Anime is one category that has its own set of admirers. Interestingly, when you start watching one series, you end up wanting more. Fortunately, one can never find themselves with no anime to watch since the industry seems to be thriving. In fact, 2023 is about to be one huge year for anime since there are plenty of new seasons, series, and movies planned to be released. Looking at recent years, there are some notable anime that have received rave reviews and ratings. These shows are still being discussed, with some even being continued.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
8 My Hero Academia
FUNimation Entertainment
This superhero anime takes place in a fictional world where a majority of the human population has unique superpowers called “Quirks”. The story focuses on a protagonist named, Izuku, who starts off with no quirks, but is determined to become a hero. With brilliant character developments, fascinating storylines, and a heavy emphasis on the idea of good vs. evil, My Hero Academia has won a large fan base simply because of its positive lessons. There are multiple reasons as to why this modern-day anime has become successful, but it is definitely notable that the characters, the visuals, and the soundtracks have allowed My Hero Academia to be one of the best animes.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
7 Death Note
Nippon TV
A dark anime with a simple plot, Death Note can be quite gruesome as it focuses on the absolute power to kill anyone with a name and a face, which is bestowed on the owner of the Death Note. It makes the viewer question who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist. In fact, the anime might start off with the viewer rooting for Light Yagami, only to realize this character is filled with pure evil and is willing to use anyone close to him to achieve his dream of becoming a God of a new world. However, the ending proves how evil Yagami is. Death Note’s reflections on certain ideologies, like what morality is, the debate on the death penalty, and the power of certain organizations and people can be quite intriguing.
6 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
JNN (MBS, TBS)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is based on Hiromu Arakawa’s manga titled Fullmetal Alchemist and follows a very similar storyline unlike the 2003 anime adaptation of the manga. In fact, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood released in 2009, went on to become more popular than the 2003 version due to its loyalty to the manga. The story focuses on two brothers whose passion for alchemy takes them on a painful, but ultimately successful journey. From family bonds to fascism, ethical practices, and the natural vs. the unnatural, this anime is one that focuses on some important topics.
5 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Fuji TV
The story takes place in ancient Japan, specifically in the early 1910s which was called Taishō era. Thus, the anime takes inspiration from Japanese culture, hence the unique attire and visuals. Demon Slayer focuses on a secret society called “Demon Slayer Corps” which was created to fight against demons who were initially humans but transformed by Muzan Kibutsuji. With the protagonist’s sister, Nezuko, being transformed into a demon, the plot focuses on their journey to eliminate the demons along with Muzan while trying to restore Nezuko back to her human state.
4 One Piece
An anime that started in 1997 and is still being continued, One Piece focuses on a world of pirates. The protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, is set to find the treasure, One Piece, to be the next King of Pirates, alongside his crew the Straw Hat Pirates. What is unique about Luffy is that his body has the properties of rubber as he had eaten a “Devil Fruit”, unintentionally. Like Luffy’s origin story, the anime is filled with bizarre events. Nonetheless, it is one that is packed with humor and fascinating incidents, with new stories ensuring that the fans are kept engaged even after over 25 years of running and with a live-action set to be released. Even if there is no set date as to when the story will end, the manga-creator, Eiichiro Oda, has stated that it will come to its finale over the next three years. So, it is only reasonable for this anime to be claimed as one of the best ever.
3 Naruto & Naruto: Shippuden
TV Tokyo & Viz Media
The mischievous but optimistic protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, is a beloved anime character among every anime fan. Based on Masashi Kishimoto’s manga, Naruto focuses on a young boy who is shunned by society but grows up to be one of the most successful and strongest ninjas. This show is one that teaches the viewers many lessons, with Naruto being a character who is absolutely loyal and hopeful. His passion and never-giving-up persona inspire the young audience immensely. For someone who watches Naruto, the next step is to watch Naruto: Shippuden. Both parts focus on some brilliant character developments and fascinating storylines, in turn, ensuring that the viewer is submerged in the world of ninjas.
2 Pokémon
TXN (TV Tokyo)
Even if you are not a huge Pokémon fan, you must be aware that after 25 years of training and Pokemon battles, the forever 10-year-old Ash won the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series. It was a much-awaited battle in the history of anime. Pokémon is yet another huge franchise that has created generations of Pokémon (abbreviated for “Pocket Monsters”) lovers. It is obvious that anyone would end up loving these adorable fictional creatures with various strengths and weaknesses. This anime has its own series, films, figurines, card packs, games and other items which allows the fans to enter the world of Pokémon. The fact that people are still willing to (and dreaming of) owning their own Pikachus and Squirtles is evidence enough to suggest how popular this anime is. Interestingly, this anime has some emotional and dark storylines as well, in turn, catering to a large group of audience.
1 Dragon Ball & Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball is a massive franchise that is still deeply admired by the ’80s and the ’90s kids. Like most anime, Dragon Ball was initially a manga series created by Akira Toriyama in the early 1980s. The show is inspired by martial arts; hence the audience can find some brilliant fights in the anime. With the first anime installment being produced in 1986’s Dragon Ball, the anime opened up by focusing on the young Goku. Dragon Ball Z released in 1989, takes place 5 years after the end of the first installment of the anime franchise. This sequel focuses on a young-adult Goku alongside his son, Gohan. From protecting Earth against evil and fights with aliens who need to be obliterated once and for all to ensure they don’t return, this anime franchise is packed with adventure.
