Popular Animes
Anime, as a genre, has a passionate following that spans across the globe. It is renowned for its unique visual style, captivating and relatable characters, and fearless storytelling. In recent years, the anime market has experienced tremendous growth, paralleling the success of juggernauts like the U.S. music industry. Furthermore, with the emergence of streaming services, anime has become more accessible than ever before. This accessibility has provided loyal fans, both young and old, with a plethora of options to choose from. Fortunately, there is always new anime content to indulge in, and the industry appears to be flourishing.
Certain anime series have managed to retain their status as fan favorites even after many years. These shows continue to be actively discussed and some have even continued to produce new content. These notable anime series have consistently received excellent ratings and rave reviews over the years. Many of them have also inspired live-action adaptations, whether positively or negatively. So, whether you are a dedicated fan or someone looking to dip their toes into the world of anime, here are some of the most popular choices from the genre:
Bleach is a classic adult-oriented anime that initially ran from 2004 to 2012 and is still ongoing. It follows the journey of Ichigo Kurosaki, who becomes a Soul Reaper and defends humans against evil spirits while guiding lost souls to the afterlife. The anime has deviated from the source material, introducing original characters and storylines. A direct sequel called "Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War" was released recently, aiming to conclude the final arc of the manga.
My Hero Academia, centers around Izuku Midoriya, a young boy without powers who aspires to become a hero. The anime has garnered a large fan base due to its engaging characters, compelling storylines, and its exploration of the battle between good and evil.
Death Note is a dark anime with a simple yet thought-provoking plot. It revolves around a high school student named Light Yagami, who gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a supernatural notebook known as the Death Note. The series delves into complex moral questions, the death penalty, and the power dynamics of individuals and organizations.
Fullmetal Alchemist, brotherhood is a highly regarded anime series. It follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, on a journey driven by their passion for alchemy. The series explores themes such as family bonds, fascism, ethics, and the balance between the natural and unnatural.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing is a mecha anime that gained popularity in the early 2000s, particularly among American audiences. Set in a future where Earth and its colonies engage in a war, the series combines political intrigue and epic battles with awe-inspiring mechs.
Cowboy Bebop is a neo-noir sci-fi anime that follows a group of bounty hunters in a futuristic universe. Led by the charismatic Spike Spiegel, the crew of the spaceship Bebop embarks on thrilling adventures. Despite its relatively short 26-episode run, Cowboy Bebop has remained highly popular among fans, who have been clamoring for more content since its release over 20 years ago.
Attack on Titan, a dark fantasy anime set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles against giant humanoid Titans, Attack on Titan has captivated viewers with its intense and emotional storytelling. The series revolves around the protagonist Eren Yeager and the Survey Corps' fight for survival. The fourth and final season is currently airing.
Demon Slayer focuses on the Demon Slayer Corps, a secret society created to fight against demons. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, who embarks on a quest to avenge his family and save his sister, Nezuko, who has been transformed into a demon. Set in ancient Japan, the anime incorporates elements of Japanese culture into its unique visuals.
Sailor Moon is a beloved manga and TV series that gained popularity in the 1990s. The story revolves around Usagi Tsukino, a young schoolgirl who transforms into the magical heroine Sailor Moon to protect Earth from the forces of evil. The franchise has spawned multiple remakes and remains popular among fans of all ages.
Naruto follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja shunned by society, as he strives to become the strongest ninja in his village. The series explores themes of loyalty, optimism, and personal growth. Naruto: Shippuden continues the story with more character development and intriguing storylines.
Pokémon is a massive franchise that has captured the hearts of fans across generations. The anime series, based on the popular video games, features a world filled with adorable creatures known as Pokémon. The adventures of Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu have become iconic, and the franchise continues to expand with new series and movies.
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is an immensely popular franchise that has had a significant impact on millennial audiences. The series follows the journey of Goku, from his early years in Dragon Ball to his adulthood in Dragon Ball Z, as he protects Earth against various threats. Known for its martial arts-inspired action and captivating adventures, Dragon Ball has become an anime phenomenon that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
These anime series represent just a fraction of the vast and diverse world of anime, which offers a wide range of genres and storytelling styles. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, there is always something new and exciting to discover in the world of anime.