' remember!


So, do you accept the challenge?

Yes, I do!

You are obviously looking for so-called Seinen Animes i.e. Animes oriented towards adult audiences. I also prefer those, so take a look at the following Animes:

Spoiler: Samurai X - Trust and Betrayal (4 Ep. OVA)

Beautifully crafted shakespearian tragedy about an assassin in the Meiji Era. Generally about redemption and responsibility. Beautiful and symbolic visuals. Warning: you WILL be depressed afterwards, still: Highly recommended.

Spoiler: Legend of the Galactic Heroes (110+ Ep. + 2 Movies)

The very definition of epicness. Sci-Fi wartime-story geared towards politics. Takes on issues such as value of democracy, morality of the soldier and generally the impact of politics on individuals. Especially noteworthy for its mostly unstereotypical cast of characters and detailed world. Some downsides: slow pacing (with 110+ Episodes that shouldn't come as a surprise) and bad visuals (The series ended in 1997, which you can see especially in the space battles). Also it doesn't feature a dubbed version, so you have to rely on subs there.

Spoiler: Monster (74 Ep.)

A japanese born doctor working in Germany saves a child in 1986. The child becomes a mass murderer and the doctor decides to correct his "error" and sets out to kill the "Monster". Psychologically ridden thriller that lives from shedding light on the monsters past. Revolves around issues such as the hypocratic oath and the question of how a man can become a monster. Very interesting and thoughtfully crafted. Has quite a few filler episodes so its pace is kind of slow, but is still awfully interesting

Spoiler: Higurashi - When They Cry (26 + 24 Ep.)

Mystery Thriller that revolves around a group of kids in a remote japanese village. Gory and for the first part of the first season nothing more than a mindfuck. But stick with it. Because it pulls off, what I like to call, the Lost-Effect: you will theorize and make up a lot of theories to explain all the strange occurences in the village: But where Lost ultimately fails, Higurashi succeeds: Things are explained and led to a satisfying conclusion. Divided in story arcs that usually start off quite boring but gain a rapid pace at the end. Highly recommended albeit very dark in nature

Spoiler: Paranoia Agent (13. Ep)

Ever saw a film by David Lynch? Thats exactly the same, but in Anime form: It starts off as a detective story about a boy on rollerblades hitting people unconscious with a baseball bat and then goes waaaaaaayyyyy down into the very definition of a mind screw. If you like to analyze strange and weird things - THIS is for you.

 

[Fraught]

So, What I dislike about anime is the art style in general(I have started to not hate it so I can watch it),

"Started to not hate it"? What the fuck is this?

Also, "don't like the art style in general? Then why the bloody hell would you even try and convince yourself to like it?

the over the top action scenes (Combat should not be "OMG HE IS THROWING PLANETS AT HIM!!!" it should be fairly "realistic"),

Combat can be "over-the-top" without resorting to planet-throwing. Case in point, one of the animes you mentioned you had tried to watch, Death Note. For fights between two teenagers/young adults, the camera angles and dialogue during it and the moves make the whole thing pretty over-the-top.

the depressing tone of some of them (I want to be entertained not depressed),

Wow, the progression of "shit happens, shit gets better" (or "tragedy strikes, tragedy is resolved (through some long and oftentimes elaborate sequence of events)) is one of the most popular phenomena observed in EVERYthing, even many, MANY times during everyone's lifetime. Books, movies, games (though games reach the shit hitting the fan part much quicker than the previously-mentioned), all of those have that, and not just have it, but it's hard to find an example of one where it doesn't.

And besides, unless you attach yourself too much to the characters (it can be argued that that's what you're (at least subconsciously) implying, meaning you don't dislike the characters in animes as much as you give off), them being in a depressing predicament can be entertaining.

the girls voices, the girls HH cups, and some other stuff

Okay, I agree here. Even though I'm slowly becoming a bigger and bigger fan of anime (and not every girl is like that in anime), I'm really, really annoyed at some of the voicework in anime. With that said, I don't know why people think otherwise, but I think all Japanese dubs sound horrible (well, not all, and not horrible, but god damn, if you compare different animes, most sound so similar), and I've noticed that the girls in Japanese dubs have far higher-pitched and...whinier voices.

I guess that's how the Japanese are, eh?

What I like in a series: A good story that is very well written, characters is really important, humor, the setting must be good (I don't care if it's steampunk or Scifi or fantasy, etc) and lastly I want something that makes you think. (Good humor series don't need anything of the tings I have stated. As long as it's funny)

Woah, woah, woah. First you say the setting has to be good (which means you care about the setting), and then you say you don't care about what setting it is? O...kaaay?

There are good stories in anime, there's humour (though it's an acquired taste), there's good characters (though there's always a one-dimensional annoyance in every anime). And oh, there are animes that make you think. Any stupid storyline can make you think about whatever (stupid romantic ones about how you compare to what happens in the show, contrasting peoples' reactions in real life to those in the anime and so on and so on).

I don't even know why I'm doing this. I really[7i] don't care whether you like anime or not, but eh. I guess I just like writing like this too much.

So, do you accept the challenge?[/quote]

 

[Outright Villainy]

I do and I submit Baccano! to you.


Synopsis (via MyAnimeList): During the late 1930s in Chicago, the transcontinental train, Flying Pussyfoot, is starting its legendary journey that will leave a trail of blood all over the country. At the same time in New York, the ambitious scientist Szilard and his unwilling aide Ennis, are looking for missing bottles of the immortality elixir. In addition, a war between the mafia groups is getting worse. On board the Advena Avis, in 1711, alchemists are about to learn the price of immortality.

Watch it in English.

What this guy said.

Times a freaking million.

Edit: I mean I could add something else, but it's all there.
Go watch Baccano!

 

[comadorcrack]

Fucking Outlaw Star!

Interesting characters? Check.
Lack of annoying female voices? Check.
Humour that doesn't detract from the story? Check.
Long enough to be keep you entertained but not so long that 50% of episodes are fillers? Check (25 episodes).
Seriously, this is the first 'proper' anime I ever watched (I don't count DBZ). You won't regret it, it doesn't have an angsty, douchebag undercurrent like a lot of newer anime series.

I fucking love outlaw star... Havn't seem it im a yonks... literal yonks... Goog call good call

 

[Guffe]

Samurai Champloo.
I only watched the 13 first episode, had to be away from my comp a few days and never got back to it. Funny stuff, action maybe not realistic but not any over the top dragonball stuff, characters have stories and so on and as far as I think the first 10 episodes set a great start for a good story in later episodes.