I am looking to get interested in Anime, as I am sick and tired of being called the Asian Impersonation by my Japanese friends. I know that I judged Anime way too quickly when I was younger and completely overlooked it, but I am now open to give it a try. What are the most popular shows and what are some recommended rentals?

Look up Ninja Scroll and Ghost in the Shell and Akira. It all depends on what you like and what kind of pacing you like. Some of the anime is more dramatic and longer while others forgo the character development and just show things blowing up.

Cowboy Bebop and Berserk are great.

Thanks alot! I watched Full Metal Alchemist, Inayasha and tanother one. I will certainly check those out.

Yu Yu Hakusho.

Asian Sensation, my friend is the president of my university's Anime club. I can give you his screen name if you want.

As far as feature films go:

Akira: is absolutely essential.

Fist of The North Star: Not for anyone's taste, but it does have an odd bit of nostalgic charm to it. REALLY gory too.

Ghost in The Shell I: Groundbreaking. And an excellent film to boot. Improved vastly by......

Ghost in The Shell II: Innocence: Takes GITS I as step further. Expands the narrative. And excellent film.

Ninja Scroll: I don't know anybody that didn't like it.

If you want to see some older anime, Galaxy Express 999, and Captain Harlock: Arcadia of my Youth are both EXCELLENT. Though the animation is a bit dated.

As far as the Series go. I reccomend:

Berserk
Cowboy Bebop
Naruto (Careful though, they are on episode 150+ and it can be addictive)
Samurai Champloo
Full Metal Panic
Neon Genesis Evangelion (Anime that tackles some wild Metaphysical and Theological themes. Not to be missed. Though ignore the last 2 episodes of the series and instead rent a feature film called 'NEon Genesis: End of Evangelion)
Rurouni Kenshin (You might as well ignore it after the Kyoto Arc)
Wolf's Rain (Not for everyone's taste, but I absolutely loved it. One of the best soundtracks of any anime too.)
Last Exile (One of the best I have EVER seen. Oddly the characters are all European.)

I watched Ghost in the Shell last night, and that **** was cool as hell. It reminded me alot of The Matrix, and it kinda blew my mind. It's commentary on humanity and it's similarities and differences to robots was deep as hell. I also bought these 2 dvd's of Yu Yu Hakusha, and I'm going to watch it tonight.

Akira , Dragon Ball Z Brolli Ova , ninja scroll 2 and Samurai X

Hajime no Ippo if you are into boxing. (it's damn funny too)

Samurai champloo; A must really, creators of Cowboy bebop take on the samurai period, funky hip hop with groovy style.

Cowboy Bebop: classic.

You seem to have seen most of the classics so just experiment and get those that you think sound cool, good site to start is www.animesuki.com

Hajime no Ippo if you are into boxing. (it's damn funny too)

Samurai champloo; A must really, creators of Cowboy bebop take on the samurai period, funky hip hop with groovy style.

Cowboy Bebop: classic.

You seem to have seen most of the classics so just experiment and get those that you think sound cool, good site to start is www.animesuki.com
I like to watch Samurai Champloo when I'm high. I get a rhythm going in my head from the beats and the deepness of the show, and how truly beautiful the show is. I ****ing love that show!

Cowboy Bebop is my **** for real! I just bought the Knocking on Heaven's Door DVD, and that **** was absolutely amazing!