Face it—picking the best anime is like going into a Japanese shop and trying to pick just one treat. Hard, almost not doable, and it might start a fight if you ask your pals. But, that’s part of the fun, right? If you’ve loved anime for ages or are just starting, here’s my list of ten anime shows that you should check out. Disagree? Tell us in the comments!
10. My Hero Academia
Think heroes meet school drama—with lots of heart and cool powers (called “quirks”). My Hero Academia puts you in a world where almost all have a special skill, and mixes action, laughs, and moving parts well. It’s a fresh shonen hit and a top pick for fans of big fights and underdog tales.
9. Samurai Champloo
Samurai fights with a hip-hop beat? Yes, that’s right. Samurai Champloo is wild in the best way. Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (known for Cowboy Bebop), this show mixes old Japan with cool beat music, smooth art, and great characters. It’s super cool, and still looks new.
8. Hunter x Hunter
At first, it seems like a fun adventure anime—but wait a bit. Hunter x Hunter turns into something much deeper, darker, and more touching than expected. It’s full of smart writing, great fights, and character stories that hit hard. Don’t miss this one—it’s worth every moment.
7. Death Note
Ever thought what you’d do if you could pick who lives and who dies—just by writing their name? Death Note digs into that idea with a high-tension mind battle between two smart guys. It’s dark, it holds you tight, and pulls you in quick. And that first song? Amazing.
6. Jujutsu Kaisen
This one is full of curses, magic, and some of the best fight scenes lately. Jujutsu Kaisen brings non-stop action, good laughs, and characters you’ll love fast. It’s made a spot as one of the top new shows—and it’s only improving.
5. One Piece
With over a thousand episodes, One Piece can seem big—but if you dive in, you’ll find one of the best journeys in anime. It tells of pirates, pals, chasing dreams, and fighting wrongs. It’s funny, touching, and sometimes sad. Don’t be scared by the episode count—it’s worth it.
4. Naruto: Shippuden
From cool ninja fights to sad backstories, Naruto: Shippuden builds on the world of the first series and lifts it up. Naruto’s path from outsider to hero teaches us about sticking it out, loyalty, and growing up. It’s a must-see for anyone into anime.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Alchemy, war, sacrifice, and a strong brother link. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells a well-paced story with great world-building, emotional ups and downs, and a strong ending. It’s almost perfect and is loved by many—for good reason.
2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
If you’ve heard talk about the art in Demon Slayer, it’s true. The art is awesome, but the touching story and sibling bond are what make it stand out. Each show feels like a movie, and the fights are strong. This is a new classic.
1. Attack on Titan
It began as a survival horror with big scary monsters, but turned into one of the deepest, smart anime made. Attack on Titan mixes harsh action with plot turns, deep people, and big surprises that change it all. If you’ve not seen it yet—don’t wait.
And there you have it—my bold list of the best anime you should see now. Whether you love big fights, deep plots, or big feelings, there’s something here for you. If your top pick isn’t here, we can chat about that later.