user26439: I have a friend who I feel would love anime if he would give it a chance. He lets some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes of anime keep him from watching some fantastic works of entertainment. 
I want to introduce anime to him, but I will probably only be able to convince him to watch one show, due to his current lack of interest.
What show should I use to showcase anime in its glory to my friend? I want something that's interesting on multiple levels (violent but also mentally stimulating, etc.). Unfortunately, it probably has to be dubbed in English (eventually he'll get to the good stuff). Does anyone have any recommendatons? My current ideas were Attack on Titan, Steins;Gate, etc.

user1458: As Hakase already mentions, it would be best to first gauge their interests
It also won't hurt to keep in mind, that if your friend(s) haven't been exposed to anime before, or maybe even exposed to the 'Otaku' culture, it would probably be best to stick to anime's that follow a bit more of a traditional western style. Keeping little to no fan-service would probably be a smart move as well towards a newcomer. 
Keeping the before mentioned in mind. Some recommendations would be 

Baccano!
Cowboy Bebop
Gunslinger Girl
Black Lagoon


26439: <p>I have a friend who I feel would love anime if he would give it a chance. He lets some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes of anime keep him from watching some fantastic works of entertainment. </p>

<p>I want to introduce anime to him, but I will probably only be able to convince him to watch one show, due to his current lack of interest.</p>

<p>What show should I use to showcase anime in its glory to my friend? I want something that's interesting on multiple levels (violent but also mentally stimulating, etc.). Unfortunately, it probably has to be dubbed in English (eventually he'll get to the good stuff). Does anyone have any recommendatons? My current ideas were Attack on Titan, Steins;Gate, etc.</p>
 1458: <p>As <a href="https://anime.meta.stackexchange.com/users/191/hakase">Hakase</a> already mentions, it would be best to first gauge their interests</p>

<p>It also won't hurt to keep in mind, that if your friend(s) haven't been exposed to anime before, or maybe even exposed to the 'Otaku' culture, it would probably be best to stick to anime's that follow a bit more of a traditional western style. Keeping little to no fan-service would probably be a smart move as well towards a newcomer. </p>

<p>Keeping the before mentioned in mind. Some recommendations would be </p>

<ul>
<li><a href="http://myanimelist.net/anime/2251/Baccano" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Baccano!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://myanimelist.net/anime/1/Cowboy_Bebop" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Cowboy Bebop</a></li>
<li><a href="http://myanimelist.net/anime/134/Gunslinger_Girl" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Gunslinger Girl</a></li>
<li><a href="http://myanimelist.net/anime/889/Black_Lagoon" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Black Lagoon</a></li>
</ul>
