Like my top ten movies these are just the ten animes I enjoy the most. Not the ten best, or ten most influential. Just ten that I really like. I tried to arrange them in a favorite to lesser favorite way, but some of them are pretty close.
1.
Cowboy Bebop. This is definitely my favorite. I don't know what it is that makes this series great, but there's something. It definitely has it's own feel and it's own style. Filled with style and class, it's a classic.
2.
Hellsing Ultimate. This may not belong at number 2, but for now it stays. The series has heaps and heaps of style, as well as no concept of 'too bloody'. Alucard is an interesting, and definitely deranged, character. I picked the OVA as apposed to the series partly because it gives Alucard a little more depth. I also like the animation more. It has a little more humor in it than the series, but still manages to be darker. I also like how most characters use guns as apposed to more traditional anime fare of knives and swords.
3.
FLCL. Insanity. Pure insanity. Absolutely hilarious.
4.
Trigun. This is a great series, it really is. The first part is extremely funny and the second part is very well told. It's hard to sum this one up really. It also really is split into two different parts, the first part, where Vash is goofy and care free, and the second part where his past, his brother and his own nature start catching up with him. This series has some highly emotional scenes in it, like the one with Lagoto on the cliff. Or after Wolfwood's duel with his mentor.
5.
Black Lagoon. Probably not something everyone would enjoy. I like the action, what limited amounts there are. The series is mostly about a Japanese business man trying to fit into a world of crime and corruption. However Okajima Rokuro is a chump. Probably would be a better show if he'd just shoot someone. The second season was nowhere near as good.
6.
Gungrave. A story of tragedy and betrayal. It's a damn good series, although some may not like it since you know what it's all leading up to and many people say Brandon Heat (Grave) if boring. He isn't really, it just takes most of the series to really understand the true extent to which he was betrayed. Still, the end in the game is better and far more appropriate.
7.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Yes, I picked the sequel over the first. Shame on me. I like the animation and the style in the second better, as well as the supporting characters. D's hand wasn't as talkative, but oh well, it was supposed to have a darker feel to it. This one loses points for staring another vampire (well, half) that denies his nature. Really hate that archetype. However it gets a good deal of props for the ending, which takes a couple times through to really get.
8.
Bastard!!!. I really, really like this one. Dark Schneider is probably once of my favorite characters across any medium. However there's only six episodes, the first one sucks and it never really ends. Not to mention AnimeNFO's page only makes the story line more confusing when you watch it. It's an older animation style as well, although that doesn't bother me I know it bothers some people.
9.
Berserk!. This anime may have made it higher if the end hadn't completely sucked. Seriously, if you ever get a chance to watch this don't watch the last four or so episodes. Unless you hate yourself or can get the video game (which is sequel released only in Japan. I wants it.). However everything up to that I liked. A lot. Gattz is an interesting character, despite what some others might say. And if you don't like him there's a plethora of interesting characters besides him. The entire course of the series is great and some of the underlying. . .stuffs is interesting. There might be a little much philosophizing, but I can forgive that. This is another bloody anime, although it really doesn't touch Hellsing Ultimate.
10.
Outlaw Star. There are so many things I like about this series I really don't know where to start. It has an enjoyable cast, Gene is a cool guy, I'd party with him. Aisha is funny. The McDougall's are interesting, and a fitting adversary. Anyway, i could go on about characters all night. The plot is enjoyable, if a bit scattered and unorganized, there's several inconstancies throughout the series, and I notice things like that and they bother me. The animation is a little outdated, but that doesn't bother me much. It's not a deep, life changing experience, but it's always a good time. It's enjoyable no matter what mood I'm in. Also the caster gun is a cool concept. (I hate you Angel.)
Anyway, that sums that up. I'm always on the prowl for something new and interesting and I have a list with about fifty titles on it of things I'd like to see. If you kids have any ideas let me know.
Oh, and on the subject of anime I hate: Trinity Blood. Don't even talk to me about it.
