| Let me hear your thoughts, I think this is something very subjective in a way, so I'm pretty interested whether I'll only get like 3 anime recommended or if it comes closer to 25. Personally, I think SAO falls into this category. It was insanely popular and is a fairly good introduction to the isekai/shonen genre. If anything, you should watch it to understand why other fans get so heated about it. Maybe even go off and challenge community norms by giving it an 8 or 9 idk |
| NGE FLCL Cowboy Bebop SAO Either you dislike or like it but these are highly respected classics if u disagree with SAO it do not matta ! do not quote me and cry about it |
| I consider gunbuster, the big o and patlabor "cult classics" of extremely high quality. |
| MEA·MENTVLA·INGENS·EST |
| Dennou Coil I think perfectly fits the definition of cult classic. I can't think of a single thing this show does wrong but it will never be popular. it's a story that anyone, elitists, casuals and everything in between can enjoy. |
 |
| G Gundam Outlaw Star Samurai Champloo Akira Ghost In The Shell movie Trigun and a bunch more that I can't think of right now. |
 |
| Neon genesis evangelion, and now is even the perfect timing, newcomers can watch all the new movies +the finally awated ending ... that anime has a cult for a reason, specially the ost , evangelion OST is a masterpiece, shirô nagissu is a geniuos, all the epicness increases with titles as NERV, angel attack, or sadness or empitness evolved with songs like rei2, i shinji ...ufffff ... yes evangelion, tye most polarized anime here, for real never seen an anime that evoke 2 emotions here on MAL, like it or hate it, people here hate evangelion cuz they wanted shinji to be a generic op male shonen prota LOL , did they read the tragedy, psychological and scifi tag ??? Welll ... anyway, when i heard cult anime i think of EVANGELION firts, then cowboybebop, another anime with a magnificent ost "blue bird" "words that we coundlnt say" and a bunch of jazz |
orangelimonade said: It sounds like you're thinking of this in a sort of way that's like, really influential shows you should watch in order to be well-educated about the development of the anime medium, or something like that.Let me hear your thoughts, I think this is something very subjective in a way, so I'm pretty interested whether I'll only get like 3 anime recommended or if it comes closer to 25. Personally, I think SAO falls into this category. It was insanely popular and is a fairly good introduction to the isekai/shonen genre. If anything, you should watch it to understand why other fans get so heated about it. Maybe even go off and challenge community norms by giving it an 8 or 9 idk If so, yeah, then you get a number of big names like the following: * Akira * Ghost in the Shell * Gunbuster * Space Battleship Yamato * Mobile Suit Gundam * Neon Genesis Evangelion * Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann * Dragon Ball Z * Sailor Moon * Pokémon * Cardcaptor Sakura * Naruto * Bleach * One Piece * The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya * Lucky Star * K-On! * Air/Clannad/Kanon * Angel Beats * .hack * Sword Art Online * Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha * Puella Magi Madoka Magica * Little Witch Academia * Cowboy Bebop * Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood * Attack on Titan * Death Note * basically anything by Ghibli and/or Hayao Miyazaki * Jojo's Bizarre Adventure * To aru whatever (i.e. Index/Railgun) etc. Also possibly some other which aren't quite as famous/influential but probably still useful for knowing about, such as: * The iDOLM@STER * Kemono Friends * Yu-Gi-Oh * RahXephon * Martian Successor Nadesico * Yuru Camp * Symphogear * Bobobobo Bobobo * Samurai Pizza Cats * Fist of the North Star * Code Geass * Eureka Seven etc. And if you want to claim to know the memes: * Inferno Cop * Boku no Pico * Ghost Stories * Mars of Destruction etc. That said, if all you want to do is to know about these series, watching them through isn't exactly strictly necessary. |
| Avatar character is Gabriel from Gabriel DropOut. |
| the definition of a 'cult classic' will vary depending on the people you talk to. just watch stuff you think is going to be good. |
| "不幸だ!" - Kamijou Touma Check out my anime list by clicking here (it's public now).  |
I think I will suggest these two anime, Which I consider to be a "Cult Classic" that every anime watcher should see at least once.
|
  “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏.” – 𝑽𝒂𝒔𝒉 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒅𝒆 :¨·.·¨: ─────────`·. বাংলাদেশী ★°*ﾟ |
| Definitely SAO, NGE, Akira, AoT, Ghost in the Shell and Sailor Moon. |
Lamaclon_CZMar 21, 2021 12:47 PM
  |
| There is no such anime. This topic should have ended with Maneki-Neko. |
| その目だれの目？ |
| I think cowboy bebop and nge would classify as one |
 ManWild |
| i never thought id see someone call sao a cult classic |
| Vampire Hunter D and Trigun to add to the list |
 |
| Mob psycho 100 is the best shounen of all time |
HeruruMeruru said: A lot of people in this thread, including the OP, don't seem to know the definition of the term "cult classic". Something that is popular or successful with the mainstream like many of the examples listed is by definition not a cult classic. Saying SAO is a cult classic is like saying Disney Blockbuster #71519 is a cult classic. I don't know what kind of source you're using for that definition, but the question was intentionally vague. I define a cult classic as a film/series that has amassed either a large following and die-hard fans or reached popularity in one way or another. I think by that definition, SAO would be defined as a cult classic. You seem to take it in more of an obscure, underground way, which is entirely fine, and exactly what I wanted to see. Besides popular anime, this thread provided me with many titles I've never heard of, such as those you named. I was literally just curious what anime would fit different definitions. i might've flunked the definition or term or whatever the fuck cause i was high when i made this post and still am, in addition to english not being my first language, sorry |
orangelimonade said: Personally, I think SAO falls into this category. It was insanely popular and is a fairly good introduction to the isekai/shonen genre. If anything, you should watch it to understand why other fans get so heated about it. - Doesn't fit the cult classic definition: it was pretty popular from the get go...still is. (You need a show which wasn't popular when it aired and got recognition much later.) - It's not a good introduction...since it's not an isekai. - You can get easily into the heads of the regular fans just picking any random popular show (MHA, Demon Slayer), not necessary SAO. |
| Classic sci fi like Ex arm Steins gate Classic shounen like Naruto Gurren lagann Hunter x hunter Classic comedy like Kaguya sama Gintama Classic rom com like Horimiya Maid sama HeruruMeruru said: A lot of people in this thread, including the OP, don't seem to know the definition of the term "cult classic". Something that is popular or successful with the mainstream like many of the examples listed is by definition not a cult classic. Saying SAO is a cult classic is like saying Disney Blockbuster #71519 is a cult classic. Cult classic-something, typically a film or book, that is popular or fashionable among a particular group or section of society. Sao still has a fanbase even if it gets all the hate. |
 Scordolo's Recent Reviews To your eternity Vanitas no Karte |
| The Rapeman is something more people need to watch, it's pretty incredible. |
     |
| Not an anime fan until you watch the classics like Bible Black, Taimanin Asagi, Euphoria, and Rape!Rape!Rape! |
 𝔚𝔞𝔫𝔫𝔞 𝔱𝔬𝔲𝔠𝔥 𝔶𝔬𝔲, 𝔚𝔞𝔫𝔱𝔦𝔫' 𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔴𝔦𝔱𝔥 𝔞𝔩𝔩 𝔪𝔶 𝔪𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 ______________________ |
| Death Note - psychological Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann - mecha Spice and Wolf - agriculture Baccano - excitement Fate - battle royale Jigoku Shoujo - horror Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu - fun living Elfen Lied - mind fuck Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū- drama Rurouni Kenshin - samurai |
 |
alshu said: - It's not a good introduction...since it's not an isekai. - You can get easily into the heads of the regular fans just by picking any random popular show (MHA, Demon Slayer), not necessary SAO. Okay, while SAO isn't an isekai perse, it does have several characteristics of it. Additionally, it introduces you to "weeb culture" or basically the fandoms that exist within online anime communities much better. Because of its popularity, a lot of merch and general content, whether official or fanmade exists. Besides the community, a lot of common elements appear throughout the show. We have a lot of sexism and fan service going on, as well as the whole power fantasy with a self-insert empty main character. There's Asuka, which could count as a "waifu". There are lots of female side characters, there are some elements of harem anime here. We even get accidental incest!! If that isn't a general introduction into isekai and shonen, PLEASE I BEG OF YOU, tell me what is. In comparison to that, BNHA and Demon Slayer are genuinely good shows (Also a fair bit more politically correct, like- they're slowly getting there, great). alshu said: - Doesn't fit the cult classic definition: it was pretty popular from the get-go...still is. (You need a show which wasn't popular when it aired and got recognition much later.) I addressed this in an earlier response. |
| Akai Koudan Zillion, a plain and simple story, but led by great characters. And almost forgotten nowadays. |
the extra skater |
orangelimonade said: Okay, while SAO isn't an isekai perse, it does have several characteristics of it. This is like saying "Learn spanish instead of french because they are similar!". Yes they are similar but if your main goal is french why do the extra work? orangelimonade said: Additionally, it introduces you to "weeb culture" or basically the fandoms that exist within online anime communities much better. Because of its popularity, a lot of merch and general content, whether official or fanmade exists. If that is even important Naruto has 1000% more of this. orangelimonade said: Besides the community, a lot of common elements appear throughout the show. We have a lot of sexism and fan service going on, as well as the whole power fantasy with a self-insert empty main character. There's Asuka, which could count as a "waifu". There are lots of female side characters, there are some elements of harem anime here. We even get accidental incest!! This is like every third anime, SAO is not especially better at it. orangelimonade said: If that isn't a general introduction into isekai and shonen, PLEASE I BEG OF YOU, tell me what is. It's a general introduction to trashy power fantasy and whist fulfilment shows. Point is you don't necessary need SAO to be your guide. orangelimonade said: In comparison to that, BNHA and Demon Slayer are genuinely good shows (Also a fair bit more politically correct, like- they're slowly getting there, great). Naaah. those have enough trashiness in them to be considered as learning material too. Yep, you addressed it but if you ask me you should use "massive following" or similar. |
| Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion |
 |
Most 80s OVAs? Kawajiri's stuff? Yeah lets go with Kawajiri, can never go wrong with that legend.  |
Prophetess of the Golden Era  |
| Ghost in the Shell without a doubt, I think everyone should at least watch the movie once in their life. |
  死神 ❝What do you think are the most important things in life? Money, dreams, sympathy towards others... Yes, they're all important things as well... But the most important thing is responsibility for your own actions.❞ - Yuichi |
| Honestly none, people shouldn’t feel forced to watch certain series. |
 |
alshu said: This is like saying "Learn Spanish instead of French because they are similar!". Yes, they are similar but if your main goal is French why do the extra work? Now see, if you had used correct examples this would've been an entirely valid comparison, but have you fucking looked at French. Have you taken one look at that shit and actually thought "Yeah, this is fun, let's do this for shits and giggles.". I do understand the notion of not learning one language just to learn another but come on. I had the choice to learn French but looked that shit in the eyes and said no. Currently, I'm learning Spanish, and then, maybe, I'll take a glimpse at French. Spanish is, objectively, just the better language to learn. More people speak it, it's easier to learn, especially if you know English or any European language. But challenging the question of why there is a need for "cult classics" or "anime you need to watch" is something I did not expect from you. "Why watch something similar to something you actually want to watch instead of just watching what you want?" I love how you took each part of my argument and criticised it part by part when what I was aiming for was the bigger picture. While Naruto might have a bigger fandom, it is so much longer than SAO, which is why I'd recommend SAO (though in percentages, filler episodes might be the same). The entirety of SAO and everything it entails is my point. It's shortness, genre elements, fandom, legacy and memes. In that entirety, I feel it's incomparable. But that's what most of the popular shonen and isekai is...? Only a few anime in the genre challenge that? That's... highly debatable but I have spent enough time on this. |
| I don’t think SAO is a cult classic... Cult classics are works that are unpopular with mainstream audiences but are beloved by a devout but ultimately small group of people. Gungrave, The Tatami Galaxy and Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei are pretty good examples. Some influential anime people should check out: Ghost In The Shell Evangelion Cowboy Bepop Gundam Dragon Ball Astro Boy |
-Frost-Mar 22, 2021 1:07 PM
| To judge others by your own standard is the height of folly. |
orangelimonade said: Now see, if you had used correct examples this would've been an entirely valid comparison, but have you fucking looked at French. Have you taken one look at that shit and actually thought "Yeah, this is fun, let's do this for shits and giggles.". I do understand the notion of not learning one language just to learn another but come on. I had the choice to learn French but looked that shit in the eyes and said no. Currently, I'm learning Spanish, and then, maybe, I'll take a glimpse at French. Spanish is, objectively, just the better language to learn. More people speak it, it's easier to learn, especially if you know English or any European language. Your disliking of french is hilarious also I have nothing against spanish but most importantly you are missing my point by few pasecs... The languages are not important. I could use russian and ploish or whatever, what is important here - you want to learn something and but I am trying to convince you to go for some alternative...this is exactly like you telling to people to learn about isekai by watching SAO. orangelimonade said: But challenging the question of why there is a need for "cult classics" or "anime you need to watch" is something I did not expect from you. I am not doing that, you are using "cult classic" in a wrong way...as other people have told you too. How about changing the title of the topic? orangelimonade said: "Why watch something similar to something you actually want to watch instead of just watching what you want?" Yeah, why watching SAO instead of Shield Hero for example? orangelimonade said: The entirety of SAO and everything it entails is my point. It's shortness, genre elements, fandom, legacy and memes. In that entirety, I feel it's incomparable. There are shorter yet still popular titles - Re:Zero, Shield Hero, Konosuba ect. orangelimonade said: But that's what most of the popular shonen and isekai is...? Only a few anime in the genre challenge that? And SAO is not one of them since it's not isekai...why you even want your example to be an isekai? Why not present SAO as cyberpunk or whatever? orangelimonade said: That's... highly debatable They are not trash? Come ooon, all anime is trash. |
IPFdomain said: NGE FLCL Cowboy Bebop SAO Either you dislike or like it but these are highly respected classics if u disagree with SAO it do not matta ! do not quote me and cry about it I don´t know why but I didn´t like Cowboy Bebop, but I know it´s rlly good and why SAO? |
Iikamiialv said: I don´t know why but I didn´t like Cowboy Bebop, but I know it´s rlly good You're not alone. I don't like it too, but so many people like it that I know it's a good anime, but for some personal reason I dislike it. |
| the extra skater |
| Code Geass. Mobile Suit Gundam (anime or movies* or the SEED* spin-off) Macross (or Frontier*) *recommended |
| There's no inherent right or wrong in this universe, but when we think with emotions rather than logic, we make things so. |
Iikamiialv said: SAO is a hated classic everybody has to watch it at some pointIPFdomain said: NGE FLCL Cowboy Bebop SAO Either you dislike or like it but these are highly respected classics if u disagree with SAO it do not matta ! do not quote me and cry about it I don´t know why but I didn´t like Cowboy Bebop, but I know it´s rlly good and why SAO? |
| Cowboy bebop, EVA and black lagoon. |
 just wanna feel wanted by someone other than the police 😫 |
| Gundam Definitely one of the main gundam Series |
 |
| Captain Harlock. I know it's old and 40+ episodes and multiple series that have zero continuity. But it's been referenced and parodied so much that one should at the very least know a Captain Harlock reference when they see it |
 |
| Field of dreams was such a good movie, "if you build it they will come" |
| Signature removed. Please follow the signature rules, as defined in the Site & Forum Guidelines. |
| if one wishes to get into avant-garde anime i would recommend them to try serial experiments lain or angel's egg. |
More topics from this board
» Best facial expressions?HughMungis - 12 hours ago |
16 |
by Frans001
»»
16 minutes ago |
|
» Do you consume / Are you into stuff related to anime that isn't popular in current era?Polatrix2 - Jan 24 |
30 |
by nishant0
»»
32 minutes ago |
|
» what are your pet peeves in anime ( 1 2 )selfawarecorpse - Yesterday |
64 |
by Chiibihime
»»
46 minutes ago |
|
» Are modern anime remakes cursed to never get as much episodes as the og?rohan121 - Yesterday |
13 |
by nachomaxo1
»»
50 minutes ago |
|
» English anime dubs should go all in.valico - 10 hours ago |
18 |
by valico
»»
55 minutes ago |