This is a classic that is included in many top lists, but usually not in its original form. FMA: Brotherhood appears to be the younger, favorite iteration for most people. But I cannot forget the terrifying, yet spectacular introduction to anime that was Fullmetal Alchemist, the original show. After deviating from the original manga about 12 episodes in, the creators for the anime went in a whole different direction, which helped create 2 amazing stories from one plot line.

As a 13-year-old I was able to catch episode 2 on Adult Swim as it was airing. Despite this slightly traumatizing introduction to the series, I was hooked. How can you not find out what happens after that? FMA follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who are desperately trying to rectify their mistake. The world they live in uses alchemy to change and create objects. The brothers go through many obstacles to try and find the Philosopher’s Stone. This item has the power to do the impossible with alchemy, and just might be able to help them. This is an epic, fantastic journey unlike any other, and is an amazing introduction to anime.

When I am looking for a bit of pure joy to watch, I turn to Lucky Star. This show follows an adorable group of high school girls as they go through their daily lives. The real charm to this show are the characters themselves and the interactions they have. You will find yourself enthralled by conversations about dentists and pastries and look back to wonder how that is even possible.

Lucky Star is also similar to Gintama in the way it uses satire as a main source of comedy for the show. You can see references to popular anime such as Gundam, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and many more. One of the girls in the show is an otaku character, and it is so much fun to see her fangirl over her many obsessions. These characters are so lovable and happy, watching Lucky Star can only make you feel good as well.

This show was my ideal. This is what life and friendship in an anime club was supposed to be. When I saw it the first time, I realized that I was watching myself, or at least what I wanted in a group of friends. This was truly a genius move on the creators’ part. To create a show by nerds, for nerds, and actually about real nerds.

Genshiken depicts the daily life of a university’s anime club. The small challenges and victories of the everyday. We get to see the characters grow and be true to themselves in small realistic ways. It was like watching a version of yourself in these characters. This anime brings its viewers a simple joy, but a strong one. You don’t need magical powers or giant mechas to be special, all you need is a good group of friends.

When I was a child I could not get enough of the Digimon world. From having imaginary Digimon to actually getting a Digivice for Christmas one year, I was a little more than obsessed. So when Digimon: The Movie was released in the United States, you can guess I was more than a little excited. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen this film or listened to its fantastic soundtrack.

Digimon: The Movie spans two generations of Digidestined and combines the first three movies released overseas for Digimon. We get to see the Digimon world’s first introduction to Digimon creatures themselves, when the main characters are only just children. But several time lapses later, we see that these characters have grown into fully realized Digidestined. This movie had a complicated plot that really challenged young viewers. The true brilliance of the Digimon series is that it brought the imaginary, the fantastical, into the real world. It gave the audience the sense that there could be more than just the ordinary behind any computer screen.

When someone asks me what my favorite anime is, Natsume’s Book of Friends is my first response. The peaceful tone and sentimental feel of this anime might not be everyone’s favorite, but no one can deny that it is the best at what it does. There are now 5 seasons of Natsume, with one currently airing, so I can’t be the only one who is in love with this heartwarming anime.

The story of Natsume follows a high school boy who can see yokai, or demons. He has grown up his whole life as an outcast because of the trouble that this unique talent brings. When Natsume finally finds a kind elderly couple to take him in, he will do anything to protect the new life he has built with them. Throughout the story we can see Natsume grow and understand the yokai around him. Not all are bad or evil, in fact, most are just misunderstood and need a little help. Natsume becomes accustomed to these encounters and does his best to help these troubled demons. This is the sweetest story I have ever seen, full of kindness and gentle interactions. It’s a story about not judging a book by its cover, and allowing yourself to see good in unexpected places.