For those not in the know, anime is Japanese animation. Unlike in America, animation is enjoyed and appreciated more by many age groups in Japan, which I think is really cool and it allows for a lot more diversity than what you seen in American cartoons. I've been watching a decent amount of it lately so here's my top ten list.
5 - Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Before I proceed with this list, it's important for me to stress that I don't cry in movies and shows and stuff. Making me cry is a fairly difficult thing to do, so when a rare gem comes along and brings tears to my eyes, it earns a special spot in my heart. Okay that was cheesy but I don't care.
Anohana has a beautiful storyline, compelling and well written characters, and one of my favorite soundtracks ever. And it has made me cry more than any book, show, movie, or whatever. It's about this group of childhood friends who went their separate ways when their friend Menma died. Years later, the leader of the group, Jintan, is living day by day sluffing school and bumming around his house when Menma's ghost or spirit or reincarnation or whatever starts hanging around him. He soon discovers that he's the only one who can see her, and he has to unite his friends to "grant Menma's last wish" despite the fact that they can't actually see her.
This show is not for everyone. It's a feels show. It's a depressing show. But if you can handle/enjoy some romance, drama, and extreme bittersweet moments then you might really enjoy this one.
4 - Death Note
Death Note is a show about a brilliant high school student named Light Yagami who effortlessly ranks top in the country academically. His life is pretty dull until he gets his hands on a notebook that allows him to kill anyone he wants just by writing their name. He vows to rid the world of all criminals, but when a mysterious detective going under the alias "L" appears, Light finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse wherein the first one who's identity is revealed will die.
This might just be the most addictive show I've watched. From the very first episode it hits you upside the head with one of the most original and intriguing concepts I've ever seen. It latches onto you and refuses to let go until you've watched all 36 episodes of the most addicting series you'll ever see.
3 - Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! gets some bonus points cuz it's one of the first anime I watched and the anime I've watched most, and it's just a cool show. It's one of the few shows I've watched that can't really fit into one genre in particular. It's got romance, comedy, drama, and action elements, along with it's own band that puts K-On to shame... *shudders* oh K-On...
So the show starts off with our hero, Otonashi, waking up LOST style in a massive and fairly eerie high school where a girl with an assault rifle in tow informs him that he is dead. From then on, the series changes directions entirely every single two or three episodes as Otonashi explores this world and discovers the truth behind it all.
All in all, this is an excellent and well thought out story. It was originally going to be a 26 episode series, but it got cut in half. You can tell they sort of rush to fit everything they need to in 13 episodes, but I think it keeps the show fresh.
Again, this show is "a feels show." It's made by Key (Clannad, Little Busters, Air) so it definitely tries to suck you in and make you cry, just like Anohana. It ain't for everyone, but I personally like that sort of show.
2 - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
I like this show! It's a good show! Its about alchemists, which are, in this context, scientists who use science to perform magic and change things into other things (or transmute). The story focuses on Edward Elric and his younger brother Alphonse. The two boys committed the cardinal sin of alchemy when they tried bringing their mother back from the dead, and as a result Ed lost his arm and leg, and Al lost his whole body, being left with nothing more than a soul bonded to a suit of armor. The story follows them as they go on a journey to recover their original bodies and also uncover dark secrets about alchemy that could threaten the entire world.
This show is such a remarkable series with some seriously awesome action sequences and clever dialogue. The animation is fantastic, as is the music, and this is really just the sort of show that everyone should watch. So watch it!
1 - Clannad
There really wasn't anything else I could put at the number one spot. This show is life changing. I know that's a bold statement to make, but in the case of Clannad it is definitely justified.
This show is about this third year high school student, Tomoya Okazaki, who lives day by day with no plans for his future as he struggles with a bad home life and an alcoholic, apathetic father. One day he meets a frail, awkward girl named Nagisa and he decides to help her revive the school's drama club.
The show is a solid comedy for season one, but the second season is where the show really shines. The amount of character development these lead characters undergo is amazing, and the strong overwhelming themes of family, love, and forgiveness, combined with the top notch detailed animation and music are sure to bring a tear to your eye at least once.
So that's that. My top five anime. Bam.
