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| There you go Astro Turf! (sorry if you don't get this joke... And sorry if you do.) |
If there's one thing the youth of today is known for, it's probably their self-entitlement issues and texting and ignorance. But I'm not talking about that, I'm talking about their overnight outbreak of the Otaku Virus in 2013 thanks to the success of Attack On Titan, a moderately clever show. Its success was probably due to the fact that it explores themes relating to relevant American issues, like the tragedies of war and Spider-Man-esque webslinging devices. Of course we loved it! I say "we" in the general sense, the show is a bit too one-note for me. Than again, the same could be said about a certain other show with one Note, (well, to start out with. I'm not even sure how many Notes were bopping around by the third season). I'm referring to Death Note, okay? Sorry, I'll stop trying to be cryptic.
Anyway, even though Attack on Titan didn't personally click with me, it took over the world and clicked with teenagers in particular, because the show stars a teenager, and that's something any teenager can identify with, right guys?
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| Still looks ten to me, though. |
But where was I when this all hit? I was already watching lots of anime. Mostly high-school romance comedies, because I tend to enjoy comedy more than anything else. That might explain why I get so nitpick-y about it. But you don't care about my detailed back story that will eventually get rebooted so many times it'll lose all it's flavor! I'm here to discuss a few key points about anime and help you find the right anime to watch. If you're here because you already like anime, well great, I'm not just going to pander to the uninitiated, these opinions are practically exposition-less! If you're here because you're clueless about anime, well great, I've got some handy tips for you! So let's jump into it!
~ W H Y W E L I K E A N I M E ~
There's one for everyone, and if you haven't found the one for you yet... you just haven't found it. Because it's out there, believe me. To satisfy your afterlife-stuck-in-high-school-forever-sorta-religious-but-not-really-comedy-tragedy-featuring-random-rock-band-concert needs.
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| Yeah, about that... what genre was this supposed to be again? |
I like how it's this easily resolvable non-argument, which is ultimately a matter of preference, that is the biggest point of contention in the anime community. Who wouldn't want to join a community like that? Now of course, there are other debates to be had, but most of them are similarly up to personal taste, and as such can be easily dismissed if things get out of hand.
*DISCLAIMER: Not always, but mostly.
~ A N E X T E N S I V E G U I D E ~
So, it's up to you now to find your niche of anime. I've helpfully compiled a Spent-To-Much-Time-On-This Guide just for you, (it literally took three full days to write), based on the classic Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment.
For each personality type I've provided several anime television shows and movies, as well as more specific information about why I think it's right for you. The Rating is kind of like a parent's guide to the anime. I've developed my own system for the ratings. Don't worry, it's easy.
CHAN = Anyone could watch this.
KUN = Contains slightly disturbing or suggestive material.
KOUHAI = Contains some strong language and disturbing and/or suggestive material.
SENPAI = Contains moderate amounts of strong language and disturbing and/or suggestive material.
HAKASE + Any of the below = This anime isn't a good entry anime and should be watched after some familiarity with the occasional weirdness found in anime so that you don't screw up your first time watching anime.
By the way, the reason no adult shows are included on the list, (like Hellsing or Elfen Lied), is because that's not what this list is for. Look up a different list for that.
There are two main examples for each personality type, a Drama and a Comedy. This isn't to diminish the endless subcategories of anime, but it can be argued that most shows are either one or the other, and people usually tend to lean towards one or the other, despite personality type. Oh, and, before I begin, if you want to find out what your personality type is, here. It's not completely accurate, and I wish they had more choices, but it'll do.
One final note: This list will be continually updated as I learn more about anime.
INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving):
The anime listed here star mostly introverted or creatively out there characters, and the shows they star in offer many points of view and are focused on the emotional journeys of the characters, rather than the plot.
Rating: KUN
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Psychedelic
Why: You'll relate to the introverted main character, the unique and creative atmosphere of the show, and how most of the show's energy is spent on character-focused drama.
Other Drama Recommendations for INFPs: Shinigami no Ballad (Rated KUN), The Mysterious Disappearance of Haruhi Suzamiya (Rated KUN)
Rating: KUN
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: School
Why: You'll relate to the intuitive main character, the creative comedy of the show, and how most of the show's energy is spent on character-focused comedy.
Other Comedy Recommendations for INFPs: Tonari No Seki-kun (Rated CHAN), Bakuman (Rated HAKASE-KUN), Ouran High School Host Club (Rated KUN)
INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging):
The anime listed here star mostly introverted or just plain nice characters, who try to help others achieve their dreams instead of stealing all the glory for themselves. The anime they star in are complex, and tend to focus on the emotions of the characters.
Name: Robotics;NotesRating: KOUHAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Mecha
Why: You'll be along for an admittedly long but worth-the-wait ride with a robotics club that's passionate about creating a giant robot. It's a show that can be light and fun one minute, and dark and intriguing the next.
Other Drama Recommendations for INFJs: Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (Rated KOUHAI), Samurai Champloo (Rated SENPAI), The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Rated KUN), Mysterious Girlfriend X (Rated SENPAI), Gosick (Rated KOUHAI)
Name: The Melancholy of Haruhi SuzumiyaRating: KUN
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Supernatural/Slice of Life
Why: You'll relate to the intuitive main character, the creative comedy of the show, and how most of the show's energy is spent on character-focused comedy.
Other Comedy Recommendations for INFJs: My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (Rated KUN), Fooly Cooly (Rated HAKASE-KOUHAI), Soul Eater (Rated KOUHAI), A Certain Magical Index (Rated KUN)
INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging):
The anime listed here star mostly introverted characters. The plot of the anime is the focus, and it's usually complex and full of twists and turns.
Rating: SENPAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Supernatural/Mystery/Psychological
Why: The show is a wild roller coaster with an intelligent cast of characters, what more is there to say?
Other Drama Recommendations for INTJs: Code Geass (Rated SENPAI), Neuro: Supernatural Detective (Rated SENPAI), Fate/Zero (Rated SENPAI), Detective Conan (Rated KUN), A Certain Scientific Railgun (Rated KOUHAI), Black Butler (Rated SENPAI), Ghost Hunt (Rated KOUHAI), Psycho-Pass (Rated SENPAI), Un-Go (Rated SENPAI), Steins;Gates (Rated SENPAI)
Name: The World God Only Knows
Rating: KOUHAI
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Romance
Why: A dissection of the romantic comedy genre, it stars an intelligent protagonist and offers a unique, engaging plot, as well as some genuinely hilarious comedy.
Other Comedy Recommendations for INTJs: No Game No Life (Rated KOUHAI), Log Horizon (Rated KUN), Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? (Rated SENPAI)
INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving):
The anime listed here star mostly introverted characters, who overcome must overcome complex psychological and/or philosophical dilemmas. The world of the anime is as important as its plot and characters.
Name: Hunter x HunterRating: KOUHAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Action/Psychological
Why: This show offers a realized world with interesting characters. There are numerous fight scenes, but unlike other action shows they rely on logic and psychological tricks to win the day.
Other Drama Recommendations for INTPs: Neon Genesis Evangelion (Rated SENPAI), Time of Eve (Rated KUN), Black Butler (Rated SENPAI), Danganronpa (Rated KOUHAI), Ergo Proxy (Rated SENPAI)
Name: WataMoteRating: KOUHAI
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Slice of Life
Why: It's basically a long character study into the twisted psychology of an extremely anti-social girl. The way she perceives the world around her plays into the style of the entire show.
Other Comedy Recommendations for INTPs: Soul Eater (Rated KOUHAI), Blood Lad (Rated KOUHAI), Ouran High School Host Club (Rated KUN), Baka and Test (Rated KOUHAI), Hells (Rated KOUHAI)
ISFJ (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging):
The anime listed here star mostly introverted characters, with an emphasis on an ensemble cast. The anime puts focus on the relationships between the characters.
Name: Summer WarsRating: CHAN
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Science Fiction/Adventure
Why: It's a movie with family and traditionalism at its core, and the concept is unique and fun.
Other Drama Recommendations for ISFJs: Silver Spoon (Rated KOUHAI), Steins;Gate (Rated SENPAI)
Name: The Eccentric FamilyRating: KUN
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Slice of Life
Why: A show steeped in tradition and lore, with family as its number one focus.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ISFJs: Fairy Tail (Rated KOUHAI), Haganai (Rated HAKASE-KOUHAI), Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou (Rated KOUHAI), Silver Spoon (Rated KOUHAI)
ISFP (Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving):
The anime listed here star mostly introverted, varied and artistic characters, with more focus on them than the plot.
Name: Mysterious Girlfriend XRating: SENPAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Romance/Mystery
Why: The quirky characters and the unusual nature of the romance is sure to intrigue.
Other Drama Recommendations for ISFPs: Michiko to Hatchin (Rated SENPAI), Cowboy Bebop (Rated SENPAI), Mushishi (Rated KOUHAI), Accel World (Rated KOUHAI)
Name: Daily Lives of Highschool BoysRating: HAKASE-KUN
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Slice of Life
Why: It's a show full of imagination, fully realized characters, and it varies between subtle and outlandish humor.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ISFPs: Fooly Cooly (Rated HAKASE-KOUHAI), Kaichou wa Maid-sama! (Rated KUN)
ISTJ (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging):
The anime listed here star mostly introverted, grounded and practical characters, where plot places an emphasis on clarity.
Name: From Up On Poppy HillRating: CHAN
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Romance
Why: This Studio Ghibli film is full of hardworking, dedicated characters and displays a high attention to detail.
Other Drama Recommendations for ISTJs: Steins;Gate (Rated KOUHAI), Full Metal Panic (Rated KOUHAI)
Name: BakumanRating: KUN
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Romance
Why: The earnest, hardworking characters and the straight-ahead plot are key elements to this anime.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ISTJs: Shirobako (Rated KUN), Servant x Service (Rated KUN), Golden Time (Rated KUN), Comic Party (Rated KUN)
ISTP (Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving):
The anime listed here star mostly introverted, practical characters, and focus more on action than sitting around talking.
Name: Michiko to HatchinRating: SENPAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Action
Why: An introverted, practical character meets a volitional extrovert. Action and chaos follow.
Other Drama Recommendations for ISTPs: Yozakura Quartet (Rated KUN), Cowboy Bebop (Rated SENPAI), Black Lagoon (Rated SENPAI), Code Geass (Rated SENPAI), Attack on Titan (Rated SENPAI)
Name: Soul EaterRating: KOUHAI
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Fantasy/Supernatural
Why: It stars a practical main character who is joined by a large cast of diverse and quirky people and spiced up through many creative action sequences.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ISTPs: Medaka Box (Rated KOUHAI), Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? (Rated SENPAI), Samurai Champloo (Rated KOUHAI)
ENFJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging):
The anime listed here star mostly extroverted, imaginative characters, a with a focus on optimism and the value of friendship, (in other words, 90% of shonen appeal to you).
Name: Fate/ZeroRating: SENPAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Action/Fantasy
Why: The ensemble cast offers variety and imagination, with various arcs relating to friendship, and it has at least one really extroverted character, who is worth watching the whole show for. Whether or not it's optimistic is contestable.
Other Drama Recommendations for ENFJs: Yozakura Quartet (Rated KUN), Cowboy Bebop (Rated SENPAI), Black Lagoon (Rated SENPAI), Code Geass (Rated SENPAI), Hunter x Hunter (Rated KOUHAI)
Name: The Devil is a Part-Timer!Rating: KUN
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Fantasy
Why: It stars extroverted, imaginative, and hardworking characters, and there's plenty of optimism to be found here.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ENFJs: Baka and Test (Rated KOUHAI), Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (Rated KOUHAI), Yu Yu Hakusho (Rated KUN), Yowamushi Pedal (Rated KUN), One Piece (Rated KOUHAI), Blue Exorcist (Rated KUN), Agami Brilliant Park (Rated HAKASE-KUN)
ENFP (Extroverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving):
The anime listed here star mostly extroverted, imaginative characters who are full of creativity, and underneath it all is a layer of philosophy and deeper meaning.
Name: Baccano!Rating: SENPAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Action/Noir
Why: There are plenty of extroverted characters to be found here, and the creativity and philosophy of the show is very engaging.
Other Drama Recommendations for ENFPs: The Wind Rises (Rated KUN), The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Rated CHAN), Hells (Rated KOUHAI), Hunter x Hunter (Rated KOUHAI), Death Parade (Rated SENPAI)
Rating: KOUHAI
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Fantasy
Why: It features many outlandish techniques and characters, who are enhanced by a deeper mystery throughout.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ENFPs: Skip Beat (Rated KUN), Lucky Star (Rated HAKASE-KUN), Kill la Kill (Rated SENPAI), D-Frag (Rated KOUHAI), The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (Rated KUN)
ENTJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging):
The anime listed here star mostly extroverted characters with powerful leadership qualities. The plots are full of twists and turns and the stakes are usually high.
Name: Code GeassRating: SENPAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Military/Supernatural
Why: Who doesn't want to conquer the world? That's what the protagonist of this mend-bending show sets out to achieve.
Other Drama Recommendations for ENTJs: Full Metal Panic (Rated KOUHAI), Cowboy Bebop (Rated SENPAI), Attack on Titan (Rated SENPAI), Death Note (Rated Senpai), Durarara! (Rated SENPAI)
Name: Agami Brilliant ParkRating: HAKASE-KOUHAI
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Fantasy
Why: Equal emphasis is placed on leadership and comedy in this show filled with extroverted characters.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ENTJs: Full Metal Panic Fumoffu! (Rated KUN), Daily Lives of Highschool Boys (Rated HAKASE-KUN), Comic Party (Rated CHAN)
ENTP (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving):
The anime listed here star mostly extroverted, clever and imaginative characters, with plot taking a backseat to the world and ideas of the show or movie.
Name: Angel Beats!Rating: KOUHAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Comedy/Supernatural/School/Military/Concert/Sports
Why: An ensemble cast with multiple personalities and tragic back stories is wrapped in a show full of ideas that isn't always sure where to put those ideas. But it's a wild ride nonetheless!
Other Drama Recommendations for ENTPs: Neuro: Supernatural Detective (Rated KOUHAI), Darker Than Black (Rated SENPAI)
Name: Monthly Girls Nozaki-kunRating: HAKASE-KUN
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: School/Slice-Of-Life/Romance
Why: A cast full of extroverted and varied characters and some of the most hilarious, bizarre scenarios you will ever see.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ENTPs: No Game No Life (Rated KOUHAI), My Neighbor Totoro (Rated CHAN), One Piece (Rated KOUHAI), Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou (Rated KOUHAI), Assassination Classroom (Rated KUN), Lucky Star (Rated HAKASE-KUN). Fooly Cooly (Rated KOUHAI)
ESFJ (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging):
The anime listed here star mostly extroverted, traditional characters, with an emphasis on family.
Name: Spirited AwayRating: CHAN
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Supernatural
Why: A whimsical, yet dark movie with it's own established mythology, and themes about family.
Other Drama Recommendations for ESFJs: Whisper of the Heart (Rated CHAN)
Name: Toradora!Rating: KUN
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: School/Romance
Why: An extroverted ensemble with a romance at its core.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ESFJs: Noragami (Rated KUN), Fairy Tail (Rated KOUHAI), Log Horizon (Rated KUN), Toriko (Rated KUN), Minami-ke (Rated KUN)
ESFP (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving):
The anime listed here star mostly extroverted, enthusiastic characters who strive to help or find out about others. The premise is usually fun or sensational, but the focus is mostly on the characters throughout. The style of the show tends to be unique and interesting, with a wide range of colors.
Name: Samurai ChamplooRating: SENPAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Comedy/Fantasy
Why: Most of the characters are trying to help one character accomplish her goal. The style is also very unique, and the show's outlook is ultimately optimistic.
Other Drama Recommendations for ESFPs: Cowboy Bebop (Rated SENPAI), Attack on Titan (Rated SENPAI), Medaka Box (Rated KOUHAI)
Rating: KOUHAI
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Action/Mecha
Why: Full of action with a unique style and extroverted characters. Common themes are friendship and helping others.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ESFPs: Toriko (Rated KUN), Space Dandy (Rated SENPAI), One Piece (Rated KOUHAI)
ESTJ (Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging):
The anime listed here star mostly extroverted, practical, organized characters to are trying to establish order in a chaotic world. Plot is the focus.
Name: Witch Hunter RobinRating: KOUHAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Supernatural
Why: The setting is grim and grounded, and it stars a conservative character. The plot focuses on the characters dealing with multiple chaotic incidents in an efficient manner, (when they can).
Other Drama Recommendations for ESTJs: Death Note (Rated SENPAI), A Certain Magical Index (Rated KUN), Full Metal Alchemist (Rated KOUHAI)
Rating: KOUHAI
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Fantasy
Why: In a fantastical world full of rules, the two main characters decide to play by them in order to conquer it.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ESTJs: Agami Brilliant Park (Rated KOUHAI), Noragami (Rated KOUHAI)
ESTP (Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving):
The anime listed here star mostly extroverted, energetic characters. The shows tend to focus on action rather than dialogue, and moves fairly quickly.
Name: Cowboy BebopRating: SENPAI
Genre: Drama
Sub-genre: Western/Science Fiction
Why: A lot of time is spent on characters and action, and the plot clips along with only 26 episodes.
Other Drama Recommendations for ESTPs: Angel Beats! (Rated KOUHAI), Daughter of Twenty Faces (Rated KOUHAI)
Rating: KOUHAI
Genre: Comedy
Sub-genre: Action/Western
Why: The show has a fast-paced style and lively characters. Most of the humor is physical.
Other Comedy Recommendations for ESTPs: Baka and Test (Rated KOUHAI), Yowamushi Pedal (Rated KUN)
In case you're curious, I've watched all of the main recommendations listed above except Azumanga Daioh, and enjoyed all of them, (at least enough to put them on the list), so take these personality types with a grain of salt. In case you were wondering, my score was "INTJ", which is probably right, as that was the easiest category for me to come up with examples for.
I'm aware that there aren't too many shoujo (anime aimed at girls) on the list. That's because I've only seen two, Maid-sama and Yuru Yuri, and my knowledge extends only to Skip Beat, Love Live, Kamisama Kiss and Fruits Basket beyond that. However, I intend to try those shows in the future, and expand my palate as well as this guide.
~ T H E B I G T H R E E ~
One of the most important things to know going into anime is that there are three shows that have dominated the industry for the past several years. They are:
Hori-san to Miyamura-kun
Mushishi
and
The Tatami Galaxy
Ha ha, just kidding. It's One Piece, Naturo and Bleach.
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| The shows that everybody in the anime world has tried at least once! |
Bleach mostly seems to be concerned with being cool, but its definition of "cool" is getting sliced across the forehead with a sword and standing and talking to your opponents for half an episode before attacking them. Each fight kind of had a same-y feel, with the "run past each other and double over" cliché appearing again and again. I've heard people complain that the first season isn't very good, and that the season afterwords, commonly referred to as the "Rescue Rukia" arc or the "Soul Society" arc, is the "best arc in shonen". I have to disagree on that point. The first season explored character and plot mechanics, with themes about death and loss. It moved fast and established the rules of the universe in a pretty fun way. The arcs afterwords are drawn out too long to be enjoyable to me, and I hate battles where there seems to be no thought behind the action. On the plus side, the animation is better than the other two, and it has a cool atmosphere to it.
~ W R A P - U P ~
This blog isn't going to turn into an anime blog from here on out. Most of my thoughts on the subject were in this post. The blog's main focus is still animated films and action films and the problems I had with them.
Anime is a huge world, and it's a world worth spending time in. Hopefully my guide helped point you in the right direction. In case you were wondering, these are my favorite anime, (so you can watch out for favoritism in the list):
1. Daily Lives of Highschool Boys
2. WataMote
3. The World God Only Knows
4. Baka and Test
5. Death Note
Now if somebody would only make a Slice of Life/Mystery/Comedy. That would be something I'd definitely enjoy.
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