Show me a good anime please

[Gitty101]

Do yourself a favor, and watch Black Lagoon, Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star. Judging from what you specified on your list, you'll really like these. Go now!

 

[Palademon]

There's an article on this on the front page, but to me personally if it looks like anime, plays out like like an anime, an features similar morals and stuff as an anime it doesn't really matter where it was made.

Edit: I was gonna suggest the Avatar series (both of them) to you but that was shut down in your original post lol.

Yes, but anime is not a genre. Being like it doesn't make it. It's just animation from a certian place that has certain tropes due to their culture. They take animation more seriously so it's usually more diverse, and can be plot-driven, instead of the usual comedy only stuff in the west.

Anime is not a genre you can just stick something into that "acts" like anime. There is no "acting" like anime, since anime can also mean episodic series of comedy. We just tend to get more plot-driven shonen in the west because that's what the fans like.
Technically any animated thing could be called anime by your points, since anime is so diverse that probably any animation is like some anime.

 

[necromanzer52]

Cowboy bebop, trigun, baccano, fullmetal alchemist. But they've already been said so in an effort to be more original:

Beck:Mongolian chop squad. If playing music has anything to do with your life, you must watch this anime. Though it's not really the same kind of thing as avatar. Beck is completely grounded in reality.

And then you've got Mushi-shi & Kino's journey which are both just about a person travelling around, and meeting different kinds of people. I can see how people could find these shows boring & pointless, as neither has any kind of overall narrative, but I fucking love them.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

There's an article on this on the front page, but to me personally if it looks like anime, plays out like like an anime, an features similar morals and stuff as an anime it doesn't really matter where it was made.

But not all anime plays out the same or has the same themes. Monster is a serious, adult crime drama with no supernatural fight scenes or what-have-you, but it's still animé because that's just what we call Japanese animation. If you were to compare Monster to, say, Bleach, the only similarities you would be able to find are that they are both animated and both Japanese... that's it. Yet they're both animé.

 

[dimensional]

Persona 4 the Animation: The whole persona thing may be a little extravagant, but it's a very believable world, so I'm gonna recommend it.

I agree although its almost exactly the same as the game so if you have tried and hated the story in that you wont like this.

Oh actually Mirai Nikki (Future Diary) might fit all of your criteria. I must warn you that it contains dangerous levels of awesomeness and crazy shenanigans. It is also a mystery thing but darker and more mysterious....

Basically 12 (13?) people get phones that predict the future in various different ways and with different constraints and rules and they must hunt each other down and kill each other for the last man standing to become the new God of Time and Space.

This was what I was going to suggest but you beat me to it Mirai Nikki is my favourite anime in a long time so entertaining if a little dark I guess and 2nd is a fantastic character and great fun to watch.

The above 2 would probably fit all your criteria except maybe the not too japanese style art which is a bit vague everyone has their own definition of this after all.

I would recommend K-ON but its got pretty much zero action and does not have a world changing story in fact it has a very simple story but it fits the rest of the criteria. Actually scrap that you would probably hate it just go for Mirrai Nikki and Persona 4 they are much more pleasing and damn good.

 

[DarkRyter]

Seriously ?
Orihime (bleach) is the exact manifestation of "squealing mouse helpless tits", and Nami (one piece) is "exaggerated bad-ass tits"

I have no idea who those characters are.

 

[Clinky]

Someone has already mentioned FLCL(Fooly Cooly), but I'd like to mention that the creators of Avatar actually used that show as part of their inspiration. I've read it several times before and I believe it is actually written in the series official art book(I'd double check but that book is thick and covers a lot of production notes. I am not going through all of it just for that one bit.)

Another series that supposedly influenced the series was Samurai Champloo, actually if I'm not mistaken Toph was partially inspired by a one off character in the series as well.

If you like Avatar and you really are willing to check out some anime then I recommend looking to what inspired them in the first place and try working from there. For example if you find you like Samurai Champloo then check out Cowboy Bebop as it was directed by the same man or something like that. Both series are pretty short (FLCL = 6 episode run, Samurai Champloo = 26) so it shouldn't take very long to look through them. Heck FLCL can be watched as a nice long afternoon movie so to speak.

Oh and they are both available for free for streaming on Hulu.

 

[GrandmaFunk]

If you loved Avatar you would probably really enjoy Moribito and Twelve Kingdoms.

Both feature strong female characters and incredibly rich fantasy settings.

 

[Weaver]

I'm going to throw Hyouka at you because it's new and fucking awesome. No sexy times for you to rage at either XD

I'm really, really disappointed with Hyouka personally. I love KyoAni. I'd go as far to say they're my favourite animation studio in the world. However, I'm having such a difficult time with Hyouka. I find the mysteries boring and mundane.

You know what really isn't a big deal? What isn't worth 3 episodes of exploration? That the ending a crappy high school movie like 10 people watch is what the writer intended. I just want it to be over so we can get started on Chū-2 Byō.

Monster is a serious, adult crime drama with no supernatural fight scenes or what-have-you, but it's still animé because that's just what we call Japanese animation. If you were to compare Monster to, say, Bleach, the only similarities you would be able to find are that they are both animated and both Japanese... that's it. Yet they're both animé.

We should probably put this discussion in that "Can americans make anime" article

I liked monster, in that it was pretty refreshing. The main character was an adult, acted like an adult and the German/European setting was quite nice. My one complaint with it is MAN, did it ever progress slowly. I mean, I know in a crime/mystery/intrigue style show you don't want to just lay down all your plot points and twists at once, but it all just unfolded very slowly.

 

[Weaver]

Hey there anime lovers!

Me, I`ve always hated all kinds of anime series BUT I`ve watched Avatar the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra lately and I have to say they are really good.

So maybe someone can point me to another series that has the same strengths:
- no overly effeminate male characters. (I mean it)
- no big eyed female characters that sound like a squealing mouse and are either helpless tits or exaggerated bad-ass tits on-a-stick.
- reasonably believable world.
- no super exaggerated overpowered characters, all the special powers they have are reasonable.
- good amount of action.
- serious world changing story while also being funny.
- "not too Japanese" visual style

Thanks, and looking forward to finding another series as good as Avatar.

Does avatar really have special powers that one could consider "reasonable?".

IMO you should ignore some people in this thread. You're clearly looking for a shonen action anime (or maybe just an action anime) and they're telling you to watch slice of life shows, which is the exact opposite of what you want.

Try Samurai Champloo. It's a bit silly, a bit serious, but it's a pretty good show that I think meets your criteria.

I actually think Wakfu, a French show, might be up your alley.

 

[Vhite]

Ive got just what you need.
Baccano!

 

[Malek]

Seriously ?
Orihime (bleach) is the exact manifestation of "squealing mouse helpless tits", and Nami (one piece) is "exaggerated bad-ass tits"

I have no idea who those characters are.

You forgot Orihime? She's the girl that would scream Ichigo's name 300 times a fight and every time he was about to lose he would hear her and remember he had friends and would become even more retardedly overpowered. It was awful and annoying.

By the way Deadman Wonderland is pretty good and pretty much fits all of those but it's extremely gory and depressing.

 

[Spacelord]

I'd recommend Samurai Champloo because, barring the non-Japanese criterion (it's set in feudal Japan after all), I think fits all other criteria. It's sword-fighting goodness set to a pretty good hip-hop soundtrack. Pretty good story too. Oh yeah and it's made by the guys that also made Cowboy Bebop.

Spoiler: the intro

 

[DarkRyter]

You forgot Orihime? She's the girl that would scream Ichigo's name 300 times a fight and every time he was about to lose he would hear her and remember he had friends and would become even more retardedly overpowered. It was awful and annoying.

You mean orange bleach?

Actually since I am a dick it is an anime. Its animated so its an anime. I dont give a shit about your twisted definition of what anime is but your wrong.

okay. you seem pretty trustworthy.

 

[Canadamus Prime]

"'You can't have eggs, bacon, SPAM, and sausage without the SPAM!'
'But I don't like SPAM!!'"

You can't have Japanese Animation, or Anime for short, without the Japanese.

 

[Sheo_Dagana]

Parroting Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Also, shame on everyone for not mentioning a single Gundam series. Do not watch Gundam Wing, as that show does not fit your specifications. I highly recommend staring with 08th MS Team, if you want to give Gundam a shot. You can get a feel for the franchise, this series is set in the main universe (Gundam has alternate universes) and the show is only 12/13 episodes long, so it's easy to get through. The English dub is also good. Most Gundam series can be watched on Youtube.

If you like strong female characters, watch Fate/Stay Night or Fate/Zero (prequel, so watch it second.) Avoid One Piece, Bleach, Naruto, and Death Note. Are they popular? Yes. Do they fit your specifications? No.

lastly, if you enjoy mysteries, I'd highly recommend Monster, which is available on Netflix. Monster is a very Western-style anime that fits your specifications. It's a great show, but 70 episodes is not to be scoffed at.

There's my contribution.

 

[The Wykydtron]

I'm going to throw Hyouka at you because it's new and fucking awesome. No sexy times for you to rage at either XD

I'm really, really disappointed with Hyouka personally. I love KyoAni. I'd go as far to say they're my favourite animation studio in the world. However, I'm having such a difficult time with Hyouka. I find the mysteries boring and mundane.

You know what really isn't a big deal? What isn't worth 3 episodes of exploration? That the ending a crappy high school movie like 10 people watch is what the writer intended. I just want it to be over so we can get started on Chū-2 Byō.

Monster is a serious, adult crime drama with no supernatural fight scenes or what-have-you, but it's still animé because that's just what we call Japanese animation. If you were to compare Monster to, say, Bleach, the only similarities you would be able to find are that they are both animated and both Japanese... that's it. Yet they're both animé.

We should probably put this discussion in that "Can americans make anime" article

I liked monster, in that it was pretty refreshing. The main character was an adult, acted like an adult and the German/European setting was quite nice. My one complaint with it is MAN, did it ever progress slowly. I mean, I know in a crime/mystery/intrigue style show you don't want to just lay down all your plot points and twists at once, but it all just unfolded very slowly.

Really? I rather liked that arc. Though i've always liked the Closed Room stuff anyway.

For some reason the fact that the mysteries are of no consequence and are quite petty makes it more enjoyable to me... It must be more about the characters rather than the actual mysteries, or the characters solving the mystery makes the mystery more interesting.

I still can't tell you why I like it so much because any synopsis is going to make it sound so boring if you break it down.

I don't think i've watched anything from this studio before, is this Kyoani in the same vein? I might look it up

 

[loa]

Try death note.
The only "super power" in it is the titular notebook that kills everyone whose name is written into it and the series is about how a raving lunatic wants to change the world with it by punishing all criminals with instant death while the police tries to stop him.
Unlike most anime I have seen, it doesn't rely on fighting or "getting stronger" to create suspense which it does quite well.

 

[Gatx]

Since you're coming off of Avatar, I would recommend FLCL, which was apparently very influential for them (probably more in terms of animation than story). Supposedly every member of the team working on Avatar was required to watch FLCL.

Already mentioned above but definitely check out Fate/Zero, highly recommended. Alternate history crossover fanfiction, but professionally written, and good. Second season opens with King Arthur, Alexander the Great, and Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, fighting against Cthulhu, who was summoned by Gilles de Rais. How does that not sound awesome!? But I have to disagree with some of the above posts - watch it FIRST, even if it is a prequel that came out after. For one thing you're not missing out on any story because, you know, prequel, but also the Stay Night anime just isn't good. The story is all over the place because it tried to incorporate elements from all possible endings of the game, and the animation is just subpar, especially when compared to Zero which is practically movie quality.

How about IGPX?


And anime is cartoons.

Holy crap, someone else who watched it!!

I'd also recommend watching the English dub. It's not something you'll hear often from more "hardcore" anime fans, and if you're just getting into anime you'll probably watch the English dub anyway, but man is the voice talent in this show amazing. Haley Joel Osment, Mark Hamill, and Lance Henriksen, I repeat, Lance Henriksen!

 

[BelmontWolf]

GAOGAIGAR!!!! or the origional gundam series