Since thousands of anime series have been released in the past few decades, it can be very difficult to know where to even start. So many anime series are worth watching, buta small handful are absolutely necessary viewing for anyone who considers themselves to be an anime fan.Eight animes in particular definitely deserve a watch, and both brand-new and old anime fans will enjoy them.
Some of these series are fairly recent and just debuted in the past couple of years, while others have stood the test of time and are considered to be anime classics. Although they are all vastly different, what all these shows have in common is their high-quality animation, unique plots, and lifelike characters that stick with viewers long after watching. After watching these eight anime series,it will be pretty difficult to find anything that tops them.
Attack on Titan
Few anime series are as much of a masterpiece as Hajime Isayama’s series,Attack on Titan.The series follows Eren Yeager, a boy living in a world where humanity is at war with man-eating beasts called Titans. Although Eren’s home is safely guarded by sets of walls, his peace is shattered when a Titan breaks in for the first time in a century. The murderous incident claims hundreds of lives, including Eren’s own mother, incentivizing the boy to dedicate his life to fighting these creatures at all costs.
Attack on Titanis a somber story with some of anime’s best fight scenes, that also depicts the dire consequences war can have. The series is packed with plot twists, andevery time viewers think they know what’s coming next,Attack on Titanthrows them for a loopin an unexpected way. Aside from the fight with Titans, there are conflicts among humans too. Thecomplicated nature ofAttack on Titan’sstorywill give viewers plenty to think about and lessons that will stick in their minds for life.
Spy X Family
Spy x Familyblends genres effortlessly,combining an intense spy drama, a comforting slice-of-life family comedy, and an adorable rom-com all at once.When Agent Twilight is assigned his most difficult mission yet, protecting peace between the East and the West in the midst of a cold war, he has to create a fake family to blend in. After adopting a child, Anya, and getting into a fake marriage with his wife, Yor, his situation becomes even more confusing as he has to balance his double life.
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The humor inSpy x Familyis laugh-out-loud,as Anya’s hijinks constantly keep Loid on his toes, and the emotional scenes are truly touching, as it becomes evident that Loid cares for this fake family more than he ever expected to. The series will appeal to anime fans looking for action-packed fights, chase scenes, and spies sneaking around, as well as those searching for a silly, heartfelt story about a found family.Spy x Familyis a mix of all of these elements, and combines them all beautifully, meaning it deserves a spot on any anime watchlist.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebopcan only be described as timeless, sinceit is still every bit as entertaining and insightful as it was when it first came out in 1998,over two decades ago. The plot follows a group of adventurous bounty hunters on various missions that send them venturing across the galaxy.Cowboy Bebophas elements of a space western, and its theatrical setting in space makes for so many heart-racing fights and other curious discoveries for the main cast as they go on adventures.
Cowboy Bebopis more than just another battle-packed anime though, it alsoexplores deeper messages like self-discovery, loneliness, and other tough topics.The series' episodic style of storytelling makes each episode feel self-contained and easy to watch, but also connected by an overarching plot and the bonds between the characters. Anyone who has not yet watchedCowboy Bebopshould see for themselves why it is so beloved.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelionmay seem like just another anime drama, but it is actuallyone of the deepest, most thought-provoking anime out there.InNeon Genesis Evangelion,awar between humanity and angels is occurring, with no signs of stopping anytime soon, and Shinji Ikari discovers that he is one of few people capable of piloting an EVA robot and fighting back.
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Neon Genesis Evangelionis a standoutin the mech anime genre, which is an extensive subcategory that includes series featuring massive robots.The series not only helped popularize mech anime,its emotional storytelling and true-to-life characters make it an unforgettable piece of anime history.Neon Genesis Evangelionis more tear-jerking than most series, due to its apocalyptic setting, but the complex moral issues the series tackles will leave viewers pondering long after the end credits have rolled.
Naruto
Narutois pretty much a household name, with a successful franchise that boasts a manga that ran for 15 years, two anime adaptations,NarutoandNaruto: Shippuden,2 spin-off anime series, and a few spin-off manga. Despite the anime’s overwhelming length, which may seem insurmountable to a new viewer,Naruto’scombined 31 seasons are well worth the hours they would take to watch all the way through.
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Narutois a perfect introduction to shonen anime,a genre that focuses on action and adventure elements, large-scale fights, and deeper morals like friendship, protecting others, finding one’s own identity, and other interpersonal struggles.Narutotouches on all of these points, and also features a creative and interesting power system, admirable heroes, and complex, multifaceted villains to boot.Narutois a classic for a reason, and after watching one episode, most anime fans will find themselves interested in checking out everything the franchise has to offer.
Demon Slayer
There is so much to love aboutDemon Slayer, from its lovable characters to the tidbits of wisdom and life advice embedded in the story. Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist, is an average teenager whose life is upended when he returns home one day and finds his entire family dead, except for his younger sister, who was transformed into a demon. After this unspeakable tragedy,Tanjiro embarks on a quest for both revenge and a solution to restore his sister’s humanity.
Demon Slayer’sfights are truly cinematic, with battles, like Kyojuro Rengoku vs. Akaza in theMugen Trainfilm and Tanjiro and Nezuko vs. Daki and Gyutaro in the Entertainment District Arc, that show off the characters' years of training. Another reasonDemon Slayeris so admired is because its protagonist, Tanjiro, started out average, but through hard work he became exceptional, which isa motivational story that any anime fan can draw inspiration from.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisenis one ofthe best shonen anime around, and its popularity only skyrocketed even higher when its second season aired in July 2023. MAPPA’s exhilarating animation brought the dark fantasy manga to life, and it is a true wonder to behold some of the series' most energetic sorcerer vs. cursed spirit battles on-screen. At its core,Jujutsu Kaisenis about sorcerers fighting cursed spirits,but that is truly an understated oversimplification of the standout series.
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Yuji Itadori,Jujutsu Kaisen’sprotagonist, develops powers due to an unexpected incident, and suddenly becomes involved in a clash between humanity and sorcerers.Jujutsu Kaisen’sbattles are on another level, allowing fighters to show off creative techniques that are as visually awe-inspiring as they are epic.Jujutsu Kaisen’scharacter development is also incomparable,with heroes like Gojo and villains like Mahito that can never be forgotten. The series is a must-watch, encompassing everything great about the shonen genre.
Solo Levelingis a newer anime, based on a web novel by Chugong that began releasing in 2016 and an on-screen adaptation that did not come until January 2024. AlthoughSolo Levelingdoes not have the established presence over many years that some series do,it has managed to captivate fans rather quickly,immersing them completely in the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo’s, remarkable world and chronicling his experience as a hunter.
Solo Levelingis heavy on action elements, as Jinwoo advances on his journey as a hunter and “levels up” by fighting monsters that get increasingly stronger and more difficult to overpower. The series is not just excellent in its own right, with compelling character arcs and monster battles that are nothing short of epic,Solo Levelinghelped inspire a whole subgenre.Fans who enjoy anime series with video game elements, dungeon settings, and intense battles should check outSolo Levelingand see why it inspired so many other similar projects.
