After a few years watching anime, it is time to transition to other series that will develop your taste even further. From shounen to drama and everything else in between, here’s a list of anime to help you become a seasoned anime viewer.
The Big 3: Naruto, Bleach and One Piece
To start your transition from beginner to seasoned anime viewer, The Big 3 (Naruto, Bleach and One Piece) are not to be missed. These series have defined the perception that the West has about anime. While they may not represent the whole anime industry, they have outlasted a lot of popular TV shows, including many others on this list.
Mushishi
The complex story of Mushishi takes place in the fictional time between the Edo and Meiji periods. During this era, supernatural creatures called Mushi exist, but because of their ethereal nature, these creatures are invisible to humans. However, there are some people who have the gift to see and interact with Mushi. One such person is Ginko, who hopes to understand where these creatures place in the world’s hierarchy of life.
Clannad
Clannad follows Tomoya Okazaki, a third-year high school student who has become a delinquent due to unfortunate events. On his way to school, he meets Nagisa Furukawa, who is a year older but is repeating due to illness. They soon become friends and Nagisa tells Tomoya that her dream is to revive the school’s drama club. Tomoya, along with the aid of four other girls, decides to help her achieve this goal. Thanks to these girls, Tomoya has a new outlook on life.
Elfen Lied
Conspiracy and bloodshed are at the core of Elfen Lied. At a research facility in Kamakura, a Diclonius – mutated species – escapes, leaving blood and decapitated bodies in her wake. But, during her escape, she injures her head, leaving her with a split personality. Washing ashore, she’s found by Kouta and his cousin Yuka, who unknowingly take a wounded escapee into their care, unaware of her murderous inclinations.
Serial Experiments Lain
The psychological mystery anime Serial Experiments Lain is one of the most complex and enticing series of its genre. Blurring the lines between reality and cyberspace, Lain, an awkward and introverted 14-year-old finds herself in a world where identity, consciousness, and perception take a whole new meaning.
Princess Tutu
In a medium where martial arts are the essence of fighting, Princess Tutu takes an entirely new approach to battle, using classical ballet to defeat her enemies. Similar to The Princess and the Frog, the romance anime follows Ahiru, a duck who transforms into a ballet dancer named Princess Tutu. And while Princess Tutu is about magic and beauty, it also has deceit. Consequently, the actions of Princess Tutu and her friends determine whether their fairy tale will have a “happily ever after.”
Fairy Tail
With over a 100+ episodes under its belt, Fairy Tail, like The Big 3, is the pinnacle of anime. In the magical world of Earth Land, wizards join guilds to hone their magical powers. To become a full-fledged mage, the 17-year-old Lucy runs away to join Fairy Tail, one of the strongest guild in the Kingdom of Fiore.
Your Lie in April
The romance drama Your Lie in April follows the exceptional pianist, Kousei Arima, who loses interest in piano after the death of his mother. But, when he meets the beautiful and enthusiastic violinist, Kaori Miyazono, he gets a new lease on music and life.
A Certain Magical Index
In the scientific town of Academy City, Touma Kamijou holds a level zero esper, a.k.a. has no powers. However, his right hand holds the great power of Imagine Breaker that can negate any power that it touches. One day, a girl jumps onto Touma’s balcony. Unbeknownst of his power, she challenges him to destroy her magical garb. And thus begins the magical adventures of Touma, who now faces several dangers amid espers and magicians.
Mobile Suit Gundam
While many series will help a fan’s transition into a seasoned anime viewer, Mobile Suit Gundam can’t be left out. Starting in 1979, the Gundam franchise has become a cultural icon of Japan and has been applauded for its realistic scientific settings.
Although the Gundam multiverse has a common theme of war between earth and space colonies, each series has its own story, from political unrest to socio-economic issues. On top of that, mecha is the cornerstone of anime, thanks to EVA. Consequently, this is a must-see series to become a seasoned anime viewer.
The list only featured a few anime series to becoming an anime aficionado. However, there are a ton of series to help along with your transition from a white to black belt anime viewer.
