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[zulux21]

Bebop was okay I guess, but I liked Samurai Champloo more. Definitely recommend Champloo.
Seeing quite a few Berserk recommendations, and I'm afraid I can't echo them. The ending of that anime is the biggest WTF cliffhanger ever, and if you're not willing to check out the manga afterwards I honestly can't say it's worth it. I mean the anime's good stuff, but you're not getting a remotely complete story from it.

What's the deal with Ghost in the Shell? I see there are two TV seasons as well as some movies. What's generally recommended when it comes to that series?

the movies and series are not in the same universe and exist independent of them. I vastly prefer the tv series over the movies... but if you are more into artsy stuff the movies will likely appeal to you more.... Regardless of my thoughts on the ghost in the shell movies... they are both beautiful works of art when it comes to the animation and design.

If you want to check out the series though
universe 1
Ghost in the shell
Ghost in the shell innocence

universe 2
Ghost in the shell stand alone complex
ghost in the shell stand alone complex second gig
ghost in the shell stand alone complex solid state society (great movie, only movie from the tv series that adds to the plot instead of just recapping a season aka ignore the laughing man move and the individual 11 movie and just watch the seasons instead)

universe 3
ghost in the shell arise (still airing.... slowly... so very slowly)

 

[Mauricio_Magus]

JoJo

 

[Qblivion]

Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo

 

[foxuzamaki]

K-ON!

.

 

[8 X 11 Printer Paper]

since a number of people are recommending gintama I feel I should ask... when does it actually get any good?
I've chugged my way through the first 20 episodes and really found nothing redeeming about the series.... it had one of the worst first episodes in the history of shonen anime... (how do we make a splashy start.... I know... lets put what should logically be placed well after episode 10 as the first episode so it has more stuff going on then character introductions... and then just pretend it didn't happen when we hit episode 2)

I think it's trying to be a comedy through the first 20 episodes but in general it's not funny.

I was expecting it to get a plot at some point... but beyond character introductions it did nothing in regards to an overall plot.... I mean the stories and characters aren't horrible... but really aren't any better then generic shonen anime number 2772.

given how much it's praised I feel there has to be something redeeming somewhere (thus I am eventually going to read the manga) but when... I mean it does get arcs at some point right... it can't be 300 episodes of random crap each week right @_@

The show doesn't have true arcs like most other shounen shows, instead it puts mini arcs through out it in-between single ep/ double ep stories(though the first 40 episodes are missing the mini arcs and are all almost single ep stories). They generally last from 3-8 episodes.

 

[zulux21]

The show doesn't have true arcs like most other shounen shows, instead it puts mini arcs through out it in-between single ep/ double ep stories(though the first 40 episodes are missing the mini arcs and are all almost single ep stories). They generally last from 3-8 episodes.

ah so it runs more like detective conan... so if I don't like it through the first 20 eps will I just not like it... or is there some big turning point where it becomes a lot better (such as fairy tail where the first 20 eps or so aren't very good, but after that it's a decent shonen show)

 

[The Silver]

Legend of the Galactic Heroesspace opera spanning years across a galaxy, I consider this to be the greatest anime by a wide margin, if you watch this prepare to never see an anime as good ever again)

Ganktsuou: the Count of Monte Cristo: (the classic story but set in the far future and absolutely beautiful to look at)

Berserkfar and away the best dark fantasy Japan has to offer)

Monstera reverse murder mystery, a man on the hunt for someone who can only be described as a Monster)

Fate/Zerohistoric figures from the past brought to the present day by magi to kill each each and gain a power to grant any wish)

 

[Tripolygon]

I'm disappointed there is no sports anime mentioned in this thread, just the usual Bebop, Shamploo etc etc.

Sports
Kenichi
Hajime no Ippo
Initial D
Prince of Tennis
Ginga e Kickoff
Yowamushi Pedal

Mischievous and Funny
Keroro Gunso
Oh! Edo Rocket
Tonari no seki-kun
Desert Punk

Stuck somewhere and trying to kill each other
Sword Art Online
Log Horizon
B-Toom

Vampire, Devil and Zombie
Ao no Exorcist
Blood+
Hellsing
Highschool of the Dead
Darker Than Black
Code:Breaker
Devil May Cry

Samurai and Swords
Hakuouki
Afro Samurai
Samurai X
Blade Of The Immortal
Samurai 7
Samurai Champloo
Shigurui

Family and Clans
Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan
Bleach
Kekkaishi

 

[Shadownet]

Code Geass

Death Note

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Hellsing Ultimate

Cowboy Behop

Those are the best.

Pretty much this. Though may I add Samurai Champloo? Pretty mature stuff, short series and interesting setting.

FMA:Brotherhood is GOAT though.

If you want something really strange, try Samurai Flamenco. If you like football try Eyeshield 21.

Edit: Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple is kick ass too.

 

[SargerusBR]

Death Note
Psycho Pass
Akira
Cowboy Bebop
Berserk
Monster

 

[VanillaCakeIsBurning]

Fate/Zero is a definite watch if you liked Titan imo.

 

[zulux21]

I'm disappointed there is no sports anime mentioned in this thread, just the usual Bebop, Shamploo etc etc.

you obviously not only missed the discussion about major and one outs, but missed watching them in general since they aren't on your list

I imagine there isn't much mention of them because the OP doesn't want long shows, and most sports shows are long... seriously though people... if you liked death note try giving one outs a try at some point... it may be a baseball anime, but it feels a lot like death note with all the psychological games and carefully planed out uh... plans... (my brain is starting to fail... time for sleep I guess lol)

 

[The Silver]

you obviously not only missed the discussion about major and one outs, but missed watching them in general since they aren't on your list

I imagine there isn't much mention of them because the OP doesn't want long shows, and most sports shows are long... seriously though people... if you liked death note try giving one outs a try at some point... it may be a baseball anime, but it feels a lot like death note with all the psychological games and carefully planed out uh... plans... (my brain is starting to fail... time for sleep I guess lol)

and if you watch those two then also make sure to watch Kaiji and Akagi

then read the Liar Game manga if you still want more.

 

[8 X 11 Printer Paper]

ah so it runs more like detective conan... so if I don't like it through the first 20 eps will I just not like it... or is there some big turning point where it becomes a lot better (such as fairy tail where the first 20 eps or so aren't very good, but after that it's a decent shonen show)

The earlier episodes of Gintama are by far the worse but the general comedy style won't drastically change (though I can't remember much about the early episodes other then tolerating them). If your looking for more seriousness that will come up with the mini-arcs being put into play. Gintama both in the Anime and Manga took some time to figure out it's identity, but at it's core it's a comedy that can pull of seriousness and action when needed.

 

[SargerusBR]

I'm disappointed there is no sports anime mentioned in this thread, just the usual Bebop, Shamploo etc etc.

Sports
Kenichi
Hajime no Ippo
Initial D
Prince of Tennis
Ginga e Kickoff
Yowamushi Pedal

No Captain Tsubasa love?

 

[Trent Strong]

Death Note is the best anime ever made. It's really dumb, but holy shit is it entertaining.

 

[Hazaro]

1. Mature-leaning themes / not for kids - Was a little worried at the beginning of Attack on Titan because Eren is such a whiny mother fucker through the first few episodes. Fortunately he grows up into a true badass. Doesn't need to be super violent or hardcore or anything, but not really looking for Saturday morning cartoon type stuff
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a real grey vs grey space opera.

2. Newish / Big-budget / high production value - That said, it's mostly hand drawn cartoons so maybe I don't know wtf I'm talking about and the early shit is just as good.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a bit rough, but a good chunk of the series is now in BR if that's to your liking. The content and characters are the focus and the show conveys them well.

3. Shorter-ish? Anime movies? - I don't mind getting into a longer series but would like to be able to realistically finish a series without going full balls out.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes has 26 ep arcs that are mostly tight together. I was intimidated and held off a long time, but after starting I wanted to do nothing else but marathon it.

So anyway I guess that's a start. The above is just loose preferences; not married to them or anything. If there are 'holy grail' animes that are considered the best of the best classics, I'll check them out anyway.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes. Start with the movie and see if it perks your interest.

Code Geass

Death Note

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Hellsing Ultimate

Cowboy Behop

and Champloo and Black Lagoon are good starting points.

Initial D and Hajime no Ippo are fun as well even if you have zero interest in racing or boxing.
Big O if you want Batman with a punching robot.
Gundam 08th MS Team is pretty good at telling a war story.

Crap I'm a few episodes into Legend of the Galactic Heroes, didn't watch the movies. Guess I need to do that.
What do I watch in what order!

 

[SargerusBR]

Death Note is the best anime ever made. It's really dumb, but holy shit is it entertaining.

I thought it had one of the most intelligent plots in anime history, the ending was REALLY REALLY dumb tho

 

[Tripolygon]

No Captain Tsubasa love?

Forgot that one, even forgot Kuroko's Basketball.

you obviously not only missed the discussion about major and one outs, but missed watching them in general since they aren't on your list

I imagine there isn't much mention of them because the OP doesn't want long shows, and most sports shows are long... seriously though people... if you liked death note try giving one outs a try at some point... it may be a baseball anime, but it feels a lot like death note with all the psychological games and carefully planed out uh... plans... (my brain is starting to fail... time for sleep I guess lol)

Just went through the thread and tried not to add ones that have already been listed 20 times already. There's not been a major anime that's been out in the last 3 or so years that i haven't seen.

 

[Panzon]

You've been given many great choices OP but I will tell you one that I have rarely ever seen mentioned

Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin. Google it and check out the first episode. It should suck you right in. Thank me later

Hajime No Ippo is also another one which is a lot more light hearted but hilarious as fuck. Again thank me later

 

[Denton]

Are there some animes that are well written and drawn, psychologically and dramatically interesting, while also having great action and some sex scenes/erotica? Not necessarily hentai something like Game of Thrones (in style, not necessarily genre).

 

[airmangataosenai]

Welcome to the NHK. I didnt like anime until I saw this.

My man.

 

[M.Steiner]

Welcome to the world of anime!
I was a late starter with anime myself as well. Shrugged it off for years assuming it was all kiddie/over the top stuff as that's all I'd ever seen clips of over the years. Of course some of it is like that but I was shocked to see just how wrong I was. All depends what you go looking for.
Ghost in the Shell was the first piece of anime I watched back in 2009, as per recommendation from friends. Been a huge fan ever since.

There are plenty of mature themed shows/movies I could list (lots of them already have been in this thread) but I'm just going to recommend the one:

Monster

Kenzou Tenma, a Japanese brain surgeon in Germany, had it all: incredible skill at his work, a rich and beautiful fiancee, and a promising career at his hospital. However, after becoming disenchanted by hospital politics, he chose to save the life of a young boy who got shot in the head over the life of the mayor. As a result he lost the support of the hospital director, as well as his position in the hospital and his fiance. A short time later, the hospital director and the doctors that replaced him were murdered, and once again he was catapulted back onto the top. But as the chief suspect of the murders, Tenma did not get a easy life. As a matter of fact, it seems that the boy he saved was much more than he had appeared to be... Now to clear his name and to correct his past mistake, Tenma must get to the bottom of these and other murders, and investigate the truth of the Monster who is behind all of this.

Incredible.

Not sure if anything will (or already has) come of it but HBO were supposedly looking at doing an adaption of it too from what I remember reading. Well, the manga that is.

 

[Turin Turambar]

Ping Pong
Mushishi
Shingeki no Kyojin
Uchouten Kazoku
Hunter x Hunter
Shinsekai Yori
Chihayafuru
Gurren Lagan
Sakamichi no Apollon
Tsuritama
Fate Zero
Steins Gate
Mawaru Penguindrum
Level E
Madoka
The Tatami Galaxy
Full Metal Alchemist
Mouryou no Hako
House of Five Leaves
Ghost in the shell SAC
Planetes
Legend of Galactic Heroes
Gankotsou
Serial Experiments Lain
FLCL
Cowboy Bebop
Moyashimon
Gunslinger Girl
Texhnolyze
Fantastic Children
Golden Boy
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Paranoia Agent
Princess Tutu
Code Geass
Monster
Haibane Renmei
Kino's Journey

Films

Akira
Ghibli movies
Berserk
Milenium Actress
The girl who jumped through time
Colorful
Wolf Children Ame and Yuki
Eve no Jikan
Redline
Summer Wars
Kara no Kyouaki
Paprika
5 cents per second
The Garden of Words
Beyond the Clouds
End of Evangelion
Mushisi OVA
Wings of Honneamise
Madoka Rebellion

 

[killer rin]

Try Space Brothers. It deals with a mature subject and has relateable Adult Characters (instead of highschool children). Another good show you would probably like is Steins;Gate and Planetes.

As for some hit/misses for shows which deal in mature settings and you might enjoy, ServantXService is pretty funny and has a good romantic subplot between co-workers all wrapped up in a Slice of Life. Usagi Drop is a mature look at Family and what it means to have a child, it does some stuff you usually dont see in most shows.

 

[Droplet]

Are there some animes that are well written and drawn, psychologically and dramatically interesting, while also having great action and some sex scenes/erotica? Not necessarily hentai something like Game of Thrones (in style, not necessarily genre).

From the New World. There's nothing explicit, everything's pretty much implied

Spoiler

because they're 14

.

I think you'd like Death Note. I thought it was kind of silly and rather stupid when you think about it, but if you liked Attack on Titan then it's right up your alley. You might also like Code Geass which is similarly silly and overly dramatic.

Planetes, Wandering Son, Kaiba, Cowboy Bebop, Mushishi, Fate/Zero, and From the New World are all shows I would consider to be fairly "adult" in theme.

If you're willing to branch out a little, Kids on the Slope, Tsuritama, House of Five Leaves, Baccano!, Princess Tutu, Big Windup!, The Tatami Galaxy, Moribito, Natsume Yuujinchou, Ping Pong, and Hyouka are some of my (other) favorites.

 

[Angry Grimace]

Monster.

 

[Interceptor]

Grave of the fireflies and everything miyazaki.

 

[Love Deterrence]

Legend of the Galactic Heroes.

Spoiler

I always start the show with a showstopper.

.

 

[Grzi]

ah so it runs more like detective conan... so if I don't like it through the first 20 eps will I just not like it... or is there some big turning point where it becomes a lot better (such as fairy tail where the first 20 eps or so aren't very good, but after that it's a decent shonen show)

Episode 25 is supposedly when the show gets good. I haven't seen it (yet) but that's what AnimeGAF said and they are rarely wrong.

 

[Aaron-Lagann]

Episode 25 is supposedly when the show gets good. I haven't seen it (yet) but that's what AnimeGAF said and they are rarely wrong.

AnimeGAF just recommended K-On to someone who has only seen one anime and wants mature story lines.

 

[TuXx]

Best most recent anime

Welcome to NHK
Stein's Gate
Samurai Champloo


Old classics

Serial experiment Lain
FLCL
Cowboy Bebop

 

[Grzi]

AnimeGAF just recommended K-On to someone who has only seen one anime and wants mature story lines.

I assume it was an obvious joke.

Spoiler

K-On is good though.

 

[kurisu_1974]

Not sure if these are mentioned but I liked

Serial Experiments Lain
Boogiepop Phantom
Love Hina[
Video Girl Ai

 

[Aaron-Lagann]

I assume it was an obvious joke.

Spoiler

K-On is good though.

They had a K-On avatar, but I'll join you in thinking it's a joke. Because I have to.

Spoiler

Yeah, it's good.

 

[javac]

OP, please watch Gunbuster. I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned so far. It's one of the greatest shows of all time and it's only 6 episodes.

The music is phenomenal, the story is beautiful, smart and full of loads of little intricacies and plot points that'll keep you hooked from start to end. The characters are relatable and very much human. You feel for them. It's an 80's show but the art is as sharp as a knife and the art and cinematography is spot on. Please watch it, that goes for anyone in this thread that hasn't seen it yet either! You seriously won't regret it. Watch the full version btw, not the movie which condenses everything.

6 episodes of the greatest anime you'll ever see. It's only available with subtitles, but please don't let that be a deterrent.

 

[akachan ningen]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVVcmW4PnaE

 

[Fallout-NL]

Code Geass

Death Note

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Hellsing Ultimate

Cowboy Behop

Those are the best.

Actually I'd just go with Full Metal Alchemist (instead of FMA Brotherhood) and the regular Hellsing instead of the OVA.

I would also recommend Berserk, Samurai Champloo and Macross Plus

 

[Aaron-Lagann]

Actually I'd just go with Full Metal Alchemist (instead of FMA Brotherhood) and the regular Hellsing instead of the OVA.

I would also recommend Berserk, Samurai Champloo and Macross Plus

There's a case to be made for FMA, as the manga is the better version of Brotherhood, but Hellsing OG is fucking terrible and should not be watched. The only redeeming quality is that the soundtrack is godly, everything else is a train wreck.

 

[TnK]

No love for Berserk up in here? Goddam.

I recommend watching the Berserk anime series. 25 episodes.

Watch the 3 movie adaptations if you want a little more, but it covers the same content.

I liked the series more than the movies.

Read the manga.

Pray you don't die before the story has it's end.

It takes place in a medieval type setting. It's mainly about a young man that joins a mercenary group. Dark, gritty, violent, mature.

This OP. Berserk is my favorite form of media in terms of anime/manga to come out of Japan. Highly recommended. Plus, really dark and mature.

If I would add which animes:
Gurren Lagann. There are good shows posted here. Some are even in the first post. I wouldn't recommend Code Geass from the first post though, unless you like mecha fights. The show is a non-sensical train wreck.

 

[TCRS]

- Cowboy Bebop: an excellent story with great characters, soundtrack and animation. it's a classic.

- Samurai Champloo: by the same guy as cowboy bebop and arguably even better soundtrack. introduced me to nujabes and the whole jazz-hop genre. lots of action and humour.

- Welcome to the NHK: slice of life anime. it's mature, depressing and hilarious. As a former shut in I did recognize myself a couple of times..

- Flowers of Evil: another mature and sometimes disturbing anime. don't be put off by the style, you'll get used to it.

- 5 centimetres per second: it's a 90 minute movie, so very watchable. it is slow I have to warn you but if you want something visually stunning this is it.

these are the ones I have seen, these are the ones that fit your criteria.

 

[Aaron-Lagann]

You should also watch Claymore. The anime cuts off and doesn't continue, but it's a very dark and awesome story that's worth watching even the bit that's in the anime.

 

[StayDead]

Steins;Gate
Robotics;Notes
iDOLM@STER the anime
Girls und Panzer
K-ON!!
Madoka Magika
Macross Plus
Macross Frontier
The World Only God Knows
Toaru Index/Railgun

 

[KageZero]

I know it's not exactly what you were looking for but my recommendation is legend of galactic heroes. The only downside is if you watch it you won't be able to find a better show then it (including movies and tv series).

 

[BGBW]

Not a single Inferno Cop recommendation? Are you all praying for OP's next thread to be 'I'm 32 and just watched my last anime'.

The best thing is you can watch it legally for free on YouTube:
Episode 1

 

[Das Ace]

now now, while a lot of shows have fan service, plenty don't...
and while a number of shows have meh themes... it's not right to make it sound like all of it is bad when there is stuff such as

hahah, yeah i know. I barely have the right to be facetious when I thoroughly enjoy the Lucky Star opening theme and Bakemonogatari is one my favorite shows

 

[Fallout-NL]

There's a case to be made for FMA, as the manga is the better version of Brotherhood, but Hellsing OG is fucking terrible and should not be watched. The only redeeming quality is that the soundtrack is godly, everything else is a train wreck.

Yeah I guess, though the incredible soundtrack is a very important reason for my Hellsing appreciation. What's left without it?

 

[Aaron-Lagann]

Yeah I guess, though the incredible soundtrack is a very important reason for my Hellsing appreciation. What's left without it?

Awesome characters, fights, powers, style and every other aspect. Real shame about that music, though.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Indeed.

 

[TsuXna]

Believe me high budget and new anime doesn't mean it's good.
90% of what comes out today are totally crap, with lots of fan service and barely interesting plot. I'd strongly recommend watching more of old anime's than new ones.
I'd recommend you few which i enjoyed a lot

Darker than black plot is just amazing, atmosphere character and its all kept at high lvl throughout the anime, one of the best animes i have watched.

Rainbow Nisha Rokubou no Shichini Another masterpiece about life of teenagers in
a prison, it is really intense and has really good BGM.

Strongly recommend to watch them,I'm sure you'll like those since you liked Attack on Titan, they have something in common and that's, a plot, atmosphere, characters and unpredictable storyline.
P.S Hei is one of the badest ass characters ever