Getting started with anime?

Where do I get anime from?

• bakabt.me BakaBT is a great site that offers high-quality files only. If you can find an anime you want to watch here, I would highly recommend downloading this version. Everything is thoroughly checked before being approved and usually gives you the highest download speed possible. The downside of BakaBT is that certain llicensed anime are not offered and it can take quite a while for a more recent anime to be uploaded. Don't expect any torrents of currently airing anime here. Since you need to register to use the search function, use this custom search instead.
• nyaa.eu The primary source of all anime. Everyone is free to upload, so don't expect that every release is excellent. The vast majority of fansubbers upload their subbed anime here, so this is generally the fastest and best source for getting anime, no matter if currently airing or licensed. If you can't find an anime here, you will have to put in some effort to ever find it. Note that if the green and red numbers, indicating seeders and leechers count, next to each torrent are both at 0, it will not be possible to download. By the way, I recommend using my nyaaml script to avoid torrent files cluttering your hard drive.

What player should I use?

• MPC-HC There isn't really any competition to Media Player Classic - Home Cinema. Despite its ancient looking UI, it is easily the most feature-rich among all media players. If you are looking for a solution that works directly out of the box, install K-Lite Codec Pack and you're good to go! I don't recommend CCCP as it is ancient and thus uses outdated filters. If you want the best performance and quality, you need to configure the filters yourself. There is an excellent guide over on bishoujoproject.com, just be aware that you need a decent graphics card for madVR.

What anime should I watch?

• Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Magic.
• Nichijou Comedy.
• K-On! Slice of Life, Comedy, Music
• Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Mecha, Action.
• Bakemonogatari Supernatural, Mystery.
• Ao no Exorcist Action, Fantasy
• Toradora! Romance, Comedy
• Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Horror, Mystery

... in no particular order. This should cover some of the common genres and give you a good idea what you may like and dislike. Be sure not to not watch an anime just because of the genre, you'll be missing out on a lot of hidden gems this way! Note that these are not necessarily anime I've liked (or even watched).