It always surprises people when I tell them I’m not much of an anime fan.
It actually comes with the gaijin expat territory that you’re expected to be a bit of a weeb. I think I’m just missing the gene.
However, I have watched a few over the years, and here are the ones I didn’t hate…from someone who hates anime:
5. Gyakuten Saiban: Sono “Shinjitsu”, Igiari! (Ace Attorney)
Ace Attorney is one of my all-time favourite video game series, and the fandom had been whining and moaning for an anime for years and years.
Following the adventures of defense lawyer Phoenix Wright and his assistant Maya Fey, the series pretty much adapted the first three video games practically word-for-word at times.
Unfortunately as someone who knows the series inside out that got a little dull for me.
STILL, there’s something about Ace Attorney that has such a special place in my chilly little heart I couldn’t not mention it here.
There is also a vastly superior live action movie, a stage play, a musical performed by an all-female troupe, and even a fan musical.
I do recommend the games though over the anime – especially the remastered versions for the 3DS or Nintendo Switch. OBJECTION!
4. Ouran Koukou Host Club (Ouran High School Host Club)
KISSU KISSU FALL IN LOVE.
Haruhi, a student at a the prestigious Ouran Academy accidentally breaks a $80,000 vase. To pay off her debt, she works as part of the Ouran Academy Host Club (who are originally unaware of her real gender), entertaining female “clients” with sweets and tea. It’s a good mix of serious and taking the piss out of the shoujo genre.
It’s been 15+ years and fans are still pushing for a second season. Keep the dream alive, everyone!
3. Sanrio Danshi (Sanrio Boys)
Sanrio Danshi follows the stories of five high school boys who bond over a mutual love for Sanrio characters.
Although it really is one long, pretty commercial for Sanrio goods (Sanrio Puroland gets plugged for an entire episode), it’s refreshing to watch something that shows boys with an interest in the kawaii.
The show’s message is that no matter your gender identity, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, then it’s perfectly fine to enjoy whatever makes you happy.
2. Ore Monogatari (My Love Story)
Ore Monogatari takes the shoujo genre (anime with a target audience of teenage girls) and its tropes and turns them on its head.
Instead of the typical clumsy, awkward yet naturally beautiful and perky teenage girl who falls in love with an arrogant, emotionally unavailable, basic boy in her school – our hero is the gorilla-like Gouda Takeo who despite his outward appearance is the gentlest, most wholesome soul ever.
After saving the adorable Yamato from being groped on the train the two begin the purest, sweetest relationship ever ever ever.
Yamato is also an aspiring baker, and the show features some of the most mouth-watering animated food ever – it always makes me want to up my sweets game.
Also Yamato singing Happy Birthday is the purest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.
1. Yuri!!! On Ice
For someone who – again – says she doesn’t really like anime, Yuri!!! On Ice is actually one of my top five TV shows of all time.
Yuri!!! On Ice follows the story of Japanese figure skater Yuri Katsuki who is on the verge of retirement after a series of losses, when he is surprised by his skating idol, the current champion from Russia Viktor Nikiforov who offers to coach him to victory at the Grand Prix Final, much to the disgust of his protégé – the up-and-coming Yuri “Yurio” Plisetski.
While I think we’re all hankering for a second season, there is a feature-length film coming out entitled Yuri!!! on Ice the Movie: Ice Adolescence. It was supposed to be released in 2019 but has been pushed back to a TBA date. Wahh.
~ Carla
The Geordie Gaijin 
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