Anime Sampler

List creator: jeffs Created on: July 22, 2005 - 10:37 AM PDT Description: Not all anime is for everyone. Hopefully if you're new to anime or always wanted to try it you can find something you like in this list.

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	movie title	related list	average rating	MPAA rating	watch	rent	buy
	Noir Vol. 1: Shades of Darkness (2001)			Not Rated
I can't say this series is all about style, but that's what endears it to me. The music is great. Some may be offended by the violent content.
	Haibane Renmei vol.1: New Feathers (2003)			Not Rated
No robots, no violence. A twist on the coming-of-age story. It has a meandering pace that I find perfect for the story and characters, but some may find too slow
	Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex vol.1 (2004)			Not Rated
Possibly the best sci-fi series ever made. Entertainment for the eyes and the brain.
	Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum: 01 (1995)			Not Rated
Classic. Great sci-fi, big robot anime. Unique characters that will cause some to love this while others might find them annoying.
	RahXephon Vol. 1: Threshold (2003)			Not Rated
Very similar to Evangelion. Perhaps a better story. Characters that you are less likely to hate, but also less likely to love
	Fruits Basket vol.1: A Great Transformation? (2002)			Not Rated
This series goes back and forth between sad and silly. If you're looking for an emotional rollercoaster, this is it. The concept sounds silly, but it works really well.
	Now and Then, Here and There vol.1: Discord and Doom (1999)			Not Rated
If you're looking for something dark, this is it. I'm not a fan of the animation style, but it fits perfectly for the story
	Elfen Lied: Vector 1 (2004)			Not Rated
A wonderfully dark story with great visuals.
	Grave of the Fireflies (Collector's Edition) (1988)			Not Rated
There is sad and there is dark. This is depressing. The type of movie that will likely stick with you for a while.
	Azumanga Daioh Vol. 1: Entrance!			Not Rated
If you want cute and funny, then look no further. I had almost written off finding a good anime comedy until I found this series.
	Voices of a Distant Star (2002)			Not Rated
For such a short show (<30minutes) this is shockingly good. It's a tragic love story with a sci-fi backdrop. The length provides a great way to get a taste of anime without committing to a long series, however some may be left wanting more.
	Read or Die (2003)			Not Rated
Another short (3 ep) series for those that don't want anything too long. In some ways this reminds me of a light take on League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
	R.O.D. the TV Series vol. 1: The Paper Sisters (2004)			Not Rated
A worthy follow-up to the OVA
	Figure 17 Vol. 1: Soul Mirror			Not Rated
A sweet and sad sci-fi series for kids.
	Martian Successor Nadesico Chronicle 1: Invasion! (2000)
While most parodies are just about cheap jokes, this sci-fi parody still manages to create an enjoyable story and characters.
	Vampire Princess Miyu TV Series Vol. 1: Initiation (1998)			Not Rated
The master of the not-so-happy happy endings. Not really overly sad or dark, but many episodes had a nice little twist to them.
	Mahoromatic: Automatic Maiden Vol. 1 - Combat Maiden (2003)			Not Rated
On the outside it's very light and fluffy, but it has a dark undertone to it that gives it a very unique feel. Some may find parts of it too light and fluffy to get all the way through
	.hack//SIGN Ver. 01: Login (2003)			Not Rated
The video-game/anime link is usually a sure sign of disaster, but this series is different. A sci-fi story about an on-line game told through the perspective of the characters in the game. I recommend the anime...I don't recommend the game.
	Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 Vol. 1: Genesis (1998)
Another classic anime. Good story, good sci-fi, good characters. If you don't enjoy sci-fi you likely will not enjoy this.
	Key The Metal Idol DVD Vol. 1 (1997)			Not Rated
The story of a robot girl that wants to become real? You may think you've heard this story before, but trust me you haven't. It plays like an unraveling mystery. It is violent and it does drag a little bit in the middle, but its still one of my favorites.
	Last Exile Vol. 1: First Move (2003)			Not Rated
Can pretty pictures carry a series? YES! I'm not a fan of retro-sci-fi steam punk type of shows, but I still enjoyed this. There is more to this than just artwork, but this is easily one of the nicest looking anime series out there.
	Crest of the Stars Vol. 1 - To The Stars (2001)
A love story with a sci-fi background. It has a slow pacing which I find perfect, but may not be for everyone.
	Witch Hunter Robin Vol. 1: Arrival (2002)			Not Rated
This has a feel somewhat like the X-files. It doesn't have an earth shattering story or characters, but each episode makes you want to watch the next.
	X Vol. 1: One (2002)
An interesting concept in this is Episode 0 is told through the eyes of someone who can see the future. You see the fate of many characters before you're introduced to them. It sounds horrible but works well. Otherwise it reminds me of Superfriends, only without all those happy endings. The downside is that the characters can be tough to tell apart
	Steel Angel Kurumi Vol. 1: Angel on My Shoulder (2002)
Tired of watching shows about love triangles? Kurumi brings all new shapes into the mix. Its light and silly, but still manages to be very enjoyable.
	His and Her Circumstances Vol. 1: Appearance of a Normal Life (1998)
For those that want an anime about normal relationships. I think the only downside of this series is the lackluster finish.
	Love Hina Vol. 1: Moving In (2001)			Not Rated
As far as "harem" anime goes, this is the best I've seen. The strength of the series really lies in the characters.