If you love anime or not, I'm glad you are here as I might be able to peak your interest and prove once again that the anime is not just for kids nor is it just boobs and short skirts as my wife thinks (and thank god, it is not boobs and short skirts for kids). Just as some people have binge watched Game of Thrones, Vikings or some other popular series, I have been doing the same with anime (and have never even seen an episode of GoT). That medium just seems to work for me.
Obviously, I have acquired some tastes over the years, that you might agree with or not.
Following is a list of anime series that I would recommend to check out if you have not (it will not include movies as this would make it even longer).
It does not mean that I have not enjoyed other anime, but these ones have somehow found a place in my heart. So the list is essentially what has clicked with me (don't worry, you might also find something you like at the end of the list)
Avatar the last Airbender
What's it also about: grief, loss, finding courage, solitude caused by power, getting over your mistakes.
Comments: Yes, I know, it is not an anime per se, but it still is an animated show and for the untrained eye, there is no difference. It is aimed for kids. So is Le Petit Prince. Who cares. It is a brilliant show and will stay one - filled with humour but also with a lot of character growth. And the growth/change is there for many different characters.
The world concept and magic in it is super clear
Highly recommend!
If you like this one: There is The Legend of Korra that could be seen as spinoff - it is not too bad but will not beat the first one.
Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit
What's it also about: Principles, doing what is right, family and bonds with strangers
Comments: This is a brilliant anime that not too many know about. Characters are realistic and everyone has a motivation. It is pleasure to watch and balances between fast paced action and slow movement. Highly recommend!
If you like this one: There are plenty that have fantasy, fights etc but to find something where there is kid - guardian (parent) relationship and neither of them is silly, that is rare.
Ghost in the Shell
What's it about: A team of experts fighting crime in future with high-tech: cybernetics, androids, etc
What's it also about: What does it mean to be a human, alive or have a personality?
Comments: There is a lot of that. It was recently turned into a movie. Don't watch that. Watch the first and second anime series (Stand alone complex and SAC 2nd GIG). You can also watch the anime movies (with the first one, keep in mind that it came before the move Matrix... yes, it influenced it a lot!)
Kino's Journey
What's it about: A girl on a talking motorcycle (like knight rider, but not a guy and not a car) travelling the world and visiting different places. She has a gun.
What's it also about: Philosophy, ethics, being human.
Comments: There is one from 2003 and one from 2017, both are nice in my opinion, though the first one did not seem to have a big budget. It does not look too special nor have great dubbing but there is something great in it. It slowed the world down for me and made me think. You love it or hate it.
Mushishi
What's it also about: have you ever read Zen stories? This will remind you that a bit, but will also be spooky and dark.
Comments: The haunting calm is perfect expression for this one. The series consists of different stories where the balance of the nature, otherworld and human world is somehow no longer there and our protagonist has to fix it. It is a slow paced anime but with one episode you could really feel as if you visited a different world.
If you like this one: Mermaid Forest, Bird of Fire. Just as this one they consist mostly of cautionary tales and have strong mythology
Spice and Wolf
What's it about: Holo, wolf god of harvest, is travelling with a merchant - accidentally learning the trade on the road
What's it also about: Loneliness, dreams, hopes. The urge to feel needed and remembered.
Comments: This has many funny/brilliant moments to quote. The relationship between the two is enjoyable and there are unexpected turns and twists.
From the New World
What's it about: Future. Kids with powers growing up and learning more and more about the world.
What's it also about: the cruelty of human kind. Who are the real monsters?
Comments: That one was a shocker for me. Not due to the story itself, which is mostly super cute, but the explanations in the end. Some images will just stay in my brain forever
Barakamon
What's it about: A stressed out calligrapher taking some time off in countryside, trying to improve his craft
What's it also about: Family, bonds between strangers, kids... a lot of kids.
Comments: If you want something that makes your heart sing, take this one. Funny, but also realistic slice of life.
Kids on the Slope
What's it about: 2 very different guys starting a jazz band
What's it also about: Friendship, doing what you need to do in order to feel alive, I guess also about finding your place in the world
Comments: Have you ever been in a band or jammed with someone? Have you ever been exactly on the same page with your partner? Yes! This anime gets it. They get it so right. This one too will make your heart sing.
If you like this one: Carole & Tuesday might work
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
What's it about: a group of youngsters are transported to a fantasy world and need to slay monsters to survive there.
What's it also about: Survival, sacrifices, grief, friendship
Comments: With so much Isekai around, this one does not seem too special on the first glance. However, the fights in this anime have weight. They are important. You can feel how everyone is fighting for their lives - and damn, this is so rare in anime that it even compensates the fan service, silly female clothes and stupid jokes in this one.
Violet Evergarden
What's it about: A human-doll war machine learns to fit in as a human after the war is over
What's it also about: Finding your purpose in life. What do you do when you have been made for a purpose and it no longer exists? Learning who you are.
Comments: This is a tale of growth and learning for the protagonist and it is a great one to follow.
Also, looks nice.
NANA
What's it about: Two young girls, both named NANA, one tries to become a rockstar, the other find love.
What's it also about: Feelings, relationships, messiness of life
Comments: I'm not sure why this one got stuck in my head - there is even one of the songs from it that always gets me the shivers. Is it maybe the realistic feelings presented? Or maybe it reminded me myself at age 20. Not sure, but it worked for me.
Hell Girl
What's it about: There is a web page that opens only at midnight - if you add someones name there, they will be taken to hell. However, your soul too will be taken there once you die.
What's it also about: Cruelty of humankind. Making hard choices and living with them. Human condition.
Comments: While rather dark, I love this one. The way how the evil-doers are punished just seems enjoyable... There is something so dark and human in the whole package.
If you like this one: UN-GO has something a bit similar
The Ancient Magus' Bride
What's it about: A girl disappointed in life sells herself and is purchased by a strange magus who wants to turn her into his wife
What's it also about: Being human, being awkward, finding your place in the world
Comments: Yes, this one is not ideal. Even the concept of buying someone to be your apprentice and later wife is messed up. But there is something sweet in it (not in the buying humans part, but in the anime itself)
Let's take Ainsworth - he has difficulties understanding the world and tries to do everything to understand it and fit in correctly. He is messed up and dark, but working on keeping a balance. Using mostly logic but failing with that. And that makes him somehow strangely more human like and enjoyable as a character.
Did not find anything in the list?
Fear no more. Here is some stuff that I feel was cool, but did not click this much. Maybe you will find something interesting here. (missing some animes still - nor my brain nor my notes are perfect - but it is at least something). I only dare to recommend stuff that I have watched myself, so in case you do not see your favourite 900 episode anime here... well, that is the reason. I prefer stuff that is finished and not too long.Category: Gore and Bloody Mess
Elfen Lied; Hellsing Ultimate; Black Lagoon; Parasyte -the maxim-; Attack on Titan; Another
Category: Unexpected wtf Twists
Puella Magi Madoka Magica; Berserker; Steins Gate; Astra Lost in Space; Claymore
Category: Awesome soundtrack that I still listen time to time
Death Note; Parasyte -the maxim-; Ergo Proxy; Elfen Lied
Category: Cool Action/adventure stuff
Samurai Champloo; Cowboy Bebop; Attack on Titan; The Rising of the Shield Hero; Samurai 7; Yona of the Dawn; Le Chevalier D'Eon; Made in Abyss; Goblin Slayer; Black Butler; Noragami Aragoto; The Heroic Legend of Arslan; Black Bullet; Blue Exorcist; Darker than Black; Overlord
Category: Not 100% sure I understand what is going on but will keep watching
Ergo Proxy; When They Cry; Devilman: Crybaby; Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne; Land of the Lustrous; Fooly Cooly, Furi Kuri
Category: The story is not finished, so I don't know if they will F it up or not, but the beginning is promising
A lot. Way too much to add all of it here.
Category: Too Long, Did not Watch
... [empty for obvious reasons]...
Bonus Category: My respect for using sign language in anime
Gangsta. (+ there is also a movie A Silent Voice)
