With hundreds of anime shows in all genres under the sun, discovering your next binge-watching obsession can be like navigating a boss fight. Whether an old-school otaku or a beginner looking to dip your toes into the medium, there has never been a better time to jump into anime’s rich world of storytelling.
1. Blood Blockade Battlefront
Seeking fashion-forward action, supernatural chaos, and a pinch of wacky comedy? Blood Blockade Battlefront has all that and then some. Based in Hellsalem’s Lot—a New York City reimagined through an interdimensional portal—the series tracks Libra, a clandestine group charged with maintaining order. Designed by Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow, the frenetic, visually spectacular anime is a must for action aficionados and fans of quirky, unconventional storytelling.
2. Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These
As epic in all but name, this contemporary reboot of a vintage space opera juxtaposes the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance in a struggle fuelled by ideological politics and military strategy. You don’t have to be a fan of the genre to appreciate its eternally compelling characters and considered insights. If you’re a fan of complex world-building and multifaceted storytelling, this one’s a must-watch.
3. The Red Ranger Becomes an Adventurer in Another World
Ever wondered what happens when a Sentai hero gets isekai’d? This series answers with tongue firmly in cheek. After defeating his archnemesis, KizunaRed finds himself in a fantasy realm, with his powers still intact. It’s a playful, genre-savvy series that lovingly pokes fun at both isekai and Super Sentai tropes, making it a fun ride for fans of either genre.
4. To Be Hero X
What if belief made heroes? That’s the idea of To Be Hero X, which is a catchy, genre-bending series about celebrity, authority, and idol culture. With its constantly shifting animation styles and anthology structure, it’s as creatively stimulating as it is intellectually stimulating.
5. Log Horizon
Among the rapidly growing “trapped in a game” genre, Log Horizon stands out for its focus on society-building over survival. Trapped players in Elder Tale must learn to cooperate and govern themselves, as death does not bring them home. It’s a thoughtful, tactical treatment of the genre with a strong focus on politics, cooperation, and adapting to new realities.
6. Honey Lemon Soda
The shojo genre is flourishing, and Honey Lemon Soda is one of the greatest examples. It’s the heartwarming, sweet story of Uka, a socially awkward girl overcoming a lifetime of bullying, and Kai, the student who dares her to open up. Sweet, sincere, and alive with emotional richness, it’s a modern romance that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt they don’t quite belong.
7. Shangri-La Frontier
What does a player who lives for buggy, busted titles do when they finally get their hands on a refined, mainstream VRMMO? Shangri-La Frontier responds with a new take on gaming anime that emphasizes the excitement of besting hard-won triumphs over life-or-death theatrics. It’s a gamer’s love letter and a joy to behold.
8. Yakuza Fiancé
Romance collides with criminal suspense in Yakuza Fiancé, as the children of arch-nemesis mafia dons are pushed into a political marriage neither is eager for. A war of wills ensues, as both leads dig in their heels. Dark, addictive, and a tad perverted, it’s a welcome deviation from your standard rom-com.
9. Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World
Re: Zero is not your typical isekai. Subaru’s “return by death” power forces him to relive his most agonizing setbacks until he discovers a way out. Gory, sentimental, and psychologically nuanced, it’s an edge-of-your-seat watch that grinds its her—and viewers into the ground.
10. The 100 Girlfriends Who, Really, Really, REALLY Love You
Don’t be misled by the title—this isn’t a generic harem anime. It’s a witty, self-deprecating parody in which the main character, Rentaro, winds up with 100 soulmates, and each of the girls is refreshingly well-written. Wholesome, zany, and hilarious, the show runs with the absurdity and makes it into something sweetly fresh.
11. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
No list of contemporary anime is ever complete without Demon Slayer. With face-melting animationunforgettableng fight choreography, and a staunchly emotional center, it’s a classic on the spot. Tanjiro and Nezuko’s ongoing adventure still manages to capture hearts across the globe—and rightly so.
Whether you’re in the mood for supernatural thrills, in-depth character exploration, or just a nice romance, anime has got you covered. With so many of the best shows currently available to stream, there’s never been a better time to check out everything the medium has to offer.