From Anime Classics to New Fan Favorites
Looking for new anime to watch? We've got you. Whether you're new to Japanese animated series or you've been a long-time fan, there's a treasure trove of shows to pick from, including classics like Naruto to recent hits like Jujutsu Kaisen. So, if you're ready to binge, scroll through this list and start watching!
1. Naruto
Honestly, even if you've never watched Naruto, you've most likely read it before; you can't really be called an anime fan unless you've experienced the pure rollercoaster that happens in this ninja series. From unique character designs to an intricate storyline, you're in for a treat with Naruto.
2. Bleach
Another popular can't-miss shounen (geared toward young boys or men) series is Bleach, which follows the life of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who can see ghosts. He eventually gains powers and becomes a soul reaper to help spirits find peace in the afterlife. If that doesn't sound cool, we don't know what does!
3. One Piece
If you've been following One Piece from the beginning, you're probably like us: itching to know what the ending will be like. Featuring leader Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, this series revolves around the group as they search for the ultimate treasure, One Piece. If you like world-building and a creative storyline, this is an absolute must-watch.
4. Death Note
Death Note follows a high school protagonist, Light Yagami, who discovers a journal that has the ability to kill anyone named in its pages. Feeling that he has the power to build a crime-free world, Light goes on a massacre to eliminate anyone he deems immoral.
5. Inuyasha
Upon discovery of an old well in her family's shrine, Kagome Higurashi is sent back to the Sengoku period where demons exist. Along with a half-demon, half-human named Inuyasha and a crew of friends, they must collect shards of a powerful jewel before it falls into evil hands.
6. Dragon Ball
If you want to see some cool transformations, such as people turning Super Saiyan, you have to watch Dragon Ball. Following a young boy named Goku from childhood to adulthood, friends and foes alike are sprinkled throughout his journey as he sets off to find seven magical Dragon Balls.
7. Attack on Titan
Ever wondered what humongous humans would look like? Well, not great, to say the least—at least not in Attack on Titan. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where these giant humanoids roam outside protective walls, a boy named Eren Yeager and his friends become soldiers to fight against Titans and protect humanity.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who lose part of their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy. Because it's been adapted into various anime series and films, you might want to choose carefully where to start.
9. Cardcaptor Sakura
The first shoujo (geared toward young girls or women) series on this list goes to Cardcaptor Sakura, which revolves around elementary student Sakura Kinomoto as she gains powers upon opening and releasing a book of magical cards. Along with her friends, she must capture these cards before they wreak havoc on the world around her.
10. Sailor Moon
Another must-watch classic is Sailor Moon, which features heroine Usagi Tsukino as she and her comrades search for a magical crystal while defeating enemies on the side. If you're looking for more cool transformations to watch, Sailor Moon's got your back.
These are the OG classics, but if you're looking for new ones to watch, we've got you covered as well. Read on for more recommendations!
1. Jujutsu Kaisen
Quickly becoming a hit after being adapted into an anime series in 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen follows the life of Yuji Itadori, who becomes the host body to a powerful curse named Ryomen Sukuna. Thrust into a special school to learn how to exorcise these curses, Yuji becomes a sorcerer and he and his friends must defeat enemies as the world threatens to collapse around them.
2. Haikyuu!
Are you a volleyball fan? Then Haikyuu! is the anime for you! Following a star player named Shoyo Hinata, he and his high school club team play volleyball and defeat enemies—just kidding. They just play volleyball. But because of its realistic storyline and intricate character building, Haikyuu! is a sports anime like no other.
3. Demon Slayer
After his family is slaughtered and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into a demon, protagonist Tanjiro Kamado must train to avenge his family and to find a cure for Nezuko. If you want to watch a thrilling journey with emotional depth, Demon Slayer is an absolute must-watch.
4. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man revolves around protagonist Denji, a teenager who can turn parts of his body into chainsaws, after signing a contract with a devil following a near-death experience. If there's one way to summarize this violent frenzy of an anime, it's that you'll be amazed by its story, characters, and wit time and time again.
5. Pluto
Looking for a short anime to watch? Pluto is an eight-episode series based on the manga (Japanese comic) of the same name, which in turn was inspired by a particular arc in Astro Boy. In this alternate universe, seven of the most advanced robots in the world are being targeted by an unknown killer, following a string of human and machine deaths.
6. The Apothecary Diaries
Set in an alternate reality of the Ming dynasty, The Apothecary Diaries centers around a protagonist named Maomao, who had been sold as a slave to the Imperial Palace. Being trained previously by her father, she uses her pharmacist skills to secretly nurse the people of the palace.
7. Wind Breaker
Protagonist Haruka Sakura in Wind Breaker is a skilled fighter, and when he joins Furin High School, known for a group of student brawlers who protect the town, he's determined to take the top spot. If you're into action, this anime is for you.
8. Lazarus
Set in 2052, a newly invented painkiller launched by a neuroscientist three years prior has been discovered to have a three-year half-life, meaning everyone who took it will soon die. Lazarus, a special task force, needs to find the doctor to create a vaccine before humanity succumbs to the deadly effects of the drug. One caveat: they only have 30 days.
9. Vinland Saga
If you're looking for a historical drama to binge, look no further than Vinland Saga. Centered around protagonist Thorfinn and set during the Viking Age, the story follows his journey from a violent Viking seeking revenge to a stoic slave questioning his actions and purpose.
10. Black Clover
Set in a world with magic, Black Clover follows a young orphan named Asta who was born without such powers, though is later given a grimoire that grants him the ability to reverse spells. In contrast, fellow orphan and Asta's childhood friend-slash-rival Yuno was born gifted. Despite being opposites, they both compete toward a common goal: to become the Wizard King.
