What Anime Should I Watch?

v1.6 by Ben Cheng

(modified by Hsin Tsao)

last updated 12/30/97

This depends on what kind of anime you enjoy watching. There are hundreds of different anime series out there spread out among multiple genres and trying to sort through all of them can be quite a task. So I've basically compiled below brief synopses of some of the more popular and/or reknowned titles that you wouldn't want to miss. These are available either commercially or from fansub sources here in the US. Most of the synopses are taken from the Anime Primer which is released periodically and available on the rec.arts.anime.info newsgroup. Series that I have not seen before I've pretty much left intact while series that I have seen will include some additional comments from me. Sorted alphabetically and by genre.

Note: Any title that is highlighted means that you can click on it to go to the series' home page for more detailed info.

ROMANCE/COMEDIES

AH! MEGAMI-SAMA (OH MY GODDESS!):

A story about a short but kind-hearted college student who accidentally dials the Relief Goddesses Office one day while hunting for a take-out food place and winds up having a rather sweet and stylish goddess as a companion. Things get even more interesting when the goddesses two sisters (one a veritable sex kitten and the other a 12 year old technical genius) arrive. Based off of a rather popular manga series in Japan. Beautifully animated and scored series with wonderful character designs, although fans of action/violence/gore/sex flicks would probably want to stay away since this has none of those above-mentioned events. A generally placid and sweet 5 episode OAV series, the last 2 episodes are known to be tear-jerkers for some. All 5 episodes are available subtitled by AnimEigo.

DRAGON HALF:

A hysterically funny (or silly, depending on how you look at it) series about a half-red dragon heroine and her quest to find the "People potion" which will change her into a complete human woman so that her love interest, the fantabulous idol singer/dragon slayer, will fall in love with her. Interesting artwork flips between normal-looking people and SD (Super-Deformed) styles. Only 2 episodes available fansubbed. Being released by A.D.Vision.

KOKO WA (HERE IS) GREENWOOD:

A wacky contemporary comedy about the antics of some high-school boys in a rather quirky dorm to say the least named "Greenwood" because its actual name is too taxing to pronouce in everyday conversation. A very well done 6 episode OAV series that ends on a heartlifting romantic note. Released by Software Sculptures.

MAISON IKKOKU:

A delightful contemporary romantic comedy featuring an odd assortment of people sharing an apartment complex and basically a "will he get the girl?" plot complicated by a lot of twists and turns (brought about largely by the most obnoxious bunch of fellow tenants one can possibly have nightmares of having) in the storyline. One of the two series that have a particularly large fan following because it has characters and situations that people can relate to. Consists of 96 tv episodes, a final movie, and one OAV that are available only through fansubs. Rumiko Takahashi's previous hit series before Ranma 1/2 came along. Voted Best Manga (Japanese-Language Version) at Anime East '94 during the First Annual Tezuka Fandom Choice Awards. Currently being released by Viz.

KIMAGURE ORANGE ROAD:

Another amusing and contemporary romantic comedy about four high school students working out their love triangles and trying to grow up. The main character of the series also comes from a family with ESP powers. A kindly, comic look at the youth experience (seishun!), relatively easy to understand. This is the other series that has a large fan following because it brings back fond memories of their youth. Has the reputation of being very addictive. Also the series that has Madoka Ayukawa, arguably the most popular and well-known female character in anime history on the Internet. Is available as 48 tv episodes, 8 OAV episodes, and one final movie. Strongly suggested that you not view the final movie unless you've seen a good portion of the tv series. 8 OAV episodes and final movie are released subtitled by AnimEigo, and the TV episodes are currently in production.

MARMALADE BOY:

A recent romance comedy with a slightly unusual twist to it. The two main characters (boy & girl of the same age) live together in the same house with their corresponding parents who swapped partners. A rather unique setting... As for the romance part: the boy likes the girl and the girl is beginning to like the boy. But, the boy's former girlfriend cheerfully tells the girl that she's not gonna let him go that easily while the girl's former love interest swears that the boy will never get her. Then I think there's a possible homosexual love interest thrown in somewhere but not too sure yet since they haven't brought him back in the episodes that I've seen. But the series is cute, touching, and amusing and could be the new KOR for the anime net masses. Available through fansub although the translators themselves no longer distribute it.

PROJECT A-KO:

A fun spoof of just about every anime series. Centers about three school girls (aptly named A-ko, B-ko, and C-ko. -ko being a common ending in names for women) with super-powers, mecha and bad cooking. Very, very funny, or very, very silly depending on if you get the jokes. Several sequels available subbed and dubbed by US Manga Corps.

RANMA 1/2:

Comedy about a boy with a curse that turns him into a girl whenever s/he gets wet. (Could be worse - his dad gets turned into a panda, and I won't even mention the little piglet or the cat.) Plus he gets engaged against his will to a cute but stubborn girl who's no more pleased than he is about the whole affair. More slapstick from Rumiko Takahashi. Currently very popular in the US. TV series has over 240+ episodes.

SUPER CAT GIRL NUKU NUKU:

A somewhat silly series about an android with the reflexes and luck of a cat who also happens to look rather cute as well. The android usually has to defend her creator and the creator's son from the plots of the son's mother and her two henchwomen. Released by A.D. Vision

TENCHI MUYO:

A ditzy comedy (the total IQ of the entire cast can't be higher than 20) that starts off decently, sorta drags a bit in the middle, and picks up again at the end. About a descendant of a royal family member of another planet who winds up having to shack up with the female criminal that his grandfather had originally chased to Earth, the half-sister of his grandfather who came to Earth looking for the criminal and the whereabouts of the grandfather (who was her fiance), the younger sister of the half-sister, and a way ditzy blond space cadet (literally). Also has arguably the cutest anime animal creation ever to exist: Ryo-oh-ki the cabbit (looks like a cross between a cat and a rabbit) who also turns into a gigantic spaceship when it's not busy looking cute and making cute noises. The 6 episode OAV series was decent but the 7th episode OAV special is a riot. Available subtitled by Pioneer on VHS or dubbed in LD format.

URUSEI YATSURA:

A slapstick, screwball comedy about Lum, the flying electro-demon girl from space; Ataru, the earth boy she wants and the most unlucky and lecherous soul in existence (he might beat Ryo Saeba from City Hunter in the lecher departmnet but Ryo is WAY cooler overall), and a host of other crazy characters. Popular madness in TV, OAV, and movie formats by Rumiko Takahashi. Available from AnimEigo.

VIDEO GIRL AI:

A romantic fantasy comedy/drama. He's been dumped by the girl he loves for his best friend. Ai pops out of the TV and comes to life when he plays a tape to cheer him up. But his VCR isn't working very well, and the Video Girl is behaving a little oddly. Nicely animated with some bright tunes and peculiar character hair and costume design. A wonderful, funny, and sweet series overall but the last episode can seem kind of disjointed from the rest of the series. Consists of 6 OAV episodes that are available through fansubs.

FUSHIGI YUUGI Mysterious Play

(primer by Erick Huang)
Miaka and Yui are two normal schoolgirls studying for entrance exams when they stumble upon a mysterious red book. The book is a novel set in ancient China and as soon as the girls begin to read the book they are surrounded by red light and magically transported. They find themselves in ancient China, where they are harassed by some generic bad guys. A young man (Tamahome) with a strange mark on his forehead (the character for "ogre") comes to their rescue, but promptly abandons them when he finds they have money. As Miaka is distracted searching her purse for money, Yui is surrounded by the red light and disappears. Now alone in strange new surroundings, Miaka sets off in search of her friend Yui, not realizing that Yui has been transported back home. This series is an adventure/comedy with romance elements. The character designs and animation are excellent for a television series, and the opening sequence is one of my current favorites! Check it out!

SCI-FI

AKIRA:

Bikers and the Army battle over the mysterious mutant entity known as Akira in future Tokyo. Sharp and incredibly well-done animation but a muddled plot and unsympathetic characters. If you've never heard of this, where the heck have you been living? Available as one full-length two-hour movie subbed or dubbed by Streamline Pictures.

BATTLE ANGEL ALITA:

A decently gory, cyberpunkish story about a young girl android who becomes a very efficient bounty hunter living among the dregs of society, attempting to make enough money so that the boy she loves can attain his dream of moving up to the rich city in the sky. Of course things don't turn out as planned and the ending can be touching. Very nicely done and one of the better releases AD Vision has come up with.

BLACK MAGIC M66:

Two M66 high tech robot assassins get loose from the military and heads after its test program target: the inventor's daughter. Energetic news reporter bulls her way into the story. Sort of like the TERMINATOR. Quick action/suspense a la the Terminator with very good animation. One hour-long tape only subtitled by US Renditions.

BUBBLEGUM CRISIS:

The quintessential anime cyberpunk series. If you haven't seen this, then you're not a sci-fi otaku. Set in Megatokyo 2032-?. A mix of rock & roll, cyberpunk, and girls with guns & body armor. It is currently a very popular series in the US. The plot does not seem to be the point although some of the later episodes are very well done. Best place to start would be episode 1, of course although I've found the latter episodes to be much better. After episode 8 the title (and much of the staff) changes to BUBBLEGUM CRASH which generally has gotten mixed reviews. Both BGCrisis and BGCrash are available subtitled by AnimEigo and dubbed versions will be released soon as well.

CAPTAIN HARLOCK:

High romance in space as pirate Harlock wages a secret battle to free the earth from alien control. English "Vengeance of the Space Pirate" is almost MY YOUTH IN ARCADIA. Fansubbed versions exist.

COBRA:

An action series about a space pirate with a bionic arm. He starts out without memory of who he is, etc. I haven't seen any of these translated except for the one episode that the Playboy channel dubbed way back when (the series is between 10 and 15 years old). Though untranslated, its easy to follow and kinda funny at times. Viz did a translation of the manga about 5 years ago. (submitted by Narayan Desai) This is the series that Matthew Sweet took clips from in one or two of his videos.

DIRTY PAIR:

A SF comedy about two cute female agents of the far-flung future. Code-named "Lovely Angels," the duo are better known as the "Dirty Pair" because whatever the problem, their cure is sure to be worse and usually involve lots of explosions (On the planet-wide scale even). Only a few OAV series and a movie or two are out in the US right now dubbed through Streamline Pictures.

DOMINION:

Action-comedy SF OAV, rather silly at times, about the Tank Police in a very punk future. Based upon characters and situations created by Masamune Shirow. Apparently good enough to warrant a second series which recently came out in Japan. Available as 6 OAV episodes subtitled or dubbed by US Manga Corps.

FIVE STAR STORIES:

(OAV based on first book of the manga by the same name). Although not authorized by Nagano, this video is animated beautifully, and features all the nifty characters, plot, and mecha from the manga. In a distant galaxy, some folks are bred & raised to run robots for the Empire. Note, the plot can be kinda tricky with a somewhat confusing ending. The Knight of Gold mecha is AWESOME although it doesn't actually do very much in the video. Available only through fansubbers.

GALL FORCE:

A series of (7?) SF OAVs about cute girls with guns and space ships. All the men of the race died in the everlasting war with the Vil Paranoids, and there's nothing left but sexy young women who reproduce by cloning. But, they have a plan... Distributed dubbed in the US by US Manga Corps.

GIANT ROBO:

A series of OAVs that embrace all the cliches of the giant robot genre, and wallows joyously in them. A fast-paced action romp with spiffy animation, sort of the Indiana Jones of giant robot shows. Available in US dubbed through US Renditions.

GUNBUSTER:

A series of three OAVs from US Renditions that seems to have garnered a sizeable fan following. Story about a young female robot pilot who needs to gain confidence in herself and her abilities with the help of an ornery, gruff coach and her beautiful, ace partner in order to combat giant aliens from another galaxy. Has an ending that will have people arguing over the physical aspects of the time/space continuum for quite a while.

GUNDAM:

In several series: GUNDAM, SUPER-DEFORMED GUNDAM, ZETA GUNDAM, ZZ GUNDAM, GUNDAM 0080, 0083, etc. etc. *The* giant robot (mecha) series. The series most commonly found these days are 0080, 0083, and Char's Counterattack. 0080 is a relatively different 6 episode OAV production, having few mecha scenes and concentrating more on the child/civilian point of view. Also has one of the saddest endings ever. Although most Gundam series end in a not-so-happy fashion in the first place. 0083 is best characterized by having a lot of rage throughout the entire 13 episode OAV series. The two main characters don't like each other nor what the other stands for and they don't bother to hide it. Lots of fighting, some comedy and romance. Char's Counterattack is the movie that ends the original Gundam storyline. Impressive mecha with really nice cockpits. Fast and furious action. Annoying as all hell teenagers. Plot can be a bit tricky for the uninitiated to follow at times though. Available fansubbed only.

ICZER-1:

A three-part SF OAV released in the US by US Renditions involving hideous monsters from space, cute but lethal girls, and two giant robots. Meant to be taken only semi-seriously, but has some great slime-monsters that'll make your skin crawl. (Not to be confused with ICZER-3, the recent 6-part sequel.)

LEGEND OF GALACTIC HEROES:

A far-future SF epic in which two vast space-faring governments, the Empire and the Federation, vie for supremacy amid the sea of stars. Against this backdrop two young heroes on the opposing sides wage war with each other and politics with their peers. Available only as fansubs.

MACROSS: DO YOU REMEMBER LOVE:

The feature film version of the sci-fi MACROSS TV Series (part of the ROBOTECH saga in the US), but much better drawn than the TV show. Minmei sings a lot. (Note: Although MACROSS is ROBOTECH, this is NOT the "RoboTech Movie.") Available fansubbed only or a somewhat snipped and cut dubbed version is available commercially known as Attack of the Bionoids (?).

MEGAZONE 23:

A bunch of bikers, a sentient world-controlling computer disguised as a rock singing idol, transformable motorcycle power suits (Garlands), weird tentacled space invaders, and a rock soundtrack propel this popular story of folks entirely unaware they inhabit a giant space ship. In 3 parts (except part 3 is in two sub-chapters). Part 2 is available in English as well as Japanese. (It's Megazone Two-Three by the way, not Twenty Three.) Part 1 is available fansubtitled as well although a good copy is hard to find.

PATLABOR:

Near-future police use mecha to combat criminals who use "labors" (mecha). Light action/comedy. The movie is more serious, and is a surprisingly neat action mystery if you can understand the dialog to follow the plot twists. Released by Central Park Anime.

ROBOTECH:

The Carl Macek/Harmony Gold release in the US of the popular Macross tv series from Japan spliced together with two other completely unrelated series. Possibly the most widely-known anime series to the public in the US (not the most notorious, just the most widely-known). Still has the best transformable mecha design around in the form of the Valkyries. Has led many hardcore anime purists to think upon Carl Macek as the anti-Christ of anime. Available widely in dubbed and subbed forms.

SILENT MOBIUS:

In the near future, demons threaten the Earth. The Attacked Mystification Police (AMP), an all-female force with psychic & magical powers, along with high-tech weaponry, protects mankind from the menace. The 2 movies tell the origins of AMP heroine Katsumi. The first movie is out commercially dubbed by Streamline while both movies have also been fansubbed.

SOL BIANCA:

Scifi OAV series about five sophisticated pirate women and their alien spaceship. Sort of like a cross between BUBBLEGUM CRISIS (from the same studio, Artmic) and BLAKE'S 7. Nice mecha design. Available subbed by AD Vision.

SPACE CRUISER YAMATO:

The SF TV series that turned into STAR BLAZERS in North America. Also has several movies (YAMATO, BE FOREVER YAMATO, ARRIVIDERCI YAMATO, THE NEW VOYAGES, FINAL YAMATO.). Available dubbed.

WINGS OF HONNEAMISE:

Man's first trip into space, from the fictional nation of Honneamise, explores issues of morality, bravery, and dedication to a cause in first-rate animation. Released by Studio Ghibli which does some of the best animation to be found anywhere. Some find it slow, though. Available fansubbed although a commercially released dubbed version is coming out very soon by Manga Video.

Fantasy

DAGGER OF KAMUI:

A sprawling ninja tale set in the 19th century, even manages to get to Alaska and California before the story ends. Surprisingly hypnotic, operatic, and textured. Lots of plot twists and complications. Available subtitled as one extremely long movie by AnimEigo.

FIST OF THE NORTH STAR aka HOKUTO NO KEN:

(TV series and movie). Very bloody post-apocalyptic martial arts sword & sorcery fantasy. CONAN meets THE ROAD WARRIOR starring Sylvester Stallone possessed by the spirit of Bruce Lee. ;) A heavy metal or professional wrestling fan's dream-come-true. The TV series is addictive. The movie has to be seen to be (dis-)believed. Fist of the North Star the movie is available dubbed in the US by Streamline.

JUBEI NINJA CHRONICLES (aka Ninja Scroll):

A fast-paced, action-packed, and occassionally gory ninja movie that's really quite good. A ninja warrior must defeat his old nemesis, who he thought he had killed before, and his bizarre minions. Accompanying him in his task is an ancient priest/warrior and a female ninja with a few quirks of her own. Commercially available.

RECORD OF LODOSS WARS:

13 episode OAV series based on an actual RPG campaign set in a gaming system in Japan that's very similar to D&D. A party of adventurers (the usual fighter, cleric, mage, dwarf, elf, and thief) wander about opposing evil orcs, wizards & dragons. Fun to watch with an incredible soundtrack. Available currently only from fansubs but is supposed to be commercially released at the end of this year or early next.

WEATHERING CONTINENT:

A sword and sorcery tale in a land fallen to ruin. Takes its time and tells a small story of three travelers with a dark, spooky mood, well supported by a fine musical score. Relatively actionless for a sword & sorcery tale but very very well done. Available fansubbed.

WINDARIA:

A lovely fantasy story of two kingdoms at war, and how the war upsets the lives of two pairs of lovers - one peasant, one royal. A tragedy. Well worth the watch and with nice music too. Available dubbed in the US by Streamline.

YOTODEN, LEGEND OF THE MYSTERIOUS SWORD:

A historical sword & sorcery saga in 16th century Japan, with a trio of ninja opposing the despot and his demon minions; (or is the despot the minion of the demons?) 3 parts. Crisp action. Commercially released.

MIYAZAKI MOVIES

KIKI'S / WITCH'S DELIVERY SERVICE:

Another Miyazaki story for kids of all ages, about a 13-year-old witch who sets out to make her way in the world with her talking black cat. Lavishly animated, uplifting, and fun to watch. Fansubbed.

LAPUTA, CASTLE IN THE SKY:

A great, fast-moving action adventure by children's film-maker Miyazaki, and features designs Jules Verne would approve (not to mention Swift). Two kids flee pirates, the army, and other parties in a race to find the legendary Laputa. As with all other Miyazaki films, wonderfully detailed animation and a great musical score. Fansubbed.

NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND:

Probably Miyazaki's most popular film - a sort of post-apocalypse mystic eco-fantasy, more notable for plot, character, music and designs than the smoothness of animation. Excellent Jo Hisaishi soundtrack, too. Based on the comic (manga) of the same title. A classic. Fansubbed.

PORCO ROSSO - THE CRIMSON PIG:

One of Hayao Miyazaki's latest films is a light-hearted but mature and sentimental film set in the 1920 Italian Adriatic, as a valiant pilot (who happens to be a pig) fights air pirates for his honor and for his lady. Top notch animation and thoroughly fun to watch. Fansubbed.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO:

Miyazaki's most gentle film is about two kids who meet an odd-looking forest-spirit (Totoro) in their new rural neighborhood. In part a celebration of Japan's countryside, with a touch of pure magic. Recently released dubbed by Fox Videos.

ACTION/ADVENTURE

CITY HUNTER:

An action/adventurer series that's been extremely popular in Japan (running for 4 seasons) about a top-notch private-eye/bodyguard/assassin for hire with a penchant for chasing after every single beautiful woman he lays eyes on. Only to be kept in check by his giant hammer/mace/log-toting female partner. This is what the Jackie Chan City Hunter movie was based on (sans Streetfighter skit). Some episodes can elicit a serious emotional response from the viewer if you don't think about it too much and aren't very cynical. Consists of a whole slew of tv episodes, two movies, and one OAV that are available only through fansubs.

LUPIN III:

A semi-modern series of (TV & OAV) stories about a stylish thief with a heart of gold and his gang. Some of the better movies include CASTLE CAGLIOSTRO, although PLOT OF THE FUMA CLAN is one of the most action-packed and entertaining anime around. Fan-subtitled versions exist. Most LUPIN III is not by Miyazaki, but by a fellow who calls himself "Monkey Punch." Some of the movies, like Castle Cagliostro have been released dubbed by Streamline. The rest have been picked up by AnimEigo and should be released in a year or so under the title, Rupin.

NADIA (SECRET OF BLUE WATER):

Recent TV series in 39 parts. Starts as a Miyazaki-clone light action-adventure about a girl with a mysterious past and a fantastic amulet, "Blue Water," and the young boy who takes off with her. Gets silly for long stretches, ends with a bang. A 6-hour compilation of the TV series is titled "Nadia: The Nautilus Adventure." A new Nadia movie is just released & not well reviewed. This series is being made available in dubbed format from Streamline Pictures.

RIDING BEAN:

An action adventure series about a bulletproof "courier" with a haul-ass car and his partner. Based in Chicago. Amusing at times and lots of action. Available subbed or dubbed from AnimEigo.

SAILOR MOON:

A current example of the "Magical Girls" anime genre, with a ditzy young teen granted magical powers to fight nasty demons, if she'll quit crying. Her growing horde of planetary sailor sidekicks provide a large cast of cute young girls in short skirts. TV comedy (mostly) for young girls with an embarrassingly large male following. Fansubs available.

HORROR

FIRETRIPPER, LAUGHING TARGET, and MERMAID'S FOREST:

More serious works by Rumiko Takahashi (Lum, Ranma, Maison Ikkoku). In FIRE TRIPPER, a young girl gets moved back in time to feudal Japan. LAUGHING TARGET is spooky horror with supernatural turns. MERMAID'S FOREST is about the strange experiments of some folks in a creepy old house on a hill seeking immortality. Available subbed by US Manga Corps.

VAMPIRE HUNTER D:

Mutants roam the countryside, and a vampire has set up shop in the castle. A bite victim recruits D to save her. D's a strange one indeed with the talking hand that no one has been able to explain. Horrors. Available dubbed from Streamline Pictures.

VAMPIRE PRINCESS MIYU:

A supernatural horror series about a contemporary "vampire" who stalks wayward demons (Shinma) loose on Earth and sends them back to Darkness, while pursued by a persistent exorcist not as enthused about unlife as Miyu. Quiet, moody, brooding chiller. Available subtitled from AnimEigo as two 2-episode OAV tapes. Very recommended.

DRAMA

GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES:

A very sad tale of two kids trying to survive amid the wreckage of end-of-WW-II Japan. Fantastic animation, not often shown at groups because of the tear-jerk factor although it shouldn't be missed. It is only slightly less grim than watching The Sorrow and the Pity (and for a more contemporary comparison, Schindler's List). Available subtitled from Central Park Media.

UMI GA KIKOERU (I CAN HEAR THE SEA):

A contemporary sentimental drama about a young man recounting his high school days in the country and the city girl who enters his life one day. No action, beautifully animated, and very well done. Fansubbed.

OMOIDE POROPORO (ONLY YESTERDAY):

Another contemporary sentimental drama about a yuppie Japanese woman looking back at her youth and life-choices, brilliantly animated by Miyazaki pro Isao Takahata. Talky, actionless, and stunningly beautiful. Available fansubbed.

TOUCH:

High-school baseball drama, plus a little romance involving a short-lived love triangle. Based off of an old but extremely popular manga series. Quiet, a little sad. Three movies available fansubbed.

ADULTS ONLY

CREAM LEMON:

Series of adult porn-comedy. Most popular is probably "Pop Chaser." Some episodes available fansubbed.

DEVIL HUNTER YOHKO:

A comparatively tame (as far as sex and violence goes) story about a young schoolgirl who comes from a family of devil hunters. Basically goes around hunting devils who take the form of humans. Can be quite amusing at times. Three tapes available subbed by AD Vision.

SUPERNATURAL BEAST CITY:

Definitely for adults. Demon terrorists resist treaty to separate demons & mankind. Stylishly drawn. Recently released dubbed by Streamline.

WANDERING KID (aka UROTSUKIDOJI):

THE first & definitive adult anime released in the US. Also most likely the most notorious. Lots of demons, rapes, blood, generally un-nice things. Would give people in the Bible Belt fits and send them scrambling for their holy water. Although all the violence and sex hides a somewhat interesting plot and storyline. Available in a series of tapes dubbed and subbed by Anime 18.

Most titles distributed by AD Vision can fall in this category. Generally little plot but occassionally amusing to watch. Some titles are:

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