I wouldn't really call myself a big anime fan (I've enjoyed some of the more known hits), but recently I've found myself really enjoying a few series so I figured I'd open it up here for more recommendations. I'm going to structure this for things I've enjoyed recently as well as things from ~13ish years ago (about the only two times I've really explored the medium).
Recent things I enjoyed a lot:
- Frieren
- Little Witch Academia (Movies and Television show)
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- Promare
Recent things I thought were decent:
- Kill La Kill
Past things I really enjoyed:
- Gurren Lagann
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Code Geass
- Black Lagoon
- Cowboy Bebop
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
Past things I thought were decent:
- Soul Eater
- Claymore
- Monster
To try to help people hone in more I'm a big fan of fantasy settings (no isekai stuff please unless you have a really, really compelling reason for it) and I'm open to most genres. I've found that I like Studio Trigger stuff a good bit so if there are movies/series there that people also feel strongly about I'm especially open to those recommendations but I'm really open to most suggestions from people on this site as I imagine it'll filter out most of the chud-appealing/serviced content.
Damn, nobody say Megalobox yet?
The first season is a perfect rendition of the classic sports underdog story. It's wonderfully animated with this gritty style that evokes the best 90's hand drawn animation and a banger soundtrack. It's not going to surprise you or challenge you, but it's a great time cheering for the scrappy poor kid taking on the champ as always.
The second season, aka Megalobox: Nomad, is a uniquely thoughtful look into the fall from grace. Grief, loss, death, drug use, coming to terms with being past your prime. Season 1 being such a great rendition of the classic underdog story sets this up so well. For <reasons I wont disclose> Nomad was aimed perfectly at me when I saw it, but I don't think you need <redacted> to love it. Also, the soundtrack is somehow even better.
Oh, also got to throw a movie recommendation in: Redline. The best racing movie ever made. Just watch the first race oh my god: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL10Gt2uags
I'm usually allergic to goofy bullshit in anime but this fucking slaps holy shit
Redline is high up on the "to watch soon list" because I vaguely remember a friend saying that it's awesome and I had forgotten about it. Thanks for the other recommendations as well.
I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy: