I want to know which anime I should watch/continue next.

[Johan Liebert]

I have thirty-five total anime to choose from, and I'd like for everyone to pick the five best from this list. Here is the list of anime:

*=Continue From Where I Left Off

1. From the New World (25)
2. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin (26)
3. Mushishi (26)
4. Gurren Lagann (27)*
5. Toradora! (25)
6. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (52)
7. Shiki (22)
8. Ef: A Tale of Memories (13)
9. Neon Genesis Evangelion (26)
10. Kill La Kill (24)*
11. Higurashi: When They Cry (50)
12. Baccano! (16)
13. Fullmetal Alchemist (51)*
14. Great Teacher Onizuka (43)
15. Serial Experiments Lain (13)
16. Hellsing (13)
17. Gungrave (26)
18. Angel Beats! (13)
19. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (26)
20. Claymore (26)
21. Psycho Pass (22)*
22. Now and Then, Here and There (13)*
23. Durarara! (24)
24. Bokurano (24)
25. Tokyo Ghoul (12)
26. Baka and Test (26)*
27. Genshiken (40)
28. Trigun (26)
29. H2O: Footprints in the Sand (12)
30. Nichijou (26)
31. Paranoia Agent (13)
32. Freezing (24+12 OVA)
33. Medaka Box (24)
34. Gantz (26)
35. Elfen Lied (13)

Oh, and here is a list of my ten favorite anime, in order:

1. Monster
2. Steins;Gate
3. Welcome to the NHK!
4. Yu Yu Hakusho
5. Future Diary
6. Code Geass
7. Berserk
8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
9. Fate/Zero
10. Attack on Titan

[Astolfo]

Gurren Lagann

Toradora!

Kill la Kill

Angel Beats!

Nichijou

[LordCowCowCowCowCowCowCowCow]

Shiki Shiki Shiki Shiki Shiki (I assume you wouldn't get this. Basically, I'm "married" on this site to one of the Halloween event's monsters, Shiki. I actually have yet to watch the show myself.)

 

Anyway, what Frey said mostly is what I'd suggest. Except I never watched GL or KlK. I'd replace those with Durarara! And Trigun (Though haven't watched Trigun in a looooong time and I don't remember much, just figured you'd enjoy it from your favorites list there.)

[Thar]

Shiki

Kill la Kill

Jojo's Bizarre Adventures

Baka and Test

Angel Beats

[Chiri Tsukikawa]

From the New World

Baccano!

Tokyo Ghoul

Genshiken

Toradora!

[Shradow]

I honestly couldn't choose 5 out of these, so you're getting 6 from me.

 

Kill la Kill

Gurren Lagann

Mushishi

Toradora!

Baccano!

Durarara!

[JessicaMuddy]

Nichijou is one of the only ones I know on that list (I don't watch lots of anime), and it is VERY funny, so I suggest you watch that.

 

Yukko Goes to a Coffee Shop is GREAT.

[.Rooster]

Why only anime? Any good hero animation marathon would be good to watch with your friends over some popcorn and fudge. Oh I misread the title.

[Aix]

[quote name="Noober" post="6508937" timestamp="1414783322"]

Why only anime? Any good hero animation marathon would be good to watch with your friends over some popcorn and fudge. Oh I misread the title.[/quote]
Because some people like anime. Don't even try to compare the two, anime is far different trope-wise, and the aesthetic is far different as well. I, for one, find most western animation to be rather ugly.


Quick comments on everything I've watched.
1. From the New World (25) - Pretty good.
4. Gurren Lagann (27)* - Not a personal favourite, but most people like it.
5. Toradora! (25) - Sure, a nice romcom with a tsundere.
6. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (52) - Yes, one of the best anime out there.
7. Shiki (22) - Not bad, but not the greatest either. One of anime's best horrors, though that doesn't entirely say much.
10. Kill La Kill (24)* - Nah. Not that great.
11. Higurashi: When They Cry (50) - I like Shiki better than this, but I haven't finished this so.
12. Baccano! (16) - Great.
18. Angel Beats! (13) - Nah, too rushed and bland characters.
21. Psycho Pass (22)* - Inferior copy of Ghost in the Shell
23. Durarara! (24) - It's decent.

Ghost in the Shell would be my number one pick here.

After that, Baccano! and From The New World.

[Peridank]

-Angel Beats (Character wise... I wouldn't say bland... more like... simple. Very easy for me to fall in love with, and they get yanked away ;_; )

-Baka to Test (There is a reason Ninja Pervert is my Avi lol... I found the show hilarious in my opinion)

-Shiki (I loved the thrill of that one... it was amazing...)

-Elfen Lied (Could've gave an excuse to have clothing =_= but overall... very addicting to watch)

-Hellsing (3 words... BAD F***ING A**!!!)

 

(Not in that order)

 

I wanted to put in Gurran... but it got beat :/

 

A honorable mention that would be on this list IF it was listed... is Black Lagoon...

[.Rooster]

My old friend would recommend AoT and Code Geass. Anime is Japanese for Animation, so I do not really understand you Aix. Plus there are mature and silly series of both 'Western' and 'Asian' 'toons. I personally think it is kind of stupid to just dismiss Western Animation, as neither are inferior.

[Rodrigo]

Nichijou if you want a good laugh.

[Aix]

My old friend would recommend AoT and Code Geass. Anime is Japanese for Animation, so I do not really understand you Aix. Plus there are mature and silly series of both 'Western' and 'Asian' 'toons. I personally think it is kind of stupid to just dismiss Western Animation, as neither are inferior.

Did you not understand how I said tropes and aesthetic is different?

[.Rooster]

Did you not understand how I said tropes and aesthetic is different?

 

But how are they different? It seems all anime fans can say to back the reason that they think anime deserves its own subject is that they are 'different'. You may think the aesthetics and tropes are different, but I think they shouldn't have their own subject because anime is not what some people think it is. It is just a Japanese word for animation. It is not a medium or anything and for your info, watch Daria, Matt Groening toons and the Christmas ep of Hey Arnold. 'Hey Arnold!' is 'deep and meaningful' (The christmas episode can easily make people cry, much like episode 19 of Naruto) at certain times and the others are 'mature'. LoK and Avatar: tLA are 'animesque' and they have the same tropes and aesthetics. Tell me when you have evidence to back your theory up.

 

Good luck. And here are some discussions to keep you occupied.

 

http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=665121&show=140

http://www.crunchyroll.co.uk/forumtopic-807827/the-anime-is-a-cartoon-argument

http://www.crunchyroll.co.uk/forumtopic-779344/is-anime-cartoon

[Aix]

But how are they different? It seems all anime fans can say to back the reason that they think anime deserves its own subject is that they are 'different'. You may think the aesthetics and tropes are different, but I think they shouldn't have their own subject because anime is not what some people think it is. It is just a Japanese word for animation. It is not a medium or anything and for your info, watch Daria, Matt Groening toons and the Christmas ep of Hey Arnold. 'Hey Arnold!' is 'deep and meaningful' (The christmas episode can easily make people cry, much like episode 19 of Naruto) at certain times and the others are 'mature'. LoK and Avatar: tLA are 'animesque' and they have the same tropes and aesthetics. Tell me when you have evidence to back your theory up.

 

Good luck. And here are some discussions to keep you occupied.

 

http://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=665121&show=140

http://www.crunchyroll.co.uk/forumtopic-807827/the-anime-is-a-cartoon-argument

http://www.crunchyroll.co.uk/forumtopic-779344/is-anime-cartoon

Uh. LoK and Avatar have large anime influences, but they are strictly American. I can't say as much, since it's been a while since I've watched Avatar, but let's look at RWBY instead. Sure RWBY has animesque art, and many of its tropes, but it is not anime, it still carries a lot of the marks of American animation. Of course art and media always influences each other. But you're like saying music that borrows some Baroque elements is Baroque. Overlap does not make something the same as something else.

 

However, the above examples (Avatar and RWBY) are similar enough to anime that most of the anime fanbase still enjoys it, while many, many others stray farther away from Eastern influences. Sure, both anime and Western cartoons are by dictionary definition cartoons, but the connotations of "cartoon" and "anime" are vastly different, and the tastes of people who enjoy them are often different. Your failure is that you are sticking by denotations when culture and society uses connotations.

 

Lastly, again, the aesthetics. I will not argue that Avatar and RWBY both have animesque art, but both use features of American animation, particularly in their exaggerations (for example, the fighting dust cloud thing, and the funny expressions). Western cartoons prefer to be either realistic/caricatures and/or funny-looking, while in general, anime aims for cute and/or clean or smooth. The proof of this is if you showed someone with any knowledge of anime a picture, they will be able to pick out immediately if it's anime or Western.

[.Rooster]

Uh. LoK and Avatar have large anime influences, but they are strictly American. I can't say as much, since it's been a while since I've watched Avatar, but let's look at RWBY instead. Sure RWBY has animesque art, and many of its tropes, but it is not anime, it still carries a lot of the marks of American animation. Of course art and media always influences each other. But you're like saying music that borrows some Baroque elements is Baroque. Overlap does not make something the same as something else.

 

However, the above examples (Avatar and RWBY) are similar enough to anime that most of the anime fanbase still enjoys it, while many, many others stray farther away from Eastern influences. Sure, both anime and Western cartoons are by dictionary definition cartoons, but the connotations of "cartoon" and "anime" are vastly different, and the tastes of people who enjoy them are often different. Your failure is that you are sticking by denotations when culture and society uses connotations.

 

Lastly, again, the aesthetics. I will not argue that Avatar and RWBY both have animesque art, but both use features of American animation, particularly in their exaggerations (for example, the fighting dust cloud thing, and the funny expressions). Western cartoons prefer to be either realistic/caricatures and/or funny-looking, while in general, anime aims for cute and/or clean or smooth. The proof of this is if you showed someone with any knowledge of anime a picture, they will be able to pick out immediately if it's anime or Western.

 

So you were talking about the artwork and connotation only. I was saying that those animated cartoons used anime tropes, not that they were anime, but about the definition I was basically using denotation. I do that a lot. But there are Asian cartoons that look verrry odd!

[Aix]

So you were talking about the artwork and connotation only. I was saying that those animated cartoons used anime tropes, not that they were anime, but about the definition I was basically using denotation. I do that a lot. But there are Asian cartoons that look verrry odd!

But I didn't avoid tropes. The tropes ARE different. Unless you for some reason have a different definition of tropes than I do.

 

As for Asian cartoons that look odd, that's true. Things like Astro Boy do look a lot different, and I will agree that most anime fans would not find it appealing. One Piece is a more recent example. However, even so, the aesthetics still look more eastern than western.

[Shradow]

Well, stuff like Astro Boy and other Osamu Tezuka works are like that because his style was inspired very heavily by Disney, so in that case it's western art influencing eastern art.

 

I've taken a whole college course on Japanese media, so I could really go into the specifics of anime vs western animation, but I'm lazy. I also don't have my notes in order to give the best explanation.

[Johan Liebert]

Because some people like anime. Don't even try to compare the two, anime is far different trope-wise, and the aesthetic is far different as well. I, for one, find most western animation to be rather ugly.


Quick comments on everything I've watched.
1. From the New World (25) - Pretty good.
4. Gurren Lagann (27)* - Not a personal favourite, but most people like it.
5. Toradora! (25) - Sure, a nice romcom with a tsundere.
6. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (52) - Yes, one of the best anime out there.
7. Shiki (22) - Not bad, but not the greatest either. One of anime's best horrors, though that doesn't entirely say much.
10. Kill La Kill (24)* - Nah. Not that great.
11. Higurashi: When They Cry (50) - I like Shiki better than this, but I haven't finished this so.
12. Baccano! (16) - Great.
18. Angel Beats! (13) - Nah, too rushed and bland characters.
21. Psycho Pass (22)* - Inferior copy of Ghost in the Shell
23. Durarara! (24) - It's decent.

Ghost in the Shell would be my number one pick here.

After that, Baccano! and From The New World.

Now, I tried the movie a little while ago, and, although it was very unique story-wise and in art and animation, I don't remember finding it to be as amazing as everyone says it is. That's why I want to watch the anime. So, my question is: Why is Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex so good? I'd like to know say, maybe three or four things, that make it a cut above from most other anime series. And I'd like to know if I should watch it dubbed in English.

By the way, I finished Kill La Kill on Saturday sonewhere around 1:00 AM. I actually really enjoyed it. I think I ranked it at #5. I've never been one for comedy/action anime, but Kill La Kill was an exception. And I started Mushishi last week, watching the first ten episodes, then decided to watch Kill La Kill. I will say, though, that Mushishi gave me a "masterpiece" vibe. But, I don't know if I want to continue it right now because it episodic. It's not like I'm against episodic anime; I'm just not in the mood to watch one at the moment. Oh, and before I forget, I'd like to know some anime that have exceptionally well-made English dubbing.

[Peridank]

Again... Black Lagoon... also... if you can grasp fucked up concepts... FLCL... believe me... there is a story in there.

[Shradow]

Glad you liked Mushishi. I see what you mean, though. While I do absolutely adore the show, 10/10, it took me awhile to watch through it, and I've still got the second half of season 2 to watch. Also, did you watch the sub or dub? I only ever watched the sub, though I know FUNimation dubbed it, I just can't bring msyelf to leave Ginko's Japanese voice.

 

The dub of Baccano! is one of the few where I flat out say the dub is better. The sub is perfectly fine, but the dub gives everyone accents like one would have in New York and stuff, and it actually works superbly well. FUNimation dubs are pretty much always good, but that one's amazing.

[Smear]

4. Gurren Lagann (27)*
5. Toradora! (25)
10. Kill La Kill (24)*
13. Fullmetal Alchemist (51)*
21. Psycho Pass (22)*
23. Durarara! (24)

Gurren Lagaan - Amazing anime. Seriously one everyone needs to watch. About mechs and has the best character in Anime.
Toradora! - Beautiful romance anime. The character developments really good. Worth the watch.
Kill la Kill - Seems like a really comedic anim with no story at first. Once you get into it, the plots actually really good. It's a lot of fun to watch. Also the boobs aren't too bad ;)
Fullmetal Alchemist - If you like mainstream, or even if you don't, you'll enjoy this. You get really attached to the characters and it makes you feel a fair bit. Great action too. I recommend watching brotherhood. Much better than the original.
Psycho Pass - This is a psychological thriller that has a plot that pulls you in. You get familiar with the world in the anime and love the characters. It's definitely interesting to watch and it's well worth it.
Durarara! - This is probably the top one I would recommend. Seriously amazing plot, and the characters are probably some of the best I've ever seen. I would say this is the one you should really consider.

A few more things I'll recommend:
Bakuman.
Clannad
K Project
Mirai Nikki
Anohana

All are definitely top of the line you should watch.

[Johan Liebert]

Gurren Lagaan - Amazing anime. Seriously one everyone needs to watch. About mechs and has the best character in Anime. Toradora! - Beautiful romance anime. The character developments really good. Worth the watch. Kill la Kill - Seems like a really comedic anim with no story at first. Once you get into it, the plots actually really good. It's a lot of fun to watch. Also the boobs aren't too bad ;)Fullmetal Alchemist - If you like mainstream, or even if you don't, you'll enjoy this. You get really attached to the characters and it makes you feel a fair bit. Great action too. I recommend watching brotherhood. Much better than the original. Psycho Pass - This is a psychological thriller that has a plot that pulls you in. You get familiar with the world in the anime and love the characters. It's definitely interesting to watch and it's well worth it.Durarara! - This is probably the top one I would recommend. Seriously amazing plot, and the characters are probably some of the best I've ever seen. I would say this is the one you should really consider.
A few more things I'll recommend:
Bakuman.
Clannad
K Project
Mirai Nikki
Anohana
All are definitely top of the line you should watch.

If you read my favorite anime, I had Mirai Nikki/Future Diary in my top ten. Plus, I've already finished both Clannad series (the first one was mediocre, while After Story was an emotional masterpiece, in a sense), Anohana (a bit too short for me to really get into the characters), and Bakuman (been awhile, but I did finish it; got really repetitive after season one until the end of season three). And I said in a post on this topic that I finished Kill La Kill and it's #5 on my favorite anime of all time. And Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is also in my top ten, as I stated. I've seen the first eight episodes of Gurren Lagann, and can guarantee that none of the characters could possibly be one of my top ten favorite anime characters of all time. I'm sorry if I sound slightly rude with what I've said up to this point. I'm very critical with anime. Now, in my opinion, After Story, Anohana, and Bakuman are #15, #16, and #18, respectively. I do need to re-watch After Story, though. If you look at my top ten, I'd easily recommend that you should watch any of the ones you haven't already watched.

[Smear]

If you read my favorite anime, I had Mirai Nikki/Future Diary in my top ten. Plus, I've already finished both Clannad series (the first one was mediocre, while After Story was an emotional masterpiece, in a sense), Anohana (a bit too short for me to really get into the characters), and Bakuman (been awhile, but I did finish it; got really repetitive after season one until the end of season three). And I said in a post on this topic that I finished Kill La Kill and it's #5 on my favorite anime of all time. And Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is also in my top ten, as I stated. I've seen the first eight episodes of Gurren Lagann, and can guarantee that none of the characters could possibly be one of my top ten favorite anime characters of all time. I'm sorry if I sound slightly rude with what I've said up to this point. I'm very critical with anime. Now, in my opinion, After Story, Anohana, and Bakuman are #15, #16, and #18, respectively. I do need to re-watch After Story, though. If you look at my top ten, I'd easily recommend that you should watch any of the ones you haven't already watched.

Ahh sorry, I looked past the top ten and went on with what I thought you should watch out of that list sorry haha. I was just saying my top Anime.
I was a bit distracted while writing that whole thing :s

[.Rooster]

But I didn't avoid tropes. The tropes ARE different. Unless you for some reason have a different definition of tropes than I do.

 

As for Asian cartoons that look odd, that's true. Things like Astro Boy do look a lot different, and I will agree that most anime fans would not find it appealing. One Piece is a more recent example. However, even so, the aesthetics still look more eastern than western.

 

Anime = Cartoons =/= Anime. Anime does not deserve its own genre since it is animation. End of.