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 older audiences. These plots can connect emotionally with parents, who can appreciate a rich and nuanced narrative.

Furthermore, it was highlighted importance of adequate narrative rhythmSeries with a slower pace and progressive development of characters and story tend to be more appealing to older audiences, who may not be accustomed to the fast-paced, 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 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 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 a suitable 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 father likes action, while my mother likes romance and suspense. They asked my brother about Shingeki no Kyojin, and he said they wouldn't like it. They want to watch something longer, so there's nothing like a 12- to 24-episode anime. Something they can finish without having to wait for another season. Their 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 challenged 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 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 made specifically to appeal to audiences outside of Japan, so I think they're both good "get your feet wet" films. Also, any Hayao Miyazaki film is good. They usually make films for specific genres and ages, so you can choose the films that will appeal most 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 go.».
• «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. 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 growing up in New England, where a lot of anime was syndicated (which is why I loved Bravern last season). In fact, this was a fairly 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 plays 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 showcases what anime can be in its own right. To this day, it's still my favorite anime, though I understand it's not very similar to current anime. The '90s anime had a different feel. Gunsmith Cats is another good "American" action anime from the '90s that could serve as an introduction. Studio Ghibli is also always a safe bet.».
• «Pluto. I have no words to describe this series.».
• «Maybe Steins;Gate or Death Note? Potentially Code Geass. 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 feels like a fast-paced strategic battle.».
• «Natsume Yuujinchou».
• «You could 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 I 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 quite accessible to non-anime watchers, and it makes it easier to get into the absurdity of later seasons.».

Source: reddit