Anime is one of the most popular forms of entertainment today.
It’s a form of Japanese animation that was created in Japan in 1917, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it gained widespread popularity with the release of Astro Boy.
Since then, Anime has grown into what it is today: a worldwide phenomenon that spans all social classes and demographics. Nowadays, more than 200 different titles are released every year, making choosing an anime title difficult for most people who want to watch something new but also familiar at the same time (if you’ve seen one before).
So I’ve come up with my list of favorite Anime series so far: Let’s deep dive and find out about them!
What is Anime?
Anime is a form of Japanese animation that develops or is affected by animation. It is the Japanese word for cartoon or animation, and it refers to all cartoons worldwide.
Dramatic closeups and zooms, extravagant lighting, and vibrant colors all contribute to the emotional atmosphere of the anime. Aside from its distinct visual style, anime has captivated audiences with its complex characters and compelling plotlines.
Are anime comic books available?
Anime only pertains to animation and comic book based on anime does not exist.
However, the Japanese comic books that inspire many anime shows and films do exist, and these are referred to by non-Japanese fans as manga (which means comic books).
Manga, like the word anime, is used in Japan to denote all comic books, not simply Japanese comics. Surprisingly, the English term comics is also used to describe Japanese and international comic books in Japan.
What are the top 10 favorite Anime?
Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is a Manga series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. It follows the story of Gon Freecss, a young boy who discovers that his father, who he was told was dead, is alive.
While looking for clues about his identity and origin, Gon comes across other hunters—including Killua Zoldyck—who shares his goal to find their fathers’ secrets.
It is an action-packed, shonen Anime with a great story and characters. The animation style is also very unique, making it stand out from other series in its genre.
Code Geass
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a Japanese Anime series created by Sunrise, directed by Gorō Taniguchi, and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi with original character designs by Clamp.
A gifted student at Ashford Academy, Lelouch vi Britannia obtains a power known as Geass, which enables him to command anyone to do whatever he wants.
The series is set in an alternate world where Japan is ruled by the Holy Empire of Britannia, which has invaded and conquered most of the world.
Death Note
Death Note is a Japanese Manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The series explores the life of Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook that allows its user to kill anyone whose name they write down.
Light decides to rule over the world with this newfound power.
The main protagonist of Death note, Light Yagami is pure evil and a genius psychopath. Light is the ultimate anti-hero of all time.
He has a disturbing mind, and he’s very intelligent. He thinks about every move he makes and plans out everything before it happens. He’s also very clever in hiding his identity as Kira and fooling people into thinking he is not controlling them.
Naruto Shippuden
Naruto Shippuden is one of the most popular Anime series. In the fictitious Earth where both Naruto and Shippuden are based, everyone is born with the ability to use an elemental chakra.
The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who must fight against evil to protect his village from being destroyed by an evil ninja named Nagato.
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is an Anime series animated by Gainax and co-produced by Aniplex and Konami.
The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have been forced underground and live in isolated subterranean villages.
The characters are Simon & Kamina who strive to discover the truth of their history, as well as find new lands to inhabit on a Mecha Lagann.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist is an Anime series adapted from the Manga of the same name written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa.
The series follows Edward Elric, a young alchemist who lost his right arm and left leg, and his brother Alphonse after they tried to resurrect their dead mother using forbidden alchemy techniques.
As punishment for performing this act, both Edward and Alphonse lose their bodies, with Ed being reduced to a soul in a suit of armor while Al became an empty suit of armor who can move on his own.
To get their bodies back, Ed and Al must travel across Amestris in search of answers about how to recover them.
Your Name
Your Name is a movie about two people from different worlds who swap their bodies.
Despite not knowing one another and living far apart, Mitsuha and Taki Tachibana have somehow become friends over this celestial occurrence that has captured Japan’s attention.
This movie is a beautiful and romantic story of two people who are connected through their dreams and the desire to meet each other. It explores themes such as fate, time travel, body swapping, love at first sight, and more.
Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan is a Japanese Manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama.
The series follows Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlert, Annie Leonhart, and the other members of their school community who are forced to live behind walls due to an attack from Titans.
The dramatic conclusion of Attack on Titan has grabbed the Anime world ever since its release.
The quality of animation speaks for the series’ success around the world, from the breathtaking backdrops for action scenes to the meticulous attention to detail in the entire plot.
The series, which debuted in 2013, now has one of the largest fan bases worldwide.
Steins; Gate
Steins; Gate is a Japanese science fiction Anime series whose story follows Rintarō Okabe, an eccentric college student who accidentally discovers that he and his friends can change the past by using a cell phone in conjunction with a microwave.
As Okabe and his friends learn more about the nature of time travel, they must find a way to prevent a series of events that could lead to the end of humanity.
One Piece
One Piece is a Japanese Manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda.
It follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who becomes a pirate to reach treasure and desires to become the Pirate King that will become the strongest on land, sea, and air.
Luffy navigates the treacherous waters of the Grand Line with a group of reliable comrades in search of Laugh Tale, the elusive island home to the One Piece. On his adventure, Luffy encounters several perilous enemies, including other pirates seeking to rule the seas and the Navy seeking to rid the world of the threat posed by pirates.
Besides these, You can also go for the recommendations of watching Mojo:
My favorite Anime
Recently there have been more Anime productions on the OTT platforms and I am loving the content and stories it is bringing such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Spy X Family.
Apart from the mainstream Animes mentioned above, the following titles will always hold a special place in my heart:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Tokyo Ghoul
- Assassination Classroom
- Spy X family
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- School Rumble.
- Kokoro Connect
- Psycho pass
- Rurouni Kenshin
- Yu Yu Hakusho
- Cyborg 009
- Demon Slayer
Although I’m not sure that this list will stay the same.
What is the most popular Anime?
In recent years, much buzzworthy Anime have been released on different platforms. These anime shows are adored by many viewers all over the world.
They are frequently re-watched and passed along to others. Anime News Network has compiled a list of the most popular Anime so far:
| S. No. | Anime Name | Genre | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Adventure, fiction, Fantasy, Steampunk, Dieselpunk | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Steins; Gate | Anime, Drama, Comedy, Science fiction, Psychological thriller, Thriller | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | Clannad After Story | Comedy, Drama | 8.6/10 |
| 4 | Your name (Kimi No Na Wa) (movie) | Romance, Drama, Time travel, Fantasy | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal | Adventure, martial arts, romance | 8.6/10 |
| 6 | Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 | Mecha, Mecha Anime, Dark Fantasy, Thriller, Action, Military Fiction, Alternate History. | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Spirited Away (movie) | Fantasy, Adventure, Coming of age | 8.6/10 |
| 8 | Cowboy Bebop | Western, Neo-noir, Space Western, Drama, Adventure, Space opera, Action fiction, Thriller | 8.9/10 |
| 9 | Mushishi: The Next Chapter | Horror adventure, Supernatural | 8.8/10 |
| 10 | Princess Mononoke (movie) | Drama, Adventure, Action, War, Fantasy | 8.4/10 |
Final Words
- If you are new to the Anime world, I’d recommend you to start with a shorter and fast-paced Anime to build momentum; something like Assassination Classroom.
- But if you enjoy a more thorough plot and would love some relatable content then One piece is a good way to start as it has some deep meanings to it plus it’s fun.
- If you are a psycho thriller fan then Detective Conan, Steins Gate, and Death note are a must-watch!
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