In a recent discussion thread on a popular Reddit forum, members debated which anime series they could recommend to their parents. The conversation revealed diverse opinions on what features a series should have to attract a wider audience. and why this demographic might be interested in anime.

One of the main features mentioned was the need for mature and complex plots. Users have noted that series with deep, well-developed stories that address universal themes like love, loss, family, and self-improvement are more likely to resonate with an older audience. These plots can connect emotionally with parents, who can appreciate a rich, nuanced narrative.

Furthermore, it was highlighted importance of adequate narrative rhythm. Series with a slow pace and progressive development of characters and story tend to be more appealing to older people, who may not be used to the fast and frenetic style of many modern anime productions. A calmer, more reflective development allows for greater immersion in the story and characters, facilitating a deeper connection with the content.

Realism in characters and situations was also a key point in the debate.. Forum users agreed that series that feature well-developed characters and believable situations, even if they are set in fantasy worlds, are more likely to capture parents' interest. Relatable characters who face real challenges and emotions help create a bridge between the viewer and the story.

Finally, accessibility and ease of understanding the cultural context are crucial aspects. Series that manage to present elements of Japanese culture in an accessible and understandable way, without requiring in-depth prior knowledge, may be more attractive to parents. This includes striking an appropriate balance between the exotic and the familiar, allowing older viewers to enjoy the content without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

• «My parents are in their 50s, my dad likes action while my mom likes romance and suspense. My brother was asked about Shingeki no Kyojin and he said they wouldn't like it. They want to watch something longer, so nothing like an anime with 12 to 24 episodes. Something they can finish watching without having to wait for another season. The choice was Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood.».
• «My parents loved watching Odd Taxi».
• «Better start with a movie, like Mononoke Hime».
• «Monster is the perfect choice».
• «Tokyo Godparents, Your Name, SPY x FAMILY, Nodame Cantabile, Violet Evergarden, Cowboy Bebop, Silver Spoon, Erased, any of these would work».
• «I showed my dad some episodes of HUNTER x HUNTER and he loved it».
• «Odd Taxi is definitely a good choice».
• «I would choose SPY x FAMILY, without a doubt.».
• «Unfortunately, the length requirement will limit your options, as the vast majority of anime are made between 12 and 24 episodes; it's a different beast than American network television, and I've seen people recommend stellar series that unfortunately don't follow this rule.».
• «If the episode count is higher, it's probably something that either defied the production climate by having multiple seasons, or one of the older Shonen titles aimed at younger teens. You also won't have many options for finding romance that isn't a mere subplot.».
• «Violet Evergarden. It's one of the most visually beautiful anime of all time and its story is quite easy to follow. From what I've seen online, episode 10 is always a hit with parents.».
• «Akira and Ghost in the Shell (1995) were both made specifically to appeal to audiences outside of Japan, so I think they’re both good “get your feet wet” movies. Also, any Hayao Miyazaki movie is good. They usually make movies for specific genres and ages, so you can pick and choose the movies that will appeal to your parents. He’s considered one of the great filmmakers (in cinema in general, not just animation).».
• «My mom (60) has always known I watch anime, but she's never had time to watch a full season of anything. Recently, her group of friends watched My Happy Marriage (I think because it was on the cover of NFC). It would never have occurred to me to recommend it to him, but he loved it, so there you have it.».
• «My 60-year-old parents liked Attack on Titan. I didn't show it to them all the way through. But they liked it. They also liked Parasyte. They also liked the live-action Death Note, much to my dismay. So I couldn't convince them to watch the anime version. They liked Your Name or A Silent Voice. I don't remember which one they saw. But I recommended both.».
• «The best would be Cowboy bebop, mature setting and narration».
• «Legend of the Galactic Heroes».
• «I'm in my 50s and was introduced to Space Battleship Yamato/Star Blazers and the super robot wave of the late 70s/early 80s when I grew up in New England, where a lot of anime was syndicated (which is why I loved Bravern last season). This was actually a pretty common (and nostalgic) experience for Gen Xers and could influence their early preferences.».
• «Odd Taxi and Psycho-Pass might be good starting points for your parents if they're starting from scratch. Frieren also hits differently as you get older (and has all the things your parents look for).».
• «Cowboy Bebop was my gateway drug. It draws heavily from American and Western media, so it should be an easy entry point, but it also has its own unique flavor that shows what anime can be in its own right. To this day, it’s still my favorite anime, although I understand that it’s not very similar to current anime. The 90s anime had a different feel to it. Gunsmith Cats is another good “American” action anime from the 90s that could serve as an introduction. Studio Ghibli is always a safe bet as well.».
• «Pluto. I have no words to describe this series.».
• «Maybe Steins;Gate or Death Note? Potentially Code Geas. While the first two aren’t classic action, watching them with a friend who also doesn’t usually watch anime, we coined the term “talking action” for them, since each conversation is like a fast-paced strategic battle.».
• «Natsume Yuujinchou».
• «Could you show them Dororo. Personally I love the remake and it's complete with no loose ends».
• «A decade ago, my mom and I were broke and sharing an apartment. I asked her to use the TV to watch anime and decided to put on JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Season 1, Episode 1. My mom was instantly hooked. I think the setting of the first season is very accessible to non-anime watchers, and it makes it easier to get into the absurdity of the later seasons.».

Source: reddit