These are the shows everyone should see at least once.
1. "Cowboy Bebop" (1998-1999)
Imagine if Han Solo had a jazz band instead of a Wookie sidekick, and you've got "Cowboy Bebop." Set in 2071, it follows the life of bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his ragtag crew aboard the spaceship Bebop. The series blends western, noir, and space opera genres with a style as eclectic as its jazz-inspired soundtrack. It's renowned for its sophisticated narrative and character development. "Cowboy Bebop" is also one of the first anime series to be broadcast in the U.S. with few alterations, marking a new age of uncensored anime releases outside Japan.
2. "My Hero Academia" (2016-present)
In a world where having superpowers is the norm, what happens if you're the odd one out? "My Hero Academia" explores this question through the eyes of Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy (Quirk being the term for superpowers in this universe) who dreams of becoming a hero. When he inherits the powers of All Might, the world's greatest hero, Izuku's life changes forever. With its colorful cast and inspirational themes, this series has a solid 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a no-brainer for any anime newbie's watch list.
3. "Attack on Titan" (2013-2021)
"Attack on Titan" is the anime equivalent of a rollercoaster ride with multiple loop-de-loops. It's set in a world where humans live within gigantic walled cities to protect themselves from Titans, enormous humanoid creatures who devour humans for no apparent reason. The series follows Eren Yeager, who vows to eradicate the Titans after one destroys his hometown and kills his mother. Packed with non-stop action and complex characters, this anime will keep you on the edge of your seat. The series creator, Hajime Isayama, got the idea for the Titans after a drunk customer at an internet café grabbed him in a threatening manner. That's why those Titans look so scary.
4. "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" (2009-2010)
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is a tale of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in their quest to find the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a disastrous failed attempt to bring their mother back to life. The series offers a balanced mix of action, comedy, and drama while tackling themes like war, death, and ethics. With a whopping score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, this series is a must-watch for any budding anime fan.
5. "Death Note" (2006-2007)
When high school student Light Yagami stumbles upon a mysterious notebook, he discovers it has a chilling power: if someone's name is written in it while picturing their face, they will die. "Death Note" explores Light's attempts to create a utopian world free of evil using the notebook, and the detective known as "L" who tries to stop him. This psychological thriller will keep you guessing and questioning the nature of morality. The series' unique premise has led to it becoming a cultural phenomenon, with references appearing in the most unexpected places, like U.S. Congressional hearings!
6. "One Punch Man" (2015-present)
"One Punch Man" is an amusing twist on the typical superhero story. It follows Saitama, a hero who can defeat any opponent with just one punch, leading to an existential crisis because he's just too powerful. With its unique blend of comedy, action, and surprisingly deep exploration of what it means to be a hero, "One Punch Man" is an essential anime series. The series started as a webcomic by a Japanese artist who goes by the name ONE, and it was so popular it got picked up for a manga and then an anime adaptation.
7. "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (1995-1996)
"Neon Genesis Evangelion" is known for its deep psychological analysis of its characters, melding mecha action with profound existential questions. The story revolves around Shinji, a young boy who's called upon to pilot a giant bio-machine mecha in a fight against mysterious beings known as Angels. Throughout its run, "Evangelion" pushes boundaries and asks tough questions about identity and the human psyche, making it a staple in anime canon.
8. "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" (2019-present)
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered and his younger sister Nezuko is turned into a demon. This series has gained immense popularity for its captivating storytelling, beautiful animation, and well-developed characters. With its blend of action, drama, and supernatural elements, "Demon Slayer" is a great anime series for beginners. Fun fact: the anime's film sequel, "Demon Slayer: Mugen Train," became Japan's highest-grossing film of all time!
9. "Naruto" (2002-2007) and "Naruto: Shippuden" (2007-2017)
"Naruto" and its sequel "Naruto: Shippuden" follow the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his village. The series is known for its compelling character development, thrilling fight scenes, and exploration of themes like friendship, failure, and resilience. Although "Naruto" has over 700 episodes across both series, it's not as daunting as it seems, and it's certainly worth the investment.
10. "Hunter x Hunter" (2011-2014)
"Hunter x Hunter" follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who becomes a Hunter, an elite class of adventurer with the right to track down secret treasures, rare beasts, and even individuals, in order to find his missing father. The series is known for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and its unique power system. Plus, with a score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, it's safe to say it's a hit!
11. "Steins;Gate" (2011-2014)
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This gripping sci-fi thriller will make you question your understanding of time. It follows Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, who accidentally discovers that one of his inventions, a microwave, can send text messages to the past, thereby altering the flow of history. Teaming up with his friends, Okabe begins to leverage his newfound technology for personal gain, only to realize that they may be in over their heads as they start to witness multiple timelines and face dire consequences. Infamous for its slow-burn first half, the payoff in the latter part of the series is widely acknowledged as worth the wait, with its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and explorations of cause-and-effect, making it a staple in any anime starter pack.
12. "Mob Psycho 100" (2016-2022)
From the creator of "One Punch Man," "Mob Psycho 100" features Shigeo Kageyama (known as Mob), an eighth-grader with powerful psychic abilities. The kicker is, he's an incredibly average, unassuming guy who wants nothing more than to live a normal life. When his emotions reach a peak, his psychic powers go into overdrive, often leading to destructive and comic results. The series follows Mob's journeys to control his abilities, deal with other psychics, and navigate the perils of adolescence, all while working part-time as an exorcist.
13. "Haikyuu!!" (2014-present)
Sports in anime? Absolutely! "Haikyuu!!" follows Shoyo Hinata, a high school student with big dreams of becoming a volleyball star despite his small stature. After joining the Karasuno High School volleyball team, he comes face-to-face with Tobio Kageyama, his former rival, and now teammate. The series beautifully encapsulates the sheer joy, devastating heartbreak, and nail-biting tension of sports, making you feel every spike, block, and toss. Moreover, it's not just about volleyball; it's about friendship, teamwork, and never giving up on your dreams, making it a worthwhile watch even if sports aren't your thing.
14. "Your Lie in April" (2014-2015)
"Your Lie in April" is a symphony that'll tug at your heartstrings. The series centers on Kōsei Arima, a musical prodigy who, after the death of his abusive mother, can no longer hear his own piano playing. His life takes a turn when he meets an eccentric violinist, Kaori, who helps him to play music again. The series is a sensory delight, with its stunning visual style mirroring the expressive musical performances it depicts. It explores themes like love, loss, and the healing power of music. Prepare some tissues; this one's a tear-jerker.
15. "Samurai Champloo" (2004-2005)
This series is a unique blend of Edo-era Japan and modern hip-hop culture. "Samurai Champloo" follows the journey of three characters – Fuu, a young waitress; Jin, a disciplined samurai; and Mugen, a wild warrior – as they search for the "samurai who smells of sunflowers." What makes this show so captivating is its unique anachronistic style – imagine samurai sword fights set to a hip-hop beat.