When it gets right down to it, there are great and terrible anime in every single genre. I can’t count the amount of times someone tells me they dislike a specific type of anime only to have their next favorite be of that type. But even with a gaping open mind…*ewww why did I have to phrase it this way?* most of us can’t help having a few preconceived ideas whenever we approach certain shows. I do too.
Let’s face it, if there are anime genres you like more, or tend to gravitate towards, then there are some you like less. I usually watch a pretty wide range of series and have been lucky enough to find titles I really enjoy in just about every genre. However, diving through my Anilist stats has revealed that I do indeed have favorites and less favorites. What’s more, the gap between the two is wider than I would have thought.
Given the limitations of seemingly existing in a linear space time, it’s pretty natural to jump to quick assumptions and discount a series offhand just because it seems to fit a certain type. You physically can’t watch everything so choices must be made. I don’t want to do that though. Cause I’m baby. And also, my tastes are varied enough to accommodate pretty much any base and weird enough that I can’t afford to not give an interesting sounding series a chance regardless of the rest. Not to mention that being a baby, I also get bored rather quickly if I watch the same thing over and over again so I can’t afford to discount entire genres.
In an effort to keep myself ready to seize all the best anime opportunities (anportunity? No that’s dumb, nevermind), I’m doing an exercise in positivity, today. I’m going to point out all the general qualities and high points traditionally associated with genres I tend to like less. Here we go.
According to Anilist, my worst rated genre is Ecchi. I was really surprised to see this so low on my list. I adore NGNL and have a good appreciation of animated T&A. However, it turns out that a lot of shows I found excruciatingly boring also fall in the genre. But Ecchi has a lot going for it. If we look at the artistic and design merits of anime then what could be better than a show entirely build around being attractive and enticing. Anime is a visual medium and Ecchi takes full advantage of that. Also titties! I think I’ve made my point here.
Anilist also thinks I dislike Reverse Harems. This is downright ridiculous. I have made it very clear that reverse harems are a light in my dark grey world. I don’t know why I phrased it that way… The world is beautiful. I’m having a weird wording day. I consistently rate these shows on the low side because let’s face it, quality is questionable but personal enjoyment is through the roof! I do not need to convince myself here. Anilist seems to be under the mistaken impression that I’m not that fond of traditional harems either but that’s once again failure to properly contextualize the ratings I give. Sure I have found a bunch of harems boring, stupid or borderline insulting (name of my high school band,), but I already have excellent pro arguments too. Namely No Game No Life ( really representing Irina’s less favourite genres today), KonoSuba and Steins;Gate. It is more than worth sitting through dozens of boring anime to get to any one of those.
But let’s forget about AniList. Like I said, it’s based on ratings and those fail to take into account to many variables to really give you the full picture. Instead, I’m a self aware girl who knows herself…. Yeah, let’s go with that. So let’s talk about the genres I think I dislike.
High Drama. It’s not so much that I dislike drama rather than I’m simply very picky with it. I like it subdued and as naturalistic as possible or so exaggerated as to become comedy. Anything that falls into repetitive melodrama just gets on my nerves. But drama is one of the cornerstones of fiction. Life isn’t all fun and games and any good story is going to reflect that at some point. Even a sappy melodrama can be a great way of exploring some of those more difficult aspects of life and practicing a bit of empathy without having anyone go through real hardship. Basically watching dramas will make you a better person!
Finally, we have my personal kryptonite: Romance. And romance series have their good aspects too. There’s the…*sales and viewership numbers*. Ok wait I’ll do it seriously. There’s…um..? Well that general popularity does help in securing higher budgets which although they do not guarantee better quality do help considerably with production value?
Oh fine.. Love is a wonderful thing and one of the few real life magics we have access to. Experiencing a little bit of it, even vicariously, is worth your time. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a character you’ve grown to care about finally find a fulfilling relationship…. I assume. Also Nozaki-kun! That show is pure romance and it’s the best. I should get some Nozaki-kun art for my banner.
Actually, that’s pretty much all I can think of for genres I’m less fond of. And two of them are only there because ruthless statistics bullied me into adding them. I did enjoy this little exercise though. Now that I think of it Revolutionary Girl Utena is both very clearly a drama and a romance and it’s amazing. I may just have talked myself into a romantic series. A real one where the relationship is the central focus point of the plot. Ok this is a weird place. I’m not sure I’ve been here before. I can’t believe I’m saying this but do you guys have any romance anime to suggest????
P.S. I recommend taking the time to find qualities in genres you dislike, even if it’s just as a thought experiment. It’s a nice way to remind you why you like anime!
