I’m not particularly into anime, I like it just as much as live action shows or other types of animation. Having said that, I feel like watching some and I’m not sure what to pick.
Here’s a list of other anime shows I’ve watched/manga and novels I’ve read, so you can better judge what to recommend. ( would greatly appreciate the story to be completed, I hate waiting years for closure) :
Full Metal Alchemist, Naruto : both great stories, I’ve read the mangas and loved them. They wouldn’t be a priority to watch because I already read them.
Attack on Titan: started with the anime, it was great, switched to the manga, got extremely disappointed with the story development and its ending. It felt a bit like nonsense for me.
Dragon Ball/Z : probably my favourite, I’ve rewatched it recently. I don’t like GT and Super.
Overlord: I’ve read good part of the novel and manga. I’m liking it so far
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: please No thanks. Not for me.
Death Note: loved the first arc, not a fan of the ending but no hate for it unlike with AOT.
I also recall Escaflowne and Inuyasha, they were alright but not something I’ve loved or hated. Cowboy Bebop also in this category, excellent visually and great OST but the story wasn’t as gripping.
Other than that… Feel free to suggest any other titles! Extra thanks if you are specific about any versions and why is the show so great.
TIA
My recs, roughly in order of what I’m predicting that you’ll like the best, based on what you said.
- Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann - mechas, action, epicness, plot twists? Yeah, you got all of them, while you follow the story of a bunch of people raised underground, fighting their way up.
- Chainsaw Man - fast-paced action in a world full of demons. The protagonist merges with one, after living in shit since childhood, and that changes his life. Expect lots of humour, and the intro becoming an earworm.
- Kimetsu no Yaiba - historical-ish setting. The protagonist is a demon killer, who’s sided by his demonised sister (yup). Sword fighting, great visuals, interesting and atypical story.
- Dr. Stone - humanity has been petrified for thousands of years, and a single genius boy is trying to discover why, how, and how to revert it. The science there is 90% accurate, 10% fantasy.
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) - you watched the “original” FMA (2003), right? This one has slightly better worldbuilding and plot, and it’s better grounded in the manga, although the homunculi are more relatable in the original.
- Noragami - the story of a stray god, a girl who can see spirits and gods, and the spirit of a dead boy.
- Mairimashita! Iruma-kun - protag gets sold to a demon by his parents. And the demon actually treats him better than they did. So he goes to school, alongside demons, while pretending to be one.
- Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka - a boy who wants to be a hero, fighting in a dungeon full of monsters, in a world where the gods descended and granted their blessing to mortals of their liking. Which gods? Yes. Romantic comedy with epic vibes.
- Kill la Kill - watch this one if you watched TTGL and liked it. Heavy nudity, but the same “vibe” as TTGL. Hard to explain without giving you spoilers.
A few classics that I feel like they should be mentioned, but don’t relate well to what you said that you liked:
- Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi - movie, not a series. About a girl who’s spirited away to a world full of yokai, trying to save her piggyfied parents.
- Tonari no Totoro - also a movie, not a series, about children who move to a suburban neighbourhood full of magical creatures.
- Neon Genesis Evangelion - psychological drama pretending to be a mecha anime.
Some old style isekais, since you mentioned that you liked Overlord:
- Log Horizon - also “transported into a game”, except that it happens with a fuckload of people at once. Most focus is how those people organise themselves in their former MMORPG, now real life, as well as how they handle the NPCs around them.
- Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu - two girls in a fantasy world decide to summon someone, hoping to enslave him to help them out… only to get their magic deflected and end enslaved. The world is the same as the game world that the protagonist (the summoned guy) played.
- Re:Zero - protag gets transported to a fantasy world. He doesn’t know how or why. His main ability is to go back in time, when he dies; so he experiences death over and over and over.
- Mushoku Tensei - the protag starts as completely scum, but he gets slightly less worse over time. Great worldbuilding and characterisation.
- Benriya Saitou-San, Isekai ni Iku - a handyman gets transported into a swords-and-magic world. Big focus on character relationship.
I don’t recommend the anime, but check the manga if possible:
- Elfen Lied - a discussion on what makes a human “human”, morals, and the likes. The anime adaptation is rather poor to be honest, but the manga is decent. Content warning: gore, sexual violence, a girl pissing herself right off the bat.
- Hoshi no Samidare - a great story, but poorly animated, about a bunch of people trying to save the world from a giant biscuit hammer that you only see if you know about it, that’s going to hit Earth and destroy it. While subordinated to a girl who actually wants to destroy the world.
EDIT: GreenZanbato mentioned Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken, or “That Time that I Reincarnated as a Slime”. It’s also an isekai, roughly with the same vibe as Overlord; but the protagonist reincarnates as a slime, and he’s far more self-aware than dummy Ainz. The novels are also great to read.
Wow you went above and beyond with the recs menu, thank you. TTGL sounds interesting when you put it like that! Appreciate the other recommendations too. As for the movies- I was looking for series, and yes I’ve seen most of studio Ghibli ones, Chihiro and Totoro being the two I liked the most.
Tengen is freakin awesome!! It’s such a good entertaining anime.
This is a great write up, but I’d put Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (TenSura) at the top of the isekai list for any Overlord fan. Unlike Overlord, the main character starts off as the weakest monster, a slime, but the power growth is absurd and you quickly get into the same satisfying power fantasies as Overlord.
As a sort of non-spoiler comparison for those that have seen Overlord, two of my favorite (similar) scenes in the later seasons of each show are the iä Shub-Niggurath scene (Overlord) and the Megiddo scene (TenSura). Feel free to look them up if you don’t care about spoilers and want to see some amazing ultimate attacks out of context.
TenSura
You’re right - I’ll add it to the list, thanks!
Discussion about the Megiddo scene
Rimuru did nothing wrong! Shion alone is worth more than 10k invading soldiers!
Serious now. This comparison is really cool because it highlights how both Ainz and Rimuru are slowly losing their humanity, but only Rimuru is aware of that. For Ainz, using the spell is basically a “I need people to respect me, right? I’ll show that I’m ultra strong”; while for Rimuru, Megiddo is a conscious moral event horizon, where he actually chose between the life of the monsters vs. the life of the invading army.
And alongside those lines, even Rimuru absorbing Shizu was a way to distance himself to his former human past. For a modern Japanese that would be cannibalism, but he already committed himself to live as a slime.
That’s an awesome way to compare the scenes!
spoiler
You made me realize that, while Ainz has some character development, he doesn’t go through nearly as much as Rimuru does. Same with most of the companions. There’s plenty of character development in Overlord, especially with like Sebas and Brain, but a lot of Rimuru’s companions go through multiple complete transformations of their bodies and their personalities adapt to that, just like Rimuru himself. Full transparency: I’ve only watched the anime for each series, but I plan to read the novels when I get around to it lol.
Also forget Shion, Megiddo gave us my boy Diablo! :P
For me it’s the characters in Overlord, their morals, goals, the atrocities they commit, their intentions and how they feel/think that makes it interesting- much more that the power itself. But I also like the power fantasy element in it, thanks for the recommendation!
The characters in TenSura are definitely less “evil” than in Overlord, but you have a great variety of side characters, subordinates, etc. growing alongside the mc.
Wow maybe I should read Elfen Lied because I remember the anime fondly, but maybe it was just the shock factor of discovering the story for the first time that made me gloss over any flaws. Was a long time ago too.
I heavily recommend reading the manga. It contextualises Lucy’s actions better, makes Kohta look less like your typical “powerless boy” throwing random tantrums and more like a genuinely traumatised and conflicted one, and it delivers the message of the story better. The anime was fun back then, partially due to its violent nature, but I think that it aged poorly. (Notable exception: Lilium, the opening song, is still as beautiful as it was back then. Also the lyrics make more sense in the context of the manga than in the anime.)
Yesss, that reminded me I sampled a toy box version of this in an old track of mine.
I’ll put that manga on my to-read in tachiyomi, thanks!
If you like DBZ you would probably like Hunter X Hunter and Yuyu Hakusho. These two are both written by the same person and have similar vibes but the story and setting are very different. HxH especially is very widely acclaimed for good reason. In this vein you may also like Black Clover.
Anime that I’d recommend in general would be Akame Ga Kill, Mahou Shouju Madoka Magicka (watch 3-4 episodes, trust the process), Parasyte, Gurren Laggann, One Punch Man, Angel Beats, Katanagatari, Made In Abyss, and Berserk (1997),
If you want to get in your feelings: Erased, Kotaro Lives Alone, and The Promised Neverland (season 1 only). Spy X Family (cute and silly but very good)
Some current very popular DBZ-esque anime is My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer Kimetso no Yaiba.
Oh boy. I’m not the kind of person that rewatches shows, but I’ve seen Yu Yu Hakusho 3 times and HxH twice. Both of them are just so excellent. I had no idea they were by the same guy. That’s awesome
I watched Yu Yu Hakusho only once, and several episodes when it aired on Cartoon Network many years ago.
As I just finished recently I can say that I loved it, although I’m not sure if I would re watch it again, I feel like it peaked at the Dark Tournament arc, which is not a bad thing, but I struggled a bit to finish it after that.
About HxH is on my backlog!
Some say it is better than Yu Yu Hakusho, some say the latter is the best, so well, only one way to find out.
Okay, points for Hunter X noted… Thank you for all the recommendations!
I’m not particularly into anime either, but I thought that “The Devil Is A Part-Timer” and “One Punch Man” were really funny and clever.
I’m also not much of an anime fan but The Devil Is A Part-Timer was indeed entertaining
Serial Experiments of Lain!
Cult classic! Duvet is such a great song
Still haven’t finished this one…
Ooof, watched that yeeeeaaaaars ago. I remember it being pretty psycho and disturbing. Not sure if this still holds up today but it’s definitely not everyones cup of tea.
I second this recommendation. SEL absolutely amazing
I’d recommend the movie Akira (1988). It’s pretty much a classic from the era of early anime, extremely detailed animation and official English dub.
Yes, that’s an excellent one. I’ve watched the movie and the manga is epic. 100% with you on that one. I didn’t list as I was thinking mostly series, not movies.
Cowboy Bebop: Space noire, get to Jupiter Jazz part 1&2 before forming an opinion
Berserk (The 1997 version): A long burn, twist for the last two episodes
One-punch man: Comedy, overpowered main character but it’s handled very well. Kinda a criticism of other animes.
Evangelion
Two guilty pleasures: Code Geass (mechs), and Future Diary (Battle Royal/Hunger Games)
I think I’ve watched most Bebop episodes a while ago. I was never hooked but I really enjoyed the finale and how Spike’s arc was handled. I consider the series a work of art really, it’s on another level. But in spite of that it doesn’t excite me as much as other shows. The two cars meme comes to mind… Thanks for the recommendations!
☝️👊👨🦲
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These two show might not be like the other shows that your have watched yet these two or definitely my favourite.
Odd Taxi - Generally anime cast has this typical behaviour where their talking or behaviour would not be realistic like irl (for example, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood). You might not notice it now or might have noticed it but odd taxi is totally different from all the other anime that I have watched in regards to this. The plot is simple yet the way it moves is totally interesting. The characters are written well for a 12 episode anime. You will definitely like it.
Ranking of Kings - I have not completed it yet but this anime is so wholesome and kinda moving ngl.
Since you have watched death note, watch Code Geass too. When I started watching anime, Assassination Classroom and Violet Evergarden were one of the anime that totally bought me in. You may like these too.
Ghost in the Shell(1995) and the Stand Alone Complex series(2 seasons and a movie) are great.
Haikyu is great. It’s about volleyball and follows the same sort of theme of DBZ about constantly pushing to improve.
If you liked the environment and feel of Cowboy Bebop you might enjoy Samurai Champloo. Same director but replace jazz with hip hop and space with feudal Japan. I think it’s a masterpiece.
Completely agreed on Samurai Champloo, I’m yet to watch something else that floored me as much as that show did. I watched it several times over the years. It helps that I’m a massive trip-hop head and the soundtrack is made by legendary producer Nujabes (RIP).
I have heard so much about Haikyu, I could not care less about volleyball, but I have read it, somehow does not matter to enjoy it.
That’s interesting, I usually eschew when a sport is the main theme in a show. But you’re saying it’s enjoyable regardless of the volley?
That is what I have been told, I couldn’t say for sure because I haven’t watched it, but it is sitting in my backlog though.
It sounds like you tend to like shows with good story lines, and don’t seem to mind older shows/animation as much. Simply based on their story telling, these are probably my 3 favorites.
- Monster (2004): The story revolves around Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese surgeon living in Düsseldorf, Germany whose life enters turmoil after getting himself involved with Johan Liebert, one of his former patients, who is revealed to be a dangerous serial killer.
- Ergo Proxy (2006): Set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans and AutoReiv androids coexist peacefully until a virus gives the androids self-awareness, causing them to commit a series of murders. Inspector Re-L Mayer is assigned to investigate, discovering a more complicated plot behind it that involves a humanoid species known as “Proxy” who are the subject of secret government experiments.
- Fruits Basket (1998, but the 2019 remake is miles better and more complete): This is a beautiful story about trauma, love, guilt, and belonging. Don’t be put off by the typical highschool slice of life trope. This is probably the most wholesome, heartwarming show I have ever watched. I’ve seen it 3 times, and on the most recent rewatch I cried the most. Probably every 1 of 4 episodes. I kept realizing subtle plot details I had never noticed before. It has great rewatch value.
Thank you! I never heard about the first two, they sound good.
As for Fruit Basket- haven’t heard about it in ages! Back in the day, it was precisely the highschool slice of life that put me off. No idea it got a remake. Typically I don’t like when a show makes me cry. I already have a real life for that. I seek excitement, mystery, action, escapism. But it’s good to know it has a good plot, I’ll keep it in mind.
Watch anime for monster instead of reading manga, the op and ed are one of the best that perfectly blends with the theme of the anime. Monster also has a great set of characters whom you will like.
Seconding Ergo Proxy!
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Purists may hate the suggestion of an American studio but… Avatar, legend of aang and korra are both great
Nick just opened a whole studio devoted to making more series in the universe so maybe a good time to check them out. The first series is perfection and Korra has some amazing highs (and lows that aren’t really the series’ fault but the exec’s fault)
Oh interesting thanks I’ll definitely look that up! loved the world building, progression and growth from aang to korra
Totally agree on the highs and lows, Amon was such a good introductory antagonist and the suspense at the end of season 1 was something else, some things just seemed resolve themselves a bit too quickly!
Fun fact: People in the industry say that Avatar has such great animation and choreography that they are heavily ripped off, I mean, referenced, in the making of other western animated action shows. I should definitely check it out
Yes, I heard good things about Avatar! Cheers
Feel you with Attack on Titan - goes into some weird places and I lost interest.
Have you tried Initial D? Old school 90’s early 2000’s teen comedy drama about street racing. It’s really funny and touching at the right moments.
You’re the second to mention Initial D and I had no idea it existed before making this post. I’ll keep in mind!
Mostly action/shonen so heres a couple: fire force, hells paradise, zom 100, one punch man, demon slayer, hunter x hunter, jujutsu kaisen, The Eminence in Shadow, noragami, mob psycho 100, parasyte, Is It Wrong to Try and Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon, Assassination Classroom, berserk (1997 version screw the other ones), Drifters, and blue exorcist.
Assassination Classroom - Just finished watching this series and it’s one of the most heartwarming meditations on teaching and education wrapped in a batshit crazy premise of junior high kids being forced to kill their teacher before he destroys the world at the end of their school year. Made me cry a few times.
