Back to school once again, I have found that posting to this blog is one of the harder things to do (school, ugh, who needs it). However, I came across a bit of inspiration lately. I am definitely pegged as "the anime guy" among people that I know. Many times I get asked the question "what should I watch next?" or "I want to watch an anime but I have no idea where to start!!!"Well question no more my friends because I have come to your rescue with a neat and tidy list with 20 anime that you (in my personal opinion) should absolutely watch. I am guilty of stealing this idea from one of my favorite anime YouTubers, Arkada aka Glass Reflection, but I have always believed that imitation is the finest form of flattery. If you want to see his list, which I can guarantee you will be very similar in structure and content to mine, I'll leave the link right here.
Before we start this list however, there are a few things that should definitely be addressed:
- This list may be numbered but it is not a traditional ranked list. The first few may be some classics that every anime fan should watch but overall you are free to pick any of the shows on the list and watch in any order that you want. I'll make a few comments about ones that I personally place priorities on but overall, you have freedom here.
- The reason that I include the "-ish" in the title is because this list will not only encompass singular series'. Most of the time I will be referring to the entire franchise, studios, or creators because often times you'll find that just about everything they make is fantastic.
- This list is about the anime that I think just about anyone will enjoy. Yes, there are animes that I personally enjoy more than some entries on this list but I don't think that those are as accessible to people who haven't had a lot of experience in anime. This includes parodies like Ouran High School Host Club or ridiculous shows like Kill la Kill. Sorry to disappoint but neither of those shows will be on this list even though I love both of them. (Same goes for something as wildly popular yet divisive like K-On!) There will be some more "out there" stuff on this list but I consider those to be more like gateways to the more crazy stuff.
- On whether you should watch these shows subbed or dubbed, I honestly couldn't care less. Watch them however you want though there are a few shows that I will say you definitely need to watch in Japanese.
- Lastly, this is MY list, if you disagree with anything I list here you are more than entitled to voice your opinion or even make your own list. Just make sure to respect my opinions because I'd love to respect yours.
Without any further ado, lets get on with the list (and the first show that literally everybody knows is coming).
1.) Cowboy Bebop
I honestly cannot express enough how essential Bebop is to understanding not only what modern anime has become but what anime is capable of when it is used to is maximum. Bebop was so influential that watching it is absolutely required if anyone wants to consider themselves an anime fan. It has incredibly well written characters; some may complain about how little the overarching plot comes in to play but I have yet to see a show capture the same level of artistry that Bebop did its episodic storytelling. It is the one anime that I can recommend to anyone and know they'll enjoy it because there is something for everyone to enjoy. The only reason why I can see anyone not liking it because they hate things that are popular. Seriously, I can't really say anything more about this series, it is the best anime ever released and if you haven't seen it you should watch it as soon as possible.
2.) Neon Genesis Evangelion (Franchise)
Evangelion is quite simply my favorite anime of all time. It has incredibly well written characters, a fascinating plot, downright terrifying on a psychological level, and was the first anime that deeply impacted me and changed the way I lived and thought. However, when you talk about Evangelion you have to mention how divisive the show really is. Some really love it, some really hate it but either way, like Bebop, it is one of those shows you really need to watch to claim credibility as an anime fan. The number of copycats that have followed Evangelion is a testament to its influence and its quality. If you want an anime that really pushes boundaries, this one is definitely it. In addition to the series there is tons of other ways to get your Evangelion fix after the series: End of Evangelion, the manga, and the Rebuild films. Now, since I'm a huge Evangelion buff, there is a specific watching order. Watch the series before the Rebuild movies, trust me. The new movies are really pretty but your enjoyment of them will be higher if you've seen the series prior.
3.) Revolutionary Girl Utena
Where do I even begin to explain what Revolutionary Girl Utena is, how do I even begin to explain the genius of such a piece. Utena is another example of what anime is capable of. Of the three that I have listed so far, it is definitely the most abstract (which is saying something because Evangelion is on here), often times called "Evangelion for girls". But Utena is what happens when an anime transcends the sum of its parts and becomes something else entirely, art. It is a beautifully animated deconstruction that through all of its roses and bright colors is terrifyingly dark and deconstructs the entire nature of heroism. It pushes the boundaries to such an extent (the movie is a prime example of this) and despite its inherent weirdness, manages to be wildly successful. The creator, Kunihiko Ikuhara is an anime legend, known for making remarkably abstract animated pieces (like the wonderful Maworu Penguindrum). Aside from all the philosophical talk, sex themes, and dark undertones, you also get the best female protagonist (and one of the best protagonists in any medium) in all of anime, Utena Tenjou. Seriously, watch this show.
4.) Anything by Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli
I'm going to be honest, I have never been as fond of Miyazaki's films as some are. Of course, this does not make me oblivious to the massive impact that the man has had on the anime industry, its expansion to the West or the sheer quality of the films. Like the other three entries on the list, having seen at least 3-4 Miyazaki films is essential for your credibility as an anime fan. There are few better at world building than Miyazaki as he creates colorful and flowing worlds with characters you cannot help but love. There are no "bad" Ghibli films, it really just depends on what you're looking for. There are the more fast-paced action adventures of Princess Mononoke or Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind or the more innocent and fun tales of My Neighbor Totorro or Kiki's Delivery Service. Ghibli's universe is vast and there is something here for everyone. I've always been more attracted to his more innocent adventures because they feel like Miyazaki tapping into his inner child. The hardest part is just finding a place to start and in truth, there is no bad way to do so.
5.) Steins;Gate
Time travel is really risky business when it comes to fiction. Most times it is simply used as a convenient plot device or deus ex machina to get the characters out of danger, opening up a whole swiss cheese load of plot holes in the process. So for a series to do time travel, establish rules for how the system works, tie it in to an awesome plot, and manage to make me laugh and cry while doing it...is extremely impressive. Simply put, Steins;Gate is the best anime to come out in a very long time for it is an example of fantastic storytelling and is the best I have ever seen time travel be implemented in any work of fiction. It even manages to work in real life conspiracy theories into its plotline. While revolving around a concept as vast and wacky as time travel, the plot manages to stay grounded and hits you emotionally on such a real level. It uses time travel to explore some of the most real parts of humans themselves and it turns into a really powerful work. Also it has some of the best dialogue that you'll find anywhere incorporating some great otaku humor. Another series that I cannot rate highly enough.
6.) Ghost in the Shell (Franchise)
One of the trends on this list is you can see that I'm a massive sucker for the anime of the 90's as it was a golden age in innovation for the medium. It's a level of creativity that unfortunately the industry has only been able to sporadically reach in recent years. Ghost in the Shell changed science fiction in anime forever, in fact you could even say that it changed genre as a whole. I mean, the film was one of the major inspirations for The Matrix of all things. It's another one of those films that you should see just to say that you've seen it. If the movie was awesome but still not enough for you there is also the amazing series that followed the movie, Standalone Complex, which can still visually stand up to anything that comes out now. Just watch it, stop reading this and watch it.
7.) Yu Yu Hakusho
Simply put, Yu Yu Hakusho is the absolute best shounen around and I'll honestly dare anyone to argue otherwise. Shounens are not always known for depth of material as most of the action revolves around yelling and fighting. Yu Yu Hakusho however managed to create a really good story with extremely well developed characters and some of the best villains you'll find anywhere. You also get treated to the best shounen protagonist around in Yusuke Urameshi, who was really the first protagonist of his kind. Unlike other shounens, this one is actually streamlined and without filler, making every episode worthwhile. Its only weakness is that its final arc was rather weak in comparison to the first three but its worth watching to see how it all resolves. The Chapter Black arc is a blueprint for how a shounen should be written. This is one of the more hefty shows on the list, topping out at over 100 episodes but what other shounen are you going to watch instead? One Piece? Give me a break.
8.) Akira
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Akira was not just one of the most groundbreaking pieces of animation ever, it is a cultural phenomenon that like the later-to-come Ghost in the Shell, changed the science fiction genre forever. Akira is another example of what anime has the capacity to be, dark, gritty, and downright violent at times. It broke conception that you could not translate mature content to animation and that anime was not just something for kids. The above movie poster is extremely iconic and the film has been parodied many times over (you may not have even realized). The animation even holds up for the most part even though the film came out in 1988! Now of course, I do have to make the disclaimer that this film is something that you definitely should not watch under the influence of anything. If you're squeamish you may also find it hard to watch. Even so, its worth it to understand how exactly anime got to where it is today.
9.) Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Don't let the above poster fool you, this show is definitely not as cute or fluffy as it appears. What Madoka Magica turned out to be was one of the best deconstructions that I have ever watched, not only of the magical girl genre but themes that are commonplace in fiction. I'm a sucker for deconstructions of heroism and altruism so this show fits my tastes completely. If you don't believe me, watch the first three episodes and tell me otherwise. The writing is phenomenal, the animation superb, and it has a musical score that you can't help but love. Also, the series is only 11 episodes and is on Netflix Instant, so there it is easy to access in HD. Once you've finished the series you can move on the the movie Madoka Magica: Rebellion which quite simply was one of the best anime films I've seen, smashing sales records in Japan and was even submitted for an Academy Award (not nominated because of stupid reasons that I won't get into). Its a beautiful and tragic work that needs to be seen to be believed and believe me, it doesn't disappoint.
10.) FLCL
FLCL (pronounced "Fooly Cooly") is definitely the weirdest anime I've ever watched but makes this list because it is completely unlike anything else that I've watched. What you do find through all the wackiness is an absolute gem of animation that really pushes the boundaries of what animation can do. To put this in perpective, the show largely revolves around a Vespa-riding alien who gets her kicks out of whacking the protagonist over the head with a bass guitar. This wackiness is also made even stranger by the fact that it was produced by the same studio that made Evangelion. For some people, FLCL may prove to be too weird but I implore everyone to give it a shot, don't take it so seriously, and just strap yourself in for a wild ride. There are few shows that will entertain you more. Also, big shout-out to the amazing soundtrack.
11.) Anything by Mamoru Hosada
Saying any Mamoru Hosada film will do is a bit of an exaggeration since the man has directed only four films so far: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, and one classic favorite of mine: Digimon: Our War Game. All four of the films that I listed are phenomenal films and you can't go wrong with any of them. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time might be my favorite though Summer Wars is one of those films that resonates with me with its themes on family. The guy has a really simple, yet elegant approach to his films and often puts an emphasis on the more monotonous parts of life that we take for granted. Hosada's films are always well scored, look great, and have real, relatable characters. With Miyazaki's retirement, Hosada might be the face of the anime film industry at the moment.
12.) Baccano!
Baccano! has gangsters, immortals, alchemists, and a train known as the Flying Pussyfoot. It has three different and yet connected storylines that each take place in a different year. It has a cast of named characters so long that it feels the need remind you every opening which character was which lest you forget. It all comes together into one of the best anime experiences I've ever had. Baccano! is yet again one of the stylistically great pieces that comes equipped with everything you'd want. There also isn't a forgettable character in the show; from the bumbling thieving couple Isaac and Miria to the tattooed bootlegger Jacuzzi Splott, there will be at least one character that makes a lasting impression on you. It also manages to combine its "on the surface level" jumbled plot into a wonderful storyline that manages to incorporate every single one of the characters to great effect. If you haven't gotten around to watching this show, which came out 2007, you should get on it quickly.
13.) Full Metal Panic!
Sometimes you just want to sit down and enjoy a good, old-fashioned mech anime. Unfortunately, that is not exactly what Full Metal Panic! is. In fact, you would not be crazy to think that you're just watching a high school slice of life/romance show after the first few episodes. However, stick around a bit longer and you actually get one of the best experiences out there in terms of mecha anime. One of the big reasons that I put this show on the list is because of its absolutely outstanding second season. The first season of Full Metal Panic! is definitely good but inconsistent. The second season is outstanding, period and is something that honestly should be viewed by all. Like most shows on this list, there is something here for everyone. There is humor in watching the socially inept mercenary Sousuke Sagara try and pass as a high school student while protecting Kaname Chidori, who manages to morph into more than just fanservice by the show's end. Its good, its simple, you won't be disappointed.
14.) Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Those looking for an anime about a genius who is too smart for their own good have two options: Death Note or Code Geass. If you're smart, you'll choose the latter and treat yourself to one of the best shows of the past decade. Lelouch is often that genius, most of the time finding that even the most well laid plans are often spoiled because of the irrational and unexpected behavior of human beings. The first season of Code Geass is absolutely thrilling with twists and turns being thrown your way. The second season has its detractors but is worth watching because this is one of those series' that actually manages to end the perfect way as opposed to giving its fans some dud. If you're looking for a show that manages to combine great mecha combat, smart dialogue, and a weird amount of fanservice than you've found the show for you.
15.) Psycho-Pass
In addition to being a big sucker for deconstructions of heroism, I am also a huge sucker for anything that deconstructs what exactly justice is. That is where Psycho-Pass lies, in a world where a system can determine whether you're a criminal or not, the system itself must have some sort of formula for passing down judgement. What you get with Psycho-Pass is an excellent cyberpunk detective show where nothing is ever black and white, just about every confrontation feels like a high-stakes psychological battle. You also get treated to some of the best music in any anime out there right now, especially that second opening. Quick disclaimer, if you are squeamish this show might not be for you. There is a pretty high level of body horror and gore but I can assure you that the rest of the show more than makes up for it.
16.) Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
If Neon Genesis Evangelion is considered to be the deconstruction of the super robot genre, than consider Gurren Lagann to be the reconstruction. Where Evangelion is angsty and psychological, Gurren Lagann supplies hot-blooded action and one of the most unique art styles to come out of any anime. While typically its one of those shows you watch to really earn your man card, its also surprisingly deep and touching in its own special way. The directing team for this show then went on to one-up themselves by producing Kill la Kill, one of my favorite animes that didn't quite make this list (Gurren Lagann is a bit more accessible). Gurren Lagann is a fun ride that never gets old no matter how many times I watch it. Quite literally, this show kicks logic to the curb and does the impossible.
17.) Trigun
Part of the Western anime boom of the 90's, Trigun is one of those shows that turned out to be way more popular in the West than in Japan. If you can stick with its ridiculously slow start you'll find that Trigun is a much more complex show than meets the eye. It's hero, Vash the Stampede is a pacifist criminal with a massive "double dollar" bounty on his head. What you get with Trigun is a show that manages to dig up Vash's troubled past and it quickly turns from a comical show to one that gets darker and darker leading up to its climax. Trigun is a very accessible show, similar to Cowboy Bebop, making use of a lot of Western cinematic devices. Storytelling is always a massive selling point to me for any anime and Trigun's story is deep, dark, and complex in so many different ways alongside a diverse cast of characters. If you want a show with some awesome action and storyline to match, this is a show for you.
18.) The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
I'll admit, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was one of those shows that was ridiculously popular at the beginning of my re-immersion into anime back in high school. I quickly dismissed it as a stupid slice of life show and didn't understand why people were so obsessed with some random schoolgirl, doing some ridiculous dance at cons everywhere. I'm not entirely sure what changed, but I found myself watching this show in the past year and found myself not only pleasantly surprised but actually understanding the hyper. Haruhi can be an intimidating show because there is so much hype around it and there is always the worry that it won't be able to live up to it. Don't you worry, this show is one of the most unique and creative shows out there. From its wacky viewing order (there is a perfect playlist on YouTube that has the right order), to its eclectic blend of genre and episode types, you really do not know what to expect each episode. This list definitely values anime that offers a variety of different attributes and Haruhi checks the boxes on each one. The show plays with a whole number of anime tropes as the entire SOS brigade does their best to keep their god (literally), Haruhi, from rewriting the universe. This is one of the most unique shows out there.
19.) The Big O
This is one of the entries on the list that definitely makes this it my own. The Big O carries a whole load of nostalgia for me and a rewatch of it reminded me of how good of a show it is. This is a show that absolutely bombed in Japan but found itself wildly popular in the West because it ran late on adult.swim and Toonami. In fact, its second season was released solely in the West, with Cartoon Network taking a production credit. Roger Smith is the top negotiator in Paradigm City, a place whose citizens have lost their memories. When negotiations fail, Roger is there in his giant robot or "megadeus" Big O. Like Trigun and Cowboy Bebop, Big O is episodic by nature and is one of the best shows out there in terms of tone. Everything is set up brilliantly, the atmosphere, the music, the scenery; this show is enjoyable to sit back and enjoy it. The Western influence on this show is also incredible. I would say that the closest Western show to Big O is Batman: The Animated Series which is known as one of the best adaptations of all time. Big O's style of episodic storytelling is excellent with each episode being strangely powerful. In addition you get treated to some excellent characters including R. Dorothy Wainwright whose chemistry with Roger, is one of the best parts of the series. The second season is where things get, how do I say, cerebral which can be a bit of a jarring switch. However, if one sticks with it, they'll find a really extraordinary piece of work here. An extremely underrated series and must watch.
20.) One of the Fate series'
Quick disclaimer; no, by a Fate series I do not mean the terrible original Fate/Stay Night series that this infamous little number came from. No, I'm talking about the newer works such as the prequel Fate/Zero and this past year's Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works. The latter show has not even been finished yet but I will tell you this right now, start watching it or at least start watching Fate/Zero. The slow pace may put you off at first, but you're in not only for a visual treat as well as a really intriguing plot. For those who like their action pretty, these shows are definitely for you. You might as well call the new Fate/StayNight something along the lines of Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Budget Works for how damn good the whole thing looks. As I said before however, these shows are not all about the budget. If you're looking for something on the cutting edge of what animation is capable nowadays, these shows are definitely what you're looking at.
So that is pretty much it for my list but don't expect this list to remain like this for long. As I continue to watch more anime, the list will change as well. However, let us say that you, the reader, have watched every single one of the shows on this list or none of them appeal to you, let me be the one to supply a few tips when it comes to what you want to watch next:
- Step out of your comfort zone: It is very easy to fall into the trap of simply watching the same kind of shows over and over again. Why? Because watching anime, like watching just about anything else, can be a big commitment and often it is easier to attach that time commitment to something you know you'll like. However, instead of just firing up another shounen immediately after finishing one, let me offer something to the contrary. Anime has so much to offer and it is a resource that should not go to waste. Revolutionary Girl Utena was one of those big risks that ended up paying off, as someone who had previously just been watching nothing but shounens. You don't know what you'll like until you find it, so go ahead and take risks.
- Don't let review scores influence you: Be aware that just because one person thinks a show is absolutely amazing, doesn't mean that you will love it. I may think everything on this list is the bees knees but you may think otherwise and that is great. However, review scores only tell part of the story and by their very nature are biased. At the same time, shows with a lower score also deserve your attention because there may be something you like there. If a show looks cool and has piqued your interest, go for it regardless of what others say. Don't judge anything until you've seen it yourself. Of course, you should still continue to read this blog.
- Avoid the long shows: You know those shows: Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, etc. These shows are so long, too established, and so bogged down with filler. Why watch a show that has over 300+ episodes when you could wrap up several shorter (and higher quality shows) in the same amount of time? However, like I said in the upper point; if that is really want you want, go for it.
- Spread the joy: The most fun that I have had as an anime fan has been discussing it with friends and introducing people to shows I think they'd like. So I encourage you, spread your love of anime to others, make your own list of things you think people should watch, Sit your friends down and fire up some Bebop; I guarantee you'll have a lot of fun.
