Who doesn’t like a bit of the supernatural? Humans have been fascinated by stories of unseen and unknowable forces since storytelling began. Supernatural anime presents elements that would never be possible in reality.
From the comfort of our homes, we can meet the creepiest of ghosts and experience the most thrilling of mysteries. Ghosts, monsters, spiritual powers, and magic items all play a part in retelling the world around us to give us something new and exciting!
Supernatural anime may not be the most popular genre of anime out there, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t great supernatural stories coming out every year. Most supernatural anime is dark and serious, but there are a few lighter, more comedic ones too. We have both on our list.
As anime is a fusion of Japanese culture and Western animation, the supernatural is a perfect genre to incorporate urban legends and folklore to create unique shows.
With so many choices, isn’t it hard to decide which series to watch first? Well, my fellow anime enthusiast, this collection of some of the best shows of all time is the perfect way to take your first step into the paranormal universe of supernatural anime.
Death Note
Shinigami are gods of death, and they can kill anyone simply by seeing their face and writing their name in a Death Note notebook. One day, Ryuk, bored with his shinigami life and curious to see what humans do with a Death Note, slips one into the human realm.
Prodigy student Light Yagami stumbles upon the Death Note, and he puts it to the test using the name of a criminal since he deplores the state of the world. Following the criminal’s death as a consequence of his experiment with the Death Note, Light is shocked and realizes that the power he possesses can be devastating.
Because of this divine power, Light decides to eliminate all criminals and transform the world into a place without crime and with people worshipping him as a god.
It is however soon realized by the police that a serial killer has been killing criminals and they take action to apprehend the perpetrator. The Japanese enlist the help of the world’s top detective: a young, eccentric man with only one name: L.
The most interesting and intellectual characters ever seen in an anime are L and Light. It doesn’t matter that they are both geniuses; you will root for one of them to win the game.
Because of Light’s charismatic yet demented character, you want to watch his conquests and failures. L’s quirkiness and intelligence make you want to watch as well. Both are likable and unique in their own way.
After watching this anime, you will wonder what you would have done with a Death Note. Many will debate and question Light’s actions. The anime shines due to its walkability and complexity, in addition to its ability to build suspense and anticipation in its viewers.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuuji Itadori, a high school student who indulges in baseless paranormal activities with the Occult Club, spends his time in the clubroom or at the hospital visiting his bedridden grandfather. When he unknowingly encounters a cursed item, however, this leisurely lifestyle quickly takes a turn for the strange.
Yuuji finds himself plunged into the world of Curses-dreadful creatures formed from human malice and negativity-after swallowing the said item, which reveals itself to be a finger belonging to the demon Sukuna Ryoumen, the “King of Curses.”
In the course of discovering his own newfound powers, Yuuji encounters first-hand the threat that these Curses pose to society. Upon entering Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, he begins to walk down a path he cannot return from: the path of a Jujutsu sorcerer.
Jujutsu Kaisen gained popularity very quickly after its creation. No matter if you’re a fan of shounen or not, you’ll probably enjoy this show. It has more than just shounen to offer.
The plot in Jujutsu Kaisen is not lacking. In this story, the main character does not wish to become the leader of the village, group, etc. The story centers around a boy who wants to die peacefully, who wishes to help others and make them happy, and who wishes to be remembered as a good person. Another great aspect of this anime is that you can connect with the characters, which makes watching a show even more enjoyable.
The power system and the world-building in Jujutsu Kaisen are somewhat unique and have an interesting concept. It uses cursed energy for its powers. Cursed energy comes from negative emotions and spitefulness. Negative emotions create negative energy that can be used to attack. This anime will leave you satisfied in the end, and there’s more to come from it.
One Punch Man
A seemingly ordinary and unimpressive character, Saitama has an unusual hobby: being a hero. To fulfill his childhood dream, he trained tirelessly for three years, losing all of his hair in the process. Saitama is now so powerful that no opponent can defeat him in battle. As a result of only needing one punch to defeat evildoers, he no longer experiences the thrill of battle and has become quite bored.
All this changes when Genos, a 19-year-old cyborg, arrives and wishes to be Saitama’s disciple after seeing what he is capable of. Genos suggests they join the Hero Association to become certified heroes who will be recognized for their contributions to society, and Saitama, shocked that no one knows who he is, quickly agrees.
This is the story of One Punch Man, an action-comedy that follows an eccentric individual who wants to fight strong enemies who can hopefully give him the excitement he once had, and maybe become popular in the process.
Saitama has a lot of power. Being the strongest is boring. In life, the concept of looking for someone stronger or at least entertaining is funny, especially if no one is aware of how strong you are.
Saitama is impossible not to like, even the secondary and tertiary characters. Character development isn’t great, but you’re not looking for that in this anime. Saitama is the strongest character here. It’s meant to be like that.
While watching an episode, you’ll find yourself absorbed in it, and you won’t believe how quickly time passes when you’re entertained.
Mob Psycho 100
The eighth-grader Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama has developed great psychic abilities at an early age. When he realizes the danger associated with his skills, the power soon becomes a burden. Due to his power being suppressed, Mob’s only current use is to impress his longtime crush, Tsubomi, who quickly grows bored of the same tricks.
In order to gain control over his abilities, Mob enlists the help of Arataka Reigen, a con artist posing as a psychic who exploits Mob’s powers. Now, exorcising evil spirits has become a daily, monotonous part of Mob’s life.
However, the psychic energy he exerts is scarcely the tip of the iceberg; if he runs berserk with his unrestrained emotions, he will be swept up in a cataclysmic event that will render him completely unrecognizable. It is pointless to attempt to stop the progress toward Mob’s explosion.
There are a million ways to describe Mob Psycho 100. To put it simply, it’s exciting. The story may seem simplistic at first, and at times it is, but over time, the series explores a variety of topics, including mortality and what it means to be different. There are, however, other characters in this story, in addition to Mob.
Mob Psycho 100 has a unique look and feel when it comes to anime. This series is very over-the-top, exaggerated, and weird in style, and it fits the tone quite well. It’s not something you’ll see very often, so it’s supposed to be weird and quirky. That said, the series isn’t merely a comedy. Throughout the series, there are moments when things get serious and emotional.
Kimi no Na wa
High school student Mitsuha Miyamizu dreams of living the life of a boy in Tokyo, a life that stands in stark contrast to her present one in a countryside village. Meanwhile, Taki Tachibana in the city lives a busy life as a student working part-time and hoping for a career in architecture.
One day, Mitsuha wakes up in Taki’s body and suddenly finds herself living the dream life in Tokyo-but in Taki’s body! On the other hand, Taki lives Mitsuha’s humble country life. In search of an explanation for this strange phenomenon, they begin to search for one another.
There is a dramatic impact on Mitsuha and Taki’s lives after their actions are combined into an interwoven fabric held together by fortune and circumstance.
Typical of a Makoto Shinkai production, the film is filled with heartfelt smiles and tears. Although the story is simplistic and generic, it draws you emotionally into the story because of the train metaphors, the hopeless and distant love, and the beautiful scenery.
Typical of Makoto Shinkai’s work, the artwork is stunning. The production quality is excellent. The artwork alone is poignant enough to make you cry. Color and movement within the frame help you focus on what you need to focus on, but he doesn’t skimp on the details or leave them out if your eyes wander.
We all can relate to the high school phase of our lives since stories about characters going through this period in books or films remind us of our own teenage years. Shinkai depicted the characters and their relationships well.
Mushishi
Mushi: the simplest form of life in the world. Unlike humans, mushi are beyond the concept of “good” or “evil.” Mushi comes in many forms and are capable of mimicking things found in nature such as plants, disease, and even phenomena like rainbows.
Although this is just a vague description of these entities inhabiting the vibrant world of Mushishi, even to call them forms of life would be an oversimplification. Because most humans are unaware of Mushi’s existence, detailed information about them is scarce.
What exactly are Mushi and why do they exist? Mushishi, like Ginko, ponder this question constantly. The Mushishi study Mushi so that they can better understand their position in the world’s hierarchy.
To find an answer, Ginko chases down rumors of occurrences that could be linked to Mushi.
In the end, it could lead to the meaning of life itself.
Mushishi has only one main character, Ginko, and is an episodic anime. He is on a journey to investigate a phenomenon known as “mushi” and the effects it has on humans. Additionally, he helps the different villages with any As well, he helps the different villages with any mushi “problems” they may encounter.
The philosophy of “mushi,” which is neither human, plant, nor animal but affects humans daily, is both intelligent and thought-provoking. Even more intriguing is how Ginko manages these phenomena, whether he is researching or treating them. Mushishi’s stories are beautifully told and contain valuable lessons.
There is no flashy, grotesque, or absurd story, competing for attention among the cliche-ridden anime market. The plot flows like a calm streamlet, contemplative in its very essence.
Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
Chihiro Ogino, a 10-year-old spoiled, naive girl, is less than pleased when her parents stumble upon a deserted amusement park on the way to their new home. After cautiously entering, she realizes that there is more to this place than meets the eye, as strange things start to happen once dusk falls.
There are ghostly apparitions and food that turns her parents into pigs, just the beginning of Chihiro’s unwitting contact with the spirit world. With the aid of the mysterious Haku and the cast of eccentric characters she encounters along the way, she must find the courage to live and work among the spirits.
In Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, Chihiro is taken on an adventure through an unfamiliar world in order to save her parents and return home.
Children are the embodiment of mysterious wonder and awe-inspiring imagination. There are moments in life when we’ve gone off into our own imaginary world and tried to experience a new reality. Many films have attempted to recreate the nostalgic feeling of reliving childhood, either succeeding or failing. A man like Miyazaki is capable of doing that flawlessly.
The film isn’t grand with a lot of bells and whistles. In this story, an ordinary girl in a strange world is portrayed in a quiet, subdued way. Take the time to appreciate the world and story Miyazaki has crafted for us to enjoy instead of expecting something huge.
This film stands out for its lack of clearly good or evil characters. There are good and bad sides to everyone, though some may allow their evil sides to overshadow their good sides.
Kimetsu no Yaiba
Tanjirou Kamado has supported his family ever since his father’s death. While living in poverty on a remote mountain, the Kamado family is able to enjoy a relatively peaceful and happy existence. One day, Tanjirou decides to sell charcoal in a nearby village to earn some extra cash.
When night falls, Tanjirou is forced to seek shelter in the house of a stranger, and he is warned that flesh-eating demons lurk in the woods at night.
On the following day, he returns home to find his whole family slaughtered. Moreover, the only survivor is Nezuko, who has been transformed into a bloodthirsty demon. With rage and hatred in his heart, Tanjirou swears to avenge his family and stand by his only remaining sibling.
Tanjirou is willing to do whatever it takes to slay the demons and protect the remnants of his beloved sister’s humanity, along with the mysterious group calling itself the Demon Slayer Corps.
It isn’t necessary to have a complex plot or a large cast of characters to make a good show. Kimetsu no Yaiba is proof of that. It is like a love letter to fans of dark fantasy adventures.
Tanjirou Kamado, the main character, is a fairly straightforward character, just as the narrative is. He is kind, gentle, selfless, and caring.
It is admirable that he continues to strive despite overwhelming odds, but this is typical of protagonists in shounen. Among his notable characteristics is his love for his family. In order to keep the only family he has left, Nezuko, safe, he will do anything.
Boku dake ga Inai Machi
Just before tragedy strikes, Satoru Fujinuma is sent back several minutes before the accident occurs. This mysterious phenomenon, referred to by him as “Revival,” has enabled this 29-year-old manga artist to save many lives.
When he is falsely accused of murdering someone close to him, Satoru gets sent back in time once more, but this time to 1988, 18 years prior. Eventually, he realizes that the murder may be connected to the kidnapping and killing of a classmate, the solitary and mysterious Kayo Hinazuki, which occurred when he was a child. It is now that he must make amends.
Throughout Boku Dake ga Inai Machi, Satoru struggles to uncover what happened 18 years ago, prevent the death of his classmate and protect those he cares about today.
It’s not a story about time travel; it’s just an element that helps the narrative move along. Storytellers often mess up the plot when they emphasize time travel because they neglect consistency, which makes the story sloppy and unreliable. In keeping the element simple and undetailed, the anime avoids major inconsistencies and focuses on its main theme.
Although the series is based on Satoru investigating and preventing murders, it is not the main theme that stays with you after you finish it.
In essence, we see a character drama that lets us see how Satoru matures over time from a cold and indifferent character at the beginning to an endearing one in the end. A character drama such as Boku dake ga Inai Machi excels at creating an emotionally invested audience.
No Game No Life
It is the story of NEET siblings Sora and Shiro, the online gaming duo behind the infamous username “Blank.” The two view the real world simply as another boring game, but a mysterious e-mail challenges them to a chess match which throws them into an otherworldly realm where they meet Tet.
In Disboard, where all kinds of conflict-from small disputes to the fate of entire countries-are settled not by war, but by high-stake games, Sora and Shiro are welcomed by the mysterious god.
The system is based on a fundamental rule which states that each party must wager an amount equal to the other party’s wager. Suddenly, the indifferent genius gamer duo of Sora and Shiro have found a real reason to carry on playing games: to unite the sixteen races of Disboard, defeat Tet, and become gods in this new, gaming-is-everything world.
Through its characters, concepts, and gags, the show often pokes fun at itself despite the serious nature of the siblings’ quest. It is rarely more fun to watch someone else play a game than to play your own. In any case, this show makes you feel like you’re part of their quest to conquer the world.
This anime offers fantasy adventures through an experimental medium as it deconstructs game tropes. The show frequently mocks itself through cultures, rules, and anything else it can get its hands on. Despite the show’s clichés, it manages to parody them with a brilliant sense of humor.
Sora and Shiro are undoubtedly the focus in the character department since they are the series’ protagonists, and they do not disappoint.
Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!
Kazuma Satou, a reclusive high school student, dies a laughable and pathetic death while returning from buying a game and finds himself seated in front of Aqua, a beautiful but obnoxious goddess. There are two options for the NEET: Continue on to heaven or become part of every gamer’s fantasy world!
Having decided to start a new life, Kazuma is quickly tasked with defeating a Demon King who is terrorizing villages. Before he departs, he must select one item of any kind to aid him in his quest, and the future hero selects Aqua. The problem is that Aqua is useless. Kazuma has made a grave mistake.
Unfortunately, their troubles do not end here; it turns out that living in such a world is entirely different from how it appears in a game. They must first earn money to pay for their living expenses instead of embarking on an exciting adventure. Unfortunately, their misfortunes have only just begun!
Unlike other shows that tell great stories or explore philosophy and other themes, KonoSuba focuses on pure entertainment! This niche comedy has genuinely hilarious moments, while parodying any flaws it has. You can’t be sure if all the “flaws” it has are on purpose or not, so there isn’t much to criticize.
It’s over the top, but it executes its quirkiness in a way that’s funny and lighthearted. Rather than pursuing a serious story, it makes fun of stereotypes, including character tropes and MMO characteristics. KonoSuba is an excellent anime to just sit down and relax to.
Angel Beats!
When Okonashi awakens, he discovers he is dead. Otonashi realizes that all he remembers about himself is his name when Yuri, a rifle-toting girl, explains that they are in the afterlife. Yuri reveals that she is the leader of the Shinda Sekai Sensen and fights against a girl named Tenshi. Otonashi, unable to accept Yuri’s claim that Tenshi is evil, tries to speak with her, but the encounter doesn’t go as he intended.
In order to fight Tenshi, Okonashi decides to join the SSS, but he finds himself drawn to her. Slowly, he uncovers the mysteries of the afterlife while trying to regain his memories and understand Tenshi.
Angel Beats has a dualistic quality. The comedy portion is well-timed and mostly funny. The show is also good at slapstick comedy and is usually accompanied by inappropriate music that heightens the humor.
Melodrama would be the other part. Most of the characters’ backstories are revealed piece by piece, and many of the stories are depressing and torturous. It is not stereotypical; it seems that their common theme is regret – particularly that of teenagers coping with their families, society, and everyday life.
Every character’s interaction with the others and how their personalities differ is interesting. There is no one like the other, not even in personality. Due to the sheer number of characters in the series, it can be difficult for them all to have individual personalities.
Every time they are happy, intense, or sad, they share it with each other. You still feel like you could relate to them despite the horrific backstories that many of these characters have.
Noragami
You may find a strange phone number scrawled in red in times of need if you look in the right place. A young man will introduce himself as the Yato God if you call this number.
Yato is a minor deity who calls himself a “Delivery God” and dreams of having millions of worshippers. His goals are far from being achieved, however, without a single shrine dedicated to him. He spends his days doing odd jobs for five yen apiece, until his weapon partner is frustrated with him and deserts him.
Suddenly, the god’s fortune changes when a middle school girl, Hiyori Iki, supposedly saves him from a car accident by taking the hit on his behalf. Despite surviving, her soul has become loose and she is able to leave her body as a result.
Hiyori demands that Yato restore her to normality, but upon learning that he needs a new partner to do so, he reluctantly agrees to help him find one. And with Hiyori’s help, Yato’s luck may finally be turning around.
There is a seamless interplay between the plotlines in Noragami, both in terms of pacing and execution. With the exception of some comic relief and character introductions, the story moves quickly. There are even some realistic dark undertones.
You realize how lonely life can be, how painful it is to be forgotten, and how much you would like to be remembered.
In this series, every character is well fleshed out, well developed, and is not one-dimensional. Noragami has something for everyone. It has action, drama, comedy, and fantasy. The show is more character-driven, so its small cast portrays human behavior in a relatable way.
Bakemonogatari
When a vampire attacks, Koyomi Araragi, a third-year high school student, manages to survive with the help of a strange man living in an abandoned building, Meme Oshino. Even though he was saved from vampires and is now a normal human again, he still has several side effects, including superhuman healing powers and enhanced vision. Despite this, Araragi strives to live the life of a normal student with the help of his friend and class president, Tsubasa Hanekawa.
As Araragi catches Hitagi Senjougahara after she falls down the stairs, the boy realizes that she is unnaturally weightless. Even though Senjougahara protests, Araragi decides to enlist the help of Oshino, the man who had once helped him in his own predicament.
In a series of stories featuring demons and gods, Bakemonogatari tells the tale of Araragi, a man seeking to help those suffering from supernatural maladies.
The characters in Bakemonogatari are complex and unique. Each of the individual arcs in Bakemonogatari is woven into an overarching plot. Every character has a direct or indirect connection to the other. In each arc, we learn more about each girl’s affliction.
In other shows, this would mean long, drawn-out expository dialogue devoid of personality and flair. Bakemonogatari, on the other hand, is unlike other anime. Its visuals and dialogue complement each other so well that every interaction is fascinating.
Despite the dialogue’s tendency to meander from time to time, the characters’ interactions are always entertaining. By participating in seemingly pointless conversations, we can learn about their personalities, motivations, and beliefs. You learn only what you need to know in Bakemonogatari, and the rest can be filled in by your imagination.
Kenpuu Denki Berserk
Born from his mother’s corpse, Guts is a young mercenary who views the battlefield as his only chance at survival. Day after day, he sacrifices everything he has just to get by, moving from one bloodshed to another.
Griffith, nicknamed the “White Hawk,” recruits Guts after he encounters the Band of the Hawk, a mercenary band. As he quickly climbs the ranks and becomes the head of Griffith’s offensive force, Guts proves to be a valuable addition to Griffith’s force, taking Midland by storm. As the band’s quest for recognition continues, Guts slowly realizes the world is not as black-and-white as he once thought.
In Kenpuu Denki Berserk, a story set in the medieval era, a man struggles to find his own path, while supporting someone else’s lust for power, and the unimaginable tragedy that begins to turn the wheels of fate.
The story is set in a world filled with evil and brutality, dreams and despair, with people struggling to define who they are in the midst of it all and define what their lives mean. Love and friendship are slow to arrive, but when they do it will bring tears to your eyes, since the relationships forged in Berserk are more meaningful than nearly any you’ll find in anime.
This anime’s story and characters are its greatest strengths. Berserk’s world is vibrant as the story and characters grow simultaneously. Here, most of the typical anime cliches are avoided, which really improves the story and characters. Berserk has a unique and lively world that conveys a lot of realism for an anime.
Durarara!!
One urban legend stands out in Tokyo’s downtown district, Ikebukuro, amidst the strange rumors of anonymous gangs and dangerous occupants. This legend describes a headless “Black Rider” who is said to ride a jet-black motorcycle through the streets.
The invitation from a childhood friend convinces Mikado Ryuugamine to move to Tokyo since he has always craved the thrill of city life. Witnessing the Black Rider on his first day in the city, it seems that his wishes have already been granted. Ordinary people such as him, along with Ikebukuro’s most colorful residents, are caught up in the commotion that is tearing through their city as supernatural events begin to unfold.
Characters and storylines in the series are diverse. Characters are by far the most interesting and amazing aspect of this anime. It may seem like Mikado, the protagonist, is your typical awkward male protagonist, but he actually has his own secrets.
Clearly, the first few episodes are centered around Mikado, establishing him as a lead character as well as creating the exposition of the series. After the pieces are in place, several storylines begin to take shape and a great number of characters are introduced.
Along with its narrative strength, it is also visually and sonically impressive. Art and animation are superb in this series, giving each character a unique appearance that makes an impression.
It has a lot of originality and is unique enough to be regarded as one of the best anime shows. This is without question one of the best-written series in years, filled with intriguing characters and engaging plotlines.
Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
People think Puberty Syndrome is a myth because it’s rare and inexplicable. Teenagers are the only ones affected by this disease, and the symptoms are so unusual no one recognizes them as legitimate. High school student Sakuta Azusagawa, however, knows from personal experience that it is extremely real, and very common in his school.
As a child actress in her youth, Mai Sakurajima achieved fame. However, she recently halted her promising career for reasons unknown to the public. Her air of unapproachability makes her well known at the school, but few dare interact with her-until Sakuta spots her wandering the library in a bunny girl costume.
In spite of her outfit, no one seemed to notice her, so when he confronts her, he realizes that she is a victim of Puberty Syndrome. The more Sakuta tries to help Mai, the more he comes into contact with girls afflicted with the elusive disease.
The main characters differ greatly in personality, so the contrast adds to the vividness of the characters. The characters aren’t your typical high schoolers with the same generic backgrounds as most high school series. They have great chemistry together. As they tease one another and try to outdo one another, they also share secrets among themselves.
Even when speaking about mundane subjects, their conversations are entertaining. This series has an engaging storyline and in each episode, we are invited to think about how to solve the problems they face.
If you like animes that are not cliche, with interesting characters, and a romance that progresses, along with an excellent protagonist, then you must watch this anime.
Ano hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai
Jinta Yadomi lives a quiet life as a recluse, playing video games instead of going to school throughout the day. One hot summer day, he is pestered by his childhood friend Meiko “Menma” Honma to grant him a forgotten wish. It annoys her that he doesn’t pay attention to her, but he doesn’t care. Besides, Menma has already passed away.
Jinta initially believes that he is hallucinating due to the summer heat, but he is later convinced that what he is seeing is truly the ghost of Menma. After Menma’s death, Jinta and his friends grew apart, but they are reunited once more as they try to lay Menma’s spirit to rest. Reliving their pain and guilt, will they be able to find the strength to help not only Menma but also themselves move on?
AnoHana, from the outside, appears to be a simple story about teenagers dealing with past trauma and growing up as a result. To a certain extent, that’s true. A measured, almost methodical approach to events is reflected in the narrative’s often placid tone.
Among the most surprising things about the anime is how it uses flashbacks to illustrate events and provide historical background for Jinta, Menma, and the other Super Peace Busters. The memories serve as a poignant reminder of how much their lives have changed in contrast with the current state of their relationships.
While the Super Peace Busters have a distinctive look, it’s the context that really makes them stand out.
AnoHana shows how children and adolescents cope with past trauma through surprisingly simple and sentimental means. In terms of anime, AnoHana is one of the best examples of how good a truly unique anime can be.
Tokyo Ghoul
The city of Tokyo has become a cruel and merciless place — a place where vicious creatures called “ghouls” live alongside humans. This once great metropolis lives in constant fear of these bloodthirsty savages and their hunger for human flesh. However, what poses the greatest threat to society are these ghouls’ ability to masquerade as humans and blend in with society.
In Tokyo Ghoul, Ken Kaneki is a shy, bookish college student who is instantly attracted to Rize Kamishiro, an avid reader like himself. Rize, however, is not exactly who she seems, and Kaneki is pushed into the world of the ghouls. The enigmatic waitress Touka Kirishima saves Kaneki, and thus begins Kaneki’s new, secret life as a half-ghoul/half-human who has to find a way to integrate into both societies.
Have you ever thought you would root for man-eaters in an anime? In that case, Tokyo Ghoul is here to prove you wrong. A great anime series, Tokyo Ghoul is one of the best out there, and it’s sure to keep you entertained. Its darkness and gore are likely to attract gore fans, but anyone can enjoy it.
Tokyo Ghoul is not a new concept in anime, but it is executed in a very efficient manner. It emphasizes the idea that there is no clear distinction between good and evil, and everything depends on one’s perspective. In a broader sense, it emphasizes that we should not jump to conclusions without considering the circumstances and difficulties others face.
It is filled with action-packed scenes as well as touching scenes in which people cry, scream, and converse in a meaningful moral dialogue.
Dororo
The land of the greedy samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu is dying, and he’s willing to renounce Buddha and make a deal with demons in order to gain power. He is granted the power he desires by 12 demons who aid his prefecture’s growth at a cost. The first son of Kagemitsu is born with no limbs, no nose, no eyes, no ears, or even skin, yet still he lives.
In a river, the child is abandoned and forgotten. Fortunately, a medicine man saves him and provides him with prosthetics and weapons so he can survive and fend for himself. While he cannot see, hear, or feel anything, the boy lives and grows, and he has to defeat the demons who took him as a sacrifice.
With each death, he regains a part of himself that is rightfully his. A young orphan boy named Dororo befriends him after he wanders alone for many years. The castaways must now fight to survive and remain human in an unforgiving, demon-infested world.
Dororo is known for its moody, dark tones since it’s the heart of the show. There’s the theme of revenge born from the beginning. A typical storytelling style for this show is episodic. However, Dororo’s most intriguing content is the character development.
Particularly true for Hyakkimaru, who begins to express human characteristics, feelings, and is becoming more of himself. Being accompanied by Dororo, they begin to understand each other more and more with each progressing episode.
As a show about survival in a dark and grim world, the duo relies on each other every step of the way. Look no further. If you’re looking for a show that’s serious, without being cringe, and has stellar characters, you’ve come to the right place.
Mirai Nikki
Yukiteru Amano, a high school student who lives a lonely life, spends most of his time typing a diary on his cellphone while conversing with his two seemingly fictional friends Deus Ex Machina, the time and space god, and Murmur, the god’s servant. As he reveals himself to be an actual entity, Deus gives Yukiteru a “Random Diary,” filled with highly descriptive entries about the future, and forces him into a bloody battle royale with 11 other holders of similar future diaries.
In order to survive, Yukiteru must kill the others to become the new god of time and space. Despite his reluctance, he partners up with his obsessive stalker Yuno Gasai, who has such diaries as well, and she is determined to ensure the safety of the young man. It’s not as simple as it seems, since she might have other plans for her unrequited love.
It is ultimately every man for himself, and there is only one winner. Risks are inherent in all survival game genres, such as death. Ultimately, there is only one winner, and it is every man for himself. The protagonist of this story is lucky to have a stalker who is madly in love with him, allowing them to form an alliance.
Mirai Nikki is at its core a romance story, but it is much more. The story examines how actions and willpower can change the future, as well as how people can go insane or do horrible things.
As the pacing is fast but not intrusive, always on the edge of your seat, even when the action slows down because you never know when an enemy might appear. Mirai Nikki stands out for its intriguing plot and wide array of characters, each with its own story.
Tonari no Totoro
The story is set in 1950s Japan, when Tatsuo Kusakabe moves with his two daughters, Satsuki and Mei, to the countryside where they can be closer to their ailing mother. Mei encounters a small, bunny-like creature in the yard one day, as the girls become familiar with rural life.
Following it into the forest, she meets “Totoro” – a giant, mystical forest spirit she soon befriends. In no time, Satsuki too meets Totoro, and the two girls find their lives filled with magical adventures in nature and fantastical creatures in the woods.
A child’s imagination comes to life in Tonari no Totoro, a captivating fable full of picturesque wonders reminiscent of fanciful fairytales. A pure heart is the only one who can see the otherworldly rewards hidden from adult eyes. Embracing the creativity and candor of children, they guard the forest as mystic spirits. They are attracted to the simple pleasures of life and nature’s beauty.
Satsuki and Mei, whose down-to-earth nature and optimism enrich the film’s world, make every small discovery resonate with the audience. Their story is an adventure for kids and an opportunity for adults to revisit childhood, a moment of reflection.
Despite the lack of depth in the setting, this film creates an interesting blend of fantasy and realism. It has very little explanation and details, but its integration of the imaginary is both natural and unobtrusive—a big uninhabited house in the middle of greenery, likely the home of a mysterious figure.
Like any child of their age, Satsumi and Mei are explorers of the unknown. Their interactions with the rich environment reveal a child’s curiosity as well as a delight to watch. Ultimately, the film is more about inspiring the imagination than it is about creating a fantasy backdrop. It speaks to the importance of childhood and a connection with nature.
Natsume Yuujinchou
The majority of fifteen-year-old boys, in one way or another, have secrets related to girls, but Takashi Natsume has a peculiar and terrifying one, one concerning youkai: he has been constantly pursued by these spirits for as long as he can remember.
Natsume discovers that his deceased grandmother Reiko left him the Yuujinchou, or “Book of Friends,” which lists the names of the spirits she had under control. The book now in Natsume’s hands has given Reiko’s grandson now has this power as well, causing these enraged beings to haunt him in hopes of gaining freedom.
With no parents or a loving home and hunted constantly by youkai who are hostile and merciless, Natsume is looking for solace-a place where he belongs. Madara, a self-described bodyguard, is his only companion. Often referred to as Nyanko-sensei, Madara is a mysterious, pint-sized feline spirit who has his own reasons for staying by the boy’s side.
An unconventional slice-of-life series, Natsume Yuujinchou follows Natsume as he labors to free the spirits tethered to his grandmother’s contract with his infamous protector, Madara.
Natsume encounters a different youkai in each episode. It’s sometimes a youkai trying to regain his/her name; at other times, a youkai asking Natsume for help in some other way, which he can never refuse.
Natsume Yuujinchou is ultimately about humans, regardless of how much it revolves around youkai. As well as human and youkai bonds, it discusses the bonds between humans. Natsume’s encounters convey a powerful message in each story he tells. Natsume’s bond with youkai, reasons why the youkai fall in love with humans.
Hinamatsuri
Yoshifumi Nitta, a yakuza member, is engrossed in winning a prized vase for his collection when he is rudely interrupted when a strange capsule materializes and falls on his head. The capsule reveals a young, blue-haired girl who does not disclose anything about herself except her name, Hina, and the fact that she is endowed with immense abilities.
Then, as if things couldn’t get any worse, she loses control and unleashes an explosion if her powers go unused. In the absence of any other choice, Nitta becomes her caregiver.
In order to free up her powers, Nitta asks Hina to help out with a construction deal, which goes smoothly. Meanwhile, a rival yakuza group is covertly attacking his boss. Later, Nitta’s colleagues blamed him for the incident. After receiving an order to attack the rival group in retaliation, Nitta prepares himself and heads to their hideout. Hina, however, unexpectedly steps in and wipes out the entire group.
Apparently, Hina might just prove to be a valuable asset to Nitta and his yakuza business if she does not use her powers on him first. A strange life begins for this unusual pair.
In Hinamatsuri, the comedy is brilliant to the core. Because they are all timed and, most importantly, not repetitive, the comedy and jokes are really funny.
The comedy is brilliant because of the way the characters react to the comedic situations in the show. Hinamatsuri is an anime with a lot of humor and character development. From character chemistry to the peculiar storytelling, every episode leaves you with something to talk about.
Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan
In the average person’s eyes, psychic abilities might seem like a blessing; for Kusuo Saiki, however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Having been endowed with a wide range of supernatural abilities from telepathy to x-ray vision, he finds this so-called blessing to be nothing more than a curse. Due to all the inconveniences his powers cause, all Kusuo wants is an ordinary, hassle-free life-a life in which ignorance is bliss.
Psychics’ lives aren’t quiet, unfortunately. Kusuo tries to keep his powers hidden from his classmates, but he ends up inadvertently attracting the attention of many bizarre characters, such as the empty-headed Riki Nendou and the delusional Shun Kaidou. As Kusuo is forced to deal with the craziness of those around him, he learns that the ordinary life he has been trying to attain is a lot more difficult than he expected.
In each episode, there is a different core story, but the main story, namely that Saiki Kusuo has special abilities, remains consistent throughout. There are moments that are totally unexpected.
The characters are all well-developed and unique, and they are all clearly related to each other. Anyone that Saiki meets, including his family and classmates, is weird. Each of them is hilarious and awesome in their own way and won’t leave him alone.
This anime is so enjoyable due to the variety of uses for psychic powers. Every episode feels very different from the others because of their multiple purposes.
When watching this anime, you’ll be laughing all the time, since the humor itself is quite fast-paced and always funny. There is just enough screen time for all of the side characters to become memorable, yet they never feel overused.
Baccano!
During the early 1930s, the famous transcontinental train, Flying Pussyfoot, departs Chicago on a historic journey that will be known for leaving a trail of blood across the nation. Meanwhile, Szilard and Ennis are searching in New York for missing bottles of the immortality elixir.
Furthermore, a war between mafia groups is intensifying. Alchemists are about to discover the price of immortality aboard the Advena Avis in 1711.
The story is based on several seemingly unrelated events, both in time and place, but they are part of a much larger tale, one of survival, alchemy, and immortality. Isaac and Miria, two kindhearted would-be thieves, are the ones who weave these events together, connecting various people, all of whom have hidden ambitions and agendas, and creating lifelong bonds and consequences for them all.
Baccano! is a good mix of drama, action, and comedy. Almost every character is well-designed and unique, from Isaac Dian and Miria Harvent to the psychopathic Ladd Russo. Isaac and Miria are two of the most memorable characters in the cast. Together, they act as the story’s glue.
Baccano is a very straightforward story. Most people pay attention to the way a story is told when it comes to storytelling. Baccano! takes a non-sequential approach to telling stories. While this isn’t new, it adds to the enjoyment by eliminating the universally derided “downtime.” episodes.
There are several intertwined storylines in the story. At first, the characters and events may seem confusing. You’ll be engrossed in an intriguing, fast-paced, entertaining story after the initial shock of being thrown into the middle of a story subsides.
Hellsing Ultimate
The night is filled with creatures of darkness and evil that devour those unfortunate enough to be caught in their grasp. Hellsing, a group dedicated to destroying supernatural forces that threaten humanity’s existence, is on the other side. The group’s leader is Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, who commands a powerful military and fights the undead.
Despite a vast army, however, Integra’s ultimate weapon is the vampire Alucard, who slays his own kind as an exterminator for Hellsing. With his new vampire servant, Seras Victoria, Alucard must fight not only monsters but all those standing against Hellsing, whether good or evil.
In Hellsing Ultimate, the greatest weapon can come in the form of one’s worst nightmare in a battle for mankind’s survival. Hellsing Ultimate offers everything you want from a vampire series centered around the greatest of them all: Dracula. However, his name is Alucard in this series.
This is the kind of anime that keeps you waiting for the next installment. It incorporates intrigue, betrayal, conspiracy, gore, sarcastic humor, and plenty of ass-kicking action.
Almost panel for panel, the OVA adheres to the manga. A visual spectacle, each installment covers the events of one volume of work. This is what a vampire series is all about: Blood, gore, and even more blood.
Tokyo Revengers
The second year of Takemichi Hanagaki’s middle school life was the pinnacle of his whole life. There was respect for him, he had a gang of friends he could count on, and he even had a girlfriend. It’s been 12 years since then. Nowadays, he is a nobody: a washed-up nonentity mocked by children and always forced to apologize to his younger boss.
A news report on the brutal murder of the only girlfriend he had alongside her brother by the Tokyo Manji Gang adds insult to injury. In the half-second before a train ends his miserable existence, Takemichi thinks back to the same day 12 years ago when he was still dating Hinata Tachibana.
After reliving the day that sent him on his downward spiral, Takemichi meets Hinata’s younger brother. Without thinking, he acknowledges his death, before flashing back to the past. He is urged by Takemichi to protect his sister before inexplicably returning to the future. Amazingly, he isn’t dead. Stranger still, the future has changed. Takemichi is believed to be able to manipulate the flow of time. Takemichi, knowing he has the opportunity to change the future, decides to fly through time in order to prevent his ex-girlfriend’s tragically violent death.
The characters and their individual stories create an intense atmosphere that makes 20 minutes seem like only a few seconds. The show has great character development and never lets you down. Everything is so interconnected. Each episode gets right to the point, with each episode ending with you wanting to learn more.
The characters are well-written, lovable, and generally realistic, without supernatural powers or elements, just good, ordinary people we desire to love.
Akira
The year was 1988 in Japan. After a psychic boy with the power to cause explosions tears through the city of Tokyo, he ignites the fuse that starts World War III. In order to prevent further destruction, he is captured and taken into custody.
As of 2019, a restored version of the city known as Neo-Tokyo stands in its place-a region rife with gang violence and terrorism against the current government. A group of misfits known as “the Capsules” led by Shoutarou Kaneda are constantly at odds with their rivals “the Clowns” because of their large, customized motorcycles.
Shoutarou’s best friend Tetsuo Shima has an accident with an esper who was escaping confinement from a government institution and was wandering the streets of Tokyo during one of these battles. Following this encounter, Tetsuo begins to develop mysterious abilities, and the government seeks to quarantine him in a frantic effort to prevent him from unleashing the destructive power that could once again bring the city to its knees.
One of anime’s best movies is Akira, which is in every respect a classic worth seeing for anyone interested in or thinking about getting into anime, or for anyone who is already an anime fan but hasn’t seen it yet.
There is no doubt you will enjoy Akira, it’s a great blend of action and story with never too much or too little of either. While you may not fully understand the story or relate to many of the characters, that is only a small flaw in what is otherwise an exquisite piece of art.
Fate/Zero
Due to its promise to grant any wish, the omnipotent Holy Grail triggered three wars in the past, each too brutal and fierce to end in victory. However, even with that, the wealthy Einzbern family is confident that the Fourth Holy Grail War will be different, since they now possess a vessel of the Holy Grail. Kiritsugu Emiya, the notorious “Magus Killer,” is hired by the Einzberns for this reason, with the marriage of their only daughter Irisviel as the contract.
A battle for survival has now begun between Kiritsugu and six other participants, each armed with a familiar fueled by unique desires and ideals. Along with his familiar, Saber, the notorious mercenary finds his greatest opponent in Kirei Kotomine, a priest looking to find salvation from the emptiness within himself as he pursues Kiritsugu.
It’s a battle royale where no one can be guaranteed to survive.
Fate/Zero might seem like another action anime at first glance, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even though the series assumes some familiarity with the franchise, it has a much tighter plot when compared to its predecessors, as well as more focus on preparation, planning and even dialogue between the different parties.
In this way, the story has a lot more depth and structure than you might expect in a supernatural action anime, and there are layers of subtext that appear throughout.
Fate/Zero has the distinct advantage of presenting a much more mature story than the original visual novel or its adaptations, and unlike many other shows, the characters rarely engage in pointless conflicts or endeavors.
Bleach
Ichigo Kurosaki is a typical high schooler until his family and he are attacked by a Hollow. A Hollow is a corrupt spirit that seeks to devour human souls. He then encounters Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper that gets injured while protecting Ichigo’s family. Ichigo then accepts Rukia’s offer of taking her powers to save his family. As a result of this, he then becomes a Soul Reaper.
Due to Rukia’s inability to regain her powers, Ichigo finds himself faced with hunting down the Hollows that plague their town, which is a challenging task. In addition to him, his classmates Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida also join him in his fight, showing that each of them has their own special abilities.
The young Soul Reaper soon learns that the Hollows are not the only threat to the human world as he and his comrades get used to their new duties and support one another both on and off the battlefield.
There are much great anime series out there, but Bleach is one of the best. From the moment you watch it, you are left wondering what will happen next. It’s action-packed and funny at the same time. It has an intriguing plot. There are plenty of plot twists. A great cast of characters can be found in this anime.
You can’t say you hate them all since they are all so lovable. In contrast to other anime, the characters don’t all look the same. Their looks and personalities differ greatly.
When we talk about shounen anime, Bleach is one of the first names that spring to mind, and for good reason. This anime is a great combination of adventure, comedy, and action. It’s a must-see for anime fans. The anime Bleach is one of the best series ever made.
Fumetsu no Anata e
The Orb known only as It, is cast to Earth to be observed from afar. Being capable of changing forms from those whose reflections It captures, It first becomes a rock and then, moss, as the temperature rises.
It wasn’t until one snowy day that there is movement when a wolf at death’s doorstep makes it by barely. The moment it takes the form of an animal, It becomes aware of its consciousness and wanders with an unclear destination in mind. It soon runs into the wolf’s master – a young boy waiting for his tribe to return from a paradise filled with fish and fruit in the south.
Even though the boy is lonely, he still hopes that those he holds dear in his memories have not forgotten him and that one day he will be reunited with them.
He decides to leave his home to explore new surroundings and uses the traces left by his tribe to find the paradise. What will become of the injured boy, without the sight of his elder comrades?
In Fumetsu no Anata e, an immortal being experiences humanity, meeting all types of people in various places throughout time.
This anime is beautiful. A journey, rather than a masterpiece. The journey of an empty shell. The journey explores the brutal yet alluring qualities of human life. It is both a joyful and painful journey. The show’s first episode, one of the most beautifully condensed episodes gives a taste of what it offers.
The subtle themes brought into the show only compliment the uniqueness of the story; What is the meaning of life and death? What makes humans, humans? Fumetsu no Anata e is not simply something to watch, but something to feel as well.
Nanatsu no Taizai
Holy Knights of Britannia use formidable magic to protect the region of Britannia and its kingdoms in a world that is similar to the European Middle Ages. One small subset of the Knights, however, allegedly turned their blades against their comrades, trying to overthrow the ruler of Liones.
Despite being defeated by the Holy Knights, rumors persisted that these legendary knights, known as the “Seven Deadly Sins,” were still alive. Ten years later, the Holy Knights staged a coup d’état themselves and thus came to be the tyrannical rulers of the Kingdom of Liones.
Throughout Nanatsu no Taizai, Elizabeth, the third princess of Liones, is on the hunt for the Seven Deadly Sins. She strives not only to regain her kingdom from the Holy Knights but also to seek justice in an unjust world with their help.
In terms of pacing, the narrative follows the typical format of battle after the battle while gradually introducing each of the main characters and developing the plot. A beautiful story that goes beyond the commonplace good-guy-vs-bad-guy cliche. The series asserts that there is no such thing as ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ As the story unfolds, over time, each character is revealed to have varying degrees of flaws and selfishness.
Taizai has a lot of characters, many of which have some interesting characterizations and some development. This show is so entertaining due to both the personalities of the characters and their interactions.
This story centers on journeying, with purposeful character exploration, a complete narrative, and themes of sin and atonement. Hilarity abounds, as well as clashes between characters.
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
Magic, long considered folklore and fairy tales, has become a systematized technology and is taught as a skill in the 21st century. At First High School, the institution for magicians, students are split into two groups based on the results of their entrance exams: “Blooms,” those who receive high scores, are assigned to the First Course, while “Weeds,” students assigned to the Second Course are reserve students.
In Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei, we follow two siblings, Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba, enrolled in First High School. The extraordinary Miyuki is placed in the First Course, while Tatsuya is placed in the Second Course.
Even though Tatsuya’s practical test scores and status as a “weed” indicate he is inept at magic, he possesses exceptional technical knowledge, physical fighting skills, and unique magic techniques — making him an irregular at a magical high school.
Aside from the school itself, we have the governmental structure of Japan, foreign nations, terrorist groups, etc. These components are all stacked together to build a world that feels real. The narrative of this show is arc-based. A drastic disconnection between episodes does not seem to occur because the arcs follow a logical progression of time.
The character of Tatsuya is good. Initially, he may seem like just a boring lump of clay with a sister complex, but as you learn about his dry humor, logical thinking, and direct approach, your perception of him will change. As we learn about his past, we discover why he is the way he is and why he holds his sister so dear to his heart.
Then we have his sister, Miyuki, she’s intelligent, capable, well-spoken, beautiful, her genetics and upbringing ensured she would be nothing but the best.
Bungou Stray Dogs
A mystical tiger has plagued Atsushi Nakajima’s orphanage for weeks, and only he seems to be aware of it. Accused of being behind the strange incidents, the 18-year-old is abruptly ejected from the orphanage, leaving him hungry, homeless, and wandering the city.
As Atsushi sits starving on a riverbank, he saves a rather eccentric man named Osamu Dazai from drowning. Dazai, who is a Whimsical suicide enthusiast and supernatural detective, is chasing the same tiger who has been terrorizing the boy.
With the help of Dazai’s partner, Doppo Kunikida, they solve the mystery together, but its resolution leaves Atsushi in a bind. Various odd events lead Atsushi to join their firm of supernatural investigators, tackling unusual cases that the police cannot handle with the help of numerous enigmatic co-workers.
An exclusive group of literacy authors gets together. So what happens? Bungou Stray Dogs is the result. This time, however, the characters possess special abilities in a mysterious, crime-ridden world filled with all kinds of dark occurrences that will make your head spin. This is a great example of how supernatural fiction can be appealing.
It gives us a glimpse of the lives of a select group of people with their own unique talents, characteristics, and lifestyles that make us wonder what they are like on a day-to-day basis. On paper, it looks awesome, with a cast of badasses named after literary works. In addition, their special powers also come from their literary influences.
There is no need for prior knowledge of literature to watch Bungou Stray Dogs. There are enough characters, themes, and storylines to keep you entertained so get ready for an exciting ride. You will realize how much fun it was someday when you look back on it.
Ao no Exorcist
In the same way that Assiah and Gehenna, their respective worlds, are two sides of the same coin, so are humans and demons. Possession is the only means of traveling between realms, just like in ghost stories. The ruler of Gehenna, Satan, is unable to find a suitable host to possess, so he remains imprisoned in his world.
To conquer Assiah, he sends his son, intending for him to eventually become a vessel capable of being possessed by the demon king.
In Ao no Exorcist, it tells the story of Rin Okumura, an ordinary, somewhat troublesome teenager who, one day, is ambushed by demons. Upon finding out that he is in fact the son of Satan, and that his demon father wishes for him to return, his world turns upside down.
As Rin does not want to join Gehenna’s king, he begins to train as an exorcist in order to defend Assiah with his brother Yukio.
The storyline with respect to the characters and their motivations is actually believable. This isn’t some far-fetched idea with characters who have no relation to the plot. As a result of the way Ao no Exorcist’s story is intertwined with and through the characters is very realistic, and this makes the story very enjoyable to watch.
Rin has a well-developed character who stays true to his motivations and personality. His character supports his actions and vice versa. He wants to become stronger and deny his demon self because he was not brought up in a demon-like way, and the demons have harmed his family. He provides comic relief with his slacker attitude. The story is extremely compelling, and the characters are funny and genuine.
Soul Eater
Located in Death City is the famous Death Weapon Meister Academy, a technical school headed by the Shinigami, Lord Death. Its goal is to raise “Death Scythes” for the Shinigami to wield against the many evils in their fantastical world.
Death Scythes, however, are created not from physical weapons but rather from human hybrids who have the transformative power to turn their bodies into Demon Weapons after they have consumed the souls of 99 evil beings and one witch.
With the assistance of Maka Albarn, his straight-laced wielder, Soul Eater Evans, a Demon Scythe purely concerned with what’s cool, aspires to become a Death Scythe. They study and work alongside Black Star and his caring weapon Tsubaki, as well as Death the Kid, the Shinigami’s own son who is an obsessive-compulsive dual wielder of twin pistols Patty and Liz.
Shibusen’s students take on missions to collect souls and guard the city from the world’s threats while learning under the snickering sun how to become sounder in mind, body, and soul.
You’ve probably seen this before, it’s pretty formulaic. It may seem like this is the main goal in the first few episodes, but soon you will realize that there is a deeper story going on. What happens during the story makes Soul Eater watchable and interesting, even though the story isn’t complex or clever. There is always active, and there is humor, but there can also be serious moments.
In this anime, the characters are the heart of the story. Soul Eater is renowned for its characters. The cast is colorful. Even the supporting cast is memorable. Almost every character gives you at least one reason for liking or disliking them.
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken
George Joestar, an English nobleman, is saved by Dario Brando in 1868. As a way of repaying his savior, George hopes to take in Dario’s son Dio when he becomes fatherless.
Dio, however, is unsatisfied with his life and aspires to obtain the Joestar house for himself. In his attempt to destroy George and his son, Jonathan “JoJo” Joestar, he wields an Aztec stone mask and triggers a chain of events that will reverberate for years to come.
Jonathan Joestar’s grandson Joseph Joestar discovers the legacy his grandfather left for him in New York City half a century later. After an archeological dig uncovers the secrets behind the stone mask, he realizes that only he is capable of defeating the Pillar Men, mystical beings of immeasurable power who inadvertently began everything.
JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken follows JoJo and his descendants during their many exciting expeditions. You’re always in for some bizarre adventures, whether it’s battling the evil Dio or the sinister Pillar Men.
While many shounen anime currently out there are dark and comical, this show is wacky and serious simultaneously, which makes it an interesting show to watch.
The story and characters of this anime are well-developed, with a lot of the characters having strengths and weaknesses throughout the show. This title shows you don’t need complexity to make an engaging story, as long as you’re dedicated to the project and passionate about it.
Overlord
The popular virtual reality game Yggdrasil has reached its final hour. With the servers starting to shut down, Momonga, a powerful wizard and master of Ainz Ooal Gown, decides to spend his last few minutes playing the game. Despite the clock striking midnight, Momonga is still fully conscious as his character and, moreover, the non-player characters have personalities of their own!
Faced with this abnormal situation, Momonga orders his servants to investigate and take control of this new world in order to figure out what has caused it and if others are in the same predicament.
It follows the same aspects as many other MMO animes out there, except that it does it right, with an impressive plot that holds your attention.
We finally have a protagonist who does not act as would be morally right, but how he will reap the greatest benefits. As for the world around him, it does not conveniently make all of his opponents into cartoonish evil, so killing them and taking everything they possess is justifiable.
Due to its strong fantasy setting, a cast of interesting characters, and a slightly darker story, Overlord successfully hooks its viewers. Although the storyline is sometimes slow, the fight scenes are usually worth it.
Characters on the show are diverse, but the viewer gets a good sense of each one. Considering the show’s short run time of 13 episodes, this is quite a feat. If you enjoy animes that have badass main characters and moments that keep you on edge, then Overlord is a great choice.
Hataraku Maou-sama!
With the help of his army of demons, Satan begins to conquer Ente Isla, creating fear in the hearts of mortals. Despite his brutal attempts to conquer the continent, Satan is foiled by the hero Emilia, forcing him to flee through a dimensional portal only to arrive in the human realm.
Together with his loyal general Alsiel, the demon finds himself stranded in modern-day Tokyo and vows to return and conquer Ente Isla—if only they can find a way back!
In a world that doesn’t have magic, Satan assumes the identity of a human named Sadao Maou and works at MgRonald’s—a fast-food restaurant—in order to make ends meet. He will soon realize that conquering Ente Isla isn’t enough as he becomes more and more aiming to climb the corporate ladder and become the ruler of Earth, one satisfied customer at a time!
If it’s part-time work, household chores, or simply trying to pay the rent on time, Hataraku Maou-sama! takes a humorous look at everyday life through the eyes of a hapless demon lord.
This concept is executed unbelievably well. The story is interesting, and the way different characters play off of one another to advance their development, and the story, is an absolute joy to watch.
There is a wide variety of different characters, each with very contrasting personalities. Probably the best part of this anime is the characters. They bring a sense of humor to the show and make it enjoyable. You will enjoy the Devil and his general, along with the Hero. You will love the antagonists, and best of all, they are all hilarious in their own way.
Another
A popular student at Yomiyama North Middle School in class 3-3, Misaki, died during the school year of 1972. A fearful atmosphere has surrounded Yomiyama since then due to the dark secrets hidden within.
Kouichi Sakakibara, 15, transfers into class 3-3 of Yomiyama North twenty-six years later and soon finds that a gloomy mood seems to linger over all the students. Meanwhile, he is also drawn to Mei Misaki, the mysterious, eyepatch-wearing student who seems to be ignored by everyone else.
While ignoring warnings from everyone, Kouichi starts getting closer not only to her, but also to the truth about the gruesome phenomenon plaguing class 3-3 of Yomiyama North.
Another tells the story of Kouichi, Mei, and their classmates as they are drawn into an enigma surrounding a series of tragic events-but unraveling the horror of Yomiyama just might end up costing them their lives.
New development occurs every time you seem tantalizingly close to the answer, causing you to start all over again. The series doesn’t go where you expect it to, but it manages to do so without being a particularly complex story, which is impressive.
Overloaded storylines and a large cast of characters ruin the story more than anything else. In this case, the formula is very simple: one tightly-written, carefully thought-out storyline, which, as a twelve-part series, proves incredibly durable, having avoided the trap of the same cliffhanger every time; it’s never boring because there’s always something new to discover.
Elfen Lied
Lucy is a distinct breed of human called a “Diclonius,” born with two pairs of horns and invisible telekinetic hands that made her a victim of inhumane scientific experiments conducted by the government. Lucy, corrupted by confinement and torture, unleashes a torrent of bloodshed as she escapes from her captors once she has an opportunity to escape.
When her breakout occurs, she suffers a crippling head injury which causes her to assume a split personality: a person who has the mentality of a harmless child who only speaks in basic phrases. Her state of instability leads her to come into contact with two college students, Kouta and his cousin Yuka, who unknowingly take in an injured fugitive without realizing that she has murderous tendencies.
Their lives will be changed forever when they are dragged into the shadowy world of government secrecy and conspiracies.
Characters are the highlight of this series. All of them do have unique characteristics, but it takes a genius mind to develop characterization from blueprints to the utmost satisfaction of the viewer.
At first, it feels slow, but before you know it, you will already be exploring the character’s personality and even feeling their feelings. In other words, we also bear the burden when we immediately fall in love with the characters. The stage of admiration surrounds all in this brutal and bloody world.
All in all Elfen Lied is an anime that does a very audacious thing by having so much cruelty, gore, and nudity in one series, but the end result is a masterpiece anime that wouldn’t have been good without.
Owari no Seraph
There is a mysterious virus that kills everyone over the age of 13 causing mankind to become enslaved by previously hidden, power-hungry vampires who appear to subjugate society, promising to protect the survivors in exchange for blood donations.
Two young boys, Yuuichirou and Mikaela Hyakuya, who are taken captive from an orphanage, as well as other children whom they consider family, are among these survivors. Angry at being treated like livestock under the vampires’ cruel rule, Mikaela hatches a daring escape plan that ultimately fails. There has only been one survivor so far, Yuuichirou, discovered by the Moon Demon Company, an extermination unit in Japan dedicated to eradicating vampires.
Yuuichirou, many years later, is now a member of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army and is determined to avenge the creatures that slaughtered his family, but at what cost?
The anime Owari no Seraph follows a young man’s search for retribution while battling for friendship and loyalty against seemingly impossible odds.
This anime won’t leave you in the middle of the story. Instead, it establishes context, a way to recount past events. We soon discover that vampires treat humans as trash, and that some of them only live because they have blood. As a food source for vampires, it is a classic gimmick.
The show basically creates an atmosphere of war between humans and vampires. In addition to Yuuichirou, the show introduces other characters that he meets as he trains to become stronger. Each character is developed in detail, and instead of focusing just on the protagonists, the anime explores many characters.
Kuroshitsuji
The young Ciel Phantomhive is known as “the Queen’s Guard Dog,” handling many of the unsettling events that take place in Victorian England for Her Majesty. With the help of Sebastian Michaelis, his loyal butler with seemingly inhuman abilities, Ciel uses whatever means necessary to accomplish his goals. However, is there more to this black-clad butler than meets the eye?
Ciel’s past reveals a secret tragedy that has left him in perennial darkness. During one of his darkest moments, he made a deal with Sebastian, a demon, in exchange for vengeance upon those who wronged him.
Now, Sebastian is not just one hell of a butler, he’s also an excellent servant who will fulfill his master’s orders, all the while anticipating the delicious meal he’ll make of Ciel’s soul. The two work together to uncover the mystery behind Ciel’s chain of misfortunes, forming a bond that neither heaven nor hell can break.
The audience will wonder who is involved, what is happening, and why as Kuroshitsuji reveals several mysteries within and outside the Phantomhive household.
There are a number of hidden depths in these characters, so they never seem two-dimensional. There are emotional backstories and plot twists in every character.
Sebastian is the personification of a demon butler because of his eloquent nature and satirical humor. Demons are often depicted as hideous creatures that are ravenous both inside and outside. The word demon takes on a whole new meaning for Sebastian.
Furthermore, Ciel Phantomhive isn’t your typical 12-year-old. In the aftermath of the death of his parents and the destruction of his childhood, the boy experienced a dramatic turn of events no one had ever envisioned. Due to the fact that he is the owner of a toy company and the Queen’s underdog, he is mature for his age.
Devilman: Crybaby
Without a living host, devils cannot take form. A person with strong enough will can, however, defeat the demon and make its power their own, thereby becoming a Devilman.
Akira Fudou is weak and unassuming, but his heart is always bleeding. Ryou Asuka, Akira’s childhood friend, asks him to help uncover devils, and Akira accepts without hesitation. It is however shocking for Akira to discover they are going to a very immoral party: Sabbath: a celebration of debauchery and degeneracy.
Amidst bloodshed and deaths, demons possess partygoers, turning them into grotesque monsters who begin wreaking havoc. During a desperate attempt to save his best friend, Akira merges with the devil Amon, becoming a Devilman and gaining the power to defeat the remaining demons.
This new partnership gives him great power, but it awakens an insatiable and primal part of him. While Akira has the body of a devil, he has a crybaby heart that drives him to destroy those who harm humanity and those he loves.
The anime is so bold, exuberant, and gloriously itself that it takes no prisoners and pulls no punches. We become happy, eager participants in one of the most simultaneously joyous and painful experiences of all time.
In Crybaby, the story is excellent; the pacing is consistent throughout, there are no unnecessary pauses, and the ending is satisfying, something many shows fail to accomplish.
Devilman Crybaby has a cast of characters that are extremely well crafted; they are all deliberate, consistent, and engaging. One of the best characters is Akira; he doesn’t fit into any specific category; he is a unique individual with incredible relationships with the other characters.
Despite being powerful and beating up devils, Akira is a hero because he does not abuse his power. He is compassionate and kind to everyone.
InuYasha
The story of InuYasha follows a fifteen-year-old ordinary girl, Kagome Higurashi, who gets dragged inside a cursed well that is on the grounds of her family’s Shinto shrine by a demon. Rather than reaching the bottom of the well, Kagome finds herself 500 years in the past, which is during Japan’s violent Sengoku period, with the demon’s true target, a wish-granting jewel called the Shikon Jewel, reborn within her.
As Kagome accidentally shatters the precious jewel in battle with a revived demon, she enlists the aid of a young dog-demon/human hybrid named Inuyasha to collect and prevent the shards from falling into the wrong hands.
Our two protagonists will be accompanied on their journey by Shippo the fox-demon, Miroku the monk, and Sango the deadly demon slayer. They must learn to work together even though they have differences, to find the power-granting shards scattered throughout feudal Japan and to deal with the threats that arise.
As the story progresses, we gain a deeper understanding of Inuyasha, Kagome, and their companions. Furthermore, the show is full of plot twists, so even after figuring out the outcome, the story remains intriguing.
As well as heartbreaking emotional scenes, the anime also has action-packed battle sequences. Inuyasha has left a lasting legacy. Due to its incredible soundtrack, visuals, plot, and detailed character development, it will remain a favorite anime around the world.
What makes anime so popular is the great character drama and development that occurs between the characters. There are a number of emotions you can feel when watching Inuyasha. It’s an amazing story. There are a variety of genres in this story, resulting in a fantastic story anyone can enjoy and admire.
Kyoukai no Kanata
In the Spirit World, Mirai Kuriyama is the sole survivor of a clan of warriors who have the power to use their blood as weapons. Consequently, Mirai is tasked with hunting down and killing “youmu,” creatures said to be manifestations of negative human emotions.
When deep in thought on the school roof, Mirai comes across Akihito Kanbara, a rare half-breed of youmu in human form. As she plunges her blood saber into him, she realizes that he is an immortal being. After that, Mirai and Akihito form an impromptu friendship that revolves around her trying to kill Akihito in order to boost her own confidence as a Spirit World warrior.
Akihito also manages to persuade her to join the Literary Club, which contains two other powerful Spirit World warriors, Hiroomi and Mitsuki Nase.
The tenacity of the youmu around the group grows stronger as the group’s bond deepens. Their misadventures will soon become a struggle for survival once Beyond the Boundary, the most powerful youmu, is released.
This anime has great characters and character development as well. Even though all the characters are reused tropes, they interact very realistically. Each character is unique. They all have strange quirks, so the show is fun to watch. Although the show itself is somewhat dark, the character interactions are able to make you laugh.
This anime is extremely enjoyable due to the level of mysticism it portrays, and despite the fact that it is an overused overarching plot, it does a very good job of making it not feel stale at all. The pacing feels good and it’s overall a very enjoyable experience.
Enen no Shouboutai
The phenomenon of Spontaneous Human Combustion has been plaguing humanity for years, turning ordinary people into flaming, violent creatures known as Infernals.
Infernals are the first-generation accounts of Human Combustion, while pyrokinetic are the second and third generations, those who have the ability to manipulate and control flames while remaining human. Fire Defense Agency, Tokyo Armed Forces, and Holy Church of Sol developed the Special Fire Force to combat the Infernal threat and discover its cause.
Third-generation pyrokinetic Shinra Kusakabe is known as Devil’s Footprints for his ability to ignite his feet at will, and he joins the Special Fire Force Company 8. In upholding his brigade’s duty to extinguish the blazing Infernals and lay their souls to rest, Shinra aims to become a hero who will save the lives of the people threatened by the flame terror.
Shinra, however, did not envision this hero’s game. There are feuding brigades in the Fire Force, Infernal sightings are increasing all over Tokyo, and a shadowy group claims to know the cause of Shinra’s family’s death in a mysterious fire 12 years ago. Despite many obstacles inside and outside the Fire Force, Shinra struggles to reveal the truth about the mysteries that have kept him in the dark.
Characters and the setting are properly developed and after the series begins, you become attached to the main cast and genuinely interested in their individual stories. One of the main selling points of this anime is the fight scenes, and they’ve done extremely well in this series.
If you want fast-paced action with slow intervals of nice and funny character interactions in between, then give this anime a watch.
Kekkai Sensen
For some time now, Hellsalem’s Lot, formerly known as New York City, has been home to supersonic monkeys, vampires, talking fishmen, and a variety of other supernatural creatures. Since a gateway opened between Earth and Beyond three years ago, New Yorkers and creatures from the other dimension have been trapped in an impenetrable bubble and forced to live together.
A secret organization called Libra is composed of eccentrics and superhumans whose task is to keep order in the city and prevent chaos from spreading to the rest of the world.
Leonardo Watch pursues photography as a hobby and lives a normal life with his parents and sister. After obtaining the “All-seeing Eyes of the Gods” at the cost of his sister’s eyesight, Hellsalem’s Lot is where he goes to find answers to his mysterious powers in order to help her.
Eventually, he meets Libra, and when Leo unexpectedly joins their ranks, he gets more than he bargained for. As an ordinary boy unwittingly discovers his life has taken a turn for the extraordinary, Kekkai Sensen follows Leo and his companions through their misadventures in the most bizarre place on Earth.
The show follows an episodic format, to begin with. Despite the fact that the events of the series and the characters in it form connections, each episode tells its own story. In essence, the first episode introduces the majority of the main cast and gives us a sense of what Hellsalem’s Lot is about.
Kekkai Sensen is one of those rare shows where you will hardly find any character that you dislike. The characters in this series all have personalities that can be easily adapted to the contents of this show.
Kamisama Hajimemashita
Nanami Momozono, a high school student, has had a few problems of late, starting with her absentee father’s extreme debt that led to her family losing everything. When she is downtrodden and homeless, she comes across a man who is being attacked by a dog. Having helped him, she explains her situation and, to her surprise, he offers her his home as a gesture of gratitude.
Once she realizes that said home is a run-down shrine, she tries to leave, but is captured by two shrine spirits and a fox familiar named Tomoe. Nanami is mistaken for Mikage, the land god of the shrine she rescued. Realizing Mikage must have sent her there as a replacement god, Tomoe abruptly leaves, refusing to serve a human.
Instead of reverting to being homeless, Nanami immerses herself in her divine duties. However, if she is to maintain order, she will have to enlist the help of a particular hot-headed fox. In the process of trying to find Tomoe, she lands in trouble and ends up sealing a contract with him.
Now Nanami must traverse the path of godhood with her new familiar but it won’t be easy, for new threats will arise: a youkai who wants to eat the girl, a snake that wishes to marry her, and Nanami’s own unexpected feelings for her new familiar.
This is a lighthearted, sweet story that involves some supernatural occurrences. Hence, it makes for an excellent romantic comedy. Overall, the series is lighthearted. Nanami and Tomoe’s strange relationship dominates this series, with the comedy outweighing the romance.
Despite Kamisama Hajimemashita’s generic storyline, it still manages to be memorable. A primary aspect of the plot is how well it explains character motivations and backstories, but the primary aspect is how well it keeps the viewer engaged.