Recommending Anime

So you want to get your friend or family member into anime? I hope you find this list helpful

First off there are a couple of characteristics I recommend for suggesting anime to non-anime people.

1. Pick a show within the 12-26 episode range. There are lots of shows with 100+ episodes I love and hear people recommend. Such as Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, etc. There are a lot of amazing shows but starting with 100 episode commitment is a lot. Starting with a short show is less of a commitment and fast pace story to keep focus.

2. Pick a more normal story, don't pick a crazy out-there story. I love out there shows with wild stories, like a parasite and full metal alchemist but in the non-anime world, those stories are a lot. I started with slice-of-life anime and recommended the same for people getting into anime. Don't freak your friend out before they figure out they love anime.

3. Pick a show with a lot of characters. Usually, people like shows with a character they relate to on a personal level. A cast with lots of different personalities and quirks makes it easier for there to be a character they relate to.

4. Art style isn't the most important piece, but it is always something I look at before I start a show. Again I would go for a more realistic style of art for starting. You could even ask the person you are recommending an anime to, what they think of the style.

5. I'd pick dubbed anime in your language to start. Subbed anime is wonderful, you can watch new episodes and not have to wait. Some things get translated differently from subbed to dubbed and the Japanese language is so beautiful. So with all of those positive things about Subbed anime why start with dubbed? Most people have never read subtitles. It can be overwhelming especially for a slow reader like myself. Focusing on the story and reading the text is a skill that is learned. Again you want to make anime like a normal tv show to start.

With these characteristics in mind, I made my list of top 5 anime to recommend. (These aren't in any order)

1. School Rumble

A young high schooler is in love with an oblivious classmate; a delinquent classmate is in love with her. Both struggle to confess their feelings and their antics lead to crazy situations.

Storyline: Clumsy sixteen-year-old Tenma Tsukamoto is in love. The object of her desire, the strange and silent Oji Karasuma, has no idea she exists. seventeen-year-old delinquent Kenji Harima is also in love. The object of his desire, Tenma Tsukamoto, has no idea he exists. Both resolve to confess their feelings to the person they admire, but every time they try, they chicken out or something interrupts them. The series focuses on the antics of Tenma and Harima, as well as their friends, classmates, and family, all of whom seem caught up in comical love troubles of their own

This might be one of the best shows ever written. Between the quirky characters and relatable situations, this is a great anime for beginners. There is no downside to this anime. I have rewatched this show multiple times and still can't get enough. There is a character for everyone to relate to and even episodes without any of the main characters. If you enjoy a slice-of-life comedy with random dramatic stories this show is for you.

9 out of 10 highly recommend

2. Fruits Basket 2019

After Tohru is taken in by the Soma family, she learns that twelve family members transform involuntarily into animals of the Chinese zodiac and helps them deal with the emotional pain caused by the transformations.

Storyline: After a family tragedy turns her life upside down, 16-year-old high schooler Tohru Honda takes matters into her own hands and moves out...into a tent. Unfortunately for her, she pitches her new home on private land belonging to the mysterious Souma clan, and it isn't long before the owners discover her secret. But, as Tohru quickly finds out when the family offers to take her in, the Soumas have a secret of their own--when hugged by the opposite sex, they turn into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.

Okay, I know this storyline isn't exactly normal but hear me out. With a beautiful and dramatic story, this show will hook anyone watching. You will laugh and cry and scream at the screen. There was an original version of this show in 2001 that did not follow the manga and got canceled. The 2019 reboot however nailed the story. The characters are not only funny but relatable. With everyone having a Chinese zodiac it's fun to see which character is yours. One of the best storylines but more importantly a perfect ending that completes the show perfectly.

8 out of 10 recommend

3. The ways of a househusband

A retired gangster spends his time as a househusband carrying out home chores.

Storyline: "Immortal Tatsu," the legendary yakuza who single-handedly defeated a rival gang with a lead pipe, is a name known to strike fear in both hardened police officers and vicious criminals. Soon after his sudden disappearance, he resurfaces with a slight change in profession. Now equipped with an apron, Tatsu has given up violence and is trying to make an honest living as a househusband. While adapting to mundane household tasks, Tatsu finds that being a househusband has its challenges, from the battlefield known as supermarket sales to failures in the kitchen. Despite living peacefully, misunderstandings seem to follow him left and right. Gokushufudou follows the daily life of the comically serious ex-yakuza as he leaves behind his dangerous previous life to become a stay-at-home husband

I have never laughed harder at a show than this!! It is hysterical! Perfectly timed comedy with amazing writing. Everyone wants a second chance at life and in this case, Tatsu got a fresh start. That doesn't mean his old life doesn't bleed into his new life. Maybe you didn't leave a gang but we can all relate to trying to start over but falling back into old habits and running into old relationships, causing us to remember all the cringy things we used to do. This show is super fun to watch with someone or recommend to someone starting.

8 out of 10 recommend

4. Ore Monogatari!! (My love story!!)

A pretty young girl and a sweet but plain-looking boy fall in love. Will their relationship prevail?

Storyline: Takeo is a giant brutish-looking fellow with a sweet and kind demeanor. However, most girls aren't interested in him but in his best friend Makoto, who is handsome and charming. Takeo doesn't mind this and accepts it as a matter of course... till one day when he meets Rinko Yamato, a girl who is immediately drawn to Takeo and wants to be with him. This sets off a chain reaction in which other girls try to get with Takeo too. Can Takeo and Rinko manage to stay together?

If you don't believe the perfect couple exists I dare you to watch this show! They are not only adorable but so relatable when you are in your first relationship. I was screaming the whole show. For people getting into anime, I highly recommend this one. Hits every point I listed, basic and relatable story, has a great number of unique characters, one of my favorite art styles! I could go on and on about all the amazing qualities of this show but you should just watch it!

10 out of 10 recommend

5. Spy X Family

A spy on an undercover mission gets married and adopts a child as part of his cover. His wife and daughter have secrets of their own, and all three must strive to keep them together.

Storyline: A spy known only as Twilight needs a family as part of his undercover mission, so he quickly marries a city hall worker and adopts a child and dog. Unknown to him, his family has secrets of their own: his wife Yor is an undercover assassin, his daughter Anya is a runaway psychic who can read minds, and his dog was from a laboratory that gave him the power to tell the future. All these four subjects must bond together as a family to manage their affairs and be together as best as they can.

This will be a staple anime. Currently airing and is one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. Yes, the story is a little ridiculous which is what makes this show amazing!! The characters are unique and fun. The storyline is serious and hilarious. Epic fight scenes mixed into the humor of a beginning family. I could not recommend this show enough for both seasoned and beginning anime watchers.

10 out of 10 recommend

Hopefully, this was helpful! I have been recommended anime and not watched it because the person was too pushy. One kind of anime isn't for everyone but because there are so many different genes you just need to find the right fit. And nothing is more fun than watching an amazing anime with a friend!

What anime would you add to this list?