So I want to try some anime...

[AugustFall]

Cowboy Bebop
Gurren Lagann
Code Geass
Full Metal Alchemist (first series to get started)
Outlaw Star
Gundam Seed

 

[Timbula.The.Great]

All very good suggestions. Alternatively you could do what everone else does and TRY SOME OUT FOR YOURSELF AND SEE WHAT YOU LIKE!!! Sheesh, what is it with people nowdays? "I wanna get into something new but can't be bothered figuring out if I actually like it. Please, random people on the other side of the world, tell me what I like!!"

 

[Steppin Razor]

I've heard good things about Bacanno actually, I've been meaning to check it out. Is the Dub any good? I usually prefer Dubs if I can get them, and they're not awful.

Baccano! is one of those few series where the English dub is better than the original Japanese. It really is that good.

 

[natster43]

I would suggest Gurren Lagann, Lucky Star, and Air Gear.

 

[Enzeru92]

I've heard good things about Bacanno actually, I've been meaning to check it out. Is the Dub any good? I usually prefer Dubs if I can get them, and they're not awful.

Baccano! is one of those few series where the English dub is better than the original Japanese. It really is that good.

Yea the dubbing was done beautifully but what sells it the best is how well the accents are in the dubbs rather then in the subbs

 

[Alex-Joe2012]

Neon Genesis Evangelion - Best, ever.

Fate Stay Night - King Arthur... as a chick.

Love Hina and / or Ah! My Goddess - Two of the best harem shows. Maybe even include Tenchi Muyo

Cowboy Bebop & Samurai Champloo - Great action, characters, and pretty much the best soundtracks of any anime ever.

Trigun & Outlaw Star - These are about as close to a "shoot 'em up" style of anime you're going to find. Though I would recommend reading the Trigun manga first, as it is much better than the series.

Ronin Warriors - Classic cheesy 80's anime. Since you said you're going for the whole nostalgia thing.

Also I have to say Elfen Lied is one of the absolute worst recommendations for someone trying to get a feel for anime. Lots of gore, naughty bits, and mature themes in there. Plus the scene with the puppy is one of those things you simply can't un-see. Pro Tip to the OP: If you do go looking for it make SURE to get Elfen LIED not Elfen LAID... you'll wind up with something you definitely wouldn't have seen on Toonami XD

 

[astrav1]

Cowboy Bebop defineatly.

 

[Marik2]

Watch this: It's Two Vids, but it's just ten minutes long


​

Congratulations, you have just watched every anime ever made. EVER

Sorry cant hear you over the sound of how Le Chevalier D'eon proves you wrong

 

[yizas]

cowboy bebop, nice funny interesting with most of the episdoes being non linear, i recommended because even if you dont like anime you still have to appreciate something that's good and also its 26 episodes long so wont take much of your time

 

[Sacman]

Watch this: It's Two Vids, but it's just ten minutes long


​

Congratulations, you have just watched every anime ever made. EVER

Sorry cant hear you over the sound of how Le Chevalier D'eon proves you wrong

and everything from my top10 list...
1. Serial Experiments Lain, It's The Second coming of Jesus, I even did a review!!! [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.214642-Sacmans-Sac-tastic-Anime-Review-Serial-Experiments-Lain]

2. Ergo Proxy, A lot of people say Ergo Proxy is an anime you have to think about but on reflection it feels more like a parody or satire of over pretentious anime like Eva. The last episode is even titled "Deus Ex Machina."

3. Elfen Lied, What this show does is hard to explain. It's gory and bloody and filled with tasteless nudity but I loved it. Elfen Lied just got me so attachedto the characters that come the end I cried...

4. Welcome To The NHK. It's hard to explain... I mean it's really the only slice of life I've ever loved this much but I'm just not exactly sure why. It could be the pitch black humor, the realistic characters, the social satire, or even the brilliant writing. Honestly, however, I think it's more the fact that Sato's, The main character's, situation hit's very close to home for me...

5. FLCL. I hate to sound like everyone else but FLCL is 6 episodes of awesome craziness!!!

6. Blue Sub No. 6. I used to watch this as a kid on Toonami and I really didn't get it but going back to watch all 4 episodes now I can safely say it's one of the most polished OVA series I've ever see, with an amazing soundtrack, great action, great animation, a standout art style, and one of the most coherent messages about human nature I've seen in anime.

7.Gundam The 08TH MS Team. It really stands out for me because it's one of the few Gundam series that give a general sense of fear because the action is unpredictable and the characters really endear themselves to the audiance...

8. Paranoia Agent. It's a truly great murder mystery that keeps you guessing at every turn but look past that and you'll find a very intriguing deconstruction of the human mind...

9.Gungrave. Possibly one of the most underrated shows I've seen. Gungrave is a truly great story about friendship, love and betrayal without ever falling into cheesiness the great animation, spectacular fight scenes and well thought out character development doesn't hurt either.

10.Higurashi No Naku Koro Ni. Despite having no real plot, since I consider Kai and Rei to be non canon, Higurashi is one of the most atmospheric and frightening shows I've ever seen. It constantly keeps you guessing and always gives a feeling of paranoia and dread...
with the possible exception of FLCL...

 

[Dango]

snip it!

Your list has no powers here, Gandalf the Grey.

But seriously though, even if they are your top ten, they can't apply to every thread.

And also, I know lots of people who got into anime through Death Note, even thought I hate that anime with an intense and growing passion.

 

[Sacman]

snip it!

Your list has no powers here, Gandalf the Grey.

But seriously though, even if they are your top ten, they can't apply to every thread.

Yes, they can...
I'm gonna recommend at least 8/10 on every anime thread so I just post the entire thing...

 

[aloha2436]

Code Geass, Umineko if you can get it subbed.

 

[A random person]

Watch this: It's Two Vids, but it's just ten minutes long


​

Congratulations, you have just watched every anime ever made. EVER

>implying PRB is anything more than a slapdash parody that acknowledges it's particularly bad

On topic, FMA is a good starter series. You might also want to try Azumanga Daioh if you want a high school comedy classic.

 

[Estarc]

Nothing too serious? Well... Um... Alright. I suggest either Pokemon or Dragonball Z. Yu-Gi-Oh is good too.

A bit more serious is the series Bleach. This is one of my favourites (filler arcs aside).

If you come to your senses though, check out Death Note. It is the single greatest thing ever. It is a psychological thriller/drama/mystery etc... It is about a Japanese student who finds a notebook with the power the kill anyone just by writing their name in the book. I won't spoil any more, but trust me - as long as you are willing to watch something heavy, and serious, this is one of the greatest things ever, of any media type.

 

[Eijarel]

Ghost in the shell

if you are looking for something actually serious.

 

[rabidmidget]

Cowboy Bebop
Full Metal Alchemist
Code Geass
Soul Eater
Baccano

All of these have a nice blend of action and comedy.

 

[Sacman]

I personally started with Lucky Star, so I guess I can recommend that. Otherwise there's Bleach, which is pretty good for people new to anime.

I started with Dominion Tank Police...
It's filled to the brim with 80's anime cliches...