I've never tried to convert a complete non-anime fan to anime before, but friends of mine have... One friend
converted his friends with Initial D. I think they really liked cars and seeing an anime, a mature one, about their
interest really spoke to them ^_^ So if your friends have some interests, try to find an anime that appeals to that...
like if they like Basketball get I'll/Crazy kouzo Basket Ball Club (I watched it rented a while ago) or if they
like Tennis go Prince of Tennis or something...
Frankly, the best series I know of that has a lot of lighr-heartedness as well as serious-ness and perverted jokes is
the Slayers. It's great! ^_^ And it's a good ground-breaker as it has a lot of the elements that make anime
anime and prepares people for some of the things that may come with some of the series that mess with your
head...
Another good series to get people interested (in my opinion) is Fruits Basket, though I suppose it's rather
childish itself, but it's directed more at teens... But everyone should watch Fruits Basket! I have a friend who
was wary about it because of all the pretty boys and the premise (thought it was completely gay) but he was staying over
one day and was completely bored so he sat down, watched the DVDs and enjoyed it ^_^