It may be hard to convince someone familiar with Hollywood films to watch anime. Anime is visually and auditorily distinctive from most Western media. Whether it's the character designs, the use of J-Rock and Jpop, or the highly expressive storytelling, anime can be pretty jarring for someone who mainly consumes Western movies. However, there is plenty of anime that fans of Hollywood films can also enjoy.
Like the American film industry, anime is vast and varied with many genres, themes, and tones. For fans of romance films, there are beautiful romance stories in anime. Individuals who are more into action and superhero movies can find plenty of options among shonen and seinen anime. With many genres to choose from, there are plenty of anime series that fans of Hollywood films can enjoy.
10 Ghost In The Shell Stand Alone Complex For Fans Of Science Fiction and Action Movies
Ghost in the Shell is an iconic anime franchise that has a massive following in the United States. While most individuals are familiar with the 1995 film, the follow-up TV series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex tackles many similar issues of corrupt futuristic governments and what it means to be human. The series is a strong mix of action and thought-provoking ideologies.
Audiences who have watched films such as The Matrix may already be familiar with the feeling of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. This familiarity is because Ghost in the Shell inspired the Wachowskis and many other Hollywood science fiction directors.
9 Cowboy Bebop For Fans Of Action, Western, and Science Fiction Movies
There are only a few anime series that have made as much an impact overseas as Cowboy Bebop. The anime aired on American TV for years and became iconic in the United States. Cowboy Bebop mixes the western and science fiction genres to allow it to become a success around the world. Each member of Spike Spiegel's iconic team has a lot of character and charisma. The antics of these characters make this series easy to binge.
Fans of Hollywood films may recognize the utilization of bebop jazz and Western guitar in the anime's score. The fight scenes in Cowboy Bebop are also a treat for any fans of the action genre.
8 My Hero Academia: For Fans Of Superhero Movies
Superhero movies are one of the most successful parts of Hollywood. However, if someone is tired of watching DC and Marvel stories, they need to look no further than My Hero Academia. While there are quite a few aspects of this series that will be familiar for fans of Hollywood superhero movies, My Hero Academia does a lot to set itself apart from other superhero narratives. The powers in this series are vast as it is typical for individuals in the My Hero Academia universe to have superpowers.
The world-building in My Hero Academia is unique when compared to Hollywood superhero films. The setting of My Hero Academia, the world's best hero school, lends itself to exciting encounters. Add this setting with a varied and compelling cast of superheroes and My Hero Academia is a great series for anyone who enjoys Hollywood superhero movies.
7 Attack On Titan: For Fans Of Horror And Action Films
Attack on Titan is one of the most popular anime both in Japan and the United States. The anime's utilization of iconic genres such as horror and action allows Attack on Titan to maintain a grip on audiences worldwide.
The audience's fear of the Titans can be paralleled with Hollywood monster films such as Cloverfield. However, while these Hollywood films typically rely entirely on their monsters, Attack on Titan has fleshed itself out as an action/horror series with a compelling political commentary.
6 Erased For Fans Of Thriller And Crime Films
There are a few anime series that have acclaimed live-action adaptations. Erased is one series that works well both in the animated and live-action format. The story works well due to its basis in crime, mystery, and its characters. Satoru's journey back in time to save his classmate Kaya is a story that has many original ideas. However, even these innovative ideas are accessible for fans of crime films to follow.
Erased does not require any prior knowledge of anime to enjoy. It is a well-crafted thriller that utilizes the conventions of the mystery genre. There is a hero detective, a loveable victim, and an unknown killer. The anime's reliance on these conventions allows it to be approachable for fans of Hollywood movies.
5 Violet Evergarden For Fans Of Period Piece Films
Many anime have settings that are reminiscent of 20th century Europe. However, there may be no depiction as beautiful or as engaging as Violet Evergarden. The series uses the imagined country of Leidenschaftlich as its setting. Leidenschaftlich is reminiscent of several post-WWI European countries.
Violet's time as an auto-memory-doll is filled with beautiful representations of its setting. From the intricate details of Violet's typewriter to the beautiful landscape shots of trolleys passing by lively streets, this anime beautifully captures post-WWI Europe. Fans of period piece films and dramatic storytelling should give Violet Evergarden a watch-through.
4 Haikyuu!! For Fans Of Sports Films
Haikyu!! will not disappoint fans of Hollywood sports films. The anime follows Shoyo Hinata, who joins a high-school volleyball team to become a great volleyball player. While the premise may seem simple enough, Haikyuu!! has plenty up its sleeve for fans of sports stories.
The anime series has excellent character arcs as well as nail-biting matches. One whole season is just a single volleyball match. Haikyuu!! takes a lot of risks, but each risk pays off, especially for fans of sports films.
3 Death Note For Fans Of Drama Films
Death Note is an anime that took the West by storm. The psychological warfare between Light and L as they attempt to track one another down captivated audiences worldwide. The writing and characters in Death Note are incredibly clever. The mind games, planning, and scheming between the two characters are all incredibly engaging to watch.
Light is a captivating protagonist. Light's plan to use the Death Note to rid the world of all crime doers is dark and twisted, but his intelligence and charisma make audience members root for him anyway. Hollywood already knew how successful Light's story was with Western audiences as Netflix made a live-action adaptation of Death Note. However, it is best to start by watching the original anime.
2 Parasyte: The Maxim For Fans Of Horror Films
Horror is one of the most popular genres in all of Hollywood. While there are many excellent horror anime that Hollywood fans would love, Parasyte: The Maxim is one of the most horrifying anime. The utilization of body horror is both grotesque and terrifying. The visuals of humans being chopped up and eaten by the horrific parasytes are sure to keep horror fans engaged.
In addition, there are many suspenseful fights in the series. Each fight has horrifying imagery of bodies being mutilated. This anime is an excellent pick for fans of Hollywood horror films.
1 Your Lie In April For Fans of Romance Films
There are many romance anime that come out each season. However, the harem and ecchi romance anime may not be the best choice for fans of Hollywood romance films. A better option for those fans would be Your Lie in April.
This anime follows Kousei Armia and Kaori Miyazono. They are musicians that struggle with past trauma and uncertain futures. Together, the pair attempt to overcome their setbacks as they play music with one another. It is a sweet and heartbreaking love story that is perfect for fans of romantic drama films. Those who do decide to watch it should be prepared with a box of tissues nearby.