It's easy for the uninitiated to think that anime is nothing more than strange-looking cartoons reserved for children. In fact, that's what most people think, especially if they're adults. However, if you're willing to give them a chance it's likely you'll be surprised at the difference between the cartoons you expected and what they actually are. Anime is a genre and style of animation mostly associated with Japanese studios, although due to its increasing popularity among people from Europe and America, western studios have also adopted and taken from certain aspects of anime and put them into their own creations. But what makes anime different from something like The Simpsons? While there are certainly shows that are focused on humour, where the genre really shines is in its more adult-themed animes. Usually the shows delve into heavy subjects like death, religion, sex, family, politics; much more darker topics that are usually reserved for shows like Game Of Thrones and Breaking Bad in the West. While the creators don't hold back on plots or the characters, where anime truly shines and separates itself from any other animated genres is the way it is drawn. When done right, the visuals created for anime shows are some of the best you'll find anywhere on TV. Characters are sketched in such a way that their artists are able to accentuate each and every emotion they go through and the weirder the designs - and there are plenty of strange, out-of-this-world characters in anime - the more outside of the box and interesting they are to watch. The main problem people face is the sheer amount of shows they have to pick from, which can be a daunting task when you're not really sure what you should be looking for. Well, if you don't know your shonen from your shojo or what a Cowboy Bebop or Outlaw Star, don't worry. Here is an essential list of ten of the most exhilarating, visually breathtaking, character and plot-driven anime shows you'll ever be able to find on TV.
