Right, so in a move that I genuinely did not see coming, we're getting a manga adaptation of a Resident Evil film. But before anyone gets too excited – or too irritated – let's break down exactly what this is (and, honestly, what it isn't).

Which Resident Evil film are we talking about?

The manga isn't based on one of the Paul W.S. Anderson-Fast-and-the-Furious-with-zombies live-action romps, and it's not a spin-off from the upcoming reboot starring Austin Abrams either. Instead, it's an adaptation of the animated movie Resident Evil: Death Island – you know, the one that throws just about every major character from the games onto Alcatraz for a monster-filled holiday gone wrong.

Here's the basic timeline:

• 21 June 2023: Death Island premieres in Singapore
• 7 July 2023: Japanese release follows
• Also had theatrical outings in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Greece
• Eventually made its way online for everyone else
• 29 September 2026: Manga adaptation hits shelves

What's the manga actually about?

Illustrated by Zino – who does actually have a decent track record in the manga world – this isn't just some quick-and-dirty cash-in. Capcom and a group called the Death Island Film Partners are both involved, supposedly determined to "bring cinematic scale to manga panels" and mix "pulse-pounding action with atmospheric dread". (Not to be snide, but if you've ever played Resident Evil 6, you know those two vibes don't always blend.)

The official synopsis doesn't stray in a surprising direction:

"A deadly outbreak on Alcatraz Island draws DSO agent Leon S. Kennedy into a kidnapping case that unravels into a global biohazard conspiracy. As Chris Redfield uncovers a related threat in San Francisco, the world's most iconic survivors are pulled together for a desperate fight against a mutating nightmare."

Or in plain English: zombies attack an island prison, everyone from Leon to Jill to Rebecca Chambers (yes, really) gets dragged into the chaos, and by the end you'll have seen about a dozen increasingly impossible monster mutations. So, standard Resident Evil fare – not exactly reinventing the franchise, but if you just want more spectacle and high-stakes virus nonsense, you're in luck.

Release details and where you can actually buy it

The Death Island manga goes on sale 29 September 2026. You can preorder it through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and, conveniently for the UK crowd, Forbidden Planet as well. No restrictive territory business – it'll be available for both UK and European readers.

It's being pitched as suitable for both veteran fans and anyone dipping their toe into horror manga for the first time. Whether it can really deliver that "cinematic scale" in a graphic format, though, is something we'll all have to wait to see.

Let’s be honest – if you’ve dipped your toes into anime, you’ve heard about Attack on Titan. Over the last quarter-century, there haven’t been many shows that manage to beat it at its own game, and it’s earned its reputation as a peerless genre-defining beast. At first, it looks like your standard moody dystopian survival fest, but give it a few episodes and it mutates into something much stranger and more ambitious. The frantic plot twists, the enormous swings between action, politics, and gutting emotional moments – it all makes for absolutely unskippable telly (alright, unless you really hate giant monsters or screaming teens).

Now, to be clear – there are a handful of series out there that can edge out Attack on Titan in specific areas. Some top it for animation, some for choreography, others for big-ideas plotting. If you’re on the hunt for a new anime binge – or you just fancy arguing about which is more ‘art’ – let’s break down the contenders worth knowing about.

• Demon Slayer – No offence to Attack on Titan stans, but visually, Demon Slayer is in a league of its own. Ufotable’s blend of slick 2D and 3D elevates the action scenes to, frankly, ridiculous levels of spectacle. Yes, the characters and themes aren’t quite so deep – and it’s much less interested in politics or ambiguity – but if you want to sit back and let some of the best-animated swordfights ever made burn holes in your retinas, this is where you go.
  Watch if: You want a big, glossy action anime with surprisingly dark undertones and the odd moment of actual fun. It’s got hope, it’s got tragedy, it’s got jokes.
  Skip if: You want layered, complicated characters or meaty world politics. This one’s flashy, but straightforward.
• Jujutsu Kaisen – On sheer fight choreography, Jujutsu Kaisen leaves many bruised egos behind. The plot’s good (dark, supernatural, decent banter), but it’s the fights – hand-to-hand, with moves nicked from real martial arts – that make it a standout. It’s got the wit and the charm that AoT sometimes lacks, just don’t expect the same level of twisty, high-stakes plotting.
  Watch if: You’re craving a well-designed power system, gleaming action, and enough comedy to stop you slashing your wrists.
  Skip if: Blood and endless death aren’t your thing – it doesn’t hold back.
• Chainsaw Man – Only one season and one film in, but Chainsaw Man is already a fan-favourite for how well it sketches out its messy, addictive character connections. The Denji/Power/Aki trio is painfully believable, and the show does subtlety (and toxic relationships) with a deft hand. Plot-wise, it's messy on purpose – but if you loved AoT's emotional gut-punches, you'll get plenty here, only with even more 'what the hell am I watching?' moments.
  Watch if: You don't mind your supernatural action laced with a bit of actual character study, and spot-the-movie-reference is your idea of fun.
  Skip if: If gore and crude jokes make you wince, give this one a swerve.
• Vinland Saga – Another story of trauma and revenge, but Viking-flavoured and more philosophical. Where AoT lets Eren become properly monstrous, Vinland Saga steers Thorfinn in the opposite direction, exploring not just how revenge warps a person, but what’s left when it’s all over. Season 2 is far more introspective – be warned, not non-stop violence, but it’s not dull, either.
  Watch if: You like your historical anime to ask big ethical questions without losing its edge.
  Skip if: You only want fantasy spectacle and huge world-building – it’s not that kind of show.
• One Piece – If you're measuring sheer scale – both in story and real-world influence – One Piece leaves AoT in the dust. The world-building here is grotesquely expansive (not surprising, as it’s still going after a million episodes). The plot isn’t as tightly wound, but for fans who want to lose themselves in a ridiculously detailed universe stuffed with memorable oddballs, nothing else comes close.
  Watch if: You want a fantasy world you’ll actually want to live in, and don’t mind the binge commitment.
  Skip if: You want a show that gets to the bloody point.
• Parasyte: The Maxim – Think of this as AoT in miniature: less viral, but just as existentially grim. Humans face monstrous invaders, but Parasyte narrows the focus to the psychological – what it means to merge with the thing you’re fighting, and whether that makes you less than human. Absolutely riveting if you love character-focused survival drama, though it can get under your skin, literally.
  Watch if: You wanted more introspection and body horror in AoT.
  Skip if: You’re squeamish about body horror.
• Mob Psycho 100 – AoT's cast is impressively complicated, but Mob Psycho 100 beats it for pure character writing. It slows down when it needs to – sometimes drifting into slice-of-life or comedy – but that only makes you care more about the stakes.
  Watch if: You’re up for a hopeful, surprisingly smart coming-of-age with some punk energy.
  Skip if: You want unrelenting darkness or action and not much else.
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion – Where AoT's ending divided enough fans to fill three walls, Code Geass is famous for sticking the landing. The ending is so well-executed it practically forces you to rewatch the whole thing just to spot the groundwork. Moral ambiguity, political drama, and the kind of closure AoT readers wish they’d got.
  Watch if: You’re in the mood for intelligent power plays, mecha spectacle, and stories where no one's really the ‘good guy’.
  Skip if: You think all anime needs a traditional hero story.
• Monster – A psychological crime thriller rather than dark fantasy, but for sheer story craft, Monster just might have AoT beat. Pacing is slower, the animation less flashy (it’s pushing twenty years, to be fair), but if you want a grown-up study in guilt, monsters, and humanity, this is top-tier stuff.
  Watch if: You like shows that make you sweat and wonder, and don’t mind a slow burn.
  Skip if: Pure realism is a turn-off.
• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Here’s the one that often comes out on top in the pub debate. FMAB just does almost everything right: personal/political stakes, a chunky power system, a pace that never drags, a genuinely satisfying ending. It’s lighter in mood overall (though still more shocking than your average shōnen), and every rewatch leaves you more impressed by how well it’s all fit together.
  Watch if: You love world-building, meticulously crafted magic, and characters you actually want to root for.
  Skip if: Unrelenting bleakness is what drew you to AoT in the first place.

Big picture: whether you’re after bloody action, labyrinthine politics, or just the chance to shout ‘what WAS that?’ at your screen, there’s plenty out there to rival – or even top – Attack on Titan, depending on what you crave. As for which is the GOAT, you'll have to pick your poison (and yes, someone will argue with you about it in the comments).

Look, I'll say it: Demon Slayer is an absolute juggernaut, both for its retina-searing animation and the fact its films have become box office royalty. But is it really the best action anime out there? Personally, I think the hype is deserved... at least for the visuals. Scratch beneath the surface, though, and you'll see loads of series doing better across story, characters, or just sheer originality.

You can see why so many get invested in Tanjiro and Nezuko almost immediately — the show practically dares you not to root for these two. But let's not pretend it's flawless. Plenty of anime deliver meatier character arcs, richer settings, and stories that twist harder than Demon Slayer ever manages. The animation covers up a fair few plot clichés, but if you're looking for something that genuinely pushes the boundaries, let me run you through a selection of series that, in my entirely unsolicited opinion, often leave Demon Slayer in the dust.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood hit screens way back in 2009 and still sits at the very top of many fantasy anime rankings today.

Heavy Hitters You Shouldn't Miss

• Jujutsu Kaisen: Always compared to Demon Slayer for good reason — both supernatural shōnen, both broke out at the same time. But where Demon Slayer leans heavily on spectacle, Jujutsu Kaisen really commits to its power system and lore. The result? Action that isn’t just gorgeous, but genuinely interesting, with characters you might actually believe have lives outside the plot.
• Chainsaw Man: Another fresh-faced hit. The setup alone is a wild swing, and unlike Demon Slayer, it doesn’t play safe. Its unpredictability is half the fun — you never know who’s safe, what direction the story's going to yank you next, or if the thing is about to go way off the rails (in the best way possible).
• Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War: A final act done right. Animation is different, sure, but it's miles ahead on scale and build-up thanks to literal decades of world and character development. Demon Slayer can’t really compete on that front — hard to fault it, but facts are facts.
• Naruto: For all its filler and early-2000s quirks, Naruto just has a far superior ecosystem — more complex politics, richer world, and rivals with believable journeys. If you can get past the pacing problems (or just Google which episodes to skip), there's no shortage of memorable battles and character growth here.
• One Piece: Demon Slayer may be the flashier newcomer, but One Piece is the king of sprawling world-building. Of course, it’s got about 900 more episodes to play with, which helps. You'll get complex cultures, proper geography, a sense of scale that makes Demon Slayer's setting feel like a village green.
• Vinland Saga: If you want a protagonist who feels truly human in his grief and rage, Vinland Saga offers that with Thorfinn. Unlike eternally optimistic Tanjiro, Thorfinn's journey through loss is darker, but all the more believable for it. Just don’t expect demons and mystical powers — the series keeps things grounded and brutal.
• Mob Psycho 100: Probably the most character-focused of the lot. Across just three seasons, it builds its world, tells its story, and manages to squeeze in plenty of emotional payoff, with only a tiny fraction of Demon Slayer's unnecessary faffing about.
• My Hero Academia: Another superpowered shōnen, only this time your heroes and villains come with actual depth. Less broad strokes, more nuance, especially when it comes to motivations. If you’re craving a well-paced character study, give this a look — unless you’re allergic to superheroes these days, which, fair enough.
• Attack on Titan: The story, the tension, the twists — all on a different plane. Demon Slayer edges out on animation, but in literally every other department, Attack on Titan is the benchmark. No one does plot surprises and gut-punches quite the same.
• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: Starts strong, never wobbles, and offers everything from visceral fights to world-spanning conspiracies. Unlike Demon Slayer, whose story beats you've seen before, Brotherhood actually builds lore and rules you’ll care about, and you’ll still want to rewatch it even in 2026. Animation may look a bit retro, but none of the impact is lost.

Quick Notes for the Uninitiated

To be fair, there are a few things to keep in mind with these series. Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man are both high on the gore; Bleach's new arc only truly lands if you soldiered through the original Bleach; Naruto and One Piece demand a time commitment that'll swallow entire weekends. Vinland Saga is grounded, no fantasy bells and whistles attached. Mob Psycho 100 leans in on introspection, so if you tune out at character beats, it might not click. And if superhero fatigue is setting in, maybe skip My Hero Academia for something else. Attack on Titan is anything but lighthearted — don’t expect a cheery ending.

The short version? If Demon Slayer has you under its spell but you want more brains and bite beneath the surface gloss, any of these are well worth the watch.

If you’ve been itching to check out the new reboot of Ghost in the Shell and wondering just how closely it was going to follow Masamune Shirow’s original manga, you’ll want to know about a particular shift that’s already making waves—even if the envelopes aren’t being pushed quite as far as some might hope.

Why It Had to Change: Broadcast Rules Step In

Director Mokochan has come out and explained that, yes, the creative team behind the reboot are genuine fans of Shirow’s original work and wanted to remain as faithful as possible. But, as it turns out, Japanese TV networks have a few more nerves about certain graphic elements than Shirow did back in his manga days. Basically, since the anime is being made first and foremost for Japanese television, it’s had to dodge the more, let’s say, explicit material.

In Mokochan’s own words:

'Since this work was created primarily with television broadcast in Japan in mind, naturally, when it comes to highly extreme expressions, there are more limits and restrictions compared to theatrical films. However, as creators, we had a strong desire to keep the essence of the original as it was, so we made many creative adjustments to present it in a way that can be broadcast on TV while keeping the original feel.'

The Specific Scene (Why Fans Noticed)

The clearest change hits in Episode 2. In Shirow’s manga, Major Kusanagi isn’t shy about pushing the boundaries, especially in a certain holiday-at-home scene with two female friends—it’s a bit infamous for being extremely explicit. If you were expecting the anime to match that, you’re out of luck. The TV version dials the nudity and intensity right down to a faint echo of what’s on the page. The scene is still there in spirit, but not in letter, and definitely not in flesh.

How Much Freedom Did the Creators Actually Get?

Ironically, the crew at Science SARU—who are producing the reboot—weren’t actually being held back much by the higher-ups when it comes to adapting the story itself. They had a fair bit of creative leeway, according to Mokochan:

'How much we should base it on the original, and to what extent we should make it identical to the original, [we were] given a relatively high degree of freedom to decide. We really love Masamune Shirow’s original manga. As a result, our final direction was to keep the original manga as it was as much as possible.'

So, not every change is a result of studio interference or nervous network execs. For the most part, it came down to what you can actually get away with on Japanese TV before someone sends in a formal complaint letter.

For Reference: What’s Happened So Far?

• The new Ghost in the Shell anime launched on 7 July.
• Two episodes are out at the time of writing.
• The main takeaway is that big deviations from the manga seem to be about TV censorship, not lack of respect for the source.

Some anime thrillers don't just start strong — they actually get meatier and more intense as they motor along, rather than running out of steam. That, frankly, is rarer than you might think. There are plenty of supposedly 'must-watch' entries that either lose momentum halfway through (looking at you, Death Note past the cat-and-mouse prime) or take a total nosedive for baffling reasons (I'll never get over what happened to The Promised Neverland). But now and again you'll stumble onto a series that doesn’t just keep it together — it ramps everything up to a full boil before the finish. Even if a show gets a bit weird or divisive at the end, if it keeps raising the stakes, I call that a win. Here are several that pull it off, in very different ways.

Pacing Done Right – Or at Least With Purpose

• Erased (2016) — Just a dozen episodes long and it wastes none of them. Follows Satoru, who gets thrown backwards in time after his mother’s murder, forcing him to tackle a chain of kidnappings and deaths linked to his own childhood. It’s a textbook time-travel thriller, keeps the tension high till almost the end. The finish isn’t exactly what you’ll find in the manga (which annoys some readers), but I’d argue it does enough for closure. Even after all the loop-de-loops, it wisely slows down at the very end to give everyone their dues. Sci-fi’s there, but mostly for plot mechanics — if you want physics lectures, look elsewhere.
• Monster (2004-2005) — If you want a slow build, this is peak material. Not much flash, more simmer, and honestly, it makes the suspense even better. The story: a surgeon saves a young boy, only to see him grow into a total monster (literally and otherwise). Some complain the middle third drags, but every lull really is just tightening the coil — it all pays off. Deep, thoughtful, sometimes bleak, and if you stick out the marathon, supremely rewarding.
• Steins;Gate (2011–2015) — Here’s your mystery box that gets genuinely wild midway through. The handle on the opening is cryptic (to put it kindly), but once the time-travel starts kicking in, things escalate quickly. The mood shifts — it gets markedly darker — and suddenly everything you slogged through seems necessary. Like Monster, it actually gets better on a rewatch when you spot all the seeds you missed the first time.
• Summer Time Rendering (2022) — Looks bright and breezy on the surface, but you’re getting a much darker package than the 'summer holiday' vibe suggests. After a funeral visit, the main character tumbles into a supernatural murder-groundhog-day scenario that just keeps getting tenser by the episode. The time-loop angle is handled smartly, and there’s more bite than you expect. Criminally underrated, 25 episodes, all worth queueing up for fans of twisty thrillers — though fair warning, it does take a few comic turns now and then.
• Talentless Nana (2020) — Begins like every magic-school anime you’ve ever seen, then pulls the rug. The titular Nana starts a killing spree with everyone else in the dark, which amps up the suspense. Unfairly, it never got a Season 2, so you’re left hanging with only the manga as an option if you want proper resolution. Still, until that last credit rolls, one of the best for whiplash twists and shifty morals.
• Odd Taxi (2021) — A walrus cabbie caught up in a truly convoluted (and brilliant) missing-persons puzzle, all voiced and animated in that deadpan, anthropomorphic style. At just 13 episodes, it’s lean but absolutely loaded with twists. The ensemble cast are all animals (literally), but still manage to feel more human than plenty of live-action shows. Everything pays off in one of the most satisfying endings in recent memory — every oddball flashback actually fits by the close.
• Danganronpa: The Animation (2013) — They took the over-the-top murder mystery of the video game and made it into a rapid-fire anime thriller. Battered students, locked inside by a sadistic robot bear (I know, sounds mad) have to kill and investigate, or get axed themselves. The combination of outrageous premise and ruthless pacing means there’s never a dull moment — whether you find it exhilarating or just a bit much probably depends on your fondness for battle royale tropes.
• Attack on Titan (2013–2023) — Possibly the most intense long-form anime of the last decade. Opening salvo is giant monsters smashing up a walled city, closing acts are… well, saying would spoil it, but trust me, nothing stays static for long. Everything twists, snowballs, and almost every quiet episode only sets up something nastier around the corner. Across four seasons and a whopping 89 episodes, the plot never lets up and each fresh arc outdoes the last.

Attack on Titan aired from 2013 to 2023, tallying up 89 episodes across its run.

Final Thoughts — And a Few Disclaimers

Even the best of these have their quirks, and not every one is for everyone. If you're burnt out on time-travel mechanics (Steins;Gate, Summer Time Rendering, Erased), steer clear of those. If you want atmosphere and don’t mind your thrillers running slow, Monster will feel like a proper reward. For twisted murder puzzles, Danganronpa and Odd Taxi scratch the itch nicely. Talentless Nana will only frustrate those who can’t stand unfinished stories. And Attack on Titan… well, if you want a tidy binge, you’re looking at the wrong epic entirely.

There’s no shortage of science fiction in anime, but not every series manages to stick the landing episode after episode. If you’re someone who’s spent way too long wanting a sci-fi show that’s actually worth binging from start to finish—without being mugged by filler or forced to sit through thirty episodes of characters screaming about friendship—this list might just sort you out.

I’ve spent four years covering science fiction for MovieWeb, and that’s basically code for: I’ve seen enough anime to know most series will collapse if you push past the shiny world-building. So everything here isn’t just a winner on premise, it’s consistently excellent all the way to the credits.

Gurren Lagann’ launched in 2007 and goes from literal dirt tunnels to fighting with galaxy-sized robots—no, I’m not exaggerating.

Anime That Go Beyond Cool Concepts

First up: Gurren Lagann. Easily written off if you only catch a few minutes—giant robots punch each other while someone yells about drills—but it’s the rare show that just keeps escalating until it’s totally absurd, in the best way. By the end, it’s less about physics and more about human ambition running wild. What’s clever is that, beneath the neon brawling and shouty optimism, the show keeps hammering on grit and belief. If you want absolutely maximalist sci-fi and hate restraint, this will have you running through walls (figuratively, I hope). But if you want subtlety, it’s probably not for you—Gurren Lagann doesn’t even know the word.

Now, if you like your science fiction sprawling and loaded with politics, Legend of the Galactic Heroes (first aired in 1988) is the gold standard. The title is nonsense, but the content isn’t. This is 110 episodes of serious space opera where strategy, diplomacy, and ideology matter just as much as guns. It’s not quick viewing—the length puts most people off—but if you’re willing to dive in, it’s one of the most ambitious stories the medium has ever produced. You’ll need to keep up: it expects you to pay attention, and rewards patience with some of the best political drama in sci-fi.

Then there’s Serial Experiments Lain. Airing before the turn of the millennium, it somehow predicted the identity disasters we all now live with online. Watching Lain today is borderline uncanny: questions it raised in the dial-up era—about anxiety, reality, and the digital world—are even more pressing now. It’s a cryptic, slightly disorienting ride that shows you what anime can do when it stops worrying about answers and just leans into the weirdness. You’ll keep coming back and picking up new threads—if you like neat, event-by-event storytelling, this is probably not your basket.

Big Names Done Right

Look, Neon Genesis Evangelion is never going away, and it shouldn’t. It isn’t just the giant robots—it’s what Hideaki Anno did to the genre’s mood. Most mecha shows are power fantasies. Evangelion turns that inside out: its teenagers are visibly shattered, all while the robot fights double as metaphors for depression and trauma. If you want raw emotion and a story that lurches into introspection (sometimes literally mid-fight scene), Evangelion is unmissable. But if you’re only here for robots hitting each other? The back half might test your patience.

Another high point: Steins;Gate from 2011. Time travel usually collapses once you start prodding at its logic. This show actually cares about its rules—it makes sure the emotional fallout and consequences feel earned. The first few episodes are misleadingly silly, but by the time you notice, the stakes have quietly skyrocketed. It’s a must if you like your science fiction with a side of heartbreak, and you’re willing to endure a slightly slow beginning.

For cyberpunk obsessives, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex remains the obvious pick. It takes the brooding, philosophical roots of Mamoru Oshii’s iconic film and riffs on them as a crime series about a cyborg police unit. It should feel like a downgrade, but instead, it’s a near-perfect balance of detective work, ideas about A.I. and humanity, and the occasional spectacular action scene. Most episodes stand alone, which is rare—and oddly welcome—in the age of endless arcs.

The New, the Gritty, the Brilliant

It’s not all retro. Pluto (2023) adapts a corner of Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy and turns it into a slow-burn murder mystery about a robot detective. Naoki Urasawa, who wrote the thing, somehow transforms what could have been a simple case-of-the-week affair into a story loaded with mature ideas about grief and what it means to be human (or robot). Expect a genuinely bleak, deliberate pace: every episode feels like its own packed story, and some will absolutely gut you.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is way better than a video game tie-in has any right to be. Studio Trigger took the world of Cyberpunk 2077 and built a violent, breakneck miniseries that feels as if it was ripped straight from the grimiest parts of the game (in a good way). Across ten episodes, they manage to tell an emotionally brutal story with a cast that actually sticks in your memory. Be warned: it doesn’t hold back on body horror or downer endings, but it’s easily the best bit of cyberpunk anime the last few years have produced.

On the darker end: Psycho-Pass. This is what happens when someone wonders 'what if the police could arrest you for thinking about committing a crime?' and then decides to make a thriller out of it. The technology-versus-freedom questions are even more relevant now than when it started. Series one is the standout: well-written, morally tangled, with one of the finest antagonists I’ve seen in animated sci-fi.

And then there’s Cowboy Bebop, the one show basically everyone agrees belongs on every sci-fi watchlist. Space bounty hunters, jazz, slow-burn heartbreak—Bebop’s got it all. Each episode could stand on its own, but as a whole, it becomes a character study that’s quietly devastating by the end. It’s episodic, sure, but that’s precisely why it works—Bebop manages to genre-jump every week and never loses its footing.

• Gurren Lagann (2007): Over-the-top mecha battles that turn into a full-on celebration of human will.
• Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1988): 110 episodes of meticulously plotted political war in space.
• Serial Experiments Lain (1998): Surreal, prescient, and full of questions about how we live online (and off).
• Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995): Psychological drama disguised as a robot show.
• Steins;Gate (2011): Time travel with actual consequences and emotional payoff.
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002): Intelligent cyberpunk married to a detective format that actually works.
• Pluto (2023): A robot detective’s slow, agonising battle with grief and prejudice.
• Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022): A surprisingly brilliant, compact cyberpunk tragedy for the Netflix era.
• Psycho-Pass (2012): Police procedural in a world where crime is predicted before it happens.
• Cowboy Bebop (1998): Unparalleled genre-mashup, cool jazz, space bounty hunting, and a big slice of existential dread.

If you’ve got a sci-fi anime you think should be here, suspiciously missing from the list, drop it in the comments—there’s always room for a bit of friendly disagreement. And if you spot a mistake, you know the drill—inbox is always open.

If you’re jumping in now, the easiest path is straight through Crunchyroll. The streamer has the run to date in the U.S., with Japanese audio and an English dub available. If you prefer to keep everything inside Amazon, you can also watch via the Crunchyroll add-on channel inside Prime Video.

All current episodes of Rent-A-Girlfriend stream in the U.S. on Crunchyroll.

Where to watch

• Crunchyroll — streaming the series with subs and English dub
• Prime Video Channels — add the Crunchyroll channel to watch inside Amazon’s app

Based on Reiji Miyajima’s hit manga, Rent-A-Girlfriend follows college student Kazuya Kinoshita, who hires Chizuru Mizuhara through a rental app after a brutal breakup — and then gets stuck in a fake-relationship spiral that keeps colliding with his real life. Season 1 (directed largely by Kazuomi Koga) runs 12 episodes and sets up the messy, funny push-pull that made the show blow up when it premiered in 2020.

Watch order at a glance

• Season 1 — 12 episodes
• Season 2 — 12 episodes
• Season 3 — 12 episodes

Want another comfort-food rom-com once you’re caught up? Toradora! pairs two classmates who team up to win their crushes and accidentally catch feelings for each other along the way. It’s a 25-episode slow-burn favorite and is currently streaming on Prime Video.

The 10th‑anniversary 4K remaster of Your Name. is headed back to North American theaters on August 14, 2026, with distributor GKIDS booking both subtitled screenings (Japanese audio with English subs) and an English‑dubbed version. It’s the first time the Makoto Shinkai hit will return to the big screen in a newly remastered 4K presentation.

Your Name. returns to North American theaters in a remastered 4K edition on August 14, 2026.

How to watch in the U.S.

If you want to revisit it before the theatrical run, you’ve got several streaming options right now:

• Crunchyroll — available to stream in the U.S.
• Prime Video Channels — accessible as an add‑on inside Amazon’s Prime Video.
• YouTube — available with a YouTube subscription.

Crunchyroll plans start at $9.99/month in the U.S., with premium tiers up to $17.99, and new users get a 7‑day free trial. If you’re going the Amazon route, Prime Video can be subscribed to on its own for $8.99/month, or as part of a full Amazon Prime membership at $14.99/month or $139/year.

For anyone who’s heard about it but never jumped in: Shinkai’s romantic fantasy follows two teenagers—Mitsuha in rural Itomori and Taki in Tokyo—who begin mysteriously swapping bodies across distance and, eventually, time. Their connection collides with a looming comet disaster and a race to change fate, which helped turn the 2016 film into a modern anime landmark.

After its limited theatrical engagement, the remaster heads to home shelves: a 4K UHD Steelbook and Blu‑ray arrive on August 25, 2026 via Shout!.

In the U.S., the complete run of Dragon Ball Z is streaming on Netflix — all the way through the Saiyan, Frieza, Cell and Buu arcs. It’s also available on Crunchyroll, and if you want to own episodes or films, you can buy them on Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu). On the movie side, Netflix’s U.S. selection is limited; it currently includes titles like Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.

Where to watch in the U.S.

• Netflix — Streams the full Dragon Ball Z series; carries select movies, including Battle of Gods.
• Crunchyroll — Streams the full series.
• Buy/Rent — Episodes and films are available à la carte on Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

How much DBZ is there?

The anime runs 16 seasons and 291 episodes. The franchise also has 15 theatrical movies — 13 released during the original TV run and two later revivals that lead into Dragon Ball Super. Not all of the films are canon to the main storyline.

291 episodes across 16 seasons, plus 15 movies.

For anyone jumping in, Dragon Ball Z picks up after the original Dragon Ball and adapts later chapters of Akira Toriyama’s manga. It follows Goku into adulthood as he and Earth’s defenders take on androids, alien conquerors and cosmic threats — with the Dragon Balls still in play to undo the worst losses. The series first aired in Japan from 1989 to 1996 and went on to shape action anime worldwide.

Bottom line for U.S. viewers: the full series streams on Netflix and Crunchyroll, while Netflix’s movie shelf includes select titles like Battle of Gods; the rest can be found to buy or rent on Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

Looking to revisit the original run of Berserk (1997)? In the U.S., the classic series isn’t on the big streaming services right now. Your best bet is physical media: the show is widely available on DVD and Blu‑ray through major retailers, including Amazon. It’s a single-season story, so once you’ve got the discs, the whole thing is an easy weekend watch.

As of 2026, Berserk (1997) isn’t streaming on any major U.S. platform.

The 25-episode saga follows lone mercenary Guts as he’s pulled into the orbit of the charismatic Griffith and the Band of the Hawk, with Casca emerging as the unit’s fierce battlefield leader. What starts as a gritty medieval war drama edges into haunting dark fantasy, testing loyalty, ambition, and the cost of power.

If you’re curious about the talent behind the voices, here’s who you’ll hear on the original track and the English dub:

• Nobutoshi Canna
• Toshiyuki Morikawa
• Yūko Miyamura
• Akiko Yajima
• Akira Ishida
• Masuo Amada
• Tomohiro Nishimura
• Marc Diraison
• Kevin T. Collins
• Carrie Keranen
• Michelle Newman
• Christopher Kromer
• Jeff Ward

In short: no subscription needed, just a disc player. The original run clocks in at 25 episodes.

From wall-cracking Titans to cursed Hollows and VR death matches, anime keeps handing the blade to women who don’t just survive — they define the fight. These five standouts earned their reputations the hard way: through brutal backstories, ruthless technique, and weapons that do exactly what they need them to do.

Erza’s Heaven’s Wheel Armor can unleash more than 200 swords at once.

• Mikasa Ackerman — Attack on Titan: Traffickers killed her parents and abducted her as a child until a young Eren Yeager fought his way in to free her. When the Walls fell, she and Eren joined the 104th Training Corps, and Mikasa graduated at the very top of her class. With Ultrahard Steel blades and Vertical Maneuvering Equipment, she turns speed and angles into surgical strikes, carving Titan napes with unnerving precision. Even series creator Hajime Isayama has said the story grew so heavy it exhausted him — a measure of the world Mikasa fought through.
• Rukia Kuchiki — Bleach: She arrived in Karakura Town hunting a rogue Hollow and ended up handing her Soul Reaper powers to a high schooler named Ichigo Kurosaki, which briefly made her look like a bystander to his rise. Not for long: Rukia climbed the ranks and ultimately became captain of the Thirteenth Division. Her Zanpakutō, Sode no Shirayuki, starts as a graceful ice blade and turns deadly with a touch that can drop an enemy’s body temperature to lethal levels — a quiet, merciless edge few others carry.
• Asuna Yuuki — Sword Art Online: When 10,000 players were trapped in the game, Asuna spent her first days too terrified to leave her starter room. She chose to fight anyway, crossed paths with Kirito, and built one of the series’ core partnerships. Wielding a rapier, she earned the nickname “The Flash” for blistering multi-thrust combos that opponents couldn’t track. Later arcs crowned her with titles like Berserk Healer and Goddess Stacia, but it’s that early, pinpoint rapier work that still defines her.
• Erza Scarlet — Fairy Tail: The heart (and hammer) of her guild, Erza keeps everyone in line with equal parts discipline and loyalty. Her magic, Requip: The Knight, lets her swap among hundreds of armor sets mid-battle; the Heaven’s Wheel Armor alone summons over 200 swords she controls telekinetically. When she needs pure stopping power, Armadura Fairy pairs winged armor with twin blades — a set that matches her terrifying stubbornness stride for stride.
• Shinobu Kocho — Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: After demons killed her parents and, later, her sister fell in battle, Shinobu trained under the Stone Hashira and rose to become the Insect Hashira. She lacks the raw strength most Hashira wield, so she built a style around feints, angles, and chemistry. Her needle-thin sword hides an injection mechanism that delivers her own poisons — potent enough to kill demons outright — and she tweaks the formula via a custom sheath so nothing she fights ever builds immunity.

Scans from Yuki Tabata’s new guidebook, Perfect Grimoire, are making the rounds online, and they appear to finally show what the manga itself never did: Asta standing in the Wizard King’s robe at his coronation. It’s the image fans waited years to see, now tucked into a companion book due out in Japan next week.

Perfect Grimoire is scheduled to publish in Japan on August 4.

Black Clover ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2015 through this April, an 11-year sprint that moved more than 24 million copies in print. Even as one of the magazine’s top sellers, its finale stopped short of crowning Asta on the page, making this guidebook leak feel like long-promised closure.

The moment lands because of the grind that got him there. Asta started with no magic at all, pushed constantly by rival-turned-ally Yuno, and kept climbing through some of the series’ biggest crises:

• Eye of the Midnight Sun plotline
• The elf possession arc
• The Spade Kingdom war
• Back-to-back showdowns with Lucifero and Lucius Zogratis

There’s also the symbolism: much like Naruto finally being named Hokage, seeing the Clover Kingdom’s nobles — the same people who once dismissed Asta — now answer to him gives the story a sense of payoff the main run skipped.

Loose threads

According to the leaked pages, Perfect Grimoire focuses on the ceremony itself, and several long-running mysteries still aren’t resolved. Among the open questions:

• Asta’s father remains unnamed
• Charmy’s dwarven background goes unexplained
• Yuno’s deeper ties to the Spade Kingdom get only a brief nod
• Whether Asta’s rule changes life for commoners or stays a noble title is left unclear

The official book lands in Japan on August 4. Separately, the Black Clover anime is slated to return this October.

If you‘ve ever got lost trawling anime recommendations online, you‘ll know it can be a minefield. There‘s no lack of excellent series these days, what with anime blowing up everywhere from London to Los Angeles with no sign of slowing, but finding something that delivers the goods start to finish? That narrows the field a lot. Endless arcs, half-baked endings, or just plain filler have torpedoed many a ‘must-watch’ series. But if you are after stories that are actually fully wrapped up and don‘t nosedive halfway, here you go – consider this your cheat sheet for anime worth sticking with right through the final credits. Plenty of the really famous ones don‘t quite make the cut for this reason (yes, I‘m looking at you, Death Note and The Promised Neverland), but there are a handful that actually pull it off. And no, your current TikTok favourite like Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen isn‘t done yet, so don‘t ask. Here‘s what you want if you plan on binging something solid – and why these shows are that bit special.

My Hero Academia is officially finished, and it's safe to say the superhero shōnen sticks the landing — and cements itself as a near-perfect addition to the medium.

Top picks for finished, binge-worthy anime

• Cowboy Bebop: An old favourite, with 26 episodes that never outstay their welcome. Even at a less frantic pace than some, it keeps you cheering for Spike and the rest of the Bebop lot through a weird and tragic little tour of space grit. The crew is just too good to walk away from. If you like sci-fi that‘s stylish, character-heavy, and full of jazz, you‘re sorted. But if you want one big plotline tying it all together every week, maybe look elsewhere.
• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion: Straight into the political trenches, this is high-stakes mecha drama where the moves matter and so do the consequences. The school-life tangents get a bit of stick, but they actually remind you these genius tacticians are still just kids. Yes, the ending‘s famous – for once, in a good way. Only problem is if you can‘t stomach shady leads or endless scheming.
• Erased: Time-travel thriller that crams loads of mystery and suspense into a very tight run. Some will argue the manga did the ending better (they always do), but the anime ride remains top-tier, with every episode pushing the stakes. Perfect if you rate a proper mystery, but skip it if you don‘t fancy any fantasy in your bleak dramas.
• Odd Taxi: One season, a talking walrus cabbie, and an entangled missing-persons case. It sounds daft on paper but builds up to one of the most brilliantly layered payoffs going. The pacing is more patient than pulse-pounding, but if you‘re in it for the slow-burn and cracking twists, don‘t miss it.
• Parasyte: The Maxim: Alien invasion, body horror, moral dread – this one does the psychological sci-fi trope with more bite than most. Both gross and thoughtful, which is a nice trick if you can pull it off. If you ever wondered what it would be like if Invasion of the Body Snatchers turned the philosophy dial up to 11, this has your number.
• Assassination Classroom: Ridiculously weird premise (class has to kill their unkillable alien teacher before he destroys the world, as you do), but surprisingly packed with emotion and genuine laughs. Two solid seasons, barely a duff episode, and everyone who‘s seen it wonders why it isn‘t talked about more.
• My Hero Academia: That‘s right, Deku‘s run is done – and it‘s a rare thing for a blockbuster shōnen to actually wrap up well. The superhero stuff is straightforward, but each character arc feels properly earned, and the momentum builds rather than dragging. Even the slower spots pay off later. If you wanted proof anime superhero stories can stick the landing, here it is.
• Mob Psycho 100: Hugely underrated, this one‘s as much about emotional growth as psychic punches to the face. Somehow juggles wild superpowered battles with offbeat, introspective weirdness and top-drawer animation. If you‘ve had enough of formula schoolboy heroes, give Mob a look.
• Attack on Titan: Starts with a bang (literally: giant zombies eating everyone), never lets up, and basically reinvents itself every season. Absolutely packed with death, mayhem, and increasingly tangled lore. If you can stomach a relentlessly grim ride that puts its cast through hell and never promises a happy ending, go for it.
• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: Still the definition of a full-fat fantasy-adventure-payoff, Brotherhood combines big alchemy battles, brooding political machinations and some actual hope between the tragedy. Pretty much everything in the first episode is paid out in the finale, and for all the catastrophe, it somehow manages something resembling a satisfying ending. If you like your world-building tight and your leads memorable, here you go.

The Elric brothers' journey is dark, politically charged, and somehow still hopeful.

So yes, anime might be everywhere these days, but if you want to be sure your binge doesn‘t go sideways in the last act, these are the series that deliver from the word go. No filler, no saggy middle bits, and all killer on the finish.

The announcement

Kenji Kamiyama — the mind behind Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Eden of the East, and the Star Wars: Visions short "The Ninth Jedi", who most recently directed The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim — will direct and handle series composition. Sola Animation produces, and science fiction author Toh EnJoe is collaborating on the worldbuilding. The setting belongs to neither the Universal Century nor the Common Era, the two timelines that have anchored the franchise for decades.

Kamiyama admitted the brief initially left him wrestling with questions — until, as he put it in the announcement reported by Anime News Network in July 2026:

"a fresh and unexpected Gundam began to take shape."

The RG Project, in brief

RG XARX-ZERO anchors a wider multimedia initiative called the RG Project:

• The anime — Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO, launching in 2027 at Sola Animation.
• The game — Gundam Rogue Orbit, a high-mobility action title unveiled at Summer Game Fest on 5 June, coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam in 2027 — set some 90 years after the anime's events.
• The setting — humanity ventures beyond the solar system, unlocks a golden age of technology, then an unstoppable interstellar force dubbed the Apocalypse renders Earth uninhabitable, leaving survivors on the Moon and off-world colonies.
• The pilot — Takeo Ōtsuka voices Ray Azumi, a war orphan and the permanently assigned pilot of the Gundam Zero.

Why this is a big deal

Gundam rarely hands its keys to an outside auteur, and rarer still does it wipe the slate entirely. Kamiyama built his reputation on grounded, politically minded science fiction — exactly the register the franchise's best entries work in. A shared universe designed from day one to span anime, games, and more is also a first for the brand at this scale.

No premiere month, episode count, or broadcast details yet — 2027 is the whole timetable so far.

For the record: Bandai says the title is officially pronounced "Alex Zero", per Complex's July 2026 coverage. Nobody is going to get that right on the first try.

The drop

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Culling Game Part 1 hit Netflix on 23 July 2026. The season only finished its Japanese broadcast in March 2026, making this a roughly four-month gap — a direct payoff of Netflix's ongoing partnership with studio MAPPA. It follows the season's arrival on Hulu on 10 July, so both major platforms now carry it within a fortnight of each other.

What you're getting

• Episodes — 12, which aired in Japan from 9 January to March 2026.
• The story — picking up after Shibuya: Satoru Gojo is sealed away, the higher-ups have ordered Yuji Itadori's execution, and Kenjaku kicks off the Culling Game — a brutal, Japan-wide battle royale between sorcerers.
• The cast — Junya Enoki, Yuma Uchida, Yuichi Nakamura, Junichi Suwabe, and Mikako Komatsu all return.
• The reception — season 3 delivered some of the most technically impressive animation the series has seen, and ended on one of its most brutal cliffhangers yet.

What about Part 2?

Already in production. Season 4 — The Culling Game Part 2 — got its first teaser at MAPPA's 15th anniversary presentation on 19 June 2026, along with a notable staffing change: Takeru Sato, assistant director on season 3, steps up as series director, while season 2 director Shota Goshozono moves into a chief director role. No release date yet. MAPPA's official line, as reported by Tech Times in June 2026, was simply that the season is:

"diligently in production"

Which, for a studio famous for its punishing schedules, counts as reassurance.

For the record: Guinness World Records certified Jujutsu Kaisen as the world's most in-demand animated TV show based on 2023 data — and it held the title the following year, with Parrot Analytics measuring global demand at more than 64 times the average TV series. The Culling Game has an audience waiting.

What's been announced

The news broke via the franchise's official X account: Toei is producing a new anime film based on Leiji Matsumoto's classic, with legendary director Rintarō handling the original story draft. Matsumoto's production company, Leijisha, is also involved. No release date, no cast, and no further staff yet — this is a "the train is coming" announcement, not a timetable.

Makiko Matsumoto — the late creator's eldest daughter and Leijisha's representative director — addressed fans directly in the announcement, as reported by Anime Atelier in July 2026:

"We apologize for the long wait."

She also described the project as a long-cherished dream of her father's. Matsumoto died in February 2023, aged 85, making this the first big-screen 999 project of the post-Matsumoto era.

Why Rintarō matters

He's not a guest star — he's the reason the 1979 film is a classic. Rintarō directed the original Galaxy Express 999 movie, released on 4 August 1979, which ran roughly 130 minutes and took an estimated ¥4.2 billion at the Japanese box office. He returned for 1981's Adieu Galaxy Express 999, and later directed Metropolis, X/1999, and Harmagedon. He's now 85 — the same age Matsumoto reached — and still drafting stories for the train he helped make famous.

The story so far

• The manga — Leiji Matsumoto's original ran in Weekly Shonen King from January 1977 to November 1981, collected in 18 volumes.
• The TV series — 113 episodes, aired from 1978 to 1981, animated by Toei.
• The films — three so far: 1979, 1981, and 1998's Eternal Fantasy.
• The premise — orphan Tetsuro boards a space train alongside the mysterious Maetel, chasing a machine body and the immortality it promises.

For the record: in the story, the 999 only calls at Earth once a year. Off screen, it's been 28 years since the last film. Fashionably late — but the train is running again.

Built from the ground up as a feature, Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames re-animates the fan-favorite arc from the 2006 anime’s episodes 139–146 with crisp new visuals. The film is directed by Naoya Ando at BN Pictures, with a screenplay by Taku Kishimoto, and first hit Japanese theaters on February 13, 2026.

Streams worldwide on Netflix August 27, 2026.

Inside Yoshiwara

The story throws Gintoki and the Odd Jobs trio into the underground pleasure district of Yoshiwara, a city sealed off from the surface and ruled by the iron-fisted Housen of the Yato Tribe. After Gintoki crosses paths with a young pickpocket named Seita, who believes the district’s revered courtesan Hinowa is his missing mother, the crew stages a high-risk rescue that pits them against Housen’s forces and the moral compromises of a city built in darkness.

Expect the franchise’s usual whiplash between dead-serious swordplay and ridiculous humor, plus a bigger spotlight on fan favorites like Tsukuyo and the Yato heavy hitters looming at the edges of the fight.

The movie also features the theme song “Sanzen” by Japanese rock band SUPER BEAVER.

Who’s in the booth

The original Japanese cast returns to their signature roles:

• Tomokazu Sugita — Gintoki Sakata
• Daisuke Sakaguchi — Shinpachi Shimura
• Rie Kugimiya — Kagura
• Yuko Kaida — Tsukuyo
• Yuko Sanpei — Seita
• Kikuko Inoue — Hinowa
• Banjo Ginga — Housen
• Satoshi Hino — Kamui
• Hochu Otsuka — Abuto
• Akira Ishida — Kotaro Katsura
• Susumu Chiba — Isao Kondo
• Kazuya Nakai — Toshiro Hijikata
• Kenichi Suzumura — Sougo Okita
• Tetsuharu Ota — Sagaru Yamazaki

From page to screen

Created by Hideaki Sorachi, the Gintama manga ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2019, closing out at 77 collected volumes and more than 58 million copies in circulation worldwide. The Yoshiwara arc is one of its defining runs, mixing the series’ absurdist comedy with some of its most emotional and brutal battles.

Netflix’s global launch is set for August 27, 2026; the title page is already live so viewers can add it to their list ahead of the premiere.

Clocking in at 2 hours and 4 minutes, the feature-length arc drops the Odd Jobs crew into the underground red-light district of Yoshiwara, where a rescue mission spirals into a full-scale rebellion. With a script by Hideaki Sorachi (the manga’s creator) and Taku Kishimoto, and direction from Naoya Ando, Yojiro Arai and Mamoru Enomoto, this is one of Gintama’s darkest, most action-heavy runs—pitting Gintoki and company against the brutal Yato ruler Housen and introducing the fan-favorite guardian of Yoshiwara, Tsukuyo.

The story follows Gintoki and his loyal companions as they dig into a conspiracy strangling the district’s residents. Alongside the Hyakka, the all-female assassin unit led by Tsukuyo, the team fights to protect Hinowa and help a young boy, Seita, find his mother—while Kagura’s own Yato lineage takes center stage when her fearsome brother Kamui enters the fray.

Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames streams on Netflix in August.

Who’s who in Yoshiwara

• Tomokazu Sugita — Gintoki Sakata
• Daisuke Sakaguchi — Shinpachi Shimura
• Rie Kugimiya — Kagura
• Yuko Kaida — Tsukuyo
• Yuko Sanpei — Seita
• Kikuko Inoue — Hinowa
• Banjou Ginga — Housen

Extended roster

• Satoshi Hino — Kamui
• Houchuu Otsuka — Abuto
• Akira Ishida — Kotaro Katsura
• Susumu Chiba — Isao Kondo
• Kazuya Nakai — Toshiro Hijikata
• Kenichi Suzumura — Sogo Okita
• Tetsuharu Ota — Sagaru Yamazaki

Adapted from Sorachi’s hit manga, Gintama blends slapstick comedy with sword-swinging sci-fi, but Yoshiwara in Flames is remembered for its high stakes and emotional punches as much as its gags. Between the Hyakka’s knives-in-the-dark tactics and a towering Yato showdown, it’s a straight shot of Gintama at full throttle.

Gintama: Yoshiwara in Flames hits Netflix in August.

The details

Ten episodes, confirmed by Hulu, with Final Weapon reporting a potential one-hour grand finale to cap it off. New episodes land every Saturday at 3:30pm UK time, streaming on Hulu in the US and Disney+ internationally. Episode 1, "GOD OF THUNDER", picks up with Ichigo's crew reunited against Yhwach while Yoruichi squares off with Askin Nakk Le Vaar. Studio Pierrot animates, with Tomohisa Taguchi as chief director and Hikaru Murata directing — and the first three episodes even got an early cinema release, including UK screenings on 26 June.

The road to The Calamity

• Part 1 — premiered October 2022, ending a decade-long wait: the original 2004–2012 anime never adapted the manga's final arc.
• Part 2: The Separation — aired in 2023.
• Part 3: The Conflict — aired in 2024, ending with the truth behind Uryu joining the Wandenreich.
• Part 4: The Calamity — from 25 July 2026, adapting the manga's closing chapters (664–686).

Kubo's personal touch

Creator Tite Kubo has confirmed The Calamity carries more anime-original material than any previous part, expanding the manga's final battles. He's been just as hands-on with the music — jo0ji performs the opening theme "I-BULL", with 9Lana on the ending "Rasen" — and Kubo personally listened to and selected every Thousand-Year Blood War theme from the demo stage onwards.

"I wanted to have as many newer artists as possible perform the themes." — Tite Kubo, via Anime Corner, July 2026.

His hope, he explained, is that viewers discover those artists through the anime and become fans afterwards.

For the record: Kubo's manga ran in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2001 to 2016, spans 74 volumes, and has topped 130 million copies in circulation worldwide. Ten episodes from now, the whole thing is finally animated. No pressure.

The premiere details

Season 3 starts on Saturday 3 October 2026 at 24:55 JST on Nippon TV — effectively the small hours of Sunday morning in Japan — with each episode streaming exclusively on Netflix worldwide straight after broadcast. Konosuke Uda returns to direct at MAPPA, with Kimiko Ueno on series composition, Hiromi Taniguchi on character design, and Kaoru Wada composing the music. Main animator Masahiro Kurio is back too, joined by newcomers Atsuko Ishida and Blue Box's Yoshihiro Takeda.

The new cast — two absolute legends included

• Masako Nozawa — the voice of Dragon Ball's Goku — plays the Grand Master, head of the Daimonji-ryu school of martial-arts tea ceremony.
• Jun Fukuyama — plays Sentaro Daimonji, the school's heir.
• Minami Tanaka — plays Tsubasa Kurenai, Ukyo's costume-obsessed former classmate.
• Mayumi Tanaka — One Piece's Luffy — takes a deliberately undisclosed role.
• Saori Hayami — also cast in a secret role, teased only in the new key visual.

Two mystery characters, voiced by two of the most famous performers in anime. Rumiko Takahashi's team clearly knows how to keep people guessing until October.

Where the remake stands

Season 1 premiered in October 2024, season 2 followed in October 2025, and season 3 was green-lit in March 2026. Like clockwork. The remake adapts Takahashi's manga — serialised in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1987 to 1996 across 38 volumes — about a martial artist who turns into a girl whenever he's splashed with cold water. Studio Deen's original adaptation ran 161 episodes from 1989 to 1992, so MAPPA's version still has years of material ahead of it.

For the record: with Nozawa and Tanaka on board, Goku and Luffy are now officially in the Tendo dojo's orbit. October can't come soon enough.

Let me be honest: back in the day, if I saw the words Netflix Original stuck to an anime series, I skipped it. No hesitation, no regrets. To me, 'Netflix anime' smelled like a shortcut for people who couldn’t be bothered to hunt for the deep cuts. I cut my teeth rooting through message boards for weird OVAs, single-season misfits, and cult classics you only heard about through rumour. That was half the thrill—finding something genuinely brilliant, not whatever the algorithm spat out next to Love Is Blind. But after actually committing to a run of these 'Netflix Originals'... turns out, I'd written off a lot of absolutely top-tier anime for no good reason. Some of these genuinely belong in the all-timers list—across horror, romance, wild fantasy, and, yes, the odd sports saga that makes you start caring about school badminton. Below, you’ll find ten that I wouldn’t hesitate recommending to anyone, even if you’ve got an anime backlog that stretches back to primary school.

Season 1 of Delicious in Dungeon scored a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

What makes the cut There’s only one rule for this list: the series had to be either Netflix-produced outright, or the streaming giant has exclusive rights somewhere (I’m not turning this into a wall of imported shounen). Everything else is fair game. I dodged any show that’s just a carbon copy of something you could find on prime-time Japanese TV, and made sure the selection represents the proper range—from hyper-stylised monster slaying to slow-burn drama that quietly rearranges your brain. Here’s my current playlist, in no particular order:

• 'Dorohedoro' (2020 – Present) – This grimy, unhinged dark fantasy started out as a deeply strange manga about a bloke with a lizard head out for revenge. The anime is equal parts filthy, funny, and occasionally stomach-turning, but the perfect antidote if you think fantasy should be a bit more deranged. After six years, season two finally dropped in 2026. If you expect any character here to behave well, you’re in for a shock.
• 'Pluto' (2023) – Don’t be fooled by the Astro Boy connection; this isn’t kid stuff. Urasawa stretches a single manga arc into a seven-hour meditation on grief, war, and artificial intelligence, with more kitchen-table tension than robot carnage. The pacing is deliberate—if you demand pyrotechnics, it’s probably not for you.
• 'Devilman Crybaby' (2018) – Classic manga rebooted as a stylised trip through hell, courtesy of Masaaki Yuasa. The animation is wild, the music is a shot of adrenaline, and the overall effect is like a horror film and a rave crashed into each other. As bleak as anime gets—if you’re feeling fragile, maybe save it for later.
• 'My Happy Marriage' (2023 – Present) – Ignore the whole 'Netflix Original' confusion: Netflix just bought the worldwide streaming rights after the fact. What matters is the show itself—arranged-marriage fantasy with bloodline magic and painfully earnest romance. The drama unfolds at a glacial pace, but the chemistry between leads pays off. Expect a three-episode special later in the year; there were minor stumbles with s2’s delays but nothing fatal.
• 'Castlevania' (2017 – 2021) – The exception to the 'all video game adaptations are rubbish' rule. Warren Ellis turns a basic monsters-vs-humans premise into a witty, vicious, and even occasionally moving adult animation. Only four episodes for the first run—more of a taster than a full meal—but stick with it. Completely separate from Nocturne, too, so no need to do your homework first.
• 'Delicious in Dungeon' (2024 – Present) – Adventurers cooking and eating monsters: sounds like nonsense, plays like a genuinely clever look at fantasy ecosystems. Also, the party dynamic is a joy. Gory at points, oddly sweet elsewhere, and the lore-building is subtle. Waiting three years between seasons is irritating, though—s2 is due in October 2027, so plan your binge.
• 'Blue Box' (2024 – Present) – Sports and romance in equal measure, and not afraid to leave its central couple in limbo (a decision that made half of anime Twitter combust). If you only have patience for a 12-episode romcom, steer clear—this one takes its sweet time, with season one covering 80 manga chapters and no neat pay-off. The manga’s heading to its finish line in 2026.
• 'Violet Evergarden' (2018 – 2020) – Kyoto Animation at its most polished. Looks like a moving painting, but the real magic is in the storytelling—a trauma recovery arc told through episodic, post-war vignettes. Quiet and heartbreakingly earnest, but not the typical melodrama. Binge it too quickly and you might run out of tissues. Hats off to Netflix for making this available worldwide.
• 'Kakegurui' (2017 – 2019) – Betting, mind games, and more theatrical excess than most West End musicals. Card games have never felt so apocalyptic. It’s all style and psychological warfare, with every match a battle of ego. You’ll know within one episode if the extreme facial expressions are your cup of tea—or enough to give you nightmares.
• 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' (2022) – Proof that sometimes, the spin-off is better than the original. Tied to a game infamous for disaster at launch, this 10-episode cyberpunk tragedy still managed to pull in rave reviews. Fast, brutal, and unafraid to end on a gut punch, the upcoming sequel will follow an entirely new crew. If you want more of David, tough luck.

A fourth studio takes over

ENGI is now handling the animation — the fourth studio in the franchise's history:

• Seasons 1 and 2 — Studio Deen (2016 and 2017).
• The Legend of Crimson film — J.C. Staff (2019).
• Season 3 and the Explosion spin-off — Drive (2024 and 2023).
• Season 4 — ENGI, from 2027.

The continuity comes from the people rather than the building. Chief director Takaomi Kanasaki — who directed the first two seasons and the film — returns, alongside series writer Makoto Uezu and character designer Koichi Kikuta, both on board since season 1. The new director is Manabu Kurihara (The Detective Is Already Dead), with Yoshikazu Iwanami on sound and Masato Kōda on music.

The cast and the visual

All four leads reprise their roles: Jun Fukushima as Kazuma, Sora Amamiya as Aqua, Rie Takahashi as Megumin, and Ai Kayano as Darkness. The event also unveiled an "ultra teaser" visual, whose catchphrase sets the tone:

"Let's embark on a new adventure!" — the season 4 teaser visual, as translated by Otaku Mantra, July 2026.

A long time coming

Season 4 was first announced on 14 March 2025, straight after the Bonus Stage OVA episodes — so fans have waited well over a year for anything concrete. The isekai comedy, adapted from Natsume Akatsuki's light novels with illustrations by Kurone Mishima, debuted in January 2016 and last had a full season in spring 2024. No month, no episode count. But 2027 is locked in.

For the record: the anniversary slate also includes a new mobile and PC game, KonoSuba: Kono Ai Subeki Machi ni Hanei o, supervised by Akatsuki himself and due in 2026. The party stays busy.

At Crunchyroll's Anime Expo 2026 panel on 3 July, Dave Grohl appeared via video message to announce that Nirvana's "Breed" — the 1991 track from Nevermind — will be the opening theme for The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy At All, the anime adaptation of Sumiko Arai's beloved manga, premiering in January 2027.

Why this pairing actually makes sense

The manga — nicknamed "Green Yuri" by fans — is built on rock music. As reported by Animehunch in July 2026, Grohl told Arai in a special interview that "Breed" was one of his favourite songs to open a set with, and that Kurt Cobain would have loved the story. The characters' canonical playlist is even officially available on Spotify and Apple Music.

The premise, per Yen Press's official synopsis (2025):

"Fashionable and upbeat high schooler Aya falls head over heels for an employee at a local CD shop."

The twist: the effortlessly cool, black-clad shop employee with impeccable music taste is actually Aya's quiet female classmate, Mitsuki — who sits right next to her at school and is far too aware of the crush to admit the truth.

Who's making the anime

The teaser trailer, key visual, and staff were all revealed alongside the theme announcement:

• Studio — CloverWorks, with the series streaming on Crunchyroll.
• Director — Masashi Ishihama, who previously directed Horimiya.
• Series composition — Rino Yamasaki, with character designs by Oshi no Ko's Kanna Hirayama.
• Cast — Mariya Ise as Mitsuki Koga, and Akari Kito as Aya Osawa.

From wordless tweets to a Nirvana licence

The series has one of the stranger origin stories in modern manga. Arai began posting short, dialogue-free strips to Twitter in 2021 — deliberately wordless so international readers could follow along — before Kadokawa picked the series up for publication. Five years later, a member of Nirvana is personally announcing its theme song on an American convention stage.

Quite the glow-up.

For the record: Nevermind turns 35 just a few months before the anime premieres. Somewhere, a CD-shop employee dressed head to toe in black quietly approves.

On the evening of 3 July 2026, Studio Trigger and CD Projekt Red world-premiered the first episode of Edgerunners 2 at Crypto.com Arena — home of the LA Lakers — in front of roughly 6,000 Anime Expo attendees, months ahead of the show's Netflix debut this autumn.

The premiere nobody spoiled

The screening wasn't recorded or streamed anywhere, and here's the genuinely remarkable part: days later, not one frame had leaked online. CD Projekt Red's global PR director, Radek Grabowski, publicly thanked the crowd for keeping it that way. Six thousand people with phones. Zero spoilers. In 2026, that's practically a miracle.

The panel that followed featured showrunner Bartosz Sztybor, executive producer Saya Elder, and director Kai Ikarashi, hosted by content creator Danny Motta.

A brand-new crew — no David Martinez

This is a standalone story, not a continuation. The 10-episode season introduces four new leads:

• Weak Kingsley — voiced in the English dub by Clancy Brown.
• D — a revenge-driven netrunner, voiced by Nazeeh Tarsha.
• Roman Carax — an aspiring journalist, voiced by Valeria Rodriguez.
• Talia Yang — a bloodthirsty corpo rounding out the quartet.

Early reactions describe a more grounded, grittier Night City than season 1's neon fireworks — and every bit as brutal. Sztybor set expectations himself at the premiere, as reported by Beneath the Tangles in July 2026:

"Don't get attached to anyone."

Given what season 1 did to viewers, that warning lands.

The Cyberpunk effect, again

The first season, released in September 2022, won Anime of the Year at the 2023 Crunchyroll Anime Awards and famously rescued the Cyberpunk 2077 game, which went on to pass 20 million copies sold. History is already repeating: after the season 2 trailer dropped, the game hit a peak of 87,129 concurrent Steam players — its highest figure since October 2024.

No exact premiere date yet — just "autumn 2026" on Netflix, with a full trailer and date expected later this summer.

For the record: the opening theme is a 1979 track by The Cure. Night City has taste.

At the Crunchyroll Showcase during Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles on 3 July, Aniplex and Crunchyroll announced Solo Leveling: Beyond the System — a theatrical anime film that picks up directly after the events of season 2. It was the loudest reveal of the convention's loudest weekend.

What was actually announced

The film is officially in production, confirmed on stage by Aleks Le — the English voice of Sung Jinwoo — alongside a new key visual and a teaser concept video. A-1 Pictures, the studio behind both seasons of the series, returns for the movie, with a production committee made up of Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Netmarble, D&C Media, and Kakao Piccoma.

No release date. No plot details. Just confirmation that the story continues, and that it continues in cinemas rather than on a weekly schedule.

How the franchise got here

Beyond the System caps a remarkably fast climb:

• The source — Chugong's South Korean web novel, set in a world where Hunters battle monsters spilling out of mysterious Gates.
• Season 1 — premiered in January 2024 and turned the story of Sung Jinwoo, humanity's weakest E-Rank Hunter, into a global phenomenon.
• Season 2 — arrived a year later, in January 2025, ending with Jinwoo a very long way from E-Rank.
• The film — a direct continuation of season 2, with the mysteries waiting beyond the System still unexplained.

What we don't know yet

The big three: when it releases, which part of the story it adapts, and whether it leads into a third season afterwards. Crunchyroll has said more information — schedules, trailers, and cast details — will come as production progresses, so expect the next proper update at a major event later this year.

The choice of a theatrical release is the real statement here. Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen have proven that event anime films can post enormous box office numbers, and Solo Leveling is one of the few modern franchises with the audience to join that club.

For the record: Solo Leveling took Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The film has a reputation to keep — and a fandom that levels up alongside its hero.

The short answer

October 2027. Season 3 was announced on 28 March 2026, straight after the season 2 finale aired, and carries the subtitle "Golden Land Arc". Madhouse is producing again, and the season will stream on Crunchyroll. An exact premiere date hasn't been set — but the window is locked in, and the full production team was confirmed at the Frieren panel at Anime Expo 2026 on 4 July.

Every key name is back

The roster posted after the panel reads like a deliberate statement:

• Director — Tomoya Kitagawa, returning from season 2, with Daiki Harashina as assistant director.
• Director support — Keiichiro Saito, who directed season 1, staying on board.
• Series composition — Tomohiro Suzuki.
• Character design — Takase Maru and Keisuke Kojima.
• Music — Evan Call, whose score has defined the series since episode one.

Every key role unchanged from seasons 1 and 2. For a production this beloved, that continuity is the real headline.

Why is season 3 taking until October 2027?

Kitagawa has addressed the gap directly. In comments reported by CBR in July 2026, he said the Madhouse team is still deep in the early stages:

"the design, concept art and storyboard" — director Tomoya Kitagawa, via CBR, July 2026.

Context helps here. Season 2 only finished airing in March 2026, and it ran a lean 10 episodes compared with season 1's 28. Roughly eighteen months of lead time is what animation at this standard costs — and Frieren's animation is a huge part of why people watch.

Who is Macht?

The new big bad. Macht of the Golden Land is the strongest — and last surviving — of the Seven Sages of Destruction, the Demon King's elite. Season 2's finale teased the Golden Land itself, a sealed region that was once the hometown of Frieren's ally Denken, with Macht sitting calmly at the centre of the chaos. A new teaser visual unveiled at Anime Expo puts him front and centre, staring straight down the camera.

Chills, basically. The Golden Land arc is widely rated as the best stretch of Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe's manga, which is exactly why expectations for this season are so high.

For the record: there's official Frieren reading to tide you over — the English edition of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End — Prelude Vol. 2 arrives on 13 October 2026. October 2027 will come round faster than an elf thinks it will.

The short answer

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle starts streaming on Crunchyroll on 28 July 2026, at 4pm UK time (8am Pacific). The date was revealed at the film's celebration panel at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles over the weekend of 4 July — almost exactly a year after the film's Japanese premiere on 18 July 2025.

Why the wait was so long

Money — and a theatrical run that refused to die. Infinity Castle earned $778.9 million worldwide as of 20 February 2026, making it the highest-grossing anime film of all time and overtaking the franchise's own Mugen Train globally. In Japan, it closed 2025 as the country's second-highest-grossing domestic release ever, and the run was extended into 2026 with special IMAX and ScreenX versions.

Crunchyroll never hid the strategy. As the company's head of theatrical, Mitchel Berger, put it in The Guardian's coverage of the film's box office run in January 2026:

"We have spent the last eight years building this fandom."

What you get on 28 July

• The full film — streaming worldwide on Crunchyroll, excluding Japan, mainland China, and France.
• Sub and dub — original Japanese audio with English subtitles, plus the English dub that played in US cinemas.
• A digital purchase option — available to buy on Apple TV and other platforms the same day, with pre-orders open since 4 July.
• Japan barely behind — the Japanese Blu-ray follows on 29 July.

What about Part 2?

Here's the frustrating bit. Infinity Castle is Part 1 of a trilogy adapting the final arc of Koyoharu Gotouge's 23-volume manga — and Part 2 still has no release date. Studio Ufotable's 2026 projects reel filed it under future work rather than this year's slate, which makes 2027 the earliest realistic window.

The Guardian initially reported 2027 for Part 2 and 2029 for the finale, then amended the piece on 2 January 2026 to clarify that no specific dates have been confirmed. Nothing official. The next likely announcement window is Jump Festa in December 2026 — and there was one quiet tell at Anime Expo: the first film's international logo has been updated to add a "I", finally admitting what Japan knew all along.

For the record: Infinity Castle scored matching 98% critic and audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Motion Picture, and took Film of the Year at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. And it's only the opening act.

The short answer

Yes — the end is close. Weekly Shonen Jump's 34th issue of 2026 confirmed on 20 July that Yuuto Suzuki's Sakamoto Days is heading into its climax, with the climax arc beginning in issue 35, on sale 26 July 2026. The series currently stands at 267 chapters, and no official final chapter date has been announced yet.

How we got here

• December 2019 — Suzuki publishes the one-shot "Sakamoto" in Shueisha's Jump Giga.
• November 2020 — the full series launches in Weekly Shonen Jump.
• August 2025 — the "final battle" officially begins in the magazine's combined issue 36/37.
• 20 July 2026 — Jump confirms the story is entering its climax.

Nearly six years, start to finish. That's a healthy run by modern Jump standards — and crucially, Suzuki gets to end the story on his own terms rather than being cut for low popularity.

Where the final battle stands

Sakamoto is at last facing Slur — real name Uzuki — in the confrontation the whole series has been building towards. The most recent chapters left Sakamoto gravely injured, with fellow assassin Nagumo stepping in against Gaku and Uzuki. Jump's own chapter preview isn't being subtle about where this is going:

"The Ultimate Showdown of the Strongest Hitmen Ever!" — Weekly Shonen Jump's chapter preview, as reported by ComicBook.com in July 2026.

As for the actual final chapter, ComicBook.com has floated a tidy landing at chapter 270 on 2 August 2026. Pure speculation — but manga do love a round number.

What about the anime?

Completely unaffected, and there's plenty left to adapt. The TMS Entertainment series premiered on Netflix on 11 January 2025, and season 2 arrives in January 2027, with Daisuke Nakajima taking over as director, Masaki Watanabe supervising, and Yūki Hayashi returning on music. The spin-off manga Sakamoto Holidays — drawn by Suzuki's assistant Tetsu Okawa — also carries on in Saikyō Jump, so the shop isn't shutting entirely.

For the record: Sakamoto Days will be the fifth major Weekly Shonen Jump series to finish in 2026 — Blue Box only wrapped on 12 July. Jump's line-up is about to look very different.

Looking for a new spooky-conspiracy-of-the-week fix? The summer drop 'KAMUI: He's Behind You' is exactly that kind of creepy-funny ride, and yes, it already has its streaming home lined up pretty much everywhere.

Where to watch it

Per the official site (kamuisan.deregula.com), the show is rolling out weekly and streaming internationally. The short version:

• Global: OceanVeil is the main hub, with weekly episodes and the international stream. OceanVeil holds the license for the Western simulcast.
• United States: Debuted July 3, 2026, day-and-date with Japan on OceanVeil.
• Japan: FOD.
• Asia-Pacific: iQIYI.
• Also available: GagaOOLala and Prime Video in select regions, with the option to buy on Apple TV.

What it’s about

The setup is simple and a little twisted: Shizuka calls herself an ordinary high schooler, except for the part where ghosts basically treat her like a beacon. She ends up assisting Kamui, a big-deal psychic whose exorcism methods are... unconventional, to put it mildly. Together they pinball from one bizarre haunting to the next, leaning into the comedy as much as the chills.

"Will Shizuka, tossed about by supernatural disturbances, ever find peace?"

Cast doing the heavy lifting

Tomokazu Sugita voices Kamui, which is exactly the kind of swagger you want for a smug, overpowered medium. Riko Aono plays Shizuka Mimizuka, the walking ghost magnet. Mao Ichimichi, who you might know as Hikari Yagami in 'Digimon Adventure tri. 6: Future', is Oichi. Shiori Izawa is Inagawa, and Yuuka Aisaka is Kyoko. The performances keep the tone snappy even when the show gets legitimately eerie.

Who’s making it

Directed by Tsukumotakumi with series composition from Motoshi Chujo, the show’s got a deep bench behind the curtain. Toshinari Yamashita handles character designs with sub-designs by Nana Hiiragi. There are two chief animation directors here — Takayuki Noguchi and Toshiyuki Abe — which usually means the team is dead serious about keeping cuts on-model across episodes. Art direction comes from Shinji Katahira, color design from Takuya Kawami, and sound direction from Syuhei Abe and Nankai Teioh. The score is by Chihiro Endo. Studios Zero-G and ZG-R are on animation production.

The announcement came via the June issue of Monthly Comic Dengeki Daioh, which also previewed some early artwork. The series title hasn't been revealed yet.

Nakatani confirmed the news on her Bluesky account, but didn't share further details.

This will be her first new series since God Bless the Mistaken (Kami-sama ga Machigaeru), which ran from October 2021 to November 2023 in the same magazine. Kadokawa released the fourth and final volume in January 2024.

Yen Press holds the English license and publishes both the digital simulpub and physical editions.

Nakatani first rose to prominence with Bloom Into You, which ran from 2015 to 2019. The manga inspired an anime adaptation in 2018, a stage play in 2019, and a range of spin-offs, including side-story novels by Hitoma Iruma. In North America, Seven Seas publishes the manga, novels, and anthology book.

Beyond her serialized work, Nakatani has also contributed yuri one-shots to multiple Éclair anthology volumes, and Yen Press publishes her earlier title Farewell to My Alter.

No word yet on what her new manga will be about — but given her track record, fans will be watching closely.

In June 2025, a brand-new official franchise portal quietly launched online. It's not just a retrospective archive — it's a sleek, constantly updated hub for Attack on Titan news, covering anime, manga, and everything in between. And that alone has been enough to spark serious comeback speculation.

Why now? And why build out a real-time content pipeline for a supposedly finished series?

The timing is interesting. Less than two years out from the anime's finale, fans are still actively discussing potential reanimations, cut material, and side stories that never made it to screen.

Creator Hajime Isayama has also expressed interest in exploring new perspectives within the Titan world — and this new site feels like the kind of infrastructure you'd want in place before announcing anything major.

It's also a smart global move. Attack on Titan is one of the most internationally recognized anime franchises of the last decade. A centralized, official site makes it easier to roll out worldwide news — especially if a continuation, spin-off, or even a full-scale remake is in the works.

So far, no announcements have been made. But between the site's rollout, the fandom's lingering demand, and the franchise's global momentum, the signs are all pointing in one direction: Attack on Titan might not be done just yet.

Viz Media quietly added Part 7 of the iconic manga to its Shonen Jump digital vault on June 24, marking the first full, official serialization of the arc in English.

Originally published in 2004, Steel Ball Run served as a soft reboot of the JoJo franchise. Set in the 1890s, it follows a high-stakes, cross-country horse race across America—with a $50 million prize, political conspiracies, and signature JoJo insanity along the way. The story introduces a new protagonist, Johnny Joestar, and one of the series' most beloved duos, pairing him with Gyro Zeppeli for a wild genre shift into surreal Americana and existential mayhem.

Critically, it's long been considered Hirohiko Araki's most ambitious work, but it's also been one of the hardest parts of JoJo to access officially in English—until now.

The release comes just months after the anime adaptation of Steel Ball Run was confirmed to be in development, with a teaser trailer and key visual dropping back in April. No release date has been announced, but the timing of this digital launch isn't random—Viz used a similar strategy for previous arcs, syncing up the manga's rollout with the anime hype cycle.

As of now, the first three chapters of Steel Ball Run are available to read for free through Viz's app and site, with 11 chapters live in total. The full series will continue to be published one chapter at a time, giving longtime fans—and new readers—a fresh way to experience one of the most celebrated entries in the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure saga.

On July 7, 2025, the San Francisco Giants will host Anime Day at Oracle Park during their home game against the Philadelphia Phillies — with Naruto Shippuden as the featured series.

The main draw? An exclusive Naruto-themed Giants baseball cap, available only to attendees. It features the team's logo, Naruto himself, and the Hidden Leaf Village insignia — all in one design. Tickets are on sale now through MLB's official site.

This is part of a bigger anime push from the league. Earlier this year, the Red Sox teamed up with One Piece, complete with mascots and themed apparel. Jujutsu Kaisen Night is coming July 1 to a Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles game, where fans will get limited-edition jerseys. Now it's Naruto's turn.

The game starts at 6:45 p.m. PT. Until then, fans can stream Naruto, Shippuden, and Boruto on Crunchyroll and Hulu — or catch up on the manga via VIZ Media, including the ongoing sequel Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

It's not quite a new anime series, but for Naruto fans, baseball just got a lot more interesting.

Titled Haikyuu!! VS The Little Giant, the film picks up immediately after The Dumpster Battle and follows Karasuno as they head into the quarterfinals of the Nationals — this time, against powerhouse Kamomedai High.

So far, no release date has been announced in Japan or internationally. But if the timeline follows The Dumpster Battle (which was announced in August 2022 and premiered in February 2024), the safest bet is a late 2025 to 2026 release, depending on production and marketing rollout. The long gap between announcement and theatrical release makes a 2025 premiere unlikely, at least outside of Japan.

What Chapters Will VS The Little Giant Adapt?

The film will cover chapters 327 and 338–365 of the manga, continuing the Tokyo Nationals arc.

That includes Karasuno's clash with Kamomedai High — and Hinata's long-awaited face-off with their star player, Korai Hoshiumi, a fellow undersized but ultra-skilled "Little Giant."

For full context, another match — Fukurodani vs Mujinazaka, featuring Bokuto and Kiryu — will be covered separately in an upcoming special titled The Place Where Monsters Go. That storyline spans chapters 328–337, so it won't appear in The Little Giant movie.

Is This the Final Haikyuu!! Movie?

That's still unclear. In 2022, it was announced that Haikyuu!! would conclude with two "FINAL" movies instead of a fifth season. But since then, the word "Final" has quietly disappeared from official marketing for VS The Little Giant.

Considering that The Dumpster Battle earned over $100 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Japanese films ever, there's reason to believe more content could be coming — especially to cover the manga's post-timeskip Final Arc. Whether that turns out to be another movie, a new season, or a series of specials remains to be seen.

First Trailer and Visuals

The teaser trailer is already out and gives a quick look at both Karasuno's journey through the tournament and the arrival of Kamomedai's Hoshiumi. It's short — about a minute — but promises more of the high-energy, sharply animated action that Production I.G. is known for. A new poster has also been released, featuring players from across the tournament.

Expected Cast and Characters

All the core members of Karasuno are returning:

• Hinata – Ayumu Murase
• Kageyama – Kaito Ishikawa
• Daichi – Satoshi Hino
• Asahi – Yoshimasa Hosoya
• Nishinoya – Nobuhiko Okamoto
• Tanaka – Yu Hayashi
• Tsukishima – Koki Uchiyama
• Sugawara – Miyu Irino
• Yamaguchi – Soma Saito
• Yachi and Kiyoko will also appear on the sidelines.
• From Kamomedai, expect:
• Hoshiumi – Natsuki Hanae
• Hirugami – Yu Miyazaki
• Sawa – voice actor TBD

If this release follows the same pattern as The Dumpster Battle, Haikyuu!! VS The Little Giant will premiere in theaters first, followed by a streaming release on Crunchyroll approximately six months after its international run.

For years, fans have speculated which Straw Hats might unlock Conqueror's Haki — the rare ability that separates the top-tier from everyone else. It's been the key to beating world-shaking enemies ever since the Wano arc, and now the latest chapter strongly hints another Straw Hat is about to join the club.

In Chapter 1152, Gaban casually drops that someone besides Luffy and Zoro might have the gift. Zoro's confirmed to have it — though he didn't know — and Sanji immediately assumes Gaban means him.

Gaban doesn't say yes... but he doesn't say no either. And with dialogue conveniently obscuring Sanji's private chat with him, it feels like One Piece is deliberately hiding something.

If Sanji does have Conqueror's Haki, this is the perfect time for it to awaken. He's been due for a serious upgrade to keep pace with the story's escalating stakes — especially now that the Holy Knights and Imu are in play, and Conqueror's Haki seems to be the only way to seriously hurt them.

It also fixes a long-running imbalance. Zoro's had multiple power-ups and Conqueror's Haki.

Meanwhile, Sanji's been treated as comic relief more often than not — especially in the anime. But the two have always been framed as equals: the "Wings of the Pirate King." That doesn't work unless both are pulling equal weight.

Whether it's a delayed reveal or a slow burn, the signs are all there. Sanji unlocking Conqueror's Haki would be a major turning point — not just for his character, but for the balance of the crew as they head into the final battles of the series. And if One Piece follows through, it might be the upgrade fans have been waiting for since Wano.

Enter Gachiakuta, the long-awaited adaptation of Kei Urana's manga, coming from none other than studio Bones (Mob Psycho 100, My Hero Academia, etc). This thing's been hyped for years, and now it's finally landing — gritty, stylish, and ready to start some fights.

The story follows Rudo, a kid from a floating city called the Sphere, who gets framed for murdering his father and tossed into the Pit — a trash-filled hellhole below where society dumps its unwanted garbage and people. Down there, he finds out he's a Giver — someone who can turn treasured junk into deadly powers — and starts plotting his way back up for revenge.

It's got grime, action, supernatural junk weapons, and a furious main character with a bone to pick. The manga already built a cult following, and Bones looks like they're going all in on the animation.

No surprise then that Gachiakuta just got named the most anticipated anime of Summer 2025. Let's hope it hits as hard as it looks.

The original season dropped back in 2015, when the MCU was still figuring out Phase 3, Netflix still mailed DVDs, and Saitama punching stuff into oblivion was the coolest thing on TV. It was fast, funny, and jaw-droppingly animated. And then... nothing. For years.

So what happened?

Season 1: Lightning in a Bottle

Season 1 wasn't just a hit — it was a perfect storm. Director Shingo Natsume ignored the usual studio workflow at Madhouse and brought in his own team of top-tier freelance animators. The result looked nothing like standard TV anime — it was cinematic, detailed, and wildly expressive.

As character designer Chikashi Kubota put it, "The animation community isn't tied to one studio… they're just borrowing desks."

So when Natsume left, the whole magic team went with him. And Madhouse? They were left with desks — and no idea how to replicate what they never actually owned.

Season 2: Expectations Meet a Wall

In 2017, production shifted to J.C. Staff, with Chikara Sakurai directing. It aired in 2019, and fans immediately noticed: something was off. The backgrounds were photos, the fight scenes looked stiff, and the punch sound effects might as well have come from a stock library. When asked about the downgrade, Natsume said:

"I personally, of course, wanted to do it. But that could not be done despite myself… I wish J.C. Staff did way more with the show."

No wonder fans were bitter. Especially after Natsume later said at AnimeFest that he'd love to return.

Season 3: High Hopes, Low Trust

Now it's 2025, and J.C. Staff has had six years to get it right. In March, producer Atsushi Fujishiro said:

"Preparations for the third season are steadily progressing… we're committed to delivering a season that won't disappoint."

But fans aren't sold. Character designer Kubota hinted there may already be "problems" behind the scenes. And in December 2024, when fans were expecting a real trailer, they got a promo video made entirely by one guy — Kazunori Ozawa — who later admitted he was the "only animation director" involved. Fans called it a "PowerPoint presentation." Ozawa publicly said the backlash killed morale.

So that's where we are now: a demoralized animation team, a skeptical fanbase, and a franchise trying to recapture lightning without the guy who first bottled it.

Let's start with the obvious: Oda has made it crystal clear he doesn't want romance within the Straw Hat crew. That includes not just Luffy and Nami, but also fan-favorite pairings like Sanji and Nami, or Robin and Franky. According to Oda:

Q: Who does Nami like?

Oda: "Hmm, in a romantic sense? I don't think there will be any romance among that crew... One Piece isn't a romance. Maybe a lot of girl readers ask this kind of question. Boys are not interested at all."

That stance hasn't changed. When the live-action adaptation of One Piece launched, showrunner Steve Maeda confirmed that Oda's one non-negotiable rule was simple: no romance between Straw Hats. It was "forbidden," full stop.

So where does that leave Luffy?

Honestly, Luffy's only long-term commitment has been to freedom, meat, and the pirate life. He's never shown much interest in relationships, and settling down sounds like the opposite of what he wants. But if Oda decides to pair him off at the end, there's really only one character who fits: Boa Hancock.

Yes, the Pirate Empress herself. Hancock has had a long-standing (very one-sided) crush on Luffy, and while he's mostly been oblivious, she's the only character who's openly pursued him. And more importantly, she wouldn't get in the way of his freedom. If anything, she'd support it. Just like Gloriosa, who found love on the seas and then returned to Amazon Lily — something Hancock could easily mirror.

So, to recap:

• Nami? Nope — Oda said no Straw Hat hookups.
• Romance at all? Maybe, but definitely not the focus.
• Luffy + Hancock? If it happens, this is the safest bet.

Oh, and for those waiting on the next chapter: One Piece Chapter 1152 drops on June 22, 2025 (Sunday for most readers, technically Monday midnight in Japan). You can read it free on Manga Plus.

It's been almost six months since the first film brought the psychedelic horror vibes to Western audiences, and while a sequel always felt inevitable, Netflix took its sweet time making it official. Now that it's real, the countdown begins.

The story picks up one month after the events of the first movie, with the Medicine Seller (once again voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya) returning to the Ōoku, the inner chambers of the shogun's palace, where another malevolent spirit has popped up to ruin everyone's day. The first film pushed the Medicine Seller to the brink — this one looks ready to do it all over again.

Still no trailer (yet), but we do know the sequel sticks with the franchise's signature look — that dense, surreal, almost-hand-painted animation style that makes everything feel like a fever dream on a scroll.

Kiyotaka Suzuki (Evangelion 3.33) directs, while Kenji Nakamura (Gatchaman Crowds) returns as chief director. Visually, it's chaos in the best way: bright, layered, deliberately weird, and proudly difficult to pin down.

The script this time comes from Yasumi Atarashi, who also contributed to Star Wars: Visions, and the film is produced by Twin Engine, the same studio behind Psycho-Pass, Golden Kamuy, Zom 100, and the upcoming Witch Hat Atelier adaptation. Safe to say, the team knows what they're doing.

If you're new to the series: Mononoke originally spun off from the 2006 anthology series Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, and got its own 12-episode run back in 2007.

Since then, it's inspired stage plays, manga adaptations, and now this movie trilogy. Chapter III is already slated to hit Japan in early 2026, so yeah — the medicine seller isn't going anywhere.

For now, fans just have to wait a little longer — and maybe rewatch Chapter I to prep for whatever cursed spirit is waiting in The Ashes of Rage. Keep an eye out for the trailer. You'll probably need time to emotionally brace anyway.

And now, we finally have a more direct answer: according to producer Noritaka Kawaguchi, the problem wasn't the film. It was the distributor.

Speaking at the "How Far Can Anime Go?" industry panel, Kawaguchi bluntly said, "[Your Name] was not nominated because the distributor was Funimation. If we had entrusted the distribution rights to Sony Pictures, we might have been nominated."

Ouch.

At the time, Funimation was the biggest name in U.S. anime distribution. It handled English dubs for mega-franchises like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Attack on Titan. But when it came to Oscar-level prestige? Apparently not quite up to the task.

Kawaguchi stopped short of detailing what exactly went wrong, but he hinted at "political issues" that may have soured Your Name's chances with the Academy. Instead, the 2017 Best Animated Feature went to Disney's Zootopia—a fine movie, but let's just say it didn't spark the same international heartbreak as two teenagers body-swapping across time to stop a comet.

The irony? Your Name wasn't just a hit—it crushed it. It pulled in over 25 billion yen (~$172 million) at the Japanese box office, and more than $405 million worldwide, making it the top-grossing Japanese film of 2016. But clearly, box office and critical acclaim weren't enough to sway the Oscars back then.

Now, things may finally be different. Advisor Mie Onishi explained that the Academy's voting process has undergone a massive overhaul since then:

"The number of voters… has increased tenfold in the past five years. Originally… fewer than 1,000 people were voting. The system was criticized, leading to a review, and now the number is around 10,000."

That expanded pool has already shown signs of change. In 2023, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio broke Disney's streak. In 2024, Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron beat Elemental to win Best Animated Feature. This year, a Latvian indie (Flow) even took home the top prize.

As Onishi put it:

"If you look at the award-winning works of the past 10 years, it has always been Disney Pixar that won, but… I thought, ‘Huh, things have changed a bit haven't they?... I feel that the tide is definitely changing.'"

Too late for Your Name, sure. But maybe the next time Makoto Shinkai drops a visually devastating, emotionally wrecking masterpiece, someone at the Oscars might actually notice—assuming the distributor doesn't blow it again.

It's called Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master, and it just quietly landed on Crunchyroll after airing in Japan back in spring 2024. It's produced by Studio Pierrot (yes, the Naruto and Bleach people) and originally aired on NHK, adapting the first three novels of Chisato Abe's sprawling historical fantasy series.

There are 20 episodes, all around 25 minutes each, and they're now available to stream globally. And yes, it's a fantasy anime, but don't expect fireballs and sword fights — this is all about politics, power plays, and people who can turn into three-legged crows. Literally.

What's It About?

Set in the imperial court of Yamauchi, Yatagarasu follows Wakamiya, a crown prince chosen by the mysterious Mountain God to become the next kin'u — ruler of the kingdom. His path to the throne is anything but straightforward. He's surrounded by power-hungry ministers, manipulative consorts, and four entire provinces all jockeying for influence.

Wakamiya is forced to choose a bride from among the elite daughters of the realm, but he only really trusts one person: Yukiya, the second son of a rural village chief, handpicked to serve him. Yukiya becomes our window into the court's scheming and backstabbing — and he gets put through the wringer early, both politically and physically. (Seriously. He gets beat up and still has to show up at a royal ceremony like nothing happened.)

So Why Should Apothecary Diaries Fans Care?

Like The Apothecary Diaries, this is a court intrigue story disguised as fantasy. There's transformation magic, sure — the nobles can shift into human-sized crows — but the real action is in whispered conversations, hidden agendas, and social chess.

And it plays out with the same tone fans love: thoughtful, unpredictable, and just sharp enough to catch you off guard. The show doesn't hold your hand. It gives you complex characters, a giant web of motives, and says, "Good luck keeping up."

Even minor players like Asebi, one of the consorts at the Cherry Blossom Court, get moments of depth — trying to build friendships while the rest of the room's planning her political destruction.

The anime adapts the first three volumes of Abe's 10-book light novel series (plus two side-story spin-offs). There's also a manga version published by Kodansha under the name A Raven for All Seasons.

With the entire first season now available, and no official word on a season two yet, this might be your only chance to dive into this world onscreen — at least for now.

TL;DR

• What it is: Court drama with a dash of shapeshifting crow mythology
• Studio: Pierrot (yes, Naruto Pierrot)
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, globally
• Episodes: 20 (from Spring 2024, ~25 min each)
• Who it's for: Fans of The Apothecary Diaries, Moribito, and smart political fantasy
• Why you should care: It's beautifully animated, weirdly addictive, and much smarter than most people gave it credit for when it first aired.

If The Apothecary Diaries left a court-intrigue-shaped hole in your heart, Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master is the perfect next obsession.

While Solo Leveling builds its world around game mechanics, Shangri-La is the game. It doesn't just reference gaming—it breathes it.

The stakes in Solo Leveling are high in the typical "end of the world" sense, but Shangri-La understands the kind of stakes that make a gamer sweat: limited-time boss fights, gear drops you can't get back, raids you barely survive by the skin of your beetle helmet. It nails the one thing Solo Leveling doesn't: relatability.

A World Built by Gamers, For Gamers

MMORPG fans, this one's for you. Shangri-La Frontier gives you that rare feeling like you've actually logged into something—complete with brutal boss fights, unexpected loot drops, and those "did that just happen?" moments that feel ripped from your best gaming sessions. You're not just watching the protagonist Sunraku go through it—you're right there, sweating with him, planning strategies, dodging one-shot mechanics, and screaming when it all works.

Where Solo Leveling leans cinematic, Shangri-La leans immersive. The animation in Season 2, Episode 22 alone made some fans declare it "god-tier." Not hyperbole. It's the kind of fluid, intense action that makes you pause and rewind—not because you missed something, but because you just want to watch it again.

Stakes That Actually Feel Like Gaming

Yes, characters die in Shangri-La, but not in a grimdark, life-or-death way. It's more like real gaming—frustrating, motivating, and, weirdly, kind of fun. Defeating the Crystal Scorpions? That's not just a victory, that's a badge of honor.

And if you've ever missed a timed event in an MMO, you'll instantly get why the show's random one-off monsters and live events hit so hard. You had to be there.

Characters You Actually Care About

Sunraku and his squad aren't just vehicles for power-scaling. They're weird, flawed, determined—and somehow manage to feel like the kind of players you'd actually meet in an MMO lobby. You'll root for them, yell at them, and maybe cringe when they screw up (because let's be honest—you've done worse).

The Verdict?

Solo Leveling is a strong fantasy-action series. But Shangri-La Frontier is a love letter to gaming. It understands the grind, the hype, the joy of finally pulling off a risky strat—and the heartbreak of getting wrecked right after.

It's what Sword Art Online tried to be after episode 3 and what Solo Leveling only gestures toward.

If you game, you get it. And if you don't? Well, Crunchyroll has Shangri-La Frontier ready whenever you're curious enough to log in.

Let's talk about what's actually happening… and why this might not be the final anything.

Yes, the trailer looks clean. Bones is clearly putting effort into this. Tight animation, solid pacing, All Might is back in action, and everything's bathed in that "we're going out with a bang" energy. But under the surface, fans are already panicking.

Because this is My Hero Academia: Final Season. And we've all been trained by MAPPA, AoT, and every franchise with a misleading "final" in its title to be deeply suspicious. One user said it best: "Preceding My Hero Academia: Final Season part 2, 3 and Final Season: Last Story." That's not a joke anymore. That's PTSD.

How many episodes is this thing? Nobody knows

There's no official word on whether this is a 13-episode run or the usual 24. And that question is already splitting the fanbase.

Some argue there's not enough manga left for 13 episodes. Others insist the final chapter—yes, the 48-page monster—and Horikoshi's bonus content will fill it out. But here's the kicker: it doesn't matter unless we know how they're pacing it. If they're going full quality-over-quantity, then sure. But if this turns into "Final Season Part 1," all bets are off.

Manga readers vs. Anime-onlys – round 74

Manga readers are already posting like they've seen the face of God. "It's going to be beyond amazing." "Horikoshi cooked." And then you've got anime-only fans squinting at the teaser like it's a spoiler landmine.

One character—who will not be named—didn't show up in the teaser. That's on purpose. That fight? A massive spoiler. Which means anime-onlys are now haunted by the absence of content, and the manga folks are trying not to spoil it while barely containing their glee.

Is this actually the end?

Some fans are crossing fingers that Bones won't go full AoT and split the season into 19 confusing parts. Others… not so hopeful. To be fair, this does look like it's all wrapping up. Multiple commenters have said there's not enough left to stretch this out any further. But "not enough content" has never stopped an anime studio from milking a finale. Just ask Bleach, Naruto, Attack on Titan, or literally any shonen post-2010.

There's cautious optimism that the anime ending might feel better than the manga's. Not because the story changed, but because people are realizing most of the manga backlash came from leaks and out-of-context panels.

With Bones animating it, some fans think they can smooth things out, extend key scenes, and give us the payoff the manga didn't quite land for everyone.

October 2025. That's when it starts. And we'll see if My Hero Academia finally sticks the landing—or just adds another "part" to the pile.

At the last Tudum presentation, Netflix announced that the final season of Stranger Things will be released from November 27. The Duffer Brothers tease the grandiose finale while keeping the plot details under wraps.

The premiere is still far away, so check out anime titles with a similar vibe to pass the time.

1. Heavenly Delusion, 2023

Teenager Maru wanders through a post-apocalyptic Japan inhabited by monsters. He is searching for a mysterious person.

Meanwhile, in a high-tech city hidden from prying eyes, children live without knowing grief or fear. They study, play, and sometimes fantasize about what is happening behind the high walls. Tokio receives a letter from someone who offers her an escape from paradise.

2. Wonder Egg Priority, 2021

Fourteen-year-old Ai Ohto stopped going to school. First, she was bullied by her classmates. Then, her only friend committed suicide. She tries not to leave her room, except for lonely night walks.

One day, while enjoying the twilight views of the city, she learns about magic eggs that open portals to other worlds. These worlds are similar to ours, but negative emotions and phenomena take the form of monsters there.

By defeating these monsters, you can save girls who could not cope with social pressure, abuse, or other forms of violence.

3. Spriggan, 1998

Sixteen-year-old Yu Ominae is known as a lazy schoolboy, but he actually sleeps in class because he is busy with more important things.

He helps the secret organization Arcam search for and destroy alien artifacts before they fall into the hands of world governments or military corporations. And such situations arise more often than you might think.

4. Summer Time Rendering, 2022

Shinpei believed that he had left the godforsaken island where he was born forever. However, news of his half-sister's death forced him to return to his homeland.

There, he encountered not only the ghosts of the past but also very real demons. At the same time, he got caught in a time loop, which was the last straw in separating his loved ones from death.

5. Yurei Deco, 2022

On Tom Sawyer Island, there is a futuristic city where people live in a utopia with the help of special augmented reality devices called Deco.

With these devices and a currency called Love, you can change your appearance, design your surroundings, and make purchases. Berry, a girl who has one of these devices, will learn about the seamy side of the digital paradise when it starts to malfunction.

That's when she meets the adventurer Hack and a team of outlaw detectives. They are investigating the mystery of Phantom Zero, who resets the Love level of random citizens.

One of the most popular new shonen series is The Most Notorious Talker Runs the World's Greatest Clan, the story of Noel, a boy who dreams of becoming a great warrior despite his lack of fighting ability.

We've recalled five more anime titles with similar plots.

1. The Eminence in Shadow, 2022-2023

Since childhood, Cid has dreamed of becoming a hero. This dream has lived in his heart ever since, growing stronger every day in anticipation of the moment he can demonstrate his strength.

But reality is much crueler: Cid is hit by a truck. However, this is not the end. He is reborn in a fantasy world and begins his journey as a shadow ruler, seeking to amass as much power as possible.

2. As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World, 2024-...

An ordinary office worker dies from overwork and is reborn into an aristocratic family in a magical world. From an early age, Ars Louvent notices the strengths of others. This unique ability can be very useful because Ars must become a lord.

His analytical skill allows him to recognize the abilities of others. Now, Ars intends to gather strong people around him who will help him in the future. Big changes are coming: a war is about to break out in the kingdom, and the young hero must prepare.

3. The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat, 2021

After he dies, the strongest assassin appears before a goddess who entrusts him with a special task. He is reborn in another world and must kill a hero within eighteen years. At the same time, he will not lose his memories of his past life.

His name is now Lugh Tuatha Dé, and he was born into a family of aristocrats engaged in training assassins, so his knowledge and experience from his past life come in handy. With the help of his talents and mastery of magic, Lugh intends to fulfill his mission.

4. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest, 2019-2025

Hajime and his classmates are transported to another world. Everyone receives a profession that is useful in fighting monsters, but the main character is not so lucky.

He becomes a craftsman, the weakest and least effective profession in battle. While conquering the dungeon, he accidentally separates from the group and falls into a trap.

Without food, he takes a desperate step and eats monsters. The consequences are not long in coming – having eaten the monsters' meat, he gains their abilities.

5. Let This Grieving Soul Retire!, 2024-...

Let This Grieving Soul Retire! is a fantasy anime about the adventures of an incompetent guildmaster whose fame far exceeds his abilities. Despite his mediocre combat skills, he leads squads of seekers.

Huge treasuries are scattered throughout the world. Brave seekers explore the ruins and take the hidden riches and weapons. However, these treasuries are guarded by dangerous monsters that are not so easy to defeat.

The Grieving Souls group is renowned among dungeon conquerors and monster fighters. Five of its members have incredible strength, while the sixth has no talent for it.

The animated movie Predator: Killer of Killers, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, who also made Prey, was recently released on Hulu. This brutal and spectacular action film received a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

For those who liked the animated movie from the Predator universe, we have compiled a list of the five best action anime.

1. Sword of the Stranger, 2007

The story follows a swordsman with no name who saves a young boy. The boy, Kotaro, is an orphan being pursued by a group of Chinese-speaking warriors.

The child asks the swordsman to protect him, and he agrees to become his bodyguard. The two then head to a Buddhist temple to find a safe place for Kotaro. But why is the child being hunted?

2. Dragon Ball Super: Broly, 2018

Dragon Ball Super: Broly is one of the best movies in the Dragon Ball franchise. Its animation, visual style, and battle scenes are all top-notch.

The movie expands the universe and introduces new characters. Taking place after the Dragon Ball Super anime series, the film tells the story of the powerful Broly.

According to the plot, Vegeta, the ruler, abandons Broly as a baby on an uninhabited planet. His father goes into the wild lands to find him. After spending many years on the deserted planet, they finally have the opportunity to seek revenge against the king.

3. Ninja Scroll, 1993

Ninja Scroll is an action anime with a gripping plot and bright main characters. Set in feudal Japan, the movie includes elements of mysticism and fantasy.

The plot follows a wandering samurai named Jubei Kibagami who comes to a village whose inhabitants have died from a disease. There, he encounters unknown monsters and rescues the ninja girl Kagero.

What are these creatures, and what caused the terrible epidemic? Jubei and Kagero decide to investigate together.

4. Ghost in the Shell, 1995

The anime transports viewers to the year 2029. Humanity has achieved unprecedented advances in cybernetics. People can now replace missing body parts with robotic prostheses.

The distinction between reality and the internet has nearly disappeared, creating a particular danger for people. Users are increasingly facing hacker attacks from a villain called the Puppet Master. A squad of cyber-enhanced police officers is assigned to the case and must find and neutralize the hacker.

5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, 2020

Demon Slayer is a dynamic and spectacular story about the confrontation between humans and demons. Mugen Train is a direct spinoff of the popular title.

It is an exciting anime with thrilling battles and a dramatic ending that will leave a lasting impression.

According to the plot, the main characters embark on a mission accompanied by the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku. Their goal is to catch a demon who killed several dozen train passengers.

A couple working at the same company puts on a show for their colleagues, pretending that they can't stand each other.

This is the plot of the office rom-com I Have a Crush at Work, released by Blade Studios at the beginning of the year. We recommend taking a closer look at this new title because the screenwriter of Toradora! worked on it.

What Is I Have a Crush at Work About?

Office workers gossip that someone recently returned from vacation with the same souvenirs, which clearly means something. Masugu tries not to listen to the gossip, despite his boss' tricky questions about his thoughts on such novels.

Masugu works in the financial department and tries not to be distracted by trifles. From the outside, it may seem that, like most Japanese people, Masugu simply does not have enough time for a personal life.

However, he has a lover. He is secretly dating his colleague, Yui – viewers learn this in the first episode. Their relationship will undergo various tests, both in the office and outdoors.

I Have a Crush at Work Is a Charming Title about Office Love

I Have a Crush at Work is a screen adaptation of the manga of the same name by Enomoto Akamaru.

The artist clearly understands corporate routines and knows how to incorporate everyday life and romance into them. The characters in the series appear so genuine that they could be sitting at the next desk.

This could not have been achieved without the contribution of experienced screenwriter Masahiro Yokotani, whose résumé includes Toradora!, My New Boss Is Goofyl, and K-On!

Yui And Masugu's Relationship Develops Throughout The Entire Series

Yui and Masugu's life is full of awkward situations and rules. They agree not to call each other by name, not to drink too much at corporate parties, and to argue more often at work.

As they grow closer, the couple begins to appreciate and share each other's hobbies, learn more about each other, and fall even more in love. Each episode is dedicated to an important date, such as a vacation together, an anniversary, Christmas, or Valentine's Day.

Through these rituals, the anime demonstrates that you can always find time and energy to please your significant other or learn something new about them.

I Have a Crush at Work is far from boring. This office is filled with not only deadlines, but also inspiring love, a combination unlikely to be found in reality.

The sea is an integral part of Japanese culture and is often reflected in anime. Beach episodes are often inserted into romantic series to create awkwardness and bring the couple closer together.

However, beach scenes can also be seen in anime of other genres, such as shonen, where a vacation by the water wouldn't be complete without one or two action scenes.

1. Blue Exorcist (2011) – Season 1 Episode 11

The academy students go to the beach to relax, but it's not that easy. The guys have another dangerous mission, as well as jobs at a squid shop.

Young exorcists learn about a local monster – an urban legend says that a giant squid lives in the depths of the sea that no one can cope with. If you're tired of carefree beach games, the episode of Blue Exorcist will give you spectacular action scenes.

2. Tomo-chan Is a Girl! (2023) – Episode 7

Tomo, the main character of the romantic comedy, wants to spend time with her loved one and childhood friend, Junichiro, but she is very shy.

Two friends come to her aid. Together, they choose a swimsuit for Tomo and accompany her and Junichiro to the beach to keep an eye on things. But what if the guy is attracted to Tomo's friends? Self-doubt and jealousy could interfere, but what should Tomo do if Junichiro sees her only as a friend?

3. Black Clover (2017-2021) – Episode 40

The wizards of the Black Bull order fly on brooms to the sea. Overjoyed, Asta immediately plunges into a fantasy in which he proposes to Nun Lily.

Each wizard enjoys themselves in their own way: some sculpt sand, some splash in the water, and some run along the beach, causing chaos in the lives of carefree beachgoers.

Noelle is upset that, instead of admiring her beauty in her swimsuit, Asta is organizing Spartan training on the beach.

4. Gurren Lagann (2007) – Episode 12

In the anime Gurren Lagann, the characters see the sea for the first time and decide to swim in it. Their path to the enemy capital lies right through the sea, so missing the opportunity to have fun in the water would be a crime.

This episode contains many comedic scenes, including a game of beach volleyball and smashing a watermelon. However, the enemy could attack at any moment, so the characters must be ready for action.

5. Mashle: Magic and Muscles (2023-...) – Season 2 Episode 12

The magicians from the Academy, along with the main character, Mash, head to the beach. Despite the problems at school, everyone leaves for vacation on schedule.

Even the director of the Academy came to the beach to relax and heal his wounds. This short episode is just as funny and light-hearted as the rest of this comedy shonen series.

In April, the anime My Hero Academia received a spin-off titled My Hero Academia: Vigilantes. While the UA students prepare to return to the screens with a grand final season, fans can take a look at how the self-proclaimed heroes try to clear Tokyo's dark alleys of criminals.

What Is My Hero Academia: Vigilantes About?

Koichi Haimawari lives in a booth on the roof of an abandoned building. He doesn't get along very well with his classmates and works part-time at a supermarket. His quirk, sliding, allows him to move around the city slightly faster than a pedestrian.

From time to time, he goes out into the streets and helps people. One day, he runs into criminals who beat him up and plan to abuse a young idol named Pop Step.

Suddenly, a local vigilante named Knuckleduster appears and rescues the young man. He invites Haimawari to join him and become a real hero. It turns out that he is looking for a source of a new banned substance that enhances the power of a quirk.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Is a Prequel to the Original Series

The events of Vigilantes take place before the main events of My Hero Academia. Izuku has not yet enrolled at UA, and All Might is still ranked number one among the best of the best.

The spin-off is based on the manga of the same name, and the adaptation is being handled by Studio Bones, which is responsible for all seasons of the original series.

Familiar characters regularly appear in the series to remind viewers that this is the universe of My Hero Academia. One problem with the original series is that there are so many interesting characters that there is often no time for their storylines.

But a prequel can highlight a familiar character and develop his story.

Vigilantes Delves Deeper into the Lore of My Hero Academia

The main source of inspiration and reference for Outlaw were stories about street vigilantes. While the main series deals with threats on the global level, the spin-off shows that the city needs protection from smaller-scale threats.

This allows you to delve deeper into the lore of My Hero Academia. Here, the main characters don't give interviews after battles, order high-tech suits, or go on internships at the best agencies in the country.

However, more time is devoted to the history of characters, their rights and responsibilities, and the question, "What does it mean to be a hero?" is explored from a different perspective.

Netflix continues to delight anime fans by offering cult classics and new hits. This list includes only the most worthy titles, including epic battles, touching dramas, captivating fantasies, and witty comedies.

1. Blue Period, 2021

High school student Yatora suddenly loses interest in life. Hanging out with friends is boring, and studying brings him no pleasure.

He stumbles upon a painting by a girl in the art club and is amazed by it. Yatora becomes interested in painting and enrolls in art school. This new hobby completely changes his life.

This anime, based on the manga of the same name, immerses viewers in the creative process, leaving with a sense of euphoria from this exciting new hobby.

2. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, 2022

In the near future, people invented cybernetic implants that increase the wearer's strength and endurance and prolong life. However, abusing this technology can cause cyberpsychosis, a form of paranoia.

After his mother's death, David Martinez, a schoolboy, decides to implant a military prosthesis to take revenge on those responsible. It is the Arasaka Corporation, and it practically controls the metropolis of Night City.

3. Dandadan, 2024-...

High school student Momo believes in ghosts. Her antisocial classmate, Ken, is fascinated by aliens. He sets out to prove to Momo that ghosts don't exist and that only aliens are real.

He goes to an old tunnel where, according to rumors, a powerful spirit lives. Momo goes to an abandoned hospital supposedly favored by aliens. As it turns out, both ghosts and UFOs are quite real, and the students find themselves in mortal danger.

4. Dorohedoro, 2020-2025

Humanity is trapped in a dirty place called the Hole. It is a testing ground for mages, a race capable of performing miracles and living in a more civilized dimension.

One day, Nikaido, the owner of a restaurant in the Hole, finds Caiman, a half-human, half-lizard creature on the verge of life and death. A mage has cursed Caiman, depriving him of his memory. With Nikaido's help, Caiman sets out to find the villain and regain his memories and former appearance.

5. Monster, 2004-2005

One day, young surgeon Tenma Kenzo saves Johan, a boy wounded in the head after his parents were brutally murdered. Several years later, Tenma witnesses Johan commit a crime.

Realizing that he had saved the life of a monster, Tenma decides to correct his mistake. Meanwhile, Nina, Johann's twin sister, is looking for her brother to finish what she started. After all, she was the one who shot him that terrible day.

Monster is one of the best detective anime series. The two main characters, Tenma and Nina, act in parallel, often interfering with each other.

During the summer, you crave light and carefree adventures without any drama. From Sherlock Holmes in ancient China to a light rom-com about cosplay, we've chosen summer anime that will lift your spirits, even on the hottest day.

1. My Dress-Up Darling, 2022-...

High school student Gojo has been interested in creating Japanese dolls since childhood. However, when he was younger, his peers made fun of him for sewing doll clothes.

Since then, he has honed his skills in secret. One day, popular student Marin catches Gojo at the sewing machine. Gojo braced himself for more humiliation, but Marin suddenly praised him and shared her secret.

She has been cosplaying for a long time, but no one in her circle takes her hobby seriously. They decide to team up, with Gojo practicing his sewing skills by creating cosplay costumes for Marin.

2. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf, 2024

In an alternate medieval era, a traveling merchant named Lawrence meets Holo, the goddess of the harvest. Until she turns into a wolf, only her tail and ears distinguish her from an ordinary girl.

Lawrence is smart and knows his craft well. Holo can easily distinguish truth from lies and teach the merchant this skill. The goddess agrees to help Lawrence on one condition: he must accompany her to her hometown in the north.

Christianity has replaced paganism, and the inhabitants of her current haven no longer need her. Lawrence agrees, and the two set off on a measured adventure, the taste of apples and the dying of summer lingering in the air.

3. Laid-Back Camp, 2018-2024

What else do you need to be happy besides mountains, nature, and ramen by the fire? For Rin, hiking is not just a hobby, it's her life. She often travels alone – pitches a tent, collects firewood, and conquers peaks.

This time was supposed to be no different, but her solitude was interrupted by Nadeshiko, who got lost on her way to the top. The good-natured Rin can't leave Nadeshiko in the middle of the forest, so she invites her to join her on a hike.

Noodles, conversations by the fire, and picturesque mountain views in the moonlight impress Nadeshiko so much that, before leaving, she asks Rin for her phone number. Thus begins the story of their camping adventures together.

4. The Apothecary Diaries, 2023-...

Maomao is the daughter of a pharmacist. She immerses herself in science, studying plants and testing dangerous substances on herself. Her previous life comes to an end when she is kidnapped and sold to the imperial court.

There, she starts out as a laundress, but fate gives her the opportunity to pursue her passion again. The imperial children fall ill with an unknown illness, and Maomao uses her knowledge to save them.

The palace eunuch and the heirs quickly figure out who is behind it. Soon, he gives the herbalist a new task. Maomao now helps the senior imperial concubine test food and cosmetics for poison.

The spring anime season delighted us with funny comedies, series with dynamic action scenes, and even impressive 3D animation. Here are the most captivating and memorable anime series from the spring season.

1. Witch Watch, 2025-…

The mischievous witch Nico has decided that her familiar will be her childhood friend Morihito, not a black cat or a crow. Morihito comes from an ancient line of oni who, according to legend, used to be familiars of witches and could transform from animals into people.

In the modern world, familiars are also needed to protect witches. So, Nico and Morihito's parents decided the two high school students should live together. It sounds like the plot of a quirky rom-com – and it's partly true.

2. To Be Hero X, 2025-...

In this world, becoming a hero is like becoming a superstar. Sign a contract, and a team of specialists will help you quickly rise to the top and gain power. The more famous you are, the more people believe in you, and therefore, the stronger your superpower becomes.

Every two years, the most talented and worthy superpower holders compete to become the new Hero X.

Lin Ling finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of events that make him a contender in the tournament. After accidentally finding himself at the scene of a popular hero's death, he becomes his replacement.

3. Apocalypse Hotel, 2025-...

In 2057, the world was struck by a mysterious threat: the air became unbreathable, forcing people to seek salvation outside of Earth.

A hundred years later, the planet has fallen into disrepair. Buildings are destroyed, wild animals roam the streets of former cities, and plants have overtaken concrete buildings. The Gingarou Hotel in Ginza is the only remaining structure that has retained its original appearance.

Autonomous robots maintain order in the building and await the return of people, but a century later, real aliens become the first guests instead.

4. Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho, 2025-...

At first glance, the new series may seem similar to Demon Slayer, as it tells the story of an older brother and his younger sister, who was transformed into a monster. However, with its measured atmosphere, the series is closer to Dororo.

A swordsman named Jinta left his home village to exterminate demons. This occurred after his younger sister, Suzune, killed someone important to him, revealing her demonic nature. Since that day, Jinta has traveled the world protecting ordinary people from monsters.

5. Wind Breaker Season 2, 2024-...

The plot introduces us to the reckless students of Furin High School who act as defenders of the city. Local residents turn to them for help, and other gangs try to avoid them. However, sometimes conflicts cannot be avoided.

Then, fists and the desire to put opponents in their place are used to defend their territory and reputation. The second season begins with the adaptation of the 42nd chapter of the manga, in which the Furin High School students battle the Keel gang.

How much do you know about the Japanese animation studio MAPPA? Its directors and animators created popular anime series such as Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man.

However, MAPPA has other notable projects that have been overshadowed by the studio's biggest hits.

1. Dorohedoro, 2020-2025

The Hole is a place where unfortunate people live and evil magicians conduct cruel experiments on them. Here, stench, poverty, hunger, and destruction reign. One day, a girl named Nikaido finds the disfigured body of a man who was a victim of these experiments.

His head now resembles a crocodile's. He has lost not only his former appearance but also his memories. Together with Nikaido and the other residents of the Hole, he will challenge the magicians and put an end to their tyranny.

2. In This Corner of the World, 2016

Suzu got married and moved from her hometown of Hiroshima to Kure. In her new family, she takes on household responsibilities and cares for her husband's parents and relatives. Life becomes more difficult, but Suzu does not give up her old hobbies.

Since childhood, she has loved to draw, trying to capture the beauty around her on paper. Suddenly, her peaceful everyday life turns into a real nightmare – the war begins.

The young woman must hide from bombs, ration food, and cope with her husband being called up for service. Suzu tries not to lose her optimism and faith, but sometimes she cannot help but cry.

3. Hell's Paradise, 2023-...

Hell's Paradise is a dynamic anime series that blends fantasy and mythology with action. Gabimaru, a professional assassin, is caught and sentenced to death.

He and dozens of other criminals are gathered before the shogun, who entrusts them with an almost impossible task: complete it, and they will earn a pardon. They must go to a mysterious island where ferocious monsters live. These creatures guard the elixir of immortality. Those sentenced to death must obtain this elixir.

4. Kids on the Slope, 2012

Kids on the Slope is a heartfelt musical anime series about teenagers in the 1960s. It explores themes of friendship, romance, and jazz, which connect the characters' destinies.

The story transports viewers to the summer of 1966 when the young Kaoru transfers schools midyear. His life had always been monotonous and dull, but he was able to find friends and join a jazz band in his new place.

5. Altair: A Record of Battles, 2017

The series is set in an alternate version of Turkey. Seventeen-year-old Mahmut has risen to the rank of general. He does not tolerate war and tries to resolve conflicts peacefully without resorting to brute force.

However, the country is now facing significant challenges that could lead to bloodshed and chaos. Mahmut wants to stop the impending threat. How exactly does the young general intend to do this?

Hayao Miyazaki is world-renowned for his unique artistic style. Each of his movies invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world where fantasy and reality intertwine.

For those just beginning to explore the Japanese animator's work, we have chosen five of his best anime films.

5. The Wind Rises, 2013

The plot centers on young Jiro, a boy who dreams of designing airplanes but suffers from myopia. In a dream, Jiro meets his idol, a renowned aircraft designer, who explains the process of designing airplanes to him.

Following his subconscious's advice, Jiro enters university to study engineering. A few years later, he lands an internship at Mitsubishi and begins producing the iconic A6M fighter plane.

However, professional success does not bring him happiness. Jiro regrets that combat vehicles are used for killing, and his wife, Nahoko, is slowly fading away due to a serious illness.

4. My Neighbor Totoro, 1988

When Satsuki and Mei's mother falls ill, Satsuki is left to care for the house and her father. The family moves to a house near a mystical forest so they can be close to the hospital where their mother is being treated.

One day, while walking in the forest, the youngest daughter, Mei, meets a small spirit who accidentally leads her to the forest's guardian – a huge, fluffy Totoro.

This new acquaintance turns out to be a good-natured creature who becomes a friend to the lonely girl and, later, her older sister, Satsuki.

3. Howl's Moving Castle, 2004

The young Sophie meets the mysterious Howl, who has settled near her hometown, and immediately falls in love with him. However, Howl has many admirers, including those from another world.

One of them is the Witch of the Waste, who turns Sophie into an old woman out of jealousy. Desperate, Sophie goes to Howl's Moving Castle to lift the curse. In order to return to her former appearance and rid the inhabitants of the castle of the curse, Sophie must dispel the witch's spell.

2. Princess Mononoke, 1997

After a fight with a demon that has turned into a boar, a young warrior named Ashitaka is cursed to death. He leaves his village in search of a cure but finds himself caught in a war between the forest spirits and the people who cut down trees for iron.

Among the forest's inhabitants is San, a beautiful girl raised by a wolf goddess. She is also known as Princess Mononoke. As Ashitaka's conflict with San unfolds, their story develops into a tale of true love.

1. Spirited Away, 2001

Chihiro's parents tell her that they are moving to a new town soon. After getting lost on the way to their new home, the family ends up in the spirit world.

They discover a restaurant with numerous delicacies, but the girl's parents cannot resist the food. As punishment for their gluttony, they turn into pigs.

To save them, Chihiro gets a job at a bathhouse for the gods. There, she meets the bathhouse's eccentric owner, Yubaba, and becomes entangled in a tale involving an ancient curse and an enchanted seal.

Screen time is not infinite. Each story faces the challenge of presenting its characters in a way that allows each one to play their role.

However, some characters turn out to be more successful than others. Even though the gray characters continue to perform routine functions, only one becomes the star of the title.

1. Vinand Saga (2019-2023) – Askeladd

Not only is Askeladd from Vinland Saga a mercenary leader and an excellent fighter, he is also a first-class thief.

He so cleverly stole the role of the protagonist from Thorfinn in the second half of the first season that, by the end, you don't remember the latter – only Askeladd's difficult and unenviable fate remains in your mind.

The first season of Vinland Saga is an example of an amazing plot formula where all the events serve to reveal a single character who formally takes part in the events, but hides his true face until the end.

2. Steins;Gate (2011-2015) – Kurisu

In some ways, Steins;Gate is a unique anime because it's hard to forget such specific and eccentric secondary characters.

The title's main idea is embodied by the two protagonists, Okabe Rintaro and Kurisu Makise. However, their relationship is unequal, as all of Okabe's motivation stems from his interaction with Kurisu.

Kurisu is a very atypical character because there aren't many arrogant, brilliant young scientists in anime. However, Makise does not conform to archetypes. This is why the heroine consistently ranks among the top female anime characters.

3. Darling in the Franxx (2018) – Zero Two

There's no denying her significant role in the title. Leave Hiro, the protagonist, alone, or add Ichigo, a potential love interest, to the mix. However, the pairing isn't nearly as entertaining as Zero Two.

For her dramatic story to work as intended, Zero Two has to exist in conflict with the world around her. When every character exists to shine the spotlight on her, why shouldn't she shine?

4. Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World (2016-...) – Echidna

Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World is surprising in that its characters don't stand out from the crowd in a typical fantasy environment.

First, Rem took the brunt of it. The humble maid suddenly eclipsed the main character, Emilia, in popularity because it turned out that she was an exemplary supporter of the protagonist, Subaru, as well as a dramatic character and a much more complete person.

Echidna, however, is on a whole different level. She brings a gray morality to Re:Zero's fairy tale narrative, taking its philosophy to another level.

Some of the most interesting characters are those who are neither good nor bad. They are characters that you want to study more deeply in order to understand their desires, motives, and way of thinking.

1. Chainsaw Man (2022-...) – Power

Power, the charming yet hot-tempered demoness with red horns from Chainsaw Man, has captivated many viewers. She is a narcissistic and selfish girl who considers herself superior to others and does not value people or other demons.

So why do viewers love her? Despite her arrogant and complex nature, as well as her passion for cruel slaughter, she is not devoid of sincere compassion.

2. Attack on Titan (2013-2023) – Hange Zoë

Hange seems sweet and harmless, but she is a contradictory character. Her insane love for the titans is both terrifying and enchanting.

She is so consumed by her love for the titans that she wants to both dissect them for experiments and understand their feelings. She names them, talks to them, and tries to communicate with them. At the same time, she stabs them with spears to expose their weaknesses.

3. Tokyo Ghoul (2014) – Juuzou

Juuzou is an interesting and attractive madman. He sees the world differently than ordinary people do. He behaves like a wild animal deprived of love and warmth, yet he still desires to experience these feelings.

He has not lost trust in people, and thanks to a caring mentor, he channels his energy and aggression toward fighting criminal ghouls.

However, like many characters in this series, he cannot be classified as either positive or negative. Though contradictory, he is still very charismatic and has won over the viewers.

4. Code Geass (2006-2008) – Lelouch Lamperouge

At first glance, Lelouch appears to be an ordinary high school student who excels in his studies and participates in student council activities. He takes care of his younger sister, has fun with his friends… and plans a real coup.

Throughout the series, viewers see the duality of him. On the one hand, he is a talented, diligent student. On the other hand, he is the heir to the throne, a political hostage, and someone who wants to end the king's tyranny to avenge his mother's death.

The power that has befallen Lelouch fuels his arrogance and sense of superiority. He begins to exploit innocent people for his own benefit, gradually becoming the same kind of monster as his father, whom he despises.

Fantasy anime often relies on familiar tropes, such as reincarnation, parallel worlds, and overpowered protagonists with cheat abilities. But what if you're looking for something different – stories with unique magic systems, underdog heroes, and dark, immersive worlds?

Here are five outstanding fantasy anime series that break the mold.

1. Black Clover, 2017–2021

In a world where magic is everything, Asta stands out because he has none. Born powerless in a society that values magical ability above all else, he is constantly ridiculed. But Asta refuses to give up. Through relentless physical training, he compensates for his lack of magic and dreams of becoming the Wizard King.

His fate changes when he obtains a rare five-leaf grimoire that grants him anti-magic, the power to nullify spells. However, this power comes with a catch: a demon is sealed within his grimoire. Now, Asta must prove that strength isn't just about magic as he battles his way to the top.

2. Hozuki's Coolheadedness, 2014

Hell isn't all fire and torture, at least not in this darkly comedic take on the afterlife. In the Japanese underworld, bureaucracy reigns supreme. The demon Hozuki serves as King Enma's right-hand man.

Ruthlessly efficient, Hozuki keeps both sinners and his lazy superiors in line, often through brutal – and hilarious – means. Whether he's punishing souls or navigating office politics, his deadpan demeanor and clever strategies give this anime a distinctive blend of fantasy, satire, and dark humor.

3. Mashle: Magic and Muscles, 2023

In a world where magic determines social hierarchy, Mash is an anomaly because he has no magical power. According to the law, he should be executed, but he survives thanks to his adoptive father's protection.

Instead of magic, Mash relies on his immense physical strength, which he honed through years of intense training. His muscles are so powerful that he can punch through spells, deflect magical attacks, and send enemies flying with a flick of his finger.

4. Ranking of Kings, 2021–2022

Bojji, the deaf and weak prince, is considered unfit to rule his kingdom. His younger brother, Daida, is stronger and more charismatic and is favored by the court. When Daida usurps the throne, while Bojji embarks on a journey to prove himself.

What Bojji doesn't know is that his weakness stems from a dark pact his father made with a demon, which stole his strength at birth. Nevertheless, Bojji's kindness, determination, and hidden giant heritage make him a truly inspiring hero.

5. Claymore, 2007

Set in a grim medieval world, humanity is terrorized by shapeshifting monsters called Yoma. To combat the monsters, an organization created Claymores: half-human, half-Yoma warriors who are all women and wield giant swords.

The story follows Clare, a Claymore seeking vengeance against the monster that destroyed her life. However, the more she fights, the closer she comes to losing her humanity and becoming the very thing she hunts.

A dark, brutal fantasy with strong female leads, Claymore is often compared to Berserk and The Witcher because of its gritty tone, intense battles, and tragic themes.

Korean manhwa, now most often released in the online webtoon format, is rapidly gaining popularity around the world — Solo Leveling being the main example. Here are five anime titles based on stories by South Korean authors.

1. Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion, 2023

After she dies, the girl is reborn as Raeliana McMillan. The life of the modest baron's daughter is very familiar to her because she is a secondary character in a novel she read during her lifetime.

She knows that Raeliana is in danger of dying at the hands of her fiancé, but everything could be different this time. Unless, of course, she falls in love with him or finds someone more dangerous to save her.

2. A Returner's Magic Should Be Special, 2023

There is little time left until the end of the world. All corners of the globe are disappearing into the Shadow Labyrinth, an alternate reality. Something has gone wrong with the universe's grand mechanism, and the bravest have gone there to find and prevent a catastrophe in the multiverse.

After another mission, only the magician Desir is left alive, but he is sent back 13 years. Now, he has a chance to stop the labyrinth from expanding and save everyone from death.

3. Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp, 2024

She is a talented surgeon in the present, but in the past, she was Empress Elise, who had a rather unkind and mean character. Her constant envy and thirst for power made her unbearable. On the threshold of death, however, the noblewoman realized her mistakes and decided that she would devote her future to saving people, not destroying them.

However, the surgeon tragically dies and returns to her past life. It seems that Elise is now ready to start her life over.

4. Viral Hit, 2024

Nowadays, bloggers have special powers. They are popular and earn a lot of money, yet they don't know the difficulties of life. Ho-bin, a schoolboy, is very jealous of his classmates because he can barely make ends meet.

Everything changes when a video featuring him goes viral. He and his friend then start their own channel where they try to learn how to fight. At first, Ho-bin lies on the floor helplessly, but gradually, he becomes stronger, and the number of subscribers increases.

5. The God of High School, 2020

All the high school students in Korea decided to find out who the strongest among them is. The winner will receive a special prize: the fulfillment of one wish. Mori is confident that he is the most capable and is participating in the God of High School tournament.

It seems like there will just be a big massacre, but this chaos was not cooked up for fun – there is a real search for the best.

There are probably no life situations or plotlines that aren't reflected in anime. First love is a common theme, so there are countless examples of it. Still, some titles resonate more than others.

1. Blue Spring Ride, 2014

The boys at school always liked Futaba, but because of this, the girls started to avoid her. The pressure became so intense that she couldn't even confess her feelings to the guy she liked.

In high school, she decided to change her image. Then, Tanaka – the guy she liked – came back into her life. Would they be able to make up for lost time?

This is a sweet and sincere story about first love, school difficulties, relationships with classmates, and overcoming shyness to be yourself.

2. To the Forest of Firefly Lights, 2011

The young Hotaru gets lost in a magical forest full of ghosts. A spirit named Gin helps her escape. Gin can't touch people or he'll disappear.

Hotaru can't forget the mysterious boy, so she returns to the forest to get to know him better.

3. My Love Story!!, 2015

Takeo Goda is a high school student who looks more like someone's father than a student. Despite his appearance, he is the same as everyone else inside.

Ironically, he is friends with the school's most handsome guy. Of course, it is difficult for him to compete and find a girlfriend. But that was before he saved Rinko.

Seeing the best in yourself and overcoming your complexes are probably two of the reasons why you should watch this anime at least once.

4. My Dress-Up Darling, 2022

Gojo Wakana is lonely, but he has a big dream: to become a master of Japanese dolls. One day, Marin Kitagawa, the school's beauty who secretly enjoys cosplay, finds out about his hobby.

She asks him to help her create cosplay outfits, and in the process, they grow closer and find themselves wanting to spend more time together.

5. Horimiya, 2021

Everyone at school knows that Kyouko Hori is very responsible, but they have no idea that she literally supports her entire household.

By chance, she starts talking to Izumi Miyamura. At school, he seems very decent, but outside of school, he is covered in tattoos and piercings. He is a sweetheart inside and out, which is exactly why they will start a romance.

This light and cheerful title shows that stereotypes about appearance have nothing to do with character.

The first half of 2025 was not the best for the anime industry. There were few major premieres, and some anticipated titles turned out to be disappointing. However, the summer promises to turn things around.

1. Gachiakuta

Release Date: July, 2025

One of the most highly anticipated premieres of the summer season is the anime Gachiakuta, an adaptation of a manga combining post-apocalyptic, punk, and social drama elements.

The main character, Rudo, has lived with the stigma of being the son of a murderer since childhood. However, he is eventually accused of killing his own father.

In a world where undesirable members of society are thrown into a literal garbage abyss, Rudo falls from a flying island onto a fetid landfill that turns out to be the center of real life.

2. Busamen Gachi Fighter

Release Date: July 6, 2025

As is tradition, the summer anime season of 2025 will feature a major isekai release: an anime titled Busamen Gachi Fighter.

The story centers on a 34-year-old man who is reincarnated in another world with such a repulsive appearance that everyone avoids him.

Any touch from a woman causes him physical pain. However, fate also endows him with the powers of an absolute deity, turning him into a powerful but deeply suffering character.

3. The Summer Hikaru Died

Release Date: July, 2025

One of the most intriguing premieres is an anime about Yoshiki and Hikaru, two young men who grew up together in the same village. Everything changes when Yoshiki begins to suspect that his friend has been replaced by something else.

Despite this, he decides to remain close to Hikaru as increasingly strange and disturbing events begin to occur in the village.

4. The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity

Release Date: July, 2025

The romance genre remains one of the most popular in the anime industry. However, truly high-quality projects in this category are rare.

One of the most highly anticipated premieres in this genre in the summer of 2025 is The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity.

The plot follows Kaoruko, a student at an elite girls' school, and Rintaro, a student at a neighboring institution with a completely different lifestyle. Their worlds should never intersect, but fate decrees otherwise.

5. City the Animation

Release Date: July, 2025

Among the comedic novelties of the summer season, City the Animation attracts special attention. The plot centers on Midori, a student who moves to a city where common sense ceases to be the norm and everyday life turns into continuous chaos.

City is a rare example of minimalist comedy in which the simplicity of the design is an artistic choice, not a consequence of economy.

The series relies on visual humor and animation experiments, making each episode an unpredictable performance.

In Satoshi Kon's anime, surrealism collides with real-life issues such as loneliness amidst a crowd and the impact of technology.

By blending dreams, illusions, and psychology, Kon's works often convey poignant narratives about women. His heroines face bullying, stalking, and self-loathing.

1. Millennium Actress (2001) – Chiyoko Fujiwara

Chiyoko Fujiwara was an outstanding actress. One day, her producer and chronicler visited her high-altitude villa while working on the history of her life and career. He brought with him a small, old key that unlocked the secrets of her past.

In her old age, she left the industry and locked herself away, but many fans still remember her bright roles. One such fan is director Genya Tachibana, who is making a documentary about the actress.

Chiyoko happily tells Tachibana the story of her life, intertwining real events with those experienced by her on-screen heroines.

2. Tokyo Godfathers (2003) – Miyuki

In this anime, Satoshi Kon tells the story of lost souls who have a chance at redemption and highlights the themes of growing up and parent-child relationships.

Miyuki, the youngest of the main characters, is the only one expected home. The teenage girl ran away after fighting with her father after her cat disappeared. Miyuki thought her father stole the pet out of jealousy.

Her escape is not an attempt to hide from her old life and start over, but rather a protest and a challenge to herself.

3. Perfect Blue (1997) – Mima

The young singer Mima feels stuck with her good-girl image. She found success as a member of a J-pop girl group, but she grew tired of the short dresses and simple songs. She decided to leave the group to try her hand at acting.

Mima accidentally discovers Mima's Room, an online page run in her name. When the author of Mima's Room shares an exact list of her purchases at the store and describes her room, she becomes truly scared. It seems that someone is watching her.

Mima faces the dark side of the industry: colleagues' and friends' envy, cyberbullying, and mental health issues. Throughout the movie, she fights for the right to make her own decisions and manage her own life.

4. Paprika (2006) – Chiba Atsuko

Brilliant scientists created the DC Mini to cure patients' mental disorders. This gadget allows you to invade other people's dreams or watch them.

Chiba secretly uses the DC Mini during sessions to interact with patients more effectively. She introduces her alter ego, Paprika, into their dreams to do this. One day, however, an unknown person steals three DC Mini devices and uses them to drive people crazy with one obsessive nightmare.

Now, Chiba must not only find the perpetrator and save the innocent but also understand the difference between herself and Paprika.

The second season of the action anime Shangri-La Frontier has ended. It tells the story of gamers traveling in a fantasy MMORPG world and fighting magical monsters.

The show received a 7.5 out of 10 score from IMDb users. Now, let's take a look at what happened in the finale of the second season of Shangri-La Frontier and what we can expect from the upcoming third season.

What Happened in Shangri-La Frontier Season 2 Finale?

In the final episodes of Season 2, the characters embark on a special mission to find the Ctarnidd of the Abyss. They board a ship, fight sea monsters, and fall straight into the Abyss. They end up in the capital of the Abyss, an upside-down city.

They have seven days to complete the quest, so there is no need to rush. Sunraku already has plans with Pensilgon and Kei in real life.

Kei invited them to an eSports championship where they could compete against professional players. There is still time before the tournament, which the characters are spending on joint training in a new VR game.

Sunraku has become so attached to Shangri-La that he visits the upside-down city in his free time. There, he has another adventure and fights a huge sea monster. With his skills, the help of a local NPC, and a tower that reflects attacks, Sunraku defeats the monster.

Season 2 Ends with an Important Tournament

The time has come for the eSports championship against the best team from the US. Sunraku and Pensilgon decide to hide their faces. Kei, who invited them to join the team, cannot attend the tournament because he is competing in another championship.

There is no time to find a replacement, but the characters find a way out of the situation. If they extend the length of each match, Kei will be able to participate in the final battle.

The players from both teams enter the arena, concluding the second season of the anime.

Shangri-La Frontier Season 3 Release Date

Following the release of the final episode of the second season the creators announced they are working on Season 3. The exact release date is still unknown.

The first two seasons were released a year apart. Since the C2C studio did not delay the announcement, the third season will likely be released soon. It is reasonable to assume that new episodes will begin releasing in fall 2025 or early 2026.

What Will Season 3 Be About?

Sunraku and his friends must compete against the best team from the US in the eSports championship. The events of this arc could be included in the first half of the next season.

Then, the main character will return to complete a special task in the upside-down city. This arc is too big, so it may not be fully adapted or may be significantly shortened in the third season.

We often notice anime that most people watch without considering the possibility of missing out on a really interesting work that wasn't lucky enough to catch the wave of popularity.

1. From the New World, 2012-2013

Distant future, the perfect town of Kamisu 66. The ecological situation is good and technology is practically nonexistent. The masters perform all the heavy physical work using telekinesis.

Additionally, a mysterious power enables the masters to protect the townspeople from threats. It is believed that supernatural abilities can be awakened through special rituals.

These rituals must be performed when the future master turns 12. Saki Watanabe and her friends are approaching this age, and they have questions about the structure of their hometown.

2. Sonny Boy, 2021

In the middle of summer break, 36 high school seniors find themselves back at school. They have a more serious problem than just being reluctant to return to school early: they find themselves in another dimension, drifting in cosmic darkness.

Their only refuge is the school building. In this new world, the students acquire supernatural abilities. Perhaps these powers will help them return home, but first, they must adapt to their new surroundings.

3. Akudama Drive, 2020

A long civil war in Japan divided the country into two camps, Kyoto and Kansai. The war ended in favor of Kyoto. As a result, Kansai becomes a colony within which order reigns beyond the control of the authorities.

It is filled with people who disagree with the new government's regime. These people are considered the main criminals and are called Akudama. The akudama wander around Osaka, and one day, they get lucky. At the request of an anonymous person, they must free a murderer before his execution.

The Akudama enthusiastically take on the task. Meanwhile, the akudama's actions make it clear to the customer that the newly formed mercenary squad is ready to do whatever he asks.

4. Hiiro no Kakera, 2012

Seventeen-year-old Tamaki has lived in Tokyo her whole life, so the idea of moving to a remote village to live with her grandmother does not please her at all. However, she doesn't have time to get bored in the village. Upon arrival, Tamaki encounters evil spirits in the forest.

A local boy named Takuma saves her from certain death. After learning what happened, Tamaki's grandmother tells her that she is the hereditary keeper of a magic sword designed to destroy demons.

After her grandmother dies, Tamaki must take on this mission herself because she is the next Tamayori Princess.

Can you live a new life without forgetting your past? The question is controversial, but in anime, anything is possible.

If you're looking for something with a similar plot, check out a list of five titles where the characters manage to reincarnate and try to choose a different path to avoid repeating the mistakes of their previous incarnation.

1. The Founder of Diabolism, 2018-2021

The Chinese donghua tells the story of Wei Wuxian, a master of the devil cult who died tragically in battle.

But not for long. Thirteen years later, a young sorcerer summons the legendary master, offering his body to seek revenge. Now, the founder of the dark path has the chance to see his loved ones and correct his past mistakes.

2. Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion, 2023

Rinko has the misfortune to be reincarnated in the body of Raeliana, a minor character who is destined to die at the hands of her own fiancé.

Luckily, the girl is already aware of fate's plans for her life, so now Raeliana's main goal is to break off the engagement, avoid death, and become happy at all costs.

3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, 2018-...

White-collar worker Satoru dies while protecting a colleague in an alley. As a result, he does not die, but is reborn in another world – a magical one.

However, he is no longer a man, but rather a slime named Rimuru. This universe is home to many unusual races, and Rimuru's mission is to help achieve equality for all and, of course, have fun.

4. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, 2021-...

The main character himself rushes to his death, trying to protect the teenagers. In the end, the man does not die, but wakes up in a fantasy world under the name of Rudeus.

He remembers his earthly life and now tries to do everything to at least live here with dignity. Fortunately, magic and knightly duels awaken in him the desire to start from scratch, and the otaku's soul rejoices as never before.

5. Oshi No Ko, 2023-...

Ai Hoshino is a young singer who has already become very popular. She becomes unexpectedly pregnant. She gave birth to twins, Aquamarine and Ruby, who became stars.

There's just one secret: they both remember their past lives. Aquamarine has the soul of the obstetrician who treated Ai during her pregnancy, and Ruby has the consciousness of the doctor's sick patient.

The biggest anime premieres are typically saved for spring, but 2025 was a bit different. Most of the highly anticipated titles will be released in the second half of the year.

Consequently, when evaluating the spring-summer season's results, it's easy to overlook projects that turned out to be impressive.

1. Medalist, 2025

This is the story of Inori, a girl who dreams of becoming a figure skater but started skating too late. A parallel storyline follows 26-year-old Tsukasa, who also became interested in figure skating too late to find a coach.

This is an amazing duo of a workaholic who dreams of helping talents blossom and a shy girl who has never experienced victory in anything she has done.

2. Kowloon Generic Romance, 2025

In an unusual city, a romance develops between Reiko and Hajime. This is a story in which the characters' personal secrets hide a layer of mysticism. This title is for those tired of teenage embarrassment, school classrooms, and sudden stutters.

With an impressive palette, detailed backgrounds, successful angles, and a narrative aimed at an adult audience, Arvo Animation Studio declares its ambitions for the first time.

3. Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary Season 2, 2024-...

This is the story of Jogoro and Yuki, two children who set an unusual goal for themselves: to become invisible. Those who watched the first season know how difficult that is for characters like them.

The first season started slowly, but ended with an unexpected plot revelation that tied together seemingly unrelated events. The second season starts right away with a big mystery.

4. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, 2023-...

Having finally settled into the imperial palace courtyard, Maomao continues to solve mysteries and get into trouble despite her sincere desire to avoid both.

Clouds of conspiracy gather over the imperial family, drawing the main character into new acquaintances and old intrigues. Ghosts of the past reappear, and the web of mysticism tightens its grip.

The level of danger increases, but as usual in The Apothecary Diaries, it is balanced by light and everyday episodes.

5. Solo Leveling Season 2, 2024-...

The story of a man who relies only on his willpower to descend into a world of monsters and deadly traps, overcome trials, and become stronger can already be called one of the most popular stories of this decade.

In terms of viewer engagement, Solo Leveling surpassed Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and broke all viewing records on Crunchyroll.

The new season delves deeper into the main character's inner world, and the manhwa adaptation features more diverse and spectacular animation.

Anime can be many things: meditative and intense, funny and sad, cute and cruel. But here are only five of the best anime titles in history.

1. Attack on Titan, 2013-2023

Attack on Titan became an instant classic when it first aired in 2013.

Three friends – Eren, Mikasa, and Armin – fight alongside the greatest warriors against giant Titan creatures that have lived outside the city's high walls for a long time. Humanity is fighting to defend its right to exist in this world.

Starting out as a typical shonen anime, this series has evolved into an amazing work of art touching on themes of war, class inequality, and other important social and political issues.

2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, 2009-2010

In an attempt to resurrect their dead mother, brothers Alphonse and Edward practice forbidden alchemy, but the experiment costs Alphonse his physical body, condemning him to a ghostly existence.

Despite fate's obstacles, the brothers continue their search for a way to return Alphonse's body. Their desire to resurrect their mother propels them on a winding journey through a world of monsters, government conspiracies, and divine design.

3. One Piece, 1999-...

Over 20 years later, One Piece continues to entertain viewers worldwide with more than 1,000 episodes. It's hard for any anime to keep new and old fans engaged for as long as the pirate journey has lasted.

One Piece does just that, thanks to Eiichiro Oda's amazing mind. Its world-building, deep characters, hilarious adventures, and amazing visuals, which sometimes surpass the manga, elevate this series to the top of shonen anime history.

Oda's vision has made a strong impact on viewers over the years, and there's no sign of it slowing down anytime soon.

4. Monster, 2004-2005

This dark thriller tells the story of Kenjo Tenma, a good man and neurosurgeon who loses everything. In the past, Tenma saved a boy who grows up to become a serial killer.

The plot is an intense story of transformation and descent into the abyss of guilt. The main character must undergo a transformation and take a difficult path to correct his mistake.

5. Neon Genesis Evangelion, 1995-1996

After watching Evangelion, viewers find themselves desperately trying to understand the ending, which is still being deciphered 20 years after the anime's release.

The mythology behind Hideaki Anno's groundbreaking anime has become as much a part of its story as the anime itself. The final two episodes continue to cause controversy and spark debate.

Evangelion has stood the test of time by offering a philosophical take on the mecha anime genre and an incredibly personal exploration of depression and the unconscious.

In anime, you may come across the term hikikomori. It refers to people who have difficulty communicating, avoid others, and sometimes even lock themselves in their homes.

This list of anime series features characters who try to overcome their fears to socialize and find friends.

1. Bocchi the Rock!, 2022

Can a hobby change a person's life? Hitori Goto is afraid to look people in the eye and spends her days alone in her closet.

Since childhood, she has dreamed of making friends with whom she can have fun and perform on stage. She has played the guitar for three years, yet she has neither formed her own band nor achieved fame. Hitori's only friend is her guitar, and instead of a stage, she has her bedroom.

But miracles do happen. Suddenly, a girl comes up to Hitori and asks her to play in a band.

2. Komi Can't Communicate, 2021-2022

Komi doesn't play games or watch anime, she doesn't sit at home all the time. However, she has a hard time interacting with people. Socializing, talking to friends, and exchanging morning greetings are not her strong suits.

She freezes when someone talks to her, trembles with fear, and can't think of anything to say. Still, she looks incredibly cool. Her classmate, Hitohito Tadano, notices Komi's hidden worries and offers to help her make friends.

Komi thinks that the people around her hate her. Every day, she tries to talk to someone, but her voice fails her. But now she has one friend: Tadano. He will help her find more friends and teach her to communicate.

3. Welcome to the N.H.K., 2006

Tatsuhiro Sato doesn't work or study, and he doesn't communicate with anyone. He's afraid to leave his house. He imagines a mysterious conspiracy in which someone is deliberately forcing him and thousands of others to become hikikomori.

He believes that the N.H.K. organization is responsible for all this. But how can he fight it? How can he stop being a recluse?

Tatsuhiro accidentally meets a mysterious girl. She invites him to participate in a special project whose goal is to cure hikikomori and help them socialize.

4. Handa-kun, 2016

Handa is the son of a renowned calligrapher. The young man is also known for his talent in this art form. Although Handa is creative, he is terrible at communicating with people and understanding their feelings and emotions.

He mistakes fan letters for death threats and sees only anger and malice in the admiring glances of his classmates. Handa believes that everyone around him hates him, but he couldn't be more wrong.

He has already become a local celebrity and an object of universal adoration. But Handa himself does not know this. His classmates do not give up trying to befriend him.

Dandadan surprised viewers with eccentric and absurd scenes, charismatic characters, as well as unusual ghosts and aliens.

If you don't know what to watch after this bright shonen, we present a list of interesting anime titles that are similar in mood and concept to Dandadan.

1. Mieruko-chan, 2021

A high school girl named Miko Yotsuya suddenly gains the ability to see ghosts, spirits, and other undead creatures. And that's only half the problem. The main problem is that she shouldn't show these otherworldly creatures that she can see them.

Miko tries her best to pretend that she doesn't notice anything or anyone. But it's not so easy to live the life of a normal high school girl when ghosts are appearing all around you.

2. Space Dandy, 2014

An alien hunter named Dandy travels the universe in his spaceship, accompanied by an old robot and an alien cat. They search for unknown life forms, rare aliens and other unusual creatures to send to the Space Registration Center for a reward.

Space Dandy is a kind of parody of many space adventure anime, poking fun at the genre's most popular tropes.

3. Kill la Kill, 2013-2014

Ryuko Matoi enrolls in the Honnouji Academy to find her father's killer. Armed with half a pair of giant scissors and wearing a school uniform made of magical threads, she breaks into the academy.

But this is no ordinary school. A student's status is determined by their uniform, which gives them enormous powers. All this is run by the president of the student council, Satsuki Kiryuin, who Ryuko believes was involved in her father's death.

Kill la Kill is a confrontation between two schoolgirls, battles with club leaders, a fight for survival and the complete absurdity of what is happening.

4. Mob Psycho 100, 2016-2022

Shigeo, nicknamed Mob, is a very powerful psychic: he can lift objects with his mind, bend spoons, and so on. But Mob himself is not very happy about it.

Not only do his powers have to be constantly controlled, but they also cause problems on a regular basis. Mob cannot show emotions, because then his destructive power could break out and destroy the world.

The boy is helped by his mentor Arataka Reigen – a self-proclaimed clairvoyant without any special powers, who is more trouble than real help.

5. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, 2023

A young and ambitious guy, Akira, has found the company of his dreams. Or so he thought, until he started working there. Who knew that employees don't have a minute to rest.

Three years have passed and Akira literally lives in the office. But one day, the man realizes that he doesn't need to go to work, because the city has been taken over by hordes of zombies.

It turns out that the zombie world is much freer than the human world, and now Akira is determined to fulfill a hundred of his wishes that he never had time to think about before.

2024 has given the anime community not only major premieres, but also a number of hidden gems. Despite their bold artistic decisions and narrative depth, these projects risk remaining in the shadow of the mainstream.

1. Girls Band Cry, 2024

Nina Iseri is a school dropout and runaway who arrives in Tokyo. To her surprise, she is not greeted warmly but with the cold indifference of the big city.

After finding herself on the street at night, the confused girl crosses paths with Momoka Kawaragi, a former member of her favorite band, Diamond Dust.

This encounter makes Nina rethink her life and exposes her emotional wounds. She is faced with a painful choice: a safe academic life or a risky career in music. Although there is no answer yet, deep in her heart, the sound of real rock is already resonating.

2. Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season, 2024

The story begins with an unusual encounter. When high school student Koyomi Araragi's classmate, Hitagi Senjogahara, falls onto him, he is surprised to find that she is practically weightless.

Their acquaintance continues in a peculiar manner – the girl hits him on the head with a stapler. Afterward, she reveals a terrible truth, which draws Araragi into a series of supernatural events. The first event is an attempt to help Hitagi find a specialist in such anomalies.

3. Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night, 2024

Set in the bustling Shibuya district, the series follows four talented girls – an illustrator, an idol, a composer, and a VTuber – who come together to form the band JELEE.

The band's unique professions and vibrant personalities form the basis of a plot that combines creativity, modern trends, and inspiring moments.

The project stands out for its fresh approach to exploring the lives of idols, musicians, and content creators in relation to current issues.

4. Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary, 2024-...

Following an unpleasant incident at their graduation, high school students Jogoro Kobato and Yuki Osanai made a promise to themselves.

They planned to spend their senior year quietly and unnoticed, becoming model students who avoided any trouble. However, their plans are ruined when the school's secrets and strange occurrences begin to haunt them.

Kobato tries his best to stay out of the spotlight, but his keen observational skills constantly draw him into detective stories. Meanwhile, Osanai's reserved facade clearly hides more than just a desire for a quiet life.

Are you tired of Naruto and Attack on Titan? The world of anime is full of exciting stories that have flown under the radar of the viewers.

1. Odd Taxi, 2021

A phlegmatic walrus drove a taxi and chatted with customers. One day, the daughter of a Yakuza leader hid in his house. A hired killer and the police came for the taxi driver, but he did not lose heart or abandon his favorite job. Thus, the walrus became involved in several more stories.

Oddl Taxi does not look like a typical anime. Relying on witty dialogue in the spirit of Quentin Tarantino's films, it is reminiscent of BoJack Horseman.

2. The Fable, 2024

The legendary killer Fable and his partner exceeded their plan and attracted unnecessary attention. At the boss's orders, the mercenaries assumed the identities of a brother and sister and were sent on a forced vacation to Osaka for a year. The main condition is not to kill anyone.

The Fable is the main hidden gem of 2024. The series portrays an invincible killer who adapts to ordinary life and escapes difficult situations without causing any casualties.

3. Link Click, 2021-...

Employees of the Time photo studio traveled through clients' photos and fulfilled their requests, such as finding a password or recipe.

Lu Guang directed their actions and Cheng Xiaoshi penetrated the photographers' souls, controlling them on missions no longer than 12 hours. Any mistake could alter the future.

This touching series is reminiscent of Inception, but leans closer to fantasy due to the main characters' supernatural abilities. The series captivates with its easy narrative and the friendly chemistry between Lu and Cheng.

4. Kingdom, 2012

The orphans Xin and Piao played with wooden swords and dreamed of becoming great Chinese generals. One day, a minister passed through their village.

He noticed the resemblance between Piao and the young emperor and invited the boy to the palace to serve as his double. During a riot Piao died. Xin promised to avenge his friend and fulfill their dream.

The adaptation of the popular manga had a weak start due to the questionable 3D effects, and it almost ended after two seasons. However, it made a great comeback in 2020. Kingdom is a combat shonen with battle strategies and conversations on complex topics.

5. The Tatami Galaxy, 2010

After two years at university, the unnamed main character was disappointed with student life. He unsuccessfully joined the tennis club, befriended the rude boy Ozu, and never mustered the courage to confess his feelings to Akashi.

At a noodle shop, he met the god of marriage and decided to fix his situation. However, he failed and ended up in a time loop.

In The Tatami Galaxy, the challenges of growing up are explored. The main character is fixated on his dreams but does not dare make a choice, instead blaming others.

Cyberpunk and Japan have always been closely linked. The genre's aesthetics were largely inspired by Asia's neon signs and megacorporations.

Anime has many cyberpunk plots to suit every taste, from classic stories about betrayal and corporate ethics to wild creations in which technology fades into the background.

1. No Guns Life, 2019-2020

During another war, people began upgrading their bodies, turning themselves into deadly weapons. In the case of Juzo Inui, this was quite literal; he has a giant gun instead of a head.

Although the bloodshed ended, the fashion for cyber modifications did not, and their owners tried to adapt to peaceful life. Inui became a "resolver," using his pistol to solve the problems of a metropolis filled with cyber-modernized people.

This tough loner will face off against fighters with new deadly devices, corporate conspiracies, and a young man named Tetsuro who can control people like Inui remotely.

2. Yurei Deco, 2022

In the not-so-distant future, humanity lives in a smart metropolis on an island. The defining feature of this new era is a device called a "deco," which allows you to experience a world full of virtual wealth.

You can change the appearance and "themes" of the city by earning "love," through taking successful selfies or doing boring regular work. Digital harmony is disturbed only by the mysterious Phantom Zero, who appears out of nowhere to steal citizens' accumulated "love."

Berry's malfunctioning deco leads her to track down the mysterious entity. First, she meets Hack, who prefers to live outside of algorithms. Then, she introduces Berry to a whole team of detectives struggling to catch Zero.

3. Battle Angel, 1993

The megalopolis of Zalem hovers high in the sky, literally raining waste on the residents of the post-apocalyptic city of Scrap Iron below.

One day, local cyberdoctor Ido finds a gynoid wreckage in a landfill. He fixes it and names it Gally. Gally does not remember anything about her past life, but she quickly adapts to a world where everyone has mechanical prostheses. Meanwhile, a real hunt is underway for human spines and brains.

However, nothing scares Gally, and one of the skirmishes reveals that she is a perfect killing machine.

4. The Animatrix, 2003

AI gained freedom and started a war with humanity. The Earth became a territory of eternal twilight where most people serve as batteries for the latest cyber devices and rebels hide in fortified underground cities.

On this timeline, there are stories about the duel of pragmatism and faith, the willingness to surrender, and the desire for freedom. There are noir detective stories about the pursuit of Trinity and a school hacker, as well as a story about a house where a glitch in the matrix led to a distortion of gravity.

The creators of The Matrix decided to build on the success of the franchise while paying tribute to the industry that inspired them. They made the anthology Animatrix, in which each episode tells its own story.

There are many reasons we love anime: the bright colors, the charming characters, and the incredible emotions. This time, we have collected the perfect full-length anime series to make you cry.

1. Ride Your Wave, 2019

Hinako moves to a coastal town to attend college and pursue her favorite hobby, surfing. There, she meets a young firefighter named Minato. They develop strong, sincere feelings for each other. Minato shows Hinako around town, and she teaches him how to surf.

Their happiness does not last long, however, as Minato dies saving a drowning man during a storm. Hinako is left alone in a world without love. Soon, however, something strange happens: Hinako begins to see Minato in the water.

This is not so much a love story as it is a story about accepting the inevitable and letting go of what is dearest to the heart. How does one live if their beloved has died? Can you cope with such a loss?

2. Weathering with You, 2019

Hodaka Morishima, a teenager, runs away to Tokyo without money, documents, or a place to stay. Fortunately, he finds a temporary home and a job writing for tabloids.

Since the boy arrived in the capital, it has been raining nonstop. One day, he meets Hina Amano, a young shaman who can summon the sun.

Together, they start a small business offering good weather on demand. Then, the police begin to take an interest in Hodaka. The tender relationship between the two main characters, their joint adventures, and their dramatic parting will not leave anyone indifferent.

3. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, 2018

Maquia is a girl from the immortal Iorph tribe. This dying, isolated tribe was engaged in producing special ribbons of life. However, due to the war between the kingdoms, Maquia's home was destroyed and her friends were killed or captured.

Desperate, Maquia unexpectedly took in an abandoned baby. Little Ariel became her new purpose. But can an immortal be a mother to someone whose life will be shorter?

This is a story about deep, unconditional, and all-encompassing maternal love, as well as human greed and its consequences.

4. A Silent Voice: The Movie, 2016

The main character, Shoya Ishida, bullies his new classmate, Nishimiya, because she is deaf. As a result, she is forced to transfer to another school. However, as often happens, the aggressor himself becomes a victim of bullying.

Ultimately, Ishida is blamed for the abuse. His classmates ostracize him, and he withdraws into himself, contemplating suicide. Before doing so, however, he wants to atone for his actions with Nishimiya. Their meeting changes both of their lives.

You will feel sorry not only for Nishimiya, who is deaf and must somehow live and socialize in a world inaccessible to her, but for everyone. This includes Ishida, who initially seems like a terrible child.

The third season of Fire Force is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, and it is one of the best anime of the spring season. We'll tell you what makes the series interesting and what lies beneath the shell of a typical shonen anime.

What Is Fire Force About?

Two centuries ago, a large-scale fire, the Great Cataclysm, fell on Earth. Civilization was saved by a man who found an untainted flame. With its help, people created Amaterasu, a thermal power plant on which the Tokyo Empire is based.

However, a new problem has emerged: spontaneous combustion transforms random individuals into infernals, or fire monsters.

The main character is Shinra Kusakabe, a rookie in the Special Fire Force Company 8 who can generate fire from his legs. Kusakabe lost his family in childhood.

His mother and brother burned to death in a fire, and society blamed him for it. During his first days of service, Shinra is approached by a mysterious man who gives him a clue about the circumstances surrounding a fire that occurred twelve years ago.

Fire Force Is Not Your Typical Shonen Title

At first glance, Fire Force is a typical shonen anime. The protagonist dreams of becoming a hero and is on a team of outsiders who fight an incredible threat. However, the series becomes much more interesting when you delve into the context.

Each of the eight special forces occupies its own niche in the state system and is unique. The First brigade is subordinate to the local church; the Second, to the Tokyo army; and the Eighth, although assigned to the church, is, in reality, a team of rebels who remain unbiased.

Fire Force Will Hook You With Its Gripping Detective Mystery

A cleverly twisted detective plot plays an important role in the series. The Tokyo Empire system is based on the power of three organizations: the church, the monopoly corporation, and the army – that is, faith, money, and force.

If even one of these pillars is broken, chaos will ensue, and each agency definitely has something to hide. The characters gradually pull on many strings, and with each arc, they get closer to a mystery rooted in the distant past.

Spontaneous combustion, the Great Cataclysm, Amaterasu, and fire abilities – what if all these things are connected? Following the investigation is extremely exciting.

Season 3 Is Even Better Than the Previous Two

So far, half of the episodes from the third season have been released. The five-year hiatus has clearly benefited the series – the animation quality has improved significantly.

Fire Force now combines 2D and 3D animation styles even more skillfully, giving the picture necessary dynamics during and outside of battle scenes.

So now is the perfect time to start watching Fire Force.

The first films about undead creatures that drink blood and are afraid of sunlight appeared as early as 100 years ago. Since then, vampires have continued to appear on screens.

Everyone knows the legendary vampire Dracula, but his image and the stories about other vampires have changed many times over the years.

1. Blood Lad, 2013

Hell is an unpleasant place, even for its inhabitants. Demon gangs rule there, and clashes between rival groups are common on the streets. Staz is the powerful leader of one of these organized crime groups.

He has long lost interest in politics and loves artifacts from the world of the living, especially games and anime. One day, an ordinary schoolgirl named Fuyumi appears in Hell and immediately attracts Staz's attention.

However, Hell is a dangerous place, and the girl quickly loses her life and turns into a ghost. Staz decides to help her get her body back and learn more about the world above at the same time.

2. Delico's Nursery, 2024

Four Victorian aristocrats must balance important government work with raising orphans. The plot of the story is based on a detective story involving vampires.

Vampire murders are occurring all over the country, and all the evidence points to the progenitor of the bloodsuckers himself. The heir to the ancient Delico family and his friends must unravel an anti-vampire conspiracy.

3. Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut, 2021

The story takes place in an alternate era after World War II. The world is divided between two superpowers: the Union of Zirnitra Socialist Republics and the United Kingdom of Arnack.

Both countries are involved in a fierce space race. After successfully launching a dog into space, the scientists decide to send a vampire into Earth's orbit next.

The anime's main characters are the misanthropic vampire Irina and the dreamy astronaut Lev Leps. Irina hates people because they treat her like an evil spirit and dreams of escaping to the moon. Lev has dreamed of space travel since childhood and hopes to visit it someday.

4. Hellsing, 2001-2002

After encountering Dracula, Van Helsing established the Hellsing anti-vampire organization. Founded over a hundred years ago, it is now run by Lady Integra Hellsing. Dracula, who changed his name to Alucard, serves her loyally and helps her fight dark forces.

The characters learn of the Millennium Group's existence. Along with police officer Victoria Seras and the family's elderly butler, Walter, Alucard and Integra must engage in a bloody war on the streets of London.

5. Shiki, 2010-2011

A series of monstrous deaths shakes the picturesque mountain village of Sotoba. Local doctor Toshio Ozaki tries to find the cause of the epidemic and is assisted by Natsuno Yuuki, a schoolboy who recently moved to the area. They soon realize that a virus is not killing people; rather, creatures living in an old aristocratic house on a hill are responsible.

Shiki is a horror title with classic, unfriendly, bloodthirsty vampires and murders. It starts calmly and accelerates slowly, but by the end, it turns into a bloody slasher.

Many fans of Japanese culture know that anime plots can be so absurd that they lose their meaning entirely. But it's not just the stories that can be strange; the titles can be too. We discussed such titles and explained what they are really about.

1. Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?, 2019-2020

The plot revolves around a government project aimed at improving relationships between children and their parents. The latest technology allows users to place relatives in a computer game. This is what happens to teenager Masato Oosuki and his mother, Mamako Oosuki.

They become beta testers. The only way to escape the fantasy world is to complete the main mission: finding a common language.

2. Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon, 2023

The poor young Boxxo was crushed to death by a vending machine and was reborn in a fantasy world. However, he is not reborn in a human body, but rather in the form of the vending machine that killed him.

Although he can no longer speak, Boxxo proves to be very useful in the dungeon because he possesses many skills.

3. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, 2018

Though the title sounds like a horror synopsis, the plot actually tells the tragic story of friendship. One day, Haruki Shiga, a high school student, finds a personal diary.

It turns out that it belongs to Sakura Yamauchi, a girl with a failing pancreas. After learning about her fatal illness, Haruki decides to get closer to Sakura, even though they are very different.

4. FLCL, 2000-2001

Naoto Nandaba is an unremarkable twelve-year-old boy. He doesn't enjoy his life as a teenager until he meets someone who turns his whole life upside down.

One day, Haruko Haruhara hits Naoto with a motorcycle and hits him over the head with a guitar. As a result, she gets a job as a maid in his house. From that moment on, inexplicable things began to happen in Naoto's life.

The name of the series, which is deciphered as Fooly Cooly, does not have a specific meaning. However, this combination of sounds is associated with many similar Japanese words.

5. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai, 2018

The story follows the adventures of an ordinary schoolboy and a beautiful actress. One day, Sakuta Azusagawa meets a girl in a rabbit costume in the library – Mai Sakurajima.

She explains that she dressed provocatively to attract attention. For some reason, no one around her can see her. Sakuta decides to uncover this secret and find out why people do not notice her.

As monsters become more terrifying and cunning, anime heroes must find more ways to defeat them. To do this, they must level up themselves, study viruses, confront various gods, and find new ways to survive.

1. Solo Leveling, 2024-...

An alternate universe where magic has seeped in, and with it, bloodthirsty monsters that even the military cannot defeat. For ten years, portals to the dungeon world have been appearing all over the world.

To prevent monsters from entering the human world, you must defeat the main boss. Only hunters with supernatural powers can do this. Hunters are divided into levels, with the E rank being the lowest level, and the strongest S rank allowing hunters to change the balance of power in the world.

Jin-woo cannot even deal with a weak monster because he has the lowest level. Everything changes when he goes with a team of hunters to a low level dungeon.

2. God Eater, 2015-2016

The plot of the anime takes place in the distant future, where humanity is fighting a deadly life form, the Oracle Cells, which consume everything in their path and take the form of giant monster gods.

They cannot be killed with conventional weapons, so humanity creates the organization Fenrir. Its fighters use divine mechanisms – living weapons created from Oracle Cells.

The main character, Lenka Utsugi, becomes the bearer of a new type of living weapon. After facing death and losing a friend, he hated monsters even more. This made him focus on revenge and the desire to save the dying human race.

3. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, 2016

Japan is infected with a dangerous virus that turns humans into aggressive undead creatures – Kabane. Defeating them is not easy: you must pierce their heart, which is hidden behind a layer of iron.

Firearms and steam weapons are useless against the evil monsters, so people build fortress cities, between which you can only travel by locomotive.

Ikoma, a young mechanic, manages to test a weapon he has developed that can pierce a monster's iron heart. He uses it when the undead succeed in breaking into the city. The attempt is unsuccessful: he is bitten and becomes a hybrid of Kabane and human.

4. Kaiju No.8, 2024

Giant Kaiju have been terrorizing Japan for decades. To fight them and protect ordinary people, an elite squad was created, as well as a cleaning team that cleans the streets after killing the monsters.

Kafka is a 32-year-old cleaner who dreams of joining the ranks of the defenders. One day, Kafka learns from a colleague that the Defence Force has raised the age for joining, giving him a chance to show his strength. But his plans change when a Kaiju enters his body and turns him into a humanoid monster.

Now the protagonist must do the impossible: pass a difficult selection for the ranks of defenders and hide his new identity from everyone.

5. The Most Notorious "Talker" Runs the World's Greatest Clan, 2024

Noel is the genius grandson of the most famous and renowned hunter of monsters that invade the world from the Void. All thanks to the opening passages – gates that appear when the concentration of mana reaches a certain level.

Noel wants to continue his grandfather's work, but fate has other plans: while others become assassins, masters of negotiation or informants, he gets the weakest profession.

He is the Talker who can boost the skills of monster fighters. Noel decides to gather the strongest clan of the best fighters to glorify his name and gain the status of the best hunter.

We tell you about anime that deals with life in virtual reality in one way or another. You will see stories of victories and defeats and exciting adventures of heroes in virtual worlds where real life may be at stake.

1. Log Horizon, 2013-2021

The excellent scores of this anime are fully justified: the graphics, the soundtrack, the plot – everything is top notch. The story begins with thousands of players of the popular Japanese RPG getting stuck online.

What was a fantasy game world becomes reality for them – and quite a hard one. A team of three characters – Shiroe, Naotsugu and Akatsuki – set out to find out what happened.

Along the way, they will have to figure out how the rules of the game have changed, build a new life, and understand how to interact with the local NPCs.

2. Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions, 2016

A man named Haruhiro wakes up in an unknown cave. He and all the other people with him remember nothing about themselves except their names.

After they are taken out of the cave and brought to an unknown city, it turns out that they are now all characters in a world called Grimgar. In order to survive, they must become soldiers and fight the monsters that have flooded the area.

The virtual world of the anime is beautiful and original: the artists worked hard on the high detail of the backgrounds, the rendering of shadows and highlights.

3. Btooom!, 2012

Ryota Sakamoto is going through a hard time: he doesn't study, doesn't work, and spends endless hours of his life playing his favorite online game.

In the virtual world of the anime game, Ryota is completely different. He is one of the best players in Japan, a role model for thousands of gamers around the world. One day, his two lives – real and virtual – merge: after falling asleep, Ryota wakes up on an island with no memory of what happened to him.

There is only a bag of grenades nearby, just like in his favorite game, and his hand still hurts from the chip implanted in it to track his location.

4. No Game, No Life, 2014

Shiro and Sora are a brother and sister who lead a reclusive life, disappearing endlessly into online games. They perceive real life in much the same way: just a game with its own rules that they are forced to follow.

But one day they receive a link to a strange website where a stranger offers them a game of chess. The reward for Shiro and Sora is teleportation to the virtual world.

5. Overlord, 2015-2022

When the developers suddenly announce a complete shutdown of the servers of his favorite game, Momonga cannot accept it and decides to go out with dignity: he gathers his minions in a large guild hall and, sitting on his throne, begins to wait for the end.

But instead of dying with the last downed server, Momonga somehow stays in the game – only he is transported to another world and becomes a powerful wizard.

The NPCs around him begin to behave like humans, accepting the player who remains on the server as one of their own. To understand what has happened, Momonga has no choice but to conquer the world of Yggdrasil.

In 2023, the anime series Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill began airing – isekai by Mappa Studio. The project is based on the manga of the same name by Eguchi Ren.

An unconventional story about the adventures of Tsuyoshi Mukouda is ready to offer the viewer a refuge from all adversities.

1. An Unusual Premise

The everyday life of a man named Tsuyoshi Mukouda consisted of commuting to work in a Tokyo office and doing ordinary household chores. But one day, he was miraculously transported to a parallel world.

Mukouda accidentally caught a spell: the inhabitants of the kingdom of Reijseger need help – only a group of heroes scattered across different dimensions can help with the impending attack of the Demon King.

While the rest of the summoned heroes were honored to become truly powerful warriors, Mukouda was given the most unusual superpower – access to an online supermarket. He can buy food directly from real Japan.

2. Valuable Cooking Tips

The special feature of the adaptation is the successful use of popular genres on YouTube and television. The story of moving to another world is spiced with the concept of mukbang and cooking videos.

Most of the plot is taken up by the fascinating process of cooking. While cooking, Mukouda gives good culinary advice and comments on each of his actions.

The creators approached the aestheticization of food with all responsibility: the animated steaks, sandwiches and fruits look very appetizing.

3. Unconventional Main Character

Unlike the other summoned heroes, Mukouda did not seek fame from the start. Mukouda is not characterized by bravery and courage, he is more calculating in everyday life and wise with his resources.

There is no crazy heroism in him, which seems very natural. Thanks to the nature of the main character, the whole story becomes more lively and believable – why should a mature person change his attitudes in another world?

4. Calming Genre of Everyday Life

Unlike typical stories about moving to other worlds, the series is not based on dangerous and exciting adventures, but on the image of everyday life.

This isekai offers viewers the idea of everyday heroism as opposed to extreme feats. Comedy and light narration without any special events create an escapist effect rather than a thrilling one.

There is no evil or fear, there are no dangers as such, but there is peace and harmony. And all problems are solvable.

We have collected the best anime about love – you will find touching stories about self-acceptance, comedies about gods, and titles about second chances.

1. Horimiya, 2021

At school, Kyouko Hori doesn't tell anyone that all the household chores and caring for her younger brother fall entirely on her shoulders. She is constantly preoccupied with adult problems, and the happy life of a teenager passes her by.

Izumi Miyamura doesn't show his true face to his classmates either. In fact, he is not a quiet person, but a rebel with piercings and tattoos all over his body.

Fate decrees that these two learn about each other's extracurricular lives. Kyouko and Izumi share a secret, and they grow closer every day.

2. The Tatami Galaxy, 2010

A nameless student thinks that all hopes for a fun university life have been dashed. He blames it all on Ozu, a strange and even creepy scoundrel and lazy person he met at a tennis club.

Ozu destroyed all of the boy's dreams, made him public enemy number one in the sports department, and even stole the only girl with whom he could have had a relationship.

Everything seems hopeless until he meets a man in a ramen shop who calls himself a god. The stranger gives him a chance to start his freshman year over, choose a different club, and try to correct the mistakes of the past.

3. Maid Sama!, 2010-2011

Seika High School used to be an all-male school, and its students were the terror of the entire district. It recently became co-ed, and Misaki Ayuzawa, the first girl to become president of the student council, has taken on the task of fixing the boys' school. She is an excellent student and an athlete, although she has no luck in life.

Her father abandoned her, her mother and her sister, so to earn some extra money, Misaki gets a job as a maid in a cosplay cafe.

There she is noticed by Usui Takumi, the main heartthrob of the school. Misaki expects him to start blackmailing her, but Usui unexpectedly keeps a secret and becomes a regular at the cafe.

4. Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It, 2020-2022

Shinya Yukimura and Ayame Himuro are graduate students together. Both are used to proving everything in life with scientific methods: their lives consist of numbers, data and statistics.

When Himuro confesses her love to her partner, he wonders how to test it. Then they decide to conduct experiments on themselves, trying to understand what love is and how to express it in numbers.

There are not many good romances about adults or students, so this anime is a real find. It dissects the genre of anime romance, just as the main characters try to dissect love.

5. Kamisama Kiss, 2012-2016

Because her father is deeply in debt, Nanami is left homeless. With only a suitcase, she wanders the dark streets, not knowing what to do, and suddenly meets a stranger in a hat. This man offers the girl to take care of his house.

At the address she is given, Nanami finds neither a house nor an apartment, but an old abandoned temple full of ghosts. And it turns out that she is now a goddess, which the main guardian, the fox demon Tomoe, is not happy about at all. But Nanami diligently takes on her new divine duties.

The filmography of the great Japanese auteur Hayao Miyazaki is full of masterpieces and choosing the most important among them is almost impossible.

However, Ana de Armas managed to do it – the actress shared her four favorite movies with Letterboxd and among them was Miyazaki's gem, Princess Mononoke:

“I was in Madrid and they were doing a series of Miyazaki's films weekly. And I just went and watched Princess Mononoke on the big screen, which I hadn't seen before, and it's just – I was just crying the whole way. It's stunning. It's beautiful cinema.”

What Is Princess Mononoke About?

After killing a boar, the young prince Ashitaka fell under a deadly curse. An old witch told him that only he could change his fate. And so the brave warrior set out on a perilous journey.

He found himself in a mysterious land where humans, led by the evil Lady Eboshi, were fighting the inhabitants of the forest: ghosts, demons, and giant creatures Ashitaka had never seen before.

And with them was Princess Mononoke, mistress of the beasts and daughter of a wolf. Now the fate of all depends on one warrior – Prince Ashitaka.

Princess Mononoke Is Hayao Miyazaki Greatest Masterpiece

If you want to see only one Japanese movie in your life, watch Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke. It will tell you a lot about the Japanese national religion Shinto, about the Japanese philosophy of life, about the Japanese Middle Ages, about the Japanese worship of wolves.

It will offer you a gripping epic about the confrontation between people and forest spirits, it will refuse to portray one side as absolutely right, it will introduce you to the most charismatic characters, both people and animals. And it will amaze you with impeccable graphics and animation.

Before The Titanic Release, Princess Mononoke Was the Highest-Grossing Movie in Japan

It will offer you a gripping epic about the confrontation between humans and forest spirits, it will refuse to portray one side as absolutely right, and it will introduce you to the most charismatic characters, both human and animal. And it will amaze you with its impeccable graphics and animations.

One of Hayao Miyazaki's greatest masterpieces, Princess Mononoke was made in defiance of critics who accused the director of being inspired by Western plots and of straying from his national roots.

The story of Princess Mononoke takes place in 15th-century Japan, during the period of maximum feudal fragmentation. Prior to the release of Titanic in 1997, Miyazaki's film was the highest grossing film in Japanese box office history.

There is one thing that all fans love – Easter eggs. There are numerous hidden details in the anime, often referring not only to the past and other parts of Naruto, but also to other movies and pop culture elements.

1. Pakkun Key Ring

There are many Easter eggs in the original Naruto anime that went unnoticed until some fans were super observant. This Easter egg in particular was a reference to a future episode of the series.

In Naruto Episode 20, the main character is seen opening his door, and on his keychain is a key ring. Attached to the keychain is a figurine of Pakkun the dog. Although Pakkun won't appear in the series until much later, this was a good hint that he would be there at all.

2. Guren in the Crowd

Aside from the main characters known for their powerful abilities, there are many strong supporting characters in the anime and manga, and one of them was hidden in the crowd in Shippuden, specifically in episode 479.

Guren, a powerful ninja, can be seen in the crowd gathered to see Naruto. She and several supporting characters who appear are among the spectators.

However, Guren's hairstyle and outfit helped to catch the eye of some Easter egg hunters.

3. Haku in Naruto: Shippuden

There are many scenes in Shippuden where there are large crowds of people, and as always, there are a few characters hidden among them.

Luckily, some anime fans have excellent eyesight and have found another Easter egg that is hard to see. In episode 183, a large crowd gathers after the virus outbreak.

In the crowd, viewers can see a character that looks like Haku. The way the character is dressed and his hairstyle clearly indicate that he is present in this scene.

4. Madara's Attack

Electro is one of Spider-Man's oldest and most popular villains. When The Amazing Spider-Man 2 came out, the character got a lot more attention because of his new look.

The Japanese movie poster featuring Electro turned out to be an Easter egg in Naruto, as the creator of the anime series himself stated that Madara's lightning attack in the poster was based on Electro's abilities.

5. Another Uchiha Clan Member

After the massacre, Sasuke was believed to be the last of the Uchiha clan. Or was he? In Shippuden Episode 359, Sasuke is sitting near a fence. As Naruto looks at him, a small child runs between them.

The boy has the symbol of the Uchiha Clan on his back. Is this the child of a member of the clan who wasn't present at the massacre? This was never confirmed, but it's an interesting Easter egg.

Lazarus can rightfully be called one of the loudest premieres of the spring season. It is hard not to notice the anime, if only because several star names came together in the project: director Shinichiro Watanabe, Chad Stahelski and studio MAPPA.

It looks like a dream title. On the screen there is a powerful visual, but there is nothing behind it. Here's why the new project of the famous director did not live up to expectations.

What Is Lazarus About?

Lazarus takes the viewer into the near future. Several years before the beginning of the story, the famous scientist Skinner freed humanity from pain with the help of the universal drug Hapna.

But the drug turned out to be deadly, and its creator unexpectedly disappeared with the antidote. To find it, a secret organization assembles a special group – the Lazarus team, which includes people with a shady past.

They have 30 days to find Skinner and use the antidote, or humanity is doomed.

Lazarus Is Not About a Gripping Plot, but Impressive Battles

The title tries to realistically portray people's reactions to the news of the impending apocalypse, and the philosophical subtext, questions about immortality and the value of life, provide the basis for an eventful plot with adult reflections.

But it is clear from the five episodes that have been released that the writers are not too interested in developing the idea. The story is just an excuse to show beautiful visuals, while the plot is driven by clichés and stereotypes.

All Characters in Lazarus Are Flat And Faceless

The characters are never revealed. Their past and motivations are only hinted at, and the rare flashbacks do not provide enough information to empathize with them during shootouts or another unsuccessful attempt to catch a crazy genius.

Watanabe uses well-known archetypes: a sociopathic hacker, a femme fatale, a smart guy with a difficult fate, an unapproachable altruistic scientist, but he does not bring his own original vision to them.

Maybe that will change in the next eight episodes, but for now, Lazarus isn't about the story. It's stifled by fights for the sake of fights and the characters' desperate attempts to find some kind of clue.

Lazarus Is a Must-See Only if You Want to Watch a Bright Action Show

Lazarus is a title worth watching for the visuals and the action, as the imagery, pacing, and production are all top-notch.

But the style doesn't always convey the story and the idea doesn't convey the development. The anime doesn't try to play with a well thought out plot with multidimensional characters, but has fun with the usual detective and action genre patterns.

We are all used to watching anime knowing that it has a primary source in the form of manga. It also happens the other way around, you really like the manga and you want to see how it has been adapted.

But sometimes the anime is the original script and the manga is just an addition to it.

1. Neon Genesis Evangelion, 1995-1996

There is a popular myth that Evangelion is an adaptation of the manga of the same name because the manga was published eight months before the anime, but this is a misconception.

The idea of the anime series still belongs to the director of the anime, Hideaki Anno. According to him, the idea for Evangelion came up during a difficult period in his life, when Anno was being treated for a long depression.

In the anime, he reflected on his entire experience of depression and social isolation, and wanted to share it with people who had similar problems.

2. Serial Experiments Lain, 1998

Serial Experiments Lain can be described as a philosophical and psychological anime on a par with Evangelion. Although such labels as cyberpunk classic and philosophical melodrama cannot fully describe the power of this work.

The main character is a schoolgirl named Lain, who has always been very withdrawn and uncommunicative. One day she receives an email from a deceased friend, and then events begin to take on a dramatic character.

The manga was quite successful, some of its parts were included in an art book that was also published after the anime.

3. Puella Magi Madoka Magica, 2011

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a destroyer of the canon of the magical girl genre. The story revolves around five little schoolgirls who live ordinary lives and suddenly become brave sorceresses who must fight evil witches in exchange for granting any wish. It seems that what can surprise the viewer?

A series of events occurs, and this cute story about magical girls turns into a real horror, where those who fully dedicate themselves to the fight against evil do not get what they deserve, and their sacrifices become in vain.

The manga, according to the readers, reveals the plot and the world of Madoka a little bit more. However, the world of the witches and the fight scenes in the anime turned out to be much better.

4. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, 2011

The plot of Anohana is based on a tragic event. A group of six friends broke up over the death of their mutual friend Menma.

The leader of the group, Jinta, felt enormous guilt for what had happened, and the others went their separate ways: one entered an elite high school, one rushed to travel, and one tried to live an ordinary life.

Menma's ghost suddenly appeared among the friends, and no one but Jinta could see it. The anime has not only a manga, but also a novel, and all of them were well received by the fans.

5. Darling in the Franxx, 2018

Darling in the Franxx was highly anticipated, as the creators included industry giants A-1 Pictures and Trigger. The manga was created in parallel with the anime, and it has some differences, especially the ending.

This is a post-apocalyptic story, where humanity is on the verge of extinction due to strange creatures called klaxosaurs, which began to appear from the ground and attack all living things.

As strange as it may seem, only children can stop them. The main character just failed the exam to become the protector of the Earth, when their Plantation was unexpectedly attacked by a powerful klaxosaur.

Many viewers underestimate the short form. But in a few dozen minutes, or even less, you can say as much as in a big movie, but more intensely. Especially when it comes to the Japanese.

1. Harmonie, 2014

Shy high school student Akio loves music and anime, and has long had a crush on his classmate Juri. She seems to ignore him because she is friends with the cool kids and already has a boyfriend.

One day, Juri's phone rings, and Akio memorizes the melody, which he can easily play. This music becomes the key to Juri's inner world, as she has had the same dream since childhood, and Akio is the only one who can understand it.

2. Kick-Heart, 2013

A wrestler enters the ring to earn money to rebuild the monastery where he lives. During a double match, he falls in love with the popular wrestler Lady M and now dreams of a one-on-one match with her. He doesn't even suspect that his love is actually a nun from his convent.

A 12-minute work by cult animator Masaaki Yuasa, known for the films Devilman: Crybaby and Inu-oh. This is one of the first anime projects whose budget – just over $200 thousand – was raised through a crowdfunding platform.

3. Shelter, 2016

Seventeen-year-old Rin wakes up in a room and uses a tablet to draw scenes that then transform into a 3D environment. Suddenly, her wanderings through colorful landscapes are interrupted by disturbing memories of her father. It turns out that Rin is living in a simulation, and the Earth has been uninhabitable for seven years.

The six-minute video was created by A-1 Pictures in collaboration with musician and producer Porter Robinson. His energetic electro-house track also provides the soundtrack for the movie.

4. Pale Cocoon, 2005

Humans huddle in an underground colony, the last refuge of humanity. Ura of the Archives Department obsessively restores records of the lost world, especially images of the sky and greenery.

His colleague, a girl named Riko, spends her days by the spiral staircase, near the steps that lead into the darkness. One day they find a video recording of a girl with a book, a strange artifact from the past. Riko believes that the past only brings pain, but Ura hopes: maybe there is still an island of green somewhere.

5. Someone's Gaze, 2013

A girl named Aya lives with her father, an office worker. Gradually they drift apart, Aya moves into a rented apartment, gets a job and drowns in the everyday worries of adulthood. One day, a phone call from her father makes her rethink her outlook on life.

This is an animation by Makoto Shinkai, who became famous in 2013 thanks to the feature-length works 5 Centimeters Per Second.

A short story unfolds before us through the eyes of a cat that observes the life of a father and daughter and notices how the relationship between them changes.

Alternative history is a common technique in science fiction that serves a variety of purposes: to reflect on past events, to convey complex emotional states, or to diversify the plot.

We decided to look at several different examples of titles working with historical fantasy – or alternate history.

1. Code Geass, 2006-2008

In an alternate future, the world is divided between superpowers. One of them is the Holy Britannian Empire, which has conquered America and Japan. As in all metropolises, the main danger comes not from external enemies, but from opponents of the regime.

Former Prince Lelouch Lamperouge, living under a false name, is preparing a revolution that will sweep away the existing world order with the help of the power of the Geass, which subjugates the will of other people.

The popular sci-fi by Goro Taniguchi and Ichiro Okouchi is a classic example of alternative history in Japanese animation, combining different time periods.

2. Mars Red, 2021

A demonic tale set in the Taisho period that attempts to explain the militaristic turmoil in Japanese history, when the thirst for power and domination spilled over the borders of the state.

Strict military police colonel Yoshinobu Maeda arrives in Tokyo to interrogate a vampire actress and ends up facing a global conspiracy.

Mars Red combines the theatrical expressiveness with a detailed panorama of the era. Not everyone can resist resentment and bloodlust – and in this dark reality, fragile humanity looks especially solemn.

3. Steamboy, 2004

London, second half of the 19th century. A father and son invent an almost perfect steam engine in America, bringing humanity closer to the era of steampunk.

However, during the experiments, the father decides that he no longer wants to work for a corporation and feed the militaristic ambitions of states, and therefore sends the drawings of the invention to his grandson, Ray, and now government and corporate agents begin to hunt the boy.

Katsuhiro Otomo, author of the iconic manga and film Akira, welcomed the new millennium with a fantasy about what we have inherited from the past century. Otomo depicts a clash of generations and worldviews: distant dreamers and their cynical sons meet in a duel for the future of humanity.

4. Ooku: The Inner Chambers, 2023

1716, Edo period. A mysterious red smallpox has wiped out most of Japan's male population, and all the key positions are in the hands of women. The first woman to become shogun is Yoshimune, whose gender identity is carefully concealed – especially from foreign guests.

The new Japanese reality is observed from the epicenter of political life by 19-year-old Yunoshin Mizuno, who joined the imperial harem in order to provide a decent life for the rest of the family.

The conversations and rituals of Ooku touch on the dynamics of power and gender identity, as well as the diversity of love. Despite the modest animation, the power of the plot, which focuses on people, their destinies, and their ability to adapt to new circumstances, still arouses interest in the period and the issues raised.

Watching an ongoing title means waiting for the release day every week, discussing the new episode with friends and knowing all the latest memes. We watched the most interesting anime of spring 2025 and tell you which ones are worth your attention.

1. Lazarus, 2025-...

Release Date: April 5, 2025

A brilliant doctor creates a drug that relieves humanity of pain. But after several years, the drug turns out to be a toxin that causes mutations.

Now people have only one month to find the mysterious doctor and obtain an antidote. This mission is entrusted to a team codenamed Lazarus.

Perhaps the most anticipated project of the season from a star-studded team. Produced by MAPPA, the studio that brought us Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, and directed by Shinichiro Watanabe – the creator of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

2. Zatsu Tabi: That's Journey, 2025-...

Release Date: April 7, 2025

The main character, Chika Suzugamori, is a talented manga artist on the verge of burnout. She truly loves drawing, but publishers keep refusing to buy her work.

One day, Chika decides to take a break and go in search of inspiration, letting her social media followers choose her destination. Thus begins her journey through Japan, where she learns to see beauty in simple things.

A leisurely and sweet series, similar in atmosphere and concept to Laid-Back Camp. It does not show the perfect Japan, but ordinary provincial towns, modest villages and places where tourists do not go.

3. To Be Hero X, 2025-...

Release Date: April 6, 2025

In this world, anyone can be a hero, as long as people believe in them and want to see them as a savior. However, public opinion also determines abilities, such as the ability to fly or teleport.

Therefore, every hero has his own PR team, which is responsible for his media image and reputation.

Lin Ling worked in such a team until he accidentally witnessed the suicide of the hero Nice. In order not to disappoint the public, Nice's PR team offers Lin Ling to be his replacement. Now the young man can fulfill his childhood dream – to be the best of the best, Hero X.

4. Anne Shirley, 2025-...

Release Date: April 5, 2025

The coming-of-age story of the dreamy and cheerful Anne, who has had her share of hardships. The girl is mistakenly taken in by a brother and sister: they need someone to do the housework, but they get an energetic dreamer.

Anne's irrepressible imagination is both her greatest asset and her greatest liability, but she learns to live with it. And she eventually finds the family and friends she has been missing.

Another interpretation of Anne of Green Gables, made with love for the original and respect for other adaptations of the novel. Compared to the Netflix series, the anime has a faster narrative pace, but this does not spoil the story at all.

But many equally worthy anime have been forgotten over time. Forgotten gems deserve to be rediscovered, whether for their unusual stories, unique animation, or bold ideas that were ahead of their time.

From post-apocalyptic worlds to upbeat comedies, here are five anime that each deserve a second chance.

1. The Vision of Escaflowne, 1996

An epic series that combines elements of mecha and fantasy. The story follows Hitomi, a high school girl who finds herself in the magical world of Gaea and becomes involved in a war between kingdoms. The rich world, complex characters, and beautiful animation make Escaflowne a true masterpiece.

Despite its international success, the series failed to gain popularity in the US due to poor dubbing and content editing. For fans of epic fantasy and mecha, this is a must-see project that still amazes with its scale and unique atmosphere.

2. Outlaw Star, 1998-2001

The anime takes viewers into deep space as Gene Starwind and his crew explore the galaxy aboard the Outlaw Star. The series offers viewers intense battles, charismatic characters, and unusual elements of mysticism.

Despite its quality, Outlaw Star is often overshadowed by its spiritual twin, Cowboy Bebop. Unique energy, atmospheric worlds, and an intriguing plot make this series an undeservedly forgotten masterpiece.

3. Darker Than Black, 2007-2010

Darker Than Black creates a dystopian world where a mysterious gate has altered the laws of physics and given humans supernatural powers. The protagonist, Hei, masterfully navigates espionage intrigue, moral dilemmas, and his dual existence.

The series is known for its noirish atmosphere, complex characters, and thoughtful storytelling. Although praised for its maturity and thoughtfulness, Darker Than Black quickly faded from view due to expiring licenses.

4. s-CRY-ed, 2001

s-CRY-ed takes viewers to a post-apocalyptic world where two characters, Kazuma and Ryuho, clash over their opposing ideals.

The series revolves around the concept of Alter Users, people with supernatural powers. Intense action scenes, vivid characters, and themes of freedom and control make the series relatable even two decades after its release.

Western audiences were introduced to s-CRY-ed through its run on Adult Swim, but its popularity was short-lived. Licensing issues prevented further distribution.

5. The Slayers, 1995-2009

The Slayers is a cult fantasy anime that follows the adventures of Lina Inverse, a powerful but restless sorceress, and her team. The series is known for its signature humor, witty characters, and dynamic magical battles.

The Slayers was extremely popular during its run, spawning five seasons, several OVAs, and feature films. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues and a lack of streaming on popular platforms, the anime has fallen out of favor with modern viewers.

Filled with an atmosphere of love and magic, My Happy Marriage features stunning animation and deeply developed characters that immediately attracted the attention of fans around the world.

For all fans of My Happy Marriage, we have collected four other similar romantic titles.

1. Horimiya, 2021

The main characters, Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, hide their true identities from those around them. Hori is a caring older sister and a shy girl, while she is popular and cheerful at school.

Miyamura, on the other hand, appears to be a quiet introvert at school, but actually has a bright and extroverted side that he shows outside of school. This topic of leading a double life and struggling to fit in with public perception is common to both anime.

2. Fruits Basket, 2019-2021

Fruits Basket and My Happy Marriage captivate viewers with their deep and emotional stories of loss, overcoming hardship, and finding love.

In Fruits Basket, Tohru becomes part of the Sohma family, where everyone faces their own challenges and secrets. The Sohma curse plays a central role, influencing the characters' relationships and the events in their lives.

Despite the difficult challenges, the characters find the strength to overcome their difficulties and support each other on their path to healing and acceptance.

3. The Ancient Magus' Bride, 2017-2023

The main characters, Miyo Saimori of My Happy Marriage and Chise Hatori of The Ancient Magus' Bride, both face serious challenges in their lives before their encounters with Kiyoka Kudou and Elias Ainsworth, respectively, change their lives.

Miyo and Chise find refuge in their relationships, but also an opportunity to rethink their place in the world.

The Ancient Magus' Bride immerses the viewer in a world of magic and mystery through the relationship between Chise and Elias. My Happy Marriage, while more restrained in its use of supernatural elements, also incorporates mystical themes.

4. Bibliophile Princess, 2022-...

The anime Bibliophile Princess is a fascinating story about a female protagonist who is not looking for love, but finds it in unexpected circumstances.

In both series, the beginning of the relationship between the main characters is not based on romantic love, but on practical considerations. Elianna Bernstein of Bibliophile Princess agrees to marry a prince in exchange for access to the royal library.

Similarly, Miyo Saimori in My Happy Marriage marries out of family obligation and pressure rather than personal desire.

These works often combine elements of Chinese culture, folklore, and modern technology to create unique stories and visual experiences.

In this list, we have collected five of the best donghua series that every animation fan should watch.

1. Against the Sky Supreme, 2021-...

The title immerses the viewer in a world of magic where the strong fight for power and immortality. The main character, Tan Yun, a talented young man, strives to reach the heights of power, despite the numerous obstacles and dangers he encounters along the way.

The plot of the series begins with a tragedy: Tan Yun's family is attacked and he miraculously survives. From that moment on, he decides to dedicate his life to becoming the strongest in order to avenge his loved ones and protect those he loves.

On his journey, Tan Yun encounters enemies, ancient artifacts, and complex mysteries that he must solve.

2. Swallowed Star, 2020

The story takes place in the distant future, when humanity is on the brink of survival due to a sudden invasion of alien monsters. The main character, Luo Feng, is an ordinary student who dreams of becoming the strongest warrior and protecting his family and friends from the threat.

Luo Feng decides to join an elite group of fighters to gain the skills and strength necessary to fight the monsters. His path to greatness is filled with dangerous challenges, brutal battles, and difficult decisions that test his moral and physical limits.

3. Battle Through the Heavens, 2017-...

The story follows Xiao Yan, who once possessed extraordinary martial arts and cultivation skills. However, his powers suddenly disappear, leaving him the object of ridicule by his peers and family. Despite all the difficulties, Xiao Yan decides to regain his powers and find out the reason for his downfall.

The story takes place in a world where martial arts and mystical energies determine the fate of people. The series explores Xiao Yan's persistent quest for self-improvement and understanding of the world around him.

4. A Mortal's Journey, 2020-...

Han Li discovers a hidden talent that opens the doors to the world of magic and supernatural abilities. His path to the pinnacle of power and immortality is full of trials, dangers, and difficult moral choices.

The world in which Han Li lives is filled with powerful clans, ancient artifacts, and ferocious monsters. Each new test requires not only physical strength, but also the ability to make the right decisions, build strategic alliances, and sometimes sacrifice his principles to achieve his goal.

5. Renegade Immortal, 2023-...

The story follows the life of a young man named Wang Lin who dreams of becoming a great master. He was born into a poor family, but through determination and perseverance, he decides to go through the difficult path of cultivation to achieve immortality.

The story begins when Wang Lin accidentally gets the opportunity to study at a cultivation school, where he faces brutal trials.

During his training, he finds an ancient artifact that helps him speed up his progress. The series immerses viewers in a world of magic, martial arts and spiritual quests, where every action has consequences and every decision can change fate.

The summer of 2025 promises to be hot not only in terms of weather, but also in terms of high-profile premieres in the anime world. We tell you about new seasons of your favorite series and long-awaited adaptations.

1. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2

Release Date: July 2025

Kaiju No. 8 is a gripping anime about humanity's struggle against giant monsters, where personal dramas, dreams, and choices are revealed against the backdrop of large-scale battles.

The story follows Kafka, an ordinary employee of a Kaiju cleaning company, who one day turns into a monster himself. Instead of giving up, he decides to fulfill his long-held dream of joining the Defense Corps and protecting humans despite his new nature.

His path is full of danger, inner conflict, and the fight for the right to remain human. The first season ended with everyone learning about the main character's true strength. All that's left is to wait and see what happens to him now.

2. Dandadan Season 2

Release Date: July 3, 2025

The finale of Dandadan Season 1 left viewers on the edge of their seats as it ended on the cusp of a new arc. Splitting the season into two parts was a strategic decision by Science Saru to maintain the impressive animation quality that has become the show's hallmark.

This approach allowed the team to avoid the risks that often lead to a drop in quality due to staff overload.

On July 3, 2025, Dandadan returns with a new arc centered around the mysterious character Jiji and the incredibly powerful yokai named Evil Eye.

3. Gachiakuta

Release Date: July 2025

Rudo lives in the slums of a floating city, where the poor struggle to survive under the weight of poverty, and the nobility live in luxury, thoughtlessly throwing all their garbage into the gaping abyss. But one day Rudo's life collapses – he is falsely accused of murder and thrown into the depths of hell as punishment.

There, among the monstrous garbage creatures of the Pit, he must find new allies, master a mysterious power, and join the ranks of the Cleaners to take revenge on those who banished him.

4. Grand Blue Season 2

Release Date: July 7, 2025

Grand Blue is a bright comedy anime about college life, where crazy parties, ridiculous competitions and friendly pranks go hand in hand with a true love of diving.

Iori moves to a coastal town to start a new life: studying at a university, making new friends, taking his first steps into adulthood. But his plans fall apart on his first day, when he finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of events organized by members of the local diving club.

And finally, after seven years of waiting, Grand Blue is back. The second season of the anime is scheduled for release on July 7, 2025.

5. The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 4

Release Date: July 2025

The Rising of the Shield Hero is a fantasy anime about betrayal, the fight for justice, and the path of a hero who relies not on strength but on will.

The story follows Naofumi Iwatani, an ordinary student who, along with three others, is summoned to a parallel world as legendary heroes. But while the others are given powerful weapons, Naofumi is given only a shield.

After a treacherous betrayal, he is left without support, reputation, or means of survival. But by overcoming hardships and finding loyal allies, Naofumi begins his difficult journey to become a true hero.

The spring anime season has just begun, but there is already something to talk about. The new action series Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho will tell viewers about the confrontation of family ties, betrayal and tragic love.

Let's find out what is so remarkable about this anime.

What Is Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho About?

The first episode of the anime lasts about an hour – this is an introductory episode that immerses the viewer into the childhood of the main characters and the main conflict of the story. Brother and sister Jinta and Suzune leave their home because of their cruel father.

The reason for the disagreement is that one of the children belongs to the demon race. The girl hides her bright red eye behind a cloth bandage on her head. Jinta is not afraid of his sister's true nature, and she in turn is willing to follow her brother anywhere.

The children who ran away from home would have died of the cold had they not been found by a caring man. He brought them to the village and welcomed them into his family.

Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho Is Like Demon Slayer But Darker

The images of a caring brother and a sweet demon sister at the beginning of the first episode are reminiscent of Demon Slayer, but only at the beginning. The further development of the characters' relationships, the narrative of the series and the turning point at the end of the episode follow a completely different scenario.

The general concept of the new anime is still similar to Demon Slayer. The main character, having acquired an ancient katana, embarks on the path of a demon hunter, carrying out orders to eliminate demons.

However, unlike the shonen anime with its cheerful trio of Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu, the new anime is much darker. In Sword of the Demon Hunter, the main character appears as a serious, reasonable and reserved person who has to go through a difficult path alone.

The First Episode May Seem Slow, but the Pace Picks up in the Second Episode

Despite the emotional diversity of the first episode, the second episode is much more gripping and interesting. The main character responds to a call for help, meets people who claim to have seen a demon, encounters the enemy and kills it.

Although it sounds quite simple, the series itself is captivating because of hidden hints about the main character's past and his connection with the people he saved.

Where to Watch Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho?

All five released episodes of Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho are available to stream on Hidive Amazon Channel.

The spring anime season presented isekai fans with an adaptation of the popular webtoon The Beginning After the End. Only four episodes have been shown, and the series has already collected low scores and a wave of hate.

Let's find out why everyone is comparing the new isekai to Jobless Reincarnation and what is actually wrong with The Beginning After the End anime.

What Is The Beginning After the End About?

The main character was a strict ruler in his former life. King Grey lived in a modern and technologically advanced world where there was no magic, but there was Ki – a life force that allows you to strengthen the body and weapons.

The hero's life ended mysteriously, after which he found himself in the body of a newborn. Reborn in another world, little Arthur (as the former king is now called) decided to build up his strength from an early age.

There is no Ki here, but there is mana – a magical power that every hundredth person possesses. Luckily for the boy, his parents and himself are among them.

Is The Beginning After the End Another Isekai in the Spirit of Jobless Reincarnation?

If, after watching the first episode of the anime or the first chapters of the webtoon, you have a feeling of déjà vu and think that you imagined it, then no. The similarities to Jobless Reincarnation are obvious, but only at the beginning.

The main character is reborn, learns about the world and magic even before he can walk, reads books and shows the world his young genius – so far everything is without visible differences.

Then the boy is separated from his parents and searches for a way to them, which of course takes some years – and here everything comes together. And the main character of The Beginning After the End also finds his blonde elf, only her name is not Sylphy, but Tessia.

This is where the main similarities with Jobless Reincarnation end. In his personality, the main character of the new isekai is the complete opposite of Rudeus.

Arthur is brave, decisive, responsible and decent in his new life, whereas the former king was characterized by cruelty and cold-bloodedness. Finding a loving family has softened his character and given him new life values.

The Beginning After the End Is a Disappointment

The adaptation of the popular webtoon The Beginning After the End was a good idea, but the execution was very disappointing. The anime received a 5.4 out of 10 score from IMDb users for four episodes.

With such mediocre animation quality and sloppy storytelling, it is much more enjoyable to read the webtoon. Not only does the anime fail to live up to the expectations of webtoon fans, but it also alienates new viewers who were previously unfamiliar with the story.

There is little hope that future episodes will be of better quality and more dynamic. And you should definitely not expect cool action scenes like in Solo Leveling.

Solo Leveling, based on a popular Korean manhwa, has become the most talked about and promising title of the season.

Is there anything as exciting, with a spirit of adventure and spectacular battle scenes? Of course there is. Here is a list of anime series similar to Solo Leveling.

1. Shangri-La Frontier, 2023-2025

This is a dynamic story about adventures in MMORPG. Rakuro is a true connoisseur of crappy VR games, whose online does not exceed a thousand people.

Only this time he decides to play not another useless game, but the popular release Shangri-La Frontier. Rakuro has to get used to the top title, where there are none of the usual bugs and plot holes. He discovers that it is very interesting to play a high-quality and well-crafted game.

2. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, 2021-...

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is an anime in the isekai genre with a well-developed interesting world, colorful characters and dynamic battle scenes.

The main character is reborn in another world and begins life from infancy, gradually getting used to the new reality and learning magic. The young Rudeus discovers incredible abilities in himself: he can use non-verbal magic, in addition, his powers are many times greater than the charms of other people.

Despite his talents, Rudeus continues to study magical sciences and learns to use a sword. He will need all of these skills to survive, for a true catastrophe is about to befall the world into which he has been reborn.

3. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, 2015-...

This is a story about the adventures of a young adventurer who goes into dungeons again and again to fight monsters and earn a living.

Bell Cranel is an insecure young man who does not shine with talent, but tries his best not to die during dungeon expeditions and to become stronger. In this way, the main character is similar to Sung Jin-woo from Solo Leveling.

Both young men give their all in times of danger, showing courage, determination and strength. Bell, like Jin-woo, gains a certain ability that helps him level up quickly.

4. Gate, 2015-2016

Gate is a fantasy anime about a cruel world filled with endless battles. According to the plot, mysterious gates appear in Japan, through which dangerous, warlike monsters enter our world.

People manage to fight back, but they cannot close the gates. A detachment of special warriors goes through the gate and ends up in another reality. On the other side, the heroes face various dangers: encounters with wizards, monsters and other magical creatures.

The plot of the anime is similar to the main idea of Solo Leveling, where unknown gates also open, through which various monsters can enter the human world.

Dystopia in anime is first and foremost a setting. A melodrama, a detective story, a thriller, or even a comedy can be set against the backdrop of a dystopia.

But it is unlikely that the viewer will want to spend even one day in these depressing worlds, where class stratification, environmental catastrophes, and totalitarian government have long since become commonplace.

1. Memories, 1995

An anime anthology that paints three unpleasant pictures of the future. In the first, a group of space scavengers are held hostage by the memories of an opera singer.

In the second, an unsuspecting lab assistant accidentally turns into a weapon of mass destruction. The third describes a city whose life is based on firing cannons at an unknown enemy.

The author of the collection of short stories is Katsuhiro Otomo, the creator of Akira. Satoshi Kon co-wrote the script, and each short film was directed by a different person. The result is a stylistically diverse statement that unites the ideas of anti-militarism and technophobia.

2. Girls' Last Tour, 2017

Schoolgirls Yuuri and Chito travel through a war-torn civilization in search of supplies. They ride a caterpillar motorcycle, meet other survivors, remember the dead, and dream of a better life.

Girls' Last Tour is an unconventional and even provocative mix of dystopia and cozy anime. Who would have thought that life after the destruction of humanity could be filled with warmth and comfort?

This anime is an atypical representative of the genre, which cultivates a bright idea about the triumph of life even after global catastrophes.

3. Fist of the North Star, 1984-1988

After the devastating nuclear war of the 90s, most of the planet has turned into an endless desert. Humanity is forced to constantly fight for water and food in order to survive.

Kenshiro is the heir to an ancient martial art that can send an enemy to a quick and painful death. The man wanders through the ruins of civilization, trying to restore justice as best he can.

The scorched, cruel and unpleasant world of Fist of the North Star was a favorite of George Miller, the creator of Mad Max. The structure of the wasteland and the main character of the franchise are largely borrowed from this anime.

4. Texhnolyze, 2003

The underground city of Lux is a vast prison where antisocial individuals who are not welcome on the surface have been sent for many years. It is a filthy place, torn apart by a war between criminal gangs.

One day, Ichise, a fist fighter, gets involved with a woman from Organo, one of the three power gangs. Because of her, Ichise's arm and leg are cut off, and soon the man replaces them with technologically advanced prosthetics.

He sets out to avenge his pain and humiliation, but meets a girl named Ran and befriends Organo's leader, the honest and incorruptible Onishi.

Although the main topic of the anime is the humanity of technological progress, its style is more reminiscent of crime films and neo-noirs of the New Hollywood period.

Japanese folklore is a subject that can be explored endlessly. From urban legends such as the yokai to religious messages and imagery, all of these phenomena have found wonderful expression in anime and manga.

1. Theatre of Darkness: Yamishibai, 2013

Yamishibai is a dark anime series filmed in the aesthetic of Kamishibai street theater. Kamishibai is a street performance in which a story is told using a series of paper pictures.

In this anime series, each episode is dedicated to a separate story and the episodes are not connected to each other. All of the stories are based on either urban legends or Japanese mythology.

In each episode the viewer will find creepy stories about curses, ghosts and demons, which at the same time are not far from reality. After all, the stories take place in seemingly ordinary places: shopping malls, trains, and apartment buildings.

2. Beyond the Boundary, 2013-2014

In the universe of this anime, there are creatures from the spirit world – youmu. They enter the human world because of negative emotions. Youmu are opposed by specially trained people – Spirit World Warriors who protect humanity.

This story is about the friendship between high school students – the warrior Mirai and the half-youmu boy Akihito. Mirai tries to kill Akihito because she recognizes him as a youmu. She is always defeated because Akihito is immortal.

The relationship between the half-youmu and the warrior paradoxically strengthens over time as the characters get to know each other and go through various trials together.

3. To the Forest of Firefly Lights, 2011

The main character, six-year-old Hotaru, gets lost in the forest and meets a humanoid creature in a mask named Gin. Gin confesses that if a human touches him, he disappears because he is cursed.

Despite the danger, the two continue to spend time together and become friends. Hotaru grows up, and Gin does not age and continues to resemble a young man.

The couple tries to fight for the time they have together, overcoming the difficulties they encounter and the fact that they are separated by living in different worlds – the human world for Hotaru and the yokai world for Gin.

4. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, 2018

Aoi has seen ayakashi, spirits from the other world, since she was a child. She inherited this ability from her grandfather, who taught her how to live with these creatures in peace. An effective strategy for building relationships with spirits is to treat them to something delicious.

One day, Aoi meets an ayakashi, and he insists that Aoi must become his wife. He turns out to be the manager of an inn in the spirit world and also claims that Aoi's grandfather owes him a huge amount of money and that by marrying him, she will atone for her grandfather's debt.

Aoi, shocked by the ayakashi's offer, refuses and declares that she will work off her grandfather's debt by opening a snack bar for spirits in the other world.

On April 4, the third season of one of the most anticipated anime of the spring, Fire Force, began. The series returned after a five-year hiatus and confidently pushes the story of an unusual squad of firefighters to its conclusion. We tell you what the title is about and what is interesting about it.

What Is Fire Force About?

250 years ago, the planet was engulfed in flames, wiping many countries off the face of the earth – an event known as the Great Cataclysm. In his search for light, one man stumbled upon an untainted flame that saved human civilization.

With the help of sacred fire and technology, the Amaterasu Thermal Power Plant was created, which became the foundation for the formation of the Tokyo Empire. Since then, humanity has had one more cause of death, as spontaneous combustion has appeared, turning the victim into an infernal.

The main action takes place in the year 198, and special firefighting squads fight with the ignited people – there are eight of them. A new recruit named Shinra arrives to join the 8th Fire Force.

As a child, he experienced a terrible tragedy: his mother and brother were burned to death, and society blamed him for what happened. During his first days of service, the mysterious Joker claims to know the truth about the fire that took Shinra's family's lives.

Fire Force Is an Exciting Mix of Detective and Action

Many things in Fire Force are tied to a twisted detective story. By pulling on one thread, the characters begin to unravel a tangle that stretches back into the distant past.

It turns out that almost all of the events important to the plot are connected in one way or another. At the same time, an in-depth investigation does not begin until the second season, when the team has been formed, the characters and sides have been identified, some answers have been received, and the first skirmish with the antagonists is behind us.

The conflict in Season 2 becomes more global and elaborate, and the characters' faith is tested, which carries over into the third season.

Fire Force Is a Must-Watch For Every Fan of the Shonen Genre

It's too early to talk about the new season – only three episodes have been released so far. But based on the previous 48 episodes, we can conclude that the series is bright, dynamic and daring.

Fire Force uses popular shonen clichés, but at the same time it exaggerates them. Shinra flies across the screen with the speed of a jet rocket, bursts into battle at the last moment, fights with all his might, and sincerely appreciates every character in whose heart at least a spark of kindness glimmers.

Netflix has gained popularity thanks to its extensive library and a range of original content for every taste. And for anime fans, there are plenty of titles to choose from: action, romance, fantasy – take your pick.

1. Lu Over the Wall, 2017

High school student Kai moves with his father from Tokyo to a small fishing village. The only thing that makes the teenager happy in his dull school life is composing music and posting it online.

When Kai's classmates find out about his hobby, they suggest he form a band called Sieren. On the island where the boys gather to rehearse, the boy meets the beautiful Lu, who understands him like no one else. But there is one detail: Lu is not a human, but a mermaid.

2. Flavors of Youth, 2018

The film is made in the popular anime genre of the almanac, which consists of several short films linked by theme, place, or time. At the heart of Flavors of Youth are stories of growing up and leaving behind illusions.

A student in Beijing dreams of finding the childhood noodles he ate with his grandmother in the village many years ago; a model in Guangzhou tries to balance career and family; an aspiring architect in Shanghai finds a love letter on an audio cassette given to him by a friend.

3. Blame!, 2017

The action takes place in the distant future, where a rapidly spreading infection has caused humans to lose contact with robots. As a result of a code error, mechanical builders aimlessly rebuild the city, and guards who are supposed to protect the borders exterminate the locals.

A group of people manage to survive and hide in a closed settlement. This is where the refugees live, periodically venturing out into the outside world in search of food. One day, the chosen hero Killy arrives – he will give the power over the machines back to the people.

4. Miss Hokusai, 2015

Based on the historical manga of the same name, this animated movie tells the story of 23-year-old O-Ei, the daughter of artist Tetsuzo. The girl inherited her father's talent and often helps him by creating elegant paintings, but without her signature.

In the future, the man will be known as Katsushika Hokusai, the author of one of the most famous Japanese prints, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, but for now he is looking for a commission that will satisfy his thirst for beauty.

5. The Garden of Words, 2013

Director Makoto Shinkai is known for his movie Your Name, which became the highest grossing anime in the history of cinema. The master also had a hand in this movie: he wrote the story and script himself, came up with the storyboards, animated the keyframes and helped with the editing.

The Garden of Words is a short sketch about the relationship between 15-year-old future shoemaker Takao and mysterious woman Yukari. They spend every day of the summer together, but only when it rains.

There are brilliant masterpieces of anime in the horror genre that have long won the sympathy of viewers. Some anime use techniques to create fear so effectively that they surpass even live-action feature films.

1. Another, 2012

The story centers on Yomiyama High School, a place with a notorious reputation for being haunted. It all begins with a tragic event: the suicide of a student.

In an attempt to cope with their grief, her classmates decide to pretend that she is still alive. However, this leads to unforeseen consequences when they awaken a vengeful ghost that wreaks havoc and death. The victims include not only the students but also their families.

2. Mieruko-chan, 2021

In Mieruko-chan, we are introduced to Miko and her ghosts. We are immersed in a maelstrom of impressively detailed yet grotesque apparitions. Instead of being scared or fighting back, Miko combats these otherworldly creatures by ignoring them.

This deliberate act of denial creates a blend of tension and dark humor that sets the series apart from any other anime.

3. Shiki, 2010-2011

In a quiet, mountainous village, horrific murders begin to occur. Around the same time, a mysterious clan moves into an old castle on the outskirts of town.

While the plot may seem simple, Another is much more than just a vampire story. With its unpredictable plot twists, dark exploration of human nature, and masterfully crafted atmosphere of suspense, this anime is a must-see for any horror fan.

4. Theatre of Darkness: Yamishibai, 2013

Yamishibai draws inspiration from kamishibai, a Japanese storytelling style, to create chilling horror anthologies. This anime series features demonic creatures and delves deep into Japanese folklore through the lens of horror.

Yamishibai offers a world where traditional folklore meets modern horror. For horror fans, this anime is a treasure trove. Intriguing storytelling and mystical tales of ghosts and spirits will really scare you.

5. When They Cry, 2006

At first, When They Cry seems like an adorable story about carefree life in the countryside. However, beneath this deceptively hospitable exterior lies a dark secret.

The plot unfolds in the quiet village of Hinamizawa, where a traditional festival is held every year. But behind the festival's festive atmosphere lies a creepy legend, and mysterious murders and disappearances occur in the area on the eve of the celebration.

Kyoto Animation is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beloved anime studios of the past twenty years.

With an unrivaled talent for telling touching stories through stunning visuals and direction, nearly every anime they have created has received critical and popular acclaim.

1. A Silent Voice, 2016

The story follows Shoya, a school bully who tries to liven up his boring life. Into his life comes Shoko, a deaf girl who is being bullied by her classmates. When the principal intervenes, all the blame falls on Shoya and he is rejected by his classmates, including his friends.

Some years later, Shoya is a high school student. He seeks out Shoko and apologizes for his actions, but will she accept his apology?

2. Beyond the Boundary, 2013-2014

The story of Mirai, a descendant of a long line of spirit world warriors with a cursed sword, and Akihito, an immortal youmu, is full of unexpected twists and powerful emotions. Their destinies intertwine in a dance of life and death, where love and loss go hand in hand.

Lost in the depths of loneliness and despair, Mirai finds a ray of light in Akihito, just as he finds one in her, but their fragile bond is constantly tested by forces lurking in the shadows. Their meeting sets off a turbulent series of events that will force them to rethink everything they believe in.

3. Violet Evergarden, 2018

Filled with emotion from the first minute to the last, Violet Evergarden is a story of love and loss. Raised to be a weapon of war, Violet knows nothing but destroying enemies.

But when her dying commander, Gilbert, gives her his final message and confesses his love, she decides to embark on a journey to decipher the meaning of his words.

After accepting a job as an Auto Memory Doll, Violet writes letters for clients who are unable to express their feelings, and for the first time in her life begins to learn about the complexities of human emotion.

4. Clannad, 2007-2009

The anime follows a high school student named Tomoya Okazaki. Like most of his peers, Tomoya has to deal with various hardships in life. Luckily for Tomoya, he meets a girl named Nagisa who dramatically changes his life.

With the inevitable changes that come with growing up, feelings of loss and other heartbreaks that the characters go through, the anime gets realistically dark at times, so get your tissues ready.

5. Hyouka, 2012

Hyouka is an anime that crosses the line between detective and everyday life. It is a light detective series that tells the story of four young students with completely different personalities.

The eternally bored Oreki is forced to solve various mysteries thanks to his energetic classmate Chitanda, who never gives up. This is certainly the pinnacle of the everyday genre and an outstanding series that is a testament to the studio's mastery of creating great animation and atmosphere.

Anime with villainous protagonists forces the viewer to see events from a different perspective, where evil intentions seem justified or even noble.

Instead of fighting evil, these devious characters defeat their virtuous opponents, providing some of the most memorable villainous victories, all while pursuing their dark goals.

1. 91 Days, 2016-2017

The protagonist of 91 Days, Angelo Lagusa, saw his parents and younger brother murdered by the mob. He vowed to take revenge, even if it was the last thing he did. Along the way, Angelo inches closer to his goal, tracking down every mobster involved in his family's death.

Angelo's desire for revenge is understandable, but his endless thirst for vengeance makes him a villain. Still, Angelo is an interesting character, and the fact that 91 Days is set during the Prohibition era only adds to its charm, making it one of the best gangster anime out there.

2. Elfen Lied, 2004

Elfen Lied tells the dark story of Lucy, a representative of a special race of people – the Diclonius, on whom the government has conducted cruel experiments. When given the chance to escape, Lucy takes it, and two students, unaware of her terrible past and the government's sinister plot, decide to take her in.

Elfen Lied is a cult anime that lasted only one season, where Lucy's bloody and cruel actions cause real horror. In the end, she remains a victim, but that does not stop her from committing truly cruel acts.

3. Angels of Death, 2018

Angels of Death begins with Rachel waking up in a dark basement with Zack, a killer on the run. Despite his promise to kill her if she escapes, they team up to find a way out and regain their freedom.

As they go, they encounter increasingly unusual characters, and Rachel discovers her deep connection to this strange place, making her just as terrifying as Zack. Angels of Death is a dark and tense anime with a gripping plot that is well worth watching.

4. Code Geass, 2006-2008

The anime tells the story of Lelouch, who meets a mysterious girl named C.C. and gains Geass, the power of kings. With his newfound power, Lelouch embarks on a merciless war.

Lelouch's motives to lead a revolution and free Japan may make him a hero, but the methods he uses to achieve his goal make him a villain. Lelouch is a character of questionable morals, using the revolution as a cover for his own family problems.

5. Overlord, 2015-2022

Momonga is a powerful and fearsome wizard with loyal servants. The series takes place in the online game Yggdrasil, where he is trapped and forced to assume the role of the Dark Overlord.

This is an isekai anime in which the protagonist acts ruthlessly, viewing the characters around him as mere game NPCs rather than real people. His avatar itself is terrifying, but the villainous acts he commits take it to a whole new level.

Fantasy is one of the most popular genres in all fields, be it books, movies or TV series. Magic, alternate history, other worlds – all this can become an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the viewer and help to distract from the routine of everyday life.

1. Kaiju No.8, 2024

A 32-year-old janitor's dream was to join an elite squad for eliminating giant monsters, but after failing several tests, he resigned and became a disposer of monster remains.

Fate gives the man another chance: he gains the ability to transform into a powerful humanoid kaiju and finds himself in the crosshairs of that very squad.

We already saw something similar in Attack on Titan, but the series has a lot of original ideas. For example, one of the main storylines involves a kaiju that has learned to transform into a human.

2. Delicious in Dungeon, 2024-...

A fun adventure of a DnD group in a huge dungeon with cooking all kinds of monsters became one of the most talked about series of last year, not only because of the beautiful animation of the Trigger studio.

The dungeon here is not a static backdrop for the characters' journey, but a living world with well-thought-out relationships between its inhabitants. With each episode, you become more and more immersed in the lore of this world, which grows darker and more tragic.

3. Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction, 2024

An alien ship looms over Tokyo, but high school friends Ouran Nakagawa and Kadode Koyama are not particularly bothered by it, nor by the accompanying political fuss and military actions.

They still go to school, play games, and take exams. The girls cling to the old reality with all their might and try very, very hard not to notice what is happening around them.

The author of the original manga with the expressive title Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction, Inio Asano, is an outstanding classic of our time.

4. Dandadan, 2024-...

If you've only seen the first episode, you'll understand that the story of a humble conspiracy theorist possessed by an evil spirit and a rude psychic girl battling eccentric ghosts and aliens is a real treat.

The series has everything we love about Japanese animation: a crazy plot with a romantic touch, wild action, emotions turned up to the max, and stunning visuals.

It seems like the series had no chance of failing. On the one hand, the original source is from Yukinobu Tatsu, who helped Tatsuki Fujimoto with Fire Punch and the first part of Chainsaw Man. On the other hand, the Science SARU studio knows how to make really unusual and beautiful titles.

5. Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf, 2024

The main question that worried fans: Does a remake of the anime make sense 15 years later? And will it be able to convey the atmosphere of Lawrence and Holo's journey as accurately? Well, the first season does just that.

Director Takeo Takahashi, who returned to the title, carefully maintains the measured pace of the narrative and the intricacies of the trade. Special attention was paid to the animation of the wise wolf, which allowed her mood to be conveyed better and the witty dialogues of the main couple to be deepened.

In this list we have included only the best anime titles – not too long, but exciting and with a complete story. There are both dynamic action stories and emotional dramas, so everyone will find something for themselves.

1. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, 2011

The past cannot be changed, but can you learn to live with it? Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is a touching story about loss, friendship and growing up. The main characters were once inseparable, but a tragedy destroyed their childhood dreams and separated the friends.

Years later, the ghost of the past returns to remind them of unfinished business. This anime is not only about sadness, but also about hope – about how important it is not to hold on to the past, but to move forward by preserving precious memories.

2. Death Parade, 2015

Death Parade is an anime that stands out for its unique concept of the afterlife. Instead of the usual heaven or hell, the souls of the dead end up in the Quindecim Bar, where bartender Decim invites them to play deadly games.

The anime explores complex themes of human nature, morality and emotion. Decim, who initially judges the souls without emotion, gradually begins to understand that there is a human story behind every decision.

3. Odd Taxi, 2021

Odd Taxi is an anime where the grotesque style hides a deep and touching story. The main character, taxi driver Odokawa, seems to be lost on the long road of life.

Every passenger in his taxi is not just a random person, but a part of a big mystery that leads to the missing girl. Behind the outward simplicity lies a suspenseful plot that reveals unexpected facets of each character.

4. Kids on the Slope, 2012

Music brings people together, and jazz is a story of emotions conveyed without words. Kids on the Slope is a story of friendship, youth and self-discovery, steeped in the atmosphere of the 60s.

This anime is not only about music, but also about people whose paths cross and change each other forever. True friendship, first love, freedom of expression – Kids on the Slope is perfect for those who want to feel the magic of sounds and human relationships.

5. Erased, 2016

Erased is a touching story about lost time, the cruelty of the world, and hope. An adult suddenly gets the chance to go back in time and prevent terrible events, but will he be able to change fate?

This detective story, told through the eyes of children, makes you think about life, friendship and the value of human relationships, which we sometimes lack so much. Satoru will have to face the horrors of the past and fight for those he once could not save.

Anime and manga are increasingly taking their place in popular culture. If in the early 2000s they remained a niche entertainment for a handful of fans, then a few years ago the finale of Attack on Titan was almost more anticipated than the last episodes of Game of Thrones.

And of course, we should not forget that many works are also being adapted for the big screen.

1. Rurouni Kenshin Part 1: Origins, 2012

The 2012 movie raised concerns among many before its release: it seemed that the writers were trying to cash in on the popularity of the manga and anime, but in reality, everything turned out differently.

Keishi Otomo's film not only successfully adapted the first part of the manga, but also did a good job with the fight choreography and characters. Remarkably, the creator of Rurouni Kenshin Nobuhiro Watsuki himself praised the movie.

The success of the first movie was supported by the release of subsequent ones: in its completed form, the series has five films, the last of which was released in 2021.

2. Blade of the Immortal, 2017

Speaking of anime adaptations, we can't ignore Takashi Miike, an incredibly prolific master of Japanese cinema. Among other things, he directed Blade of the Immortal.

The huge manga fit into 13 anime episodes, and for the movie it had to be compressed into a few hours. As expected, this led to some simplifications.

But even with that in mind, the movie is still a blast to watch: Miike, in his typical style, created spectacular and brutal fights, which he combined with a fascinating narrative that holds the viewer's attention throughout the movie.

3. Death Note, 2006

Shusuke Kaneko approached the subject with all due care: the images of the characters were chosen quite close to the original, but the plot was changed quite a bit.

The plot is divided into two parts, and while in the first movie the changes are local, albeit strong, the second movie deviates completely from the original source. Suffice it to mention that Kira never gets new brilliant opponents and L himself finishes the job. But what remains unchanged is the brilliant detective plot.

4. Assassination Classroom, 2015

A school comedy with an unusual plot turns out to be quite traditional: a large part of the story is devoted to everyday life, in which the kids of a special class, where the most difficult students are sent, try to fix their lives with the help of an unusual teacher.

At the same time, the boys and girls learn the art of killing mysterious aliens. Everything is presented rather in the form of disparate episodes, for which you should be prepared: the original adhered to the same structure.

If you accept all the conventions, you will get an excellent comedy that manages to combine a light mood, moderate severity and touching moments.

In 2025, viewers will be treated to exciting animated movies, including many long-awaited sequels. We can expect dynamic action, vivid fantasy, a bit of horror and, of course, drama.

1. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Release Date: September 19, 2025

While viewers wait for the second season of Chainsaw Man, animation studio MAPPA offers a full-length spin-off. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will be released this year and will tell the story of Denji's romantic adventures.

The main character dreams of getting closer to the head of the Public Safety Division, Makima. Denji is confident in the sincerity of his feelings, but a meeting with a cafe worker named Reze makes his heart beat again.

What will the main character do? Will he stay true to his love for Makima, or will he decide to give free rein to his new feelings for the mysterious Reze?

2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle

Release Date: July 18, 2025

Since 2019, five seasons of Demon Slayer have been released. It's time to get closer to the end of the story, which will be divided into three parts in the format of a full-length anime. The first movie, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, will be released later this year. Ufotable is still responsible for the adaptation.

For five seasons, the main characters honed their sword skills, killed demons, and risked their lives to get closer to their main enemy, Muzan Kibutsuji. A thousand years ago, he turned into a bloodthirsty demon, created many monsters like himself, and caused the death of a large number of people.

At the end of the fifth season, the demon hunters found themselves in Muzan's lair, where the real battle begins. The trio of main characters, along with the powerful Pillars, will have to fight the Upper Moons and their leader.

3. Jujutsu Kaisen Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc

Release Date: May 30, 2025

Animation studio MAPPA decided to release a compilation of the first five episodes of the second season.

Viewers will once again be shown the story of young Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto at the time when they were studying. At the center of the plot is high school student Riko Amanai, who, although she does not possess the cursed energy, is of great value to the sorcerers.

Satoru and Suguru are temporarily assigned as her bodyguards, but from whom should she be protected? If you have not seen the second season, or if you have decided to refresh your memory of the arc about the youth of your favorite characters, then the movie is what you need.

Do you like to solve mysteries? Then these titles are for you. From elegant detective stories in the spirit of the classics to mystical investigations involving otherworldly forces, choose your mystery and get ready for unexpected plot twists.

1. Monster, 2004-2005

Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a talented neurosurgeon in Germany, is faced with a life-changing decision. Against the orders of his superiors, he decides to save the life of a critically injured boy.

This action leads to a series of inexplicable murders, and Tenma discovers that the boy he saved is not as innocent as he seemed. Now the doctor is plunged into a deep moral dilemma as he tries to unravel the mystery that connects him to this mysterious monster.

2. Paranoia Agent, 2004-2005

In this gripping anime, a boy on roller skates with a baseball bat attacks people, throwing them out of their familiar reality into a world of inexplicable horror. The series of attacks begins with a young designer who created an iconic animated character.

Two detectives take over the investigation, but the deeper they delve into the details, the stranger and more confusing the case becomes.

This anime will not only keep you on your toes, but also make you think about how modern society affects our psyche and how we sometimes choose the most unexpected paths to get out of personal crises.

3. Gosick, 2011

In the fictional country of Sauville, within the walls of the St. Marguerite Academy, in the library tower, lives Victorique – a brilliant but extremely eccentric girl with the appearance of a porcelain doll.

She is able to solve any mystery by simply collecting "fragments of chaos" and assembling them into a single picture. Together with student Kujo Kazuya, she investigates a series of strange crimes that turn out to be connected to much darker and larger secrets.

4. Psycho-Pass, 2012-2019

In Japan's future, the Sybil system can measure each person's mental state and predict their potential to commit a crime. Inspectors armed with special guns monitor the order, ready to stop those who pose a threat at any moment.

But what happens if the system makes a mistake? Or worse, when it works too well? Psycho-Pass plunges you into a world where the lines between law and justice are blurred.

5. Ergo Proxy, 2006

In a dark post-apocalyptic world where humans and androids live side by side, strange events begin to occur. Re-l Mayer, a brave intelligence officer, investigates incidents involving androids that suddenly have a mind of their own.

Her path crosses with Vincent Law, an ordinary worker who finds himself in a race with a mysterious monster called the Proxy. This anime is full of mystery and philosophical questions about what makes us human and how far we are willing to go in search of the truth.

At the end of the second season of Solo Leveling, fans were left in suspense. The epic battle with the Ant King was over, Jin-woo gained new strength, and frightening anomalies began to happen in the world.

We tell you if there will be a third season, when it will be released and what will be shown in it.

Will There Be a Season 3 of Solo Leveling?

So far, A-1 Pictures and the producers have not officially confirmed that a Season 3 is in the works. But it's probably only a matter of time.

Solo Leveling has a huge fan base: it's the most watched anime of 2024. Given its popularity, it's hard to imagine that the project won't be renewed.

Season 3 Estimated Release Date

Development of the new season has not yet begun, and director Shunsuke Nakashige is said to be busy with other projects. Therefore, the January 2026 premiere that optimists were secretly hoping for is unlikely.

Some analysts believe that the third season will be released in the first half of 2026 at best. However, there is no news yet.

The most realistic forecast is the end of 2026 – the beginning of 2027. The first two seasons of the anime were planned in advance. Aniplex originally ordered 25 episodes, which the studio divided into two parts.

Therefore, there was only one year between the first and second seasons – they were produced almost back to back. But the third season was not originally included in the contract. This means that its creation has to be approved and started again.

Also, the A-1 Pictures studio does not want to rush a sequel. For the sake of quality, they allocate additional time and resources: Key scenes of the third season are drawn with special care.

The plot is entering a decisive phase, and the creators understand that the ending of the story cannot be spoiled by rushing. If the team is given the time, viewers will get a thoughtful, spectacular and emotionally powerful season.

Solo Leveling Season 3 Arc & Plot

The third season adapts the Ahjin Guild arc from the original manhwa. According to the plot, Jin-woo decides to found his own guild. The third season will also touch on Jin-woo's family line. His missing father, Sung Il-hwan, suddenly returns from years of imprisonment.

At the same time as the boy's father, the legendary National Rank hunter Thomas Andre appears in the plot – one of the strongest people on the planet. His interest in Jin-woo can turn into both an alliance and a conflict.

Finally, the most important thing: mysterious creatures from outside the gate will appear in the world. Previously, monsters only entered the Earth through open portals, but now the rules of the game are changing. These new enemies are much stronger than the previous ones, because they are backed by otherworldly forces.

In anime, wolves are frequent guests, and not just werewolves and anthropomorphic creatures with varying degrees of wolfishness, but also wolf spirits, wolf gods, and even wolves themselves, doing their wolf business, not turning into anyone, but sometimes, well, talking.

1. Spice and Wolf, 2008-2009

One day a traveling merchant, Kraft Lawrence, discovers in his wagon a beautiful girl named Holo with a tail and ears, who does not look like an ordinary girl.

In the village from which Holo fled, she is considered a goddess of fertility, and every year a harvest festival is dedicated to her. The wolf girl herself is tired of this responsibility and begs the merchant to take her back to her homeland – the northern lands.

2. Masque of the Wolf, 2010

The family of the orphaned boy, high school student Hiroshi, moves to a small village in the mountains. The boy, responsible and wise beyond his years, is called Professor. He takes care of his paralyzed younger sister, while his father devotes himself to creativity.

When Hiroshi goes to a new school, he discovers that the locals carefully observe ancient traditions and rituals and do not recommend that Hiroshi cross the river and enter the old part of the village. The young man must break the taboo when people start disappearing.

3. Luger Code 1951, 2016

The main character here is a minor – and this time a real professor. The brilliant linguist Testa Lielbelle is able to learn any language, even though he is only 17 years old.

The young man is asked to decipher the code used in wireless communication, the so-called Luger code, developed by werewolves. Unable to do without a native speaker of the enemy language, Testa enlists the help of Yonaga, a werewolf girl with a human body and animal ears and tail.

4. Wolf's Rain, 2003-2004

In this anime, everyone knows that only wolves can find the way to paradise – through the scent of the moon flower. However, in the land where the story takes place, wolves have long since been exterminated or have learned to disguise themselves as humans – like the main characters Tsume, Toboe and Hige.

One day they meet the wounded white wolf Kiba, who refuses to hide his true nature, even at the cost of his life. He teaches them to accept their wolf selves, and together they set out in search of paradise.

5. Wolf Children, 2012

Hana met her first love and didn't know until their first kiss that her chosen one was a werewolf. The woman became pregnant, but the young father tragically disappeared from the life of the family.

Hana had to move from the city to the village, where it was easier to hide the growling children from prying eyes.

Here, on an abandoned farm, the children will grow up, understand their werewolf nature, and eventually make a choice: to become wolves and go into the forest, or to continue their lives among humans.

Korean animation is gradually emerging from the shadows and winning the love of viewers. Until recently, South Korean studios focused on creating animation for major international streaming services, but today there are more and more auteur projects.

For those who want to get acquainted with the developing animation industry in Korea, we offer a list of the best projects.

1. Seoul Station, 2016

An animated prequel to the movie Train to Busan, which has already become a classic of Korean animation. An old man bitten in the neck bleeds to death in an underground passageway near a train station, but passersby pretend not to notice him.

In the evening, the wounded man dies without waiting for help, and the body disappears without a trace. An epidemic has spread through the city, and a mysterious virus transmitted by a bite is turning people into zombies.

To save yourself, you must leave the infected area, but this is not easy because the government has ordered the area sealed off and no one is allowed outside.

2. Wonderful Days, 2003

The events take place in the year 2142. The world has been destroyed by an ecological catastrophe. The last stronghold of human civilization, the city of Ecoban, is located on a small island in the Pacific Ocean.

The structure of Ecoban is far from ideal: inequality reigns here, the rich exploit the poor, who are forced to work in inhumane conditions for food.

When the level of pollution began to decrease, the authorities provoked another ecological disaster, because the city functions thanks to energy obtained from contaminated waste. Will there be a hero capable of resisting this system?

3. The King of Pigs, 2011

Kyung-min and Jong-suk studied together and were the main outcasts of the class. They were cruelly bullied, harassed for their appearance and poverty. Growing up, the two men remained losers.

Kyung-min went bankrupt and killed his wife in a fit of rage. Jong-suk dreamed of becoming a writer, but was forced to work as a ghostwriter, writing other people's autobiographies.

The old friends reunite to pour their hearts out and remember another man of the past, Kim Chul, nicknamed The King of Pigs by his classmates.

4. Oseam, 2003

Five-year-old Gilson and his blind older sister, Gami, find refuge in a small Buddhist monastery. Gami lost her sight in a fire that killed their mother, and since then the children have survived only through the care of other people.

At the monastery, the brother and sister help with chores, and the monks give them shelter. However, Gilson's hyperactivity has become a real test of patience for the monastery's residents. Despite his carefree nature, the little boy misses his mother and is sometimes overcome by melancholy.

The monk invites the boy to spend the winter with him in the mountains to master the art of meditation. Gilson agrees, not knowing what the journey will lead to.

5. My Beautiful Girl, Mari, 2002

A schoolboy named Nam-woo is going through hard times because his friend Jun-ho is going to study in Seoul. One day, the two friends go for a walk and visit a small toy shop. There Nam-woo's attention was drawn to a glowing ball in which something alive seemed to be trapped.

Since the boy saw the ball, amazing things started to happen to him: he seemed to have learned to move into a parallel fantasy world where he meets a mysterious girl named Mari.

Although the girl does not speak, she has great empathy and becomes Nam-woo's guide to the land of dreams, where he can wait out all the hardships.

Lazarus, the new anime title, has been released on Adult Swim – it is a new work by Shinichiro Watanabe, a modern anime classic. If you liked the stylish and gripping story, then it's time to check out other cult works by the Japanese master.

1. Cowboy Bebop, 1998-1999

Jet Black, a former cop, and Spike Spiegel, a man with a difficult past, never thought their crew on the spaceship Bebop would grow. For them, the ship is both a home and a way to travel the universe.

But new companions have entered their lives: Faye Valentine, a charming adventurer; Ed, a young genius hacker; and Ein, a dog who may be smarter than many humans. Together they continue to do what they love – bounty hunting.

Cowboy Bebop is a unique combination of science fiction and mystery, with each of the 26 episodes telling its own exciting story.

2. Samurai Champloo, 2004-2005

The hot-tempered, sword-wielding vagrant Mugen and the reserved ronin Jin are ready to fight to the death, but they are constantly interrupted. The orphan Fuu makes them promise to postpone the duel until they fulfill her request.

They must help the girl find a mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers. Fuu knows nothing more about this man, but she is determined to find him.

Mugen and Jin reluctantly embark on a long journey through Edo-era Japan. Along the way, the trio encounters people who want to kill them, rob them, or enslave them.

3. Macross Plus, 1994

The year is 2040, humanity is at its peak, and two pilots, Isamu Dyson and Guld Bowman, fight for air superiority while virtual idol Sharon Apple prepares for a concert.

Many don't know this, but Watanabe was the driving force behind this OVA, which is considered by many to be the best installment in the Macross franchise. Released in 1994, Macross Plus tells the story of how the lives of three people become intertwined when the world is threatened by AI.

4. Space Dandy, 2014

Space Dandy is a unique project – it is a delightfully strange anthology show with images that clearly reflect Watanabe's ideas.

The anime follows the adventures of a group of space travelers, including a bounty hunter named Dandy, an alien named Meow, and a robot named QT. Dandy travels around the world hunting criminals, and each episode is unique in both genre and presentation.

Space Dandy becomes a kind of almanac of stories. It is almost an anthology, where the episode about the zombie uprising ends with philosophical reflections.

Although Netflix's Devil May Cry received a 95% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, dedicated fans of the original game were left extremely disappointed. We have chosen four anime adaptations that have brought the game stories to the small screen with dignity.

1. Dragon's Dogma, 2020

Ethan is killed by a dragon, but comes back to life with a hole in his heart. On top of that, the dragon managed to do a much darker deed by killing Ethan's entire family, and now the man is driven by the desire for revenge.

Over the course of seven episodes, Ethan finds himself in a number of different adventures. Each episode is an independent short story and is tied to one of the deadly sins: for example, in Lust he must fight a succubus, and in the final episode Pride – a dragon.

2. Carmen Sandiego, 2019-2021

Four seasons of the animated series based on the educational and entertaining computer games of the same name from Broderbund.

Professional thief Carmen Sandiego uses her skills for good, traveling the world and thwarting heists at the greatest thieving school, V.I.L.E., where she once studied. The animated movie will delve into the main character's past and tell who she is and why she retrained as a thief and became a detective.

3. Halo Legends, 2010

Halo Legends is a great choice for those interested in the lore of the franchise. The episodes reveal the backstories of the characters much better than in-game cutscenes, and some differences from the original only make the viewing more interesting.

You can learn about the past of the Covenant and the origins of the Spartans. And in some episodes you can even have fun: for example, Odd One Out was created by Daisuke Nishio, and you can immediately read the signature style of the creator of Dragonball with its epicness.

4. Castlevania, 2017-2021

One of Netflix's first anime series based on a game. Castlevania needs no introduction: Konami's iconic series may not be in its prime, but it is still beloved by gamers around the world.

Dracula threatens to destroy mankind. Trevor Belmont has been sent to fight him. The sorceress Sypha and the dhampir Alucard, Dracula's son, come to his aid.

Gradually, the number of characters grows and the motivations become more complex: if at first the plot focused only on the "light" side of the conflict, by the end of the third season there are enough characters from the other side.

The action always maintains a high level: the local fight choreography is done at the highest level and is capable of captivating even the most demanding viewer.

Japanese animation is known for its colorful characters, unexpected plot twists, and deep and timely topics – and the detective genre is no exception.

In this list, we've rounded up five works where you definitely won't solve the case before the on-screen detective.

1. Monster, 2004-2005

The German city of Düsseldorf is shaken by a double murder: an unknown assailant breaks into the home of the Liebert family, kills the parents and shoots the son.

A talented Japanese neurosurgeon, Kenzo Tenma, saves the boy's life, unaware that many years later the patient will be implicated in a series of horrific murders across Germany. How did a child who was the victim of a heinous crime become a monster? And is the doctor responsible for the crime of the patient he saved?

2. Darker Than Black, 2007-2010

In the near future, the twinkling of real stars and moonlight will no longer be seen. In the US and Japan, the Gates of Heaven and Hell have opened, dividing the world into before and after.

In the anomalous zones, ghosts appear, people die, and unprecedented flora grows. Despite the evacuation, the consequences of the disaster have negatively affected human society. Among ordinary people, contractors have appeared – people with supernatural abilities who are forced to pay tribute for their use.

The protagonist Hei – a contractor known as the Black Reaper – is trying to understand the nature of the new world and find his sister, while performing tasks for a secret organization.

3. Paranoia Agent, 2004-2005

A psychedelic detective anime from the famous director Satoshi Kon. An ordinary Japanese schoolboy on roller skates with a golden baseball bat becomes famous throughout the region.

He attacks various people, be it a designer girl, a gambler or an artist, and legends about his adventures quickly start to form. More and more people are asking themselves: who will be the next to fall under the hand of the elusive criminal?

And does he really exist – or is everything that happens just a figment of the imagination of people driven into a corner by their own fear?

4. Dusk Maiden of Amnesia, 2012

Seikyou Academy is full of secrets and mysteries. One of them has to do with the ghost of Yuuko, who wanders the corridors. The supernatural being not only communicates with the students through the local medium Teiichi, but also leads the Paranormal Research Club.

Yuuko leads this club not only to have a good time, but also to find out the circumstances of her death. The ghost knows very little about it: her death was painful, and for some reason she was supposed to warn her descendants of impending danger.

The researchers must solve the case as soon as possible, or terrible things will happen.

5. Psycho-Pass, 2012-2019

In 22nd century Japan, justice is administered by a specially trained machine called Sybil. It quickly identifies a potential criminal and gives law enforcement officers the instant right to arrest and use force.

However, the system is not flawless: some criminals' biographies only get cleaner after each offense, and they themselves are completely ignored by the mechanism.

A young idealist, Akane, who has just joined the service, must find out what Sibyl really is and why her mistakes are usually overlooked.

The first episode of Lazarus, an anime series by Shinichiro Watanabe, the creator of the cult classic Cowboy Bebop, has been released. Watanabe is one of the most influential anime directors in history, thanks largely to Cowboy Bebop, which was released in 1998.

In addition to its popularity and cult status among anime fans, this space western with a jazz soundtrack is considered an example of true art even by those who are not interested in anime in general.

What Was Episode 1 About?

Lazarus is a variation on the story of a suicide squad. A team of dubious anti-heroes must save humanity despite their past misdeeds.

However, Watanabe spins this archetypal plot in an unconventional way. There are no profiles of the team members' special skills, no identification of the main conflict, and no hints at hidden motives.

First, a brief plot introduction about a world addicted to a miraculous painkiller and a scientist who has decided to punish humanity for its hedonism, violence, and pollution of nature.

Then Special Agent Hersch arrives at the prison to recruit the protagonist Axel, sentenced to 888 years, to Lazarus. After a short dialog, Axel escapes, and then there are only fights and chases until the finale of the episode.

Lazarus Is a Top Notch Title in Every Way

High-quality animation with well-designed backgrounds, detailed textures and slightly careless characters create the feeling of a living, realistic world.

The camera delights with cinematic, beautifully constructed shots, visual quotes and references to pop culture. The action is original, intense and dynamic.

All with a perfectly calibrated pacing, driving action, and a rocking soundtrack. Lazarus is a stylish, beautiful and exciting anime.

You Can't Help but Fall In Love With the Characters of Lazarus

Watanabe's greatest talent is his ability to tell stories and develop characters through action, movement and subtle details.

The name Axel Gilberto clearly has Brazilian roots, and the country's culture is associated with celebration, carnival, entertainment and fun. Therefore, the choreography of the protagonist is inspired by capoeira, a martial art that combines acrobatics and dance.

Axel is not violent in the fight, and through this, Watanabe demonstrates his relaxed, friendly, and cheerful nature.

The supporting characters are introduced to the viewer in the same way, without boring profiles and explanations. For recognition purposes, they resemble stereotypical members of any anime team, but each has their own unique details.

Watanabe masterfully transforms archetypal and seemingly predictable characters into multifaceted, vivid images.

Lazarus Promises to Be One of the Best Titles of the Year

Of course, it's too early to draw conclusions after just one episode, but Lazarus has every chance of growing into a truly bright and emotional adventure. The series has an intriguing plot, a style that combines recognizability with originality, well-staged action scenes, and colorful characters.

So far, the show doesn't have a recognizable highlight that immediately comes to mind when you mention the name. But there's still a whole season to go.

In 2001, the world saw the game Devil May Cry, and since then, the name Dante has become almost sacred among fans of stylish slashers.

Years pass, the franchise is regularly updated, fans never tire of arguing which part is better, and Netflix, which has an animation department and an insatiable love for adaptations, decides to bring Dante to the small screen.

And so we have Devil May Cry – a new anime that looks like a gift to the fans, but at the same time tries not to get lost in the endless stream of adaptations.

What Is Devil May Cry About?

The story revolves around a young demon hunter named Dante, who uses his supernatural abilities to earn money by killing dangerous creatures. But then a hunt is declared for Dante himself.

All because of the mysterious White Rabbit – the monster is trying to destroy the boundary that separates the human and demon worlds. Dante is the central figure in this plan, though he does not know it.

He is pursued by both bloodthirsty demons and the government. It knows about the other world and wants to study it, both with the help of science and with the help of occult rituals. To fight the demons, a special squad is formed, including Mary Arkham.

Devil May Cry Throws You Right Into the Action

The Devil May Cry anime throws you right into the fray: against a familiar backdrop of hellish invasions and demonic intrigue, Dante returns as a private detective and hunter of otherworldly monsters.

If you were expecting a slow introduction, some lore and character introductions, you're out of luck.

The pace here is as if the director was trying to squeeze all the parts of the game into one season. As a result, the narrative sometimes feels like a YouTube fan-edit: cool, dynamic, but rushing forward like Dante's bike.

Except for Dante, Devil May Cry's Characters Are Mostly Flat

As for the characters, except for the main one, they turned out to be rather one-dimensional. Vergil is introduced too late and doesn't have enough screen time to make the same impression as in the games.

The other characters are either mentioned in passing or are just functions. And this is perhaps the only thing the series could have taken from the games: there, every secondary character had their own moment.

But this is a problem that can be fixed in future seasons, if Netflix decides to continue the series.

Netflix's Devil May Cry Is the Adaptation We Deserved

Devil May Cry is an eight-episode blast of fun for fans, where style trumps logic and action trumps drama.

If you're looking for something new in form, pacing, or structure, pass. But if you just want to watch Dante destroy demons to rock music, this is it. Fast, loud, spectacular – just the way Devil May Cry should be.

The second season of The Apothecary Diaries, one of the most popular anime of recent years, is currently in full swing.

This is a comedy detective story about a young, insightful herbalist who suddenly finds herself at the epicenter of palace intrigue. We tell you why this anime manages to make viewers fall in love with it and how the second season turned out.

What Is The Apothecary Diaries About?

Maomao is an apprentice pharmacist. She has a sharp mind and is so obsessed with poisons that she experiments with them on her own body. One day, the girl is kidnapped and sold to the imperial palace, where she is forced to work as a laundress.

Maomao learns that the emperor's children are sick. Curiosity overcomes caution, and the herbalist decides to tell what the cause of the illness is. Unfortunately, only the daughter of one of the concubines survives, but the laundress' actions do not go unnoticed.

The eunuch Jinshi, who oversees the emperor's harem, promotes her to personal servant of Lady Gyokuyo – the same concubine whose child she saved. Now Maomao must taste all of the Lady's food for poison, and unravel the mysteries of the imperial court.

Season 2 Continues to Set the Bar High

The second season will have 24 episodes and will end at the end of June. Half of the episodes have already been released – and it is safe to say that The Apothecary Diaries has remained just as interesting.

It is still a fascinating and funny detective story about palace intrigue with a touch of romance. The animation did not disappoint either, despite the studios' tight deadlines.

The Apothecary Diaries Is Still the Best Historical Anime Currently on Air

Maomao continues to work for Jinshi and Lady Gyokuyo, not forgetting to help other high-ranking officials of the court, including the emperor himself.

At the same time, the girl suspects that someone in the capital clearly does not want the pregnant concubine to have a child: most likely, this is somehow connected to the mysterious conspiracy from last season.

The through-line of the story becomes clearer, but the anime still works well as a procedural, where each episode has its own value.

The Apothecary Diaries is a great example of a light comedy anime that will have you hooked from the first episode. Smart characters and a well-developed world full of bright colors help the series stand out from its competitors.

On March 30th, the second season of Solo Leveling ended – an anime that tells the story of Sung Jin-woo, an ordinary low-ranking hunter in a world full of magic and monsters.

This title combines elements of action, fantasy and drama, telling the story of the hero's personal transformation and his desire to become the strongest. Let us tell you how the second chapter turned out.

What Did Season 2 Tell About?

The plot of the second season begins with Jin-woo no longer just a hunter, but a necromancer with an army of shadows. He faces new threats.

He improves his powers, finds new ways to use his abilities and understands that his path is much more dangerous than he thought.

In the first season he was a lone wolf, but now Jin-woo becomes a player in big political games: a competitor for nine S-ranked hunters of Korea and a mentor for the weak, as he himself was until recently.

What for him is another step on the path to greatness is a challenge for others. Jin-woo faces strong enemies, some of which truly threaten him and his new army of the dead.

As the season progresses, he learns more about the hidden capabilities of the system and faces stronger opponents.

Is Season 2 of Solo Leveling Worth-Watching?

If you like the power-up genre and epic monster battles, this season will definitely not disappoint you. The anime is just full of exciting moments and spectacular battles, and the main storyline, where Jin-woo tries to understand his role in this strange and dangerous world, combines perfectly with the action.

Also, if you like stories where the main character starts from scratch and reaches incredible heights, but with his own problems, then this season will be what you are looking for.

But this is not just an anime about leveling up. This is a story about how a person can change, even when they seem weak.

The second season is captivating, and makes you care about the characters. And if you are looking for an anime where everything is focused on action, with excellent graphics and spectacular fight scenes, then you should not miss this season.

Solo Leveling Season 3 Arc & Release Date

Neither the producers nor the studio have announced a third season yet. But since the anime has become one of the most popular in recent times, it is definitely worth waiting for the next chapter.

If the anime follows the plot of the manhwa, the third season will include an arc dedicated to the Ahjin Guild. It will also begin important storylines involving the protagonist's father Sung Il-Hwan, the National Level Hunter Thomas Andre, and mysterious creatures that have appeared beyond the Gate.

Much like Aka Akasaka's other popular work, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, the characters in Oshi no Ko are complex and compelling.

But what really makes the Oshi no Ko titles shine is the realism of its characters and their struggles. It's impossible not to admire Ruby and Aqua, even when their journeys take them to dark places.

1. Akane Kurokawa

A character who shows that behind the mask of a quiet and shy person can be hidden amazing talents. Her story also highlights the importance of support and help from others in finding a new meaning to life.

Akane's unique trait is her incredible ability to penetrate the thoughts and feelings of other characters, analyzing and revealing their personal details that the audience may not know.

2. Aquamarine Hoshino

A complex character who struggles with the dark side of his soul, but never loses his humanity. His story reminds us of the difficulty of choosing between revenge and forgiveness, as well as the importance of supporting and caring for loved ones during difficult times.

Aqua comes across as cold and manipulative, ready to use the people around him in his games. At the same time, despite his misadventures, he retains a delicate and caring heart.

3. Taishi Gotanda

A talented director and professional, he plays an important role in the story of Ruby and Aqua. He is one of the few characters who knows the twins' true heritage. Thanks to Taishi, Aqua was able to realize his dream of acting, and he not only knows, but also supports him in his quest for revenge against Aya's killer.

As the boy's mentor, Taishi also plays an important role in raising him after Ai's death. Though he may hide his true intentions, Taishi provides Aqua with great support when needed.

4. Ruby Hoshino

Ruby inherits her mother's looks, confidence, and charm, and is not afraid to pursue her dream of becoming an idol despite the tragic fate that befell Ai. Ruby also displays a friendly and outgoing personality and quickly makes new friends after entering high school.

While dealing with the pain and grief of losing Ai, Ruby is passionate about preserving and continuing her mother's dream. Her tireless spirit allows her to overcome rejection and resurrect B-Komachi despite the risks and possibility of failure.

5. Sarina Tendouji

A child who spent most of her life in the hospital because of her illness. She was abandoned by her parents and faced many physical and emotional trials. However, thanks to her love for Ai and the support of her doctor Goro, Sarina remains cheerful.

Despite her weakness, Sarina continues to practice Ai's choreography and strives to improve her dancing skills.

When she is given the opportunity to transform into Ruby Hoshino, she gladly accepts the chance to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming an idol.

Death Note has long been the benchmark for the psychological thriller genre in anime. Its brilliant battle of wits between Light Yagami and L, questions of morality, and gripping suspense have made it a cult classic.

But the genre does not stand still, and if you are looking for something equally exciting, but with a different approach, look no further than Tomodachi Game.

The series takes suspense and manipulation to a new level, exploring the fragility of friendship and the power of betrayal.

What Is Tomodachi Game About?

Unlike Death Note, where the stakes were literally a choice between life and death, here everything revolves around the delicate fabric of human relationships.

The main character, Yuichi Katagiri, is an ordinary guy on the surface, but his actions and motivations make the viewer experience conflicting emotions.

He is willing to do anything for those he considers friends, but his concept of justice is twisted and his methods are ruthless. Throughout the series, Yuichi alternates between being a savior and a manipulator, challenging common notions of what it means to be a friend.

Tomodachi Game Is a Worthy Successor to Death Note

Death Note builds suspense through a battle of wits and global stakes, but Tomodachi Game brings that suspense into human relationships. Instead of literal death, it's trust that gets killed. Instead of supernatural forces, it's simple human greed and fear.

The two shows have one thing in common: the ability to make the viewer question their own morality. Tomodachi Game asks hard questions: how far are you willing to go for what you believe in? Is it okay to betray someone in order to save them?

Each episode of Tomodachi Game is an emotional roller coaster. Seemingly simple tasks turn into tests of character, and any mistake becomes catastrophic. Viewers cannot predict who will turn traitor, who will succumb to temptation, and who will stand firm.

Tomodachi Game Is a Must-Watch for Fans of Psychological Thrillers

Complex characters, moral ambiguity, and tension that literally rips the screen apart make Tomodachi Game a worthy rival to Death Note.

If you've been looking for an anime that will shake you to the core and make you rethink your own ideas about friendship and justice, this is the series to watch.

Diving into a world of manipulation and betrayal, Tomodachi Game is a deep exploration of human psychology. The series skillfully combines psychological suspense, dynamic plot, and complex moral questions, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.

Even before Mary and the Witch's Flower was released, viewers were calling it a new Ghibli masterpiece.

And it is truly an anime made in the spirit of Ghibli movies. The young Ponoc studio has never hidden the fact that it sees itself as the successor to Hayao Miyazaki's legendary brainchild.

Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi studied under the master and began his career working on Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.

Borrowings and references are evident in the detailed backgrounds and pastel colors, and the character designs. Ponoc wanted to preserve the magic of Ghibli's works, so Mary and the Witch's Flower could not be any different.

What Is Mary and the Witch's Flower About?

Mary Smith is spending her vacation with her grandmother in the village and gets bored. But one day she finds a mysterious blue flower and an old broom in the woods – here, her extraordinary adventures begin.

The broom takes Mary to the Endor School of Magic, where she meets the headmistress and suddenly discovers that she has magical talents. But instead of lessons in potion making and broom taming, the red-haired witch faces dangerous trials, secrets, and difficult decisions.

Mary and the Witch's Flower Is Based on a Cult Classic

Mary and the Witch's Flower is an adaptation of Mary Stewart's story The Little Broomstick. However, the movie has enough of the author's discoveries.

The Little Broomstick can be called one of the grandmothers of the genre – it inspired J.K. Rowling when creating Hogwarts.

At the same time, Yonebayashi's film will surprise everyone who expected him to describe everyday magical life in the spirit of Harry Potter. The magic school itself is more of a decoration, and we learn very little about the students.

The Movie Is Pretty Dark for Its PG Rating

Mary and the Witch's Flower is a twisted work that pretends to be a cute children's fairy tale for the first hour and then turns into a rather dark action movie.

Villains obsessed with creepy magical eugenics, young heroes who have to make difficult choices, grotesque monsters – a worthy set for a work with a PG rating.

Mary and the Witch's Flower Deserves the Attention of Ghibli Fans

Mary and the Witch's Flower is a real treat for both Ghibli fans and fans of full-length 2D animation. It's hard to keep up the standard when you're being compared to someone from the beginning and not lose your originality. Hiromasa Yonebayashi succeeded.

Perhaps 50 years from now, Mary and the Witch's Flower will be considered an anime classic, mentioned in the same breath as Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away.

Founded in 2012 as a subsidiary of IG Port, Wit Studio is best known for its work on the first three seasons of Attack on Titan. However, the studio's portfolio includes many other notable projects.

From shonen masterpieces to comedies, here are five of Wit Studio's best anime series.

1. Ranking of Kings, 2021-2022

The protagonist of the series is a young prince named Bojji, whose ability to become a worthy ruler is doubted by many. Why is that? Bojji has been cut off from the world all his life due to his hearing impairment.

The situation changes when he meets Kage, the last of the assassin clan, who is able to communicate with Bojji despite his disability.

This acquaintance turns into a strong friendship, and together they set out to explore the world. These adventures help Bojji discover his leadership skills and become the strong ruler he was always meant to be.

2. Hozuki's Coolheadedness, 2014-2018

The series centers on Hozuki, an ogre-like demon who was once human. He serves as the chief secretary to the god Yama, who is the ruler and chief judge of Hell.

The series offers viewers a unique look at everyday life in Hell through the lens of a diverse and colorful cast of characters. It is important to note that the first season of the anime was produced by Wit Studio, while the second season was commissioned by Deen Studio.

3. Spy x Family, 2022-...

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the series centers on the mission of international superspy Loid. His mission is key to maintaining world peace and is his most challenging yet.

Loid must create the image of a reliable family man in order to infiltrate the inner circle of political leader Desmond. He adopts a telepathic orphan, Anya, and enters into a fictitious marriage with a hired assassin, Yor. The catch is that none of the members of his pseudo-family know each other's true secrets.

4. The Rolling Girls, 2015

The series is set in a dystopian future, ten years after the fictional Great Tokyo War, which had a profound effect on Japan.

As a result of this conflict, the country was divided into ten independent city-states that are in constant rivalry with each other.

The main character, Nozomi, travels around Japan on a motorcycle, completing various missions and investigating the mysteries of the heart-shaped Moonlight Stones, which are said to possess limitless power. However, it soon becomes clear that these stones are being used as fuel by aliens.

5. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, 2016

Based on the manga by Shiro Yoshida that ran from 2016 to 2018, this dark fantasy series tells a story that combines elements of a zombie apocalypse and steampunk.

The story takes place in a world where humanity is struggling to contain the spread of a mysterious virus that turns people into undead creatures known as Kabane. In order to survive, humans build fortified cities.

The protagonist, a young engineer named Ikoma, develops a special weapon called the Piercing Gun to fight the Kabane, but in the process, he becomes infected himself.

Anime is one of the few havens of high fantasy about other worlds, which we rarely get to see in movies or on TV.

But the main thing is that, unlike Western animators, anime creators do not consider fantasy to be children's fairy tales and are not afraid to show intricate plots, brutal battles and political intrigue.

1. Fate/Zero, 2011-2012

Gen Urobuchi, who wrote the original light novel, can be compared to George R.R. Martin. Both authors share a dark and nihilistic view of reality.

This fantasy anime is set in the modern city of Fuyuki. The plot of Fate/Zero revolves around the battle between seven magicians for the Holy Grail – a magical artifact that can grant any wish to its owner.

This is the fourth battle for the coveted trophy, and seven masters of magic will meet in a deadly battle for the magical artifact.

2. Berserk, 1997-1998

Kentaro Miura's dark fantasy manga has been adapted three times, but the first series from 1997 is considered a classic.

It's the story of a medieval world ravaged by war, of Guts, who fights with a giant sword, and of the refined knight Griffith, who has taken Guts into his army.

Ahead of these and other characters lie not only heroic deeds, but also hardships. An endless war rages around them, characters go mad and betray friends, and terrible monsters and terrible people stand in their way.

3. Guin Saga, 2009

This is the story of a cursed warrior in the form of a leopard who remembers nothing of his past. One day he rescues the royal offspring Rinda and Remus, and now they are destined to go through many trials together.

Guin Saga is based on a series of fantasy novels by Kaoru Kurimoto. The first novel was published in 1979 and immediately became popular among fantasy fans. Guin Saga is a truly epic fantasy anime, and it is not surprising that Kaoru Kurimoto's novels are often compared to The Lord of the Rings.

4. Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero, 2013

The medieval lands are torn by war – for years, humans and demons have been fighting for zones of influence. The leader of the human forces, the Hero, manages to reach the castle of the Demon Queen.

Instead of fierce resistance, he stumbles upon a strange offer. The Demon Queen wants to form an alliance with him. If one of the leaders dies and the war ends now, even darker times will come.

It's just that neither side, suffering from years of conflict, is ready for peace – both are waiting for terrible civil wars. Here, a different plan is needed. The Hero, agreeing with the words of the Demon Queen, accepts the offer.

5. Claymore, 2007

This fantasy anime is set in a fictional medieval era. Claymores are young women who are trained at an early age to fight monsters. Only a few receive this title and are forced to serve the organization.

All Claymores have blonde hair and silver eyes. The warriors must protect the people from the youma – demons that feed on humans and can take human form. As bloody as Berserk, Claymore is all about monster battles, tragic deaths, and overcoming obstacles.

The creator of the cult anime Cowboy Bebop Shinichiro Watanabe returns to the big animation game with a new project – Lazarus.

This time Chad Stahelski – the man who gave the world John Wick – is at his side. The cult director is betting big on the action series, and fans hope that the director will repeat the success of his cult works.

What Will Lazarus Be About?

The plot of Lazarus takes place in the year 2052. Humanity has reached an unprecedented level of harmony and prosperity. The reason for this is the invention of the drug Hapna, created by the Nobel Prize winner Dr. Skinner.

This drug cured people of all diseases, became an integral part of the life of society, and the savior of humanity himself disappeared. But three years after its introduction, the neurobiologist returns with a terrifying warning: soon, those who have taken Hapna will die.

To save humanity, a special group of agents is created, codenamed Lazarus. They have 30 days to find Skinner and develop a vaccine.

How Did Chad Stahelski Come to Be Involved in the Production of an Anime?

The biggest name among the creators, besides the director of the series himself, was Chad Stahelski. The former thought until the very end that the director of John Wick would refuse to cooperate with him due to his busy schedule.

The director contacted his colleague to clarify how his team manages to create such spectacular and impressive action scenes. The creator of Samurai Champloo wanted to repeat the same style in Lazarus.

And not only did Stahelski not turn down the iconic Japanese animator, he offered his help on a completely pro-bono basis.

Stahelski's help made it possible to keep the budget of Lazarus within reasonable limits and to take the action scenes to a new level.

Lazarus Was Made by One of the Best Modern Anime Studios

The animation of Lazarus was done by MAPPA Studio. The company whose name is known to every anime fan. Their filmography includes Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga, Dororo, Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen.

Trailers demonstrate the high quality of the visual component: smooth animation of movements and dynamics of action episodes look even more convincing thanks to the involvement of Stahelski, who added Hollywood spectacle to Lazarus.

You can expect high-speed car chases, dangerous shootouts and, of course, hand-to-hand combat.

Lazarus Release Date

Lazarus looks like a project that combines the best of the famous Japanese visionary's work: an original story concept in the world of the future, charismatic characters, skillful animation of battle scenes and a jazz soundtrack.

MAPPA Studio promises a total of 13 episodes, which will be broadcast from April 5th.

Spring traditionally brings a lot of anticipated premieres and no less anticipated returns. April promises to be the most generous month for interesting releases, so get ready, anime fans.

1. Anne Shirley

Release Date: April 5, 2025

Anne Shirley is an orphan who was taken in by the Cuthbert family: they were looking for a boy to help in the fields, but by chance they got a 11-year-old girl with a rich imagination. This difficult combination leads to constant adventures and troubles that temper Anne's character.

Anne Shirley is not the first adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel: back in the late 1970s, there was a series created by Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, and it will clearly be a difficult task to surpass them.

The new adaptation is rumored to cover several books and to focus on the heroine's growing up, while the previous anime only managed to retell the first book in 50 episodes.

2. Apocalypse Hotel

Release Date: April 9, 2025

Humanity left Earth long ago after a catastrophe, but the Galaxy Hotel in Ginza is still in operation.

Everything is run by Yachiyo, a gynoid who is always ready to help potential guests. But there are none, so the robotic staff has to do everything to keep order. The embedded program only allows them to wait for humans and continue to perform their functions.

3. Witch Watch

Release Date: April 6, 2025

Nico is an unusual girl: she is a fully trained witch. Recently, the sorceress began living with her childhood friend Morihito, who is also different from other people.

Morihito is an ogre with a human appearance who becomes Nico's familiar. Together they will have to help people, deal with complex supernatural enemies and the surprises that magic can create.

To make matters worse, Nico has been in love with Morihito for a long time, but he seems to be the only one in the world who does not notice it.

4. Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Amate lives an ordinary life in a space colony. But not for long: a chance meeting with Nyaan, a war refugee, turns out to be a decisive event, and the girl unexpectedly becomes a mecha pilot in underground illegal battles.

Amate chooses the nickname Matyu and begins piloting the GquuuuuuX, an experimental battle robot. In one of the battles, Amate meets Shuji, a young man controlling a Gundam who is being chased by the police.

5. Zatsu Tabi: That's Journey

Release Date: April 7, 2025

Chika is a budding manga artist who is incredibly unlucky: no matter what she tries to submit to a publisher, she only gets rejections.

She decides that she needs a fresh start and new sources of inspiration, so she embarks on a journey across Japan. Gradually, one trip after another, a serious question looms: will the artist be able to visit all the prefectures of the country?

The first season of Blue Box has ended – a story about love and sports that captivated many last and this year.

When it comes to sports anime, the first things that come to mind are Haikyu!!, Kuroko's Basketball or the latest hit Blue Lock – they all tell the story of team competitions.

Blue Box breaks stereotypes – the anime tells the story of a badminton player.

What Is Blue Box About?

The young badminton player Taiki studies at a private school for professional athletes. In the morning, he arrives before everyone else so that he can exchange a few sentences with Chinatsu while no one else is in the gym.

She is a future basketball star. A serious approach to sports is the foundation on which their romance will be built. Taiki will have to deal with a love triangle as his childhood friend Hina has feelings for him.

A talented gymnast, she achieved great success in the sports arena in her elementary school years when she met Tinaki.

Blue Box Focuses More on the Teenage Experience Than the Sports Routine

Blue Box never forgets that the characters are not only athletes, but also teenagers with age-related worries.

They worry about their studies, qualifying for national championships, dirty uniforms, the possibility of getting injured, and pre-competition anxiety.

The school sports routine with endless training and an internal drive for self-improvement is portrayed quite realistically. The anime is based on the experience that ordinary people have in high school, and it is only supplemented by a sports routine.

The Romantic Storyline Is No Less Gripping Than the Sports Competitions

The dynamics of the romantic line are as interesting to watch as the fights on the court. Until the last episode of Blue Box, the doubts and insecurities of the characters in their feelings are visible.

This is emphasized by close-ups, sometimes comically exaggerated character designs, and falls and awkward touches lead to hilarious reactions and a stream of thoughts.

At some point, the romance will be complicated by the appearance of another girl – Moriya. And if Taiki, Chinatsu and Hina support each other in competitions, the last two are not friends in life, but competitors.

Blue Box Is a Touching and Relatable Title about Teens

The season includes episodes with a trip to the ocean, a summer vacation with fireworks, a walk in the oceanarium, and a school festival where Taiki faces a difficult test, as well as a trip to a training camp.

Regardless of your preferences, the anime manages to capture that moment of dazzling youth when the world around you is painted in bright colors.

The name Makoto Shinkai is firmly associated with fantasy and sci-fi plots: the director gained worldwide fame after the release of Your Name, in which the fantasy genre began to prevail over the everyday life inherent in his earlier works.

Since then, all of Shinkai's projects have become hits, holding positions at the top of the highest-grossing anime in history, which brought comparisons with another master – Hayao Miyazaki.

At the same time, such a comparison does not seem very relevant, at least because of the difference in their approaches: where Miyazaki transforms the personal into the universal, Shinkai does exactly the opposite – and it's most evident in his The Garden or Words.

What Is The Garden of Words About?

The rainy season has arrived in Tokyo a few days earlier than expected. Takao has always preferred rainy weather, so it comes as no surprise that he only skips class on the dreariest days in the park.

In the pavilion, he meets Yukari, a 27-year-old teacher. She drinks beer after eating chocolate and wears shoes that are inappropriate for her profession.

With each cloudy day, the two get to know each other better, sharing fears and dreams, exchanging memories, until one day the rainy season ends.

The Garden of Words Deserved More Love and Attention from Anime Fans

Loneliness and coming of age, first love, nostalgia for youth are the hallmarks of every Shinkai film, regardless of genre.

From his first short films, he developed his own style, and since then has consistently returned to familiar routes. Shinkai has established himself with unchanging visual imagery, such as clouds symbolizing a dream or railroad crossings promising imminent separation.

The release of The Garden of Words on the big screen was not accompanied by the same resounding success as the release of Your Name or Suzume.

At the same time, The Garden of Words is probably Shinkai's most mature and spectacular anime, despite the complete absence of fantastic collisions.

The Garden of Words Is a Bittersweet and Melancholic Work

The boy is already facing punishment for truancy, and the girl, having decided to quit her job, plans to start a new life away from the ghosts of the past. Their daily encounters become a salvation for both of them, although neither of the characters is in a hurry to admit it to the other.

Behind the poetic narrative are typical problems: the misunderstanding of parents, the cruelty of teenagers, the fear of believing in oneself and one's dream, escape and depression. But everyone knows that a person needs a person, and the characters of this anime are no exception.

We have found the perfect bittersweet anime for the spring atmosphere. It's time to remind you of the emotional hit from VOLN Studio – I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. The movie, based on the light novel by Yoru Sumino, was a great boost for director Shinichiro Ushijima's career.

What Is I Want to Eat Your Pancreas About?

High school student Haruki is cold and prefers the world of books to real people. Because of his love for books, the young man finds himself in a rather awkward situation: after taking an interest in a book left at the hospital, he accidentally reveals the secret of his classmate Sakura.

He gets hold of a diary in which his classmate describes in detail a life that will come to an end in the unknown, but tragically near future.

It is the secret of Sakura's illness and impending death that Haruki now shares with her, which means, in the girl's opinion, that it is written into her story. Open, bright and courageous, Sakura decides to befriend Haruki and lure him out of the book world and into the real one.

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas Is a Movie About Love for Life

Don't let the anime's title fool you – it gets a charming motivation literally in the first 20 minutes. The plot of I Want to Eat Your Pancreas may not be the most original, but it certainly doesn't get old.

When Sakura finds herself on the verge of death, she begins to appreciate and feel life with an overwhelming force. She wants to share such an intense feeling of everyday life with the one who needs it most.

The Anime Is Full of Warm and Nostalgic Feelings

With such a beginning, the story could easily have gone for a bright love experience and romantic catharsis, but the creators carefully avoid the straight path.

There is a lot of tenderness and warmth in this anime, but the feelings the characters eventually encounter are too complex and extensive to be confined to a purely romantic framework. This is definitely love, but in a different manifestation and understanding.

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas Is a Perfect Anime for a Warm Spring Evening

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a charming anime that will definitely find its audience, as it is not lacking in warmth, romance and pictures of airy everyday life.

Maybe it will not find the unconditional love of every viewer, because sometimes it is difficult to understand all the experiences of the characters, and Haruka's final transformation can cause some mistrust. However, if you do not try to analyze everything, you start to see some things more simply.

For a melancholy evening when you want to dispel melancholy or boredom with something life-affirming, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is the perfect choice.

Anime is the embodiment of Japanese culture, but many of its creators have been inspired by European literature and history.

Let's recall some such works: both accurate adaptations and free fantasies that, for example, turned Shakespeare into techno-sci-fi.

1. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, 2004

The project premiered in 2004 under the direction of Mahiro Maeda, who worked on Miyazaki's Porco Rosso. The special feature of this anime is its hypnotic style, full of strange, alien structures.

The action of Gankutsuou takes place in the future, where space flights are normal vacations and the Chateau d'If is not an island near Marseille, but a huge space prison.

The mysterious Gankutsuou is a ghost who lives in this prison. Instead of Abbe Faria, he allows the unjustly convicted Edmond Dantes to take revenge on his tormentors, but kills him in the process.

The main character is the young and naive Albert Morcerf. Through his eyes we see the mysterious Count and the retribution he sows in Paris. The familiar plot unfolds, raising important issues of love, loyalty, memory and inequality.

2. Les Miserables: Shoujo Cosette, 2007

In 2007, Nippon Animation created an anime about the adventures of the charming little Cosette – and in doing so, made a full-fledged adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel.

The 52 episodes tell the entire tragic story of Jean Valjean, Javert and other characters from Les Miserables. There are no magical assumptions or alternate histories – director Hiroaki Sakurai treated the retelling of the original carefully.

The anime tried to make it understandable for children, so we see the story through the eyes of young Cosette. Through her naivety and purity, we see good people like Jean Valjean and monstrous criminals like Thenardier, who "took care" of her, and the whole burden of life in France at that time.

3. Romio x Jurietto, 2007

William Shakespeare borrowed the story of Romeo and Juliet's doomed love from the Italian writer Matteo Bandello and made it immortal, and then the plot was taken up and developed in an endless number of interpretations.

In 2007, Gonzo Studio presented its version. It turned out to be dramatic and charming, in the best tradition of Shakespeare with a dash of Japanese drama and plot twists.

The action of the 24-episode anime takes place in Neo Verona – on an island floating in the sky. Here, the Montagues and Capulets are respected families of unequal power who cannot share the territory. The Duke of Montague destroyed the Capulets in the past and received Verona at his complete disposal.

But not all the Capulets died. The girl Juliet, the heiress, survived. And so did a whole clan of conspirators who dreamed of revenge, toppling the Montagues from the throne and restoring their good name.

In Japanese animation, you can end up in prison for literally anything and anywhere – football players and Internet-addicted school kids end up behind bars, and the severity of the robes and the gloom of the settings in some titles are fully compensated for by witty jokes in others.

1. Cyber City Oedo 808, 1990-1991

The hacker Gogl, the handsome Sengoku and the graceful albino Benten get a second chance. They have been released from prison on the condition that they become police officers and start catching criminals.

For each capture, the newly minted bounty hunters will have two years knocked off their unrealistically long sentences. They will have to catch both vampires and living skyscrapers, and special collars will monitor the discipline of the convict cops.

2. Deadman Wonderland, 2011

The story takes place in 2023, ten years after an earthquake that flooded half of Tokyo. The main character, Ganta, accidentally becomes a participant in a strange extreme attraction called Deadman Wonderland.

He did not kill his entire class, but was framed by the real killer, the mysterious Red Man, who left a strange crystal inside his body. The guy was quickly found guilty of the bloody massacre and deprived of his freedom.

The young men who ended up behind bars with Ganta must entertain anonymous spectators by participating in deadly games. Trying to outlive the other prisoners, Ganta focuses on getting revenge on the Red Man.

3. Blue Lock, 2022-...

The Japanese Football Association is forced to take the only step that will allow them to do the unthinkable – win the World Cup. Coach Jinpachi Ego is tasked with creating Blue Lock – a prison where three hundred young and talented football players will compete against each other to find the best striker.

The main character Yoichi decides to become the best player and develops magical super soccer powers.

4. Rainbow: The Seven from Compound Two, Cell Six, 2010

The series is set in 1955, in a country ravaged by poverty and unemployment after its defeat in World War II. Desperate people turn to crime and fill the new penal colonies.

In the dark anime, six guys end up in a maximum security juvenile prison called Shonan, where they endure cruel abuse from a doctor and a warden.

In the cell, the boys meet Sakuragi, an old inmate who will teach them how to survive behind bars. They must learn to remain human, no matter what it takes, because one day they will have to get out.

5. Nanbaka, 2016-2017

Nanbaka is a comedy anime about four prisoners with varying degrees of eccentricity. Despite the fact that prisons in the world of Nanbaka seem to have a rather soft policy regarding the behavior of prisoners, no one has ever escaped from this prison.

The secret place is full of dangerous traps that the guys with colorful haircuts keep avoiding, and the attentive warden Hajime keeps putting them in cells.

The confrontation between heaven and hell, angels and demons has become one of the most popular plots in the fantasy genre. And animation is not far behind. We have collected four anime about angels, in which there is room for both heart-wrenching drama and witty comedy.

1. Angel's Egg, 1985

A girl lives in a scary surreal world of darkness and shadows, similar to a gothic nightmare. She cannot let go of a mysterious egg, and her only entertainment is collecting various artifacts.

One day, the girl meets a strange traveler with bandaged hands and a pistol in the shape of a cross. Suddenly, the dead city awakens, and the living statues begin to hunt the two.

Hiding from an attack in a cave, the man, hoping to satisfy his curiosity, breaks the mysterious egg. Feeling a strong sense of bitterness and loss, the girl dies, and the last bubbles of her sighs rise to the surface in myriads of new eggs.

2. Angel Sanctuary, 2000

The plot revolves around 16-year-old high school student Setsuna. The young man lives the normal life of a teenager: he goes to school and is secretly in love with a girl named Sara. But they are not meant to be together, because Sara is his younger sister.

Because of his forbidden love, Setsuna is hated by his own mother, and his classmates, who find out about the secret, start bullying him at school. In reality, however, Setsuna is the reincarnation of the angel Alexiel, and Sara is the reincarnation of Gabriel, the angel of water.

One day, the lovers run away from home together, but instead of planning for the future, they have to take part in a war with demons.

3. D.N. Angel, 2003

The protagonist, 14-year-old Daisuke, confesses his love to a girl named Risa on his birthday. The rejected young man returns home with a broken heart and suddenly experiences strange metamorphoses.

He literally turns into another creature – a ghost thief named Dark, a fallen angel with a noble heart. It turns out that due to a strange hereditary disease, all the men in Daisuke's family receive the essence of Dark.

Daisuke's alter ego has also fallen in love with Risa, and it seems that the feelings are mutual. Now the teenager has to deal with a love triangle where the main competitor for the attention of his beloved girl is a fallen angel trapped in his body.

4. Heaven's Lost Property, 2009-2010

Tomoki is not much different from any other teenager. But for several years, the young man has been having the same dream every day, in which an unknown girl asks him for help, saying that she has been seized by the sky.

One day, the sky opened up and the same girl, Ikaros, fell to earth and declared that she was a gynoid and that Tomoki was now her master, whose every wish she was happy to fulfill.

At first, Tomoki thinks he has found himself in a fairy tale. All he has to do is ask Ikaros and he can become a millionaire or the leader of the world. However, the young man soon realizes that he will have to pay for every wish.

Many have tried to reimagine magical girl stories, often by adding more violence to the genre. Director and screenwriter Hiroshi Nishikiori took a different approach, placing a heroine in the moment after the happily ever after.

What happens to magical girls when they grow up? Do they get an amazing future in a futuristic city like in Sailor Moon? Or are they stripped of their magic, only to use it later in life?

My Wife Is a Magical Girl: Bewitched Agnes Uses a Unique Approach

Magical girl anime don't often explore this aspect: the story usually ends when the young main character achieves her current goal – defeating evil, saving the world and her friends, or building a relationship with her beloved boyfriend.

The series My Wife Is a Magical Girl: Bewitched Agnes by J.C. Staff is dedicated to what happens to the heroine after the credits roll. Thanks to its unusual approach to the genre, the anime still feels fresh today.

What Is My Wife Is a Magical Girl: Bewitched Agnes About?

Ureshiko is a young woman who lives with her grandmother in a big old house. She rents out rooms to visitors, and one of her tenants is Tatsumi, a modest guy who recently moved to town and got a job at a publishing house.

He often spends his free time with Ureshiko and begins to fall in love with her, but the woman has a secret.

In fact, the town they live in was created a long time ago by Ureshiko's mother, a sorceress from a parallel dimension. Over time, the task of protecting it was passed on to her daughter, and now it's time for the adult heroine to give up her post to the next magical girl.

Along with Tatsumi, the wayward elementary school girl Cruje, a young sorceress who is supposed to become the next guardian, comes to the town. But Ureshiko does not want to pass on her power to her: the town is the only reminder of her deceased mother.

Cruje, on the other hand, wants to change the town, where even the school is still wooden and old. She tries everything to harm Ureshiko and even to fight her, but the heroine proves to be too strong a sorceress.

My Wife Is a Magical Girl: Bewitched Agnes Is Both a Funny And Profound Work

My Wife Is a Magical Girl: Bewitched Agnes was released at the height of the fanservice boom, when harems for male audiences dominated. You can see the influence of that trend in it.

At the same time, the anime raises serious questions: about personal boundaries and trust, about loyalty to tradition and fear of change, about a failed marriage and guilt for past mistakes.

The series proved to be surprisingly mature, while wrapped in a bright and seemingly humorous package. And this is an unusual treat, the taste of which you will not want to forget.

Recently, the franchise Expelled from Paradise celebrated its tenth anniversary – it is a futuristic mecha anime where humanity has chosen virtual reality.

We recommend taking a closer look at this cyberpunk work, written by the legendary Gen Urobuchi and directed by Seiji Mizushima.

What Is Expelled from Paradise About?

Finding paradise on Earth has proven to be an impossible task, and humanity has moved into virtual space. DEVA is a place where neither a physical body nor unnecessary reflection is needed. People here do not need food, water, art, friendship or love.

DEVA erases all unnecessary information, whether it be works of art, historical events or even people. The inhabitants of the virtual world are accustomed to proving to the system that they are needed and important.

In this world, the agent Angela Balzac lives. She is entrusted with the most important task of all: to find a programmer on the almost deserted Earth who is hacking DEVA again and again.

Expelled from Paradise Was Made by the True Anime Masters

The people of DEVA happily left the past behind, but not director Seiji Mizushima. He did not forget, but on the contrary, he reverently transferred to the new world bit by bit from cult projects – such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Mobile Suit Gundam 00 and Evangelion.

It seems that the screenwriter of Expelled from Paradise, Gen Urobuchi, who had previously written Psycho-Pass, really wanted to compete with the latter – on a philosophical or dramatic level.

Expelled from Paradise Is a Rather Hopeless Sci-Fi Project

Balzac and her earthly partner, the charming music fan Dingo, will eventually discover the hacker. After coming into contact with him, they will experience rebirth and catharsis.

Having tasted physical life with all its imperfections and paradoxes – hunger, colds and other illnesses – Angela will no longer be able to selflessly believe in the concept of DEVA.

The main drama is that no one answered the hacker's call. Not a single person in the world of Expelled from Paradise was able to go beyond the familiar and the understandable. Time and again, people choose the system, leaving space to the mercy of dreamers and madmen.

It is difficult to say whether the creative team's goal was to inspire horror with human banality. But nothing inspires sadness in this anime as much as the denial of a dream.

Anime is often characterized by fantasy bordering on sci-fi, especially when it comes to works created at the turn of the millennium. One of the brightest artifacts of the 2000s was released by Pierrot Studio, known for such series as Great Teacher Onizuka and Super Gals.

The shojo anime Ceres: Celestial Legend is a must for those who have been looking for unique projects about reincarnation.

What Is Ceres: Celestial Legend About?

Twins Aya and Aki are normal school kids. Their quiet lives are shattered on their 16th birthday when their parents unexpectedly ask them to visit their grandfather, the head of the Mikage family.

He gives the twins a box, but as soon as they open it, something terrible happens. The girl feels a mysterious force inside, and Aki's body is covered with bloody wounds. The grandfather orders his son to kill Aya, but he sacrifices himself to protect her. A shock once again awakens her strength, which allows her to escape.

It turns out that Aya is the reincarnation of Ceres from the legend of a fisherman who stole a magic cloak from the celestial goddess. Without the cape, Ceres could not return home and became the wife of the man, bearing him children.

Since then, her spirit has been reborn in the Mikage family – the descendants of the fisherman and the goddess who kills every incarnation of Ceres because she hates all men in the family and seeks to destroy them.

Reincarnation in Ceres: Celestial Legend Is Not a Salvation

The end of the 1990s was not an easy time for shojo anime: all sorts of doomsday predictions were at their peak, and girls' manga became much more violent and bloody.

It was then, in 1996, that mangaka Yuu Watase began working on her second hit, Ceres, Celestial Legend. She turned to the incredibly popular topic of reincarnation, but in her story, it is associated with horror and a dark fate.

The anime was released by Pierrot Studio in 2000. The work turned out to be truly frightening and dark, in the spirit of other shojo hits of the time: X and Angel Sanctuary.

Reincarnation here is not a blessing or a chance to start a new life as in modern works. Ceres wants to take over Aya's body in order to kill Aki and, at the same time, anyone who gets in her way.

Ceres: Celestial Legend Didn't Adapt the Entire Manga

All in all, Ceres: Celestial Legend is a real artifact of its time. However, unfortunately, not everything from the manga was included in the series.

Some questions were left unanswered and some characters were not even introduced. However, at least half of the series looks like excellent shojo action with elements of psychological horror.

Anime has been around for decades, but it can be hard to understand the world of Japanese animation because of the incredible variety. Ages, plots, genres, and art styles to suit every taste, but where to start?

We picked five of the most highly rated titles and told you whether they were really worth watching.

5. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, 2022-...

IMDb Score: 9.0

After many years, Bleach fans have been waiting for a continuation, and they have not waited in vain. The animation has improved and Ichigo's story is finally coming to a clear conclusion.

True fans have been reading the manga for years, so they know all the twists and turns, but the anime is still gripping and captivating. Epic battles, revealing secrets of the past, the emotions of long-lost characters – all this is what makes Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War worth watching.

4. Hunter x Hunter, 2011-2014

IMDb Score: 9.0

Why is this anime not in the first place and why does it have the same score as the sequel of Bleach? This work has only one disadvantage – it is still not finished (and it is unlikely to be finished).

Everything else is pros. The characters are great and the plot is amazing. At first it may seem very childish, but the serious atmosphere will gradually increase. At some point, the anime may even seem too violent. But still, you will definitely not waste your time.

3. One Piece, 1999-...

IMDb Score: 9.0

A cultural phenomenon and living legend that has broken many records. It is the best-selling manga in history, and the anime adaptation has been on the air for over 20 years, captivating new generations of viewers.

If that's not enough, we'll tell you about the detailed world – each island has its own history and culture.

One Piece has a comedic component, but that does not prevent it from exploring the topics of friendship, loyalty, justice, and fighting for your dreams. And don't let the number of over 1,000 episodes scare you away.

2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, 2009-2010

IMDb Score: 9.1

In a world where alchemy is used, the brothers Edward and Alphonse live. When they decide to bring their mother back to life, they forget the most important law of potion making: nothing comes from nothing.

As a result, Edward loses an arm and a leg, and all that remains of Alphonse is his soul, sealed in a knight's armor. Years later, the brothers set out in search of the Philosopher's Stone, which will help them restore what was lost.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remained the best anime of all time according to the portal MyAnimeList until last year, when it was replaced by Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.

The adventures of the brothers take place in a harsh world of firearms, magic, and military dictatorships. It is a worthy addition to the list of works for those who have long wanted to truly immerse themselves in Japanese animation.

1. Attack on Titan, 2013-2023

IMDb Score: 9.1

The story of Eren Yeager has captivated millions of people around the world, making them gather around their televisions almost as much as a new episode of Game of Thrones – a huge achievement for an anime title.

Epic battles, controversial characters, and truly terrifying giants are what viewers love about this series. Attack on Titan also broke the Guinness World Record for most popular anime show in 2021.

The cyber-future style is one of the most popular among fans of Japanese animation.

Gloomy, neon-lit metropolises, large-scale battles, and complex ethical dilemmas related to artificial intelligence and cybernetic enhancements are all present in the best examples of this genre.

1. NieR: Automata Ver 1.1a, 2023

The video game NieR: Automata seemed to be begging for an anime adaptation from the moment it was released. And when A-1 Pictures took it on a few years later, fans held their breath.

The original world of NieR appeals with its aesthetic of high-tech weapons, humanized androids, and rusty robots in a post-apocalyptic setting where humanity was forced to flee to the moon.

Warriors 2B and 9S fight for the survival of the people of Earth, who must uncover the terrible secrets of the catastrophe that devastated the planet.

2. Texhnolyze, 2003

Representatives of the future humanity settled in the underground city of Lux, whose society is on the verge of collapse.

The main character Ichise earned money time by fighting without rules, but after a serious injury he had to make experimental cybernetic implants – Texhnolyzes.

The restoration of his own body came at a high price: now he is an active participant in the most important events of the city. Entangled in a web of political intrigue, Ichise becomes an unwitting participant in a clash of criminal groups.

3. Gantz: O, 2016

A group of people after death find themselves in a mysterious room with a black ball named Gantz. After a brief explanation, he offers them a game: if they can kill the aliens in another reality, they will be resurrected; if not, they will be forgotten forever.

After receiving a dangerous, modernized weapon, the characters embark on an impossible mission, surviving which is much harder than it seems at first glance.

Large-scale battles, bloody fights, incredible visualization of alien monsters. To all of this, Gantz: O adds characters suffering from an existential crisis in a future world whose scenery is saturated with gray hopelessness.

4. Metropolis, 2001

The animated film from visionary director Rintaro is based on the manga of the same name by Osamu Tezuka, which in turn was inspired by Fritz Lang's 1927 classic.

The futuristic city of Metropolis is torn apart by social problems. In Metropolis, humans and robots coexist. Detective Ban and his nephew Kenichi come to Metropolis to investigate the case of Dr. Laughton, who is suspected of illegal organ trafficking.

But instead of a doctor, they find a girl named Tima. She is a cyborg who has lost her memory and is wanted by the evil corporations that rule the city.

Fans of anime, who call it the most advanced of all arts, are often put off by the fact that there is nothing particularly original about the format.

Action and drama, science fiction and fantasy are made all over the world, including animation. But Japan has its own special genres. A striking example is Iyashikei.

1. Heaven's Design Team, 2021

The opening tells us that on the fifth day, the Creator got tired of His great creations: He came up with land, water, plants, sky, light, and stars, and invited contractors for the animals.

The Heaven's Design Department is responsible for the development of fish, birds, mammals and reptiles – the whole variety of fauna was invented by these guys.

Instead of project managers, anime has angels. Through them, the client says "Approved!" in his divine language and sends another successful zoo ship into the vastness of the planet.

2. K-On!, 2009-2010

Modern TV shows about teenagers are filled with action and sometimes excessive drama. In reality, most teenagers live normal lives.

Movies, games, classes, walks around the neighborhood after school, fun at the mall or at home – these are the usual teenage scenarios. And in K-On! the characters do just that: study, drink tea, go for walks, make jokes, and occasionally perform on stage as part of their music group.

3. Polar Bear's Café, 2012-2013

A polar bear migrated from Canada to the Japanese outback and opened a cafe near the zoo. The tables are never empty – among the regulars, the penguin, the lama and the lazy panda regularly have long conversations about life.

There are people in the cafe, too. For example, the hard working waitress Sasako. Watching the orange sunsets, listening to the polar bear's puns, basking in the cozy, sunny atmosphere – it pays to spend a few evenings with the series.

4. Barakamon, 2014

Barakamon is one of the bright representatives of the Iyashikei genre. Its minimalist plot is tailored for quiet contemplation. Professional calligrapher Handa reacted aggressively to criticism of his work and was exiled to a modest village on a remote island.

Moving to the wilderness is not easy for the man. But you don't have to worry about him: the villagers, for whom the visit of the calligrapher from Tokyo is a very noticeable event, won't let Handa get bored and write hieroglyphics alone.

5. Laid-Back Camp, 2018-2024

High school girls go camping – a plot more suited to a drawing than a TV series. But that's the secret of Laid-Back Camp: a hypnotic image of clear lakes, green mountains, and soft mists envelops the viewer with coziness, making you forget the real world.

The main characters travel to real campsites in Japan and give very applicable tips about living in a tent. They show how to pitch a tent and what to pack in a hiking backpack.

To make it easier for viewers to identify with the characters, the manga author added a new girl to the company: Nadeshiko doesn't know much about camping yet, but she already has a great love for outdoor adventures.

Like people in the real world, anime characters change a lot when they experience loss. Some refuse to believe what has happened, some try to rethink the past, and some even become obsessed. We've chosen stories in which characters face loss and search for ways to survive it.

1. Erased, 2016

Twenty-nine-year-old failed manga artist Satoru is dissatisfied with his monotonous and gray life. But he is no ordinary person, because he has an incredible gift: when he witnesses a tragedy, Satoru can go back in time and prevent it.

Usually, this ability only works for a short period of time, but one day it took the man back to his childhood – to the very time when his town was facing the disappearance of several children.

Satoru has been given a second chance. He will find out what decisions in his distant past led him to such a life.

2. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, 2018

The lorphs are mythical creatures who live far from human cruelty and war. However, in their quest for longevity, humans catch up with their tribe, destroy them and steal their women.

By chance, a girl named Maquia manages to escape. She wanders aimlessly alone through the forest until she hears a child's cry and stumbles upon a looted nomad camp.

Among the survivors, Maquia finds only a human baby, whom she decides to adopt. However, the humans live much less than the lorphs. Maquia wants her son to stay small, but this is not to be.

3. Violet Evergarden, 2018

A young woman wakes up in a hospital and discovers that her hands, used to hold a machine gun, have been replaced by mechanical prostheses. The last thing she remembers is another military battle and the badly wounded Major Gilbert – the only person she has followed all her life.

She receives only evasive answers to her questions about him. The Major is missing and Violet, not knowing how to live without him, decides to wait faithfully.

The girl is not used to experiencing her own feelings or understanding the feelings of others. She has a long way to go before she understands what love is and what she really feels for the Major. And this will happen thanks to her work as a letter-writing assistant.

4. Vinland Saga, 2019-2023

Having heard stories and legends, the village boys dreamed of travel and battle. So when Vikings docked at their settlement and called the boys to join the war, little Thorfinn could not resist and climbed aboard the departing ship.

His father, once an invincible warrior, taught his son to avoid violence and to make no enemies. Thorfinn will have to endure much, including watching his father die, to finally understand what he meant.

5. Ride Your Wave, 2019

In the past, she saved him from drowning, and in the present, he saved her from a fire. Their love story began as only fairy tales can. But a tragic accident separated them forever, taking his life and leaving Hinako all alone.

The girl is unable to cope with the loss. In her despair, she begins to see her beloved where they first met: in the water. Now Hinako will not part with him and carries his spirit with her wherever she goes. But to move on, she must stop and let go of her past.

Time flies, and soon the spring anime season will begin, which has prepared many interesting titles for fans of Japanese animation.

We have gathered five major projects, including the return of a cult title, long-awaited sequels, additional episodes and isekai.

1. Lazarus

Release Date: April 6, 2025

Probably the most anticipated new anime series of 2025 and one of the most anticipated series of the spring. A title that will probably be talked about a lot in the near future. The director is Shinichiro Watanabe himself, known for the cult Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

In addition, Chad Stahelski, who shot all the John Wick films, helped the master with the staging of the action scenes. And the project will be released by the famous studio MAPPA. How can you not be excited about the premiere?

2. Wind Breaker Season 2

Release Date: April 5, 2025

The title about good bad guys, which had a successful start a year ago, will soon be back with a new season. The story about a bully who despised the weak until he ended up in a school where bullies help all the weak, managed to brighten up the spring season for many.

An obvious advantage is that fans did not have to wait several years for the continuation and interest in the series did not have time to evaporate. Now, however, it is necessary to maintain and, if possible, even raise the bar of quality, otherwise the renewal for a third season will be very much in question.

3. Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Behind this unassuming title of yet another isekai is an anime adaptation of a very popular webtoon. According to the plot, a powerful, strong and rich king suffers from loneliness, but after being reborn in a world full of monsters, he finds the family he so missed in his previous life.

However, don't expect peace, because in such stories there is always a powerful threat that the main character must face, putting everything he holds dear at risk.

4. Go! Go! Loser Ranger! Season 2

Release Date: April 13, 2025

According to the plot, invaders came to Earth, but within a year they suffered a catastrophic defeat at the hands of the Rangers. All of their leaders perished, and only weak soldiers survived.

The people were kept in the dark about the victory, for the Ranger battles, which were broadcast live, proved to be very popular and profitable. The pseudo-invasion became part of the entertainment industry, and demonstration battles continued to be shown to viewers for years to come.

Business continued as usual until twelve years later, when a soldier decided to secretly become a Ranger rather than be held hostage to an unjust system.

5. Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc

Release Date: April 2025

The new season of the popular title adapts the Emerald Witch arc. Since the release of the Public School season last year, the series has been handled by CloverWorks. Before that, A-1 Pictures worked on Black Butler, but they are known to like to give away projects that have gone on a long break.

Before the release of the sequel in 2024, the title stood still for seven years, and the last news was the full-length movie Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic. After the change of the studio, fans had hope again for a stable release of new episodes.

There is a misconception that anime about princesses can only interest girls. But over the years, the image of young heiresses has changed not only in live-action films, but also in animation.

We have chosen five anime about princesses, from Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces to spectacular action series from the creators of Naruto.

1. Princess Mononoke, 1997

Princess Mononoke was Ghibli's first international hit, with Disney buying the distribution rights, and the highest-grossing film in Japanese history until Titanic, released later that year, knocked it off its pedestal.

The story centers on the forest princess Mononoke, who was once raised by a she-wolf. She became the ruler of the wild animals and now maintains the balance of power in the forest and protects its inhabitants.

On the other side of the world, the young prince Ashitaka kills a boar during a hunt and brings a curse upon himself. He embarks on a journey to cure himself of a mysterious illness.

2. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, 2013

The plot is based on one of the oldest Japanese folk tales, written over a thousand years ago. The bamboo cutter lives in the forest with his wife. One day he notices a strange bamboo stalk with a tiny child inside.

The old man takes the newborn child home and decides to raise her as his own daughter. When the girl grows up, he decides to move the family to the city, where the girl must fulfill her destiny – to become a princess.

For Kaguya, the capital has become a golden cage. While her father wants his daughter to marry a prince, or even the emperor himself, she dreams of one thing: returning to the forest.

3. Show White with the Red Hair, 2015-2016

Despite her bright hair and extraordinary beauty, Shirayuki prefers to live in the wilderness and reacts cautiously to the prince's courtship. Unwilling to trade her free life in the village for imprisonment in a castle, the girl leaves for another land.

Escaping through the forest, Shirayuki meets a man named Zen, who offers to help her escape from the assertive royal guards. Snow White with the Red Hair is a somewhat naive, but charming anime that will appeal to all fans of slice-of-life.

4. Princess Principal, 2017

20th century. A coup took place in a country called Albion. The workers, dissatisfied with its position, rebelled against the ruling class. The revolution led to the division of the country into two parts: the Commonwealth and the Kingdom.

A few years later, the Commonwealth launches a special operation, planning to replace Princess Charlotte with a girl very similar to her in order to have a high-level agent in the royal family.

However, the spy reveals herself, and the heir to the throne offers the Commonwealth cooperation: the girl plans to unite the divided kingdom and ascend to the throne.

5. Yona of the Dawn, 2014-2015

Yona is the daughter of the King. She lives in a fairy tale: the kitchen is always stocked with delicious sweets, and the most handsome man in the kingdom, Su-won, has the most tender feelings for her. The love, it seems, is mutual.

But as it turns out, the young prince has his own plans for Yona. When the girl turned 16, Su-won personally killed the ruler and usurped the throne. Yona miraculously escaped.

Years later, the heir to the first Dragon King returns to her homeland to meet her parents' murderer and reclaim her well-deserved throne.

On January 31, the anime Make a Girl was released – the debut of Yasuda Gensho, who had previously released short films on YouTube.

These short films first introduced a silver-haired character who later became the main character of a full-length anime – Make a Girl.

What Is Make a Girl About?

A world of an alternative future where robots help people in everyday life. And all this became possible thanks to the mother of Akira – a schoolboy who is eager to continue her work and create something of his own.

After the death of his mother, the boy began to decipher her developments and plans, according to which he began to design assistants with AI. However, all his creations are short-lived. More and more often it seems to him that he is not capable of more.

One day, his friend gets a girlfriend and explains that it is she who motivates him to be better. Without thinking twice, the main character creates a robot girl based on his mother's developments. No. 0 is born, already programmed to love Akira.

But instead of inspiring him to develop new models, the robot girl demands attention like any other. This does not suit Akira, but only distracts him from his work, so he decides to get rid of No. 0.

Make a Girl Is an Anime about a Robot And Its Creator

From this point on, the anime begins to mix shojo, deep drama, thriller and action. On the one hand, the movie explores the topic of love between a robot and its creator, which has been explored more than once in both animation and cinema.

For example, in the anime Chobits, the main character found a discarded humanoid robot, fixed it and began to build a relationship with it. But Akira is still an immature schoolboy and is unable to reflect on his feelings.

Make a Girl Focuses on a Love Story, But Tries to Explore Other Topics

On the other hand, the director tries to show the difference between scientists who have worked on their projects all their lives and the spoiled children of geniuses who build their careers on an existing foundation. But the conflict ends before it even starts.

Unfortunately, Yasuda Gensho decided to avoid serious topics and focus on the love story. At the same time, the director adds some catchy details.

For example, if a robot tries to hurt its creator, the program will make it hurt itself, even to the point of self-destruction.

In this context, the desired, but for an android unattainable, freedom of thought, action and judgment seems particularly acute.

For Science SARU Studio, Inu-Oh is the second foray into the territory of the most influential work in Japanese history, Tales of the Heike. In 2021, Naoko Yamada's The Heike Story was released, which can be considered a kind of prequel to Inu-Oh.

Made by the studio's founding father, Masaaki Yuasa, it recounts the events that followed and the oral tradition that formed the basis of the tale, taking a liberty with the original source.

What Is Inu-Oh About?

A long time ago, two people met in Japan: Inu-Oh and Tomona. The first was cursed at birth and given such a horrible body that he was forced to wear thick clothes and a mask made of a pumpkin.

And the second lost his eyesight when he was a child. Inu-Oh is the son of a genius dancer: his father rejected the child, so the boy had to learn choreography all by himself. And Tomona, like many other blind people in Japan, became a biwa-hoshi – a wandering storyteller.

The fateful meeting of the musician and the dancer opened a new chapter in the old story and changed the lives of them two forever.

You Don't Need to Know Japanese History to Enjoy Inu-Oh

Thanks to the chosen approach, it is not necessary to know the history of Japan at all: it is enough to know that there was a whole class of wandering blind monks who performed songs with historical plots to earn a living.

The musical numbers retell important scenes from the story of the Tales of the Heike, providing a certain context, and while the plot unfolds, the viewer will also become acquainted with how history is written.

Inu-Oh Is One of the Most Strikingly Beautiful Anime Released in Recent Years

In Inu-Oh, Yuasa's characteristic style finds its perfect content: expressive drawings, sometimes more like sketches, accurately convey the rebellious mood of the anime.

At the same time, as always, the outward simplicity of the animation is deceptive and hides the meticulous work that is clearly visible in the details.

The director is famous for his attention to detail, and Inu-Oh is no exception: an attentive viewer will definitely notice the small movements that enliven the dance, the numerous traditional patterns on the fabrics, and the rich elaboration of the backgrounds.

Inu-Oh Is a Must-Watch for Every Anime Fan

Inu-Oh is a beautiful movie that hits many key points at once: some will enjoy the excellent music, some will admire the bright and imaginative animation, and some will be captivated by the plot.

Some may see themselves in the main characters. Stories generally do not change, and many plots that took place long ago are still relevant today.

As a distributor, Netflix Original Anime continues to bring Japanese animation to the world and support its many projects.

The Orbital Children, a six-episode project released in 2022, develops a sci-fi perspective, predicting the life of humans in low-Earth orbit.

The future and the confident expansion of space are an obvious reason to reflect on the interaction with technology and how new devices predetermine both the environment and the person himself.

What Is The Orbital Children About?

In 2045, thanks to technological progress and artificial intelligence, space travel has become commonplace. An accident occurs at one of the stations and children are caught in the epicenter.

Without the support of adults, but surrounded by the Internet, smartphones and robots, they try to eliminate the consequences of the disaster.

The team not only overcomes fears and gradually matures, but also takes responsibility for the future, including the Earth they once abandoned.

The Orbital Children Is Inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey

The Orbital Children explores familiar questions posed by Stanley Kubrick in 2001: A Space Odyssey: AI as an indispensable navigator and servant of humanity, but at the same time a full-fledged subject that has acquired selfhood and independence.

The authors' respect for Space Odyssey is written into the structure of the miniseries. The dual nature of AI – the proud result of technological progress and at the same time its scourge – is presented in the anime with the same questioning intonation as the behavior of Kubrick's HAL9000.

The impossibility of protecting civilization from mistakes, as well as the complete subordination of technology – one of the main cases of the series by Mitsuo Iso.

The spaceship is ordered to destroy most of the Earth's population, the function of saviors is forced to be taken over by children – active users of gadgets and mediators with the world of high technology.

This is the truth not only of a science fiction series, but also of our world: who, if not children, who have been holding gadgets in their hands since childhood, are destined to understand the future in the conditions of technological singularity?

The Orbital Children Is a Rare Example of High-Quality Modern Sci-Fi Anime

The Orbital Children boasts thoughtful space design, high-quality animation, and an inventive hybrid of hand-drawn animation and computer graphics.

A return to space themes is certainly important for anime: some Japanese space operas have become half-forgotten masterpieces, so The Orbital Children satisfies viewers' need for sci-fi anime.

If you ask the average viewer what anime feature films they know, the first ones that come to mind are the works of Hayao Miyazaki – the beloved My Neighbor Totoro and Castle in the Sky.

But today we are going to tell you about the films of other directors – the ones that many people do not know, but which definitely deserve attention.

1. Mind Game, 2004

The main character dies in a skirmish with the Yakuza: he is shot and goes to heaven. This is where everything begins. In heaven, the man does not find peace, but humiliation: God makes fun of his absurd death and wants to send the loser to oblivion.

The anime is a crazy trip with deliberately primitive animation and a visual mix of real actors' faces, photo collages, animation and computer graphics.

Despite the absurdity of the events, the plot is quite simple, and the idea is completely obvious: will and perseverance are good.

2. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade, 1999

Kazuki Fuse is a member of an elite paramilitary unit in post-war Japan. The purpose of his work is to counter terrorists who are organizing riots in Tokyo.

On his next mission, he pursues a terrorist woman, catches up with her, but is stunned by her innocent appearance. This delay becomes the beginning of a complicated story about love and the behind-the-scenes games of officials.

If you take Little Red Riding Hood and try to tell it against the backdrop of the political intrigues of the secret services, you get Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade.

3. Metropolis, 2001

Metropolis is a multi-level giant city that exists thanks to the work of robots. Although the city has a formal government, Duke Red really rules everything.

One day he decides to create a robot in the likeness of his dead daughter, but the purpose of this artificial resurrection is not limited to parental melancholy.

This anime is in the style of the classic manga of the 60s, so the characters are reminiscent of old Disney: at that time, Japanese animators borrowed a lot from their Western counterparts.

Another source of inspiration is the German film of the same name, which added elements of cinematic expressionism.

4. Only Yesterday, 1991

Taeko, a 27-year-old Tokyo resident, decides to spend her vacation in the countryside. She begins to remember her childhood: school, first love, teenage tragedies.

This journey, which takes place both in the present and in the past, causes Taeko to reflect. Career, family, future – all of these things have to be reconsidered and reevaluated at the threshold of thirty.

Only Yesterday is a quiet story of an ordinary person, created according to the canons of the aesthetics of mono no aware: the search for beauty in the impermanent and transient. It is also a brief reflection on the relationship between man and nature.

The Fable is dedicated to a hitman. However, the story will not only be about taking the lives of strangers, but also about the ability to live a normal, everyday life.

The advertising campaign for The Fable was built in such a way as to give the impression that the title was a comedy. Criminal series, with an absurd main character, potentially black humor and a series of sketches about how difficult it is for Fable to live a normal everyday life.

It was all partly justified – but the anime turned out to be much more interesting and complex.

What Is The Fable About?

The legendary assassin, nicknamed Fable for his elusiveness, is forced into retirement: his boss has ordered him to temporarily lay low in Osaka. His only condition is not to kill, which sounds incredibly difficult for a mercenary.

His whole life has been about solving problems with a single blow, so he will have to learn how to live a normal life from scratch. He arrives in Osaka under the name of Akira Sato and with his "sister" Yoko, a partner who usually drives him to work.

A year is allotted for everything: according to the boss, this is enough time to cover his tracks and teach his subordinate something new, taking Fable's skills to another level.

The Fable Is Not Your Typical Crime Comedy Title

It quickly becomes clear that this is a much more complex work than it seems at first glance. Despite a certain comedic touch, this is first and foremost a high-quality crime story that is presented in a surprisingly serious manner.

The plot implies that Akira will avoid underground activities, but the past does not let go of him so easily. As a result, he constantly encounters inhabitants of the criminal world.

The Fable Is a Rather Authentic and Serious Crime Story

Sato has to deal with a considerable number of problems. The two central ones are a recently released yakuza who tries to restore the old order in Okinawa and a swindler who blackmails parents who overprotect their children.

Both arcs are presented with a high degree of authenticity, which is surprisingly consistent with the local manifestation of humor. As a result, human trafficking and the punch lines of the comedian Jackal, whose jokes only seem to amuse Akira, end up next door.

Anime is a field of experimentation and diversity. There are no conventions, and even the most classic genres, such as horror, are read differently in anime.

Instead of traditional jump scares, there can be long suspense, instead of darkness, there can be the light of a cozy afternoon, and instead of evil from the underworld, there can be ordinary people.

1. Digimon Ghost Game, 2021-2023

This is a series based on the Digimon franchise, where there is a digital world similar to ours. From there, different animals come to our world – Digimons. They can evolve and change a lot. You can keep them as pets and even make friends with them.

But there are also ghostly digimons that can harm people. The main character, Hiro Amanokawa, together with his Digimon Gammamon, goes on a path of hostility with ghostly monsters.

2. Call of the Night, 2022

An ordinary schoolboy, Ko Yamori, was suffering from severe stress and insomnia. Unable to resist the call of the night, he went outside and, trembling with fear, began to search for himself. In the middle of the street, in the shadow of a vending machine, he met a strange-looking girl.

Dressed as the main character of a vampire video game, she turned out to be a real vampire. Nazuna, the vampire's name, is trapped in a cage of immortality and meaningless existence.

To fill the nights, she played video games and flew around the city. And Yamori's desire to become a vampire made her think about her miserable existence. Can freedom be a punishment? Can a vampire be happy?

3. Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle, 2020

Creepy monsters have kidnapped a princess and are holding her in a castle. But they are lazy and awkward. So the princess makes her own rules in the castle. Or rather, in her room.

All the princess wants is a good night's sleep. But sleeping in her room is uncomfortable. So the princess goes around the castle and makes pillows and blankets out of monsters. This is a slightly absurd comedy with very cute monsters and sometimes extremely silly humor.

4. Zombieland Saga, 2018-2021

All the viewer knows is that a man has gathered a group of zombie girls. The girls lived in different eras, but they are all very talented in music, and many were even musicians in life.

Why did they become zombies? It doesn't matter, they won't tell you. Who is this man? It doesn't matter either. The main thing is that they have to become a successful group and draw attention to their dying Saga Prefecture.

Conflicts arise and are resolved, and friendship and understanding are born. Will a group made up of people from different eras and with different problems be able to become real? Will it succeed?

New year – new anime titles. Here you will find the long-awaited adaptations, dark horses, detective doctors and touching melodramas.

1. Zenshu, 2025

The debut film brought recognition and success to animator Natsuko Hirose. But working on the next movie becomes a nightmare. Constant overtime, missed deadlines and complete disregard for her health lead to tragedy.

But death is the beginning of a new adventure. Natsuko wakes up in the world of her favorite anime and discovers that her drawings can now come to life.

The girl must take the fate of this world into her own hands: change the plot, stop the apocalypse, and protect the place that has become her home.

2. Flower and Asura, 2025

High school student Hana has loved reading aloud since childhood, and she is very good at it. All the local children adore Hana's fairy tales. Mizuki, the president of the school radio club, notices Hana's talent and invites her to join the club.

One of the most talented new studios, Bind, is working on the series. The studio's portfolio includes the recent hit Jobless Reincarnation.

Flower and Asura amazes from the very first episode with how the reading of poetry and prose is animated. The characters don't just read the texts – they literally bring each word to life, immersing themselves in fantasies.

3. Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective, 2025

Takao Ameku is an eccentric doctor. She lives in an annex on the roof of the hospital and enjoys watching movies, making diagnoses and solving mysteries that other doctors and even the police can't solve.

Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective is a mix of House M.D. and Sherlock in anime format. Takao is often mistaken for a teenager, but her intelligence is comparable to other famous detectives from pop culture.

4. Honey Lemon Soda, 2025

Uka and Kai are classmates and completely different people. Uka is a shy and insecure girl who has a hard time finding a common language with others. And Kai is a charismatic and outgoing guy, popular among his peers.

However, for some unknown reason, Kai pays attention to the girl and begins to help her with everything.

This is a romantic story in which the relationship between the characters develops slowly. The focus is shifted to Uka's personal development. With each episode, she opens up more and more to people and gains confidence in herself.

5. Medalist, 2025

It's better to start a professional sport as a child. Inori dreams of becoming a figure skater, but she's in fifth grade, so it's too late to start a career. But she doesn't give up and secretly trains at the local rink.

One day on the ice, Inori meets Tsukasa, a 26-year-old assistant coach at a sports club. Tsukasa himself once dreamed of becoming a figure skater, but never made it. Tsukasa sees his younger self in Inori, so he decides to help the girl and becomes her personal coach.

Anime is not always an easy genre to understand. Memories of Serial Experiments Lain and Ergo Proxy are still fresh, understanding what was a difficult task for viewers.

Anime Lycoris Recoil is a very easy to understand story about two partners. But even this anime hides many secrets that puzzled fans of this title.

1. What Kind of Bullets Does Chisato Use?

This anime is about the work of killer girls known as Lycoris. But the coolest Lycoris, Chisato, doesn't kill anyone and uses rubber bullets. And these bullets behave strangely.

In one of the episodes, they go through a metal car door. Fans wondered – if a bullet can break through a car door, can it be considered safe for a person? After all, Chisato is trying to save lives and only stuns enemies.

Many theories have been proposed. According to one, the bullets are made of nanotechnological material that does not harm humans or animals, but causes increased damage to hard surfaces.

From the point of view of the anime's setting, this is unrealistic – the action takes place in our days. Another version suggests that Chisato's gun has two modes – normal and enhanced, which allows it to pierce metal.

2. Is Robota a Cyborg?

Robota is one of Japan's best hackers. He wears a full-sized robot head on his head. He never takes it off, walking around the streets like that, even in moments when his life is hanging by a thread. Many questions immediately arise – What is it made of? After all, is Robota a cyborg?

The fan community quickly found an answer. In the official fanbook Lycoris Recoil: Heroine Archive Chisato & Takina says that Robota wears a headdress in the shape of a robot's head. It also shows a sketch of his appearance without that strange hat.

3. How Could Walnut Be an Old Hacker?

One of the biggest mysteries of the anime is the identity of the legendary hacker of the golden age of the Internet – Walnut. He became a legend in the 90s, and everyone thinks of him as an old man. However, from the anime we learn that Walnut is a young girl named Kurumi, who was clearly born after 2000. How can this be?

One of the fan theories is that Walnut is an advanced artificial intelligence that appeared in the 90s and escaped from its creators. But Kurumi managed to hack it and take the name for herself.

Another version is that someone deliberately transferred Walnut's identity to Kurumi. Either way, Kurumi herself could hardly have been hacking in the 90s, since she is no more than 18 years old.

4. Why Did the Leader of the Special Unit Look At Chisato Strangely?

There are many different organizations in the world of Lycoris Recoil. One of them is LilyBell, a special unit made up of street kids.

When LilyBell meets the Lycoris troops, Chisato blocks their way. At that moment, Takina notices that the leader of LilyBell is looking at Chisato very strangely.

Chisato has already told Takina that LilyBell came to her house. They could only have come with one purpose – to destroy her. But as you can see in the anime, they failed. Such a failure could lead to LilyBell being punished by the authorities.

Nothing is more soothing than the sight of adorable animals, so if you have a furry friend at home, cuddle up with them and watch funny and touching anime series.

1. The Masterful Cat Is Depressed Again Today, 2023

A cat named Yukichi has to take care of everything: cleaning, cooking, washing, ironing, and even taking out the trash. It's not something an ordinary cat could handle, but Yukichi is a real house cat.

Lucky owner. But in the morning the owner named Saku still has to get up and go to work in a boring office. How else? She has to earn money to feed this big and smart cat.

2. Chi's Sweet Home, 2008

Chi's Sweet Home"is a collection of short stories about how a lost kitten found a new family and is now having a wonderful time. It all started when a little boy named Yohei picked up a stray kitten on the street.

Despite the fact that pets are not allowed in the house where the Yamada family lives, Yohei's mother allowed him to keep the kitten. Such a small cat would definitely not survive on the street alone.

And so a new member of the Yamada family joins them – a kitten named Chi. Now every day of the family members life is filled with cute, curious eyes, soft paws, and various cat shenanigans.

3. My Roommate Is a Cat, 2019

A young detective writer named Subaru comes across an angry cat with bright red eyes in a cemetery. The writer is struck by inspiration and begins working on a new book in which the main antagonist is a fierce and cunning cat.

Subaru takes the furry creature home and spends his reclusive life with his new pet. The neighbors find him strange, but Subaru is used to spending his days alone.

He would love to settle down on a desert island surrounded only by books, but until such an opportunity presents itself, he continues to work on a future mystery bestseller.

4. Nights With a Cat, 2022-...

The main character, a young man named Fuuta, led an ordinary life until his younger sister brought a cat into the house. From that moment on, Fuuta began to observe the new pet's antics and habits with interest.

It turns out that cats have so many unusual and interesting habits: staring into space, sneaking up and jumping on hands, throwing things on the floor. With such cat quirks, life will definitely be more fun and unpredictable.

Hayao Miyazaki is an auteur with a stunningly brilliant filmography. It seems that he destroys himself anew before each movie, burns out completely, only to rise again a few years later.

He is known as a director of gentle fairy tales, but in Miyazaki's films there is a lot of pain, anger, and quiet acceptance that humanity is doomed. Miyazaki is also the only Japanese director to have won an Academy Award for his masterpiece Spirited Away.

What Is Spirited Away About?

Ten-year-old Chihiro and her parents are moving, and the family is expecting a housewarming party. But on their way to the party, they stumble upon a strange town where they meet no one.

There is a surprisingly majestic table overflowing with all kinds of delicacies. The hungry parents rush to the table and, to the horror of the little girl, turn into pigs.

This is the magic of the evil sorceress Yubaba. Left alone, Chihiro does not lose heart – the girl goes to the world of Yubaba to return her parents to human form.

Spirited Away Proved to the World the Greatness of Anime

It's rare that a movie comes along that can so powerfully break down cultural barriers. Once upon a time, Spirited Away took the world box office by storm and won the only animation Oscar in history for a non-English-language film.

Spirited Away was then joined by The Boy and the Heron, and just recently Flow won a statuette.

And it probably convinced a lot of skeptical viewers that Japanese animation could be so accessible, poetic and exciting.

Spirited Away Will Never Cease to Be Relevant

The story of Chihiro trying to save her parents from a parallel magical world has become a textbook example: it's hard to imagine that any of today's animators and storytellers don't watch this movie every time they find themselves in a creative crisis.

And the more time passes, the more valuable Spirited Away becomes. Neither the stunning designs of the magical creatures nor the touching story of a girl who cannot stop caring about the suffering around her will ever become outdated.

Spirited Away Is a Quiet and Calm Masterpiece

But in an age of fast information and short content, you begin to look at Miyazaki's ability to work with pauses and silence in a new way.

One of the best moments in the movie is not a bright scene or heartbreaking dialogue, but Chihiro's train ride. The quiet episode knocks you off your feet – it turns out that sometimes you can just be quiet, slow down, and the magic will still be there.

What is anime and what is not? Japanese animation is often intertwined with Western animation.

And there are many animated series that are undoubtedly anime in origin and style, but at the same time tell stories about characters and worlds from Western franchises.

1. Batman: Gotham Knight, 2008

The events of the film take place between the plots of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Batman gets involved in showdowns between criminal factions in Gotham and dispenses justice in his own way.

The narrative is divided into six stories, mostly created by different studios. The result is interesting, although not all episodes are equally good.

But the unusual approach of the Japanese to the visual style of the Dark Knight and his environment refreshed the stories. This movie has deservedly occupied various places in all sorts of top animated Batman movies for many years.

2. Supernatural: The Animation, 2011

In 2009 and 2010, Madhouse was in great demand among Western studios. The creator of the Supernatural anime was the founder of the series, Eric Kripke, who left the series after the fifth season.

Together with Madhouse, they developed 22 episodes. Half of them were reworkings of some episodes from the first and second seasons of the TV show, and the rest were completely new stories.

The talented creator of the original collaborated with one of the most famous Japanese animation studios. The partners did not blindly copy the plot of the original source, but expanded the lore.

And they also attracted the actors of the series: Jared Padalecki voiced his character throughout the series, and Jensen Ackles – in two final episodes.

3. The Animatrix, 2003

The first Matrix brought in millions at the box office. This freed the Wachowskis to experiment and return to their roots.

It is no secret that The Matrix itself was largely inspired by anime. So the idea of making an animated anthology that reveals the world of the movie was a natural one.

Some of the short stories fill in the gaps in the trilogy's universe – the Wachowskis themselves wrote the scripts. The rest play with the world of The Matrix in different ways, showing how thin the line is between the real and the virtual.

4. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, 2022

The game Cyberpunk 2077 showed that this universe has unlimited potential for amazing stories. The anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners confirmed this. Trigger Studio has created one of the best anime of 2022.

Visually, the series makes you fall in love with it from the very first frames, just like the girl Lucy captivates the main character David at their first meeting. Trigger's attention to detail is particularly pleasing.

The studio carefully transferred Night City to the screens. At the same time, the authors have added new details: the streets have become more lively, the inhabitants more diverse, and the protagonist travels through the city on the subway, which the developers once promised to include in the game.

Nina the Starry Bride is one of the most charming new releases of the fall season, but for Signal.MD studio, the project turned out to be a farewell. The future of the series is now in question, but that is no reason to ignore it.

The first feeling that the josei anime Nina the Starry Bride evokes is a warm nostalgia for the time when long adventure shojo series were released, full of events and bright characters.

On the other hand, Nina the Starry Bride is similar to new shojo releases like Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts, where the heroine achieves her goals with kindness and perseverance, and finds support in the form of new friends.

What Is Nina the Starry Bride About?

Orphan Nina survives on the streets of the Fortuna Kingdom by stealing. One day, a close friend betrays her and sells into slavery. She ends up in the palace of Prince Azure, whose confidants have long been searching for a girl who resembles Nina.

Princess Alisha, who was worshipped as a priestess, lived in special chambers here. She received special education and care: until the age of 16, she was not allowed to go out in public – she even rarely saw her relatives.

The royal family raised her as a symbol of Fortuna – and a political weapon. They intend to marry the priestess to the heir of a neighboring state in order to balance the conflicts between the powers.

Nina learns that Alisha has died, but only a few people know about it. Azure asks the girl to pose as a priestess to avoid problems in the palace and with the neighboring state.

Nina the Starry Bride Is an Exciting And Adventurous Josei Title

The art in the Signal.MD series is in many ways inferior to the original manga by Rikachi, whose art is more expressive and beautiful. However, fans of shojo and josei are used to it: their favorite shows rarely have big budgets.

Nevertheless, Nina the Starry Bride is a truly exciting anime, whose characters are impossible not to fall in love with.

For the first time in a long time, a josei series features an unusual love triangle where you can't just root for one side: you sincerely empathize with both young men in love.

In addition to romantic passions, the anime is filled with political intrigue and dangerous adventures, so you definitely won't be bored.

In 1983, the young artist Michiyo Akaishi began work on the historical manga Alpen Rose, about the adventures of a girl named Jeudi searching for her parents during the troubled times when the threat of World War II was looming over Europe.

Two years later, the Tatsunoko studio released the series Flaming Alpine Rose: Jeudi & Lundi for which Joe Hisaishi, a regular composer for Takeshi Kitano and Hayao Miyazaki, wrote the music.

What Is Flaming Alpine Rose: Jeudi & Lundi About?

In the early 1930s, a plane crash occurs in the skies over Switzerland, in which a girl survives but loses her memory. She is helped by a boy named Lundi, who discovers the girl in the Alps and names her Jeudi.

Jeudi grows up and one day, on her way to meet Lundi, meets Count George, a powerful man who becomes obsessed with her and takes her to his castle. Lundi helps Jeudi escape. However, the man continues to hunt for the girl in order to imprison her on the estate at any cost.

During the escape, Jeudi and Lundi decide to go on a dangerous journey to find her parents. The only clue they have is a song about an alpine rose. There is also a portrait of a woman on the wall of the Count's estate who looks very much like Jeudi. Could this be her mother?

Flaming Alpine Rose: Jeudi & Lundi Is a Good Old Shojo Title

Flaming Alpine Rose can be classified as one of those old shojo anime where the plot develops dynamically against the background of important historical events and the heroine has to face difficult trials.

The German resistance movement, to which Jeudi's parents are probably connected, is in the foreground. The main character meets people who oppose the fascist regime and help her find her relatives.

Some of the Episodes Are Still Impressive Today

Although the anime is old and some events may seem exaggerated, it has absolutely brilliant episodes.

For example, in one of the episodes, a famous pianist is forced to organize a concert for the Nazis, but instead of the expected propaganda compositions, he suddenly starts playing Alpen Rose – the anthem of the anti-Nazi movement, and the people in the audience support him.

Flaming Alpine Rose: Jeudi & Lundi Ends Too Abruptly

The series is so captivating that you don't even notice how much you want the heroine to find happiness with Lundi and be reunited with her parents.

There is one problem – the anime ends rather abruptly at episode 20. Originally, Tatsunoko Studio planned 52 episodes, but the number of episodes was shortened, so the anime does not contain everything that made the original manga so famous. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth watching.