You can never be too old to watch Japanese anime. Once you get hooked, you’re hooked for life. The best anime series have concepts as intricate, as detailed and brilliant as those presented in the greatest of classic novels and Hollywood movies.
If you’re looking to enhance you’re imagination, here’s your guide to some the most popular Japanese anime series of all time. I know you must be addicted to at least one of the mentioned below.
Death Note
Death Note is known and revered for its unique and intelligently woven plot. The story revolves around a brilliant high-school student, Light Yagami, who stumbles onto the book of a Shinigami and with its power, begins to pass judgment on evil.
Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)
Rurouni Kenshin is among the most popular Japanese anime to date. Its OVA and the series itself are consistently ranked among the top 5 anime of all time. The plot follows Himura Kenshin, an assassin who sets out on a virtuous path to compensate for the blood on his hands.
Dragon Ball Z
The Dragon Ball Z series probably tops this list in terms of popularity. The Dragon Ball series as a whole is recognized and appreciated all around the world. The chief protagonist of the series, Son Goku, has become somewhat of a worldwide anime icon.
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Both the original FMA series and its retelling, FMA: Brotherhood, are widely appreciated owing to a unique concept coupled with loveable characters and a great plot that makes room for occasional antics. Both stories revolve around Edward Elric, the Full Metal Alchemist, and his brother Alphonse, who set out on a journey to hunt down the Philosopher’s Stone.
Code Geass
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a popular anime series set in an alternate world where Japan has been conquered by the Holy Britannian Empire – one of the two superpowers that govern said fictional world. Britannian Prince, Lelouch, aggrieved by his mother’s death at the hands of his father, the Emperor, sets off on a quest for retribution, acquiring the power of Geass (to shape and destroy) from an immortal and leading the rebellion.
Cowboy Bebop
This short and sweet anime classic is set in a future where the colonies of man have spread far and wide throughout the universe and revolves around a group of bounty hunters living aboard the spaceship Bebop, constantly striving to earn through the business. The series is widely revered for its character sketches and art.
Bleach
Bleach is listed among the most-viewed anime series of all time. And for good reason. With a great concept complemented by a highly engaging plot and fantastic action sequences, this on-going anime is a complete treat for action series fans. Bleach revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki, a bold orange-haired teenager who becomes a Shinigami (Death God) to protect his loved ones.
Naruto
Set in a world governed by Ninja, Naruto is the tale of a stubborn, clumsy boy from the hidden village of Konoha and how he, amidst much plight, grows to become a gutsy ninja, winning countless hearts along the way. Naruto and its on-going sequel series, Naruto: Shippuden have one of the largest fan-bases in the anime world.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
The Ghost in the Shell series is science fiction anime at its best. The concepts presented in the anime are brilliant and detailed. The same holds true for the art and animation. The plot is set in a future Japan and follows the Japanese spec ops team called Public Security Section 9, as they investigate the mysterious “Laughing Man” incident.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is not your run-of-the-mill mecha anime. The mecha art is unique, the character sketches are detailed and the plot is very deep. The story revolves around a teenager, Shinji Ikari, who pilots the giant biomechanical mech, EVA01 to protect his post-apocalyptic world from the alien threat called “Angels”.
