Anime for Anime Impared

A better way of writting the title of this thread would have been "Anime for people who don't watch, or don't think they like anime" but that's too long.

I admit: I find it really hard to get into most anime. I can't think of a big definitive reason why... sometimes I think the plots are cliche or too slow, somtimes I find the dialog (in both English and Japanese) mediocre, and I don't like a lot of anime music. But I overlook those typical problems in many other types of media, so I figure I must not be watching the right anime.

The only Japanese series that I've liked since 6 or 7 years ago (I watched some bad Toonami stuff back then) is Cowboy Bebop. I also enjoyed some of the Miyazaki stuff in Japanese (the only one I saw in English was Spirited Away), but on a lesser level; the same kind of entertainment you get from a realy realy good childrens movie. Other than that, I can't stand the stuff I've sampled... but I feel like there should be more than just one series and a handfull of cute movies that I like. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way.

Anyway, point of the thread: What are some series (or maybe movies) that you would recomend to someone who is new to anime, or who has an aversion to most anime? Maybe something different from most anime out there, or something so exceptional that it would change the mind of anyone who says they don't like anime.

I really don't know. FMA and Inuyasha are what got me into anime.

Akira and steamboy, both are brilliant films which stray away from all anime stereotypes, really, they are fantastic, better than miyazaki, better than disney.

wow the is just a who list out there for great anime.

FMA
Cowboy Bebop
Inuyasha
Naruto
Bleach
s.cry.ed
elfen lied
samurai champloo
initial D

Just ot name a few

I don't watch TV that much anymore, and due to that, I haven't been watching my favorite animes for quite a while now (which might change). BUT, I do recommend for people who don't like Anime, to consider watching Paranoia Agent and Cowboy Bebop, both excellent anime is my opinion.

-TFS

Originally Posted by turkishgold11

wow the is just a who list out there for great anime.

I meant it to be different than a regular "what's your favorite anime" list by emphasizing that these should be Anime that might appeal to people who say they don't like anime. People like this have probably already seen popular shows like Inuyasha and didn't find them to their taste, so that changes the flavor of what shows/movies should be listed. Bad metaphore.

I really liked Trigun. It was original (characters, story, plot. You name it), and it isn't your typical anime. It's my most personal favorite anime. The whole storyline is great. I can't even begin to tell you how great this anime is (I'm surprised no one has mentioned Trigun yet)...

I couldn't really get into anime when I was young. Most we had was Sailor Moon, and I was always like, 'Dude, wtf, PUT SOME CLOTHES ON.' Then something called adult swim came along with promises of anime goodness.

Enter Inu-Yasha, got addicted for a while, then started watching Cowboy Bebop. And now I'm addicted to Naruto, how I did is a mystery.

Gungrave, Argentosoma, and my personal favourite- .Hack//SIGN, are all examples of great anime titles with serious themes. For a more humorous viewing, try Martian Successor Nadesico or Full Metal Panic. Ahhh, can't wait for.Hack//Roots to come out... *Sigh*

Originally Posted by Kittie Kara

Most we had was Sailor Moon, and I was always like, 'Dude, wtf, PUT SOME CLOTHES ON.'.

Hehehe, don't hate on Sailor Moon. If it weren't for the fact that Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z became so popular in the United States, it's doubtful that alot of people would get into alot of the better, lesser known Anime out there.

But that's a different discussion for a different topic.

Serial Experiments Lain. I know quite a few people who absolutely HATE anime, and I forced them to watch this, and they loved it.
It's mystery/drama/and a bit of the Matrix all mixed up into one. It's hard to explain, but you have to have an thoughtful, open mind in order to truly grasp all that this anime tries to accomplish.

It's kinda weird, but last night, my sister, who's a notorious anime-hater (going as far as calling them "chinese cartoons"... the nerve) sat through an episode of FLCL, and was actually laughing even louder than I was. So I'll be bold enough to say that if the subject at hand likes senseless cartoonish violence and random fun, FLCL can be a good opener.

Originally Posted by sadida

Hehehe, don't hate on Sailor Moon. If it weren't for the fact that Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z became so popular in the United States, it's doubtful that alot of people would get into alot of the better, lesser known Anime out there.

I didn't mean to sound like I hated it, I actually loved the series (Thanks to Tuxedo Mask ) It's just the transformation that made me say that :XD.

Even though there's so much good anime out there, I'm more into manga. One of my favorite manga series is Berserk. When I first read it, I expected it to be just another gorey, hack-and-slash type manga. But, I was wrong. As I read it more, I realized how well the characters and story was done. Although there is an anime version, I highlly suggest you read the manga instead. The anime ends with a cliffhanger, though the manga continues and explains the plot holes and such.

Trigun is also a good anime. Although I haven't read that much of the manga, I heard it was way better.

Well, I would definetly show Akira to them, it's what started the second wave of anime fandom afterall.. Though I wouldnt recommend it to the younger audience because it's a very graphic anime movie.


Evangelion neon genesis is another really good anime I would recommend. Awesome story, great animated action and some very interresting psychological elements.. The character development is absolutely fantastic. A live-action movie is in development as we speek, WETA studios (cg-animators for Lotr) is responsible for the CG animation. Can't wait =D.. though it's not coming out anytime soon. >.>

I think Azumanga would be a nice start for a lot of people. It's totally random, and people should be able to relate with the characters and situations.
For its randomness, I think FLCL would also be a great starter. Nobody understands it, and that's what would make it perfect for a lot of people.
Cowboy Bebop is a fantastic anime, and it doesn't have the overexaggerated expressions other anime can have.
And how could I forget, Miyazaki's films. They are the first anime-styled work I ever saw and I don't get how there could be anyone that could not love them after watching it.
I got a friend of mine started with manga by having her read Death Note and Naruto. Along with a few others, but those were the ones she seemed to like the most.

Otogi Zoshi, the first series...I have converted most of my friends and cousins...Mwahahaha...seriously, I tried them on Cowboy bebop and everything...
also anything by studio Ghibli is really good if you want to convert someone...