Anime suggestions for a novice

So I'm kinda curious about watching some anime, and this looks like a community that knows quite a bit more about it than me. There's so much out there I don't know where to start
Now I've watched some Anime, most of the basics at least. I've dabbled in Dragonball, Naruto, and I've watched Full Metal Alchemist and pokemon. I've also seen Lucky Star, and I don't know how I ended up watching it. I saw one episode of Bleach, and Code Geass, and I'm not sure it's my style. I wanted to ask what else to check out. What anime do you recommend?

Sounds like you've been enjoying some mainstream anime - you've definitely seen some good ones. There's anime for almost every genre, though - I'd recommend looking for one associated with a genre you like, then find some reviews and feedback on it. Beware of spoilers, though!


I recently found and fell in love with the dark magical girl genre. It takes the idea of cute girls becoming magical heroes (like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptors, for example) and exploring the consequences that would occur if their powers were real. Themes include why such power would exist, what kind of people who would be attracted to it, and the true cost for obtaining it. Madoka Magica and Magical Girl Raising Project are the most well-known (well, my favorites, anyway ^^ for this genre.

Hmmm... Well if you like slice-of-life anime (which you might, since you're a fan of FE), maybe Ouran High School Host Club and Fruits Basket? I'd also recommend the original Digimon series if you haven't seen it. It'll have a very different feel from Pokemon, though: it's denser (i.e. less filler and more focus on progressing the overarching story arc), the story and themes are both more intense, and it's a bit darker.

So much to say...

First, i will warn you that i tend to prefer "kick you right in the Sad" shows and sci-fi. I am starting with those, but everything I am listing gets my recommendation.

A good example would be Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket. It is easily my favorite show, anime or otherwise. Just be sure to pack some tissues, the ending is not kind to your feels.

On the lighter side is Outlaw Star. Great show with a happy ending, but expect a couple dark points on the way there. Also some NSFW dialog and scene or two (nothing graphic shown outside the standard anime topless shot.

Cowboy Bebop is a must see. That is all. Watch it.

Full Metal Panic starts out pretty light and silly but will get more serious as the story progresses. Stays positive overall, though.

.hack//SIGN is pretty family friendly but still manages to carry a good plot.

Saber Marionette J is all kinds of fluff and silly.

Scrapped Princess is swords-and-sorcery fantasy that remains family friendly despite its rather serious story. Bonus points for making most (if not all) "filler" episodes plot relevant by the end of the show.

The Slayers is swords-and-sorcery with extra silly.

Magic Knight Rayearth is some classic magical girl crossed with swords-and-sorcery.

Latrans wrote:i tend to prefer "kick you right in the Sad" shows and sci-fi.

*laugh* 'Kick you in the sad' shows seem to be on the rise in popularity!
I'll second the Magic Knight Rayearth, though - that was one of the first manga I owned!

Which reminds me, MKR was made by CLAMP - they made a LOT of great work for various genres, it's worth checking out. My personal favorite their work is the Tsubasa / xxxHolic epic - two distinct anime series that crossover each other periodically. They even made a double-feature movie - that's what I'd recommend watching if you want to dive in and see if you'd enjoy the full series. Trailer's below!