There's a lot of animes out there. It can often be hard to decide which animes are worth watching. In my opinion, Code Geass is one of the greatest animes of all time.
Here are some of the reasons why Code Geass is worth checking out:
1. It's both brilliant and exciting
Exciting shows and films often have to rely on lots of twists and cameos to throw the audience off-guard. Code Geass is more exciting than the average blockbuster, and it does so by having characters, with conflicting goals and complex feelings on morality, fighting against one another.
2. A protagonist that's one of a kind
Anti-heroes are common in modern media, but there's never been one like Lelouch Lamperouge, also known as Zero. Every action, regardless of how morally-questionable it might be, has an understandable motive behind it. Lelouch isn't completely heroic, nor is he pure evil. He crosses a lot of lines, but his motives make him endlessly fascinating.
3. Great male and female characters
Code Geass succeeds at great characters of both genders. Both of the male leads, Lelouch and Suzaku, as well as both of the female leads, C. C. and Kallen, are compelling and intriguing.
4. Villains that aren't completely evil
A lot of other shows have people that are villains for no real reason or petty reasons, such as power or money. Code Geass has villains that think what they're doing is right. Even the sow's most unlikeable villains have complex reasons for their villainous actions.
5. Dozens of interesting and/or entertaining supporting characters
Very few, if any, shows have as many intriguing side characters as Code Geass. If you look at my character guide, you'll see that there's a ton of characters in Code Geass. The show manages to give good material to a majority of their characters, while managing to not become an overcrowded mess.
6. The music
The show's music often sounds operatic. When things get emotional, intense or action-packed, the music will be sure to let you know that. The music is beautiful, and adds a lot of the complex layers of emotion that the show represents.
7. Lelouch's Zero costume
For fans of superheroes, Lelouch's Zero costume is a must see. It's a true treat for the eyes.
8. Lelouch's design in general
Even before getting a superhero costume, Lelouch looked awesome. Other than Bill Finger and Adam West's designs for Batman, I struggle to think of a male character with a more memorable and appealing design.
9. Lelouch and C. C.'s relationship
When it comes to relationships, Lelouch isn't seeking out a romantic partner. Technically, Lelouch and C. C. aren't dating. However, there's no denying that the two characters love each other. It could be argued that nobody knows one another more than each other. C. C. knows of all of Lelouch's pros and cons and vice versa. The fact that they remain loyal to each other shows how much they value and admire one another.
10. Lloyd's voice
I don't know how Lloyd sounds in the original Japanese version, so I'm talking about the English dub. Lloyd has the most delightful voice of any character in anime. Everything he says is music to my ears.
11. Lloyd in general
Lloyd is the best comedy relief. Unlike a lot of other comedy reliefs, Lloyd is relevant to the plot. He's intelligent and helpful. When it comes to the wisecracks, Lloyd is the supreme master.
12. C. C.'s backstory
At first, C. C. might seem like a hard character to root for. However, after learning about her tragic backstory, it becomes hard to not love her.
13. C. C.'s snarky interactions with Lelouch
C. C. is incredibly loyal to Lelouch and vice versa, but C. C. shows no shame when it comes to teasing Lelouch.
14. Cornelia, the most likeable antagonist ever
Technically, Cornelia is working for the Emperor, but at times, she's as likeable and well-intentioned as the protagonists.
15. The theme songs
The theme songs change throughout the show, but one thing that remains the same is quality. The intros are a combination of catchy songs and beautiful animation.
16. Awesome Kallen
Kallen is an easy character to root for, but she's also no pushover so don't get on her bad side.
17. Adorable Shirley
Shirley tugs on the heart strings in all sorts of ways.
18. Ohgi and Villetta's love story
A love story that's similar to Romeo and Juliet, but in my personal opinion, surpasses Romeo and Juliet in terms of emotional impact.
19. Charming Schneizel
Schneizel might be a villain, but when it comes to eloquence, charm and handsomeness, he rivals Lelouch.
20. Orange Boy and the Earl of Pudding
Two of the funniest nicknames ever, but you can't truly appreciate them without seeing the show.
Here are some of the reasons why Code Geass is worth checking out:
1. It's both brilliant and exciting
Exciting shows and films often have to rely on lots of twists and cameos to throw the audience off-guard. Code Geass is more exciting than the average blockbuster, and it does so by having characters, with conflicting goals and complex feelings on morality, fighting against one another.
2. A protagonist that's one of a kind
Anti-heroes are common in modern media, but there's never been one like Lelouch Lamperouge, also known as Zero. Every action, regardless of how morally-questionable it might be, has an understandable motive behind it. Lelouch isn't completely heroic, nor is he pure evil. He crosses a lot of lines, but his motives make him endlessly fascinating.
3. Great male and female characters
Code Geass succeeds at great characters of both genders. Both of the male leads, Lelouch and Suzaku, as well as both of the female leads, C. C. and Kallen, are compelling and intriguing.
4. Villains that aren't completely evil
A lot of other shows have people that are villains for no real reason or petty reasons, such as power or money. Code Geass has villains that think what they're doing is right. Even the sow's most unlikeable villains have complex reasons for their villainous actions.
5. Dozens of interesting and/or entertaining supporting characters
Very few, if any, shows have as many intriguing side characters as Code Geass. If you look at my character guide, you'll see that there's a ton of characters in Code Geass. The show manages to give good material to a majority of their characters, while managing to not become an overcrowded mess.
6. The music
The show's music often sounds operatic. When things get emotional, intense or action-packed, the music will be sure to let you know that. The music is beautiful, and adds a lot of the complex layers of emotion that the show represents.
7. Lelouch's Zero costume
For fans of superheroes, Lelouch's Zero costume is a must see. It's a true treat for the eyes.
8. Lelouch's design in general
Even before getting a superhero costume, Lelouch looked awesome. Other than Bill Finger and Adam West's designs for Batman, I struggle to think of a male character with a more memorable and appealing design.
9. Lelouch and C. C.'s relationship
When it comes to relationships, Lelouch isn't seeking out a romantic partner. Technically, Lelouch and C. C. aren't dating. However, there's no denying that the two characters love each other. It could be argued that nobody knows one another more than each other. C. C. knows of all of Lelouch's pros and cons and vice versa. The fact that they remain loyal to each other shows how much they value and admire one another.
10. Lloyd's voice
I don't know how Lloyd sounds in the original Japanese version, so I'm talking about the English dub. Lloyd has the most delightful voice of any character in anime. Everything he says is music to my ears.
11. Lloyd in general
Lloyd is the best comedy relief. Unlike a lot of other comedy reliefs, Lloyd is relevant to the plot. He's intelligent and helpful. When it comes to the wisecracks, Lloyd is the supreme master.
12. C. C.'s backstory
At first, C. C. might seem like a hard character to root for. However, after learning about her tragic backstory, it becomes hard to not love her.
13. C. C.'s snarky interactions with Lelouch
C. C. is incredibly loyal to Lelouch and vice versa, but C. C. shows no shame when it comes to teasing Lelouch.
14. Cornelia, the most likeable antagonist ever
Technically, Cornelia is working for the Emperor, but at times, she's as likeable and well-intentioned as the protagonists.
15. The theme songs
The theme songs change throughout the show, but one thing that remains the same is quality. The intros are a combination of catchy songs and beautiful animation.
16. Awesome Kallen
Kallen is an easy character to root for, but she's also no pushover so don't get on her bad side.
17. Adorable Shirley
Shirley tugs on the heart strings in all sorts of ways.
18. Ohgi and Villetta's love story
A love story that's similar to Romeo and Juliet, but in my personal opinion, surpasses Romeo and Juliet in terms of emotional impact.
19. Charming Schneizel
Schneizel might be a villain, but when it comes to eloquence, charm and handsomeness, he rivals Lelouch.
20. Orange Boy and the Earl of Pudding
Two of the funniest nicknames ever, but you can't truly appreciate them without seeing the show.
