I stole this because I saw it on the Watercooler and then I saw TimeChaser's list, so that spurred me to do make a list myself. These are in no order...except the first one. So here we go:
1. Fruits Basket [Manga: 1999-2006, Anime: 2001]
Furuba is quite possibly my favourite anime/manga OF ALL TIME. I think I picked it up sometime in '04 or '05, and the minute I started watching the anime I was just enthralled. It was one of the first manga I ever read. I cried when the final volume came out in the States. I think one of the main reasons I like it, is because it seems real. There is no 'bad guy' there are merely humans in it struggling with something beyond them. The manga is by far better than the anime, considering the anime only goes up to a certain point in the manga and then deviates away and ends the story on a much different note than the manga. I also prefer the manga because it redeems my favourite character, Akito Sohma, and makes her choices [not matter how crappy] make sense. There were many things that I adored about Furuba. The soundtrack is amazing, a true masterpiece by Ritsuko Okazaki. In my opinion, there is nothing bad about Fruits Basket. Even the dub is pretty darn good...Ok, I'll shut up about it now, because I could probably go on about it for hours.
2. Le Chevalier D'eon [2006-2007]
I was first turned onto Le Chevalier D'eon because of a AMV posted here on this lovely website over at the Watercooler. It looked cool and who doesn't like some crossing-dressing butt-kicking? It was so intriguing and beautiful, depsite the liberties it took with history. I was, however, a little pissed that pretty much all of my favourite characters died. But, they all can't have happy endings...
3. Boogiepop Phantom [2000]
A very good friend of mine turned me on to Boogiepop in my first year of high school. Despite how freakin' confusing the series was, it was pretty amazing. The nonlinear storyline and the macabre tales made Boogiepop one riveting series. Boogiepop is definately one of those series that you have to watch multiple times to really understand what the heck is going on, and I would recommend reading the manga prequel "Boogiepop and Others" because the anime makes a whole lot more sense after reading the manga companion. The live-action movie spawned by anime is also a good to watch, in spite of the somewhat corny effects and Japanese acting.
4. Death Note [Manga: 2003-2006, Anime: 2006-2007]
Death Note was one of those manga that I could not put down. I have to say, I hated Light. [Sorry fangirls!] Wanted to punch that sucker in the face. Especially after L died!!!11!!!1 I thought for sure that after that, that the series would suck. But with the introduction of Near and Mello, I felt like it was an apology for getting rid of one of the best candy-loving detectives ever. I felt a little stupid for not seeing the ending coming; because, let's face it, it was cliche, but still aburpt enough that it was a shock. I haven't seen the entire anime series [I'm going to remedy that now that I know it's on Hulu.com] but the manga was purely amazing. It's so [for lack of a better term] pretty. The artwork is just amazing, and the characters are enthralling. For someone obsessed with crime shows and novels, Death Note was a good way to satiate that lust for a good murder mystery.
5. Spirited Away [2001]
I would worship at Hayao Miyazki's feet if I could. Imagine, if you will, a 9 year-old-girl who hadn't seen anime for years [not since Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z disappeared from the Toonami block] watching Spirited Away. I think it's safe to say that we have Spirited Away to thank for me being the Otaku I am today. I still, to this day, can watch Spirited Away and get chills by how stunning it is. I seriously don't think Studio Ghibli can top it. They'd have to do something pretty darn amazing. There is just no way that you cannot be enchanted by Spirited Away. I just don't even have words for how amazing that movie is.
6. Le Portrait de Petite Cossette [2004]
Cossette was one of those OVAs that just captivated me. Generally, something that only had three episodes really doesn't stick in my mind--but I kept coming back to Cossette. I still have no clue what the heck is going on at certain times in the anime, but other scenes more than make up for it. Cossette is another one of those animes that you have to watch multiple times. It's beautiful and grisly and utterly captivating.
7. Noein [2005-2006]
I first saw Noein late one night at my first anime convention. I was tired and it was my first venture into a screening room. But well worth it. My second year the convention, I watched the first six episodes, again; and resolved to watch the rest of it at home. Noein is another one of those confusing, must-multiple-watch animes. It's not as visually well-done as others, but the story more than makes up for it. The characters are likable--you can settle on one and identify with that person. It's another good dub that I was definately not disappointed with. Though, that might just be because I love Crispin Freeman's voice...
8. Howl's Moving Castle [2004]
Yet another Ghibli movie that made the list. Howl is not as good as Spirited Away, but it's still one of Ghibili's best films. Though the movie does not in any way stick to the original plot written by Diana Wynne Jones, it's still a film worth watching. Sometimes, I don't agree with Disney's dubbing choices. [Think Ponyo, people.] But I have to say putting Christian Bale as Howl was a great decision. And Billy Crystal is just plain awesome. Howl had it's moments of uttery corniness, like the hair-dye scene where Howl starts oozing goo...but it also had heartwarming scenes, like when Howl gets back his heart at the end and when Calcifer comes back.
9. W Juliet [1997-2002]
I really don't know why I started reading W Juliet. It was probably a decision made late at night when I was bored and craving some new manga to read. It's about two crossdressers [one a boy as a girl, one a girl as a boy] who fall in love. It's weird and silly and romantic and kind of action-packed. W Juliet is one of those manga that I go to when I've had a bad day and need cheering up. It satisfies the hopeless romantic in me.
10. Naruto [1999-20??]
This one comes with a disclaimer. I only like the manga and only specific parts of the manga, but I love these specific parts of the manga so much that it made this list. I think Naruto is one of those shows/manga that became explosively popular just because it was cool to like it. [Like Twilight...] Now, let's get down to the real reason why I like it: ITACHI. Plain and simple. I considered quitting reading it WHEN THEY EFFING KILLED ITACHI OFF. I'm glad I didn't, however, because of recent developments in the most recent chapter released online. I will tell anyone that whines about how Itachi turned out to be a good guy that I saw it coming all along. Ask my sister. She's one of those people who was like, "Why do you like him? He killed his entire family." I felt like Padme talking about Anakin. "I know there's still good in him." So, for the record, I called it. Itachi is the only good part of that entire series. And I will be pissed off if they 'brought him back' [sort of] in the most recent chapter only to get rid of him again. I will be pissed. Very pissed. Do you hear me, Kishimoto?!
So that's my list. It took forever to write because I actually had to think about what I was writing and try to make it sound a least a little intelligent and well thought out.
I'm looking forward to another decade of watching anime. And perhaps within this next decade I will have the pleasure of finding me an anime-loving husband, making anime-loving babies, you know. ;)
So if you haven't made a list, go do it. It brought up some great memories and made me itch to go watch some oldies but goodies. Happy New Year, everbody!
