Steps
1.
Figure out what genre you're into. As with books and movies, anime has genres. Are you a fantasy person, a horror, romantic, comedy, action? First figure out what you like most to help ease yourself into the artform.
2.
Look online for classic anime of the genre. While you can find anime online [we'll talk about that later] it is good to research what anime you're interested in since anime can be costly.
3.
The art style. A particular anime might be your genre, the art style might turn you off. 80's Anime looks different from newer Anime thanks to unique and changing styles. As well, some is too cartoonie for personal taste [pokemon] if there's a style you like, but not in your genre of choice, still check out the anime, sometimes the art is the main sticking point of a movie or series for some people.
4.
Check out series online to see if you enjoy it. I don't condone a person excusivly use sites like animea.net [totally not a plug] for their anime viewing needs, sometimes it's good for a preview. This is especially true when one doesn't have an Anime channel in their area. [or a channel that plays more than just pokemon/digimon/bakugan/metabots/pretty much the same thing] If after the first 3 episodes it seems like something you'd enjoy, go and buy it.
5.
Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.like Disney it's well known for producing amazing works. The difference being, far more often then not, Studio Ghibli comes up with deep, profound, works for older audiences, but still has all the same qualities children would love. The studio also produces a lot of not so child friendly films such as princess mononoke which is gory, violent and rated 15+ or 18+ depending on what country you live in.. Miyazaki has his own unique art style and gorgeous scenery to get lost in.
6.
Experiment. Once you know what you're comfort zone is, branch out. If you like an art style, check out an anime similar, [The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is similar to Angel Beats] or if you know you like Witch Hunter Robin, then try Ghost in the Shell since they're the same genre. Random searches, asking around, and trying new things will open you up to stories you probably wouldn't know was out there and may surprise you.
7.
Go beyond the first episode. The first episode for some series can be deceiving. The first episode of Elfin Lied has a naked woman and tons of gore but as it progresses there's far more to the story than just that [and the characters are clothes. Couple bloody fight scenes, but it's more psychological and leaves you hopeful] on the other hand a series can deceive you by drawing you in only to drag and bore.
8.
Share. You've learn what you love so tell others. Lend out dvd's to friends, invite people over for Anime night. The point should be to have fun, so share what you've grown to love
Tips
look online before buying. While stated above, you should see how long a series is before you spend your paycheck on getting it only to discover you don't like it half way through. Start with movies, or short series, before tackling your Death Notes and Bleaches.
Just because others swear by it, doesn't mean it's the best. Not everyone likes fighting, so don't watch Naruto if you're not a fan. same goes for anything, not into slap stick, avoid shows like Excel Saga.
Don't be afraid of subtitles. There are HUGE arguments in the Anime circle you will learn about one day [if you continue on] over if subtitled anime with the original Japanese voice actors is far superior to western dubbed Anime [subed vs. dubbed as it's called] there's good and bad on both side. [example, Graves of the Fireflies, personally cannot stand dubbed, while Inuyasha can only be in English] it comes down to personal preference, not what others say after all.
Many great Anime started out as Manga [comics] sometimes mangas are better, typically faster, and cost about 12$ compared to a long running series at about 20$ for 5 episodes [depending]
Couple good Anime's Witch Hunter Robin [dark, slightly slow building, 26 episodes] Ceres, Celestial Legend [romantic comedy, fantasy, 24 episodes] Vision of Escaflowne [fantasy, comedy, romantic, mecha, 26 episodes] Eden of the East [futuristic, orwellian but more upbeat, 11 episodes, 3 movies, 2 novels] and of course whatever else mentioned above [even the ones i used as negatives]
Couple good movies to check out [personal opinion] Princess Mononoke [fantasy] Graves of the Fireflies [SAD] The Girl Who Lept Through Time [beautiful, sweet and funny, but rather slow paced] My Neighbour Totoro [kid friendly, good for learning Japanese] Whisper of the Heart.
Price doesn't equal quality and vice versa. While normally the case, many times great animes can be found in bargain bins because they're not well known. As well, high priced Anime tend to be new, long running, or popular. Evangelion is a prime example, most swear by it, others can't get into it.
1.
Figure out what genre you're into. As with books and movies, anime has genres. Are you a fantasy person, a horror, romantic, comedy, action? First figure out what you like most to help ease yourself into the artform.
2.
Look online for classic anime of the genre. While you can find anime online [we'll talk about that later] it is good to research what anime you're interested in since anime can be costly.
3.
The art style. A particular anime might be your genre, the art style might turn you off. 80's Anime looks different from newer Anime thanks to unique and changing styles. As well, some is too cartoonie for personal taste [pokemon] if there's a style you like, but not in your genre of choice, still check out the anime, sometimes the art is the main sticking point of a movie or series for some people.
4.
Check out series online to see if you enjoy it. I don't condone a person excusivly use sites like animea.net [totally not a plug] for their anime viewing needs, sometimes it's good for a preview. This is especially true when one doesn't have an Anime channel in their area. [or a channel that plays more than just pokemon/digimon/bakugan/metabots/pretty much the same thing] If after the first 3 episodes it seems like something you'd enjoy, go and buy it.
5.
Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.like Disney it's well known for producing amazing works. The difference being, far more often then not, Studio Ghibli comes up with deep, profound, works for older audiences, but still has all the same qualities children would love. The studio also produces a lot of not so child friendly films such as princess mononoke which is gory, violent and rated 15+ or 18+ depending on what country you live in.. Miyazaki has his own unique art style and gorgeous scenery to get lost in.
6.
Experiment. Once you know what you're comfort zone is, branch out. If you like an art style, check out an anime similar, [The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is similar to Angel Beats] or if you know you like Witch Hunter Robin, then try Ghost in the Shell since they're the same genre. Random searches, asking around, and trying new things will open you up to stories you probably wouldn't know was out there and may surprise you.
7.
Go beyond the first episode. The first episode for some series can be deceiving. The first episode of Elfin Lied has a naked woman and tons of gore but as it progresses there's far more to the story than just that [and the characters are clothes. Couple bloody fight scenes, but it's more psychological and leaves you hopeful] on the other hand a series can deceive you by drawing you in only to drag and bore.
8.
Share. You've learn what you love so tell others. Lend out dvd's to friends, invite people over for Anime night. The point should be to have fun, so share what you've grown to love
Tips
look online before buying. While stated above, you should see how long a series is before you spend your paycheck on getting it only to discover you don't like it half way through. Start with movies, or short series, before tackling your Death Notes and Bleaches.
Just because others swear by it, doesn't mean it's the best. Not everyone likes fighting, so don't watch Naruto if you're not a fan. same goes for anything, not into slap stick, avoid shows like Excel Saga.
Don't be afraid of subtitles. There are HUGE arguments in the Anime circle you will learn about one day [if you continue on] over if subtitled anime with the original Japanese voice actors is far superior to western dubbed Anime [subed vs. dubbed as it's called] there's good and bad on both side. [example, Graves of the Fireflies, personally cannot stand dubbed, while Inuyasha can only be in English] it comes down to personal preference, not what others say after all.
Many great Anime started out as Manga [comics] sometimes mangas are better, typically faster, and cost about 12$ compared to a long running series at about 20$ for 5 episodes [depending]
Couple good Anime's Witch Hunter Robin [dark, slightly slow building, 26 episodes] Ceres, Celestial Legend [romantic comedy, fantasy, 24 episodes] Vision of Escaflowne [fantasy, comedy, romantic, mecha, 26 episodes] Eden of the East [futuristic, orwellian but more upbeat, 11 episodes, 3 movies, 2 novels] and of course whatever else mentioned above [even the ones i used as negatives]
Couple good movies to check out [personal opinion] Princess Mononoke [fantasy] Graves of the Fireflies [SAD] The Girl Who Lept Through Time [beautiful, sweet and funny, but rather slow paced] My Neighbour Totoro [kid friendly, good for learning Japanese] Whisper of the Heart.
Price doesn't equal quality and vice versa. While normally the case, many times great animes can be found in bargain bins because they're not well known. As well, high priced Anime tend to be new, long running, or popular. Evangelion is a prime example, most swear by it, others can't get into it.