The latest fad among anime bloggers seems to be to list your top 5 anime, then try to draw conclusions from the list.

I’m willing to play along, but I’m puzzled by the question: “top 5 according to what criteria?” Should I list the anime I’ve enjoyed most, based on my initial reaction and number of rewatches? Or should I list the ones I admire most, based on overall artistic quality? These are not at all the same thing.

So I’m going to shrug and give both lists:

Most Fun

1. Cardcaptor Sakura
2. Spirited Away
3. Shakugan no Shana
4. Kanon (2006)
5. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (original broadcast order)

Of course, your mileage may vary.

Highest Quality

1. Spirited Away
2. Grave of the Fireflies
3. Cardcaptor Sakura
4. Haibane Renmei
5. Dennou Coil

There would be more overlap if I were doing a Top 10 list. Still, note that in one case I can’t link to a review since I haven’t been able to force myself to watch it again.

So what does it signify? I can’t say. You’ll have to draw your own conclusions.