With streaming behemoths such as Crunchyroll and Netflix providing enormous libraries of anime, never has it been simpler—or so convoluted-to discover your new go-to show. If you’re an old hand or just getting started in the anime universe, this handpicked list of 13 must-watch shows has something for everyone, from contemporary classics to lesser-known gems.
1. Attack on Titan
A worldwide phenomenon, Attack on Titan melds fierce action, politicking, and shocking plot turns in a desolate world where humans struggle to survive at the hands of colossus monsters. With its addictive story and cinematographic animation, it is a genre-defining work of art.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
One of the greatest anime ever, this is a true manga adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s work and follows the Elric brothers in their journey to regain what has been taken away from them. With deep world-building, deep emotions, and resonant themes, Brotherhood is an anime that any fan would not want to miss.
3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
With its awe-inspiring animation and emotionally moving storytelling, Demon Slayer is a new classic. Tanjiro’s quest to rescue his sister, Nezuko, and avenge his family is all about heart, heroism, and some of anime’s greatest battle scenes.
4. Hunter x Hunter
Don’t be fooled by its cheerful start—Hunter x Hunter turns into a seriously complex, dark show at times, with some of the best character development and storytelling out there. It’s a slow burn that culminates in something utterly unforgettable.
5. Blood Blockade Battlefront
Against a backdrop of frenzied, supernatural New York City, this action-comedy series from Trigun creator Yasuhiro Nightow is a visual wild ride. Join the offbeat agents of Libra as they battle surreal threats with wit, humor, and unbridled style.
6. Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These
This modern retelling of a legendary space opera pits two brilliant military leaders against each other in an epic interstellar conflict. If you love strategic warfare, political drama, and complex characters, this one’s for you.
7. Log Horizon
Less concerned with escape than survival, Log Horizon considers what it would be like to inhabit a game world. By playing careful world-building tricks and wits with cunning political maneuvering, it’s a new take on the “trapped in a game” trope.
8. Shangri-La Frontier
A welcome respite from the otherwise stale VRMMO genre, this series begins by following a player who survives by trying to beat poorly coded, buggy games. When he finally tries his hand at a well-refined title, things take an unexpectedly dramatic (and humorous) turn.
9. Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World
Re: Zero subverts the isekai cliche by turning the main character’s ability to reset on death into an instrument of emotional and psychological trauma. Dark, intense, and full of stomach-lurching moments, this one lingers.
10. The 100 Girlfriends Who, Really, Really, REALLY Love You
What would seem a standard harem arrangement turns into a heartwarming, meta comedy. With surprising wholesomeness and clever writing, it’s a pleasant twist on a formulaic, troped-out store.
11. Honey Lemon Soda
For romantics who adore something sweet, this shojo classic is all about a timid, bullied heroine who becomes confident and falls in love through the gestures of a kind, understanding classmate. Sweet, true, and sincere, it’s ideal for anyone who craves a soothing love story.
12. Yakuza Fiancé
Equal measures of crime drama and romance, Yakuza Fiancé is a tale of two yakuza heirs from warring opposing clans entangled in an addictive and risky affair. It’s hip, sexy, and gives a suspenseful spin to the classic romance.
13. Soul Eater
With its stunning artwork and unconventional characters, Soul Eater is the ideal way for new fans to get started on anime. The combination of supernatural action, gothic artwork, and bizarro humor makes it a cult hit that endures even today.
Whether you’re craving intense action, touching romance, or something totally outside the box, this list offers a little bit of everything. The anime world is vast, diverse, and full of surprises—so dive in and find your next obsession.