There are many things I consider when rating an anime.
The key factors are as follows:
ENJOYMENT
(Art, Sound, Characters, Plot, Long Time Value)
Story
(Pacing, Complexity, Conclusion)
Soundtrack
(Evoke catharsis / Saved to my playlist)
Cry Level
10. Code Geass (2006): Elitism and Mecha!
Enjoyment 6/10: Many WOW factors. I can see why it is enjoyable at times for sure, however, it didn’t stand out to me. The characters, Lelouch VI Britannia and Suzaku Kururugi were the most memorable characters among many who drove the overall plot. Overall, this anime is one that seems to be forgotten.
Story 5/10: The pacing was off a beat, but ultimately, recovered for the big shebang. It was complex, but not in a way that seems artless. Very direct in terms of world building and seems to overcompensate in delivery since details get lost in the story.
Soundtrack: 0/10: Not memorable. Did not have many cathartic moments evoked by music.
Cry Level: 0/5
Overall Rating: ★★★
9. Samurai Champloo (2004): Hip Hop Meets the Adventurous Samurai
Enjoyment 7/10: This anime is truly unorthodox. Merging hip-hop elements and traditional Japanese culture creates an experience that is truly special. Since it is a bit older, the graphics aren’t HD but hold up well enough to capture the essence of the story. Characters all bring a unique and dynamic perspective that balance out the progression of the plot very well.
Story 7/10: The premise is important, and a very small aspect of why you stay. Mugen, Jin, and Fuu must meet the man who smells of sunflowers! There’s a few episodes that highlight the complexities of these three characters, but overall, will not keep you all night laying in the dark.
Soundtrack: 7/10: The theme alone is enough for the rating. Overall, the hip-hop element is what sets this anime apart.
Cry Level: 1/5
Overall Rating: ★★★★
8. Steins; gate (2011): Mad Scientist VS the World of Time
Enjoyment 6/10: The characters in this anime are written well. Matter of fact, I’d go as far as saying Rintarou Okabe Okabe, the protagonist, is the most eccentric, melodramatic, charming mad scientist you will ever experience. The only reason this loses points is because of the bleak and colorless art of its presentation. Also, it doesn’t pick up until about nine or ten episodes in, but once it does, you’re in for a ride.
Story: 9/10: Ugh, great story. The leisurely start of the anime makes more sense as you continue watching, and you appreciate it even more. The plot is definitely plausible, and the plot questions the ethics of the person watching. What does time mean to you? With access to an apparatus that allows you to travel in time, it leaves you asking yourself if you would’ve done the same things as Okabe, or if you would’ve played it all a little differently.
Soundtrack 3/10: Decent enough to evoke emotion
Cry Level: 2/5
Overall Rating: ★★★
7. Death Note (2006): The Ultimate Rivalry of Minds
Enjoyment 9/10: I can’t express how enjoyable this anime was. It’s interesting, engrossing, thrilling, and who doesn’t love a good…I mean, a REALLY great rivalry? Light Yagami is deemed as one of the smartest anime characters of all time. His rival is an introverted, extremely intelligent, dessert-eating L. I watched the entire anime in two sittings.
Story 9/10: This is a great beginner anime, especially for those who enjoy solving puzzles and being stimulated by more than just visuals. The pacing is JUST right; the artform of timing is crucial! This will have you questioning your own morals and what you justify as wrong or right. It is extremely complex and will have you searching for something just as great days later.
Soundtrack 6/10: dun dun dun dun dun dun dun…
Cry Level: 0/5
Overall Rating: ★★★★
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1994): Severe Mental Illness in Young Children forced to Operate Robots
Enjoyment 7/10: Neon Genesis Evangelion is the most memorable anime I’ve ever seen. Initially, it begins on a lighter note than its subsequent happenings. The animation is ahead of its time and makes this easier to digest than other anime created during the 90s.
Enjoyment is maybe not the right word to use. When I recommend this anime, I always say you have to be in the right headspace. It’s extremely dark and explores the depths of mental illness as these children are forced to pilot Evas by scientists. Shinji Ikari, protagonist and third children, is a fourteen-year-old boy volunteered by his father to fight against alien entities that cause mass destruction in Tokyo, Japan. The trauma he takes on, along with other Eva pilots, is expressed through behaviors the audience can find disturbing.
Story 6/10: Due to some budget issues, the story loses its way later on the anime, but it is still relevant and watchable content. Neon Genesis is extremely complex, and will have you thinking about it years after watching.
Soundtrack 9/10: The entire soundtrack is saved in my music library. Well done.
Cry Level: 0/5
Overall Rating: ★★★★
5. Berserk Movie Trilogy (2012-2013): Passionate Bloody Battles between Rivals with Wicked Intention
Enjoyment 9.5/10: This gets almost a 10 for so many reasons. The Berserk Trilogy breaches a lot of moral boundaries in terms of discretion. Not only are Guts and Griffith rivals, but they harbor a shared passion for battle that ties them together into one being…in more ways than one. You are truly in for a surprise with this rollercoaster ride. This is not for children.
Story: 9/10: Pacing, complexity, plausibility is all there…and the conclusion? No words can describe.
Soundtrack 0/10: Not memorable
Cry Level: 0/5
Overall Rating: ★★★★
4. Fruits Basket (2019): A Romantic, Riveting, Gut-Wrenching Tale of the Chinese Zodiac
Enjoyment 9.5/10: I am not typically a slice-of-life type of gal, but Fruits Basket will go down in anime history. Original and heartwarming, this anime will leave you touched and drowning in your own tears of sadness and happiness. I don’t think anything will ever top this in terms of slice-of-life!
Story: 9.5/10: Plot was IMMACULATE. Pacing was slow at times but warranted. Conclusion – TO DIE FOR.
Soundtrack 6/10: Not memorable, but I’m sure didn’t help when it came to the crying.
Cry Level: 5/5
Overall Rating: ★★★★
3. Hunter x Hunter (2011): Ying and Yang go on Dangerous Adventures and Battle Lots of Enemies
Enjoyment 8/10: Hunter x Hunter is an anime you can’t help but to enjoy. It’s got something for everyone and highlights the essence of love, loyalty, and friendship between Gon and Killua, the two main characters. One of my favorite arcs of all time is in Hunter x Hunter. I do find there is a lot of filler, and I didn’t find that to be enjoyable (mainly the second arc).
Story: 8/10: The story is very complex, especially toward the end. While some of it is enjoyable, the depths of the storyline sometimes give to painfully slow pacing. I find it was just a too exciting time to have two characters converse throughout the whole episode about something that could’ve taken five minutes. I found it unnecessary, but this was a very small bit of the anime.
Soundtrack 9/10: There’s AMAZING soundtracks in here. Yes, the theme, but the score is fire as well!
Cry Level: 1/5
Overall Rating: ★★★★
2. Gurren Lagann (2007): The Most Dramatic, Engaging Mecha Adventure You Get to Experience
Enjoyment 10/10: The first episode had me hesitant, but after that, I was glued to the tv. I enjoyed every, single bit of this anime. The characters, the art, the plot all just top tier. I love an absolutely BOMBASTIC anime.
Story 10/10: Pacing was immaculate. The complexities among character and the overall plot were there. CONCLUSION?? Amazing. I have nothing bad to say about this anime. It was executed perfectly.
Soundtrack 9/10 Phenomenal. Had me crying and screaming at all the right times.
Cry Level: 10000/5
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
1. Naruto (2002) and Naruto Shippuden (2007):
Enjoyment 9/10 Personally, I love a strong-willed underdog, and Naruto Uzumaki is HIM. Shunned by the people of the Leaf Village for carrying the five tails jinchuriki that destroyed their village and murdered their people sealed with him, Naruto lives a life a loneliness. It is only though his will and unrest that he turns into a legendary hero for generations to come. When I worked two jobs, I’d dedicate my only off day (Sunday) to watching Naruto. His journey is inspiring and his friends that support him along the way even more so! Join Naruto and all his companions for the journey of a lifetime. You will not regret it.
Story 7/10: Naruto gets a lot of hate for pacing issues, but to me, it’s not so drastic as to take away from the experience. The overall plot, plausibility, and complexities are all there, but sometimes might rub you the wrong way depending on personal feelings toward characters. There’s only so much I can say without spoiling it.
Soundtrack 9/10: Amazing. From beginning to end.
Cry Level: 5/5
NIKKI BYRD — writer, thinker, lover 
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