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.
I really enjoyed Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex and Sac 2nd Gig for something "older"
For some contemporary shows I've not seen mentioned yet, I'm currently loving "Delicious in Dungeon." It's a more casual show premises on an adventuring party that has run out of food/funds in a DnD like world, but desperately needs to go back into the dungeon to rescue a party member. In order to survive they cook and eat monsters along the way, learning about the symbiosis and ecosystems that exist in the dungeon along the way. For some things that are more recent and of heavier tone I liked "Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku" and "Vinland Saga" as well.
Delicious in dungeon is getting a lot of coverage here so it's probably up first. I've added your other recommendations to the list too. If you have to pull one (that isn't Delicious) which would you pick to elevate? I only say this because I got a lot of recommendations (thanks everyone)
Glad you've got a deep list lol. I think Hell's Paradise is a nice bite size series. Just one season so far so maybe give that a try when you want a break between the longer ones on your list.