Naruto. Period.
@Jariroth: key words "MENTALLY" and "UNSTABLE" are exactly my reasons not to watch that thing ever again. The ending was just... UGH!
Naruto isn't exactly an all-rounder anime; most of the story is overthought, unoriginal elements, due to the over-attempt at being "unique", and many of its characters and their pasts are minor variations of eachother; in fact most of the characters are in some way minor variations of eachother, and those from Dragonball Z - it's hard to enjoy the show for what it is, because you know it could've been executed so much better. The anime series also has the
Dragonball syndrome, causing an almost 200 episode-count of meaningless filler. If I were to suggest anything to you KidBoy, it wouldn't be Naruto. Naruto, is typically, an anime that was designed to attract emotionally neglected children, traumatized, suicidal, bisexual, homosexual, bi-curious, homicidal, and distraught individuals--most people who obsess over it can relate their feelings to the cartoon and its characters.
The problem with Masashi is he's picked up on so many successful artists, and just used their ideas; most artists don't recognize him for his original ideas, but instead as a desperate artist who was obsessed with Japan's Anime Godfather, Akira Toriyama--and would do anything to receive the same recognition--he borrowed other artists' styles, and made his own "masterpiece", rehashing many, many ideas, and barely bringing them into a new light that can be refreshing, yet as well original. While the anime may have some original elements, they're still ones brought forth before, and only introduced in a more attractive fashion with Naruto. One reason? Likeness to Toriyama's style and characters. Another reason? Kids love Ninjas. And another? 50%+ of America's youth is "emo", or as they say.
Just a heads up to people; Japan isn't harnessing Naruto as their leader in Japanese entertainment. Typically, in these days, most Japanese people are not hyped by things like this. Dragonball created a massive hype 18 years ago, which spread into the United States--and there's talks of a resurgence in Japan. Naruto's current, and something fresh for the newer generation of children - and it's overshadowing Dragonball in these days.
Naruto is generally just over-hyped.
Anime I'd recommend:
Inu-Yasha (Inuyasha)
This can be an anime for everyone, however it can also be known to have the Dragonball syndrome. Adult Swim is airing this series, and has been for longer than a year. The series contains very original elements; personally, I thought they could've been delivered better, but nothing's perfect.
Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO)
Great series; think of Cowboy Bebop but with more comic relief, and less action.
YuYu Hakusho
Kidboy - if you enjoyed Dragonball, you'd like this.
Bleach
If you enjoy YuYu Hakusho, you'll enjoy this.
Outlaw Star
Old. But classic. Why haven't you seen this yet?
Anime I wouldn't recommend:
One Piece (The dub, at least)
Pokemon (I wouldn't expect you to watch a toddler's cartoon, anyway)
Naruto (Simply for the fact of filler)
If anyone suggests crap titles such as Elfen Lied, or Basilisk, I'm gonna laugh my ass off.
