Most anime fans prefer subtitles/original language. That is because historically most dubs sucked, either in quality, voice acting, or translation. However, with DVD, most releases come with sub and dub, and you can try either one. There are a few Japanese only [Cardcaptor Sakura] or English only releases, but most of the recent ones are both.
I almost always use the subtitles, whether I listen to English or Japanese dialog. For Cowboy Bebop and Full Metal Panic, I listened to English audio while having the subtitles on. For Excel Saga, I can't stand the English dub. For Video Girl Ai, I listened to the Japanese dialog, her English voice didn't fit her.

Cowboy Bebop-I haven't seen the movie, but IIRC, it occurs somewhere in the middle of the episodes [like between eps 12 and 13 or something]. Start with the shows.

And yes, there's a lot more than Pokemon crap
If you can't find an anime show/movie you enjoyed, you're not looking hard enough. You won't necessarily turn into a fanboy, but it's like saying you don't like movies or you don't like food. 'Anime' is a huge industry, and there's something for everyone.

Escaflowne
Gundam Wing
Trigun
Hellsing

reverie

Thanks for using an existing thread

Cowboy Bebop is a good intro. I'd go for the first disc of the show to see how you like it... but others might have a different opinion.

Another good intro is one of the Miyazaki movies, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away...etc.

Of the Miyazaki's I've seen, I personally liked Kiki's Delivery Service best. It was the most accessible. I know Spirited Away was over my head with all of its Japanese mythology, but Kiki's was just a good, positive, fun film.
Cowboy Bebop is a pretty good intro. Cool music, cool characters, good animation. Due to its episodic nature, some eps were better than others.
I didn't like Outlaw Star at all.
Last thing I watched was Full Metal Panic, which I liked. Kinda dragged just after the middle, but picked up after that. And again, 'easier' than Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Really, the dubs depend on which company handled the DVD...some do a great job (ADV, Geneon) some don't (nameless, for fear they'll cut me off )

Original language for any flim - anime or otherwise - is preferable, assuming it isn't a bootleg from Taiwan or something (then you'll find very, very screwy subtitles).

Cowboy Beebop was good, and you can't go wrong with Miyazaki (a new batch of Studio Ghibli titles is out from Buena Vista in Feb.; another three will be out later 2005) but there's also some newer anime I'd recommend to the new anime fan: Paranoia Agent, New Fist of the North Star, and Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex. Rent one of those, give it a spin, and I think you'll be hooked.

Another Cowboy Bebop recommendation, though I'd definitely recommend watching the series first, as the movie takes place before the last 3 episodes.

I agree with UAIOE that Excel Saga is worth checking out, but not until you become more familiar with anime, as it parodies some many shows. Also, if possible rent it first because some people HATE it. It's really a acquired taste, you'll either love it or hate it.

I also really enjoyed Trigun and Witch Hunter Robin and highly recommend both. And Lain is really worth checking out as well (it was just rereleased and can be found pretty cheap (for anime) )

As for the Sub\Dub issue, I prefer the Dub of Cowboy Bebop and also Trigun and Witch Hunter Robin(though if you can, try listening to the Dub with the Subs on)

Oh yeah, I almost forgot Neon Genesis Evangelion. It is the Quintessential Anime in my opinion. The Platinum edition ($20\each at BB) cleans up the transfer tremendously and offers at least 1 commentary per episode with different Dub actors. This was the first anime show I bought(blindly) and it got me hooked on anime. I can't recommend it enough.

I also have heard great things about GOTS:Standalone Complex, though I hated the movie (sorry!)

Also, checkout: http://www.animeondvd.com for some very good reviews on nearly every anime released.

FYE (B&M) has Excel Saga boxset for $29.99. More details are in the anime bargain thread.

http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showpos...00&postcount=1

Alternative usual anime thrown around:
Vampire Princess Miyu(OVAs first!)
Cardcaptor Sakura
Fruit Baskets