Recent anime

[The Professor]

What are some recent anime series that I should catch up on?  I haven't seen anything in the last 5 years... I have lots to catch up on and need suggestions where to start.

[AnnaMayBelle]

I haven't watched a lot of anime recently but I can recommend good manga.  Kurohime, BioMeat: Nectar, Claymore... Naruto, in manga form, is pretty awesome.  Don't sit through the anime.

As for anime... Code Geass is DEFINITELY at the top of my list.  Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex (and 2nd Gig), Death Note, Samurai Champloo, Mobile Suit Gundam 00... The new Evangelion movies definitely.

[EmeraldWinter]

Gurren Lagaan is awesome if you are the type that likes over-the-top and fun (if completely nonsensical) stuff.    It is a giant robot anime by Gainax. 

I also like an anime called Speed Grapher that came out a few years ago.  It is for mature audiences because it has some weird sexual content, but basically it's sort of like an anime super hero story.  Cool super powers, but no goofy spandex suits.  The main character is an ex war photographer whose power is that whatever he takes a picture of explodes. 

Agreed on Samurai Champloo.  If you liked Cowboy Bebop, it's by that team and has the same great elements (cool characters, strong one-shot stories) but it's set in the Edo period and has more of an overall plot that Cowboy Bebop lacked at some points.  Wolf's Rain (same studio again) is also quite good, although different in theme.

Crayon Shin Chan has been brought out recently, although it has been popular in Japan for many years.  If you like comedy cartoons like The Simpsons or South Park, I suggest that show.  It's really funny.  The English dub takes a lot of liberties with the script (to fill in for jokes that don't make sense to western audiences) but it's still hilarious.

Scrapped Princess is my favorite fantasy anime of recent years.  It's not the next Record of Lodoss War, but it's pretty cool in its own way.

Oh, and catch up on your Miyazaki movies!  Howl's Moving Castle was great.     

[GenkieClownMonkey99]

Wow, five years is a long time to go without anime. O_O;

Anyways, since I'm not really sure what you've seen and haven't I'm just going to list the ones I've seen from that time period that I think you'll like. =D Enjoy!

Tenjho Tenge, is a pretty awesome series. I was sadly disappointed with the ending but, all in all the series was fun to watch and I highly enjoyed the fighting styles for each character. So yes it's a high school fighting anime series.

Mai Hime, was highly enjoyable. I love strong girl type animes and this was certainly among them even if it was slightly sad as it went further on. I especially really liked the idea of the guardian mecha's known as child's to each girl. So it's another high school fighting anime with a twist.

He is My Master, is a short fun echi type anime I thought was cute. It's only 12 episodes and features maids so it's something small and easy to watch if your bored of long animes. It's even got a pet alligator.

D.Gray-Man, is rather long at 103 episodes but, it's one of my top favorites. It's an unusual one that deals with some pretty interesting idea's relating the story of Noah's ark and it's characters were amusing enough to keep me interested. So it takes place in an alternative 1900 world with people known as exorcists battling evil.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, is a suspenseful and gory anime. It's actually based on a murder mystery game. Since each episode is a part of an arc and your trying to figure out what's going on as it's told from a different characters point of view for each arc it does get confusing since you just never seen to know what's going on. In the end, if you trying want answers you need it's sequel as well, Higurashi Kai.

The Wallflower, it's more of a girl's anime with four pretty boys as the main characters but, the craziness of the series more then makes up for it with the main girl character. It was very amusing indeed.

Air, is more of a tragedy type anime. However, it was very cute and even though it had some sad parts to it I really liked it.

Black Cat, after I had read the manga I wanted to see the anime and this one was definitely fun to watch.  If you like the idea of an ace gun man who's an ex-assassin then this one is probably one you'll enjoy.

Le Chevalier D'Eon, this is an history one but, it was so interesting to me I couldn't stop watching.

Zero no Tsukaima, another short echi series that was one bowl of laughs after another. I certainly recommend it.

Enjoy, hope this helps. =D

[Wedge]

I would definetly agree on Ghost in the Shells and Death Note. And all Miyazaki movies, Howl's Moving Castle is amazing, Ponyo is incredibly cute. I never finished Samurai Champloo, it lost a lot of momentum in the middle of the series and I lost interest. I am a little surprised no one recommended Bleach, or Naruto, there is alot of filler... especially in the latter, but they are enjoyable. Elfen Lied is pretty good though VERY mature.

[FJ]

Lol, I might be a month behind but I figure I'd add to the list if someone else is looking for anime suggestions. I would suggest Guin Saga, if you have not seen it. It is an epic drama set in a fantasy setting. Really great if you liked movies like Lord of the Rings. The series really draws you into the story. Has a few arcs over a 26 episode series, so the story is never dull.

Eden of the East is also a great watch. It is a short series at only 11 episodes but the story is very well written and has great twists that keep you wanting more. There are also movies that are planned with one already having been released.

Code Geass is a must. It is a 52 episode series, the second season isn't the greatest ending to a series, but for what its worth it is better than anything else that has been released since it aired imho.

Detroit Metal City a comedy about a death metal band. The lead singer would rather be in a pop band but loves the rush from performing in front of the crowd.

And of course Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

[Tails]

It is not a series, but all the movies by Mr. Miyazaki as well as those who worked alongside him, such as Hiroyuki Morita, may as well be, since you should watch them all. In regard to Mr. Morita, who helped animate Kiki's Delivery Service, I discovered him because of The Cat Returns, basically the best movie about cats ever made. Also, the voice acting is just as good for the English dub actors/actresses (especially Anne Hathaway).

[Duo-chan]

I realize this is an old thread, but... I just saw a new(er) movie the other day called Sword of the Stranger.  I just bought it at Metrocon. lol 
It's by Bones (Cowboy Bebop, Wolf's Rain, and apparently Samurai Champloo), so of course it's awesome.  But, even by Bones' standards, this movie is exceptional.  I mean, the animation is easily some of the BEST I've ever seen, the dubbing is great as well, and it's a good story.  It's rare that all three of those elements come together, but Bones is apparently doing something right.