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Top 8 underrated anime with a cult following IMDbEveryone in the anime community knows about popular shows like Jujutsu Kaisen or Attack on Titan. However, few anime fans know about some of the best cult classic anime series – so, here are the best eight of them. The anime genre is incredibly vast, featuring a plethora of shows with unique stories and compelling animation. Long-running shows like One Piece and Naruto have ruled over the industry for a long time. However, over time, several seasonal shows like Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Chainsaw Man have become a worldwide phenomenon. That being said, there are still several old-school anime franchises that have remained unnoticed by the community. But, they are still followed by a dedicated group of anime fans, making them cult classics. 1. Serial Experiments Lain Let’s begin the list with one of the rarest anime series that also helps us engage with our mental health. Serial Experiments Lain revolves around a 14-year-old girl, Lain, who lives with her middle-class family in the suburbs of Japan. One day, she finds out that her classmates have received a mysterious e-mail from a dead batchmate. However, things take a horror turn when she gets the same e-mail on her computer and decides to investigate this matter. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 2. Ghost in the Shell Based on a manga of the same name, Ghost in the Shell is an anime that comes with a cyberpunk vibe. It was released in 1995, but as the genre was less popular back then, the anime film failed at the box office. However, it became a cult classic when it arrived on the home video and its following has grown ever since. The storyline of Ghost in the Shell takes place in a world where people make use of cybernetic technology to get their body parts replaced. This advancement also results in the enhancement of the crime rates in Japan. The anime film follows a high-authority officer who must find a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master to discover the crimes’ root cause. Where to watch: Prime Video 3. Inuyasha Coming from Rumiko Takahashi, Inuyasha is an anime series that subtly explores Japanese mythology. Unlike Takahashi’s other works, Inuyasha brings a much darker theme with lots of bloodshed. So, if you enjoy violence in an anime, this one is definitely for you. Inuyasha is set in the Sengoku Era and revolves around the main protagonist, Kagome Higurashi, the reincarnation of an ancient priestess named Kiko. After falling into a well, she gets transported to the Sengoku Period, where she meets the half-demon, half-human Inuyasha. Despite being one of the anime shows that popularized the Isekai genre in the US, Inuyasha remained underrated for years. Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Hulu 4. Mushi-shi Here comes an anthology series, which is an anime adaptation of the manga. The series falls under the supernatural genre, so if you are looking for a horror anime, you can give it a shot. The series follows Mushi, the creature who co-exists with humankind but is not seen or felt by everybody. In fact, only some people are aware of their existence. One such person is our lead character, Ginko, known as Mushi Master. He chose to study Mushi and help people affected by their presence. Where to Watch: Crunchyroll 5. Captain Tsubasa Captain Tsubasa is one such anime that motivated several individuals to make football a career. Despite being a popular animanga for some time, it got lost somewhere along the way. The 1978 FIFA World Cup inspired the mangaka Yoichi Takahashi, and that’s how he came up with the brilliant narrative of Captain Tsubasa. The series revolves around an 11-year-old boy, Tsubasa, who has a profound love for football and dreams of becoming a professional player one day. Captain Tsubasa sees the boy struggling and facing every challenge that comes between him and his biggest desire. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 6. Claymore Claymore is a dark fantasy series that revolves around the supernatural creature Yoma, who has a hunger for human flesh. To fight these entities, a mysterious organization creates human Yoma hybrids. These female warriors are responsible for eradicating the existence of Yoma. However, they get a reasonable payment for the task. Despite having a good narrative, Claymore remained less known due to not-so-good marketing. We can also say the manga and anime industry is full of series with such unique narratives, but the ones that lack good promotion often remain unnoticed. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 7. The Ancient Magus’ Bride The Ancient Magus’ Bride features supernatural and slice-of-life themes perfectly. The series was published in a monthly magazine in 2013, and it got popular because it’s a mix of several genres. It tells the story of an orphan named Chise Hatori, who is never really accepted by her relatives or society. One day, she decides to sell herself to someone so that she can at least have a place to live. However, the one who buys her turns out to be a humanoid creature. After meeting the supernatural being, her life gets completely changed. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 8. Yu Yu Hakusho Here comes an underdog that has recently received a live-action adaptation, which will be on Netflix pretty soon. So, if you want to compare the upcoming live-action with the original source, you must watch it this weekend. Like many other titles on the list, Yu Yu Hakusho involves supernatural elements that can give you chills. The series revolves around a young delinquent who gets reincarnated as a spirit investigator after getting crushed in a road accident. It has been 20 years since Yu Yu Hakusho existed; in fact, not many of you will be aware of the fact that, like the Dragon Ball series, it also initially arrived at Cartoon Network. Where to watch: Crunchyroll How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

10 best superhero anime ever made CrunchyrollIt’s easy to forget that superheroes go way beyond DC Comics and Marvel, and anime actually has a strong history of heroics on the big and small screen. So, we’ve listed the best superhero anime to give you more caped crusading to check out. One Punch Man and My Hero Academia will be known quantities to many of you, being two of the best anime of the last decade, and excellent superhero franchises in their own right. But if you look into tokusatsu films and television, shonen manga, and beyond, you’ll find a treasure trove of awesome characters and universes. A lot of them are as colorful as Superman or Spider-Man, but a few carry the brooding demeanor of Batman or the goth aesthetics of The Crow and Hellboy. A couple are just outright grim as well, but that’s part of the fun! If you’re tired of the MCU or just want something fresh, our list of superhero anime covers all the bases, and probably a few you haven’t considered yet. 10. Darker than Black (2007) As the title suggests, this one isn’t some multicolored blast of goodies and baddies. In the aftermath of a bizarre anomaly that altered major cities around the world, strange powers emerged in certain people. The governments decided to keep these a secret, though, creating a black ops subdivision where superpowered agents tear each other down over different targets, and many of the episodes focus on Chinese protagonist Hei following a particular mission. There’s a nihilism running through Darker than Black that makes it deeply watchable, like viewing CCTV of something catastrophic you don’t need to care about. 9. Tiger and Bunny (2011-2022) Aside from being the perfect name for a magical girl-themed wrestling tag team, Tiger and Bunny plays a lot like The Boys, minus all the sex and violence. A professional caped crusader, Tiger has to take out a relative novice, Bunny, in an alt-future where heroism is corporate and based heavily on TV ratings. They eventually form a dynamic duo, guiding us through a retro-futuristic vision of New York City. The heroes make good anchors, but like a lot of shows using a similar background, it’s the setting that tends to beg your curiosity. 8. Ultraman (1979/2019) Two anime shows have been produced based on the long-running Ultraman live-action franchise, one in 1979 and the other in 2019. Both are worth your time, following different heroes who can transform into giants to defeat kaiju and other threats to civilization. They get this power from a symbiotic alien race. Don’t worry about that too much, though; it’s all about the cool transformations, slick sci-fi tech, and awesome fight sequences. Production IG handled the 2019 version, giving the icon a slick vibe to coincide with his rebirth in Hideaki Anno’s Shin Ultraman. 7. One-Punch Man (2015 – Present) Has a superhero ever been so straightforward? Saitama continually proves one good move is all you need to stop evil in its tracks, so long as you put in the right amount of daily cardio. One-Punch Man hilariously satirizes Marvel and DC tropes through a world where being a hero stretches from glory to mundanity and back again, depending on how good you are. Saitama shows everyone up time and time again, and like any good fighter on a winning streak, we keep showing up just to see if this time will be any different. 6. Devilman Crybaby (2018) A demon with a soul is at the center of Masaaki Yuasa’s gory reboot of Devilman, a show that can be quite unsettling if you aren’t sure what you’re getting into. The protagonists, Akira and Ryo, stand against an army of demonic creatures who plan to take control of Earth. Akira merges with one, leading a bloody defense against the unholy invaders. Everything escalates from there, but Ryo and Akira’s love remains the center as it all gets torn apart amid war and devastation. Leaves an impression. 5. s-CRY-ed (2001) Tokyo is divided, with two armies of superpowered people on opposing sides. Within the war lay a pair of rivals, Kazuma and Ryuho; the former a mercenary, the latter an agent for the establishment. In a shocking twist, they become allies through learning the sectarianism they’ve been born into isn’t all that it seems. S-CRY-ed has gone under the radar for many, but it’s a colorful, vibrant story that has shades of X-Men and Attack on Titan. 4. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996) Hear me out: Dragon Ball Z is essentially a longitudinal study on the escalating threat Superman’s presence would generate. Goku, our Last Son of Krypton, sacrifices himself at the start. Then trains in order to come back stronger to face the invading Saiyans. Each Dragon Ball Z saga afterward, something bigger, weirder, and nastier comes along, pushing the limits of Goku and his superpowered family and friends. You’ve got space fascists, robo-fascists, whatever the hell Buu is, and they share a common goal: kill the Superman, or rather, the Super Saiyan. Goku was so good a superhero they kept inventing better supervillains. No wonder he eventually chooses to stay dead. 3. Sailor Moon (1992 – 1997) They should do a crossover of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sailor Moon, if only to satisfy my rainbow-obsessed brain. Sailor Moon is the platonic ideal of a teenage super-team, featuring a group of high schools that are bound by the ability to become galactic superbeings called Sailor Guardians. The whole vibe and aesthetic are infectiously glittery, and their transformations remain a gold standard. Today, Sailor Moon thrives in fashion collaborations with the likes of Vans, but don’t let any era of the show go unnoticed. It’s a helluva good time, especially if you watch by the light of the moon. 2. Chainsaw Man (2022 – Present) You just know from looking at the chainsaws protruding from Denji’s body that Chainsaw Man will be gnarly. Being such a pronounced body horror anime only helped the show achieve popularity, as people gravitated to MAPPA’s stunningly bloody adaptation. But behind those swirling blades lies some genuine humanity. A look at how poverty mutates the body, mind, and even the soul, in ways most others can’t even comprehend. Despite all that, Chainsaw Man has a cutesy side as well. Heroism in an era where the accepted archetypes are starting to seem outdated. 1. My Hero Academia (2016 – Present) The primo superhero anime, and honestly, one that lives up to its reputation. Deku lives out all out fantasies by going from a regular boy to Superman Jr when he’s given the One For All quirk. He joins his classmates in Class 1-A, where they all become caught up in some of the biggest threats we’ve ever faced. It’s X-Men: The Anime — charming and full of optimism and childlike playfulness, but with a genuine darkness, too. However it all shakes out for Deku and his pals, I’m going to miss their injection of hope and dedication, and you will too, if you watch. Those are the best superhero anime. We have lists of the best anime like Solo Leveling, best isekai anime, and best anime movies for more top selections. For more superheroic goodness, check out our full HeroFest schedule here.

Top 10 upcoming summer 2024 anime CrunchyrollThe summer 2024 anime lineup promises some exciting new releases and sequels – so, here’s a list of 10 anime you should add to your watchlist. As the second quarter of 2024 ends following the release several exciting series like Demon Slayer and Kaiju No. 8, the summer 2024 anime season has big shoes to fill. Although the season doesn’t feature the return of many major anime franchises, the lineup is still exciting, with another set of popular sequels and new series for fans across all genres. From highly anticipated sequels to new additions in the anime world, we’ve listed all the ongoing and upcoming anime series in summer 2024. 10. Twilight Out of Focus Release date: July 4 The upcoming Boy’s Love anime follows roommates Mao Tsuchiya and Hisashi Ootomo. They make three promises in front of a camera: Mao must not tell anyone Hisashi is gay, Hiashi must never fall in love with Mao, and the two must never disturb each other’s “personal time.” However, things begin to change when the film club wants to cast Hisashi as a lead role in a Boy’s Love movie. 9. Shoshimin: How to Become Ordinary Release date: July 7 Written by Honobu Yonezawa, popular for Hyouka, this upcoming mystery drama follows Kobato, who swears to become an honest citizen after a painful experience. He also forms a reciprocal relationship with Osanai, who shares the same aspiration. However, their peaceful high school days don’t last long when mysterious incidents keep happening around them. 8. Senpai is an Otokonoko Release date: July 5 Senpai is an Otonoko, an upcoming romance drama following Makoto Hanaoka, a beautiful and feminine second-year high school student. Saki Aoi, a first-year girl, falls in love with Makoto and doesn’t hesitate to confess her feelings. However, Aoi soon finds out that Makoto is actually a boy. Although Makoto expects Aoi to reject her, the feelings are reciprocated. 7. Kengan Ashura Season 2 Part 2 Release window: August 2024 Kengan Ashura is a popular martial arts anime that will continue its story in the second part of Season 2. The anime features secret fights between major industrial organizations that execute their employees. The sequel promises to deliver the highly anticipated Kengan Annihilation Tournament finals, bringing the original plot to a remarkable conclusion. 6. Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season Release date: July 6 Mystery, comedy, vampires – this upcoming summer 2024 anime has it all. After graduating from high school, Araragi’s journey ends. However, the story of the girls saved by Araragi is far from over. Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season is a prequel, or possibly a sequel, to their youthful struggles. 5. Kimi ni Todoke: Season 3 Release window: August 2024 Kimi ni Todoke went on a long hiatus after its Second 2 in 2011. But Netflix picked it up and it’s finally returning with its third season. The story follows Kuronuma Sawako, who’s feared in high school for her jet-black hair covering her entire face. Her peers ultimately start calling her “Sadako,” the spirit from The Ring. As an introvert, Sawako slowly begins to come out of her shell with the help of Kazehaya Shouta and her new friends. 4. Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest Release date: July 7 Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest follows Natsu and his friends a year after the fight with Alvarez and Acnologia. The main story ends as the team embarks on a new mission. This upcoming summer 2024 anime is a sequel following the team all the way to the Nothern Continent as they accept a mission to seal away Five Dragon Gods. However, while Natsu and his friends are on the mission, a mysterious girl, Touka, joins the Guild. 3. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian Release date: July 3 This upcoming sweet romance anime follows Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou, a half-Russian and half-Japanese high school student. Admired for her beauty, Alya maintains an unapproachable persona to keep people at arm’s length. Although she often behaves harshly with her bench mate, Masachika Kuze, she expresses her feelings in Russian, not knowing that Masachika can actually understand her. 2. Suicide Squad Isekai Release date: July 6 Produced by Warner Bros., Suicide Squad Isekai is a 10-episode original series. Amanda Waller, the head of A.R.G.U.S., has assembled a group of DC supervillains, including Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Peacemaker, Clayface, and King Shark. They are sent into an alternate world of swords and magic, a place where orcs and dragons exist. 1. Tower of God Season 2 Release date: July 7 Tower of God is getting its sequel in summer 2024. The first season created quite the buzz in 2020, leaving fans wanting more after one of the biggest cliffhangers in anime history. This left several unanswered questions, which will mostly be revealed in Season 2. The Return of the Prince Arc opens with a time skip, six years into the future, and Ja Wangnan re-entering the Tower. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, most underrated anime of 2023, and the best anime like Solo Leveling.

Top 10 best Studio Ghibli movies Studio GhibliAnime giant Studio Ghibli is hitting 40 years old now, so here are our top 10 favorite and best movies from their library. Studio Ghibli is one of the most respected animation studios in the world. In creating movies for both children and adults, it has marked itself as a legendary creator. The studio has made 22 movies over its 38-year run, and we’d argue that none of them are necessarily bad. However, some are better than others, and if you’re wanting to get into Ghibli’s work, you may be wondering which movies to start with. Well, we have compiled a list – in no particular order – of the 10 best Studio Ghibli movies, which you can read below. It’ll also tell you where to stream them, so you can really get started on your animation education. But make sure to check out the rest of Ghibli’s work after you’re done with these! Additional reporting by Olly Smith. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) Synopsis: A devastating meditation on the human cost of war, this animated tale follows Seita, a teenager charged with the care of his younger sister, Setsuko, after an American firebombing during World War II separates the two children from their parents. Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video Why you should watch: Think of the saddest movie you’ve ever seen. Now, think of the saddest things you’ve heard about in real life. Combine the two, and you’ve got Grave of the Fireflies. A tragic tale about two young children attempting to survive in Japan after their defeat in WW2, this movie will manage to fill you with emotion while also leaving you feeling empty. This is the darkest Ghibli has gone, and while it might be too much for some people, the movie is fantastic enough that you kind of hope they go that dark again in the future. Princess Mononoke (1997) Synopsis: A prince infected with a lethal curse sets off to find a cure and lands in the middle of a battle between a mining town and the animals of the forest. Where to watch: Netflix Why you should watch: While the Pocahontas/Avatar storyline has been done to death, Princess Mononoke is the only time that the take feels fresh, and like a legitimate debate. It helps that this movie is filled with memorable characters, beautiful animation, and a score just as magical as the creatures within it. It’s a movie that feels surprisingly more mature the more you think about it, which is a rare skill that Studio Ghibli definitely possesses in its movies. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) Synopsis: In this animated adventure, a young witch moves away from her family to practice her craft, but she finds that making new friends is difficult. Where to watch: Netflix Why you should watch: Kiki’s Delivery Service follows a young witch as she delivers baked goods through a peaceful town, but then begins to lose the ability to fly. That’s the entire plot, which speaks to how Studio Ghibli is able to make incredible works of art that treat simple stories with respect. This is a remarkable movie that bathes itself in the mundane mediocrity of life, but makes it all feel memorable nonetheless. If you’re ever feeling down, or want to dabble in some peaceful escapism, then this is the movie for you. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) Synopsis: Sophie has an uneventful life at her late father’s hat shop, but all that changes when she befriends wizard Howl, who lives in a magical flying castle. However, the evil Witch of Waste takes issue with their budding relationship and casts a spell on young Sophie, which ages her prematurely. Where to watch: HBO Max Why you should watch: This movie tends to be either a love it or hate it affair, though most people lean on the side of love it. It’s one of Ghibli’s most well-known, probably because everyone’s had a crush on Howl at some point in their life. Also, while English voice dubs can often be hit or miss, Studio Ghibli hardly misses, and certainly not this time with the casting of Christian Bale as Howl. But on top of that, this movie has other iconic characters, and many twists and turns that will keep you engaged in the magic. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013) Synopsis: A tiny nymph found inside a bamboo stalk grows into a beautiful and desirable young woman, who orders her suitors to prove their love by completing a series of near-impossible tasks. Where to watch: Netflix Why you should watch: This movie is more of a technical marvel than anything else, but sometimes style can be good enough to overpower the need for substance. Following a classic folk legend, this movie uses animation to tell its story in a way that very few animated features do. It feels more akin to a short film you’d see nominated at the Oscars, and while rather simple story-wise, the movie will still manage to pluck at your heartstrings. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Synopsis: In post-war rural Japan, two young sisters move into an old house near a forest where they befriend Totoro, a giant and friendly forest spirit, experiencing whimsical adventures that highlight the joy and wonder of childhood. Where to watch: Netflix Why you should watch: While the movie explores the wonder of nature from the perspective of children, My Neighbor Totoro’s masterful balance of fantasy, adventure, and emotion is something that can be enjoyed by all age-groups. Its relatively straightforward plot and breathtaking animation style make it a must-see for anyone who adores the natural world. There’s a reason the studio adopted Totoro as its central mascot, it’s one of the best Studio Ghibli movies you could watch. Castle in the Sky (1986) Synopsis: Two young kids, united by a magical amulet, set off on a thrilling quest to find Laputa, a legendary floating castle, while evading pirates and government agents who want the castle’s power for themselves. Where to watch: Netflix Why you should watch: As the first official Studio Ghibli release, the imaginative scope of Castle in the Sky presents a story layered with many themes and ideas the production house would continue to explore for decades to come. The core of Miyazaki’s environmentalist beliefs woven into the plot underline Ghibli’s unique approach to delivering meaningful messages in an entertaining package. Only Yesterday (1991) Synopsis: A woman in her late twenties, Taeko, revisits her childhood memories during a trip to the countryside, reflecting on the pivotal moments and experiences that shaped her into the woman she is today. Where to watch: Netflix Why you should watch: Due to its compelling tale of self-discovery, Only Yesterday rests as one of Ghibli’s maturer releases. It’s an elegant dive into nostalgia, as it bridges the gap between childhood innocence and the harsh realism of adulthood. The animation and detail contrasted between both time periods uncannily emphasizes Ghibli’s ability to immerse you in its world. Spirited Away (2001) Synopsis: After her parents are turned into pigs in a strange world, a young girl named Chihiro works in a bathhouse for spiritual beings, navigating through various challenges to free herself and her parents. Where to watch: Netflix Why you should watch: Possibly Ghibli’s biggest crowning jewel that earned it an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away set the bar high for many animated movies that would soon follow it. Blending dark, surreal visuals with profound storytelling, the movie is an unforgettable experience that makes it an essential watch for anyone starting out the Ghibli portfolio. Porco Rosso (1992) Synopsis: A veteran World War I fighter pilot, who has been cursed to look like an anthropomorphic pig, embarks on a journey of redemption amidst soaring adventures in the 1930s Mediterranean. Where to watch: Netflix Why you should watch: Very few animation studios could pull off making an anthropomorphic pig as the protagonist of a movie so poignant and irresistibly charming. And yet, this is exactly what Ghibli accomplishes with Porco Rosso. As much of a character study as it is an adventure movie, Porco’s search for redemption and identity in a world he feels rejected from is so deeply human, making this a shining one for Ghibli’s portfolio. And that’s our round-up of the best Studio Ghibli movies. Some of these movies are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, which you can sign up for here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission. For more of our anime content, click here.

5 best rage moments in anime No live-action projects can match the level of the anime series when it comes to visualizing a perfect rage sequence. The below-listed rage moments are good examples to justify that. Several anime characters come with their unique emotional baggage but it usually is taken over by their anger, creating a masterclass rage scene for fans. These sequences make a show much more interesting while also proving that the characters we love are flawed. While some anime characters go berserk in their lust for power, several characters lose all sense of themselves to punish a wrongdoer. One way or another, rage scenes provide a thrilling experience when they are backed up with good story or character development. Keeping that in mind, these are some of the best rage moments we’ve seen in all of anime. 1. Yuji Itadori vs. Mahito- Jujutsu Kaisen Jujutsu Kaisen has given us some spectacular rage moments that gave the anime community chills. One such moment was when Yuji couldn’t save Junpei from Mahito. That fight revealed the rage and darkness Yuji was carrying within himself. Mahito is a curse that can’t be killed until his soul is harmed but when Yuji punched him for the first time, his nose started bleeding. It seems even though Yuji is not potent enough to kill the deadly curse, his combating skills can surely affect his opponent. Mahito does not take him seriously initially but over time he realizes that if he wants to live, fleeing from the location would be the best thing he could do. 2. Levi Ackerman vs. Beast Titan- Attack on Titan For the unacquainted, Levi Ackerman belongs to the special lineage that protected the King of Eldia for ages. That’s one of the reasons why his combating skills are unshakable. Levi is seen as Humanity’s Strongest Soldier, who is not only feared by the humans but also by the Titans. That said, Levi’s strength was showcased several times in the series, but when he confronts Beast Titan, everyone feels pity for the latter. When Levi loses his mentor Erwin at the hands of Beast Titan, he decides to kill the monster with his own hands. So, when the Beast Titan comes at the sight of Levi on the battlefield, the soldier pummels him with heavy attacks one after another. In that fight, we were able to finally see how ruthless Levi could be. 3. Tanjiro Kamado Vs. Upper Moon 6- Demon Slayer Tanjiro is one of the most kind-hearted anime protagonists you may have been introduced to. He is someone who wanted to stay far away from violence since the beginning. However, after his entire family dies leaving him behind with his sister Nezuko, he has to pick up the sword even though he doesn’t want to. The Entertainment District Arc sees Tanjiro in an avatar that perhaps does not match his personality. A conflict between Tengen and Upper Moon 6 became the reason for Tanjiro to come out of his shell and fight with his complete strength. The color of his eyes and hair gets completely changed, the mark on his forehead gets activated, and in no time, we witness Tanjiro beheading the potent demon siblings with his sword. 4. Gon Vs. Neferpitou- Hunter X Hunter Gon is the main protagonist of Hunter X Hunter, who doesn’t seem dangerous at all when you first meet him. But once you know him, you’ll find out that he is one such character who isn’t harmful until he’s triggered. Gon was introduced to the world of hunting by Kite, who was killed by Neferpitou, and that awakens the dark side of our hero. Gon makes a contract to use his Nen to its full potential without considering the aftermath of the decision. The Nen transforms the young Gon into an adult, and as he fights Neferpitou, we see that his strength gets enhanced to an extent that scares his tough opponent for her life. 5. Thorfinn’s reaction to Askeladd’s death- Vinland Saga What happens when someone snatches away the biggest purpose of your life? Something like that happened to Thorfinn when he saw Canute killing Askeladd right in front of his eyes. Thorfinn was a troubled kid from the beginning, but his life turned upside down when his father was murdered by Askeladd. The young boy trained hard with his father’s killer so that he could kill him one day. However, when Askeladd kills King Sweyn, Canute stabs and kills him. Seeing the disturbing sight, Thorfinn shouted in full rage as he never wanted Askeladd to get killed by someone else. That sums up some of the best rage moments in anime. You can check out our other anime coverage here.

10 best psychological horror anime of all time Netflix/Amazon Prime/CrunchyrollHalloween is now here, so we present to you a list of the top 10 best psychological horror anime of all time. In a time where the anime industry is dominated by action-focused series like Jujutsu Kaisen, Dragon Ball, One Piece, etc, there are several fantastic anime genres that are left unnoticed – and horror is one of them. While horror anime shows and films have ruled the world with their jump scares, other horror series use psychological elements to win over the community’s heart. From a dark-themed background to a complex storyline, the psychological horror genre has it all for anime enthusiasts. If you’re looking for some hidden gems within this under-appreciated genre, we’ve got you covered. 10. Mushi-shi Adapted from an award-winning manga series of the same name, Mushi-shi aired on Japan’s local broadcasting networks from October 2005 to June 2006. Unlike other anime series, Mushi-shi flaunts different stories in every episode. To be precise, it is an anthology series that comes with distinctive elements in each episode. Mushi-shi features a primordial race known as Mushi. This species comes with supernatural powers, and even though they only seek acceptance in the human world, they sometimes scare people with their presence. Apart from Mushi, the series follows Ginko, who knows how to tackle these Mushis. 9. Corpse Princess Corpse Princess is a spine-tingling psychological horror show that will surely give you chills with its action-packed and bloodshed storyline. The plot revolves around a girl named Makina Hoshimura, who becomes a living corpse after getting a brutal death. She has to hunt 108 corpses of her kind, and by doing that, she would be getting an entry into heaven. Fortunately, she makes some allies who help her accomplish her goals while also avenging the deaths of her loved ones from their murderers. 8. Serial Experiments Lain Coming with a unique storyline and stunning visuals, Serial Experiments Lain flaunts a storyline that sheds light on topics like connection, virtual realm, communication, and more. The plot of the anime series follows a high school student named Lain, who is introverted by nature. However, things take a weird turn when her classmates start receiving emails from a dead person. Lain decides to step forward and solve the mystery. 7. Claymore Claymore is a series that crosses every limit when it comes to brutality. The series comes with some deadly creatures who feed on human flesh, so you may get an idea of how gory the plot is. These creatures are called Yoma, and to stop them, we see a mysterious group crafting human Yoma warriors. These hybrids take the responsibility to protect humanity from the shapeshifting beings. Madhouse adapted the series so beautifully that it became one of the favorite anime of every enthusiast who fancies disturbing horror shows with a lot of bloodshed. 6. Midori Midori is an anime film that was released in 1992, but before it could get the fame it deserved, several viewers started protesting it, getting it banned from several countries. Well, the reason for this was the disturbing elements in the film. Despite all the backlash, the creator, Hiroshi Harada, didn’t stop and started working on the series singlehandedly. Every panel of the series has been hand-drawn by him, so if you are looking for a real psychological anime, you must watch this film. 5. Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre Here’s another anthology horror series on the list that involves 20 short stories compressed into 12 episodes. Coming from one of the best horror storytellers, Itou, the series breaks the stereotype of a typical scary genre. Basically, the Netflix series falls under the horror genre, but you can’t call it one of a kind – as it is way beyond that. Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre is a compilation of such stories that involve physical assault, mental trauma, and other psychological horror elements that will either make you a fan of this genre or you will never want to see such content again. 4. Another Another is one such anime that involves a lot of violence and blood. However, that’s what makes the story intriguing because we don’t get to watch any straightforward death sequences but complex ones. Apart from that, the animation quality makes everything look perfect. The series follows a boy named Koichi Sakakibara, who, after getting enrolled in a new school, gets stuck in several gruesome situations after befriending a girl named Mei. 3. High-Rise Invasion High-Rise Invasion takes you to a world that is full of twists and turns. You will see people getting murdered or committing suicide. All these aspects make the plot of the anime a lot more interesting when compared to your typical horror shows. The main protagonist gets teleported to a world where some masked people start following the girl to hunt her down. Well, the lead lady doesn’t only have to save her own life but also has to protect her brother, who is stuck in the same dangerous world. 2. Parasyte: The Maxim Parasyte is a psychological horror show that sheds light on some crucial questions, like what kind of a relationship humans share with other species living in the same world. The series follows a young man named Shinichi Izumi, who realizes that the world is being taken over by an alien species. This strange alien species can take over human bodies by invading their minds, thus the name “parasyte.” However, things happen differently with Shinichi. Instead of taking over the protagonist’s mind, this parasyte takes over Shinichi’s arm. So, instead of killing the host, this parasyte has to coexist within a human body. Parasyte: The Maxim is not your traditional alien invasion anime series, as it features several twists and turns in every few episodes. It makes you decide which side you are on, humans or aliens, and, well, very few alien stories are able to do that. 1. Monster Monster is one of the best and longest psychological horror series of all time, as it includes 74 episodes that Madhouse beautifully created. Despite an intriguing plot, Monster remained underrated because not everyone could understand the series’ vision. Monster explores topics like personal choices and one’s morals. Besides that, the series also shows the protagonist-antagonist duo working together to accomplish a mutual goal that is often not seen in any anime. It is one of those anime series that’ll catch you off guard with its mind-boggling twists, and let’s not forget that it features one of the most brutal and evil anime antagonists, Johan Wilhelm Liebert. You can check out our other anime coverage here, and our other Halloween horror coverage below:

Best places to watch anime online in 2021: Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, more Ufotable / Bones / MAPPAFrom Demon Slayer to My Hero Academia, there’s never been a better time than now to jump into anime. Here are five of the best streaming services to watch the latest anime series in 2021. Old school anime fans will remember how difficult it used to be to find places to watch their favorite shows without delays. This is no longer the case in 2021 as the genre has gained worldwide popularity. Now there is a wide variety of websites and services that offer the Japanese medium to viewers. Below we will break down five of the best places to watch series such as Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan, as well as the latest releases. Best places to watch anime in 2021 Netflix While not originally associated with the genre, Netflix has become a major competitor in the anime space in recent years. The popular service has not only invested a ton of money in producing and licensing series such as Kakegurui, The Seven Deadly Sins, and Knights of Sidonia, but it also hosts popular shows such as Demon Slayer, Hunter X Hunter, The Promised Neverland, and One Piece. Since many households have had a subscription to the platform for years anyway, its wide selection of animation is just the cherry on top of a sub you or someone in your family already pays for. At $14 for their HD plan, it’s not a bad deal considering the service will be used for films and TV series as well. Funimation Funimation has been a major staple in the Anime scene for years. Not only does it boast one of the largest libraries of content in the world, but it’s also the place to go for English dubs. While many prefer the original subtitled version, there are plenty of viewers who appreciate having the option. Not to mention Funimation has one of the best rosters of voice actors in the industry. The platform also scores a healthy amount of exclusives to its service. In June 2021, for example, Demon Slayer’s theatrical film, Mugen Train, is only available for streaming on the popular platform. Viewers can watch series such as Black Clover, Tokyo Ghoul, Dr. Stone, and much more. It even has the latest shows like the excellent Vivy Fluorite Eye’s Song. Another one of its strengths is that it hosts a ton of anime feature-length films. Crunchyroll Whereas Funimation is often associated with English dubs, Crunchyroll has been the favorite of hardcore anime viewers for subtitled content. The platform also often gets subbed versions of series the same day that an episode has aired in Japan, making it one of the best places to keep up with the latest series each season. Combining its massive library of new shows still airing with its catalog of classic series, Crunchyroll is easily a contender for the best place to watch anime. Even better, you can watch most content for free if you are willing to put up with ads. But the $9.99 Premium cost is definitely worth it. The platform has popular series such as Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Eighty-Six, Re:Zero, and Tokyo Revengers. Pretty much almost any anime you want to watch is more than likely going to be on the streaming service. Hulu While not the biggest selection, Hulu has a decent selection of anime that ranges from popular releases to obscure series. Without a doubt, its biggest strength is its catalog of films such as the 1988 Sci-Fi/Action epic Akira. The platform also has incredible shows such as the violently fun Assassination Classroom and One Punch Man, as well as classics like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Casual viewers looking for slice-of-life anime will love K-On!!, Toradora!, and Foods Wars. Amazon Prime Video Similar to Netflix, many households will already have an Amazon Prime subscription anyway, so you might as well take advantage of the anime on their platform. Unlike other services, Amazon has a pretty obscure list of content on its site. We recommend Vinland Saga, Dordor, Made in the Abyss, Re: CREATORS, and Grimoire of Zero. Interestingly, Amazon has many of the classic Pokemon anime seasons such as Ruby & Sapphire available so if you are feeling nostalgic, why not?

Best Naruto figures: Banpresto, Tamashii Nation & more Discover the best Naruto figures, including dynamic statues and models of Naruto, Sasuke, Itachi, and other iconic characters. Naruto has captivated fans for over two decades with its story of Naruto Uzumaki’s growth into the Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. As one of the “Big Three” anime franchises, alongside Bleach and One Piece, Naruto offers no shortage of collectible figures for fans. This article covers the best Naruto figures perfect for collectors and enthusiasts. Naruto Anime Heroes Uzumaki Beyond 6.5-Inches Tailed Beast Cloak Standing at 6.5 inches, this Naruto figure depicts him covered in the chakra of the nine-tailed fox, Kurama. With 16 points of articulation and character-appropriate accessories, it promises accuracy to the anime and flexibility for display. As part of Anime Heroes’ dedication to recreating iconic moments, this figure captures Naruto utilizing his bond with Kurama to gain immense power. Banpresto Uchiha Itachi statue The mysterious Itachi Uchiha played a pivotal role in the series, despite his limited screen time. Banpresto’s 6-inch figure features him prepared to attack while wearing his signature Anbu outfit. As Sasuke’s famed elder brother, Itachi and his motivations captivated fans up until the very end. This figure immortalizes his covert look in striking form. Banpresto Kurama As the living embodiment of hatred that attacked Hidden Leaf Village, Kurama served as a long-term adversary and challenge for Naruto to overcome, ultimately becoming allies. This non-articulated figure stands about 14cm tall in vivid reddish-orange coloring. TAMASHII NATIONS Naruto Uzumaki Sage Art: Lava Release Rasenshuriken Wielding a Rasenshuriken infused with both wind and fire chakra natures, this 9.4-inch FiguartsZERO figure depicts Naruto preparing for one of his most powerful attacks. The vivid yellows and oranges of the effect parts capture Naruto utilizing sage mode to unleash this devastating technique, representing the intensity of his powers. TAMASHII NATIONS Itachi Uchiha The Light & Dark of The Mangekyo Sharingan Itachi returns to FiguartsZERO as a highly detailed 10-inch figure harnessing his Mangekyo Sharingan powers. The effect parts showcase his black flames along with his signature ravens. The figure captures Itachi ready to throw kunai. Tamashii Nations Light and Dark of Sharingan Sasuke Much like his elder brother Itachi, Sasuke gained the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan which granted immense power at great cost. This 10-inch FiguartsZERO figure has Sasuke wielding a giant kunai rotating in his hand. It shows how revenge darkened Sasuke’s soul, but he still fought for the greater good in the end. Tamashii Nations Bandai Figuartszero Kakashi Hatake Susanoo After receiving Obito’s Mangekyō Sharingan powers, Kakashi awakened his own Susanoo later on in the Fourth Great Ninja War. This exceptionally detailed figure has blue Susanoo forming around Kakashi as he prepares to battle Kaguya. It represents the temporary boost that allowed him to protect Team 7 and play his part in sealing away their ultimate foe. TAMASHII NATIONS Naruto Next Generations: Naruto Uzumaki figure The protagonist returns as an older adult from Boruto: Naruto Next Generation in this gorgeous FiguartsZERO statue. It measures 8.3 inches tall on an included stand and features Naruto amidst dynamic flame effect parts as the Seventh Hokage and loving father continuing to safeguard the village. The vibrant colors capture his Kurama mode in this important transitional period. Bandai TamashiiNations Figuarts Zero: Sasuke Uchiha Sasuke joins FiguartsZERO once more with this 7-inch Kizuna Relation statue presenting him in his adolescence after leaving the Hidden Leaf. The figure captures Sasuke casting his signature jutsu, Chidori! The gray and purple tones match Sasuke’s outfit following his defection to train under Orochimaru’s wing. This reflects his vengeance-fueled descent into darkness before eventually finding the light again. Bandai Tamashii NationsFiguarts Zero Gaara Former adversary turned ally Gaara gets his own 7-inch Kizuna Relation statue as Kazekage of the Hidden Sand. His dark red hair and clothing blend with the brown sand swirling around him. This matches Gaara’s absolute control over sand with his signature gourd on his back, representing him coming into his own as a leader following Naruto’s guidance. Tamashii Nations Bandai Figuartszero Naruto Uzumaki Rasengan This collectible figurine depicts a young 13-year-old Naruto forming the very first Rasengan of his shinobi career. Having made a promise to Sakura, Naruto trained relentlessly to master adding his wind-natured chakra to the Rasengan taught by Jiraiya. This marks a key moment in Naruto’s coming-of-age story on his quest to become Hokage. Bandai FiguartsZERO Tsunade As a descendant of Hashirama and an expert medical ninja, Tsunade played a pivotal leadership role with both her wisdom and might. This figurine presents Tsunade standing next to the giant slug Katsuyu, ready to battle. Despite her gambling and drinking habits, she governed the Hidden Leaf Village honorably after Hiruzen’s passing. Tamashii Nations Bandai Figuartszero Naruto Uzumaki Kurama Showing a grown-up Naruto, this Kizuna Relation statue has him connecting with the power of the nine-tailed fox Kurama. Glowing orange representing their chakra perfectly captures that dynamic. After years of bitterness between them, Naruto forms a cooperative bond with the tailed beast to gain immense strength in achieving his dreams. Tamashii Nations Bandai FiguartsZero Senjyu Hashirama Considered the world’s strongest shinobi in his era, Hashirama played a founding role in Konoha’s origins. This 7-inch statue features Hashirama clad in red armor summoning a wooden dragon construct from his Wood Style jutsu. As the leader of the Senju clan and a user of Sage Transformation, Hashirama’s power and nobility set the example for future Hokage to follow. Tamashii Nations Bandai S.H.Figuarts Gaara Naruto Shippuden Action Figure Last but certainly not least, this action figure presents Gaara in vivid detail with joint parts for dynamic poses. The plastic Sand hand parts can attach to his gourd to recreate his absolute manipulative prowess over sand itself, encapsulating his efforts to reform himself after facing Naruto. With exchangeable hands and faces, this Gaara figure offers versatility combined with accuracy. You have no shortage of Naruto figures and statues to choose from, spanning various characters, forms, and price ranges. However, these 15 picks stand out as prime collectibles covering many pivotal figures like Naruto himself as well as his mentors, friends, and foes-turned-allies alike. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

10 best My Hero Academia fights, ranked Kohei Horikoshi/BonesMy Hero Academia has finally ended, which means this is the perfect time to take a look back at some of the best fights in the series. Like every battle-shonen manga, My Hero Academia has plenty of exciting fights to offer. The story’s power system, Quirks, allows an extensive range of variety in battles – from big punches to shooting lasers, Kohei Horikoshi’s series has everything. While most fights in the superhero anime and manga are exciting and well-choreographed, some leave a stronger mark than others. These few fights are not just adrenaline-inducing and thrilling but also leave a lasting impression on both characters and fans. For our list, we’ve selected the 10 My Hero Academia fights that have the most impact on the story and are the most well-presented, both visually and plot-wise. However, if you aren’t caught up with the manga yet, then be warned, a spoiler alert is in full effect! 10. Deku vs. Shoto Chapters: 38 – 40 (Episode 23) The U.A. Sports Festival is one of the most entertaining arcs in My Hero Academia, and a big reason behind that is the Deku vs. Shoto match. Before this fight, we’d seen very little from Shoto; we just got a brief glimpse of his complicated relationship with his father. When the match begins, Shoto is resolute in defeating Deku without using his fire, while Deku is determined to make his classmate accept himself. Thus begins an emotional and intense match between the boys that has everyone at the edge of their seats. There are many great things about this fight. It allows both boys to show off their Quirks’ powers and has a strong emotional weight behind it. Seeing Deku enduring unspeakable pain for Shoto is both gut-wrenching and incredibly inspiring. 9. Deku vs. Bakugo (second fight) Chapters: 117 – 121 (Episode 61) Deku and Bakugo have an extensive history between them. Starting as childhood friends who adored All Might, Bakugo ended up becoming Deku’s bully for years and it seemed like he hated the green-haired boy. But behind his apparent hatred, there was only insecurity. Bakugo always felt inferior to Deku, and that feeling increases when the One For All user rescues him from the League of Villains, leading to All Might retiring after his fight against All For One in Kamino. Brimming with guilt and insecurity as well as the understanding that Deku got his Quirk from All Might, Bakugo confronts Deku after the Provisional Hero License Exam. This leads to an explosive clash between the former friends that changes their dynamic forever. 8. Endeavor vs. High-End Nomu Chapters: 186 – 190 (Episodes 87 – 88) Probably the grayest character in My Hero Academia, Endeavor is no simple hero. After envying All Might’s position as the number-one hero for years, he finally gets his wish when the former retires. By this point, we’ve already learned the past sins of Endeavor and begun to hate him. But Kohei Horikoshi has crafted his character so brilliantly that we can’t help but cheer for the man when he faces the Nomu after becoming the new number one. In this brilliant fight, Endeavor does everything in his power to protect the citizens from the Nomu. Visually stunning, incredibly exciting, and heart-wrenchingly emotional, this is Endeavor’s first step toward redemption. 7. All Might vs. All For One (final) Chapters: 396 – 404 All Might may have taken a step back after his retirement but he doesn’t fail to deliver when needed. This is seen once again when the man provides one of the best fights in My Hero Academia in the Final War Arc. Since the war’s start, All For One has been wreaking havoc all over the battlefield. That is until he’s confronted by his old nemesis: the person who caused the most damage to him. However, All Might is no longer the strongest hero he was before. Even then, the former Symbol of Peace challenges the villain with the aid of support items, becoming ‘Armored All Might’. Using the copied Quirks of his students, the hero resolutely keeps fighting until he’s finally defeated. 6. Deku vs. Overhaul Chapters: 156 – 159 (Episodes 75 – 77) The Shie Hassaikai Arc is arguably the darkest storyline in My Hero Academia. What Overhaul, aka Kai Chisaki, did to Eri is unforgivable. That’s why it’s so satisfying when Deku finally gives the villain the beating of his life. Overhaul is a very powerful opponent. His Quirk is like the complete version of Shigaraki’s Decay. While Decay can only destroy, his Quirk can deconstruct and reconstruct at the same time. Like most My Hero Academia fights, it’s also emotionally charged, especially when Deku keeps fighting even when Eri’s Quirk continues to destroy him. But while the manga portrays it very well, the anime version elevates it to greater heights. 5. Ochako vs. Toga (final) Chapters: 375 – 376, 380 – 382, 389 – 395 Most battles in the Final War are notable, but some are exceptionally impactful to the plot. Ochako’s climactic fight against Toga is one of those few. It’s also undoubtedly one of the most beautifully drawn My Hero Academia fights. Ochako and Toga’s final fight is important on many counts. Toga is not only one of the main antagonists but she also causes the most trouble to heroes everywhere with her Twice Army. After Ochako defeats her, the clones finally disappear, allowing the heroes their victory. During this fight, Ochako also experiences Quirk Awakening and finally reaches Toga’s heart with her selfless empathy. However, she also ends up badly wounded, prompting the villain to sacrifice herself to save the young hero’s life. 4. Todoroki family vs. Dabi Chapters: 387 – 390 The Todoroki family’s subplot is among the best storylines in My Hero Academia. Not only is it tragic but it has a very satisfying conclusion. What’s more, every character in that messed-up family has been written very well. Dabi’s true identity has always been an open secret, so we’ve been waiting for him to face his father and brother. He does face them both during the war. But what comes as a surprise is how the rest of the family joins the battle to stop Dabi’s destruction. After fatally burning himself and losing his sanity, Dabi keeps going just to destroy Endeavor. But when the hero is ready to burn alongside the villain, Rei appears, cooling her wayward son. Soon, Fuyumi and Natsuo join, too, until Shoto comes and puts an end to the fight. 3. Bakugo vs. All For One Chapters: 405 – 410 Bakugo has gone through the most character development in My Hero Academia, endearing him greatly to fans. While this can be found in small, subtle moments, it’s glaringly obvious during the war. After being killed by Shigaraki, he’s revealed to be alive several chapters later, thanks to Edgeshot. Still, his body is too damaged to even stand straight, let alone defeat the most powerful villain out there. Yet Bakugo proves why fans love him and gives All For One a hell of a fight. What’s more, he enters the battle by saving All Might from the villain at the last moment. If that doesn’t justify his spot on this list, what will? 2. All Might vs. All For One (Kamino) Chapters: 89 – 94 (Episodes 48 – 49) Prior to My Hero Academia’s beginning, All Might was the strongest hero out there. That didn’t change even after his fight against All For One destroyed most of his inner organs. But it leaves him in a pretty sorry stage and unable to continue in the long run. As a One For All user, All Might’s primary goal is to stop All For One’s reign of terror. And he continues to do so even after giving his Quirk away to Deku. What follows is a fight so iconic that it has us all proud and tearful at the same time. Using the last embers of One For All, All Might fights All For One and eventually defeats him, stopping his chaos at least for a short while. Following this, the Symbol of Peace reveals his true state to the world and retires, passing the baton to Deku. 1. Deku vs. Shigaraki (final) Chapters: 379 – 380, 384, 398, 402 – 404, 410 – 418 To nobody’s surprise, Deku vs. Shigaraki’s final fight wins the title of the best My Hero Academia fight. And not just because it’s between the protagonist and the primary antagonist, but because this fight delivers everything it promised throughout the years. As this is the main attraction of the Final War Arc, this battle has been dragged out for some time. But when it finally begins, it doesn’t take long to become intense. From destroying everything around them to Deku ending up Quirkless, it has everything. What’s more, the last standoff addresses Deku’s determination to save the victim inside Shigaraki. He learns Tenko’s past and empathizes with the man fully, finally achieving the long-sought understanding between them. Though its ending is shocking and abrupt, it remains the best of the bunch. There are our picks for the 10 best My Hero Academia fights. In honorable mentions, we have Deku vs. Class 1-A students and Deku and Bakugo vs. Nine from the second My Hero Academia movie. Both of these fights are exceptionally thrilling and very important to the plot. However, we found these 10 just a bit better. For more on these superheroes, check out our explainer on My Hero Academia ending. You can also learn more about Deku’s father and the major character deaths in the series. If you’re looking for something different, check out our take on why the ending was true to the theme, yet disappointing.

8 best manga like Attack on Titan Crunchyroll/NetflixThe Attack on Titan manga concluded in 2021, but there are several exciting series from other mangakas that explore similar themes – these are the eight best ones. Hajime Isayama created a fascinating world full of complex yet interesting characters. Eren started as a naive child who wanted to join the Survey Corps, and by the end of the series, he became a suicidal maniac who eradicated 80% of humanity. The series was surprising and thrilling throughout – however, all good things must come to an end. The Attack on Titan manga concluded two years back, and recently, the anime series also delivered its ultimate finale. Since it’s finally the end of the road for Attack on Titan, fans are looking forward to reading other manga series that can fill the void. Well, here are some of the best ones you should read after finishing AoT. 1. Claymore Like Attack on Titan, Claymore is also one such series that sees humankind on the verge of extinction. In Claymore, we are introduced to disastrous creatures called Yoma, who feed on human flesh. On the other side, a mysterious organization creates some human-Yoma hybrid warriors known as Claymores. Claymore and AoT are somewhat similar in terms of the intense fight sequences, the characters’ complexities, and plot twists. Also, let’s not forget that Claymore features some of the most disturbing scenes in manga history. 2. Tokyo Ghoul Tokyo Ghoul centers around Kaneki, who gets a ghoulish transformation when his date reveals herself as a ghoul and tries to eat him. Both AoT and Tokyo Ghoul share several similarities when it comes to their main protagonists. For instance, both the lead characters are forced to go through a traumatic childhood after losing their parents. Moreover, in AoT, we see Eren fighting the Titans with his Attack Titan ability, while Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul fights the ghouls using his newly found devilish powers. So, if you are looking for a series that is as gory and violent as Attack on Titan, you should give Tokyo Ghoul a shot. 3. Kaiju No. 8 Kaiju No. 8 is set in a world that is terrorized by the presence of Kaijus. The series follows two childhood friends, Mina and Kafka, who witness the eradication of their entire village. After that, the duo decides to enroll in the organization that takes responsibility for freeing humanity from the deadly monsters. Like Attack on Titan’s Eren, Kaiju No. 8’s Kafka eventually gains the ability to transform into the entity that he wants to erase from the face of the Earth. Both series see their main protagonists become powerful enough over the years to fight for their own kind. 4. Seraph Of The End Seraph of the End’s story takes place in a world where people older than 13 get wiped out by a deadly man-made virus. The series also features the rise of the vampires, who are doing everything they can to take over the entire planet. Like AoT, Seraph of the End witnesses humanity on the brink of extinction. At the same time, the protagonists of both series go beyond their limits to fight against all odds. 5. Fullmetal Alchemist Fullmetal Alchemist revolves around two brothers who, even after losing their mother, don’t let go of their hope to bring her back to life. The series features a scientific process called Alchemy that gives them the ability to restore their mother. AoT and Fullmetal Alchemist don’t have an exactly similar concept, but we can say the involvement of military elements in both makes them similar. Besides that, they also comes with several thought-provoking scenes. 6. Death Note Death Note is a dark-fantasy manga that follows Light Yagami, who gets his hands on a shinigami’s Death Note. After learning how the book works, he starts using it to kill every bad guy on the planet – but then he starts believing that he is the god and he can run the world as he pleases. The manga’s twists and turns make it similar to Attack on Titan, as both the series don’t let us predict what’s going to happen next. Besides that, the main protagonist of Death Note, as well as Attack on Titan, somewhat boasts a similar mindset, i.e., purify the world. 7. Berserk Berserk is the story of Guts, who is raised by his abusive father and is forced to join the mercenaries. When Guts crosses paths with Griffith, the leader of a mercenary group, he gets an instant proposal to join him. However, the cruel leader betrays Guts one day, and since then, the potent fighter seeks revenge on him. Like Aot, Berserk also features a protagonist who’s only motivated by revenge. If you are someone who likes Attack on Titan primarily for its dark tone and brutality, Berserk is worth a read. 8. Parasyte the Maxim In Parasyte the Maxim, we meet the aliens known as Parasytes, and they have a motive: to invade the whole world by taking control of their bodies. These aliens start taking humans as their hosts by entering into their brains. However, one night, when an alien named Migi tries to possess a high schooler named Shinichi, he goes into his right hand instead of entering his brain. In Attack on Titan and Parasyte the Maxim, we see the main protagonists as the monster hybrids who do everything to become shields of humanity. You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here, and other anime coverage here.

The best LGBTQ+ anime you should check out right now CrunchyrollLet’s be honest, LGBTQ+ representation can always be better, however there’s a growing amount of anime with strong queer characters and storylines. You’ve got classic anime shows like Revolutionary Girl Utena, and more modern productions such as Yuri on Ice and Wandering Sun, that cover a wide variety of perspectives and backstories. They can provide solace for viewers who share similar circumstances, or teach you something about gender and sexuality you didn’t previously know. Some use clever metaphors, others are more direct. Either way, like all the best anime, they give you something to think about. Given how much is out there, we’ve made your choice a little easier by sifting through outdated concepts and problematic portrayals to find the greatest LGBTQ+ gems. So, no matter what viewing experience you’re after, from rom-coms to heartfelt love stories, these are the best anime LGBTQ+ relationships. 10. Banana Fish (2018) A gang enforcer vacates his duties to figure out what’s going with a mysterious drug, eventually working with a young crime photographer. Their affection for each other is strong, though they never quite admit their true feelings. What those feelings are is up for discussion, but Banana Fish’s subtle emotions sneak up on you. Unrequited love is something that haunts all of us in one way or another, and Akimi Yoshida summons a powerful ghost here. 9. Princess Knight (1967-1968) Based on the classic 1950s manga by the legendary Osamu Tezuka, this groundbreaking series is a true classic. It follows the life of Sapphire, a princess who was born with the pink heart of a girl and the blue heart of a boy because of a mischievous angel. She’s unable to take the throne because of this, even though her parents raised her as a boy to prevent an evil male prince from inheriting the throne. The anime originally ran from 1967-1968, so some elements are definitely old hat. However, the classic Disney vibe holds strong, and Princess Knight remains historic in terms of how representation has evolved. 8. Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997) In a universe of stirt gender hierarchy, Utena cuts through the system by beating all the men vying for the heart of Anthy Himemiya, and any other woman forced to be a bride. Over the course off the show, Utena and Anthy grow closer and closer, but the series resists becoming explicit. As the title goes, this definitely sent shockwaves in the ’90s, and remains relevant today. Iconic, in every sense. 7. Wandering Son (2011) Two young trans schoolmates, Shuichi Nitori and Yoshino Takatsuki, bond over navigating similar issues, while juggling education and social ills. Wandering Son is heartfelt, at times difficult, but absolutely crucial. The writing and animation are soft and well-handled, giving us portraits of people who’re trying to figure out who they are, and how needlessly difficult that can be made. Truly vital. 6. Ranma 1/2 (1989) Making your way in martial arts seems pretty tough, and Ranma has to do it while switching genders whenever they get hit with water of a certain temperature. Cold water, they become a girl, hot water then makes them a boy. Each has their uses for certain scrapes, but the whole narrative makes for a comedic rundown of embracing both poles off the gender spectrum. Premiering in 1989, Ranma 1/2 still holds a lot of weight. 5. Stars Align (2019) Written and directed by Kazuki Akane, who’s known for Code Geass: Akito the Exiled, Stars Align offers a fresh perspective on sports anime. It follows a mediocre middle school boys’ tennis team who are trying to win at least one match in a summer tournament. The story goes beyond usual middle school anime series to examine the personal lives and relationships of each character, providing an example of how characters don’t need to be defined by being LGBTQ+, even if it’s an important part of their situation. 4. Yuri On Ice (2016) Yuri On Ice is the 2016 anime that put MAPPA on the world stage. The plot revolves around a young Japanese figure skater called Yuri Katsuki (and let me tell you, he’s no Yuzuru Hanyu), and a bored Russian champion, Victor Nikiforov. Enter the dramatic, colorful and stunningly beautiful world of figure skating. Over the course of 12 episodes, Yuri and Victor’s rocky relationship transforms into a tender romance. If you’re after something intimate without the explicit scenes that often come in the Yaoi genre, then this is a must-watch. 3. Bloom Into You (2018) Bloom Into You follows an unexpected high school romance between two girls, Touko and Yuu. Initially starting out as a friendship, their relationship gradually becomes something more – it’s a tried and tested formula that always hits homes. From Yuu’s initial confusion to the importance of their friendships, the anime provides a realistic portrayal of two teenagers exploring their sexuality and discovering what it means to fall in love. 2. Sasaki and Miyano (2022) The most modern entry on our list to date, Sasaki and Miyano made waves upon release in 2022 for just how sweet and well-constructed a love story it is. Not dissimilar to Heartstopper on Netflix, it concerns the titular schoolboys as they fall in love. But besides their blossoming romance, you get an examination of the fixations young gay men have during a time when they’re figuring themselves out. It’s just lovely, in every sense. 1. Given (2019) Based on Natsuki Kizu’s manga of the same name, Given follows two high-school students, Ritsuka Uenoyama and Mafuyu Sato, who form a band. Their relationship begins when Ritsuka reluctantly gives Mafuyu guitar lessons and discovers that he has an amazing singing voice. Given took the anime world by storm when it debuted in 2019. With a gorgeous music score, subtle but realistic portrayal of a gay romance, and heartfelt emotional scenes, this anime will bring a tear to the eye of any viewer. Those are the best LGBTQ+ anime you can check out right now. Keep an eye on our upcoming anime list for more queer storytelling that might be on the way, and we have lists of the best anime like Solo Leveling and best anime movies for more fine viewing options.

10 best Jujutsu Kaisen fights Gege Akutami/MAPPAAs one of the best ‘battle shonen’ series out there, Jujutsu Kaisen never fails when it comes to fights – here are the 10 best of them. While Jujutsu Kaisen is not the first manga prioritizing fights, it definitely stands out as one of the most prolific. A big reason behind this is its fights. But unlike the drawn-out battles classic shonen fans are accustomed to, this manga’s clashes are fast-paced and to the point, making way for some truly exciting moments. The series makes its vibe clear from the get-go when it pits the two strongest characters against each other. While the fight never amounts to much, given the circumstances, it does give us a hint at what to look forward to. Since then, we’ve had countless fights in Jujutsu Kaisen. Not all of them worked, obviously, but a good number of them have solidified their places as some of the best shonen fights. And we, in turn, have picked the best of the best and chosen 10 most noteworthy battles from the series. 10. Megumi vs. Finger Bearer We’ll start off the list with Megumi’s best moment. Tucked in the middle of the Death Painting Arc, this fight sees the young sorcerer clashing against a new enemy. As the name suggests, the Finger Bearer is a Curse in possession of one of Sukuna’s fingers. Since the series began, we’ve gotten an inkling about Megumi’s hidden potential. It’s during this fight that we get to witness it firsthand. When pushed to the brink, he unleashes his incomplete domain expansion before giving the curse the fight of its life. 9. Yuji and Nobara vs. Eso and Kechizu Another fight from the Death Painting Arc, this battle sees the other two first-year students clashing against the eponymous Death Paintings. Like in Megumi’s case, Yuji and Nobara show some awesome skills that have us cheering at our screens (or pages, if you’re reading the manga). This is the first time Nobara uses Black Flash, instantly becoming a fan-favorite, while Yuji showcases his enviable physical prowess. Armed with MAPPA’s flawless animation, this fight is an unmissable part of Jujutsu Kaisen. 8. Kenjaku vs. Choso and Yuki Now that Jujutsu Kaisen is so close to its ending, we can safely say that Kenjaku is a disappointing villain despite starting with a lot of promise. However, before the Shinjuku Showdown Arc ruins him, he makes his screen time worthwhile with sinister plans and one brilliant fight. In the middle of the Culling Game, as Japan is thrown into disarray, Kenjaku decides to pay his old friend Tengen a visit. This leads to a battle between him against Choso and Yuki. From Choso’s Blood Manipulation to Kenjaku’s Domain Expansion to Yuki’s Cursed Technique, we get a bit of everything in this encounter. 7. Yuji and Todo vs. Hanami While we get plenty of battles in the latter part of the manga, the first few arcs arguably have some of the best fight scenes. One of them can be found during the Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc, where Hanami invades Tokyo Jujutsu High and wreaks havoc. When Megumi, Maki, Toge, and Kamo fail to defeat the curse, Yuji and Todo take the role to fight the Special Grade. Thanks to their ‘brotherhood’ and sleek choreography, we witness a magnificent fight before Gojo snatches the spotlight from his students and unleashes Hollow Purple. 6. Maki vs. Zenin Clan Between the three great clans of the jujutsu world, we only get an insight into the Zenin Clan. To say they’re some of the worst people in the series wouldn’t be an understatement. So, it’s an absolute joy when we see Maki systematically destroy the rotten family until there’s nothing left. Set in the Perfect Preparation Arc, the fiasco begins after Mai sacrifices herself to rid Maki of all her cursed energy and make her the perfect vessel for the Heavenly Restriction. Thus, a second Toji is born in the form of a vengeful Maki who doesn’t stop until she’s put the entire family six feet under. 5. Yuji and Todo vs. Mahito We can all agree that Mahito is the most infuriating character in Jujutsu Kaisen. He sadistically kills people, tricks Junpei, and torments Yuji to no end. And those are the stunts he pulls in a single season. In Season 2, he’s a lot worse. After killing Nanami and almost ending Nobara in the Shibuya Incident Arc, Mahito gets his due at the hands of Yuji and Aoi. It was a long time coming and is worth the wait. It was made all the more amazing by the jaw-droppingly beautiful animation in the show. 4. Yuta vs. Geto The only entry from the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie, Yuta vs. Geto is a significant fight in both their lives. For Yuta, it helps him unleash his true potential and leads to Rika finding peace. But for Geto, this is the last fight of his life before he’s killed by his best friend. Given how incredible their individual abilities are, this fight is bound to be noteworthy. Not only do we see Yuta using Copy for the first time, but we also get to see Geto’s ultimate technique. The only downside to this fight is how it uses the ‘love conquerors all’ trope. 3. Gojo vs. Jogo, Hanami, Mahito, and Choso Let’s be honest: every time Gojo uses his powers, he can be on this list. Fortunately (for other characters), he doesn’t get to use his skills much, as he’s imprisoned pretty early in the game. But before that happens, he gives one hell of a fight to the Disaster Curses. The whole battle is just to stall and distract Gojo enough to capture him in the Prison Realm. That’s because the curses never had any hope of winning, to begin with, and Gojo doesn’t disappoint. Killing Hanami in cold blood and opening his domain for some microseconds, he makes sure to entertain us plenty before he’s gone from the series for a long time. 2. Sukuna vs. Mahoraga Sukuna vs. Mahoraga is one of the most memorable fights in Jujutsu Kaisen for various reasons. Its anime adaptation found itself in the middle of a lot of controversies over animation quality and the animator’s workload. But despite all these, it still turned out to be one of the best offerings from the show. Set in the middle of the Shibuya Incident Arc, this fight begins when Megumi summons (finally) Mahoraga, only to be instantly taken out by the Shikigami. Thankfully, Sukuna arrives just in time to save the young sorcerer and give us an intense battle that has us at the edge of our seats. 1. Gojo vs. Sukuna Realistically, long-anticipated events often turn out to be disappointing, and many feared that might happen with the Gojo vs. Sukuna clash. But to everyone’s surprise and joy, this fight turned out to be the best of the bunch by a long shot. Spanning over 10 chapters, it’s the longest battle between two individuals in the series and features everything you can think of. Multiple Domain clashes, repeated healing, sleek hand-to-hand combat, and endless trash-talking: you’ll find everything here. Gojo vs. Sukuna is the highest point of Jujutsu Kaisen, ending in a conclusion so iconic that even those unfamiliar with the series know about it. And thus, the top spot on our ranking can only belong to this fight. In honorable mentions, we’ll have to talk about Gojo vs. Jogo, Toji vs. Gojo, Yuji vs. Choso, Yuta vs. Ishigori vs. Uro, and Sukuna vs. Jogo. All of these fights are amazing, but we didn’t include some of them to avoid repetition (there are too many awesome Gojo and Sukuna fights). The others fell behind just by a hair’s breadth. For more on Jujutsu Kaisen, learn more about Yuji’s Domain Expansion and find out how Sukuna dies in the manga. And if you’re looking for something similar to this, we have a ranking of the best fights in My Hero Academia.

3 mind-blowing Jujutsu Kaisen fan theories CrunchyrollThe Jujutsu Kaisen fandom isn’t shy about revealing their often insane, sometimes far-fetched and occasionally shocking theories. Here are three of the most mind-blowing ones. Considered one of the best shonen anime series of all time, Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen won fans over with its cocktail of dark fantasy, horror, and loveable characters when it first debuted in 2021. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a teenager, who enters the hidden world of Jujutsu Sorcerers and cursed spirits. It’s soaring popularity gained the series an active online fan base eager to engage in discussion, art and cosplay. But that’s not all – these die-hard fans have also come up with some wild ideas of their own. So, what are Sukun’s true motives? And could Yuji Itadori’s mysterious bloodline be key? These are three mind-blowing Jujutsu Kaisen fan theories that could actually be true. 3 mind-blowing Jujutsu Kaisen fan theories The world of Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular modern-day anime, with twists, turns and a complicated plot. But one of the best parts about the series is its unresolved mysteries. So, here are three of our favorite fan theories ranked in no particular order. 1. Yuji Itadori is a descendant of Ryomen Sukuna One of Jujutsu Kaisen’s most exciting mysteries is how an ordinary human, Yuji Itadori, is able to host powerful sorcerer Ryomen Sukuna, despite having no cursed energy or techniques himself. While the anime hasn’t confirmed or denied that Sukuna and Itadori are related, Itadori’s family history is shrouded in mystery. This has led some fans to speculate that Yuji Itadori could be a descendant of Sukuna. But why? Let’s go back to Chapter 2 of the manga. In the manga, Gojo and Sukuna emphasize just how impressive Itadori’s ability to suppress the King of Curses (after eating his finger) is. Therefore, it’s not something an ordinary human, let alone someone without cursed energy, can do. There are two ways that fans have proposed Sukuna and Itadori are related. The first is that they are the same people, because of how similar Sukuna’s soul looks to Idatori (although this could just be an illustration choice). The second is that Sukuna could have had a twin brother. The significance of twins is stated multiple times throughout the Jujutsu Kaisen series, as seen with Maki and Mai. Although it’s confirmed that Sukuna had no children, the theory goes that if his twin brother did, then Itadori could be a distant descendant. What does this mean? Basically, that his bloodline renders him compatible with Sukuna as a vessel. 2. Megumi is destined for the dark side Jujutsu Kaisen is famous for the binary nature of its symbolism. This led some fans to theorize that Megumi is linked to Itadori in the same way that Geto is tied to Gojo. Meaning that if Itadori is the good to the evil that surrounds him, then its possible that Megumi could fall to the dark side. Slight spoiler alert! Skip this paragraph if you’re not up to date with the manga. Sukuna’s interest in Megumi is well-known, and so is Megumi’s tragic backstory. Which is why its easy to see how Megumi could fall to the darkness around him, instead of resisting it like how Itadori does. The Culling Game Arc is one of the most exciting story arcs in Jujutsu Kaisen and sees Sukuna taking over Megumi Fushiguro’s body. Over the series we see Sukuna break Megumi’s soul in the cruelest way possible until he surrenders his body to the King of Curses. 3. Kenjaku created Itadori to be Sukuna’s vessel Anyone who has watched Jujutsu Kaisen knows that Yuji Itadori’s superhuman physical abilities defy explanation in the usual shonen protagonist fashion. For someone with no cursed energy, he shouldn’t be as strong as he is. So, what happened? Let’s first backtrack to the evil sorcerer Kenjaku. He’s an ancient sorcerer, who is possibly even older than Sukuna himself, who has managed to survive so long using an innate body swapping cursed technique. Essentially, he is capable of replacing a person’s brain with his own, allowing him to completely control their bodies (including their cursed techniques), leaving behind only a scar on their forehead. In flashbacks, fans discovered that Kenjaku possessed both Noritoshi Kamo (an infamous evil Jujutsu sorcerer) and Yuji’s mother, Kaori. This discovery gave rise to an interesting fan theory: that Yuji Itadori is a cursed womb painting and Kenjaku’s son. To understand this theory, let’s first examine the curse womb paintings officially introduced in the series—the three brothers Eso, Kechizu, and Choso. In the anime, when Itadori fights Choso in a subway station, Choso can clearly sense a strange feeling of kinship between them. This on its own doesn’t mean much. However, (again, a slight spoiler), Chapter 143 of the manga reveals that Yuji Itadori’s mother, Kaori, bears the same scars on her forehead as Kenjaku’s other possessed bodies. What does this mean? Body stealing ancient sorcerer possessed Yuji’s mother, had a child with a mortal human, and therefore created a cursed womb painting capable of serving as Sukuna’s vessel. Now, only one question remains: what is Kenjaku’s overall plan? Some speculate that he could want to revive Sukuna for a Jujutsu Sorcerer’s match of the ages and others believe that he simply wants to create a new world order. With Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen currently airing and the manga still incomplete, one thing is for certain: only time will tell. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. In the meantime, check out our other anime coverage here. If you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

10 best Isekai anime you need to watch CrunchyrollIn an Isekai anime, a character travels to another world — so here’s a look at the ten best anime you need to watch. Although the Shonen and Seinen genres are incredibly popular among anime fans, there are other categories that have a wide fanbase. Isekai stories are usually fantasy set up in another world. An Isekai genre follows a protagonist who is either transported or reincarnated into another world. The protagonist then uses their new identity to settle in a new world. These anime are generally popular, fun, creative, and sometimes even romantic. The protagonists have a lot of room for self-growth and character development. A lot of Isekai anime are introduced every year, some of which often end up becoming fan favorites. From romance anime fantasies to intense action, we bring you a list of the best Isekai anime series and a movie. 10. Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion Adapted from a manhwa of the same name, this underrated anime follows Park Eunha, who finds herself living in a novel after her death. However, the worst part is that she has possessed Raeliana McMillian, a side character destined to die at the hands of her fiancée. However, Raeliana, who already knows how the future will turn out to be, has no intention of accepting her fate. Unable to break up with her persistent fiancée, she makes a deal with Duke Noah Wynknight, the novel’s male lead. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 9. The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent Based on a light novel, the series follows Sei Takanashi, who finds herself in an unfamiliar world that desperately needs a living Saint. However, they mistakenly summon two girls, and the prince of the kingdom believes Sei is not the Saint. Unaware of her magical powers, Sei tries to find a purpose in the unknown world. She slowly begins to awaken her powers as she helps the people, who soon hail her as the kingdom’s hero. This romantic yet slow-paced anime currently has two seasons with 12 episodes each. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 8. Overlord Overlord is set in a power virtual reality game called “Yggdrasil.” As the final hour of the game has come, a power wizard named Momonga decides to spend his last few moments in the game. However, as the servers shut down, Momonga finds himself fully conscious of his character. Moreover, even the non-player characters have developed individual personalities. Despite the strange situation, Momonga commands his servants to help him investigate the cause. He also starts taking control of the world in hopes of finding others in the same predicament. Where to watch: Crunchyroll & Netflix 7. The Rising of the Shield Hero The story is set in the kingdom of Melromarc, where an old tale of four otherworldly heroes, each one wielding either a sword, spear, bow, or shield, will save the land from the calamity that has been told for generations. As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, the kingdom summons these heroes. The call is answered from modern-day Japan. The series follows Naofumi Iwatani, who is given the title of “Shield Hero” and is considered to be the weakest due to a lack of offensive abilities. As all the heroes begin their journey, Naofumi only has the princess as his companion. However, he’s now a criminal after the princess steals his money and accuses him of taking advantage of her. Naofumi then begins a quest for vengeance. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 6. Ascendance of a Bookworm The series follows Urano Motosu, who loves literature books. Just before fulfilling her dream of becoming a librarian, she dies in an accident. In her final moments, she wishes to read more books in her next life. Her wish comes true when she reincarnates as a five-year-old girl, Myne, living in a medieval era. Not only is Myne in frail health, but she also lacks books at her disposal. Since the world doesn’t have printing presses yet, each one of them is written and copied by hand. Thus, they’re so expensive that only a few nobles can afford them. However, Myne is determined to rise through the challenge. Since she doesn’t have books, she will make them herself. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 5. Saga of Tanya the Evil This underrated Isekai anime follows Tanya Degurechaff, a young soldier who has earned the nickname of the “Devil of the Rhine” thanks to her ruthlessness and uncanny tactical aptitude. However, beneath the appearance of a young girl is the soul of a man who reincarnated into a world of magical warfare after he challenged Being X, a self-proclaimed God. Living in a new world while trapped inside a little girl wouldn’t stop him from ascending the military ranks. Even so, Being X is still Tanya’s strongest obstacle in recreating her peaceful life. However, all her actions are propelling her empire into becoming one of the most powerful nations in mankind’s history. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is one of the most popular anime and manga franchises, and it’s returning with a brand new season in Spring 2024. The story begins with Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old corporate worker, getting stabbed by a passing robber. At death’s door, he hears a strange AI voice reciting commands. Suddenly, he wakes up in a strange cave and realizes he’s become a slime. He meets a giant dragon named Veldora, who has been sealed away for 300 years. Satoru soon befriends the ancient dragon and sets him free. After that, he gets a new name, “Rimuru Tempest,” and sets out on a grand quest. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 3. The Boy and the Beast The Boy and the Beast is an Isekai movie about two entirely different beings who cross each other’s paths by a stroke of luck. The story follows Ren, a nine-year-old boy who has just lost the only person who treated him with kindness. Being shunned by his remaining family and with no place to go, Ren wanders around the streets and alleyways of Shibuya. He meets Kumatetsu, who leads him to the beast realm of Shibuten. Kumatetsu wishes the boy to become a candidate to succeed the lord of the realm, while Ren, now known as Kyuuta, hopes for a home he never had. As years pass, they realize that there’s not much difference between the boy and the beast. Where to watch: Crunchyroll & Prime Video 2. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation This Isekai anime is about a 34-year-old who dies in a tragic accident and reawakens as Rudeus Greyrat in another world. Living his life again as a baby with two loving parents and memories of his previous life, his past of being bullied and scorned is far from over. Rudeus quickly adapts to a new environment and displays magical talent at a young age. He hones his magic under the tutelage of a mage named Roxy Migurdia and learns swordsmanship from his father, Paul. He also befriends Sylphiette, a girl his age. Rudues fully utilizes the second chance at life he’s been blessed with while breaking through the shackles of his traumatic past. 1. The Eminence in Shadow This Isekai anime is our top pick for you to watch. It follows Minoru Kagenou, who has always been fixated on becoming stronger and undertakes rigorous training. His wish stems from his desire to blend in with the crowd. However, he dies in a truck accident while lamenting about his powerlessness. Minoru reincarnates as Cid in another world where magic is common. Cid is the second child of the noble Kagenou family. Since he already has the power he desperately desires, Cid establishes Shadow Garden and dons the alias “Shadow.” The group’s purpose is to fight the Cult of Diablos, an organization that only exists in his imagination. However, as the Shadow Garden gains members and influence, Cid realizes that the Cult isn’t imaginary after all. Where to watch: HIDIVE Also, check out the 10 best Sports anime and the release dates of Demon Slayer Season 4 and Tower of God Season 2.

10 best horror anime series to watch this Halloween CrunchyrollWith Halloween right around the corner, here are the ten best horror anime series you need to add to your watchlist. Halloween is right around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time of the year to watch some horror anime series. Anime doesn’t lag behind any other popular TV show or movie in the horror genre. Making a genuine horror anime isn’t as easy as it appears. For one thing, hand-drawn animation can’t quite convey horror media’s frame-by-frame tension and shock value. As a result, truly terrifying horror anime with spooky moments and eerie animation is quite rare. Here’s a list of the top 10 horror anime series to watch this Halloween. 1. Ghost Hunt Ghost Hunt features eight individual cases of ghost-hunting, drawing references from real-life stories and ghost theories, making it all the more relatable. The protagonist, Mai Taniyama, begins to work for Kazuya Shibuya after accidentally destroying his ghost-hunting equipment. As she moves on from one case to another, Mai’s dormant psychic abilities begin to awaken. The crew consists of a researcher, monk, Catholic priest, Shinto priestess, spirit medium, and a high school girl. 2. Another The series centers around a sequence of odd, gruesome deaths surrounding a mysterious group of students. One curious transfer student is entrusted with determining why his peers are dying over and over. There’s one girl with an eyepatch who appears to be the only one who is the key to contacting the spirits swirling about them, thanks to her capacity to speak with the supernatural world. 3. Ghost Stories Ghost Stories is just as light-hearted as it is spooky. The series follows Satsuki Miyanoshita, who moves in with her family to the place where her late mother was born. However, Satsuki and her brother soon find out that their new school is said to be haunted – and the ghosts are after them. As the siblings struggle with the paranormal activities, they discover their mother’s secret and how she is connected to all this. 4. Hell Girl Hell Girl is an anthology horror anime series that features a vast collection of one-shot stories centering on a person who has been tormented by another. A Hell Correspondence website exists where anyone can submit a request to have their tormentor sent to hell. The website becomes active at the stroke of midnight, accepting all kinds of bizarre requests. The Hell Girl, Ai Enma, will visit those who put in the request. She will send the target’s soul to hell, but the requester will also end up in hell when they die. 5. Junji Ito Collection Junji Ito Collection is another anthology horror anime series that features all kinds of mysterious and traumatizing stories. It is a collection of animated horror stories based on the works of Japanese artist Junji Itou. These stories include a cursed jade sculpture that opens holes all over its victims’ bodies, terrible nightmares that last decades, an appealing apparition at a misty crossroads who gives cursed advice, and a slug that develops inside a girl’s lips. 6. Serial Experiments Lain This 90s classic won the Excellence Prize in the 1998 Japan Media Arts Festival. The story centers around Lain Iwakura, an introverted fourteen-year-old. She is one of the many girls from her school who is receiving disturbing emails from her classmate, Chisa Yomoda. However, Chisa recently committed suicide, but the messages say she’s alive within a virtual world of communication called “Wired.” Since then, Lain finds herself in the middle of surreal and bizarre events. 7. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories This anthology horror anime series follows a mysterious, yellow-masted Storyteller who appears at dusk where children gather. He recites sinister tales based on Japanese urban legends to his young audience. He adds visuals to his already insane narration by including a kamishibai, a Japanese paper-scrolling device. There are seven seasons currently, each sharing various ghost stories of Japan. 8. Tokko Tokko follows Shindo Ranmaru, who keeps dreaming about a girl with a bloody sword and believes she’s his parent’s killer. On his graduation day, he meets Rokujo Sakura, the girl he has been seeing in his dreams. Turns out, both of them are assigned to Tokko: Special Mobile Investigation Force. Shindo tries to unravel the mystery of his parent’s deaths and the mass murder of residents in his hometown of Machida. However, he soon discovers the mysterious creatures that threaten to overrun the entire city of Tokyo. 9. Higurashi: When They Cry Appearances can be deceiving. Despite the cute character design, this horror anime series is gruesome and filled with madness and paranoia. The story centers on a cursed town where the inhabitants often meet untimely deaths. The blame goes to a supernatural being, but there’s more to it than that. Keiichi Maebara has his normal life turned upside down when he moves to the little village of Hinamizawa in the summer of 1983 and quickly becomes inseparable friends with schoolmates. 10. Shiki A series of mysterious deaths start taking place in the peaceful, unassuming small town of Sotoba. It all begins with the tragedy of Megumi Shimizu when an unnamed illness claims her life. However, frequent deaths lead the local doctor, Toshio Ozaki, to suspect something more sinister than a mere disease is at play. He teams up with Natsuno Yuuki and siblings Kaori and Akira Tanaka, two of Megumi’s friends, to unravel the mystery behind the deaths in Sotoba. Their investigations lead to a new family in the Kanemasa mansion, who are anything but human. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. 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10 best English dubbed anime of all time Toho/CrunchyrollTo dub or not to dub, that is the question. And we have an answer! Here are 10 of the best English dubbed anime of all time. When it comes to the age-old dub vs sub debate, anime fans often fall firmly into either camp. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. With some series hitting the right notes in Japanese and others maintaining their charm in English, it’s safe to say that it’s all about personal preference. We’ve watched countless series and handpicked the best English dubbed for you to watch. So, here are our top 10 English dubbed anime of all time: Top 10 English-dubbed anime of all time If you’re searching for English-dubbed anime to watch, look no further. Prepare for hours of entertainment with these top 10 picks. 1. Death Note It goes without saying that Death Note deserves the number one spot. This iconic 2006 anime remains a beloved classic for many fans, which could be why the English dubbed version is (almost) just as good as the original. Featuring seasoned voice actor Brian Drummond as Ryuk (also known for playing Vegeta in Dragon Ball Z), you can immerse yourself in Death Note’s intricate cat-and-mouse game between Light and L without stopping to read the subtitles. Although some fans argue that the emotional scenes hit harder in Japanese, the English dub still does justice to the story. Plus, we’ve also heard that other international dubbed versions are of an equal high-quality – which adds an extra bonus point for Death Note. Available to watch: Crunchyroll 2. Vinland Saga The English dubbed version of Vinland Saga simply makes more sense. Set in 11th-century Northern Europe, the English dub works so well because the characters are Vikings and Englishmen. In other words, it seems more natural for Thorfinn, King Cnut, and the rest of the cast to speak in English. Sure, there are few (very few) instances where things get lost in translation, but it’s nothing that you’ll notice. So feel free to enjoy this Viking adventure in a language of your choice (however, our vote goes to the English-dubbed version). Available to watch: Netflix 3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is another series that comes into its own in English. Taking place in the fictional country of Amestris, which is inspired by Industrial Revolution-era Germany, the English voices just make sense. The dub cast also brought their A-game, and it paid off. Many fans complain that emotional moments get lost with a dubbed voice cast. However, from pain to love, every ounce of emotion is perfectly captured in this dub. Even the minor characters are memorable for this reason. The comedic moments in English hit just as hard as the heart-breaking ones, thanks to the top-tier work of the voice actors. Available to watch: Crunchyroll 4. Bleach Bleach works in any language. It’s just that good. But it lands a spot on this list because Johnny Yong Bosch (from the Power Ranger franchise) as 15-year-old main character Ichigo Kurosaki is reason enough to watch the dubbed version. So join Ichigo and Rukia (a shinigami, aka death god) as they solve mysteries and rescue their family and friends from soul-eating spirits. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War is streaming on Crunchyroll now, with the second cour due to be released soon. Available to watch: Crunchyroll 5. Naruto Naruto is so popular worldwide that it can be enjoyed in any language. However, we personally think that the English-dub cast is the best. Naruto’s voice actress, Maile Flanagan (known as Terry Perry in Lab Rats), knocks this one out of the park, leaving the audience wondering if Naruto was supposed to be American after all (don’t worry, we know he’s not). Available to watch: Funimation and Hulu 6. Dragon Ball Z This one is a controversial choice. However, in our opinion, Dragon Ball Z is undoubtedly better in English. The English voice actors were cast for an action series, and they fit the characters like a glove. The Dragon Ball universe is beloved by fans worldwide. And with several dubbed versions available in multiple languages, the only debate about Dragon Ball Z is over which dub is the best. Available to watch: Crunchyroll 7. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners From the brilliant Mappa studios, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is one of the newer entries on our list and an anime masterpiece. While the original cast is slightly better, the English voice cast delivers fantastic performances that help to enhance the story. William C. Stephans (who portrayed Rude in the Final Fantasy remake) as grizzled edgerunner Maine and Alex Cazares (known for playing Suika Kannonji in Naruto) as Rebecca steal the show. With the English voice cast capturing the highs, lows and suspense woven throughout the story, it’s safe to say that this dub is a must-watch for those craving a gritty adventure. Available to watch: Netflix 8. Attack On Titan Attack On Titan is yet another controversial entry to this list. Yes, the original Japanese version is better. However, it’s such a dialogue driven story that an English dub is a top choice for anyone who doesn’t want to be pulled out of the action. In a world engulfed in a whirlwind of violence, it’s difficult to take on all the intricacies woven into the story if you’re reading subtitles. Since the dub cast nails the sense of urgency and despair that defines the series (after all, who wouldn’t be terrified of gigantic, human-eating titans?), watching it in English enables fans to immerse themselves into all the elements of the story without distraction. Available to watch: Crunchyroll 9. My Hero Academia My Hero Academia needs no introduction. This popular series has taken the anime world by storm. But is it worth watching in English? Enter this super-powered world and meet Deku (a hero born without powers) as he begins at a prestigious hero school. Although the story takes place in Musutafu, a fictional city in Japan, this is another anime where the language spoken by the cast doesn’t really impact the storyline. My Hero Academia bridges the gap between drama and comedy, and the English cast captures every emotional moment. Laugh, cry and hope with the characters in the dubbed version, and join Deku on his epic adventures with the dubbed version – we promise it won’t disappoint (unless you’re firmly in the sub camp). Available to watch: Crunchyroll 10. Howl’s Moving Castle You might expect more Studio Ghibli films to be on this list (and many do qualify). However, Howl’s Moving Castle is in a league of its own. With a star-studded cast, including Christian Bale, Billy Crystal and Lauren Bacall, it’s no wonder that the English cast is considered one of the best anime dubs of all time. Some say that it’s even better than the original Japanese. So whether you agree or not, it’s a delightful watch no matter your language preference or location. Available to watch: Netflix or Amazon Prime Video (depending on location) So, there you have it. Our take on the top 10 English dubbed anime of all time. Remember, the sub vs dub debate will always rage on. But in the end, it’s about enjoying the anime in a way that suits your taste. Happy dubbing (or subbing)! How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. In the meantime, check out our other anime coverage below: Beginner’s guide to anime: Shonen, genres & more explained | 10 best horror anime series to watch this Halloween | One Punch Man Season 3: Everything we know | Dragon Ball Daima: Everything we know If you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

5 best body horror anime you should watch CrunchyrollBody horror can leave you in a state of disgust and spook – here, we have listed the five best body horror anime that every daring horror fan must watch. The horror genre in anime doesn’t always have to feature ghosts or spirits – sometimes, it’s the human body that can give you a blood-curdling ordeal. Watching the gross transformations of bodies in the form of an anime can make you appreciate different types of art forms. With the rise in the popularity of the anime industry, several new horror anime are released each year. Over the last decade, we’ve had countless horror series that are worth our time, and since there are so many options, it’s hard to separate the good body horror anime shows from the generic horror anime series. Well, if you’re in the same boat and want to watch some good body horror anime series, you’re in luck. In the article, we’ve curated some of the best anime series flailing under this category. 1. Parasyte: The Maxim Produced by Madhouse, Parasyte: The Maxim is undoubtedly one of the best cult classics that every anime enthusiast should watch. The body contortions featured in the 24-episode anime series can give you chills throughout. From human heads opening up to pointy teeth and eyeballs coming out, this series is a horror to its core. Besides the body horror, Parasyte: The Maxim is also packed with action sequences and an impactful story that keeps the audience on their toes. Parasyte: The Maxim showcases a world that is taken over by aliens known as the Parasites. These creatures enter the human brain and take full charge of the body. However, when a parasite named Migi tries to take Shinichi as its host, it accidentally enters the boy’s right hand. And now, they don’t have any other option except to fight every other parasite to survive and protect the human world. 2. Jujutsu Kaisen Jujutsu Kaisen is a modern-age anime that involves gruesome fight sequences and eerie body transformations. What can be deadlier than a world that sees curses roaming here and there? A powerful curse named Sukuna takes the main protagonist, Yuji Itadori, as his vessel. Well, Jujutsu Kaisen can’t be considered a series centered entirely on the body horror aspect, but it does fit the sub-genre’s eligibility criteria. A patch-faced curse named Mahito uses his Idle Transfiguration technique to mutilate humans while the king of curses is seen playing with the bodies of his vessels. What else can a body horror fan ask for? Furthermore, Jujutsu Kaisen also features the most amazing battle sequences, making it a complete package for horror fanatics. 3. Junji Ito Maniac Junji Ito Maniac is an anthology anime featuring short standalone episodes that constantly mess with your brains. It’s such a series that can give you goosebumps even in your sleep with the creepiness it comes with. You might have seen people undergoing drastic transformations in several anime, but how Junji Ito Maniac portrays things is the next level of horror. Junji Ito is one of the best horror mangakas who focuses mainly on body horror or Eldritch horror that can not be handled by everyone. For instance, the anime depicts several students getting transformed into snails and a girl’s head getting punctured like a balloon after getting shot. That’s not it, as with every episode, the anime gets more disturbing. So, if you dare to tolerate the goriest things, Junji Ito Maniac is worth a watch. 4. Tokyo Ghoul Tokyo Ghoul is set in a world where flesh-eating creatures called Ghouls co-exist. These beings appear as humans but depend solely on human flesh to survive. Like Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Ghoul isn’t body horror in its entirety, but several scenes involved in the series give it the right to sit on this list. You will witness the limbs like tentacles sprouting from the back of the ghouls that they use to attack humans. Besides that, the body mutation a human goes through after falling prey to a ghoul gives us a bone-chilling experience. The series revolves around a young man named Kaneki, who gets attacked by a girl on their first date. After that, the poor guy becomes half-ghoul with one of his eyes undergoing a strange transformation and his other senses weirdly enhancing. 5. Made in Abyss The elements featured in Made in Abyss make it a perfect binge-watching anime for the ones who love everything horror. The series doesn’t look horrifying from the very start, but as the cheerful characters of the anime enter the deep abyss, nothing remains the same for them. A curse takes a toll on every human who decides to unveil the abyss’ mysteries. You’ll also meet the bloodthirsty creature that awaits the arrival of a new prey in the abyss. Moreover, the rules and regulations of the abyss, if ignored, can lead to torturous consequences. For instance, we see several characters bleeding through their eyes or amputations of their body parts.

10 best anime of Winter 2024, ranked CrunchyrollThe Winter 2024 anime season is almost over as fans await new series in Spring – so here’s a look at the 10 best anime series of the season. The first quarter of 2024 was a bit underwhelming, but we’ve still had some fantastic anime shows like Solo Leveling, which received global popularity. Now that the season is almost near its end, it’s time for the Spring 2024 anime season to bring forward some of the most highly anticipated anime series of the next quarter. However, while Solo Leveling was the highlight of the season, some terrific anime has also been sidelined. There will always be series that fail to gather attention due to low publicity or because they don’t have the same eye-catching character design. Now that the Winter 2024 anime season is about to wrap up, we have prepared a list of the ten best series. 10. Delicious in Dungeon Delicious in Dungeon is an endearing adventure series. The story is set in a fantasy world where guilds go on expeditions to raid dungeons, hoping to find the mysterious Golden Kingdom. Laios, the leader of one guild, is attacked by a dragon, who devours his group and his sister Falin. As such, Laios and a new team rush back into the dungeon, determined to save Falin. Because time is of the essence, Laios suggests breaking the dungeon’s taboo of eating the monsters to acquire supplies. Where to Watch: Netflix 9. Blue Exorcist: Shimane Illuminati Saga Blue Exorcist is one of the Shonen classics, and it returned with its third anime season in Winter 2024. It centers around Okumura Rin, who believes himself to be an ordinary teenager until, one day, he discovers he’s the son of Satan. Season 3 follows Rin and his friends living their usual lives in True Cross Academy. However, strange events started occurring across the world, which caught the attention of the Knights of the True Cross. When the True Cross Academy Festival is in full swing, Lucifer, the King of Light and Commander-in-Chief of the Illuminati, emerges and declares war on the Knights in order to revive the demon deity Satan and unite the human world, Assiah, with the demon realm, Gehenna. Where to Watch: Crunchyroll 8. Tsukimichi – Moonlit Fantasy Season 2 The story follows high school student Misumi Makoto, who is suddenly called to a fantasy world by the god Tuskuyomi to become a hero. However, not everyone is welcoming toward him, so they kick him to the edge of the world. Tsukuyomi declares that he must leave Makoto to find his own way. Now, Makoto must rise up against all odds and become the hero he is destined to be. In Season 2, the goddess becomes aware of Makoto’s power and sees him as a rival. Makoto continues his efforts to grow his outcast community and meet more Hyumans. Where to Watch: Crunchyroll 7. Kingdom Season 5 The underrated Kingdom series gets its fifth anime season in the Winter of 2024. The story follows Shin and Hyou, two war orphans from the kingdom of Qin who dream of proving themselves on the battlefield. However, a minister apprehends Hyou, and the latter escapes to his hometown with severe injuries. Shin then encounters a mysterious kid who shares a striking likeness to Hyou—a boy who will one day become Emperor! Where to Watch: Crunchyroll 6. Ninja Kamui Directed by Sunghoo Park, director of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1, Ninja Kamui is an action anime about a former Ninja, Joe Higan. He escapes his clan and hides with his family from his brutal past in rural America. However, he suddenly gets ambushed by a group of assassins who want nothing more than to make Joe pay for his betrayal. As his past comes back to haunt him, Joe must reemerge as his former self, Ninja Kamui, to avenge his friends and family. Where to Watch: Prime Video 5. Classroom of the Elite Season 3 Classroom of the Elite is a psychological thriller series focusing on high school students. Set in a prestigious Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, the series follows Kiyotaka Ayanokouji. Season 3 follows Kiyotaka and his classmates, who have now advanced to Class C. However, a frenzied third term awaits them as they face an exam called “mixed training camp.” It’s a co-ed test that encourages all classes to work together. As if being forced into an unpredictable group with former enemies isn’t bad enough, they will also face expulsion if they fail. Where to Watch: Crunchyroll 4. Mashle Season 2 The series follows Mash Burnedead, who cannot use any magic despite living in a world where it’s a basic skill anyone can use. He wishes to live a peaceful life with his family until, one day, he finds himself the target of dangerous assassins. After a series of events, Mash enrolls in a Magic School and aims to become a “Divine Visionary,” the elite of the elite. In the second season, he surpasses the best of the wizarding world with his ripped muscles and faces the Divine Visionary Candidate Selection Exam. Where to Watch: Crunchyroll 3. A Sign of Affection Based on the manga of the same name, this anime series made its debut in Winter 2024. A Sign of Affection is a lighthearted, romantic comedy centering around Yuki Itose and Itsuomi Nagi. Yuki is a hearing-impaired university student. She rarely interacts with anyone except for her best friend, Rin Fujishiro. However, her life slowly begins to change after she meets the silver-haired and multilingual Itsuomi Nagi, Rin’s mutual friend. Where to Watch: Crunchyroll 2. The Dangers in My Heart Season 2 The Dangers in My Heart is a heartwarming romantic comedy following Kyoutarou Ichikawa, a middle school student, and his classmate Anna Yamada. Despite his shy demeanor, Kyoutarou wants nothing more than to see Anna’s face full of pain as he kills her. However, his impression of Anna changes when he realizes the model student is actually an airhead. As he spends more time with her, Kyoutarou’s murderous intent changes into endearment. Season 2 follows the duo after an eventful winter break. The bond between them only grows stronger when they realize their budding feelings for one another. Now, they must decide whether to remain friends or become a couple and change their relationship. Where to Watch: Prime Video 1. Solo Leveling The biggest anime of Winter 2024, Solo Leveling, is based on a manhwa of the same name. The story is set in a world 10 years ago after the appearance of a “gate” that connects the world to a realm of magic and monsters. The gates drastically changed the world in every way. Modern weaponization doesn’t work on these monsters, but some humans are granted supernatural powers and are called “hunters.” The story follows Sung Jin-Woo, who hunts monsters tirelessly in low-rank Gates to pay for his mother’s medical bills and his sister’s education. However, things take a turn for the worse when his team encounters a double dungeon. Where to Watch: Crunchyroll Check out the best anime like Solo Leveling and our guide to the release date of Demon Slayer Season 4 for what to watch next.

10 best anime waifus of all time CrunchyrollBeauty, when mixed with compassion and intellect, makes female anime characters perfect waifus. Here, we have mentioned the 10 best waifus the community is crazy about. A waifu is a female anime character who becomes the definition of a perfect companion in the hearts of male viewers. In Japanese anime, girls are shown in such a stunning manner that one cannot live without thinking about them, even years after the show’s conclusion. The industry has given us several fierce female characters who never fail to impress the viewers with their appearance and humbleness. Sometimes, it’s their dazzling beauty, while sometimes, their bravery catches the attention of the ones watching them on their screens. Well, if you are an avid manga fan or a newcomer, here’s a fabulous list consisting of 10 such characters that can make you fall for them. 1. Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan) Mikasa hails from the Attack on Titan universe. She is Eren’s childhood friend and the female titular character of the series. She belongs to a race that has protected the king of Eldia for centuries, so she is gifted with impeccable physical strength. Along with her robustness, Mikasa’s strong will and confidence are some elements that make her a perfect waifu. Mikasa is one such anime character who proves that you shouldn’t be afraid to choose the right path even if some of your closest people are on the other side. For instance, when she learns that Eren is the biggest threat to humankind, she decides to stop him. Despite loving Eren since childhood, she was the one to sever his head and save humanity. 2. Power (Chainsaw Man) Getting introduced as the Blood Fiend, Power comes into Denji’s life when he starts his journey as a Hunter. Initially, she appears as someone who can never keep anyone above herself. Initially, she has a bumpy relationship with Denji, and she gets ready to sacrifice the poor boy to save her pet. However, when Denji protects her cat, and the duo starts living together, we see Power having a change of heart. Power stops seeing herself as superior to everyone as she used to see before. She becomes compassionate towards Denji and never thinks twice before sacrificing herself for the sake of him. Not only Denji but she also starts choosing her other close friends before herself. 3. Miyo Saimori (My Happy Marriage) My Happy Marriage Season 1 took the internet by storm with the premiere episode. The show has gone off air, but we miss it sometimes as the series has given us one of the most beautiful waifus, Miyo Saimori. She was introduced as a malnutrition girl who performs household chores at her father’s residence. Miyo gained popularity with her simplicity and innocence. Even though Miyo was never loved by her father after her mother’s demise, she never disrespected him. Her stepmother and stepsister never miss an opportunity to torture her, but she always treats them with kindness. 4. Nobara Kugisaki (Jujutsu Kaisen) Nobara Kugisaki is one of the bravest anime characters to date. She was introduced in Jujutsu Kaisen as an over-smart and arrogant young woman. However, with time, we learned how compassionate she is. She turns out to be someone who doesn’t express herself out loud, but deep inside, she keeps on fighting her own battles. In the start, when Kugisaki meets Megumi and Yuji, she looks down on them – but slowly, the trio becomes the closest of all. Several instances in the series reveal how confident and self-witted Nobara is and how far she can go to fight against the horrors for the sake of her friends and society as a whole. 5. Yor Briar (Spy X Family) Yor Briar is an assassin by profession who was a socially awkward individual until she met Loid and Anya, the fake father-daughter duo. Despite having a criminal background, Yor is an extremely humble human who also comes with a motherly instinct. When she was chosen by Loid to be his fake wife, she kept on taking lessons from her co-workers on how to be a good homemaker. Yor also has an immense physical prowess that she keeps on showcasing whenever an assassination contract comes her way. 6. Chizuru Ichinose (Rent-A-Girlfriend) Chizuru Ichinose is a rental girlfriend in the Rent-A-Girlfriend series. Her stunning beauty can make anyone crazy. However, that’s not the only reason that makes her the best waifu. Chizuru usually ends up getting the highest ratings because of her cheerful and happy-go-lucky attitude. She is not always happy, but she keeps a transparent wall around herself, preventing others from reading her personal life. She is a professional who doesn’t compromise her duties for something that can be tackled later. However, when Kazuya comes into her life, several instances happen when she goes way beyond her limits to help him. 7. Mitsuri Kanroji (Demon Slayer) Mitsuri Kanroji is the love hashira who is desperate to find a soulmate, which became her primary motive to join the Demon Slayer Corps. As clear from her title, she is a beautiful girl who is hungry for love. Besides that, she is compassionate, humble, kind, and has every quality a waifu must possess. Despite being a strong hashira with a muscular build, Mitsuri doesn’t look down on anyone. In fact, she never misses to compliment the ones she finds worthy. She also sometimes acts a bit childish, but that doesn’t make her any less of a potent hashira. 8. Nico Robin (One Piece) Nico Robin is one of the most loved characters from the One Piece universe. She can catch every viewer’s attention with her flamboyant dressing style. Besides that, she is the most courteous member of Straw Hat Pirates and is mostly seen behaving calmly. She loses her temper only if the situation goes beyond her control. Nico Robin is also compassionate toward Luffy, even if he behaves impulsively sometimes. She never degrades her peers; instead, she always shows compassion towards them. 9. Historia Reiss (Attack on Titan) Historia Reiss belongs to a royal family but is not proud or arrogant of her bloodline. Instead, she is the most pure soul anyone would like to die for. Historia possesses the angelic features that can make you fall in love with her in one instance. Adding to that, she is a beauty who likes to stay grounded, not because she has low self-esteem or something, but because Historia doesn’t want people around her getting hurt because of her. When her father, Rod Reiss, asks Historia to kill Eren and steal his Attack Titan powers, she chooses her friend over her father. Historia’s determination to eliminate every titan, when merged with her strength, makes her one of the strongest soldiers of humanity. 10. Ai Hoshino (Oshi No Ko) Ai Hoshino, a popular idol in Oshi No Ko, was betrayed by her lover. She gave birth to the twins and worked day and night to give them a decent life. Despite living with them under the same roof, she never reveals to the world that she is their mother. That’s because she wanted to protect them from the killer who was searching for her. Her compassion is seen when she gets stabbed by her psychopath stalker. Instead of yelling out for help, she starts apologizing to him for hiding her personal life details from him and every fan who loved her.

Best anime to watch on Netflix in July 2021 Netflix / UfotableWith plenty of anime to watch on Netflix, it can feel overwhelming trying to find something to watch. Here are five of the best ones you need to check out in July 2021. When it comes to watching anime, Netflix may not be the first place that comes to mind, especially when there are specialized services like Crunchyroll available. The platform actually has a wide selection to choose from, though – and it’s well worth checking out if you’re already subscribed for your usual movies and TV shows. Best anime to watch on Netflix in July 2021 Hunter X Hunter The final two seasons of the popular anime release on July 1. If you haven’t seen the other parts, now is the perfect time to binge before the epic finale. Originating as a manga in the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, Hunter X Hunter follows the story of Gon Freecss, a young boy who discovers his father is a famous hunter who goes on adventures – something he himself aspires to be. Seasons five and six focus on the “Chimera Ant” Arc, which is often regarded as the best arc in the entire series, meaning you’re in for a treat if you decide to give this one a go. Sailor Moon Crystal Sailor Moon fans, rejoice! More of the popular magical girl anime is coming to Netflix in the form of Sailor Moon Crystal. The series sees Usagi Tsukino – a 14-year-old student – discover she is Sailor Moon. She must find her fellow Sailor Guardians and the Silver Crystal in order to save the world from an evil group called Dark Kingdom. All three seasons will be available to watch from July 1. Record of Ragnarok The first season of Record of Ragnarok released on Netflix on June 17, and it’s already promising to be one of the hottest animes of the year. In it, the Gods’ Council comes together every 1,000 years to decide on the fate of humanity, and after seven million years, they agree to end it. But humans aren’t happy with this, obviously, and they fight for the right to live on. 13 of them face off against 13 Gods in duels to the death and if they win, humanity is spared. Demon Slayer With the Demon Slayer movie, Mugen Train, being the hottest anime movie of the year, it’s only right that you sit down and watch the much-hyped series. It centers around Tanjiro Kamado after his entire family except his sister is killed by demons. His sibling, Nezuko, is turned into a monster and they set out to find a cure for the curse with the help of the Demon Slayer Corps. Season two is set to release sometime in 2021, but no release date is set yet. Better give this one a binge before the next installment comes out!

10 best anime you should be watching this Christmas IMDbChristmas 2023 is around the corner, and here we’ve discussed 10 of the best anime you can watch over the holiday season. The anime industry is massive, and it offers something for everyone. There are anime shows that are better watched alone, and there are the ones best enjoyed with family. Similarly, there are several anime shows and movies that are a perfect watch for Christmas because of their vibrant and lively themes. However, when there are a plethora of options, it gets difficult to pinpoint the best ones. Well, we are here to help you out. 10. Buddy Daddies Buddy Daddies is one such anime series that comes with an incredibly satisfying opening episode. We see Kazuki gate crashing a Christmas party hosted by his target. He is dressed up as Santa, and that’s the day he comes across Miri, the cute little girl who becomes a significant part of his life. Well, that’s not it; the series also ends with a Christmas episode, where Rei and Kazuki attend the Christmas Party at Miri’s school. Even though Buddy Daddies is not an anime that is precisely Christmas-themed, it has everything that makes it a great option that can be explored this holiday season. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 9. Tokyo Godfathers When talking about the Christmas-centred anime, nothing matches the vibe of Tokyo Godfathers. The anime film starts on a Christmas night when three people with no fixed abode find an abandoned child on the streets. Along with her, they get a note and key hinting toward the identity of the infant’s parents. The three homeless people decide to look for the ones who left her behind. Tokyo Godfathers was created by Satoshi Kon, whose works usually involve dark fantasy elements, but he hasn’t included any such aspect in this anime film – in fact, he chose to keep the story of Tokyo Godfathers grounded. However, you still can’t say the story is straightforward as it contains several mind-bending plot twists. Where to watch: Prime Video 8. Laid Back Camp Laid Back Camp is an anime that’s particularly relaxed and warm; what more do we expect from a Christmas anime? Laid Back Camp revolves around a high-schooler, Rin Shima, who likes camping alone. However, one day, she comes across Nadeshiko Kagamihara, Aoi Inuyama, and Chiaki Ogaki, and together, they decide to travel and explore different spots in Japan. The first season also features an episode titled Christmas Camp, so if you plan to chill with your friends this Christmas watching an anime, Laid Back Camp is waving at you. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 7. Itsudatte My Santa! Itsudatte My Santa! is an underrated anime that comes with a Christmas spirit. The anime follows a boy named Santa. His parents named him Santa as he was born on Christmas Eve, and that became a reason for him to hate the festival. One day, a girl named Mai comes into his life with a mission to make him love Christmas. Itsudatte My Santa! is a 2-episodic OVA that may feel silly to you sometimes, but once you start enjoying the characters’ goofiness, you are all set to go. Moreover, excitingly, the first episode adapts the entire chapter of the manga, and the other one comes with a fresh story and new characters to add to the fun. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 6. Yuri on Ice This is a sports-themed anime that comes with a snowy setting and MAPPA’s animation. Despite not being a holiday series, Yuri on Ice will give you plenty of chilly vibes. The anime follows a 23-year-old figure skater who decides to keep his career on hold after a devastating defeat in an International Figure Skating competition. However, one day, his talent catches the attention of his idol, who opts to train him and bring his career back on track. If you are planning to binge-watch Yuri on Ice, grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a comfortably warm experience. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 5. Winter Sonata This is one of the most heart-melting romance-filled anime series on the list – because Christmas without a little bit of romance seems incomplete. Besides that, its wintery settings make it worth a watch this holiday season. Adapted from the K-drama of the same name, Winter Sonata revolves around a girl named Yoo Jin, who marries her childhood friend after losing her love in an accident. However, her life changes when she encounters a boy who looks exactly like her lost love. Where to watch: Prime Video 4. 5 Centimeters Per Second This is a romance-themed anime film for someone ready to shed some tears this winter season. Even though the story will make you emotional, it’ll also give you many reasons to smile. 5 Centimeters Per Second is a story about two people, Akari and Takaki, who try to maintain their relationship despite being far apart. The narrative sees the protagonists facing several challenges to keep their long-distance friendship alive, no matter how often they see each other. Where to watch: Prime Video 3. Spirited Away Spirited Away revolves around a 10-year-old girl who gets exposed to the world of deities and spirits while she travels with her parents to her new abode. Things go smoothly until her parents are turned into pigs while visiting an isolated amusement park. The vibrant color palette of Spirited Away gives it a holiday vibe. Interestingly, it is one such anime that has brought immense success to Studio Ghibli’s doorway by becoming a global phenomenon. Where to watch: Netflix 2. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya The Dissapeance of Haruhi Suzumiya adapted the events from the fourth volume of the light novel series. It’s a sci-fi mystery film that has everything to keep you hooked on it with its twists and turns. Haruhi Suzumiya is the film’s lead lady, who vanishes mysteriously a few days before the SOS Brigade’s Christmas party. Shockingly, her disappearance is only felt by Kyon, the only boy in the school who is interested in her. At the same time, everyone else starts forgetting about her and the group she formed. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 1. Love Hina Christmas Special: Silent Eve The plot of Love Hina revolves around Keitaro Urashima, who promises a girl named Naru that he will enroll in the University of Tokyo with her. After growing up, he forgets her name, so he decides to apply to the university to find the girl. Things never remain straightforward for Keitaro, as whenever his love story seemed to get a happy ending, something strange happened, drifting the love birds apart. Love Hina Christmas Special: Silent Eve is worth giving a try if you do not want to miss the most heartwarming love confession this Christmas season. Where to watch: Crunchyroll You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

10 best anime that technically aren’t anime What makes an anime may fall to personal opinion, so we’re adding our two cents to the confusing situation with the best picks of anime that technically aren’t anime. Anime fans are not short of choice when it comes to quality series from Japan, but what about when an outside studio takes a shot at the anime style for their show? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but sometimes, the attempt can be half-hearted, and the final product could come across as terrible. So today, we’re looking at the ones that took the chance and succeeded. What classifies as an anime is exceptionally subjective; fans typically say if a Japanese studio, basically an animated series that is made without initial involvement from Europe or the U.S.A., then it counts as an anime; otherwise, it’s an “anime-style animated show.” Regardless of the specifics, here are our picks for the best anime-like series that are worth watching. The best anime that aren’t considered anime Whether you consider these anime or not, here are our picks for the not-quite-sort-of-anime that do a great job of adding to the genre and are definitely worth watching to wet your anime whistle. 10. Avatar: The Legend of Korra Where Avatar The Last Airbender is more lighthearted and comedic, The Legend of Korra strives, in its dark, dramatic situations, to act as a mature alternative for older fans who grew up with the original Avatar series. You’ll sometimes be surprised by what the creators get away with on Nickelodeon, of all places. Unfortunately, it suffers from multiple factors, making it a greater series. The sequel series to Avatar: The Last Airbender struggles to live up to its predecessor, with character groups feeling more artificial, attempts at humor falling flat, mediocre villains, and overall subpar writing. Much like Korra within the series, this scarcely compares to Aang’s adventures, where there’s an end goal in sight, whereas Korra just proceeds without much direction. 9. Sonic X Sonic X, by every right, is an anime, but it’s rarely considered as such due to its association with Sonic. The series presents a surprising amount of great action, and as Dr. Eggman, Mike Pollock does a great job of dishing out the funny moments without even trying. It’s a solid attempt at a children’s show, highlighting multiple characters throughout the series. Starting and ending with its original story, Sonic X begins to blend the Sonic Adventure games into its story in the middle, with an adaptation of both game’s stories onto the screen. Sonic X lives infamously with its 4Kidz English dub offering odd censors, strange character dialogues, and the inclusion of Chris Throndyke alone, giving it more infamy. 8. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Based on the CD Projekt Red game “Cyberpunk 2077” we follow an original cast of characters with the main character, David, trying to survive in the underbelly of the corrupt Night City, becoming a cybernetically enhanced mercenary live called an Edgerunner. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners works very well as an anime based on the namesake game by including a lot more anime-based action, character humor, and, most importantly, decent story pacing; all of these, combined with the outstanding animation visuals, will get you invested in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. 7. Arcane: League of Legends While the elites of Piltover squabble with the oppressed Zaun, causing tensions to rise to their peak, a pair of sisters, Vi and Jinx, find themselves on opposite sides of the coming conflict. Vi, an upper-class Piltover enforcer and Powder, who changes her name to Jinx, a scrappy survivor whom Piltover deems a terrorist. Both sides use Arcane-based technology to get the edge on the other as the conflict escalates. League of Legends may live in infamy due to its community, but Arcane contains a gripping story with the two sisters that, at times, tries to tie into the game as best as it can but honestly performs better as a standalone show. 6. Blue Eye Samurai Blue Eye Samurai follows the story of bloody vengeance. During Edo-period Japan, a warrior known as Mizu aimed to take revenge on her father and the group of white foreigners who remained in Japan during its isolation period due to her inheriting his blue eyes, making her an outcast. Housing a gripping story of simple revenge that gets itself wrapped up in upper-class Japanese politics and conspiracies, Blue Eye Samurai is worth getting invested in as it all unravels while having delightful characters tagging along on the journey. Alongside the fantastic visuals, literal cutthroat action is an all-star voice cast worth listening to, including Brenda Song, Masi Oka, Randall Park, and George Takei. 5. RWBY RWBY, standing for red, white, black, and yellow, is a 3D anime following the adventures of Ruby Rose and her teammates, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long, as they try to become huntresses, save their town from monsters and uncover a massive conspiracy against the school. With many twists and turns in the story on the way, fans can get easily sucked into RWBY. The online production giant Rooster Teeth‘s late Monty Oum created RWBY in 2013 to much positivity for the company, whose success mainly came from their YouTube channel and the longrunning Halo-based series “Red Vs. Blue.” So, creating an original anime based on schoolgirls with powers and transforming weapons where everything is “also a gun” was a considerable risk. 4. Teen Titans This entry is possibly the biggest stretch you’ll find on this list as it’s included in an, at the time, connected animated universe of DC cartoons, Batman and Superman, the animated series, and Justice League and JL Unlimited. So how does Teen Titans, a series that is supposed to fit into a universe’s specific style, count as an anime? Teen Titans finds itself in a surprisingly “anime” position with Japanese pop rock duo, Puffy AmiYumi, who had their own Cartoon Network series at the time, singing the intro song, exhilarating action, anime-style gags, and a film that wraps up the series that takes place in Tokyo. It’s obvious Teen Titans is heavily inspired by anime and maintains that perfect balance of Western animation to deliver one of the best-animated series on television. 3. The Boondocks This animated adaptation of the comic series of the same name follows the lives of the Freemans, a Black American family experiencing a move into a predominately white neighborhood and the struggles to fit into this new setting with the family encountering absurd over-the-top situations where the main character, Huey (right) often has to deal with the fallout, acting as the only remotely intelligent person around. The Boondocks offers a great satirical commentary of political stances, racial stereotypes, exaggerated lifestyles, and social classes, mixing in hilarious comedy with genuine heartfelt stories and characters with his brother Riley and grandfather getting roped into a crazy scheme, often needing to be bailed out by Huey. 2. Castlevania Possibly, the best video game to anime adaptation comes in second place on our list. Castlevania makes up four seasons of extremely investing television following the adventures of vampire hunter Trevor Belmont, the magical Sypha Belnades, and Alucard as they attempt to take down his woeful father, Dracula. The series does a great job of expanding on the base concept of the game with interesting side characters and a longer story showing what happens after the characters finish their big main quests and must live with the consequences and build a better world. The animation cannot be understated; it’s one of the most beautifully animated series you’ll find on television. 1. Avatar The Last Airbender Avatar the Last Airbender is the be-all-end-all-honorable anime with it being better than most full-fledged anime with outstanding down-to-earth combat and characters somehow pairing beautifully with the larger-than-life powers. Almost everything in the series is justified and explained to the degree where it’s a fantastic watch for all ages. Making its home on Nickelodeon, Avatar achieves things some anime struggle to meet: virtually no filler, setting an unchanging end goal which they’re always moving towards, hilarious comedy, deep story, memorable characters, and a satisfying conclusion, making for a great show to watch over and over again. Those are our picks for anime that technically aren’t considered anime. For more definitive anime news, Berserk’s 1997 anime remaster Blu-Ray is available to order now. Pokemon fans will need to wait a bit longer for the next series, and Studio Ghibli fans take exception to their favorite film getting the A.I. treatment.

10 best anime that never got a second season CrunchyrollAmazing anime often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, and so the story is left unfinished without a second season. Here’s a list of the 10 best anime that were never renewed. The Japanese manga and anime industry has grown exponentially over the years. With the ever-increasing popularity of the industry across the globe, way too many incredible stories are waiting to be adapted into a series. Whether it’s manga, light novels, video games, or original stories, there are only a limited number of series that can be produced yearly. Hence, the ones to suffer aren’t the major franchises that gather a massive fandom; instead, it’s the slow-paced stories that are often sacrificed. These primarily include Shojo and a slice of life compared to other genres. Although many anime series don’t always get a second season, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the narrative is disappointing in any way. Here’s a list of the 10 best anime series with incredible stories that definitely deserve a second season. 10. Skip Beat! Skip Beat is a refreshing Shojo series following Kyouko Mogami, who worked day and night to support her childhood friend, Shoutarou Fuwa, in his rise to stardom. However, all she gets in return is betrayal from Shou. She overhears him talking about how he considers her nothing more than a servant he cares little for. Heartbroken, Kyouko leaves him and joins the showbiz to get revenge on him. She meets Ren Tsuruga, a seemingly nice and polite actor, but his true self comes out only when he’s around Kyouko. The manga debuted in 2002 and is still ongoing, with more than 300 chapters. However, the anime aired from 2008 to 2009 with 25 episodes and still shows no sign of a second season. 9. Hinamatsuri Hinamatsuri is a heartwarming series about a yakuza raising a girl with mysterious powers. Yoshifumi Nitta encounters a girl with immense powers coming out of a capsule. Just when you thought things couldn’t get much worse, she loses control and, should her powers go unutilized, detonates an explosion. Left with no other option, Nitta ends up taking care of her. However, Hina turns out to be a great asset to his yakuza company. Therefore, this peculiar duo’s weird life begins. The manga, which has 117 chapters, was published from 2010 to 2020. The anime debuted in 2018, airing only 12 episodes, leaving a huge chunk of the story waiting to be adapted. 8. Flying Witch Don’t make the mistake of skipping this anime just because it doesn’t have a second season. Flying Witch is easily one of the best comfort series you can ever find. The story follows Makoto Kowata, a fifteen-year-old witch. As part of the witch’s tradition, she leaves her parent’s home and moves in with her relatives in a small town for its abundance of nature and affinity with magic. While Makoto usually spends her days as an ordinary high school girl, she also has her eccentric side as he aims to be a well-renowned witch. Her enthusiasm inspires her young cousin Chinatsu, who wishes to follow in her footsteps. The manga debuted in 2012 and is still ongoing, while the anime aired only 12 episodes in 2016 without renewing its second season. 7. Blue Period Blue Period is a story about art as the characters discover not only their style but also their sense of self. The story features just how difficult it can be to pursue your passion as you face creative burnout and frustration. However, nothing can match the feeling of expressing yourself through your art. Second-year high school student Yatora Yaguchi suddenly finds himself picking up a paintbrush as he wishes to portray his thoughts on a canvas. He then decides to enroll at Tokyo University of the Arts, which only accepts two hundred applicants each year. The manga debuted in 2017 and is currently ongoing, while the anime aired 12 episodes in 2021, with no announcement of a second season even now. 6. Hyouka Hyouka is a charming slice-of-life mystery series centering around Houtarou Oreki who justifies his laziness as conserving energy. However, behind that indolent demeanor hides a genius mind that can solve any mystery, even with vague clues. Houtarou’s sister forces him to join the Classic Literature Club, which she used to be a part of. The club also has an extremely curious member Eru Chitanda, and not long after, Houtarou’s friends Satoshi Fukube and Mayaka Ibara also join the club. Although the club is as boring as Houtarou imagined, Eru’s inquisitive nature drags the club members into all sorts of mystery-solving escapades. And the first mystery happens to be about their club from 45 years ago. The manga is still ongoing since 2001, while the anime only aired one season in 2012 with 22 episodes. 5. Ouran High School Host Club This timeless Shojo classic follows Haruhi Fujioka, who enrolls at the prestigious Ouran Academy. She stumbles upon the members of the well-known Host Club, where attractive boys amuse girls from the entire school. However, when Haruhi accidentally breaks an expensive vase after being startled by the club president, Tamaki Suou, the members get her to work as one of the hosts. Haruhi then starts dressing as a boy and entertaining the girls while also dealing with the eccentric personalities of the club members. The manga was published from 2002 to 2010, while the anime aired 26 episodes in 2006. 4. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun This anime series follows eccentric high school students. Chiyo Sakura accidentally calls herself her crush, Nozaki’s fan, instead of confessing to him. And Nozaki gives her his autograph. She later realizes Nozaki is a popular Shojo mangaka. After a series of hilarious events, she finds herself working as his assistant. She also befriends her quirky schoolmates, including the hot-headed Hori, a shy but shameless Mikoto, and a girl named Kashima, who everyone calls a Prince. The manga has been continuing since 2011, but the anime never renewed its second season after its debut in 2014. The first season only has 12 episodes. 3. Barakamon Valuable life lessons, hilarious scenes, and bonds of friendship – Barakamon is the pure definition of a comforting slice-of-life anime series. This tale of self-discovery follows a hot-headed Sei Handa, a calligraphist who hits a veteran in the field after having his work called “unoriginal.” His father punishes him by sending him to a remote island for self-reflection. Initially facing difficulty adjusting to country life, Handa soon finds his “unique” art style and meaning in his art. And the ones who help him achieve this are the eccentric people and the mischievous kid Naru Kotoishi. The manga was published from 2008 to 2023, while the anime debuted in 2014. 2. Yona of the Dawn Yona of the Dawn is an intriguing Shojo series centering around Princess Yona, who was chased out of her castle on her sixteenth birthday. Witnessing her father’s murder at the hands of her childhood crush shatters her completely. Yona’s bodyguard, Hak, barely escapes with her and does everything he can to keep her safe. However, after facing several challenges and near-death situations, the duo search for an oracle who tells them to gather the four dragon warriors from the old myth in the Kyouka Kingdom. The 24 episodes of the 2014 anime only scratch the surface of the story. The series follows Yona’s incredible character development as she journeys across the Kyouka Kingdom and the neighboring kingdoms and learns more about the world. The manga debuted in 2009 and is still ongoing. 1. Maid Sama! This heartwarming story follows the lovable protagonist, Misaki Ayuzawa, the exceptionally diligent Student Council President of Seika High School, a former boys’ school where 80 percent of the student body is still male. Her inability to trust men after her father left her mother alone to raise two daughters earned her the nickname “Demon President” among her peers. However, Misaki also works part-time at a Maid Cafe because of her family circumstances and is too embarrassed to let anyone know. When her classmate Takumi Usui finds out her secret, though., and refuses to leave her side since Misakai realizes men aren’t quite as bad as she thinks. The anime only aired 24 episodes in 2010, leaving behind the majority of the story, including the part that uncovers Takumi’s mysterious identity. The anime also didn’t adapt the truth behind Misaki’s father leaving the family. The manga published 98 chapters from 2005 to 2013.

Top 10 best anime from Studio MAPPA Studio Mappa/NetflixMAPPA has been making headlines recently, but not for the right reasons. So, let’s go back to happier times and take a look at the best anime Studio MAPPA’s produced. Founded in 2011 by anime industry titan, Masao Maruyama – known for also co-founding Madhouse – MAPPA quickly became one of the best anime studios of all time. However, its success isn’t without controversy. With behind-the-scenes production issues putting MAPPA in a negative spotlight, let’s take a look at the many series that launched the studio to stardom. So, from sports dramas to historical fantasies, here are Studio MAPPA’s top 10 anime of all time. Top 10 best anime from Studio MAPPA MAPPA is known for producing hit after hit. Let’s take at look at some of the studio’s most captivating, colorful and entertaining anime of all time. 10. Hell’s Paradise Like many popular anime in recent years, Hell’s Paradise is set in feudal Japan. The story revolves around a ninja called Gabimaru, who is given a chance to escape execution for his crimes if he goes on a quest to find the elixir of life. Based on Yuki Kaku’s ongoing manga, the first season of Hell’s Paradise was released in April 2023, and a second season is in the works. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 9. Kakegurui Based on Homura Kawamoto’s manga of the same name, Kekegurui takes place in a prestigious school for the offspring of the powerful and wealthy Hyakkaou Private Academy. However, this school is a little different. At Hyakkou, a students’ social status is determined by their gambling skills. Filled with intense gambling scenes, this thrilling anime follows the lives of the students as they face off against each other to secure their status and the institution’s hierarchy. Available to watch on: Netflix 8. Dorohedoro Dorohedoro is not just another post-apocalyptic story. The plot revolves around a reptilian-headed man called Caiman who is suffering from amnesia. Because of this, he embarks on a quest to uncover his true identity, alongside his best friend – a sorceress and restaurant owner – called Nikaido. Watch as they navigate this treacherous world filled with thrilling fight scenes, colorful characters and plenty of dark humor. Available to watch on: Netflix 7. Terror In Resonance Also known as Terror in Tokyo, this psychological thriller is set in an alternate universe where three teenagers called Nine, Twelve and Lisa manage to steal a prototype atomic bomb. The story follows them as they threaten to destroy Tokyo using the bomb unless a cryptic riddle is solved to answer some secrets. Although the series is almost a decade old, with its intense action scenes and thought-provoking plot, it’s considered to be a timeless anime that blurs the boundaries between heroes and villains, and explores the horrors of the modern world. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 6. Yuri!!! On Ice Yuri!!! On Ice is one of the series which put MAPPA on the anime industry map. The story revolves around professional (but relatively unsuccessful) figure skater Yuki Katsuki, who decides to retire after a humiliating loss. But could a champion Russian figure skater reignite his passion? After a video of Yuri performing Russian world champion skater Victor Nikiforov’s routine, Victor decides to coach Yuri. It’s a classic rivals to lovers story, that’s beloved by fans around the world. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll, Funimation and Amazon Prime Video 5. Dororo Set in feudal Japan, Dororo follows the story of an orphaned boy called Dororo and a roaming ronin called Hyakkimaru, whose samurai father bartered his body parts off to 48 demons in exchange for control of Japan. Based on Osamu Tezuka’s hit 1960s manga, the story essentially follows Hyakkimaru’s mission to kill the demons and regain his body parts, one by one. Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video and HIDIVE 4. Chainsaw Man Chainsaw Man was one of the biggest anime series of 2022 and all eyes were on MAPPA for the anime adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s beloved manga. The story follows Denji, a young man who lives in a world filled with bloodthirsty monsters known as Devils. His life takes a turn when he befriends one of these devils, a dog-like creature called Pochita that looks like it’s part dog and part chainsaw. If that wasn’t weird enough, after Denji is murdered by gangsters, Pochita fuses with his soul to save his life, which transforms Denji into Chainsaw Man. Follow his journey as he hunts other Devils in exchange for the promise of good fortune. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 3. Hajime no Ippo: Rising Also known as Fighting Spirit: Rising and based on George Morikawa’s Fighting Spirit manga, MAPPA took over from Madhouse to produce the third part of the anime series. And, despite fans’ concerns, the studio did the inspiring story justice. MAPPA’s third part continued the journey of Ippo Makunouchi, a young boxer rising through the ranks in the ring. With the help of the dedication and support of his coach, Kamogawa Genji, Ippo works towards the championship title, grapples with challenges in his personal life, and grows as a person (and a fighter). Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 2. Jujutsu Kaisen It goes without saying that Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular anime series of all time. Based on Gege Akutami’s hit manga series, this dark fantasy thriller follows the story of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who gets introduced into the mysterious world of curses after swallowing the cursed finger of one of the most powerful sorcerers of all time. After Yuji becomes Sukuna’s vessel, he joins other sorcerers Fushiguro and Kugisaki at Jujutsu High to learn how to fight powerful curses. But there are even more dark secrets lurking for him within the jujutsu world. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 1. Attack On Titan: Final Season To no one’s surprise, Attack On Titan’s final season is at number one on this list. Based on the critically acclaimed manga by Hajime Isayama, this award-winning anime series was first adapted by Wit Studio, but moved to MAPPA for its final season. The final season concludes Eren Yeager and Mikasa’s story, and sees Paradis Island finally freed from the terrifying grips of the titans. So, why is it number one? Well Attack On Titan’s finale is one of the only anime specials to “break” the internet. Following months of hype, speculation and fan concern over the new studio, this final season is considered to be the biggest anime series of 2023. (And perhaps the biggest anime of all time). Available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video So there you have it, the top 10 anime series produced by Studio Mappa. Were any of these on your list? How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. While you’re here, why don’t you check out our other anime coverage here? Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Top 10 best anime from Studio Madhouse MadhouseMadhouse is one of the most dominant animation studios of all time. Here are 10 of the best anime it has produced. As one of Japan’s oldest and most revered anime studios, Madhouse’s reputation is legendary. Known for its daring and trend-setting series (along with its consistency), it goes without saying that the studio has some of the best titles to watch. Co-founded in 1972 by Masao Maruyama (who also founded MAPPA), Osamu Dezaki, Rintaro, and Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Madhouse has etched a profound legacy. Over the past 50 years, the studio has produced over 300 titles, some of which have been hugely successful and are considered some of the best anime of all time. So, from internationally loved thrillers to one of the best shonen action series ever, here are our 10 best anime series of all time produced by Studio Madhouse. 10 best anime from Studio Madhouse Studio Madhouse is behind some of the most well-known anime of all time. Are any of your favorites on this list? 10. Rainbow We’re starting this list with 2010 series Rainbow, which is one of former yakuza and mangaka George Abe’s most well-known creations. Set in 1955, Rainbow follows the story of seven young delinquents who go to the Shounan Special Reform School. However, their time in juvie isn’t a walk in the park. They’re forced to fight for survival amongst some of the worst criminals in Japan while they wait for their release. During this time they meet an older inmate called Rokurouta Sakuragi – a former boxer – who shows them how to be strong and survive. Although, even if they do, what sort of life would be waiting for them on the other side? Experience their horror, hope and heart-breaking dreams in this survival story like no other. Available to watch on: DVD 9. Nana With an equally popular live-action series, shoujo series Nana breaks the typical mold for success with this complex adult tale of love, loss, and betrayal. The story follows two women who happen to share the name Nana. One is a country girl who risks it all to carve a life for herself in the big city, while the other is a musician with dreams as big as her personality. As they begin their new adult lives, they meet and form a close friendship. But, in a way we can all relate to, as time goes on and life throws them multiple curveballs, their friendship is put to the test. Can it survive? Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll 8. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Based on Kanehito Yamada’s manga of the same name, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is the newest entry on our list. It only started airing in September 2023, but it’s already become one of the most highly rated anime series of the year (and one you should definitely add to your watch list). The story follows an elf mage Frieren. After spending years exploring the world and learning about magic, she returns home to see that her mortal friends have aged while she’s remained much the same. After the death of one of her close friends, she sets out on a new journey of self-discovery where she pursues her passion for magic but also to visit all her former comrades before they too die of old age. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 7. Hajime no Ippo: Fighting Spirit Sports anime series are rarely successful. But Hajime no Ippo is the exception to the rule. This knockout series is filled with action, fun characters and enough suspense to keep any shonen fan hooked. The series follows the journey of former weakling Makunouchi Ippo, who decides to become a champion boxer after he’s forced to endure years of bullying as a teenager. The rest of the story sees him work hard towards his goal until he eventually becomes the fighter that he’s always dreamed of being. Available to watch on: Netflix 6. Parasyte – The Maxim First released back in 2014, this anime might be nearing its 10-year anniversary, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most beloved sci-fi series of all time. When it comes to action series, Madhouse is known for creating some of the best, and Parasyte – The Maxim, is one of those titles that almost always features. The story follows a high school student called Shinichi Izumi who gets infected by an alien parasite. However, while this parasite tried to take over his brain, it accidentally targets his arm instead and this mistake grants him insane super powers. Deciding to put his skills to good use, Shinichi decides to hunt down other parasitic aliens while battling with Migi for control of his body. Over the course of the series, they begin to merge into one person. What will happen? Who will come out on top? Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 5. Hellsing Ultimate Hellsing Ultimate is a mini-series that – despite the odds – managed to run for six years, even though it only had ten episodes. How did this happen? While it’s probably due to some kind of deal with the universe, it’s also a testament to the popularity of Madhouse’s creations. Hellsing Ultimate revolves around an organization of the same name that was created to fight supernatural threats. They do this with their greatest weapon, Alucard – a vampie lord committed to fighting and killing his own kind. Follow his story as he, and his newly recruited assistant, face some of the worst creatures and creations that the world has to offer. But don’t worry – it’s nothing he can’t handle. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 4. Hunter x Hunter Just missing out on our top three is shonen battle masterpiece, Hunter x Hunter. Based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga series of the same name, Hunter x Hunter has been adapted twice. First in 1999 and later in 2011-2014 by Madhouse. While both series were successful, it goes without saying that the Madhouse version is one of the most popular anime series ever made. Want evidence? Just check out its 9/10 score on IMDb). Created during Madhouse’s peak, the story follows a young boy called Gon Freecss who decides to follow his long lost father’s footsteps and become a hunter. Over the course of the story Gon attempts to pass the rigorous Hunter Exam, meeting other hunters along the way, as well as other supernatural threats. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 3. One Punch Man As one of the biggest shonen parodies of all time, One Punch Man is an international household name (among anime fans at least). Set in a version of Japan that’s filled with dangerous, deadly monster, the series follows overpowered protagonist Saitama, who is capable of defeating any foe with just one punch. However, his only dream is to meet someone who is strong enough to give him a good match. This series is absolutely hilarious. Bored with his powers, we watch Saitama punch an array of colorful characters into oblivion, all while he hopes that the next one to face off against him will be the opponent he’s been hoping for. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 2. Monster Next up on our list is Monster. As one of the most universally-acclaimed series, it’s one of Madhouse’s most popular anime. But it’s different from all the shonen and seinen series that currently dominate the charts. Monster is a sombre thriller about a top surgeon called Dr. Kenzou Tenma who decides to save the life of a poor patient. However, little did he know that years later, this patient would become a mass murderer who haunts him years later. And there’s only one man who can stop him: Kenzou Tenma. Available to watch on: Netflix 1. Death Note Finally to end our list is arguably the most well-known anime series of all time. Death Note is the anime that defined a generation and left a legacy that still influences our culture today. Unlike anything we’ve seen in shonen series, Death Note follows the story of frighteningly intelligent Light Yagami. After he finds a supernatural notebook owned by the bored Shikigami Ryuk, which enables the user to kill anyone they want by simply writing their name in the notebook’s pages. With themes of violence, bloodshed, and murder, Light Yagami’s pledge to rid the world of criminals results in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game like no other between him and the enigmatic detective L. Who will prevail? There’s only one way to find out. By watching Death Note (or at least looking up the spoilers online). Available to watch on: Crunchyroll So there you have it. From fantasy journeys of self-discovery to terrifying thrillers, here are our top 10 anime series produced by Studio Madhouse. Were any of your favorites on the list? How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage below: One Piece: The truth about Bonney’s power – Top 5 mangas getting anime adaptations in 2024 – One Punch Man Season 3: Everything we know – Top 12 upcoming anime in 2024 so far – Dragon Ball Daima: Everything we know – Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Top 10 best anime soundtracks of all time Studio Ghibli/CrunchyrollEvery TV and film lover knows that music can greatly enhance (or detract) from their viewing experience, and the same goes with anime. Music is the heart and soul of any great anime experience. Which is why hundreds of thousands of people gather for orchestral Studio Ghibli concerts every year. Of course, not all anime films and TV series are known for their musical scores. However, with the likes of Japan’s leading composers such as Joe Hisaishi and the Oscar-winning Ryuichi Sakamoto contributing to the soundtracks of some of the most well-known series, there’s plenty of anime out there that is quite literally music to our ears. So from Studio Ghibli greats to Shonen fantasy series, here are our top 10 best anime soundtracks of all time. Top 10 best anime soundtracks of all time With gripping orchestral scores to traditional Japanese instruments, anime music is as memorable as it is a delight to listen to – regardless if you’re a fan of the original film or series or not. Here are our top 10 best soundtracks. 10. Demon Slayer Demon Slayer is known for its stunning animation. But anyone who’s watched the series knows that its soundtrack is just as impressive. Also known as Kimetsu no Yaiba, the plot revolves around a 14-year-old boy called Tanjiro Kamado who goes on a mission to become a demon slayer, avenge his family and cure his sister Nezuko from the half-demon state she’s been left in. With orchestral scores composed mostly by Go Shiina and Yuki Kaijura, Demon Slayer is one of those series where the plot, animation and music gets better and better as it progresses. From heartfelt moments to brutal action sequences, Demon Slayer’s soundtrack perfectly complements the rollercoaster ride that is the plot. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 9. Made in Abyss Composed by Kevin Penkin back in 2017, Made in Abyss constantly features in discussions about the best anime soundtrack of all time. With fans naming tracks like Old Memories, Gravity, Eyes of Irumyuui and The village as some of their favorites. The plot follows a young girl called Riko and her robot friend Reg who decide to journey into a deep fissure in the Earth known as the Abyss in the hopes of finding her lost mother. Australian composer Kevin Penkin is known for his contributions to the anime and gaming world, with the Made In Abyss soundtrack being one of his most popular creations. Featuring electronic music and gothic undertones, this soundtrack greatly enhances the series eerie atmosphere. Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video 8. Naruto Put your nostalgia for Naruto aside, just for a moment. The soundtrack to everyone’s favorite childhood anime is known for its flute melodies, energetic guitar themes, and background chanting heavily influenced by traditional Japanese music. The series follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader of his village known as a Hokage. Watch as he grows from a pre-teen to adult, battling powerful enemies along the way. Whether you prefer Naruto or Naruto: Shippuden, it’s difficult to chose which has a better ost. So, in the case of this list, we’re covering the entire Naruto franchise. Composed by Toshio Masuda, you’ll notice the blend of Western and traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen (a bit like a banjo) and the shinobue (a type of flute) which gives the soundtrack a distinctive vibe that you can listen to for hours. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 7. Terror in Resonance Terror in Resonance is a textbook example of how a great soundtrack can enhance an already fantastic series. The story follows two teenage boys, Nine and Twelve, who steal an atomic bomb in an apparent terrorist attack. After they steal the bomb, they upload a video onto the internet, threatening to destroy Tokyo unless a riddle can be solved. Considered to be an anime masterpiece, Terror in Resonance wouldn’t be complete without its equally brilliant soundtrack. Yoko Kanno, renowned for Cowboy Bebop and Space Dandy, composed the musical score of Terror in Resonance, infusing it with as much personality as the characters themselves. Thoughtful, mournful and ever-present, the score enhances every emotion as the series progresses. Available to watch on: Funimation and Crunchyroll 6. Neon Genesis Evangelion 1995 mecha series Neon Genesis Evangelion was hugely influential for the anime industry. And its soundtrack goes hand-in-hand with its popular status. The plot follows Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy recruited by his father into a mysterious organization called Nerv to help pilot a giant biomechanical mecha called an Evangelion. On the surface it’s just another man vs machine series, but it’s so much more than that. The series is a poignant examination of the human condition which the soundtrack enhances. Written by Shiro Sagisu, the soundtrack has won multiple awards. With its iconic opening theme, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis, performed by Yoko Takahashi still considered as one of the best anime series scores of all time. Available to watch on: Netflix 5. Princess Mononoke A list of the best anime soundtracks of all time wouldn’t be complete without an entry from Studio Ghibli, and Princess Mononoke is our first. Although don’t worry, it’s definitely not our last. Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, which premiered in 1997, is set in the 14th century at the point where the harmony between humans, animals and the gods has started to crumble. The story follows protagonist Ashitaka, who is searching for a cure from an illness from the deer-like god Shishigami. As he travels around the world, he witnesses humans destroying the Earth. Essentially, using Shinto themes, the film was ahead of its time and provides an insightful commentary about how humans use the Earth’s resources. With its soundtrack composed by legendary Japanese composer and music director Joe Hisaishi, known for winning several Japanese Academy Awards, the orchestral soundtrack to Princess Mononoke is considered one of the best anime soundtracks of all time. Available to watch on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ (US) 4. Fairy Tail Fantasy anime series Fairy Tail is known for its iconic opening themes, along with the rest of its musical score. So, it’s no wonder that Fairy Tail features on our list as one of the best anime soundtracks of all time. The story is set in a fantasy version of Earth. This version doesn’t resemble our world. It’s home to numerous magical guilds and the plot follows Dragon Slayer wizard Natsu Dragneel as he searches the Kingdom of Fiore for his missing father. Composed by Yasuharu Takanashi, Fairy Tail’s soundtrack combines orchestral instruments, sombre percussion and haunting vocals to create the heart-breaking sequences that anime fans know and love. Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll 3. One Piece You might be surprised to see One Piece feature on this list. But along with its popular opening themes, the series has always had a strong soundtrack to complement its engaging storylines. In short, this extremely long-running series follows the journey of pirate captain Monkey D. Luffy on his quest to find the world’s ultimate treasure, known as the One Piece. And once he finds it, he will gain the coveted title of King of the Pirates. Composed by Kohei Tanaka and Shiro Hamaguchi, the music behind One Piece is as timeless as the series itself. Using instruments ranging from brass to strings, you can enjoy the Straw Hats signature themes over and over again. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 2. Attack on Titan Coming in at number two we have Attack on Titan. Which is the biggest anime series of this generation and also easily has the best music score in the last decade. Eren Yeager’s story is compelling in its own right. But the music adds to Attack on Titan’s winning formula to make it one of the most exciting series of all time. Plus, with fans regularly attending concerts just to listen to composer Hiroyuki Sawano’s compositions, its no wonder that Attack on Titan is considered to have one of the best soundtracks of all time. Epic, orchestral and memorable are three words which sum up Attack on Titans score. Although you’ll have to check it out yourself to truly understand why it’s so hard to beat. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 1. Spirited Away Finally at number one is Joe Hisaishi’s award-winning soundtrack to Spirited Away. Released in 2001, Spirited Away is one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time. And its status is helped, in part, due to its fantastic soundtrack. From the mind of legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, the story follows 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents as they stumble into a seemingly abandoned theme park that they almost can’t escape from. The soundtrack hails from Hisaishi’s Golden Age of anime music. And, embodying his trademark melancholic sound, the soundtrack has been likened to an audio adventure that everyone needs to experience at least once in their lives. Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video and Netflix (outside of the US) How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission. You can check out our other anime coverage below:

10 best anime shows on Netflix Koyoharu Gotouge/ufotableThere are tons of anime you can watch on Netflix, but it can be hard to actually find what’s most appealing – so, here’s a list of the 10 best anime shows on the streaming platform. When it comes to watching anime shows, Netflix may not be the first place that comes to mind, especially when specialized services like Crunchyroll are available. However, the streaming service actually has a wide selection to choose from, and it’s well worth checking out if you already have a subscription. But with such a wide selection, how do you pick the best? Well, that’s why we’re here. Below is your handy guide to the best anime series, from timeless classics to new-gen releases, that you can currently stream on Netflix. Just a note: some of these anime may only be available on Netflix accounts in certain countries, so check before you binge! 10. Carole & Tuesday Carole & Tuesday is a science-fiction music anime series that follows two young girls who meet by coincidence. Realizing their passion for music, they decide to live together and collaborate to build a reputation for themselves. Unfortunately, their dream is nearly impossible to achieve with AI producing 99% of all music. The story takes place on Mars 50 years after humanity has relocated there. However, not all hope is lost when they pique the interest of an unknown manager. 9. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is a hilarious anime series with lovable characters and an all-powerful protagonist. The story follows Saiki Kusuo, a high school student with unimaginable psychic abilities. However, since he hates to be the center of attention, he keeps his powers hidden – or at least, he tries to. Although he tries to stay out of the spotlight, he always attracts the attention of his eccentric classmates. The series follows Kusuo’s daily struggles of using his powers to avoid his classmates while dealing with his overly enthusiastic parents. 8. Delicious in Dungeon Fans of gourmet and isekai can reunite now as Netflix’s Delicious in Dungeon is here to give you a taste of both. First released in Winter 2024, this anime is as wonderous as it’s hilarious. Full of colorful characters, exciting worldbuilding, and disgusting-looking food, it’s got everything to keep you hooked. The story follows Laois Touden, a knight who’s trapped in the eponymous dungeon, and finds a ragtag team to accompany him. Joining him is Marcille the elf, Senshi the dwarf, and Chilchuck the Half-foot, all of whom will have you laugh until your stomach hurts. 7. Jujutsu Kaisen Let’s be honest: if you haven’t watched anime at all, chances are you’ve still heard of or seen Satoru Gojo. Yes, the tall, white-haired, blindfold-wearing guy. He’s a major character from 2020’s megahit Jujutsu Kaisen, an anime that turned many non-anime watchers to avid fans. Jujutsu Kaisen is set in a Japan where people’s negative energy takes forms of hideous monsters who kills thousands of humans every year. Protecting them from these beings are the jujutsu sorcerers. Yuji Itadori’s life turns upside down when he meets one such sorcerer one fateful day and ends up becoming the vessel of Sukuna, the King of Curses. If you’re planning to catch up with the whole Jujutsu Kaisen franchise on Netflix, you’re going to be disappointed. Only the first season is available on Netflix US, so you won’t get to watch Season 2 and the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie on the streaming platform. 6. My Hero Academia After shonen giants like Naruto, Bleach, and Dragon Ball Z ended, fans worried about the future of the genre. However, Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia arrived like a tornedo and proved in only a few episodes that the genre’s future couldn’t be in a better hand. Eight years later, it’s proved itself right and become one of the best superhero anime of all time. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s set in a world where 80% of the population is born with superpowers called Quirks and only some of them become great enough to be Heroes. Our protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, is born without a Quirk, yet dreams of becoming the No. 1 Hero like his idol All Might. His aim finally comes one step closer as All Might bestows upon him the strongest Quirk of all: One For All. 5. Forest of Piano Music anime are always so unfairly underrated. Forest of Piano, a Netflix anime, is a beautiful coming-of-age story centering around Kai Ichinose, who grew up in the red light area with his mother, a sex worker. Somehow, Kai can play an abandoned and broken piano in the forest. However, no one else can play it, not even Shuuhei Amamniya, a bright piano prodigy whose father is a renowned pianist. Kai and Shuuhei, who became close friends in childhood, chose separate paths for music until they met in the same competition years later. 4. Haikyuu!! For those of us who aren’t blessed with athleticism, sports anime are a way to live vicariously through. And no sports anime does it better than Haikyuu!! Based on Haruichi Furudate’s manga, this beloved show is responsible for singlehandedly causing a rising practice of indoor volleyball in Japan. It doesn’t stop here, though. From getting national athletes doing photo sessions with its fictional characters to having its opening theme song play during the Olympics, Haikyuu!! has reached the peak of success. And it’s only getting better, as we see the massive box office collection of the 2024 anime movie Haikyuu!! The Dumpter Battle. The story of this beloved anime revolves around Shoyo Hinata, a short but naturally athletic boy, and Tobio Kageyama, a genius with an asocial personality, and how the fated rivals find themselves thrust into the same team. 3. Demon Slayer Anime has always looked good (in most cases), but until Demon Slayer came along, we didn’t know it could look THIS good! Undoubtedly one of the most influential anime in the last decade, this show has a fairly straightforward story with the protagonist seeking vengeance against the demon lord. The kindhearted Tanjiro got the shock of his life when he discovered his entire family killed on a random day. The only one left alive is his sister Nezuko, but she’s turned into a demon. Thus begins his journey to turn his sister back to human and kill the man who slaughtered his family: Muzan Kibutsuji. The entire Demon Slayer series is available on Netflix, including the four seasons and the Mugen Train Arc bonus season. However, you won’t find the Mugen Train movie here. Maybe the upcoming Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie trilogy will arrive on the platform. 2. Terminator Zero The future of the Terminator franchise has been looking bleak for a while (the irony!), but Netflix’s Terminator Zero has successfully rejuvenated it to its former glory. Unanimously considered the best addition to the franchise in decades, it’s a must-watch for every sci-fi enthusiast. Like its predecessor, Terminator Zero is set in two different timelines. One is the present – 2022 – which sees the endless war between humans and machines. The other one is 1997 when Skynet first gains self-awareness and begins to take over the world. The story follows a soldier, Eiko, as she’s sent to 1997 to protect Malcolm Lee, the scientist making an AI that could counter Skynet. However, it won’t a simple guarding assignments for her as she’d have to battle deadly forces from the future. 1. One Piece Is there any anime enthusiast out there who hasn’t heard of One Piece? Probably not and for good reason. The screen adaptation of Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece has been reigning over the anime industry for nearly three decades now and still has viewers asking for more. Following Luffy’s journey to become the King of Pirates, the anime has the Straw Hats at the center as they look for the eponymous treasure. They’re going to have to battle powerful foes along the way. But with unbreakable bonds and a love for adventure, the ragtag group is ready to take on anything. While you won’t be able to binge One Piece from the start on Netlfix, we’ll find the ongoing Egghead Arc on the platform. It’s shame, but better than nothing. Hopefully one day the anime’s entire library will be available on the streaming giant. For more top picks, check out our lists of the top upcoming Fall 2024 anime, best anime like Solo Leveling and the best anime like Kaiju No 8.

12 best anime shows like Jujutsu Kaisen NetflixJujutsu Kaisen is back with a second season, and yes, we are being greeted with spectacular episodes every week. However, once Season 2 ends, every fan will be left craving for more. So, here are some of the best anime series that you can watch once Season 2 ends, as they are a lot like JJK. Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen is undoubtedly one of the best stories of modern times. At first, it seems like a rather straightforward story where you have a protagonist fighting against evil curses. However, with time, you learn that there’s so much more to Jujutsu Kaisen than what meets the eye. After a while, JJK’s story gets incredibly dark, and that works in its favor. It’s hard for a Shonen series to become popular if it doesn’t offer a bold storyline and makes us fear for the lovable characters. It’s indeed a unique series that introduces several never-seen-before elements, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other shows that flaunt a similar vibe. 12. Attack on Titan Attack on Titan is one of the most legendary anime of all time. Similar to Jujutsu Kaisen, AoT comes with a dark and gory theme. Both anime make you fear for your beloved characters and make you question what is right and wrong. AoT follows Eren Yeager, who vows to avenge his mother’s death by killing every existing Titan on the planet. Similarly, Yuji Itadori becomes a sorcerer at Jujutsu High to fight the curses that threaten humanity. So, you could say that both Yuji and Eren start off their journey so they can save humanity. Also, in JJK, Sorcerers use Cursed energy to fight off curses or other curse users, and along the same lines, Eldians from Paradis Island use the power of Titans to stand against Titans on the other side of the world. 11. Parasyte: The Maxim Parasyte: The Maxim takes place in a world that is taken over by Parasytes, an alien species that burrows themselves in the human brain so that they can invade the entire planet. The plot revolves around a Sixteen-year-old Shinichi Izumi, who accidentally lets a parasyte enter his arm. Well, as the alien couldn’t find an entry to his brain, it started co-living in his body. Now, as the boy is forced to share his body with an alien, he must stop other parasytes from harming him and his people. The series doesn’t only come with horror elements, but it also features several unpredictable things that make it worth a watch. 10. Hell’s Paradise The Hell’s Paradise manga was first published in Shonen Jump in 2028 and ran until 2021. One thing that makes this anime worth a watch is the involvement of Studio MAPPA, the one behind Jujutsu Kaisen’s success. Apart from that, Hell’s Paradise also brings several deadly monsters to the frame that feel similar to the ones we have seen in Jujutsu Kaisen. Hell’s Paradise follows Gabimaru the Hollow, who doesn’t show any mercy while killing his enemies. And eventually, during a mission, he gets captured by the authorities. He is sentenced to death, but no executioner can kill him because of his superhuman physical strength. While he believes that he does not have a reason to live, somewhere subconsciously, he holds a will to live happily with his wife. Things take a drastic turn when he, along with other prisoners, has to go to a mysterious island in search of the Elixir of Immortality. 9. Hunter X Hunter Hunter X Hunter is one of the Shonen series that has influenced several franchises, one of which is obviously Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen. We are not saying the latter has copied the former entirely, but there are several elements in the series that are pretty similar to Hunter X Hunter; for instance, Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shibuya Arc seems like Hunter X Hunter’s Chimera Ant arc. They both are pretty dark, and these arcs are the turning point for these anime franchises. Apart from that, the main protagonists of both the series, i.e., Gon Freecss (Hunter X Hunter) and Yuji Itadori (Jujutsu Kaisen), tend to have similar traits. Both of them carry a playful nature but are tender-hearted toward their friends and family. 8. Dororo The primary thing that makes Dororo similar to Jujutsu Kaisen is the animation style, as it comes from MAPPA, the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen’s spectacular animation. The story follows Hyakkimaru, a boy with a deformed body. When he was an infant, his father abandoned him after giving his body parts to the demon lords for his own selfish reasons. Later, the boy meets Dororo, who teaches him the way to earn a living. Dororo comes with beautiful animation and an emotional storyline that makes it worth giving a shot. 7. Soul Eater Soul Eater comes with a perfect mixture of humor and lots of creepiness, and that’s what makes this series like every anime fan’s favorite Jujutsu Kaisen. Soul Eater revolves around three groups; each group contains two members, one of them being a weapon user and the other being a human weapon. For the unacquainted, a human weapon is a person who is capable of getting transformed into a deadly weapon by consuming sinful souls. So, in Jujutsu Kaisen, it is the concept of curses that drives the whole plot, and in Soul Eater, the major focus is on evil souls. 6. My Hero Academia My Hero Academia was brought to life by Studio Bones, and so far, it has given us six action-packed seasons. The series was renewed for Season 7 quickly after Season 6’s conclusion. My Hero Academia takes place in a world where the majority of the population develops incredible superhuman powers called quirks. The ones who utilize their quirks to help others are called Heroes, while the ones who grow a superiority complex and start using their quirks for selfish reasons are called Villains. So, just like in Jujutsu Kaisen, we see the fight of good against evil in My Hero Academia. 5. Chainsaw Man Here is another anime series that comes from MAPPA, and we can’t deny how well the studio has animated each frame of the anime series. Chainsaw Man sees a young man, Denji, who basically lives on the streets with his pet Chainsaw Devil. To make things worse, Denji gets killed by a gangster, which leads the way to his merger with the Chainsaw Devil. Being resurrected as the Chainsaw Man, Denji becomes part of the Public Safety, who vows to fight the rogue devils. Jujutsu Kaisen is a story where sorcerers use curse techniques to fight the curses. Well, Chainsaw Man is a story where people who made contracts with the Devils fight the Devils who are a threat to humanity. So, the plot of these two shows couldn’t be more similar. 4. Mob Psycho 100 Mob Psycho 100 comes with a supernatural theme, just like Jujutsu Kaisen. Besides that, what makes it similar to the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen is the relationship Mob shares with his mentor, Arataka Reigen. That’s quite similar to the relationship between Yuji and Gojo. Mob Psycho 100 follows a young man named Mob, who possesses psychic powers, but he doesn’t learn the potential of his ability until he starts working under Arataka. Moreover, the series also comes with some well-choreographed fight scenes that make the experience more enjoyable. 3. Tokyo Ghoul Tokyo Ghoul takes place in a world where ghoul exists among humans, just like in Jujutsu Kaisen, where curses exist in the human world. Although Tokyo Ghoul comes with many aspects that make it closer to the concept of Jujutsu Kaisen, it is way too gorier. So, if you are someone who loves to explore dark and gritty storylines, you should watch Tokyo Ghoul. The story mainly revolves around a young man whose date tries to eat him. That’s the point in the story that reveals that this planet is threatened by the existence of ghouls, who have a taste for human flesh. What’s more threatening is that these ghouls live as humans, hiding their true nature from the world, which makes hunting humans more easy for them. 2. Bleach Bleach is a trendsetter anime series that returned to our screens after several years with its final story arc, Thousand Year Blood War. Focusing on Ichigo, a Shinigami trying to protect the world from Hollows and Soul Society from its enemies, Bleach does a lot of things right. The world-building, animation, character development, and everything that Bleach does simply deserve a chef’s kiss. In Jujutsu Kaisen, we have Yuji Itadogi accidentally stumbling upon the world of curses, and in Bleach, there’s Ichigo, whom he bestowed upon by the responsibility of being a Shinigami. So, there are a lot of parallels between these two series. 1. Demon Slayer Love it or hate it, you have to accept the fact that Demon Slayer is one of the biggest names in the anime industry right now. In terms of popularity, Demon Slayer is along the same lines as Attack on Titan or Jujutsu Kaisen. The main story of Demon Slayer is rather straightforward – you have a playful protagonist who fights against demons and flaunts a strong will to save the humans. However, when you dig deeper into the storyline, you truly realize the complexities and foreshadowing in the story. So, in that regard, Demon Slayer is very similar to Jujutsu Kaisen. On top of that, both series are setting a standard for other anime shows by giving remarkable animation and fight sequences. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. See our other JJK coverage below, and you can check out our other anime coverage here.

10 best anime series you’ve probably never heard of CrunchyrollA lot of anime comes out year after year, making it impossible to keep up with all the good stuff, so here’s 10 of the best anime you’ve probably never heard of before. The medium stretches well beyond titans such as Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece. Every season brings inventive, fascinating stories from studios big and small. Some are short-lived by design, others stretch out for a while. They all suffer from just not getting the attention they deserve compared to pillars like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer. So, here are 10 of the best anime you’ve likely barely seen mentioned. They come in a variety of styles and flavours, to suit whatever you’re hankering for – so line one up, and dig in. 10. Paranoia Agent (2004) Produced by Madhouse, Paranoia Agent was directed by none other than Satoshi Kon, the industry legend who gave us classic films such as Tokyo Godfathers, Paprika and Perfect Blue. The psychological thriller follows a vicious criminal who assaults random people walking down the streets of Tokyo with a baseball bat. Shockingly, none of the victims can ever recall his appearance in front of the authorities. It’s a show that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its cerebral and ever-twisting plot. Moreover, Paranoia Agent also features some violent sequences that are distinctly memorable for their gritty aesthetics. 9. Welcome to the N.H.K. (2006) Welcome to the N.H.K. is a tale about a shut-in young man named Tatsuhiro Sato. He is a loner who lives in Tokyo and is tired of his depressing circumstances. However, one day, a girl named Misaki Nakahara enters his life and vows to help him come out of this difficult phase. Tackling themes like anxiety and depression, Welcome to the N.H.K. can be heavy at times, but there’s a comedic streak that makes it more watchable. 8. Kemonozume (2006) Another anime that comes from the brilliant animation studio Madhouse. Kemonozuke boasts a vibe similar to our beloved Jujutsu Kaisen. While the latter revolves around curses and the students of Jujutsu High, Kemonozume follows flesh-eating creatures and a student of Kifuken school. However, this is not your typical dark fantasy anime, merging romance with horror in an inventive manner. Apart from its amazing animation, the opening theme, ‘Auvers Blue’ by Katteni-Shiyagare, is a pure earworm. 7. Tiger and Bunny (2011-2022) Tiger and Bunny takes place in a reimagined New York City called Sternbild, where several years ago, superheroes labeled NEXT started cropping up. Two superheroes, Wild Tiger and Barnaby Brooks Jr., have to put aside their differences to solve a murder and fight a vigilante named Lunatic. During their adventures, the old-school Wild Tiger and new-school Barnaby Jr. learn to appreciate what each brings to the field 6. Skip Beat! (2008-2009) Skip Beat is a darkly comedic love-revenge television series that revolves around a 16-year-old girl, Kyoko Mogami, who falls in love with her childhood best friend, Shotaro Fuwa. However, her heart gets shattered after realizing that the one she loves the most only thinks of her as a maid. The guy keeps Kyoko around so that she does his daily household chores. Realizing this, Kyoko gets rid of that spark inside her heart and crafts a plan to take revenge and regain her self-esteem. 5. Ristorante Paradiso (2009) Like Boiling Point and The Bear, Ristorante Paradiso demonstrates that it doesn’t take much to make the dining industry dramatic. From aspiring chef Nicoletta through to the sommelier Casetta, the characters are as charming as the backdrop of Rome, making the show a short but satisfying meal. 4. Dear Brother (1991-1992) A teenage girl finds herself in the popular sorority at her new school, unlocking a whole other dimension of social politicking. Her navigation is regaled through letters to an old friend from home, affectionately dubbed her brother. Nanako herself makes for an endearing protagonist, helped by a wistful and nostalgic framing device. Dear Brother taps into sweetly adolescent sentiment for a compelling wander through teenage foibles. 3. Welcome to Irabu’s Office (2009) This slightly offbeat adaptation of Psychiatrist Irabu features the titular character seeing a number of clients, each episode focused on another person and their issues. Often comedic in nature, the giggles don’t come at the cost of some genuine insight, since we’re always in the presence of a genuine therapist. A hidden gem of Toei animation. 2. Desert Punk (2004-2005) Before Mad Max: Fury Road melted faces in 2015, Desert Punk carried the torch of post-apocalyptic survivallism. After nuclear war has reduced civilization to rubble and sand, a young mercenary wanders, tackling whatever situations he deems worthy of his skills. Masatoshi Usune’s manga ran for 23 years, so Gonzo’s adaptation only covers part of the overall story. It’s enough to leave you longing for more, while still feeling robust. 1. Texhnolyze (2003) In the vain of Ergo Proxy and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Texhnolyze is a captivating and slightly nauseous dive into technocratic body horror. Ichise, a prominent fighter, loses two limbs in a brawl, only to have them replaced by experimental prosthetics containing DNA from his mother. It all gets weirder from there, pulling on threads of The Matrix and our own latent fears of what technology is doing to us. Texhnolyze was seen as experimental in 2003, and it remains a touch disconcerting now – all the more reason to give it a try. Those are the most underrated anime you should check out. If you want more recommendations, have a look at the best anime like Solo Leveling and the most underrated Shonen anime.

10 best anime of Summer 2023, ranked CrunchyrollSummer 2023 has been an incredible season for anime fans – so here’s a look at the ranking of 10 best anime series. Summer season has officially ended, concluding a lot of incredible anime series as we make way for Fall 2023. Whether it is sequels such as Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 and Bleach TYBW Part or new series such as Zom 100 or My Happy Marriage, there’s no shortage of terrific anime series that aired last season. As usual, the last season features a few dozen series covering a wide range of genres and demographics. Whether it’s sequels or new additions to the anime world, most of them caught fans’ attention. Fall season has already begun as almost all the new series have made their debut, and they’re already gathering quite the hype. Here’s a look at the ten best anime series that came out in Summer 2023. 10. Link Click Season 2 Fans all over the world have praised Link Click for its heartwarming plot and endearing characters. It is an original Chinese Donghua series. The series follows the lead characters, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, as they access the past through images at the request of customers looking for closure or solutions to solve their difficulties in the present. The second season of this anime series aired in Summer 2023. Link Click is also confirmed to have a Season 3, but it doesn’t have a release date yet. 9. Baki Hanma Season 2 Baki Hanma is a Netflix series based on Keisuke Itagaki’s manga Grappler Baki series of books. Season 2 depicts the legendary father-son battle between Baki Hanma and Yujiro Hanma. Fans get to watch Baki exact revenge on Yuujirou Hanma, also known as the Strongest Creature on Earth and the father of his longtime foe, Yuujirou Hanma. Netflix has yet to renew the series for its third season. 8. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation follows a jobless and hopeless man who reincarnates in a fantasy world while keeping the memories of his past life. Living under the name Rudeus Greyrat, he is determined to live without regrets. Season 2 continues his story as he is now a grown teenager. The series aired 12 episodes. 7. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan (2023) Rurouni Kenshin manga is a Shonen classic series that debuted in 1994 in the Weekly Shonen Jump. It was adapted into an anime in 1996 while the manga was still being published. Over the years, the franchise had several sequels, side stories, and even live-action movies. As such, Summer 2023 blessed anime fans with the original anime reboot that will retell the story of the great Battousai. The series is currently ongoing, as it’s scheduled for 24 episodes. 6. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata’s popular manga series made its anime debut in July. As the series grew in popularity, fans were drawn in by the original plot and appealing character design. The story follows Akira Tendo, who is relieved over the fact that zombies have overrun his city since it means he doesn’t have to go to work anymore. The series aired nine episodes before going on an indefinite hiatus, thereby delaying the last three episodes. 5. Horimiya: The Missing Pieces Horimiya anime debut in 2021 disappointed fans as the series adapts the manga in a mere 13 episodes, excluding many fun moments. However, a side story was soon announced, which was confirmed to adapt all the remaining chapters that weren’t in the main anime. With this, Horimiya: The Missing Pieces does justice to the beautiful story. Since the manga is already over, there won’t be another season of Horimiya. 4. My Happy Marriage My Happy Marriage is a new addition to the Shoujo genre. Although the series has a manga, the anime follows closely to the light novel. My Happy Marriage follows the desolate Miyo Saimori, whose family forced her into an arranged marriage with a supposedly ruthless military captain, Kiyoka Kudou. However, what awaits her isn’t a painful marriage but a life full of happiness. The series is confirmed to have a second season but doesn’t have a release window yet. 3. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Separation Bleach TYBW Part 2 has been a visual feast, with stellar animation in every episode. The final arc is divided into four parts that will be released in consecutive years. Part 2 begins with Quincy King Yhwach trying another attack on the Soul Society despite the fact that they barely survived the earlier invasion. It also deviates from the manga as it features a few anime-only scenes and does justice to Squad Zero’s reputation as the strongest. 2. Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5 Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5 was nothing less than a roller coaster of emotions as the 11 episodes feature countless exciting moments. The series reveals the true identity of the leader of the Decay of Angels. The anime has finally caught up with the manga, meaning fans will have to wait for a few years before a new season drops. 1. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 There’s no denying that Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 is the most popular anime series of Summer 2023. The new season adapts two arcs and will continue to air for the rest of the year. The series already had a massive fan base thanks to the first season as well as the manga. The series is currently airing its highly anticipated Shibuya Incident Arc and is listed for 23 episodes. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Top 10 best anime series set in Tokyo Liden Films/Studio MAPPATokyo is considered the mecca for all things anime. So here are our top 10 series set in Japan’s capital city. There are few cities out there as bright, vibrant and densely populated as Tokyo. This concrete jungle is a a technological wonderland of all kinds of unimaginable things. If you can’t visit the world-famous city – or you simply want to immerse yourself in its history and culture in a totally different way – then there are several anime series out there that are perfect for you to watch. So, from slice-of-life dramas to epic fantasy adventures, here are our top 10 best anime series set in Tokyo. 10 best anime series set in Tokyo Get ready to experience Tokyo like never before, with these fantastic anime series. 10. Tokyo Revengers We’re starting off our list with the highly-underrated sci-fi thriller, Tokyo Revengers. Based on Ken Wakui’s 2017-2022 manga series, Tokyo Revengers combines the unique worlds of teenage street gangs and time travel. The story begins with our protagonist Takemichi Hanagaki as a 26-year-old part time worker whose ex-girlfriend, Hinata Tachibana dies in a gang related incident. On his way home from work, he gets pushed in front of a moving train. But instead of dying, he’s mysteriously transported back to junior high and discovers that he has the power of time travel. Over the course of the series, he travels back and forth in time trying to rewrite history. But can he save the fate of his former girlfriend? Available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Disney+ 9. Your Name Next up is the sweet but heart-breaking 2016 film Your Name. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the story follows a high school boy living in Tokyo and a high school girl living in Nagano who suddenly switch bodies. It first happens just once, overnight. But then continues happening, forcing the two to try to get to the bottom of this strange situation. Breaking box office records during its release, this tale of an unexpected connection between two high school students from distinct regions, set against the backdrop of Tokyo and Nagano’s picturesque landscapes, not only garnered critical acclaim but also clinched multiple awards. Available to watch on: Prime Video and Apple TV 8. City Hunter Now it’s time for an older anime series. Although there’s also a movie and live-action to watch as well. City Hunter is an older anime series from the late 80s and early 90s. But, with its combination of comedic and more serious scenes, it remains popular to this day. The anime follows the adventures of a gun-for-hire (also known as a sweeper) called Ryo Saeba living in the Shinjuku region of the Tokyo metropolis. He only has two weaknesses – money and beautiful women. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 7. Mitsuboshi Colors Delightfully bright, fun and colorful, Mitsuboshi Colors provides a welcomed break from many of the action packed sci-fi, fantasy and isekai anime that have dominated in the charts. Set in a small corner of Tokyo, the story follows three elementary schoolgirls called Yui, Sat-chan, and Kotoha who form an organization called The Colors. Together, they perform various good deeds and errands to help and protect the people of their city. Available to watch on: HIDIVE 6. Steins;Gate Time travel and anime go hand-in-hand. However, Steins;Gate could be one of the best time travel series of all time. Set in Akihabara, Tokyo, the story follows a mad scientist Rintaro Okabe who runs a Future Gadget Laboratory from an apartment with his friends Mayuri Shiina and Itaru Hashida. Okabe and friends discover a way to send messages back through time. However, their numerous time travel experiments don’t always go completely to plan. While the setting of the anime doesn’t play a huge role in the storyline, it does immerse you into what life as a college aged student in Tokyo would be like. Available to watch on: Prime Video 5. Tokyo Ghoul As you’ll see with the remaining entries on this list, we’re now onto some of the biggest anime series of all time. At number five, we have Tokyo Ghoul. This popular series is set in a version of Tokyo where the city is infested with flesh eating ghouls. It follows the life of 18-year-old student Ken Kaneki who is attacked and nearly killed by a ghoul called Rize. Ken almost dies, but survives after an organ transplant from the ghoul which almost killed him. But there’s a twist. As a result of this transplant, he is transformed into a half-ghoul. As his life changes, he’s plunged into a dark world where he struggles to survive amidst murderous ghouls and human hunters. Available to watch on: Netflix and Prime Video 4. Death Note Next up is Death Note. This supernatural thriller often lands itself on the number one spot on many popular anime lists, and is set in the city of Tokyo. The story follows high school genius Light Yagami who finds a mysterious black notebook belonging to a bored Death God (shinigami) called Ryuk. From here a breathtaking plot of psychological warfare, cat-and-mouse games and mass murder follows. Available to watch: Prime Video and Crunchyroll 3. One Punch Man One Punch Man is a highly recognizable anime, celebrated around the world for turning shonen tropes on their head. In fact, it’s probably the most popular parody series of all time. Set in a fictional version of Tokyo that’s divided into multiple sections and afflicted by brutal monster attacks, the story follows Saitama’s journey from as a hero for fun to joining the Hero’s Association. However, although he’s the most overpowered hero of all time, many of the people around the city don’t appreciate his efforts. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 2. Demon Slayer Set in Japan’s Taisho period, Demon Slayer begins in the countryside, but then takes us to a historical version of Tokyo that’s just started taking on new technologies like electric lights and automobiles. The plot focuses on a young man called Tanjiro Kamado. After his family is slaughtered by a demon, save from his younger sister Nezuko who is slowly transforming into one, we follow his journey to the mysterious Demon Slayer Corps. But will he be able to get revenge? And will he be able to help his sister regain her humanity? Available to watch on: Netflix and Prime Video 1. Jujutsu Kaisen Set in Shibuya’s Tokyo district, Jujutsu Kaisen is a shonen phenomenon that combines ancient Japanese folklore with modern times. The story follows a teenage boy called Yuji Itadori, who swallows a cursed object that transforms him into the vessel of the most powerful curse of all time: Sukuna. Thrust into the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers, Itadori’s life will never be the same again as he is forced to swallow more of Sukuna’s remaining fingers while battling against deadly curses. The Shibuya setting again isn’t entirely relevant to the story, but the animation is filled with so much color and life it’s almost as though you’ve been transported to Tokyo with the characters. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

10 best anime series like Tokyo Revengers Disney+Tokyo Revengers is currently on its third season, and fans are loving it – so here are the ten best anime series you should check out while waiting for the next episode. We all know about Takemichi’s difficult journey to save his ex-girlfriend. The manga has already finished, and the anime series is currently in its third season. While fans who’ve read the manga know exactly how Takemichi’s story will end, the anime-only fandom is still following the story through its animated adaptation. It’s for sure that Tokyo Revengers‘ amazing story popularized the stories of delinquents worldwide; however, sadly, there are not many Anime series that revolve around bike gangs. That being said, there are indeed several fascinating and entertaining shows that are similar to Tokyo Revengers in terms of theme or the overall story. Here are some of our top picks. 10. Dr. Stone Much Like Tokyo Revengers, Dr. Stone is a grounded anime that doesn’t feature any supernatural powers and focuses on real-life elements instead. The sci-fi anime is about a prodigy teenager who finds a solution to every problem through science. Senku awakens 3700 years after every human on Earth turns into stone through a process called Petrification. With every trace of technology gone, Senku takes it upon himself to reintroduce technology to a civilization that is now pushed back to the Stone Age. Senku from Dr. Stone is very similar to Takemichi in the sense that they both use their brain to overcome all the challenges. They aren’t muscle-heads who boast incredible supernatural abilities, but they still have the ability to save their loved ones. 9. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time The Girl Who Leapt Through Time isn’t exactly a TV series, but the anime movie still deserves to be on this list because of its similar nature to Tokyo Revengers. Tokyo Revengers isn’t about someone saving the world, but it simply focuses on a guy who wants to prevent a Biker gang from turning evil. Similarly, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is about a girl who uses her time-leap ability too recklessly. She soon realizes that she can jump through time only a limited number of times, so she has only a limited number of attempts left to undo her mistakes. While the anime movie doesn’t focus on murder or gangs, it does feature themes like love and alternate realities, which makes it very similar to Tokyo Revengers. 8. Yu Yu Hakusho Like Tokyo Revengers, Yu Yu Hakusho is a series that involves delinquents, very much like Tokyo Revengers. Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, the Shonen Animanga series tells the story of a teenage boy named Yusuke Urameshi. The series sees him as someone who loves to do everything except study. He leads the life of a rebel until he gets hit by a car. If you are someone who enjoys watching narratives with a lot of action and drama with a touch of comedy, Yu Yu Hakusho is a perfect pick for you. 7. My Hero Academia Similar to Takemichi, My Hero Academia also gives us a crybaby protagonist, Deku, who is born in a world where the majority of the population holds several unique powers called ‘quirks.’ Despite being quirkless, he has a dream of becoming a pro hero. Fortunately, his dreams are fulfilled by his mentor, All Might, who passes on his quirk to Deku after witnessing his determination. Initially, My Hero Academia faced backlash for bringing a crybaby hero in the primary role, but as the story unfolded over the years, fans started admiring the show’s characters while also getting quite attached to them. 6. Demon Slayer Here’s another anime series that features a crybaby main protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado. However, this can be justified, as he witnessed the death of his whole family and saw his younger sister transform into a demon right in front of his eyes. Despite the pain he went through in his early years, after a lot of hard work, he manages to earn a reputable place in the Demon Slayer Corps. In Tokyo Revengers, we see Takemichi using his time leap ability to reverse his girlfriend’s death. Similarly, in Demon Slayer, Tanjiro uses all his might to undo his sister’s demonic transformation. So, in both shows, the main protagonist goes on a journey to save someone they love. 5. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Tokyo Revengers is a story where Takemichi gets a second chance at his life after discovering his time leap ability while he’s on the brink of death. Similarly, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation follows a hopeless man who, after getting tired of his life, dies in an accident. Later, he is reborn in a magical world. Initially, he gets into a dilemma after seeing his new body, new parents, and his new world. But slowly, he is enticed by the mysteries of this new life and the magic he holds. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is a series that comes with mesmerizing animation and a well-paced storyline that every anime enthusiast must watch. 4. Erased Erased features an exact theme Tokyo Revengers falls under. Erased follows Satoru Fujinuma, who has time-traveling abilities similar to Takemichi. He is able to go back in time whenever he sees a blue butterfly to save the present from deadly situations. However, one day, something bad happens, and he goes 18 years back in time – this time, to save his elementary school classmates from a serial killer. Coming from A-1 Pictures, Erased flaunts a fantastic animation and a breathtaking story that will leave fans on the edges of their seats with every episode. Trust us; you’ll end up binging this one! 3. Steins;Gate Steins;Gate follows a mad scientist, Okabe, who travels back in time to save one of his friends from dying. In Tokyo Revengers, Naoto becomes the trigger that lets Takemichi travel to his high school days, while in Steins Gate, Okabe creates his own time-traveling machine, which he uses to reds and undo his own actions. Besides that, this anime series also sees the main protagonist’s friends making efforts to help him in however they can. Steins;Gate is a series that shows Okabe’s struggles to obtain a peaceful future by saving every friend of his who couldn’t get a chance to become a part of it. 2. Oshi No Ko Oshi No Ko revolves around a doctor and a die-hard fan who get reborn as the twins (Aqua and Ruby) of the idol they admired the most. After Ai’s (the idol’s) brutal murder, her son Aqua goes on a mission to find his mother’s killer, while the daughter, Ruby, works hard to become an idol just like Ai. While Oshi No Ko doesn’t feature a timeleap, it does include something similar: reincarnation. Also, as Takemichi dives deep into the Tokyo Manji gang to figure out who’s behind his ex-girlfriend’s death, Aqua uses his knowledge to unravel the mystery behind his mother’s killer. Oshi No Ko was released in early 2023, and it became a sensation overnight because of its unique and gripping concept that reveals the dark truths of the Japanese entertainment industry. 1. Link Click Link Click tells the story of two photo studio owners, both of them having special abilities to alter the past. They make use of their abilities to help their clients to relive their past moments and find everything they seek. Tokyo Revengers is all about correcting the mistakes of the past, while also not breaking the future, and Link Click follows somewhat of a similar story. As we already know by now, there are several stories where a protagonist tries to change things in the past; however, very few anime do that in a way that’s entertaining or thrilling for the viewers like Link Click. So, it’s definitely one of those anime series that deserves your undivided attention. You can check out our other anime coverage here.

Top 5 best anime podcasts IMDB/CrunchyrollIf you’re eager to dive deeper into anime, check out these five anime podcasts that definitely deserve a listen. Are you wondering how you can keep up with your favorite anime and manga while you’re out and about? It’s a problem all anime fans run into, but don’t worry! Anime podcasts are the perfect resource for anyone looking to stay on top of popular shows, the latest news, or engage in discussions about their favorite series. There’s lots of podcasts out there. However, we’ve chosen the top five podcasts for you. So, if you’re desperate to dive deeper into your favorite series or catch insights into the intricacies behind popular shows, make sure to check them out. 5 great anime podcasts Discover’s our selection of the top five anime podcasts, chosen for their engaging content and discoverability. With a mix of episode and chapter recaps, news coverage, insightful discussions, and, of course, a fair share of spoilers, these English-language podcasts are your ideal companions for staying on top of the latest in Japanese animation and manga. So, let’s begin. Otaku Spirit Otaku Spirit is a popular anime podcast that focuses on anime culture, featuring episode reviews, news and plenty of discussion about all your favourite elements. Run by fans (hosts Andrew and Chris) for the fans, Otaku Spirit proudly describes itself as a podcast “devoted to bringing the best of anime, new and old” to its audience. With an insightful perspective and feel-good vibes, this podcast stands apart from the rest. This is because it caters to both beginners just dipping their toes into the anime world and seasoned veterans alike. Available on: Apple, Spotify and YouTube The Anime Nostalgia Podcast Another well-known podcast – with plenty of episodes to keep you busy for hours – The Anime Nostalgia Podcast does exactly what its name suggests. Are you a fan of classic anime and manga? Or are you wondering whether your childhood favorites were really as good as you remember them? Hosted by Dawn – a self-proclaimed anime grandma – The Anime Nostalgia Podcast provides a mix of anime history, reviews of old-school titles, interviews with fans and other aspects of anime fandom. Thanks to the evergreen nature of classic series like Sailor Moon, you can enjoy the episodes time and time again and discover hundreds of great new (well, old) anime series. Available on: Spotify and Apple Shonen Tapes The Shonen Tapes podcast provides a deep dive into all your favorite anime series. And with new episodes coming out every week, you’ll always have something to listen to. The podcast is designed to feel like you’re hanging out with friends, discussing popular anime shows and tackling topics like One Piece Live Action, and Hell’s Paradise vs Chainsaw Man. Over the years, they’ve had various special guests, making this the go-to podcast for fans. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting out, this podcast keeps it real and welcoming. Available on: Spotify, Apple, Audible and YouTube Kawaii-FI Radio From shiny new releases to classic series like Cowboy Bebop, Kawaii-Fi discusses all things anime and manga (as well as Otaku culture). Australia-based hosts Kyle, Emma, Kenny and the rest of the Kawaii-Fi Radio crew provide you with all the info you need to know about the latest series, as well as underrated gems, in the anime world. So, if you’re someone who doesn’t know what to watch next, then this podcast is definitely one for you. Plus, it’s available on so many different podcast channels, you’ll be able to tune in wherever you go. Available on: Spotify, Apple, Audible and YouTube Shoujo Sundae While most podcasts on this list lean towards the popular shonen genre, primarily targeting teenage boys, our final recommendation caters to a different demographic: shoujo. Shoujo anime titles like Ouran High School Host Club and Fruits Basket tend to be favorites among teen girls. Enter Shoujo Sundae, proudly claiming the title of the most #kawaii podcast, making it an ideal choice for fans of these popular titles. Hosted by Chika and Giana, the podcast takes a deep dive into episodes of popular anime series. It dissects them into categories for discussions on symbolism, positive and negative aspects, and other key elements. Plus, with new episodes dropping every Sunday, Shoujo Sundae is the perfect podcast destination for young women who have a passion for anime. Available on: Spotify, Apple and YouTube In the vast landscape of podcasts exploring Japanese anime, manga, and Otaku culture, the options are seemingly endless. Yet, we believe that these five podcasts serve as an excellent entry point for anyone with a passion for anime. We hope you find them as enjoyable and rewarding as we did. Happy listening! You can read more anime news here.

10 best anime on Crunchyroll CrunchyrollCrunchyroll has a huge amount of anime on offer, old and new, popular and off-the-radar. So, we’ve listed all the best shows you should watch right now. We’re lucky to be at a point in anime where we’re spoilt for choice. My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen are the big ongoing anime shows right now. But then you’ve got more old school series such as Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball available than ever before. Meanwhile, all sorts of new oddities are being added. There’s a lot to sift through if you’re looking for something to watch — believe me, I’ve lost more than a few evenings to choice paralysis where I wound up sticking on more episodes of Dragon Ball Z. We’ve compiled a list of the best anime Crunchyroll has to offer, so you can jump into something on a whim. What better way to kill time before Demon Slayer Season 4 and My Hero Academia Season 7? Jujutsu Kaisen You wouldn’t think something as dark and creepy as this would be a mainstream sensation, but here we are, with Megan Thee Stallion cosplaying as Jujutsu Kaisen characters. It’s not undeserved either, with MAPPA frequently demonstrating its talents through the chilling storylines and vibrant battles. Centred on the Jujutsu high school for training sorcerers capable of defeating curses, the story follows the secret war to protect humans from the invisible phantoms that threaten us. Creator Gege Akutami has a knack for unsettling creatures, as evidenced by the Jujutsu Kaisen characters that linger in your thoughts after their introduction. Dragon Ball Z The show that kicked off the anime obsession for many. Dragon Ball Z’s high-octane brand of martial arts action has remained a touchstone for just how exciting a series can be. From the early days of the Saiyan invasion right up to Buu, watching Goku and the Z Fighters kick ass time and time again is just so satisfying. In 2024, Crunchyroll finally managed to make all the Dragon Ball Z sagas streaming across both the US and Britain. Shout out to whoever managed to gather the Dragon Balls to make that wish come true! Cowboy Bebop “Whatever happens, happens” – Spike Spiegel’s principled but laissez faire attitude to life is befitting the roguish charm of Shinichirō Watanabe’s space western. Spike forms a bounty hunting crew with Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Edward, and their resident pet dog, Ein. Their high-falutin attempts at eking out a living make for decent viewing in Cowboy Bebop, but the real beauty comes in the character work. Each has a complicated past, and as they’re revealed, you find yourself wondering if maybe the cowboy life isn’t so bad after all. Vinland Saga On one end, a young man, driven by vengeance, gradually learns quiet fulfilment is a more enlightening path. On the other, a timid prince becomes a strong, charismatic ruler. Their paths intertwine in Makoto Yukimura’s exploration of Nordic history c. 1013. Vinland Saga, like its main characters, oscillates between violence and peace, portraying the brutality of Vikings as well as their softer, more spiritual side. More than anything, it’s the elemental undertones that set Vinland Saga apart. The raging fire and gentle forests. The two elements in us all. Space Dandy A light-hearted satire of Star Wars, Star Trek, and a litany of other sci-fi franchises and tropes, Space Dandy is perfect viewing if you just want some escapism. The eponymous hero is a smooth-operating bounty hunter who takes on all sorts of contracts for good and ill. You’ll watch him succeed, and you’ll watch him fail. But every episode has him back in the pilot’s chair once again for another round. Glorious, good-natured fun from Bones. Odd Taxi Imagine Michael Mann’s Collateral, starring anthropomorphic animals, and it’s less a thriller and more a gentle drama. That’s Odd Taxi in a nutshell, a show befitting the title, following a walrus cabbie in his 40s who becomes tangled in a young girl’s disappearance. At 12 episodes, it’s a short anime that doesn’t put too much of a demand on your attention. Once you see the finale coming round the bend, though, you’ll wish there was a little more, which makes it a truly special kind of story. Mobile Suit Gundam The defining mecha anime. Soldiers in a seemingly unending war between space colonies and Earth blow each other to pieces using gigantic robotic suits. In this, the first chapter of the franchise, Amuro Ray is our protagonist, a young mechanic who becomes a pilot. He guides us through numerous wars, all the while anchoring our lessons in all the politicking of Yoshiyuki Tomino’s engrossing universe. Don’t worry, though — the explosions are always constant. Kill La Kill In a world ruled by fashion, a troubled student, Ryuko, uses a gigantic pair of scissors to cut through the social hierarchy. This move proves unpopular among the student council of her high school, and their scraps go beyond the playground because they all have special uniforms that give them heightened abilities. There’s a transgressive edge to Kill La Kill, akin to carving up and patching up a nice jacket to suit your tastes. Studio Trigger isn’t completely making scraps from anime, but the team are clearly doing whatever they like, and it’s a thrill to watch. Demon Slayer As the property that spawned the highest grossing anime movie ever, it’s safe to say Demon Slayer has made its mark on the industry. When you consider the mixture of Tanjiro’s desire to free his cursed sister with the backdrop of early 1900s Japan, it’s not hard to see why Demon Slayer has caught on. Tanjiro’s own journey has plenty to love, with his constant drive to save what remains of his family. The demonology is what really hooks you in, introducing a cavalcade of devils you never want to encounter. As the Final Arc comes into view on the show, it’s a good time to jump in. Berserk Kentaro Miura’s beguiling manga that puts a fantasy spin on Mad Max has been adapted twice — the ‘90s version is what we’re recommending most. A classic of the medium, Berserk features protagonist Guts, a lone survivalist and mercenary who uses a big sword to murder other, bigger threats. He falls in with a gang called the Hawks, and develops a tumultuous relationship with their leader, Griffith. The whole thing is dour and moody, and there’s lots of blood. But there’s still not much else like it. Those are best anime shows on Crunchyroll. We have lists of the best sports anime, best anime like Demon Slayer, and best Winter 2024 anime for more perfect viewing choices!

10 best anime movies you can watch on Netflix NetflixNetflix has a wide range of heart-warming dramas, emotional romances, thrilling action films, and so much more – so here are the 10 best anime movies you can stream right now. Anime’s global popularity is only increasing every year, with countless new series and movies being added to online streaming services. They play a significant role in helping people discover something new to watch. Beginners who may not want to commit so much time to a series would often find themselves browsing through anime movies instead. Netflix has commissioned a number of anime projects, both serialized and film-based and has acquired the rights to a number of other features. Unlike the countless number of series being released every year, we only get a handful of movies. Hence, good anime movies are often more difficult to come by. Luckily, Netflix’s collection provides an accessible entry point to help you find new and classic anime movies. 10. Flavors of Youth Flavors of Youth is a heartwarming anthology anime movie about the simple pleasures and loves of young people in China, following three entirely different scenarios and characters: The Rice Noodles, A Little Fashion Show, and Love in Shanghai. The movie makes you nostalgic about your childhood and highlights the challenges of growing up. 9. Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop Centering around two insecure and nervous teenagers, this anime movie is an adorable love story centering around Cherry and Smile. Cherry expresses himself by posting haiku on the internet, while Smile is a budding influencer who always wears a mask. After their accidental encounter, the duo finds themselves on a hunt to help an old man find the rare record he wants to listen to once more before he dies. 8. Bubble Tetsuro Araki, also the director of Attack on Titan, creates this fascinating film set in Tokyo. The city is attacked by bubbles and is now destroyed and isolated from the rest of the world. With both gravity and the city broken terribly, Tokyo transforms into a parkour battlefield. The story follows two young people who unexpectedly meet during a reckless jump. However, their meeting is more fortuitous than they realize. 7. A Whisker Away This anime movie is a love story about two teenagers struggling with family issues. Unable to accept her father’s second marriage, Miyo Sasaki tries to get the attention of her crush, Kento Hinode, after transforming into a cat using a magical mask from a mysterious salesman. However, Miyo realizes her mistake too late and races against time to regain her human form. 6. When Marnie Was There When Marnie was There follows supernatural themes amid beautiful animation. The Studio Ghibli movie follows Anna Sasaki, who stays with her relatives in a town in the Kushiro wetlands in Hokkaido. When Anna stumbles onto an abandoned home nearby, she encounters Marnie, an enigmatic girl. Marie begs her to swear to keep their secrets a secret from everyone. As Anna spends more time with Marnie during the summer, she discovers the truth about her family and foster care. 5. The Wind Rises The Wind Rises, also from Studio Ghibli, is a fictionalized biographical film that follows the story of Jiro Horikoshi. He dreamt of flying, but he chose to be a Japanese airplane designer. He was the designer of the Mitsubishi A5M fighter aircraft and its successor, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. It was used by Japan during World War II. The movie is an adaptation of Miyazaki’s manga of the same name. 4. Only Yesterday Only Yesterday is one of the most underrated Studio Ghibli movies. Although released in 1991, the movie didn’t get a US release date until 2016. The story follows Taeko Okajima, a 27-year-old city dweller, as she journeys to the countryside by train and reflects on her childhood. It explores themes such as work, finding love, and the sense of nostalgia that comes with getting older. 3. Whisper of the Heart Whisper of the Heart is an enchanting tale about two teenagers. Shizuku enjoys reading fiction enough to neglect her studies. She notices a boy named Seiji always issuing the same books as her and becomes curious to find his identity. She sees a strange cat on a train, decides to follow it, and discovers an intriguing antique store. Shizuku also meets Seiji and befriends him. Seiji’s passion for violin-making inspires Shizuku to follow her dreams. 2. Howl’s Moving Castle Howl’s Moving Castle is a magical romance movie exploring themes of war. The protagonist is an average young woman named Sophie Hatter, who the Witch of the Waste curses after meeting with Howl. As a result of the curse, Sophie finds herself looking like a 90-year-old woman. Stuck in a feud between a witch and a wizard, all Sophie can do is leave home without getting discovered by her mother. 1. Spirited Away Spirited Away is a Studio Ghibli classic that was released in 2001 and stands among one of the greatest anime ever. The story is about Chihiro, whose parents are turned into pigs, and she then wanders into the world of Yokai to find a way to save them. However, the world is scarier than she realizes since it’s ruled by a witch who turned those who disobey her into animals.

The 50 best anime movies of all time CrunchyrollHarnessing cinematic magic from across the ages, these are Dexerto’s 50 best anime movies ever made. Anime has a penchant for producing some of the finest filmmakers and storytellers in the world. One only needs to look at Studio Ghibli’s work to see what the best anime is capable of. But the genre and industry are so much more than any one producer or approach. You’ve got sports anime, superhero anime, Shonen anime, of course, and plenty more besides. There are pictures for all ages, many that will only appeal to a select few, and installments from iconic franchises such as Demon Slayer, Pokemon, and Dragon Ball. Our rundown of the finest big-screen works the world of anime has given us covers everything from basketball courts to dystopian futures and the occasional bit of romance. 50. The First Slam Dunk (2022) Director: Takehiko Inoue Cast: Shugo Nakamura, Jun Kasama, Shinichiro Kamio (Japanese) / Paul Castro Jr, Jonah Scott, Aleks Le (English) What it’s about: Shohoku High School and Sannoh Kogyo High School face off in a climactic game to decide the new regional champions, marking the end of an era for both sides. What we think: Despite depicting the end of Slam Dunk as a whole, this film manages to be remarkably approachable by tapping into why sports matter so much. The intense play-by-play of the match itself makes perfect fodder for Shonen sensibilities, and the nostalgic throughline makes it a palpable coming-of-age story, too. RT score: 100% Words by Anthony McGlynn 49. A Letter to Momo (2011) Director: Hiroyuki Okiura Cast: Karen Miyama, Yūka, Toshiyuki Nishida (Japanese) / Amanda Pace, Stephanie Sheh, Fred Tatasciore (English) What it’s about: Momo, an 11-year-old girl, is whisked away to a remote island by her mother. There, she befriends a trio of goblins who help her understand the complex feelings surrounding their situation. What we think: Landing somewhere between films with invisible friends like Drop Dead Fred or Harvey and creature features, A Letter to Momo is a charming, strange, and unexpected childhood adventure. The lead character is a well-drawn portrait of someone processing major unexpected changes, and her comrades bring yet more color to a creative look at growing pains. RT score: 81% Words by Anthony McGlynn 48. Inu-Oh (2021) Director: Masaaki Yuasa Cast: Avu-chan, Mirai Moriyama, Tasuku Emoto (Japanese) / Holden Thomas, Jonathan Leon, Cory Yee (English) What it’s about: In 14th-century Japan, a blind, ascetic musician bonds with a boy who can contort his body through their shared love of riffs, creating a friendship that ascends way beyond mortal limitations. What we think: A mythic rock opera that turns historic legends into fodder for increasingly large performances, Inu-Oh is a crowd-pleaser. Masaaki Yuasa proves himself one of the finest filmmakers working in anime and one with excellent taste in music to boot. RT score: 91% Words by Anthony McGlynn 47. One Piece Film: Strong World Director: Munehisa Sakai Cast: Mayumi Tanaka, Akemi Okamura, Naoto Takenaka (Japanese) / Colleen Clinkenbeard, Luci Christian, Scott McNeil (English) What it’s about: Luffy and the Straw Hats face the Golden Lion Pirates to save Nami and protect East Blue. What we think: One Piece has given us some awesome swashbuckling feature films over the years, and Strong World is the best of the bunch. The production quality is high, the plotting light on its feet, and you need only understand there are good pirates and bad to grasp what’s happening, though some Devil Fruit knowledge never hurts. RT score: 89% Words by Anthony McGlynn 46. Pokemon: The First Movie (1998) Director: Kunihiko Yuyama Cast: Rica Matsumoto, Mayumi Iizuka, Yūji Ueda (Japanese) / Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart (English) What it’s about: When Giovanni tasked Dr. Fuji with creating an experimental weapon, the Pokemon known as Mewtwo was born. When Mewtwo learns of his origins, he is angry to realize he is nothing more than a clone and uses his psychic powers to wreak havoc on humankind. What we think: Don’t pay any attention to that ridiculously low Rotten Tomatoes score; Pokemon: The First Movie is epic! We finally get to see Ash and Pikachu take on a credible threat, and the stakes have never been higher thanks to Mewtwo’s formidable powers. It’s emotional, has genuinely provocative things to say about the ethics of cloning, and features some top-drawer battle scenes. Plus, any film that gives us a quote like “I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are” deserves some respect. RT score: 16% Words by Jakob Barnes 45. The Boy and the Heron (2023) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Aimyon (Japanese) / Luca Padovan, Robert Pattinson, Karen Fukuhara (English) What’s it about: The Boy and the Heron follows Mahito Maki, who loses his mother in a tragic fire. His father marries Natsuko, the younger sister of Mahito’s mother, and they soon move out of Tokyo to her rural family home, where Mahito, a strange gray heron, constantly bothers him. What we think: The Boy and the Heron is definitely not the best Hayao Miyazaki movie, but it has several elements that make the entire experience simply magical. Each frame is fascinating, which gives a sense of calmness despite the deep themes of war and emotional trauma. The adventure begins when Mahito sets out to rescue Natsuko, and as the film unfolds, we learn more about this captivating yet dangerous alternate world. The film has several twists and plotlines that make it a bit confusing, but it doesn’t always have to make sense—the joy is in the dreamlike escape. RT Score: 97% Words by Tulisha Srivastava 44. Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012) Director: Hayato Date Cast: Junko Takeuchi, Chie Nakamura, Toshiyuki Morikawa (Japanese) / Maile Flanagan, Kate Higgins, Tony Oliver (English) What it’s about: When Naruto wakes up in a strange new reality where his parents are alive and well and all his dreams are coming true, he must uncover the mystery behind this strange paradise. What we think: Of all the Naruto movies (and there are many), Road To Ninja might be the best. There’s real fun to be had in Naruto’s dream Konoha, and the inverted personalities of all our favorite characters are hilarious. Still, the villain Menma, an evil version of Naruto, steals the show, giving us a horrifying glimpse of how deadly our hero could be if he gave in to his darker instincts. RT score: 80% Words by Tom Percival 43. Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013) Director: Masahiro Hosoda Cast: Masako Nozawa, Kōichi Yamadera, Ryō Horikawa (Japanese) / Sean Schemmel, Jason Douglas, Christopher R. Sabat (English) What it’s about: Goku’s victory over Frieza prompts a powerful God to seek him out, believing him to be a Super Saiyan unlike any other. What we think: Dragon Ball Z’s power scaling goes off the rails entirely, introducing the God of Destruction, Beerus, who wants a good scrap. He’s convinced he’ll find it in Goku, who has to find Super Saiyan levels heretofore unexplored to stand a chance. Battle of Gods looks amazing, packs a punch, and re-establishes the universe for a new generation of fans. RT score: 88% Words by Anthony McGlynn 42. The Garden of Words (2013) Director: Makoto Shinkai Cast: Miyu Irino, Kana Hanazawa, Fumi Hirano (Japanese) / Patrick Poole, Maggie Flecknoe, Shelley Calene-Black (English) What it’s about: When high schooler and aspiring shoemaker Takao decides to skip class to go to a beautiful garden, he meets a lonely woman there. In the middle of the garden, surrounded by the pitter-patter of rain, an unlikely friendship blooms between the two. What we think: Contrary to its name, The Garden of Words doesn’t have a lot of words spoken between its two main characters. Instead, there’s a quiet camaraderie, shared feelings of loneliness, and solace found in silence. It’s a movie that needs to be felt more than watched. Telling a love story between two people of different ages can be tricky, even more so in Takao and Yukari’s case. But Shinkai manages it with sensitivity and empathy, and for this alone, this movie and its director get kudos from us. RT score: 84% Words by Anamika Das 41. Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (1998) Director: Yasunao Aoki Cast: Hikaru Midorikawa, Akiko Yajima, Toshihiko Seki (Japanese) / Mark Hildreth, Lisa Ann Beley, Scott McNeil (English) What it’s about: The five pilots of Gundam Wing must return to action when an insurgent threatens the delicate peace that was established during the show. What we think: Like much of the Gundam franchise, Endless Waltz is fueled by an almost interminable amount of future politics. Mercifully, it’s possible to set much of that aside and enjoy the film as a mecha blockbuster where five of the coolest mechs ever have their swansong. RT score: 89% Words by Anthony McGlynn 40. Castle in the Sky (1986) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui (Japanese) / James Van Der Beek, Anna Paquin, Cloris Leachman (English) What’s it about: Sheeta, a young girl who possesses a mysterious crystal amulet, manages to break from government captors. She meets Pazu, a boy who dreams of finding the fabled flying castle, Laputa. The duo embarks on a journey to discover the castle and the secrets that lie within her amulet. What we think: The film is set in an alternate reality during the 19th century, and we follow Pazu and Sheeta in one of the most exquisitely animated and perfectly-paced stories in movie history. The mystery surrounding Laputa and the force responsible for maintaining the floating empire above the surface provides just enough intrigue to keep the plot moving. Pazu and Sheeta’s personalities and the roguish charm of the pirates who take them in are also captivating. The alluring visuals, paired with the fascinating story, make it one of the best anime movies of all time. RT Score: 96% Words by Tulisha Srivastava 39. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Director: Sunghoo Park Cast: Megumi Ogata, Kana Hanazawa, Yuichi Nakamura (Japanese) / Kayleigh McKee, Anairis Quiñones, Kaiji Tang (English) What it’s about: Yuta Okkotsu is enrolled Tokyo Jujutsu Technical High to help him control a cursed spirit haunting him – which turns out to be an old crush who died suddenly in a car crash. What we think: Besides more time with Satoru Goju and learning about villain-to-be Suguru Geto, the real value of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 lies in Yuta hanging out with his fellow students. Maki, Toge, and Panda all get a little more time than normal here, making it a good entryway into an otherwise often bleak franchise. RT score: 98% Words by Anthony McGlynn 38. Only Yesterday (1991) Director: Isao Takahata Cast: Yōko Honna, Miki Imai, Toshirō Yanagiba (Japanese) / Alison Fernandez, Daisy Ridley, Dev Patel (English) What it’s about: Based on the manga of the same name by Hotaru Okamoto and Yuko Tone, Only Yesterday tells the story of Taeko Okajima, an office worker from Tokyo who travels to her home village and imagines what life could have been had she stayed. What we think: While other anime films on this list feature giant robots, kaiju, and people throwing fireballs at each other, Only Yesterday is far more down to Earth. That said, there’s still a wonderful magic about this film, after all, which of us hasn’t fantasized about how life could have turned out had we taken a different path? It’s that ubiquity that makes Only Yesterday so wonderfully touching. Perhaps more impressively, the film manages to be wistful without being sad or melancholy. RT score: 100% Words by Tom Percival 37. Metropolis (2001) Director: Katsuhiro Otomo Cast: Yuka Imoto, Kei Kobayashi, Hiroaki Okada (Japanese) / Rebecca Forstadt, Brianne Siddall, Michael Reisz (English) What it’s about: The ruler of a technocratic dystopia attempts to replace his daughter with a highly advanced robot, who’s also integral to a new weapon he’s built. Tima, as she’s known, then catches the interest of several others in a massive case of subterfuge. What we think: Though not a remake of Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic of the same name, Katsuhio Otomo’s film carries many of the same themes. Capitalism rules and instead of helping society, the richest only want to build bigger toys to expand their perceived empire. But revolution beckons, not least from inside the house, when a monument to spreading grief chooses life. Unsurprising if you’re genre savvy, but pleasing nonetheless. RT score: 87% Words by Anthony McGlynn 36. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Director: Haruo Sotozaki Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Satoshi Hino, Daisuke Hirakawa (Japanese) / Zach Aguilar, Mark Whitten, Landon McDonald (English) What it’s about: Tanjiro and his fellow slayers in training join a mission to stop a powerful demon that’s been on a rampage – something that proves to be even more challenging than expected. What we think: Few other anime even come close to the kind of action Demon Slayer brings, and Mugen Train takes everything to the next level. Besides the awesome spectacle, we get more chilling terror through Enmu, a reserved member of Muzan’s forces. RT score: 98% Words by Anthony McGlynn 35. My Hero Academia: Two Heroes (2018) Director: Kenji Nagasaki Cast: Daiki Yamashita, Kenta Miyake, Mirai Shida (Japanese) / Justin Briner, Christopher Sabat, Erica Mendez (English) What it’s about: Set between the Final Exams and Forest Training Camp arcs, Two Heroes follows Deku and All-Might as they take a trip to I-Island. This incredible floating island is the home of David Shield and his daughter Melissa, a pair of incredible inventors. When the villainous Wolfram attacks the area, though, Deku and All-Might must team up to take the powerful foe down. What we think: My Hero Academia has always managed to balance high-stakes action with wonderful comedic moments, and Two Heroes is no different. With that said, the real reasons Two Heroes earned a spot on this list are the uncompromisingly optimistic tone and the final epic fight between Wolfram and the One For All users. Did anyone else get chills when they used the Double Detroit Smash? RT score: 100% Words by Tom Percival 34. Belladonna of Sadness (1973) Director: Eiichi Yamamoto Cast: Aiko Nagayama, Katsutaka Ito, Tatsuya Nakadai (Japanese) What it’s about: The Devil offers to help a woman who’s been sexually assaulted, only for the deal to become a horrific double-edged sword. What we think: If John Waters made an anime film, this is probably how it would look and sound. Erotic and elusive, it’s easy to get lost in the psychedelia of Belladonna of Sadness, but not so easy you overlook the grim details of the narrative. Beneath the violence lies comment on the endless brutality many women face, though sometimes any meaning can seem a bit lost. RT score: 90% Words by Anthony McGlynn 33. Digimon: The Movie (2000) Director: Mamoru Hosoda, Shigeyasu Yamauchi Cast: Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Joshua Seth, Michael Reisz What it’s about: An amalgamation of various short films and TV storylines from the Digimon universe, this feature-length offering takes place within the first two seasons of the original show. We see the origins of Agumon and Greymon, learn more about the DigiDestined, and see Diaboromon infect the world’s computer systems. What we think: Honestly, Digimon: The Movie is a bit of a mess, but we love it all the same. While Pokémon may have been the king of collectible critters in the ‘90s and early ‘00s, Digimon offered a viable alternative (or addition) to your Saturday morning cartoon routine. The human characters aren’t quite as interesting or endearing as Pokémon’s, but the monsters in the Digimon world are very cool, and the battles go just as hard. RT score: 24% Words by Jakob Barnes 32. The Red Turtle (2016) Director: Michaël Dudok de Wit Cast: N/A What it’s about: When a man is shipwrecked on an island, he is all alone with no hope for survival. That is, until he meets a giant red turtle, and she helps him find hope, love, and purpose. What we think: It is truly astounding the depth of emotion The Red Turtle is able to evoke with no dialogue at all. Not only is this a stunning, surrealist dream on a visual level, but The Red Turtle is a truly profound reflection of the strength we find from our connections to others and how important it is to cherish the ones we love. RT score: 92% Words by Jakob Barnes 31. Tokyo Godfathers (2003) Director: Satoshi Kon Cast: Tooru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki, Aya Okamoto (Japanese) / Crispin Freeman, David Manis, Erica Schroeder (English) What it’s about: On a freezing cold Christmas Eve in Tokyo, three homeless misfits stumble across an abandoned baby and set off to reunite it with its parents. What we think: Up there with Home Alone, Die Hard, and The Muppet Christmas Carol as one of the best Christmas movies ever made, Tokyo Godfathers is an offbeat but charming film about the value of found family. While its themes are sentimental, the film’s never mawkish or maudlin; instead, it serves as a lively testament to the power and importance of human connection even in the face of a society that would rather forget about you. RT score: 92% Words by Tom Percival 30. Weathering With You (2019) Director: Makoto Shinkai Cast: Kotaro Daigo, Nana Mori, Shun Oguri (Japanese) / Brandon Engman, Ashley Boettcher, Lee Pace (English) What it’s about: A high school student runs away from home to Tokyo, where he meets a teenage girl who can manipulate the weather. Together they start a business fixing people’s problems through rain and sunshine, but such powers gradually take their toll. What we think: Makoto Shinkai questions the burden placed on youth to fix the world’s ills, positing that nobody should have to make a total sacrifice in the face of widespread environmental threats. Alternatively, you can view Weathering With You as a slightly grungy love story about two misfits determined to walk alone. The harmony between these readings – and however else you interpret the picture – demonstrates how Makoto has become such an esteemed filmmaker. RT score: 92% Words by Anthony McGlynn 29. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Sumi Shiamoto, Gorō Naya, Yōji Matsuda (Japanese) / Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Uma Thurman (English) What it’s about: In a post-apocalyptic world, Princess Nausicaä guards the Valley of the Wind and tries to stop two dueling nations from destroying their home. What we think: When we talk about anime that’s ahead of its time, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind leads the pack. Sure, the name is a mouthful, but a Dune-like battle fitted with a retro ’80s soundtrack is sure to blow your mind. Whisper it, but Nausicaä herself might be the best-written female character in cinematic history. RT score: 90% Words by Jasmine Valentine 28. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) Director: Mamoru Hosada Cast: Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida, Mitsutaka Itakura (Japanese) / Emily Hirst, Andrew Francis, Alex Zahara (English) What it’s about: Makoto Konno is about to graduate from high school, and like most teenagers, she has no idea what to do about her future. So, she spends her days hanging out with her best friends until one day she discovers her newfound ability to leap through time. What we think: If you’re getting tired of time travel, you must give The Girl Who Leapt Through Time a go before you quit it for good. About more than time travel, this movie looks at human relationships and finding oneself. Makoto, as a whole, is a very imperfect character, but it’s her imperfection that makes her so relatable. As she leaps through time, we travel with her. Madhouse does a wonderful job at setting the film apart with its vintage-looking art and simplistic character designs. It’s not trying to be pretty with sparkly eyes and colorful hair, and that adds to its charm. RT score: 84% Words by Anamika Das 27. The Castle of Cagliostro (1979) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Yasuo Yamada, Sumi Shimamoto, Tarō Ishida (Japanese) / Bob Bergen, Joan-Carol O’Connell, Michael McConnohie (English) What it’s about: Thief Arsene rescues a princess from thugs along with his colleague. Soon, they realize that she holds part of the key to a treasure that they have been looking for. What we think: Just when you think you’ve seen everything Miyazaki has to offer, you remember one of the first movies he ever made. Existing way before the founding of Studio Ghibli, the trademark silliness, humor, and magical wonder is ever-present in this thrilling romp. Just to give it an extra sprinkle of camp, you might also know it by the franchise — Lupin the Third, a long-running master thief who’s led dozens of shows and films over the years. RT score: 95% Words by Jasmine Valentine 26. Wicked City (1987) Director: Yoshiaki Kawajiri Cast: Yūsaku Yara, Toshiko Fujita, Ichirō Nagai (Japanese) / Gregory Snegoff, Gaye Kruger, Mike Reynolds (English) What it’s about: In future Tokyo, special operatives keep the peace between our world and another dimension full of demons. One such agent gets a demonic partner for a special case that threatens a fragile peace agreement. What we think: Yoshiaki Kawajiri often gets more credit for Ninja Scroll these days, but Wicked City is lowkey his biggest achievement. The overwrought, seedy aesthetic shows some age now, yet the novel blend of fantasy and dystopian sci-fi still has a freshness to it. The ‘80s produced a lot of bangers, and this is definitely one of them. RT score: 66% Words by Anthony McGlynn 25. Ponyo (2008) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Yuuri Nara, Hiroki Doi, Tomoko Yamaguchi (Japanese) / Noah Cyrus, Frankie Jonas, Tina Fey (English) What it’s about: Brunhilde, a human-like fish creature, lives underwater with her wizard father and numerous sisters. But, one day, she is separated from her magical family and ends up in the hands of a young boy named Sōsuke, who gives her a new name: Ponyo. As Ponyo learns more about the ways of humankind, she develops a yearning to be a real girl and leave her aquatic life behind. What we think: Studio Ghibli movies are pretty odd at the best of times – it’s a big part of the reason we love them so much – but Ponyo is quite possibly the weirdest and most wonderful of them all. It’s a charming tale of what it means to be human, and the childlike innocence of it all makes Ponyo one of the sweetest anime movies around, and one all the family can enjoy. RT score: 91% Words by Jakob Barnes 24. Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ (2015) Director: Tadayoshi Yamamuro Cast: Masako Nozawa, Ryō Horikawa, Ryūsei Nakao (Japanese) / Sean Schemmel, Christopher R. Sabat, Christopher Ayres (English) What it’s about: After Frieza is resurrected by his minions, the Dragon Ball villain decides he needs to train if he ever wants to defeat Goku. After several grueling months, the galactic tyrant returns to Earth to take down his nemesis. Still, Frieza’s not the only one who has unlocked a new power. What we think: While Dragon Ball: Battle of the Gods played up the comedic aspects of the franchise, Resurrection ‘F’ went all out on brutal action scenes. As a result, the film features some of the most vicious scenes of violence ever depicted in a Dragon Ball movie. The scene where Frieza tortures a powerless Gohan is genuinely shocking. As harrowing as that is, it makes Frieza’s downfall later in the film, at the hands of Vegeta, no less, all the more cathartic. RT score: 83% Words by Tom Percival 23. Princess Mononoke (1997) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Yoji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yuko Tanaka (Japanese) / Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver (English) What it’s about: When Prince Ashitaka gets cursed while saving his tribe, he sets out to Tatara to cure it. There he finds himself caught in a war between Lady Eboshi, who wants to destroy the forest, and San and the forest spirits, who are ready to protect it with their lives. What we think: What sets Miyazaki’s works apart from every other anime filmmaker is their appeal to every age bracket. However, in Princess Mononoke, he isn’t subtle in his message. The war between nature and technology has been going on for generations, and sadly, it’s going to run some more, and that’s why Princess Mononoke remains relevant even 25 years after its release. Like every Studio Ghibli film, this is full of beautiful imagery with a well-crafted plot that weaves in strands of folklore. At its center stands an intriguing hero who isn’t afraid to fight for her home and her beliefs, which makes it a compelling watch time and again. RT score: 93% Words by Anamika Das 22. Bubble (2022) Director: Tetsurō Araki Cast: Jun Shison, Riria, Alice Hirose (Japanese) / Zach Aguilar, Emi Lo, Erica Lindbeck (English) What it’s about: Mysterious, physics-defying bubbles force everyone to evacuate Tokyo. A parkour expert, Hibiki, discovers a woman, Uta, who’s somehow connected to the bubbles, and the two realize their lives are strangely connected. What we think: Bubble is an understated masterpiece from Wit Studio in terms of visuals. The effervescent colors of the bubbles across an overgrown Tokyo, set against a clear blue sky, are mesmerizing. The love story placed on top makes it enough to make you feel like you’re walking on air. RT score: 50% Words by Anthony McGlynn 21. Whisper of the Heart (1995) Director: Yoshifumi Kondō Cast: Yōko Honna, Issei Takahashi, Shigeru Muroi (Japanese) / Brittany Snow, David Gallagher, Jean Smart (English) What’s it about: Shizuku enjoys reading fiction and writing poetry and notices a boy named Seiji, who is always getting the same books as her and wants to discover his identity. One day, she sees a strange cat on a train and follows it only to discover an intriguing antique store, where she meets Seiji, and their romance begins. What we think: While Shizuku is full of doubt, Seiji has dreams he wants to achieve. Watching Seiji motivates her to chase something she likes, pushing her on a personal journey. Although it’s not a ‘magical’ film, there are elements of fantasy spread throughout the narrative, especially with Shizuku crafting a story about the baron. The film explores honest and nostalgic emotions, inspiring butterflies from our own memories. The captivating young romance sparks complex feelings that make it a distinct and wholly worthwhile watch. RT Score: 95% Words by Tulisha Srivastava 20. When Marnie Was There (2014) Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi Cast: Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimuna, Hana Sugisaki (Japanese) / Hailee Steinfeld, Kieran Shipka, Catherine O’Hara (English) What it’s about: When Anna goes to stay with relatives in Hokkaido, she meets Marnie, who promises to keep her secrets. As the pair spend the summer together, Anna learns more about Marnie’s mysterious history. What we think: If you are looking for the most underrated Studio Ghibli film of all time, you’ve found it. Both heartbreaking and beautiful, When Marnie Was There delivers all of the classic Ghibli attributes in a quietly brilliant way, playing into the softer side of the studio’s repertoire. RT score: 92% Words by Jasmine Valentine 19. The End of Evangelion (1997) Director: Kazuya Tsurumaki and Hideaki Anno Cast: Megumi Ogata, Kotono Mitsuishi, Megumi Hayashibara (Japanese) / Casey Mongillo, Carrie Keranen, Ryan Bartley (English) What it’s about: Asuka and Shinji try to prevent the Third Impact in an alternative ending to Neon Genesis Evangelion that bends, defies, and casts aside whatever logic you thought the show held. What we think: The battle of mechs and angels becomes a stunning, willfully obtuse final encounter. Hideaki Anno plunges headfirst into the raw freedom of animation, allowing the work to be guided by emotion, psychology, and whatever else feels right. Puzzling yet gratifying. RT score: 92% Words by Anthony McGlynn 18. Porco Rosso (1992) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Shūichirō Moriyama, Tokiko Kato, Akemi Okamura (Japanese) / Michael Keaton, Cary Elwes, Kimberly Williams-Paisley (English) What it’s about: The year is 1929. Porco Rosso, an Italian fighter pilot from World War I, is cursed to have the head of a pig, and he’s a wanted man for his anti-establishment ways. While dealing with romantic entanglements, friendly rivalries, and a fascist government, Porco flies for freedom and those closest to him. What we think: On the surface, Porco Rosso is a really endearing, fun, and beautifully animated adventure movie. But dig deeper, and themes of anti-fascism and anti-war sentiments become apparent, handled masterfully and intelligently by Miyazaki. It’s not quite regarded among the upper echelons of the Ghibli oeuvre, but it really should be. RT score: 96% Words by Jakob Barnes 17. Ghost in the Shell (1995) Director: Manley Oshii Cast: Atsuko Tanaka, Akio Otsuka, Iemasa Kayumi (Japanese) / Mimi Woods, Richard Epcar, Tom Wyner (English) What it’s about: In a dystopian future, a cyborg policewoman and her partner set out to find the Puppet Master, the mastermind behind a crime wave. What we think: Long before Scarlett Johansson took over the role of Major Motoko Kusanagi for herself, Ghost in the Shell was an archetype for what cyberpunk anime could look like. Unlike the action-packed stories that came before and after, this film moves at a calculated and steady pace – which makes it all the more chilling. RT score: 95% Words by Jasmine Valentine 16. The Wind Rises (2013) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, Hidetoshi Nishijima (Japanese) / Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski (English) What’s it about: The Wind Rises fictionalizes the life of Jiro Horikoshi, designer of the Mitsubishi A5M fighter aircraft and its successor, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero. Both were used by Japan during World War II. It’s an adaptation of Miyazaki’s manga of the same name. What we think: An adaptation of Miyazaki’s manga of the same name, the narrative presents us with a portrait of a young man who is a dreamer and thinker. He realizes that his dreams can come true due to his surroundings, and he pursues them to a world-shaping effect. Hayao Miyazaki moves away from the fantasy genre to depict the tale of a man who has always captivated him. At one point, this was going to be his swansong, and it would’ve made for a perfect exit. RT Score: 88% Words by Tulisha Srivastava 15. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007) Director: Makoto Shinkai Cast: Kenji Mizuhashi, Ayaka Onoue, Satomi Hanamura (Japanese) / Johnny Yong Bosch, Tara Platt, Kira Buckland (English) What it’s about: Takaki and Akari are childhood friends who are estranged when Akari has to move. Despite the distance between them, they keep in touch and fall in love. But as time passes by, real life gets inside their rose-tinted sphere. Yet, the young lovers keep hoping to reunite one day. What we think: 5 Centimeters per Second is an aching tale of first love. It’s not a movie that’ll have you sobbing into tissues but one where you’ll find yourself emotionally exhausted by the end. The movie is painfully relatable, and though real life is hardly ever as pretty as Shinkai’s beautifully curated backgrounds, it still reminds us of the innocence we all have that gets lost with time. 5 Centimeters Per Second also lacks the lore usually found in his works, but in its place, he filled the film with raw human emotions, from the joy of love to the loneliness of separation. RT score: 88% Words by Anamika Das 14. Perfect Blue (1997) Director: Satoshi Kon Cast: Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shinpachi Tsuji (Japanese) / Ruby Marlowe, Wendee Lee, Bob Marx (English) What it’s about: Japanese girl band member Mima is encouraged by her agent to quit singing and pursue an acting career, beginning with a role in a murder mystery TV show. Soon, a stalker starts revealing her whereabouts online, pretending to be her. What we think: The movie that proved anime could be more than fantasy-filled epics, Perfect Blue, is one of the most unhinged films of all time. Disturbing to the point of being unable to look away, Kon’s creepy score and understanding of the blossoming problems in internet culture were ahead of their time, lifting his animated nightmare to GOAT status. RT score: 83% Words by Jasmine Valentine 13. Belle (2021) Director: Mamoru Hosoda Cast: Kaho Nakamura, Takeru Satoh, HANA (Japanese) / Kylie McNeill, Manny Jacinto, Hunter Schafer (English) What it’s about: High school student Suzu becomes a globally beloved singer after entering a virtual world. Amid the adoration, she tries to discover the identity of a mysterious beast who’s on the run from vigilantes. What we think: Forget everything you know about Beauty and the Beast because Belle is a worthwhile story in its own right. With an absolutely banging soundtrack, the world of U is a visual smorgasbord of textures and colors, with the incredibly endearing throughline of leaning to just be yourself. Be warned — the more Belle goes on, the sadder it gets. RT score: 95% Words by Jasmine Valentine 12. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Hitoshi Takagi (Japanese) / Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Frank Welker (English) What it’s about: Little Satsuki and Mei relocate to the countryside with their father after their mother is hospitalized. Eventually, the sisters meet and befriend the huge, bunny-like forest spirit, Totoro, and learn of a mystical world that lies in parallel to theirs. What we think: Nobody weaves fantastical elements into a film quite like Hayao Miyazaki. A master of his craft, his worlds are always so enchanting and full of interesting characters that you end up wanting to live in it for a little while. This is rarely truer than in My Neighbor Totoro. This 1988 film is as iconic as they come. From the tiny dust bunnies to Nekobus, not to mention the titular forest spirit himself, every character is legendary. But more than that, it’s the calm, idyllic, yet oh-so-fantastical feel of this movie that makes this one of our favorite comfort watches, time and again. RT score: 93% Words by Anamika Das 11. Hotarubi no Mori e (2011) Director: Takahiro Omori Cast: Kôki Uchiyama, Ayane Sakura, Izumi Sawada (Japanese) What’s it about: Six-year-old Hotaru Takegawa visits her grandfather’s house during a summer vacation. However, she gets lost in a forest rumored to have spirits roaming around. A mysterious boy wearing a mask helps her, sparking a years-long friendship. What we think: Hotarubi no Mori e is very simplistic, mainly because of its short runtime. While the supporting characters and the enchanted forest aren’t fully fleshed out, the main storyline primarily focuses on Hotaru and Gin. They comfort one another when each is at their loneliest. Gradually, they move from a strong friendship to love. The piano and violin pieces elevate the melancholic affection between the two, leaving viewers with a beautiful impression of their encounters over the years. IMDb score: 7.8 Words by Tulisha Srivastava 10. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013) Director: Isao Takahata Cast: Aki Asakura, Takeo Chii, Nobuko Miyamoto (Japanese) / Chloe Grace Moretz, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen (English) What it’s about: A young girl is taken in by a bamboo cutter and his wife after they discover her growing inside a bamboo shoot. Her presence brings good fortune, but as she gets older, it becomes clear one day, the honorary princess may have to leave. What we think: This gorgeous, spellbinding interpretation of a centuries old Japanese folk tale puts a fine point on Isao Takahata’s extraordinary talents. A minimal colour palette mostly consisting of pink and black pastel gives the feeling of watching an ancient scroll come to life, preserving the tale’s delicate wonder. It’s a true rarity, like Isao himself. RT score: 100% Words by Anthony McGlynn 9. A Silent Voice (2016) Director: Naoko Yamada Cast: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yūki (Japanese) / Robbie Daymond, Lexi Cowden, Kristen Sullivan (English) What’s it about: Shouya Ishida beats boredom by mercilessly bullying a deaf girl, Shouko Nishimiya, in elementary school. Shouko transfers to another school, but Shouya’s former friends ostracize him throughout his elementary and middle school years. His guilt weighs him down until he meets Shouko again and tries to redeem himself. What we think: A Silent Voice is a heartbreaking yet beautiful tale of a young boy’s honest attempts to atone for his past while also being haunted by it. From Shouya’s gradual downfall to his redemption, the film focuses on some important life lessons. The depiction of deafness is strong from the perspective of both the deaf person and others around them. It explores several themes, including loneliness and the realization that one is never truly alone. While the film may have its shortcomings, it is a compelling story and an experience like no other. RT Score: 94% Words by Tulisha Srivastava 8. Memories (1995) Director: Katsuhiro Otomo, Tensai Okamura, Kōji Morimoto Cast: Tsutomu Isobe, Hideyuki Hori, Yuu Hayashi (Japanese) / Marc Swint, Stephen Fu, Jack Britton (English) What it’s about: A haunted spaceship, some extreme bio-terrorism, and the military-industrial complex make up the concepts behind a three-part anthology. What we think: Memories tends to be noted for Magnetic Rose, the first film of the trilogy, written by one Satoshi Kon. The creepy puzzle-box spectacle, following two engineers exploring an abandoned vessel floating through space, is perhaps the best of the three entries. However that’s not to suggest the others should be overlooked. Memories is the sum of its parts, a treatise for an incredible era in animation and filmmaking. RT score: 82% Words by Anthony McGlynn 7. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) Director: Isao Takahata Cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara (Japanese) / Adam Gibbs, Emily Neves, Shelley Calene-Black (English) What it’s about: Drawing from Akikyuki Nosaka’s life experiences and set during World War II, Grave of the Fireflies follows Seita, a Navy soldier’s son, his younger sister Setsuko, and their struggle for survival. Unable to stay with family, the siblings set up a home in an abandoned cave by the lake as they try to live off of anything they can find. What we think: Grave of the Fireflies is an emotional experience. The siblings’ journey is full of hardships, and it’s not easy to watch. Even the lighter moments, such when Seita and Setsuko play around the house or gather fireflies to light their cave, are tinged with sadness because those are just fleeting moments of joy. It’s a sweet yet very saddening story that blends in with the harrowing reality of war. While we do see the impact on civilians, the film focuses primarily on the siblings, making it emotionally crushing. RT Score: 100% Words by Tulisha Srivastava 6. Akira (1988) Director: Katsuhiro Otomo Cast: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki Mami Koyama (Japanese) / Cam Clarke, Jan Rabson, Lara Cody (English) What it’s about: In the wake of a nuclear war that decimates Tokyo, corruption, violence, and crime plague the streets. It’s here, in this apocalyptic wasteland, that a young gang of rebellious teens become intertwined in a secret government experiment to create superpowered children, and the most dangerous of them all, Akira, is about to be unleashed on Neo-Tokyo. What we think: For my money, Akira is the best anime movie of all time, but who am I to argue with the democratic process that put together this list? It’s definitely the coolest, anyway. From the jaw-dropping designs of Neo-Tokyo to the rousing and dynamic action of the various chases, fights, and superpowered mutations, Akira is slick from start to finish. It’s a film full of iconic moments, which is testament to the provocative and cerebral story at its heart. It’s wild to think that this movie barely even scratches the surface of the six-part manga, but Otomo does an impeccable job of condensing that epic tale into a two-hour movie. RT score: 91% Words by Jakob Barnes 5. Paprika (2006) Director: Satoshi Kon Cast: Megumi Hayashibara, Tōru Emori, Katsunosuke Hori (Japanese) / Cindy Robinson, Yuri Lowenthal, Michael Forest (English) What it’s about: Based on a 1993 novel by Yasutaka Tsutsui, Paprika sees an incredible yet very dangerous device, one that allows the user to enter other people’s dreams, fall into the wrong hands. With a dream terrorist at large causing literal nightmares, a dream detective enters the land of the subconscious to take them down. What we think: It’s hard not to compare Paprika to Inception because the Christopher Nolan movie essentially lifts entire sequences—most notably the rotating corridor fight scene—straight out of this epic anime thriller. The bold and vibrant visuals are the perfect backdrop for the surreal, complex film, which combines lighter moments with genuinely gripping set pieces. RT score: 86% Words by Jakob Barnes 4. Suzume (2022) Director: Makoto Shinkai Cast: Nanoka Hara, Hokuto Matsumura, Eri Fukatsu (Japanese) / Nichole Sakura, Josh Keaton, Roger Craig Smith (English) What it’s about: When Suzume meets the handsome Souta looking for ruins, she can’t help but follow him out of curiosity. But all hell breaks loose when she moves a stone in the ruins and is told that her little action just brought about a fearsome calamity upon Japan. What we think: Shinkai never disappoints, as evidenced by his impressive filmography, and he didn’t with Suzume either. Suzume has everything you expect in a Shinkai movie: a mythical story, beautiful scenery, soulful music, and likable characters to root for, not to forget the inevitable twist he’s tucked in towards the end. It’s the perfect film to sit down with and have your mind blown. RT score: 96% Words by Anamika Das 3. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa (Japanese) / Emily Mortime, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall (English) What it’s about: A young woman named Sophie Hatter meets the infamous wizard Howl before being cursed by the Witch of the Waste and transformed into a 90-year-old woman. Stuck in a feud between a witch and a wizard, all she can do is leave home without getting discovered by her mother. However, a new adventure awaits her. What we think: Set in a magical world, Howl’s Moving Castle touches on humanity, selfhood, compassion, and belonging while also looking at war and its evils. Hayao Miyazaki’s work is often anti-war, and Howl’s Moving Castle portrays real-world conflicts as arbitrary and fueled by the desires of the people sitting at the top. It’s compelling, poetic, romantic, and though the end might seem neat and tidy, it’s the kind of conclusion we all hope for in the darkest times. RT Score: 87% Words by Tulisha Srivastava 2. Your Name (2016) Director: Makoto Shinkai Cast: Mone Kamishirashi, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Ryo Narita (Japanese) / Stephanie Sheh, Michael Sinterniklaas, Kyle Hebert (English) What it’s about: Village girl Mitsuha dreams of living in a city. But when her wish finally comes true, she finds it comes with a catch. She’s now in a city but in the body of an unfamiliar boy. And before she knows it, she keeps swapping bodies with this city boy called Taki. What we think: The movie that made Makoto Shinkai a director everyone pays attention to. Shinkai often has fantastical elements in his movies, but in Your Name, it’s at its peak. The idea of “musubi” is mysterious and intriguing and draws you in before you know it. But that’s not all. From art to music to characters, this film has everything going for it. It’s incredibly fun to watch and will make you laugh frequently. But when the time comes, it’ll also make you gasp and tear up. You’ll experience an array of human emotions before coming out humming songs that you can’t even pronounce properly. RT score: 98% Words by Anamika Das 1. Spirited Away (2001) Director: Hayao Miyazaki Cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki (Japanese) / Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette (English) What it’s about: Chihiro and her parents are moving home when their trip takes an unexpected turn into the spirit world, where terrors and delights await. What we think: The master, Hayao Miyazaki, takes us between realms to a place where nothing is as it seems. Chihiro, lost and scared but nonetheless resourceful, has to find her way through a bathhouse full of oddities and rescue her parents before it’s too late. She eventual gets assistance, as Hayao weaves hope through the despair, finding magic in the process. Spirited Away seems like the stuff of dreams – gorgeous, fantastical, nuanced and spiritual. Yet it’s the work of regular people, pushed and pulled through creative machinations. A gift in every sense, that leaves you wondering what other beauties lie just out of sight, watching over us, waiting for our presence. RT score: 96% Words by Anthony McGlynn Those are the best anime movies. Check out our upcoming anime guide for more potential classics on the way and we also have lists of the best action movies and best sci-fi movies if you need more top-class watching.

Top 10 best anime live-action adaptations IMDB/Warner Bros./NetflixEveryone knows that live-action adaptations are often bad – but there are also exceptions to every rule. So, here are 10 that do justice to the source material. Live-action adaptations of popular anime have been churned out in recent years. While Netflix’s One Piece finally turned the tide on fans’ collective apprehension about their favorite franchises being turned into live-action, did you know that good adaptations have existed for decades? Striking the balance between capturing the essence of their source material to bringing these larger-than-life anime stories into a far more realistic medium isn’t an easy task. As you can see from the numerous adaptations that received negative reviews from critics and fans alike. You probably already have an idea of a live-action adaptation that failed to meet your expectations (Netflix’s Death Note comes to mind). So, let’s take a look at 10 that actually did something right. Best 10 anime live-action adaptations Push the anime live-action adaptations that feature in your nightmares out of your mind, because these are ten of the best films and TV series out there. 10. Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019) Just like the beloved Pokémon franchise it took inspiration from, Pokémon Detective Pikachu is nothing more than a bit of fun that can be enjoyed by all ages. Loosely adapted from the 2016 video game of the same name, Detective Pikachu features a star Hollywood cast, including Ryan Reynold, Suki Waterhouse and Ken Watanabe. The plot revolves around a young man called Tim Goodman who gave up his dream of becoming a Pokémon trainer after his mother died. However, when his father goes missing, Tim decides to find out what happened to him. And aiding his investigation is none other than Detective Pikachu. Available to watch on: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video 9. Gokusen (2002) Based on Kazueko Morimoto’s 2000-2007 manga, Gokusen is one of those rare series where the live-action preceded the anime. And, if I dare say so myself, is actually a lot better (sorry Madhouse). The storyline has been seen time and time before. Overly optimistic young teacher joins and inner city school and finds a way to get through to the badly behaved students. However, with Gokusen, there’s a Yakuza twist. The series follows Yamaguchi Kumiko, the homeroom teacher of Shirokin Gakuen’s class 3-D. Filled with delinquent, poor performing students, Kumiko uses her martial arts skills and positive personality to win over her students and the hearts of fans for three seasons, and even a movie. Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video 8. Nana (2005) Just like Gokusen, Nana (2005) also came before the anime version, which is probably why it’s so good. Live-action adaptations generally work better when the source material is grounded in reality. And nothing could be more real than Ai Yazawa’s iconic slice-of-life shojo manga Nana. The story revolves around two young women, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, who move to Tokyo in pursuit of their dreams. All Osaki wants is fame and all Komatsu wants is love, but a chance encounter of a train triggers a series of heart-warming and heart-breaking events that many viewers can relate to. Available to watch on: Netflix and Viki 7. One Piece (2023) Of course Netflix’s One Piece adaptation had to feature on this list. The series was surrounded by speculation and anticipation since it was first announced, with fans concerned that it wouldn’t do justice to Eiichiro Oda’s shonen masterpiece. But, to almost everyone’s surprise, the series turned out to be one of the best anime adaptations of all time. Just like the manga and anime, the series follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they search for the fabled “One Piece”. But they’re not the only pirate crew on the hunt. Discover their journey like never before in live-action – this one is definitely worth a watch. Available to watch on: Netflix 6. Blade of the Immortal (2017) Hiroaki Samura’s hit seinen manga Blade of the Immortal ran from 1993 to 2012 and spawned an equally popular 2008 anime adaptation of the same name. But the fan service didn’t stop there. Renowned director Takashi Miike, known for 13 Assassins, reimagined the anime series for the cinema to produce this action-packed masterpiece that preserves the dark atmosphere we fell in love with in the anime. Just like the anime and manga, the story follows Manji, a master swordsman cursed with immortality. In an attempt to make up for his past and undo the spell, Manji sets off on a quest to help a young girl called Rin avenge her family’s deaths. Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ 5. Alita: Battle Angel (2019) Hollywood isn’t known for producing anime live-action remakes (or getting them right), but Alita: Battle Angel is one of those rare examples where the live-action is better than the anime. Based on Yukito Kishiro’s manga series Gunnm, Alita: Battle Angel is set in a dystopian future. In the film, we watch as Dr. Ido discovers a young cyborg girl’s broken body while searching for spare parts with a fully working human brain. Ido fixes her up and names her Alita, after his deceased daughter. The movie follows her journey as she discovers this new world, living beneath the dark shadow of Zalem city. Available to watch on: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ 4. Speed Racer (2008) Classic anime series Speed Racer was adapted for the silver screen by none other than the Wachowskis. Based on Tatsuo Yoshia’s manga series of the same name, this sports action comedy film features an all-star Hollywood cast, including Emile Hirsch and Christina Ricci. Just like the anime and manga, the plot revolves around a talented 18-year-old “speed racer” who has just broken into the high-stakes world of automobile racing. However, along the way, he uncovers a series of secrets about his family and his brother’s death. The anime is known for its extravagant action sequences and colorful characters, which the Wachowskis skillfully capture in this stunning rename. Available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV 3. Inuyashiki (2018) Adapted from Hiroya Oku’s 2017 manga and anime series of the same name, this 2018 superhero film is one of the highest-rated entries on our list. The story follows a middle-aged office worker who’s living a typically boring and unfulfilling adult life. He has no friends, his wife doesn’t love him and his family don’t appreciate him. However, that all changes when he’s accidentally crushed by an alien spaceship and they turn him into a cyborg as an apology. Both the anime and live-action versions are highly-rated, making it one of those series where fans are often unable to choose which version they prefer. Although, in our opinion, the live-action is very slightly better. Available to watch on: Netflix (Japan) 2. Alice in Borderland (2020) Alice in Borderland’s live-action TV series is one of the most well-known exceptions to the “anime is always better” rule. Based on the 2014-2015 anime, this 2020 live-action series set the ball rolling for several more Netflix adaptations (yes, we know Death Note came first, but let’s try and not think about that). This immersive death game sci-fi thriller is one that even people who aren’t familiar with the manga or anime can enjoy. It’s set in an alternate version of Tokyo where seemingly normal people must compete in deadly games to extend their “visa” – which is essentially how long they have left to live. Available to watch on: Netflix 1. Rurouni Kenshin (2012-2021) Rurouni Kenshin is one of the most iconic samurai anime series of all time. So its no surprise that it got its very own amazing live-action adaptation. These live-action adaptations include a total of five movies that came out between 2012-2021, and cover most of Nobuhiro Watsuki’s Rurouni Kenshin manga in surprising detail. While there’s a nostalgic quality to the classic anime, the Rurouni Kenshin film series is a vibrant spectacle of action, gore and heart-wrenching emotion tied up in a historical package. Set in Japan’s Meiji era, the story begins with a former assassin called Hitokiri Battosai who transforms into Himura Kenshin, a reformed swordsman who has vowed never to take another life. Available to watch on: Netflix There are plenty of live-action anime adaptations out there. However, these 10 movies serve as an entertaining reminder that sometimes the original isn’t always the best. While you’re here, check out our other anime coverage below.

15 best anime like Solo Leveling you should watch next CrunchyrollSolo Leveling is easily the standout show of the Winter 2024 anime season, and if you’re eager for something similar to Chugong’s DnD-inspired narrative, we have plenty to offer. Solo Leveling has comfortably solidified itself as one of the best anime of 2024. While we wait for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, fans need another show to fill the void. And, as expected, A-1 Pictures has managed to release something that does just that. It’s a story about Sung Jinwoo, an underdog who gets an opportunity to turn his life around and become the strongest hunter to ever live. Besides an engrossing backdrop that utilizes elements of Dungeons and Dragons and The Matrix, the anime show contains some jaw-dropping sequences and more than a few twists. It’s a level of quality that not many can match, and those that do are particularly special. So here are the best anime like Solo Leveling. 15. The Rising of the Shield Hero If you’re looking for full of action and adventure, but with a dark tone, the first anime we’d recommend you to check out is The Rising of the Shield Hero. It starts off like a typical isekai anime — the protagonist sent to a fantasy world with special powers. But Naofumi Iwatani’s isekai adventure soon comes to a screeching halt when he’s wrongfully accused by Princess Malty. Thus begins his journey of revenge and redemption, and it’s as intriguing as you’d expect. And like Solo Leveling, you’d get a taciturn (but cool) main character hellbent on growing stronger. 14. Jujutsu Kaisen Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling boast a similar dark theme, and they’ll both make you fall out of your seats. Like JJK, Solo Leveling features several spectacular fight scenes. While the former features sorcerers fighting curses, the latter showcases a battle between hunters and monsters. Jujutsu Kaisen revolves around the students of Jujutsu High and their mentors. The main protagonist, Yuji Itadori, eats a rotten finger of the King of Curses, Sukuna, and becomes his host. The narrative then follows him as he joins forces with the ones who hold the responsibility to fight every evil curse in existence. 13. Tower of God Tower of God is an underrated gem that is waiting to be appreciated by fans. It focuses on Bam, who spends most of his life trapped under a Tower. However, he decides to enter this Tower to find his girlfriend, Rachael. On his journey, Bam learns to grow stronger, and on each level, he meets new people – allies and enemies. It is a spectacular anime series that is a lot like Solo Leveling in terms of story, focusing on an underdog protagonist that gradually becomes more powerful. 12. Demon Slayer Demon Slayer is a straightforward show that is known for its battle dynamics, and that’s what makes it similar to Solo Leveling. Fans who have read the manga are familiar with what the upcoming episodes will feature. However, anime-only enthusiasts will have to wait until Solo Leveling unleashes its true nature, which will surely make you remember the brilliance of Demon Slayer. Demon Slayer revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, a coal burner’s son whose family gets killed by the demons. The kind-hearted boy who could never think of hurting someone, even by his words, picks up the sword to slash countless demons. 11. Chainsaw Man Chainsaw Man and Solo Leveling feature weak main protagonists who become the strongest beings alive in their respective universes. For instance, Chainsaw Man’s Denji gets devilish powers from his pet Pochita, while Solo Leveling’s Sung Jinwoo receives God-like powers from a powerful entity during his mission in a dungeon. Chainsaw Man is set in a world where devils exist. Our primary character, Denji, shows up as an undernourished young boy who lives with his pet named Pochita, the chainsaw devil. One day, when Denji gets betrayed and killed, Pochita merges with him, making Denji the Chainsaw Man. 10. Death Note Death Note features Light Yagami, the protagonist who doesn’t have any physical prowess but is incredibly smart. His journey from being a nobody to becoming someone with God-like powers always gives us goosebumps. The boy receives the powers from a mysterious book of a Shinigami, the Death Note. After realizing what the book can do, Light Yagami exploits it to fulfill his evil agenda, which is to control the entire world. Similarly, Sung Jinwoo of Solo Leveling doesn’t have any physical strength at the start, but he becomes powerful after receiving the powers from “The System.” He uses it to become an overpowered protagonist who we all love. 9. Goblin Slayer Goblin Slayer revolves around a protagonist whose only motive in life is to eliminate every goblin around. He is part of an adventurers group who comes with the same aspirations, and they are often seen going to dungeons to fight numerous goblins. Similarly, in Solo Leveling, the hunters keep on going into deadly dungeons to hunt the monsters. Apart from that, both series follow a ranking system for the adventurers/hunters. So, if you love watching Solo Leveling, you should definitely give Goblin Slayer a try. 8. Akashic Records of Bastard Magic Instructor Based on a light novel of the same name, the anime follows Glenn Radars whos unconventional powers are kind of similar to Solo Leveling’s Sung Jinwoo. The story is set in the Alzano Empire, home to the prestigious Alzano Imperial Magic Academy. Sistine Fibel and her best friend Rumia Tingel are thrown off with the sudden retirement of their favorite teacher, only for the eccentric Glenn Radars to replace him. He has lazy lifestyle and is completely indifferent about magic, earning scorn from his students. However, he’s more than meets the eye as he hides a dark past and strange power hidden from others. 7. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Just like in Solo Leveling, this anime also features a world where people raid dungeons and defeat monsters to make a living. Both series start off with incredibly weak protagonists, and then shows their incredible growth over time. As we follows the protagonists’ road to success, the stories only keep getting better. This particular series is set in a world where gods and humans coexist. When Bell Cranel encounters the lonely goddess Hestia, he realizes he’s far closer to his goal than he ever imagined. 6. Death Parade If you crave mysteries, Death Parade is an atmospheric short anime set in the afterlife that offers several. A purgatorial bartender pits people that have died at the same time against each other in to figure out the final destination of their souls. His business becomes complicated when he develops an interest in our ability to feel, as well as an unseen God who works behind-the-scenes. The spiritualism and mythology give the narrative an intriguing edge. 5. Dragon Ball Z The primo shonen anime, and one of the gold standards for massive fights. If Solo Leveling’s flashy battles are the selling point, you’re going to want to check out Goku fighting Frieza on Namek or Gohan running through Perfect Cell in Dragon Ball Z. These matches are fluffier than what you get in the likes of Demon Slayer or My Hero Academia, but they’re absolutely exhilarating. Akira Toriyama knew the components of a memorable set-piece, and his influence endures. 4. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime For something more on the fantasy side, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is an isekai anime about someone who — you guessed it — becomes a slime in an alternate dimension. Rather than trying to get home, the protagonist settles into his life as an amorphis blob, eventually becoming royalty and helping to ward off evil. It’s a charming show, funny, but with a light bit of edge that kicks in when some extra stakes are needed. One for the DnD players. 3. One Punch Man If only life’s problems simply required a single punch to be solved. We’d have a utopia! That’s the fantasy Saitama offers, as a superhero with an unstoppable punch that knocks out everyone with a clean shot. The first two seasons of One Punch Man have provided huge set-pieces and clever superhero satire, and the upcoming third should continue that trend. With a film on the way, you’d be well-served to get on board now. 2. Sword Art Online Sword Art Online focuses on virtual reality worlds created by several companies. In the anime, you explore unique gaming worlds, including a universe that plays around the RPG elements. Similarly, in Solo Leveling, you get a protagonist who has to perform different tasks to level up his skills. Sung Jinwoo has to defeat several monsters to gather powerful resources, including overpowered daggers. So, in that sense, Solo leveling and Sword Art Online play around the same concept, which is inspired by Role Playing Games. 1. Overlord Overlord, like several other anime on this list, is based around a video game genre: MMORPG. The main protagonist of the anime, Ainz, finds himself transported into a game world where all the NPCs have come alive. Ainz now uses his knowledge of the game to rise to power and survive this world. So, you could say that Ainz is a lot like Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling, who also uses an RPG element to level up and become the strongest. If you’d like to keep up with other hits, check out our list of the best anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, and our guides to Sakamoto Days and Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle.

10 anime to watch if you like One Punch Man Crunchyroll/IMDBWith its humor, action sequences and likeable characters, One Punch Man is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that can’t be replicated. But these 10 series get pretty close. If you, like many other anime fans out there, loved One Punch Man, then you’re probably wondering what else is out there that could fill the giant hole Saitama and Genos left behind. One Punch Man is loved by so many because it’s an anime parody of classic shonen (and seinen) tropes. Saitama – our hero, although you already knew that – is overpowered and indestructible. However, the characters around him have numerous comical failings that provide hours of entertainment. As anticipation builds for One Punch Man’s Season 3, slated for 2024, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 anime recommendations. Ranging from eccentric characters to captivating superhero sagas, we think that you’ll love these picks if you loved One Punch Man. 10 anime to watch if you like One Punch Man If you loved the comedic action, terrifying monsters or even the collection of quirky characters in One Punch Man, we have your next anime series binge sorted. Here are our top ten series for fans of the seinen show. 10. Samurai Flamenco Just like One Punch Man, 2013 series Samurai Flamenco revolves around the lives of everyday people who become superheroes. Saitama allegedly gains his super strength with his infamous 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats and a 10K run every single day. But in Samurai Flamenco, main character Masayoshi Hazama becomes a superhero the old fashioned way – by fighting crime in the streets. The plot revolves around a male model, Masayoshi Hazama, who decides he wants to become a superhero. Although he doesn’t have superpowers or immense wealth, he tries to stop criminals anyway, which leads to many hilarious scenarios. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Funimation 9. My Hero Academia With six seasons and 138 episodes, My Hero Academia is an immensely popular shonen action anime about teenage superheroes. My Hero Academia is an obvious choice if you like One Punch Man. Both have a large cast of superheroes with unique abilities. However, where One Punch Man breaks boundaries and turns traditional shonen tropes on their head, My Hero Academia showcases all of them in full animated glory. The show follows a young boy, Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of becoming a superhero, even though he’s born without any powers. However, one day, his life changes when he meets his childhood hero. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll, Funimation and Hulu 8. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. Just like One Punch Man, this lighthearted comedy questions whether being an overpowered superhero is actually worth it. The plot follows Kusou Saiki, a young man who was born with incredible powers, including telepathy and x-ray vision. But while everyone in his universe is in awe of his incredible abilities – just like OPM’s Saitama – Kusou views them as a curse that brings him nothing but trouble. With its simple storyline and a huge variety of jokes, watch as Kusou’s attempts to lead an ordinary life prove harder than he imagined, as his superpowers attract the attention of a variety of hilarious foes. Available to watch on: Netflix and Funimation 7. Jujutsu Kaisen Just like One Punch Man, Jujutsu Kaisen is an immensely popular anime that deals with a main protagonist that’s been thrust into the spotlight due to his immense (if a little unorthodox) abilities. The story follows Yuji Itadori, an ordinary high school student with exceptional athletic abilities. However, his life changes when he crosses paths with Megumi Fushiguro, a Jujutsu Sorcerer who’s searching for a special grade cursed object: Ryomen Sukuna’s finger. After Itadori decides to eat the finger to save his friends, he gains cursed energy himself as Sukuna’s vessel, and joins Jujutsu High as a first year sorcerer. Filled with action, comedy and incredible characters, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-watch for any action fan. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll, Funimation and Netflix 6. Gintama Gintama, or Silder Soul, is another anime series filled with humor and loveable characters. Airing between 2005 and 2021, this popular anime is perfect for anyone who loves One Punch Man. Instead of superheroes, Gintama provides a slice of history with a twist. Taking place in a version of late-Edo Japan where aliens have taken over the world, the story follows the life of former rebel samurai Gintoki Sakata. Once a legendary fighter, Gintoki now takes any work he can find. But he hasn’t forgotten his training or the way of the sword. Just like One Punch Man, this is a hilarious action series that will leave you wanting more with every episode. Although, with nine seasons, it might be a little too long for you to binge watch in one go. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 5. Full Metal Panic! One Punch Man’s most popular element is probably Saitama and Genos’ unorthodox friendship. They’re polar opposites. Genos is a straight-faced cyborg that usually goes in for the overkill. Whereas Saitama may as well be living in a simulation – nothing ever seems to phase him. So if you like One Punch Man for the comical duo, then you’ll love Full Metal Panic. The series revolves around super-serious undercover anti-terrorist agent Sousuke, who’s infiltrated Jindai High School, and hot-headed high school student Kaname Chidori. They’re also an odd pair. However, in this fantastic action series, their dynamic works perfectly to make Full Metal Panic! definitely worth a watch. Available to watch on: ITVX and Crunchyroll 4. Aggretsuko Netflix series Aggretsuko was one of the platform’s early attempts at anime when it debuted in 2018. Now, five seasons and 50+ episodes later, it has a cult following worthy of One Punch Man’s own fanbase. The story follows an adorable red panda called Retsuko who’s struggling with pent up emotions. But instead of lashing out at innocent bystanders, she decides to sing at her favorite karaoke bar instead. While it isn’t an action series, Aggretsuko is an excellent comedy that mirrors Saitama’s own quarter-life Crisis and battle with pent up emotions. So, if you enjoyed One Punch Man for its relatable look at Saitama’s life, then this show is definitely for you. Available to watch on: Netflix 3. Assassination Classroom Just like One Punch Man (and some other entries on this list), Assassination Classroom’s plot revolves around an overpowered protagonist yearning for a challenge. While Saitama and Genos battle mysterious monsters, Koro-sensei decides to train a group of young assassins to kill him before their school year is up, or else he’ll destroy the Earth. This shonen parody series shares the same kind of humor as One Punch Man, and therefore is the perfect show to watch for any fans of the series. Available to watch on: Funimation and Crunchyroll 2. The Devil is A Part-Timer! Comedy is a running theme on this list. And it’s no wonder, because One Punch Man is one of the most hilarious action anime series of all time. Just like One Punch Man, The Devil is a Part-Timer! takes ordinary life experiences and incorporates supernatural elements. The plot revolves around a version of Satan who ends up in Japan without any magic to return to hell, so he’s forced to work part time in a fast food joint. However, unlike most people who’ve ever worked in the fast food industry, he takes his normal human job way too seriously, with some hilarious results. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 1. Mob Psycho 100 The final entry on our list is Mob Psycho 100. Both beloved shows have very similar elements: overpowered protagonists, mind-bending action sequences, and a poignant look at how someone can struggle to fit into their environment. And its no surprise, because Mob Psycho 100’s manga was illustrated by the same person. The plot follows a seemingly average middle school boy called Shigeo Kageyama, nicknamed Mob. However, he has immense psychic abilities. To keep in control of that power, he is forced to live life under an emotional shackle. But, just like as in One Punch Man, things never go quite as planned. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll There you have it, our Top 10 picks for anime series that you might love if you enjoyed One Punch Man. With quirky humor, often overpowered main characters and relatable real life themes, we’re sure that at least one of these titles will capture the same magic that drew you to Saitama and Genos’ world. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

The best anime like Kaiju No 8 CrunchyrollKaiju No 8 has arrived, bringing a horde of huge monsters to Crunchyroll. If you just can’t get enough mega-sized monstrosities, we have some prime picks for you to check out. Kaiju No 8 has scored a sweet spot in the Spring 2024 anime slate, sliding in to grab everyone’s attention before Demon Slayer Season 4 and My Hero Academia Season 7. It’s a relief, because the anime show deserves the time, with a fascinating setup that’s well worth a look. The hero, a wannabe kaiju-killer, becomes the thing he most despises after one of the Kaiju No 8 monsters infects him. Hilarity, and much carnage, ensue. If you’ve been watching and want to keep the kaiju train rolling, we’ve got some perfect viewing options for you. 5. Neon Genesis Evangelion Hideaki Anno’s genre-bending, timeline-mashing franchise is a benchmark for intricate, complex science fiction. You go in thinking it’ll be a straightforward mecha anime, which then involves kaiju, and then stuff starts getting weird and gradually nothing really makes sense any more. Top to bottom, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a masterpiece. Watching from Episode 1 through to Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time is truly a singular experience, giving you several great movies and more than a few top class episodes of television. Hideaki has since moved onto films, making Shin Godzilla, Shin Ultraman, and Shin Kamen Rider. He’s rewriting the book on kaiju, much like he’s rewritten Evangelion. 4. Gamera Rebirth Conceived as a rival to Godzilla, Gamera wound up more of a cult icon compared to the King of the Monsters. Nonetheless, the giant turtle has endured through the decades, and his 2023 reboot on Netflix, Gamera Rebirth, proves he’s still relevant. The eponymous creature becomes our last line of defense against waves of demonic invaders in Tokyo in 1989. Stunningly, the fights aren’t the only reason to watch, as the human storyline actually holds some emotional weight. With ENGI at the helm, Gamera’s best years might still be ahead. 3. Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters Alongside the MonsterVerse and Toho’s continued live-action Godzilla movies, Netflix put out a trilogy of dystopian sci-fi anime movies focusing on the big G. Millenia after monster wars ruined Earth, a group of humans try to take the planet back from Godzilla, who completely dominates the food chain. This then becomes more complicated by the return of King Ghidorah, and the wants and needs of other people who have learned to live with the kaiju. Combined, the films are slow and melancholic, a far cry from what many want out of monster movies, but they offer a worthwhile counterweight to the constant destruction. 2. SSSS.Gridman Flight of the Navigator with kaiju, SSSS.Gridman has a young boy find out he’s crucial to protecting mankind from an alien invasion. He merges with an AI to become a mecha pilot, but his efforts have a time limit as some form of amnesia spreads after every attack. Spritely at 12 episodes, the anime was drowned out by more popular franchises like Jujutsu Kaisen. Don’t let that remain the case if Kaiju No 8 has you hankering for more gigantic monsters. 1. The King Kong Show Here’s some anime history: the first Japanese-made animated series produced specifically for the US wasn’t Godzilla — it was this piece of ‘60s cheese. Cinema’s top gorilla takes center stage as a defender of planet Earth against all sorts of invaders, with some genre-inspired one-off episodes along the way. It’s a silly curio that’s worth checking out for the importance within kaiju mythology more than anything else. The King Kong Show is one of Toei Animation’s earliest projects, and in light of the MonsterVerse, it’s a chapter more people should know about! If that’s not enough for you, check out the best anime on Crunchyroll and our guides to Tower of God Season 2 and Solo Leveling Season 2.

8 best anime coming in January 2024 Crunchyroll2023 is almost over, and anime fans are already searching for what’s coming up in January 2024. Well, here, we have listed eight best anime you should start the New Year with. The anime industry is getting massive day by day, with masterpieces released every year. Before an anime concludes, we’ll often come across the announcement for a new series or perhaps even a sequel. Fall 2023 needed to be better for the anime community as it only came with a few anticipated titles, including Jujutsu Kaisen and Spy X Family Season 2. However, taking a look at the anime releasing in January 2024, we can say that the upcoming year should be a good one for every fan. These are the best anime that caught our attention, and we believe they will grab yours, too. 1. Classroom of the Elite Season 3 The psychological thriller anime Classroom of the Elite is finally making a comeback with a third season, and fans are curious to see what the anticipated new season has in store. After the first season, the anime community couldn’t stop talking about its mind-bending twists, as well as the complexities of the characters. Classroom of the Elite Season 3 will get the First Year Arc wrapped up. We will also see the students going through a special test: a mixed training camp, which will make them work collaboratively with friends and rivals from different sections. On top of everything, there are high possibilities that the much-awaited anime season uncovers the true objective of the smartest of all, Ayanokouji. Release date: January 3, 2024 2. Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki Season 2 Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki Season 1 was released in 2021, but it didn’t get the praise it deserved because some other popular titles, including Horimiya, overshadowed it. So, the second season’s renewal was a surprise for the fandom. For those who are new to the world of Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki, the story revolves around a fantastic gamer named Tomozaki Fumiya. He is a pro gamer, but when it comes to real life, he barely knows anything. Tomozaki seeks help from one of his classmates, Aoi Hinami, to bring his life on track. Release date: January 3, 2024 3. Sasaki and Peeps Sasaki and Peeps is an upcoming anime that can satisfy the hunger of every enthusiast who always looks for some magic elements in the stories. Sasaki and Peeps follow a middle-aged corporate slave, Sasaki, who desperately looks for a new companion after getting tired of his usual life. So, one day, he brings a bird named Peeps from a pet shop. Things start getting exciting when he realizes it’s not just an ordinary bird but a magical Sage belonging to a different world. Release date: January 5, 2024 4. Solo Leveling Adapted from a popular Manhwa of the same name, Solo Leveling has been animated by A-1 Pictures, the same studio behind Sword Art Online and Black Butler. The anime was initially scheduled for a 2023 release, but sadly, it got delayed. Now, when it is finally approaching its official release, it would be safe to assume that it will be one of the biggest anime of 2024. Solo Leveling takes place in a world that is invaded by deadly monsters, but hunters do everything to free humankind from these creatures. Our main protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, is not an overpowered hunter – he is the weakest of all. However, one day, he receives abilities to enhance his strength from a mysterious program called System, and he must use them to fight every monster he finds. Release date: January 6, 2024 5. One Piece (Egghead Island Arc) The One Piece anime bid goodbye to the Wano Arc a few days back, and now, the series is all set to head towards the next part of his story: the Egghead Island Arc. Along with the Straw Hat Pirates and some other characters from the previous arcs, such as Blackbeard, Monkey D. Garp, and more, we will get to see the scientist Vegapunk in a significant role. The exciting arc’s anime debut was already a topic of discussion among the community. However, eventually, the posters and teaser trailer that revealed the vibrant new outfits of the characters became the show stealer. Release date: January 7, 2024 6. TSUKIMICHI: Moonlit Fantasy Season 2 TSUKIMICHI: Moonlight Fantasy is an Isekai anime that’s returning with a new season in January 2024, and we hope it gets enough attention from fans. Makoto has enough powers to face the most vigorous opponents; he is strong enough to defeat demons like Sofia Bulga and Mitsurugi. After realizing his potency, the goddess starts seeing him as a rival. On the other hand, Makoto looks forward to connecting with others of his kind to build an alliance. Release date: January 8, 2024 7. Metallic Rouge Here’s another original anime series on the list produced by one of the most popular animation studios, Bones, that has given us shows like Bungo Dogs, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Soul Eater. Metallic Rouge is set in a world that sees the coexistence of androids called Nenes in the human world. One day, a sinister group of Immortal beings rises to invade human society. However, these beasts have to face an android named Metal Rouge or Rouge Redstar and an investigator named Naomi Orthmann to cause any destruction to humanity. Release date: January 10, 2024 8. BUCCHIGIRI?! BUCCHIGIRI?! is a new anime series produced by MAPPA, the powerhouse anime that blessed the community with Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, and many more fantastic animated shows/films. It is an original anime that revolves around Arajin Tomoshibi, who goes to reunite with his former mate Matakara Asamine, but the reunion ends up with a duel between them and some bad guys. Before they can move on with their everyday life, some magical creatures drop in, marking the beginning of an intense showdown. Release date: January 13, 2024 All the above anime shows can be watched on Crunchyroll. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Top 5 anime-inspired Hollywood movies IMDB/The Walt Disney CompanyIt’s no secret that Hollywood has drawn on Japanese anime for inspiration. But did you know just how many hit movies aren’t fully original? Anime is now a cultural phenomenon, transcending borders and captivating viewers across the world. From Pokémon to Attack on Titan, it has a wide range of genres, and therefore has something to appeal to everyone. Anime is relatively new for a Western audience. Three Tales was the first anime film to be broadcast in the United States in 1960, followed by Instant History (1961-63) and Astro Boy (1963-66). However, over the past few decades it has had a profound impact on Hollywood culture. So, here are five of the biggest Hollywood titles that were inspired by popular anime series. Top 5 anime inspired Hollywood blockbusters From Disney classics to an Academy Award winner, did you know the secret source material behind these five movies? 1. The Lion King and Kimba, the White Lion Ask anyone at Disney and they’ll likely say they’ve never heard of Osamu Tezuka’s Kimba, the White Lion, let alone watched it. But that doesn’t change how startling similar Disney’s 1994 Lion King looks to the 1966 Kimba, the White Lion – even The Simpsons pointed it out. The similarities don’t stop with the names Kimba and Simba. Plagiarism allegations have followed Disney’s hit film since it was first released. Just like The Lion King, Kimba, the White Lion follows the journey of a young lion cub to becoming King of the Jungle. But it’s the animation that draws the most comparisons, with well-known scenes including Mufasa sitting on Pride Rock and his ghost appearing to Simba later in the movie having an almost uncanny resemblance to the earlier anime. Kimba, the White Lion is available to watch on: Funimation. 2. Black Swan and Perfect Blue The parallels between Darren Aronofsky’s 2010 Academy Award-winning film Black Swan and Satoshi Kon’s 1997 Perfect Blue aren’t as obvious as those drawn between The Lion King and Kimba, the White Lion. However, there are enough similarities to make fans question whether they’re more than a coincidence. Both films are psychological thrillers, that feature a female protagonist that struggles with the pressure of her job (Black Swan’s Nina is a ballerina and Perfect Blue’s Mima is an idol). Essentially, both films feature a psychological battle that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. But it’s not just that. Despite some plausible deniability regarding the storyline, fans can’t overlook the fact that Aronofsky holds the American remake rights for the anime. Furthermore, keen observers have noticed that several scenes in Black Swan bear a striking resemblance to those in Perfect Blue, despite Aronofsky’s denial of any influence from the anime. Perfect Blue is available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video 3. Pacific Rim and Neon Genesis Evangelion In the 1990s, Hideaki Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion helped anime recover from a huge industry slump. More than 30 years later, it’s been winning awards and inspiring art ever since. So, Pacific Rim and Neon Genesis Evangelion are both sci-fi classics about machines fighting monsters. But the plot comparisons don’t stop there. The premises behind the two films are incredibly similar, both revolve around military coalitions that have banded together to create giant robots to battle aliens. It’s possibly a little unfair to say that Pacific Rim was directly inspired by Neon Genesis Evangelion. However, the influences are clear enough in Del Toro’s blockbuster that you can play a mecca anime cut and paste until you eventually get Pacific Rim. Neon Genesis Evangelion is available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Netflix 2. Inception and Paprika Unlike the other entries on this list, Christopher Nolan is pretty upfront about his anime inspiration behind the 2010 film Inception – Satoshi Kon’s 2006 film Paprika. Both films revolve around dream manipulation technology, with organizations invading people’s dreams to influence their minds. However, the films are so similar that fans have taken to Twitter, Reddit, Tumblr (and pretty much every other online platform you can imagine) to compare and contrast them. Why? Because many fans feel like the lines were crossed between inspiration and plagiarism. Paprika is available to watch on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV 1. The Matrix and Ghost in the Shell It’s no surprise to any anime fan that the 1999 hit film The Matrix was inspired by the classic 1995 anime, Ghost in the Shell. While the stories are very different, both films have similar cyberpunk themes and major visuals similarities. One could say that the Matrix is pretty much like a homage to its predecessor and filled with references that you can’t miss, including exploding watermelons, a green color grading and an infamous scene of a woman falling from a great height through the city. In fact, these two films are so similar that fans have created many websites, podcasts and even side-by-side comparison videos to discuss just how many creative liberties the Wachowskis took. Ghost in the Shell is available to watch on: Amazon Prime Video and Funimation One of the most amazing things about the creative industry is how works of art can inspire other works of art, and this goes both ways. Hollywood takes cues from anime, as seen in series like Avatar: The Last Airbender, while anime draws inspiration from the West, as seen in works like Little Witch Academia compared to The Worst Witch series. This demonstrates the borderless nature of creative media that provides fans with endless hours of entertainment (and, in this case, discussion). How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. While you’re here, why not check out some of our other anime coverage here? 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Top 10 best anime inspired by Japanese mythology Crunchyroll/Studio GhibliWith Spirited Away holding the title of the most popular anime of all time, and Netflix’s recent step into folklore with Akuma-kun, here are our top 10 anime inspired by Japanese mythology. Anime has many sources, including light novels and even Hollywood films. But, of course, since anime comes from Japan, the country’s folklore and mythology have always been a consistent spring of inspiration. From demons and gods to urban legends (Toilet Bound Hanako Kun, anyone?), many of the most popular anime are derived from well-known stories. So, let’s take a look at the top 10 best anime based on Japanese mythology and folklore. You might be surprised, but you won’t be disappointed. Top 10 anime inspired by Japanese mythology From Shinto religion to retellings of historical events, here are our 10 of our favorite anime inspire by Japanese mythology. 10. The Boy and the Beast The Boy and the Beast, a fantasy film from 2015, is one of Japan’s most internationally successful anime movies. From award-winning director Mamoru Hosoda, the film is set in a world where there’s two distinct realms, one for humans and one for bakemonos – a bakemono is a type of yokai that features in Japanese folklore, similar to phantoms or ghosts. The story follows a young orphan boy called Kyuta who stumbles into the fantastical world of beasts, where he is taken under a lonely bakemono called Kumatetsu’s wing. The two slowly form a bond as father and son. But when a deep darkness threatens to throw the balance of their universe into chaos, this makeshift family is put to a test that it may not survive. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Apple TV+ 9. Inuyasha “We’re not in Tokyo anymore” Get ready for an adventure, because Inuyasha could take the crown as one of the best historical fantasy anime series ever made. Based on Rumiko Takahashi’s best-selling late 90s-early 00s manga, Inuyasha is set in (of course) feudal Japan. The series follows a time-traveling high school girl from Tokyo, and a half-demon, half-human called Inuyasha who raids a human village to steal the Sacred Jewel of Four Souls. At the start of the series, the girl, Kagome Higurashi, is transported to Japan’s Sengoku period after falling into a sacred well in her family shrine, where she meets Inuyasha. We watch as they work to recover the fragments of the jewel scattered across Japan to restore its power before it falls into the hands of evil half-demon Naraku. Available to watch on: Netflix and Hulu 8. To the Forest of Firefly Lights Based on Yuki Midorikawa’s award-winning manga of the same name, this short film follows the unlikely friendship between a human girl and a not-quite-human boy. With beautiful animation and elements from Shinto traditions, the film narrates the story of a six-year-old girl named Hotaru, who becomes lost in a forest filled with creatures from Japanese folklore. Here she meets a human-like boy called Gin, who is unable to touch a human, or else he’ll disappear forever. Over the years she continues to visit Gin throughout the summer holidays and a budding romance ensues. However, he is still restricted by his one limitation: he can’t touch a human. Can their love last? Available to watch on: Prime Video 7. Noragami Noragami is a fun anime series which aired from 2014-2015. Based on the manga by Adachitoka and produced by Studio Bones, it follows the story of a once normal middle school student called Hiyori Iki whose soul slips out of her body after she protects a stranger from a bus accident. However, this stranger isn’t a normal person. So who is he? He’s minor deity named Yato, a self-proclaimed “Delivery God” who dreams of having millions of worshippers, still doesn’t have a single shrine in his name. After Hiyori saves Yato, they reluctantly team up and finally the minor deity’s luck begins to turn around. Available to watch on: Prime Video and Apple TV+ 6. Death Note As arguably one of the most internationally successful anime series of all time, Death Note needs no introduction. Although, we’ll give it one anyway. Based on Tsugumi Ohba’s 2003-2006 manga of the same name, Death Note features Death Gods and mystery from Japanese folklore. The story revolves around a relatively normal, but highly intelligent student called Light Yagami who discovers a strange notebook lying discarded on the ground. But this is no ordinary notebook. Known as the Death Note, it belongs to the bored shinigami Ryuk, and has the power to determine when and how someone will die. Intoxicated with his new godlike power, Light begins to exterminate the world of people he thinks don’t deserve to live. Until a mysterious detective called L enters to but a stop to his tyranny, beginning the legendary cat-and-mouse game that launched Death Note to international acclaim. Available to watch on: Prime Video and Crunchyroll 5. Mushi-Shi This long-running anime series is yet another supernatural fantasy that has its origins in Japanese mythology. The plot follows Ginko, an expert on all things supernatural, who is traveling around Japan to investigate a primeval life-form known as the Mushi. The series is an episodic anthology with no overarching plot. However, that adds to its charm as you’re able to watch the episodes in pretty much any order that you want. So, are you ready to catch some Mushi? Available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Prime Video 4. Naruto Onto one of the most well-known series on this list: Naruto. Although you might not know it, this beloved franchise has multiple characters inspired by Japanese Folklore, including the Toads of Mount Myoboku (from The Edo Period’s Oghma Stories), Fujin and Raijin (Kishimoto’s legendary stupid brothers), and the otherworldly Kaguya Otsutsuki (the tale of the bamboo cutter). If you haven’t heard of Naruto or would like a quick plot refresher, the story follows a young ninja called Naruto Uzumaki who dreams of becoming the Hokage (leader) of his village. Over many, many episodes, you can watch as he battles many foes and grows into the legendary ninja that we know and love today. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll 3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Onto yet another popular series, Demon Slayer took the world by storm when it first debuted back in 2019. Of course, it includes plenty of demons, but did you know just how much the series draws inspiration from the Shinto religion, Japanese mythology, and folklore? First, let’s quickly summarize the plot. The story follows a young man named Kamado Tanjiro, who experiences the slaughter of much of his family by a demon and the transformation of his sister Nezuko into one. On his quest to avenge his family and cure his sister, he trains to become a Demon Hunter and encounters multiple creatures connected with Japanese mythology. These creatures include, Nuraruhyon who is a well-known and powerful yokai in Japanese folklore, Muzan Kibutsuji who was the first human to become a demon, and the tongue demon Akaname. Available to watch on: Netflix 2. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories The 2013 horror series, Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories, draws inspiration, at least partially, from Japanese folklore and mythology. The plot is simple: every week, at 5pm, a mysterious old man in a yellow kamishibaiya mask shows up at a playground and tells them stories based on Japanese myths and urban legends. A decade later, the series is still going strong (and it’s no wonder, considering just how expansive Japanese folklore really is). So, what are you waiting for? Check it out today and learn more about the history and culture that inspired so many beloved anime series. Available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Prime Video 1. Spirited Away The final entry on our list is the most popular Japanese anime of all time. That’s right! It’s Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Internationally renowned filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki draws upon Japanese legends and mythology to create this popular film, including Shinto and Buddhism. The film follows 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents after they stumble into an abandoned amusement park, that’s actually a gateway into the spirit world. After her parents are turned into giant pigs (symbolizing their own greed), Chihiro discovers that she must work at the amusement park to earn her and her parents freedom. Available to watch on: Netflix (UK) and Disney+ How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage below here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

10 best anime inspired by American franchises IMDbSomething beautiful often comes when Japanese artistry mixes with Western culture. Here, we have listed the 10 best anime that are inspired by some renowned American franchises. Gone are the days when anime was compared to cartoons. Over time, several series like Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Attack on Titan have taken the industry to great heights. With each passing day, we keep on getting new anime shows/films, be they original ones or adaptations of popular graphic novels. The Japanese industry has also been influenced by the West to a great extent, so there are a few anime that take inspiration from popular American media franchises. This post discusses anime series based on the superhero universes of DC, Marvel, and the American cartoons that made our childhood remarkable. 1. Ultraviolet: Code 004 Ultraviolet: Code 004 is a Japanese reimagination of the American sci-fi film Ultraviolet, released in 2006. Due to a failed project in an illegal laboratory in the US, half of the population contracts a vampire-like disease. People start behaving like blood-sucking creatures as their DNA gets infected by the deadly virus. While the anime plays around the same concept, it chooses a different path. In the live-action version, Violet, a super soldier, is chosen to beat the crap out of every ‘hemophage’. However, the anime features 044, who becomes the strongest female warrior of humanity when her DNA is altered with the hemophageous virus. 2. Supernatural: The Animation Who isn’t familiar with the American supernatural series featuring two brothers, Dean and Sam, fighting the horrors that haunt humanity? From werewolves to vampires, the brothers deal with everything. Warner Bros. Japan announced the anime adaptation of the popular series in 2010, and it finally arrived on the screens in 2011. Supernatural: The Animation has one season of 22 episodes that cover the first two seasons of the live-action and several original elements. Unlike the source material, the anime version sheds some light on the childhood of the main protagonist while also focusing on the supporting characters. Interestingly, the English dubbed version sees Sam getting voiced by the one who played him originally, i.e., Jared Padalecki. On the other hand, Jensen Ackles voices Dean in the last two episodes of the English dub. 3. Powerpuff Girls Z Originally produced by Cartoon Network Studios, the American television show was adapted into an anime to celebrate the critically acclaimed Toei Animation’s 50th anniversary. The anime version of the series titled Powerpuff Girls Z was produced collaboratively by Toei, Aniplex, and Tokyo TV. The anime is not an exact copy of the American cartoon. The Japanese version’s narrative sees Professor Utonium and his son creating Chemical Z accidentally out of Chemical X. While protecting the city from a disaster, Ken uses the chemical, and that’s when the three ordinary girls, Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles, become the superheroines known as the Powerpuff girls. 4. Batman: Gotham Knight Batman: Gotham Knight is a collection of six standalone films that takes inspiration from DC Comics’ highest-grossing franchise, Batman. The intriguing set of films involves various prestigious animation studios, including Madhouse, Production I.G, and Bee Train. The narrative revolves around four friends who share their perspectives on Batman. Even though the anime is based on the events between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, the producers revealed that the films are not necessarily replicas of the source material. 5. Ben 10: Kakusei Here’s another anime that’s based on an American Cartoon Network television show. If you are a fan of Solo Leveling anime and Sword Art Online, you must watch Ben 10: Kakusei, as it has been co-produced by A-1 Pictures. Ben 10 is one of the most popular and longest-running American media franchises that has blessed the community with four films and four series. The story follows a boy named Ben, who mysteriously transforms into an alien after wearing a high-tech watch, Omnitrix. However, he doesn’t misuse the newly found powers; instead, he uses them to fight against the alien threats on humankind. In this battle, he is accompanied by his grandfather and cousin, Gwen. 6. Marvel Anime Marvel Anime is the Japanese reimagination of our beloved heroes, Iron-Man, Blade, Wolverine, and X-Men. It is a set of four series consisting of 12 episodes that were produced by Sony Pictures Japan and Madhouse. The Marvel universe has entertained the global fanbase for decades, so the former president of Madhouse decided to reimagine these superheroes specifically for Japanese viewers. The series gives an equal share of importance to each hero. However, Wolverine gets more screen time, as besides appearing in his standalone episodes, he is also seen in guest appearances in the episodes featuring Blade and Iron Man in the lead roles. 7. Rick and Morty: The Anime Rick and Morty: The Anime, based on Adult Swim’s American sitcom television series, is expected to release sometime in 2024. The Emmy Award winner series follows a mad scientist named Rick and his grandson Morty, who go on interesting yet challenging adventures together. Despite getting the inspiration from Adult Swim’s most popular series, Rick and Morty: The Anime will consist of five original episodes featuring new stories that aren’t heard or seen before. Adding to the curiosity, the voice actors who worked on the original series’ Japanese version will reprise their roles in the upcoming project. 8. Witchblade Unlike the other entries on the list, Witchblade does not follow in the footsteps of any Western show/film. In fact, it is an anime adaptation of the American comic book of the same name. The 24-episodic series revolves around a helpless woman named Masane who lost all her memories after getting stuck in a disaster. All she remembers is a baby that was found near her in the accident. She lives a peaceful life with her daughter without knowing that she has a powerful bracelet called Witchblade. The accessory on her wrist brings her on the government’s radar and a group of influential personnel. 9. Mutant Turtles: Superman Legend Ninja Turtles have been around to entertain audiences worldwide for years. However, not many would be familiar with a two-episodic Japanese OVA based on the franchise that was released in 1996. The anime was brought into existence to promote a line of toys. In 1995, a manga based on super turtles was published, and the OVA was based on it. However, the OVA also came with its share of standalone stories compressed into two impeccable episodes. 10. Highlander: The Search for Vengeance Based on the popular Highlander franchise, the spin-off series came to every fan’s attention because of its dark tone. Similar to the majority of anime on this list, Highlander: The Search of Vengeance also sees the involvement of the powerhouse animation studio, Madhouse. The plot revolves around an immortal being, Colin, who comes back to life to avenge the death of his beloved wife by another powerful immortal, Marcus Octavius.

Top 5 best anime for kids to watch The Pokemon Company/TohoThe vibrant and diverse anime universe has something that appeals to everyone, including kids – so, these are the top five shows and movies they should watch. Navigating this vast world to find the perfect series for your kids to watch can be overwhelming. But don’t worry! Whether they’re a wide-eyed adventurer or moody teen, there’s an anime out there for any age. To simplify your search, we’ve handpicked a list of the top five anime for kids that promise to be a perfect mix of entertainment, humor, and valuable life lessons. These carefully curated selections are also perfect for family viewing, ensuring that everyone – from the youngest to oldest – can join in on the fun. Top 5 anime for kids to watch Get ready to be transported to another, much-more colorful world for hours of fun with these five picks. 1. Pokémon Our list kicks off with a timeless classic that almost everyone has heard of. Based on the best-selling video games, the beloved Pokémon franchise has been enjoyed for generations. And for good reason. The series follows Ash Ketchum, a young trainer of magical creatures known as Pokémon, and his adorable companion Pikachu. Watch your kids grow with them as Ash embarks on a journey like no other. Throughout the series he travels through the vast Pokémon universe in his quest to become a Pokémon master, make new friends, and face new challenges in every episode. Filled with adventure, action and comedy, Pokémon is a fantastic starting point for young children that are just starting out with anime (and parents that want an air of nostalgia). Plus, with card games, video games and even a live-action movie, the fun never has to stop with this beloved series. Age range: 5+ Where to watch: Pokémon TV 2. Doraemon Doraemon is another beloved classic that children have enjoyed for generations. Meet Nobita Nobi, a kind-hearted but lazy and academically challenged schoolboy. His life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Doraemon, an earless cat-like time-traveling robot from the 22nd century, sent by his grandson to help him lead a better life. If your kid loves time travel, pets, and wholesome family adventures, then this is the anime for them. With episodes that often blend comedy with moral lessons, prompting children to learn values such as integrity and courage, parents can relax while their kids enjoy this entertaining and educational series. Age range: 7+ Where to watch: The Doraemon movies are available on Netflix, with additional TV episodes available on Disney Plus 3. Ponyo Next on our list is Ponyo, the perfect introduction to the Studio Ghibli world for kids (and adults) to enjoy. Studio Ghibli is known for its visually stunning animations and heart-pulling emotional scores, and Ponyo is no exception. The story follows a goldfish princess named Ponyo who longs to become a human after befriending a boy named Sosuke. But don’t worry, this is where The Little Mermaid comparisons end. Watch as her determination to live on the surface sets off a series of magical adventures and challenges that endanger Sosuke’s village and change her world forever. This vibrant animation is a real treat for the eyes. Plus, with its memorable characters, Ponyo provides a heart-warming experience for all ages. Age range: 5+ Where to watch: Ponyo is available for a UK viewers on Netflix and for US viewers on Amazon Prime Video 4. Little Witch Academia This series, which first began airing in 2017, is one of the newer entries to our list. But if you or your children enjoy magical adventures, then look no further, because Little Witch Academia is the series for you. It started life as an anime series adaptation of the 2013 film of the same name. But it’s now so much more than that. Set at the prestigious Luna Nova Magical Academy (a school for young girls training to become witches) follow Akko Kagari on her adventures as she strives to overcome her non-magical background and become a witch with the help of a powerful relic. Reminiscent of beloved childhood classics like The Worst Witch, it offers a charming blend of fantasy and friendship that your little one will love. Age range: 7+ Where to watch: Netflix 5. Spirited Away The final entry on our list (and needing no introduction) is the award-winning fantasy film from Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away – which can be enjoyed on Netflix. Without too many spoilers, it follows the story of Chihiro Ogino, a ten-year-old girl who enters the world of kami – which are a type of spirit in Japanese Shinto folklore. Experience this emotional rollercoaster as she’s forced to work in a bathhouse to save her parents and return to the human world. Often regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. Spirited Away combines its captivating storyline with breathtaking animation and a memorable score to create a film that will stay with you forever. Although, while it is suitable for both adults and children, it’s important to be aware that it contains mild suspense and horror which could prove too intense for younger age groups. Age range: 10+ Where to watch: Available on Netflix for UK viewers and Amazon Prime Video for the US How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

8 best anime for beginners Netflix and CrunchyrollNumerous anime shows and movies hit the screens annually, but for beginners seeking guidance on where to start, we’ve got you covered. This list features some of the best anime series, tailored perfectly for those new to the anime world. Be it action, horror, supernatural, or romance, the anime industry has it all. In fact, there is no denying that the world-building in anime is better than the live-action. That’s one of many reasons why anime has gotten so popular outside of Japan. From top-notch animation to an intriguing storyline, the below titles feature everything. In fact, some of the anime shows that we have picked up will make you acquainted with incredibly talented animators and mangakas from Japan. So, without any further ado, let’s discuss some legendary anime series that’ll help you step into the massive industry. 1. Death Note A beginner list for anime is incomplete if it doesn’t involve Death Note. The anime serves as a starter series for millions of enthusiasts as it changes the perception of all those who believe that Japanese anime shows/films and cartoons are the same thing. It makes us see how dark an animated series can be. Death Note is considered one of the best thriller anime series to date, as it comes with several spine-tingling twists and brutal murder sequences. Not only this, we also get introduced to one of the badass main protagonists, who in no manner is a hero; in fact, he is the story’s main villain. The 37-episode series gives you every reason to be excited from the first episode. Interestingly, the Death Note manga also received a live-action film, but it couldn’t live up to the expectations of fans who had already watched the anime version. 2. Naruto Naruto can be the perfect anime to start with because it follows an old-school theme. Even though it has 220 episodes, once you connect to the characters, there is no looking back. The series brings some of the most lovable characters in anime. Of course, you’ll love the good guys, but it can make you fall in love even with the antagonists. Besides that, you will get the chance to witness some of the most incredible world-building in an animated series. The plot follows a kid named Naruto who aims to become the Hokage of his village. The series is divided into two parts, and as it tells the story of the boy’s struggle to achieve his biggest dream, you must have the patience to truly get hooked on it. 3. Mob Psycho 100 Mob Psycho 100 is famous among fans who love everything horror. However, this series not only comes with supernatural elements but also makes you laugh with superb comedy. The anime revolves around Mob, who has some great psychic powers that he needs to control. However, he can’t avoid getting into trouble because of those abilities. One day, he decides to work under a con man (a spirit medium) as his assistant to live an everyday life. Mob Psycho 100 is a series that always holds your interest. Besides that, fantastic character development puts emotional depth into the story. 4. Spy X Family Spy X Family is a perfect anime show for newcomers. Despite being an action-themed anime, it gives us several chances to giggle during adorable family moments, as well as being awestruck. It revolves around a fake family that involves Loid (a detective), Yor (an assassin), and Anya (the cutest telepath). The trio not only hides their identities from the public, but they also hide their true selves from each other. Together, they are seen overcoming deadly challenges. Season 1 of Spy X Family aired in 2022, and due to the incredible animation by WIT Studio, the series didn’t take much time to become a fan-favorite show. That’s one of the primary reasons it got renewed for a second season, which is currently ongoing. 5. Demon Slayer Demon Slayer is one of the most colorful and action-packed anime. Also, it is one of the best-suited anime series for beginners. The premise follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family gets slaughtered by a demon one day while he is out for work. After returning home, he encounters the corpses of his loved ones and witnesses one of his sisters, Nezuko, getting transformed into a demon. He then decides to kill every demon by joining the Demon Slayer Corps organization. The series comes with a spectacular animation and several heartwarming backstories of the characters. So, if you are planning to watch Demon Slayer, be ready to shed some tears. 6. Hunter X Hunter Hunter X Hunter comes from the genius author who blessed the anime community with Yu Yu Hakusho. The series brings a straightforward narrative from the beginning, making it worth watching for every beginner. From the start, the story features a protagonist with a singular aim, and to achieve that, he embarks on a dangerous journey. On his way, he comes across several allies and enemies. Unlike other anime projects, HxH does not rush things. Instead, it gives the audience the time to adjust and get hold of the premise. Moreover, the story has several twists, but as the series follows a stable pace, it will definitely be manageable for you. 7. Dragon Ball Dragon Ball is the series that has popularized the anime category; people who are unaware of the anime industry are still familiar with the franchise. Those born in the ’90s have grown up watching the powerhouse anime. So, if this isn’t the perfect starter for a newcomer, what else could be? Since the day Dragon Ball manga was released, it has become popular amongst youngsters, especially the ones in the West. The power level of the character, the old-school animation, the funny elements, everything stole the hearts of the fanbase. Moreover, the series has left an enormous impact on the writers and directors. On top of everything, several people still get into fitness after seeing the physique of the main protagonist, Goku. 8. One-Punch Man If you are an avid watcher who loves action and comedy, One-Punch Man is waiting for you. This series will introduce you to someone who wasn’t born with superpowers but has unknowingly become the strongest being in the universe. One-Punch Man sees Saitama in the lead role, whose single punch is enough to defeat most enemies. He had to go through a lot of training to reach this level – and putting everything aside, it’s worth mentioning that he lost his hair during the period. For now, the anime has two seasons, but it has already been renewed for Season 3, and we can expect it to be released sometime in 2024. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen. And thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription. There’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out a few of our other lists below and our other anime coverage here:

10 best anime of Fall 2023 ranked Crunchyroll/NetflixAs Fall 2023 is nearing its end, here’s a look at the 10 best anime series of the season. The final quarter of 2023 introduced several incredible anime, some even ranking significantly high on the charts. Now that the season is almost near its end, it’s time for the Winter 2024 anime season to bring forward some of the most highly anticipated anime series of the next year’s first quarter. Overall, 2023 was a marvelous year for anime fans, and the Fall lineup didn’t disappoint at all. As usual, the last season features a few dozen series covering a wide range of genres and demographics. Whether they’re sequels or new additions to the anime world, most of them caught fans’ attention. Here’s a look at the 10 best anime of Fall 2023. 10. My New Boss Is Goofy This slice-of-life office anime series follows Kentarou Momose who changes his job due to his boss’ harassment. Naturally, he feared he would face the same problems with his new job. Unexpectedly, his new boss Yuusei Shirosaki happens to be a goofy, sweet, and clumsy person. The animation is surely not the best out there, but the story is enough to make up for it. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 9. Ragna Crimson This Shonen fantasy is set in a world where dragons rule the sky, sea, and land. Those who would fight them and win must be stronger than normal humans. The story follows dragon hunter Ragna, who joins forces with the mysterious Crimson in order to win against those dragons. The two completely different beings share the goal of destroying the dragon monarchs. Where to watch: Amazon Prime 8. Dr. Stone: New World Part 2 Fall 2023 anime season also introduced the new season of Dr. Stone. Senkuu and the Kingdom of Science are closer than ever to find the truth behind the petrification. However, they face several dangers ahead, keeping them from discovering the technology that destroyed modern civilization over 3000 years ago. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 7. The Eminence in Shadow Season 2 The Eminence in Shadow is a popular isekai and fantasy anime series that debuted in 2022. As the hour of awakening draws near, Cid and the Shadow Garden investigate the Lawless City where the red moon hangs low in the sky. Three powerful monarchs rule the streets, but Cid’s real challenge is the Blood Queen. She’s a vampire who has been in slumber for ages, but she’s about to be awakened. Where to watch: HIDIVE 6. Shangri-La Frontier Based on the award winning Shonen manga, Shangri-La Frontier made its anime debut in Fall 2023. Set in a near future, the story centers around a world where VR games have become common. Rakurou Hizutome, a second year high school student only wants to find trash games. He discovers a new VR game, Shangri-La Frontier, and skips the prologue to jump straight into the game. However, Rakurou soon faces his biggest challenge as he struggles to discover all the secrets the game hides. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 5. The Apothecary Diaries The Apothecary Diaries is set in ancient China, but the story is far from regular historical dramas. It follows Maomao, an eccentric 17-year-old girl who is kidnapped and forced to work as a servant in the Imperial Palace. Instead of resigning to her fate, Maomao secretly starts working as a pharmacist and catches the eye of Jinshi, an influential eunuch who recognizes her talents. Where to watch: Crunchyroll & Netflix 4. Spy x Family Season 2 Spy X Family has long captured the viewers’ hearts with its intriguing plot and adorable family dynamic. Season 2 follows the Forger family as the continue to keep their identities hidden while working hard to maintain the peace between Westalis and Ostania. The season emphasizes Yor’s conviction toward her shady job as an assassin. Where to watch: Crunchyroll & Netflix 3. Pluto Pluto is a Netflix series based on the spin-off by Naoki Urasawa to pay homage to Osamu Tezuka’s popular series Astro Boy. This Seinen series is a dark adaptation of Atom’s “The Greatest Robot on Earth” story arc. The story follows robotic Europol detective Gesicht, who is sent to investigate the tragic death of the legendary Swiss robot Montblanc. Where to watch: Netflix 2. Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 3 Episode 2 Attack on Titan’s finale was the most highly-anticipated anime of 2023. The episode crashed Crunchyroll servers and fans couldn’t stop talking about it for weeks. Featuring several changes from the manga and anime-only scenes, the finale was well-received across the globe. Where to watch: Crunchyroll 1. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is an enchanting tale that has claimed first rank in Top Anime chart of MyAnimeList with a rating of 9.13. The story begins with the ending of an epic journey. Four members of the victorious hero party return home after traveling together for ten years. As time passes, Frieren’s companions reach the end of their lifespans, while time stands still for the immortal elven mage. However, with the help of her old companions, Frieren finds an apprentice and embarks on a new journey to face her past regrets. Where to watch: Crunchyroll How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

10 best anime experiences around the world Sanrio/Studio Ghibli/Wit Studio/The Pokemon CompanyIt’s every Otaku’s dream to get lost in a world filled with anime and manga. So from Paris to Tokyo, here are the best anime experiences for globe-trotting anime fans. Anime is a global phenomenon, with Tokyo as the Mecca of Otaku culture. So, it’s no wonder that there are plenty of experiences for you to get your anime and manga fix around the world. Whether you’re an anime superfan or someone with a passing interest, there are a variety of experiences out there for you to enjoy, including cute cafes and even anime theme parks. Just like the world of anime, the attractions out there are as colorful as they are varied. So, lets take a look at the ten best anime experiences around the world. 10 best anime experiences around the world Over the past few decades, anime and manga have cemented their place in global pop culture. Although it’s only been in recent years that it’s really taken off as a mainstream interest, many anime-themed attractions have popped up around the world. So, let’s take a look at ten of the best ones. 1. The Studio Ghibli Museum It’s time to embrace your inner child at Tokyo’s Studio Ghibli Museum. Dedicated to all your favorite classics like Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, this multi-story museum contains everything a Studio Ghibli fan’s heart desires. Here, you can delve into the mechanics of the anime world and immerse yourself into the artistry of all of Hayao Miyazaki’s works for a once-in-a-lifetime anime experience. Location: Tokyo, Japan 2. Hello Kitty Grand Café Are you looking for something that’s a little more kawaii? Then look no further, because Sanrio’s Hello Kitty Cafe is an experience you don’t want to miss. Sanrio’s Hello Kitty cafes have cropped up around the world, including two locations in Las Vegas and a new branch in Brighton, England. However, California’s Hello Kitty Grand Café one of the most well-known versions in the world. Offering a super-cute menu with cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats, along with a side of Hello Kitty merchandise, this experience is an Instagram-perfect experience for any fans of the Hello Kitty franchise. Location: Irvine, California (Although, there could be a pop-up version closer to you) 3. Soupa Saiyan Do you know what’s better than Asian-fusion cuisine? A Dragon Ball Z-themed noodle bar, of course. Florida is known for producing the weird and wonderful, including its Dragon Ball Z-themed Soupa Saiyan restaurant. The restaurant offers DBZ-inspired dishes, like their Vegeta Rian Bowl, that customers can tuck into while surrounded by life-sized statues, from games, and even figurines. So, if you love Dragon Ball and noodles (let’s be honest, who here doesn’t?), then this is the perfect pit stop for you. Location: Orlando, Florida 4. London Anime & Gaming Con Our next stop takes us all the way to London for the highly-rated Anime & Gaming Con. Taking place twice a year, once in February and once in August, you can take a strategic shopping trip to Soho to see how many hidden anime gems you can spot, before heading to your final destination: the London Anime & Gaming Con. With stage events, merchandise, cosplay, and gaming tournaments, this is Europe’s biggest anime event and one that’s not to be missed. Location: London, England 5. Nijigen no Mori Theme Park Nijigen no Mori Theme Park is the biggest anime and manga-inspired amusement park in the world. Located on Awaji Island, this huge theme park combines everything your Otaku heart desires, including Takeshi’s Castle inspire obstacle courses, a Naruto-themed Hidden Leaf Village complete with a replicate of Hokage Rock, a Godzilla zipline ride, and outdoor RPG Dragon Quest attractions. Located: Osaka, Japan 6. Hi-Score Club With custom anime-themed artwork covering the walls, and a cocktail menu that features drinks like Master Roshi and Bebop, Phoenix’s Hi-Score Club is the perfect place for an Otaku night out. This lounge bar is all about good games and good vibes. First intended to be a Japanese-themed arcade, it evolved into the iconic bar named we know and love today. Filled with amenities from Japanese pop culture, the drink menu includes sake bombs and Japanese whiskey, while popular series like Cowboy Bebop play on the TVs, so you have something to watch if you’re not feeling the conversation. Location: Phoenix, USA 7. Manga Café V2 Known as a corner of Japan in the middle of Paris, you can immerse yourself in anime culture in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Filled with video games, merchandise and (of course) manga, this unique café dates back to the late 1970s and offers an impressive library of content to consume, alongside an anime-themed restaurant with drinks and bento. Location: Paris, France 8. Suginami Animation Museum If you haven’t realised it already, Tokyo is the ultimate destination for anime fans. And the Suginami Animation Museum is perfect for anyone who wants to know more about the history of anime. Although it’s contained over a single floor, it houses hit anime dated all the way back to 1917, as well as providing opportunities for you to give voice animation a go or draw your own animations. Location: Tokyo, Japan 9. Animate Cafe Food and anime go hand-in-hand, so if you find yourself in Seoul Korea, you should check out the Animate Cafe. With themes revolving around your favorite series, including Spy x Family, it’s Korea’s most popular destination for anime fans. The cafe has special drinks dedicated to a chosen anime theme, limited merch, and a small selection of anime-related foods to try. Although it’s important to note that because this is a theme cafe, it’s always based on one special “anime of the moment”, so it’s best if you check ahead to make sure you don’t miss out on your favorite. Location: Seoul, Korea 10. Pokémon Café Finally on our list is the world’s first-ever official Pokémon Cafe. With a specially developed menu based on the beloved franchise, you can finally immerse yourself in the world of Pokémon. Since it’s so popular, this attraction is reservation only, but it’s easy enough to book yourself a slot online. The menu offers a few staples like Everybody’s Favorite Pikachu Plate! and Eevee’s Have-it-all Meal, and special appearances from Pokémon characters every single day. Location: Tokyo, Japan While Japan holds the best anime-themed attractions in the world, there are a few other options out there for those who don’t want to travel all the way over to the land of the rising run. So, whether you’re into gaming lounges to cute cafes, there’s something for Otakus everywhere. Check out our other anime coverage here.

Best anime cosplays at Anime Expo 2022, from Chainsaw Man to “Blue Eyes White Drag Queen” Crunchyroll/FoxAnime Expo 2022 took place last weekend, where some amazing cosplayers showed off their creations. Here are some of the best anime cosplays. Anime Expo 2022 took place from July 1-4 this year, at the Los Angeles Convention Centre. It’s arguably the world’s biggest anime convention, with a whopping 100,000-plus fans in attendance. It was organized by SPJA, and in the event’s own words, the convention involves “bringing fans and industry together for an annual celebration of Japanese pop culture… grab your friends, craft your cosplay, and get ready to experience anime like never before.” A large part of the convention involves cosplaying, which is when fans dress up like their favorite characters in any given show or film, and this practice is big in the anime community. Obviously, that means that there were a ton of anime cosplayers at Anime Expo, and we figured we’d show you some of the best, since they deserve to be seen. 2022 Anime Expo was packed with anime cosplay – literally This year’s Anime Expo was packed with cosplayers, literally and figuratively. As shown in this tweet from Geoff Thew, it’s hard to imagine how anyone got the space needed for a photo. the anime community isn’t perfect. Many of us need to get better at respecting each other and speaking up for each other. But take a snapshot of any con crowd, and you’ll see who we really are: people from all walks of life, drawn together by our shared passion pic.twitter.com/wVRUpWKi8b — Geoff Thew (@G0ffThew) January 12, 2022 However, as stated by the above tweet, it’s hard to find a group of people with greater passion, so a great many photos managed to be taken of cosplayers. And thanks to the beauty of social media, these amazing feats of cosplay can be viewed by everyone. The best anime cosplays at Anime Expo 2022 Here are some of the best anime cosplays we found on Twitter: When you work Anime Expo but still find time for cosplay photos #AnimeExpo2022 pic.twitter.com/FPJSR1sYeN — Justin A (@JustinoAmino) July 3, 2022 Along with some old classic Naruto characters, there were some new anime cosplays on the rise too. Since Chainsaw Man is getting an anime adaptation very soon, it was easy to spot a multitude of the titular character’s cosplays. Spectacular cosplay spotted throughout the entire #AnimeExpo weekend! 🤩❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/Wsf0x5EXOS — VIZ (@VIZMedia) July 4, 2022 As shown by this Dio cosplayer, a lot of cosplay is just in how you pose! Why train quads on the weekends when you can simply cosplay Dio?? #jjba #JoJosBizzareAdventure #AnimeExpo #AnimeExpo2022 pic.twitter.com/AybCvtJykr — Abby PT, DPT, CSCS, Pn1🔜Electric Forest🌲⚡️ (@abbykcosplays) July 3, 2022 As we’ve discussed before on Dexerto, a One Piece live-action series is coming to Netflix, and this cosplayer may be gunning for the role of Kaido! Kaido, King of the Beasts from One Piece cosplayed by @michelle_maka!#cosplay #animeexpo #animeexpo2022 #ax2022 pic.twitter.com/uNmR1hhqQJ — DTJAAAAM (@DTJAAAAM) July 3, 2022 Some anime cosplayers went beyond the typical character outfit, like this hilarious example here: wow this blew up 😳😅 reason this all came up in the first place was I’m thinking of bringing back my Karmatau bathtub cosplay for Anime Expo this weekend, it just needs a touch up haha (replacing the white fabric) pic.twitter.com/LfZ43Vmsyk — Kelly 🌺 Onelani (@kellyonelani) June 30, 2022 Some even managed to incorporate their masks into their anime cosplays, like this Homura Momiji cosplayer. Homura Momiji from Dr. Stone cosplayed by @ChameLeahnCos.#cosplay #animeexpo #animeexpo2022 #ax2022 pic.twitter.com/UJ1zyl7AXO — DTJAAAAM (@DTJAAAAM) July 2, 2022 Asuka from Evangelion has always been a popular character to cosplay, and this cosplayer definitely does her justice. Shot with @Asukailey last night and I just had to edit some them on the plane home. Suit by @AndromedaLatex #AnimeExpo #animeexpo2022 #evangelion #cosplay #AsukaLangley #Asuka pic.twitter.com/6lQDwYuVxK— Nude Carbon Studios – LEVUP EXPO (@NudeCarbon) July 5, 2022 Spy X Family has been one of the most popular anime of recent years, so there were plenty of group cosplays depicting the titular family. Loid, Yor and Anya cosplay#AX2022 #AnimeExpo #AnimeExpo2022 #Spy_family pic.twitter.com/TtnlJ7cBQs — Josh (@SilentSnakeZ5) July 2, 2022 And with Ultraman Season 2 releasing earlier this year, now’s the perfect time to appreciate this incredible suit. Incredible #Ultraman suit at #animeexpo #cosplay pic.twitter.com/VQlM52gqKL — Newegg (@Newegg) July 1, 2022 There’s so many amazing anime cosplays that often photos can’t do the convention justice. Thankfully Twitter account @Newegg was there to take some great footage! And of course, last but certainly not least, one cosplayer who has been growing in popularity on the internet – thanks to the video below – was the iconic “Blue Eyes White Drag Queen,” a creative take on the Yu-Gi-Oh dragon. LMAO this was insane. Yugioh/Konami employees at anime expo take notes 😆 pic.twitter.com/1CJjiMuxbG — LMJeffJones (@LMJeffJones) July 3, 2022 There’s been a ton of anime news coming from Anime Expo, but I think it’s safe to say that anime cosplay is the real reason anyone enjoys these conventions.

7 best anime based on true stories Studio Ghibli/NetflixMany fans don’t expect their favorite anime titles to have any basis in reality – however, here are seven superb series that are based on true stories. It’s no secret that historical anime draw inspiration from real events, even if their fictional depictions aren’t always accurate. But, have you ever wondered if there any other anime based on real-life stories? From time travel to slice-of-life dramas, we’ve curated a list of the seven finest anime based on true stories. Without further ado, here are our top seven anime picks. 7 best anime based on true stories There’s countless anime adaptations based on real-life stories. However, since they can’t all make the list, we’ve chosen our top seven. Did any of your favorites make the cut? 1. Grave of the Fireflies Our list begins with one of the greatest war films of all time, Grave of the Fireflies. It goes without saying that this World War II film draws its inspiration from real-life events. But did you know that it’s based on a semi-autobiographical short story of the same name by Akiyuki Nasaka? The narrative follows Seita, a teenager entrusted with the care of his younger sister, Setsuko, in the aftermath of the atomic bombings that marked the war’s end. Their heart-wrenching tale of love, loss and survival is as authentic as it is devastating. While it’s not completely true, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece is rooted in the real-life experiences of Akiyuki Nasaka and conveys the horrors of war from the perspective of children. Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV 2. Yasuke This 2021 anime produced by MAPPA studio is based on a legendary historical figure, Yasuke – the first African Samurai in history who fought and died in 16th century Japan. Discover his life like never before in anime format, as he serves under Japan’s “Great Unifier” Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period, striving to maintain peace among his people. However, the anime is not an accurate depiction of his life anime. It takes place approximately 20 years after the historical sources for Yasuke’s real life. But snippets of actual events (as far as we know) did find their way into the story. So, while the creators of Yasuke took creative liberties, they also did their historical homework to provide the anime with a solid (and somewhat accurate) foundation. Where to stream: Netflix 3. Steins;Gate Popular sci-fi, Steins;Gate, is based on an actual time traveler. Well, an actual pretend time traveler. Between 2000 and 2001, a man named John Titor made waves on Time Travel Institute forums, claiming to be a time traveler from 2036 and offering warnings of impending doom, including a nuclear war. While none of his predictions materialized, his elaborate hoax inspired a video game and anime series. The anime, Steins;Gate, draws from the John Titor saga and follows a group of friends who stumble upon a method to send messages back in time. But when they discover the body of a deceased neuroscientist, they attempt to alter the timeline. But of course, things don’t work out quite as they’d planned. Where to stream: Disney+, Funimation and Crunchyroll 4. Mawaru-Penguindrum The popular anime Mawaru-Penguindrum draws inspiration from a real-life event: the 1995 terror attack in Tokyo. On March 20, 1995, the Aum Shinrikyo terrorist cult released sarin gas in Tokyo’s subway, resulting in 17 deaths and over 6,000 injuries at 15 stations. Mawaru-Penguindrum explores the impact of this actual terrorist attack on children in Tokyo and centers around two brothers on a quest to locate an item called the Penguindrum in order to save their terminally ill sister. The anime is still viewed today as an allegory for the curse of loneliness and other dark elements of human society that could lead to other devastating events. Where to stream: Crunchyroll 5. Tetsuko No Tabi Tetsuko No Tabi stands out in the world of anime as a non-fictional account about a travel writer named Hirohiko Yokomi. How does this happen? Well, inspired by his 1998 book Getting On and Off of JR’s 4600 Stations, Hirohiko Yokomi’s editor wanted to recapture the experience in a manga. Manga artist Naoe Kikuchi traveled around Japan with Yokomi and Ishikawa, and the rest is history. In 2007, an anime adaptation of Tetsuko no Tabi was released, enabling slice-of-life fans from around the world to experience Japan from the comfort of a train (or their screens). Where to stream: Unfortunately, you’ll have to buy this one. But the manga is available on Amazon Kindle. 6. Bakuman The 2010 anime, Bakuman, is an adaptation of the shonen manga series of the same name written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, who also worked together on Death Note. The story is about two ninth graders who aspire to be manga artists and draws inspiration from the real lives of the creators. The show gives fans the perfect insight into the life of a manga artist, including their daily work, way of thinking and the essential never give up attitude to make it in such a competitive world. It’s filled with manga references that any anime will know from the Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine, and is a real treat for anyone that aspires to create their very own manga (or wants a behind-the-scenes peak at the industry). Available to watch on: Crunchyroll and Hulu 7. My Neighbor Totoro To end our list, and circle back to Studio Ghibli, is the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro. This classic anime by Hayao Miyazaki has semi-autobiographical origins. It follows schoolgirl Satsuke and her younger sister, Mei, as their mother is diagnosed with tuberculosis. Although it’s never been confirmed, since Miyazaki’s own mother was hospitalized with tuberculosis when he was a child, it’s widely speculated by fans that it was based on his childhood experiences. The anime follows the adventures of the girls as they move into an old country house (just like Miyazaki did as a boy) and deal with the heavy prospect of death from a child’s perspective. In fact, Miyazaki himself explained that the protagonists had to be girls because making them boys would have been too painful and reminiscent of his own childhood. Available to watch on: Netflix and Amazon Prime Video And there you have it, seven remarkable anime inspired or based on real-life events. Whether delving into the depths of war, uncovering the not-so-secret secrets of time travel, or revisiting deeply personal moments, these anime serve as a testament to rich tapestry of human experiences that inspire stories around the world. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Best anime of 2023 CrunchyrollWe’re still catching our breath after the exhilarating 2023 lineup! From hours of laughter to breaking the internet (twice!), here are our top five anime picks of the year. The anime world is going from strength to strength. With fan favorites like Jujutsu Kaisen returning to our screens to the release of new original shows like Netflix’s Pluto, could 2023 be the best year yet? 2022 was a tough act to follow. It brought us incredible series like Chainsaw Man and Spy x Family, alongside the return of industry titans like Bleach, Attack on Titan (no pun intended), and Mob Psycho 100. But 2023 raised the bar even higher, setting a new standard with several hit shows quite literally breaking the internet (you probably already know which ones we’re talking about). It’s been tough this year to separate the wheat from the chaff. Although, you can’t say that we haven’t tried. With Pokémon taking a shocking Ash-less direction, Studio MAPPA courting controversy (as per usual), and Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki making comeback of the decade, 2023 is destined for the history books. So, let’s get started. Here are Dexerto’s top 5 anime series of 2023. 5. Spy X Family Season 2 Voted as the most anticipated anime of Fall 2023, the opening episode of Spy X Family Season 2 broke records by surpassing two million views in three days. With fewer episodes, but more action, the Forger family’s hilarious misadventures captivated viewers amid a backdrop of espionage and global politics. Following the makeshift family on a new adventure, in Spy x Family Season 2 we continue to master spy Agent Twilight on his mission under the alias of Loid Forger, alongside Anya and his assassin wife Yor. Boasting charismatic characters and a skillful blend of domesticity with humor, Spy X Family Season 2 was always destined to win the hearts of families – albeit somewhat ironically, given its premise revolves around a fake yet charming family. Author: Savannah Howard Where to watch: Crunchyroll 4. Vinland Saga Season 2 Vinland Saga started as a Shonen series. But it was soon moved on to the Seinen category after its content became too mature for the young audience. Season 1 didn’t amass a large viewership on account of its debut on Prime Video, not a reputable platform for anime enthusiasts. However, it soon became recognized as an underrated series, later picked up by MAPPA licensed by Netflix, where it found a bigger audience. The animanga is a beautiful piece of art featuring a unique storyline, with the second season following Einar and Thorfinn as they work together toward their freedom away from the sins of the past. The character growth of the main protagonist is also worth praising. The second season starts off a bit slow, without many action scenes, but it quickly speeds up and proves that it has the potential to become one of the most popular anime of all time. Author: Aparna Ukil Where to watch: Netflix 3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is another anime with a beautiful art style and a lighthearted narrative. It’s a new anime series produced by the famous animation studio Madhouse. Which also made Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and Death Note. The anime, which follows an elven mage searching for meaning a new way of life in the wake of war, not only drew the attention of those who have already read the manga but also attracted anime-only fans towards it with its beautiful visuals. In an era where gory and dark anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Attack on Titan have major fan-following, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End can be your perfect escape to a beautiful and captivating world. Author: Aparna Ukil Where to watch: Crunchyroll 2. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Jujutsu Kaisen takes place in a world that sees the deadly curses threatening humanity. Highly trained Jujutsu High’s sorcerers hold the responsibility to fight them. The story starts when a boy named Yuji Itadori frees the strongest curse by swallowing one of his rotten fingers. The series is the brainchild of Gege Akutami, the industry’s most brutal mangaka. Honestly, JJK is not your typical shonen piece – in fact, it is much more. While watching the anime, you will get goosebumps. Season 1 of the series was indeed impressive, but the second season has taken the series sky-high in popularity. Jujutsu Kaisen has blessed us with some lovable characters such as Gojo, Yuji, Megumi, Nanami, and more. However, if you are a newcomer and are about to start watching the series, we warn you to avoid getting too attached to any of the main characters. Author: Aparna Ukil Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Netflix 1. Attack on Titan Finale No surprises for our top anime of the year! Attack on Titan’s final episode (Season 4 Part 3) broke the internet when it premiered on November 4. Despite controversies, a final season that lasted three years, and a divisive manga ending, Hajime Isayama’s modern classic finally got the ending it deserved. Studio MAPPA crafted an epic, feature-length finale, bringing the world-ending Rumbling to life with a stunning mix of 2D and 3D animation. Wrapping up 100 episodes of intense action, brutal deaths, and dizzying plot twists was no easy feat, but the final episode delivered, solidifying Attack on Titan’s place in history as one of the greatest anime of all time. Author: Savannah Howard Where to watch: Crunchyroll Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for watching anime – to find out more about how to watch it from anywhere in the world, click here. You can also check out our other 2023 rankings below:

10 best action anime of all time Netflix and CrunchyrollWhile there are many intriguing genres in anime, the most popular is action – here, we have listed the 10 best series falling under that category. The anime industry is vast, thanks to its varying genres; with Shonen anime alone, we get different forms of storytelling, including thriller, horror, romance, and many more. That being said, the genre that never dies within anime is action. Over the years, the industry has given us several spectacular anime series, and each year, we get multiple new anime shows to expand that genre. However, in an ocean of action, it’s hard to figure out which action anime series are worth your time. While several action anime have well-choreographed fight scenes, they may lack a good story, and good action is meaningless without an impactful story. So, in this article, we’ve discussed some of the best action anime that are definitely winners. 1. Baki Hanma How can one forget to mention Baki Hanma when talking about action anime? The series comes with some of the best-choreographed fights and brilliant animation. Baki Hanma’s season 1 was released in 2021, and since then, it has been considered one of the anime series with the best fight sequences. However, if you haven’t watched the previous seasons of the franchise, it would be difficult for you to catch up with the storyline. Baki Hanma is a skilled martial artist who is the son of Yujiro Hanma, the most robust fighter and the strongest man on Earth. The plot revolves around the titular character as he participates in several underground fights to hone his skills and become an even better fighter than his father by defeating him. Where to stream: Netflix 2. Kengan Ashura Kengan Ashura is also a martial arts-centered anime series that is set in a world where businessmen use gladiators to grab deals. Even though the anime may feel like Baki sometimes, you may realize that this series has its own charm as it comes with more intense fights and brutal scenes. The series follows Ohma Tokita, who is hired by the CEO of Nogi Incorporation to fight for them and help them get big contracts. Baki Hanma features an old-school animation, which adds to its USP, but despite it being a watch-worthy series, it remained underrated due to the not-so-good marketing and promotion. Where to stream: Netflix 3. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Adapted from the popular role-playing game Cyberpunk 2077, Edgerunners arrived on Netflix in 2022, and the show didn’t take much time to win every fan’s heart with its playful setting. The color palette of the series is a treat to the eyes in every way, and the beautifully animated action scenes have the ability to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whenever a video game gets an anime adaptation, fans get stressed, thinking about whether it will do justice to the original masterpiece. Fortunately, when Edgerunners was released, it became trending on social media and the most-talked-about anime, thanks to the super-cool character designs and narrative. Where to stream: Netflix 4. Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure The first season of Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure came out in 2012, amassing a huge fandom since its release. Every season of the franchise comes with an independent narrative revolving around new characters. Although every installment of Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure brings unique things to the table, the latest season, titled Stone Ocean, won the hearts of the audience like no other. Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure has an exotic art style that doesn’t let anyone resist watching the show. Besides that, the franchise’s characters are seen wearing modern clothing, which makes it look different from any typical anime. Where to stream: Netflix 5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Here, we have included the anime that has been sitting on the first rank on MyAnimeList for several years. There have been instances when anime like Attack on Titan and Frieren have pulled it to the second rank, but the series never takes longer to regain its position. FMAB is such a series that brings everything that can keep its audience hooked on it. For instance, you will get to see mind-boggling action along with several elements that are a treat for your senses. As per the viewers who had already read the manga before watching the anime, FMAB lacked nowhere as it stayed very faithful to the source material and successfully showcased even the smallest detail. Where to stream: Crunchyroll 6. Vinland Saga Are you a fan of the action sequences that were presented in the first three seasons of Attack on Titan? If yes, Vinland Saga Season 1 will surely become your favorite. Well, one of the primary reasons for the similarities between these two shows is the studio that worked hard on the fighting scenes. The second season of Vinland Saga was good, but its slow pacing gives it a touch of Isekai anime. If you are a hardcore fan of action, you shouldn’t miss the first season of the historical anime series, which is animated by WIT. Vinland Saga initially introduced us to young Thorfinn, who has a carefree and full-of-life attitude, but one day, his life turns into a nightmare when his father gets killed. From there begins the story of revenge and redemption, which obviously adds to the action-packed theme of the anime. Where to stream: Crunchyroll 7. Demon Slayer Demon Slayer has given us several jaw-dropping fight sequences, not only because of the character’s fighting abilities or the movements but also because of the distinctive color frames that are used in every battle. The franchise has blessed us with three seasons for now, but it’s worth pointing out that the confrontation between the Flame Hashira and the Upper Moon Three is one of the greatest of all time. Demon Slayer kicked off showing a main character who was a newbie in fighting evil, but with time, he has impressed the fanbase with his swordsmanship abilities. The fourth installment of the anime may arrive in early-mid 2024, and we hope it comes with even more exciting fights. 8. Dragon Ball Dragon Ball is a perfect blend of action, adventure, and drama. It is a series that drew several enthusiasts’ attention toward the growing world of anime and made the category a global phenomenon. Dragon Ball introduced us to several influential characters that have inspired celebrities, directors, and authors in many ways. The old-school artwork, animation, and character development have earned nothing short of a positive reception, making it one of the most prestigious anime ever. And let’s not forget that the action sequences in Dragon Ball are some of the best we’ve seen on television. 9. One-Punch Man One-Punch Man brings the strongest anime character, Saitama, whose one sneeze holds the power to destroy a significant part of Jupiter. Saitama is a caped bald man who wasn’t born with the superhuman strength he possesses today. In fact, he has trained day and night to become a superhero. Despite being a superhero who can knock evil down with only one punch, Saitama constantly struggles to get respect from people. So, the series can give you chills at times, but it will also make you fall off your chair laughing by showcasing the goofy personality of the main character. 10. Jujutsu Kaisen Jujutsu Kaisen is definitely worth a shot if you haven’t watched it already, but especially if you’re an action enthusiast. The anime sees Yuji Itadori as the main character who promises his grandfather to always stand for humanity. He releases the strongest curse by consuming one of their rotten fingers. On his way to becoming a mighty sorcerer, he meets several influential characters, including Gojo, Nanami, Megumi, and more. The first season was undoubtedly popular, but when the second season arrived, it broke all the records. Every episode comes with new fight sequences, and fans can’t hold their breath after seeing the marvelous animation in the latest season. You can check out our other anime coverage here.

Berserk SH Figurarts Griffith figure gets 28% sliced off price tag Save big on the premium Band of the Falcon leader S.H. Figuarts Berserk Griffith figure, now 28% off for a limited time. The charismatic White Hawk can now join your collection for a lot less with this Amazon deal. Meticulously crafted by S.H. Figuarts, this Griffith figure from Tamashii Nations is currently available at an eye-catching 28% off while supplies last. Expertly capturing his larger-than-life persona, this premium action figure depicts the Band of the Falcon leader in exquisite detail. Fully posable at over 6 inches tall, Griffith sports his iconic silver armor, regal blue cape, and fierce beaked helmet gloriously. His weaponry including the deadly broadsword – matches its on-screen counterparts flawlessly. Furthering the display value is the inclusion of Griffith’s striking white steed. With meticulous texturing on the hair and armor, it’s an imposing accent piece. The figure itself also comes with alternate visors, hair, and hand parts to mix up the posing options. Save 28% on Berserk Griffith Hawk of Light figure For Berserk fans eagerly following the acclaimed dark fantasy’s latest arcs, this S.H. Figuarts rendition of Griffith is a must-have centerpiece. The production quality and accessories capture Miura’s visionary style while allowing collectors to recreate the Hawks’ fight for dizzying heights. Expand your Berserk collection without breaking the bank thanks to this temporary markdown and save over 28% on this Tamashii Nations Berserk Griffith Hawk of Light figure. But act quickly, as deals on elite Japanese imports rarely last! If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Berserk of Gluttony Episode 1: Release date and where to watch CrunchyrollBerserk of Gluttony is an upcoming anime that will be released soon, and here’s everything you should know about its premiere episode, including its exact release date, time, and where you can watch it on streaming. The Berserk of Gluttony anime is adapted from a light novel written by Ichika Isshiki that was released initially on a user-generated content platform. Later, it was transferred to a renowned platform and received its deserved attention. An anime adaptation of the series was announced in 2022, along with the other details. For instance, we learned that the animation will be taken care of by A.C.G.T., the studio that has previously worked on several television shows and OVAs, such as Project Blue Earth SOS, New Fist of the North Star, and more. When the trailer for the series first surfaced online, fans were excitedly confused between this series and the iconic Berserk series. For the time being, fans are disappointed after learning that Berserk of Gluttony doesn’t have any connection with the legendary one, but it won’t be a fair deal to judge the new series ahead of its release. Berserk of Gluttony Episode 1 release date and time Berserk of Gluttony has already premiered on U-Next in Japan on October 1, 2023. However, the first episode of the anime series will be released on Crunchyroll for every fan across the globe on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, and below is the time schedule that you need to follow to catch up with the episode on the streaming platform. 9:30am PDT – 11:30am CDT – 12:30pm EDT – 5:30pm BST – 6:30pm CEST – 10:00pm I.S.T. – 12:30pm Philippine Time – What is Berserk of Gluttony about? Like the romantic supernatural series My Happy Marriage, Berserk of Gluttony also tells us the story of someone who is born in a place where living standards are determined on the basis of magical abilities. Those who have the best abilities are considered the most superior, and the ones with okay(ish) abilities are treated like trash. The series’ main protagonist is a boy named Fate Graphite, who is thrown out of his village just because his abilities seem not so good to the other residents of the place. The poor boy works as a gatekeeper for a reputed family, but soon, his world turns upside down when he kills a bandit and learns about his true potential. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Berserk manga finally announces return date, and fans can’t believe it Young AnimalBerserk manga finally has a return date now, making fans overjoyed with its comeback. Berserk, one of the most critically acclaimed and influential manga of all time, is finally coming back on Friday, April 26, 2024. Created by Kentarou Miura, this dark fantasy manga is known for its hard-hitting storyline and its jaw-droppingly beautiful art. Almost six months after Chapter 375, the creators have finally announced the return date of the manga. Berserk Chapter 376 will be released on April 26 in the upcoming Issue 9-10/2024 of the Young Animal magazine. Reports say there will be a color page for the return of the beloved manga. Kicking off in 1989, Berserk impressed fans for decades with its complex characters and elaborate worldbuilding right up to the death of Miura in 2021. The manga author died at 54 from an acute aortic dissection, leaving his masterpiece work unfinished. As the anime and manga industry as well as the worldwide fans of the series were mourning the author’s death, it was announced in 2022 that another mangaka, Kouji Mori, will supervise the manga from then on along with the artists of Studio Gaga. Mori clarified to fans that he would never add his own twists to the manga and would abide by what Miura had told him before his untimely death. Though many fans were critical of another author taking over Berserk, most were happy that the story would continue. Fans are very excited about the comeback of the seinen series and expressing their sentiments on social media platforms following the announcement of the return date of Berserk. “No way, peak fiction is back!” says a user on X. “Finally, I waited so long,” comments another user. “Let’s go!” is what most fans are chanting as the manga is about to resume its serialization. There are a lot of expectations for the upcoming Berserk chapter. With the announcement of Berserk return date, fans are waiting eagerly to see what happens next with Guts and co and whether the manga lives up to Miura’s work.

Berserk Guts Black Swordsman statue now up for pre-order Hobby Link Japan has opened pre-orders for a new Berserk statue from Medicos. The Guts Black Swordsman 1/7 scale statue is set to release later this year. Berserk enthusiasts looking to expand their collection of figures have an exciting new pre-order opportunity. Japanese figure outlet Hobby Link Japan presents a meticulously detailed 1/7 scale polystone sculpture of the feared “Black Swordsman” locked mid-swing, crafted by Medicos. Towering over 26 inches including the base, this meticulously sculpted tribute immortalizes the feared mercenary locked mid-swing. The massive battered weapon, Dragon Koroshi, is etched with the wear and damage of a thousand battles cleaving the air. Intricate texturing on the figure reflects on-page detail. Each detail is recreated through masterful hand-painting techniques simulating heavy metal. Swap out a standard artificial left forearm to recreate the desperation move that saw Guts sever his own arm – plus includes firing effect parts to depict his prosthetic arm cannon unleashing magical destructive blasts. For the ultimate dynamic display, LED light kits (sold separately) can be installed directly into conveniently pre-included ports within the base to spotlight the lone swordsman against the backlight aura of your choice. Pre-order Guts Black Swordsman Berserk statue at Hobby Link Japan Guts remains a lone wandering warrior fighting myriad demonic forces since the events of the Eclipse which robbed him of the Band of the Hawk companions. Now the “Struggler’s” years-long suffering and perseverance in the demonic realm can be represented upon fine collectors’ shelves. Secure this expert Berserk figure at HLJ ahead of its launch before the pre-order window closes. The acclaimed dark fantasy epic marches onward through your collection. Unleash fury 1/7 scale! If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Berserk: 10 funniest moments Berserk may be famous for its dark tones and violence, but fans know the series also contains some of the funniest moments in all manga – so, here’s the 10 best ones. Any Berserk fan knows that there isn’t much to laugh about in the series, with horrific trauma-inducing violence and tragedy being the base tone of any given day. Still, we keep reading to see what happens next to Guts and the gang and where their journey takes them, now more than ever since the death of Berserk author Kentaro Miura. Comedy in manga rarely translates well and relies on pictures more than text, but when it does, it can sometimes be the funniest thing you’ll ever read and ask anyone; they’d recommend reading Berserk over watching any anime adaptation, at least the first time around. So today, we’re ranking our picks for the funniest moments in Berserk. Yes, believe it or not, they exist. Spoilers for Berserk ahead! 10 funniest moments in Berserk Berserk has the advantage of having long story arcs where comedy can seriously support the story from going too dark in places without taking away from the drama or action within the scene; it’s terribly well-balanced in terms of story tone. 10. Golden Age gags Before the awful Eclipse and Griffith’s betrayal was the Golden Age arc, the adventures of the rising Band of the Hawk related a lot to young people looking to belong and give their all to a cause they believe in. Though they’re forced into adulthood by battle, we tend to forget that the band is still very young compared to most knights. Casca often feels like she has a lot to prove, so dishing it out whenever a young and dumb Guts makes a rude, offhand comment always results in a laugh at his expense during the most serious of moments, even during the daring Griffith rescue mission. Casca and Guts have built their relationship by now, and Casca knows she just has to put up with him at this point. 9. Guts gains a fan, denies his fame A good way into their journey, Isidro reveals his idol is the mysterious captain of the Band of the Hawk’s raider party, and he hopes to become as strong as he is, little to his knowledge that Guts is right there casually playing down his incredible feats of combat that saved lives and secured victories. Exaggerated? Yes, but it’s not inaccurate. We, and most likely Guts, would never have thought his old life in the Band of the Hawk would have any lasting outside effect where someone would know about him, especially someone as young as Isidoro. Guts isn’t someone who lives in the past nor boasts about his strength, so him trying not to call attention to it by directly looking at the viewer is hilarious. 8. “What’s with your face?” In true Berserk fashion, one of the funniest moments comes during an extremely dramatic time, including over-the-top gory violence. The visuals versus the dialogue – “What’s with your face?” with the straight-faced look back of “it’s happening to you too, don’t pin this solely on me” – make this a very human moment in an inhuman scene. For context, Kushan Emperor Ganishka transforms himself into an incomprehensive giant monster to take on Griffith. This causes fog to flow into the kingdom and melts anything it comes into contact with. Leading to this brief, hilarious moment between the two guards before they disintegrated. 7. The pirates of the boat arc Any Berserk fan could tell you about the infamous “boat arc,” where the gang was stuck on a boat for what felt like a decade. The one solace at the time was these pirates who followed the group to sea, who were about as serious as pirates in Berserk could be reappearing, causing trouble whenever they showed up. You’d expect cutthroats, looters, and murderers; instead, we get a gang of barely functional sailors blissfully unaware of the severity of their situation. One scene that sticks out to us is whenever the pirate crew goes to attack the heroes head-on and gets stomped in a one-sided battle, all while just complaining about the situation. 6. The Tapasa try to blend in While undercover in Falconia, Silat and his Tapasa bodyguard join forces with Rickert, and both plan a daring escape from Griffith after being targeted by his troops. This means the Tapasa need to encourage stealth despite their powerful builds more designed for one-on-one combat. The menacing Tapasa don’t hold the friendliest of faces, so when they try to make a good impression with Rickert’s friend Erica, it goes about as well as you expect a small girl seeing musclebound brutes attempting to smile for the first time in their lives. It’s okay, Erica, they mean well! 5. Puck rescues Guts from Farnese Guts is injured and captured by Farnese’s forces. Casca is still missing, and he’s pulled away from his sword. Sat in a cage all chained up, he thinks, “How can this situation get any worse?” and in comes Puck, taking advantage of the situation to get his way for once. Guts doesn’t treat Puck very well, so wanting some respect and wringing a “Please” and “Thank you” out of Guts is a bit of hilarious justice. Puck carries a lot of tone-setting weight after the Golden Age; his shenanigans feel out of place until we get used to his curious and sassy presence. Despite the situation, things can only get better, and it all starts with a little Elf getting cocky with his walking, giant sword-swinging caravan. 4. Schierke’s “research” in Casca’s mind Schierke and Farnese travel inside Casca’s soul in hopes of recovering her mind; this means reliving many moments from her life, mostly from her point of view. This includes Casca’s sexual relationship with Guts before losing her memory to the intrigue of Schierke; as you can imagine, we’ve cut the page down to the panel. If there’s one scene we wouldn’t imagine much comedy, it’s the journey into Casca’s mind, so we did not imagine a scene of Farnese being sensible and Schierke pulling out the classic “for research purposes” excuse. Much like Schierke would, we swear this scene is vital to the story. I wouldn’t want to see her browser history. 3. The many faces of Puck When we meet Puck, he is a small, lighthearted Elf with healing powers who helps Guts and gives him a much-needed “conscience” during the Black Swordsman arc. His role maintains as the story continues, keeping the tone from getting too dark until Guts’ small groups get bigger and bigger, and Puck maintains a side role as much-needed comic relief. Puck appears more in his chestnut comical form than his actual appearance, more often than not, only going back to his normal during serious situations. Puck whips out jokes, breaks the fourth wall, and pulls off the most out-of-place references, often Yoda from Star Wars treating Isidoro as his Padawan, purely to break the tension, and it works. 2. Guts yeeting Isidoro Never meet your heroes, kids, because they’ll throw you comically down a hill. On his way to rescue Casca in the Tower of Conviction arc, Guts encounters Isidoro, a youngster following him around. They’re attacked by some demons, and Guts casually tosses Isidoro down a hill away from the fight to safety. The little moment of Guts and Puck just watching him roll down the hill before going back to fighting with a dramatic cape twirl sends us. Guts sees a lot of himself in Isidoro, a snarky kid who doesn’t want to follow anyone but wants to get stronger. Like most of us, if we saw how we used to act, we would throw our younger selves down a hill, too. 1. The 1997 Berserk anime outtakes While the 1997 Berserk anime is understandably censored, it’s still widely regarded as the best-animated adaptation Berserk has received. Behind the series is a great voice cast who gives us all a great laugh with their vocal mishaps and jokes in Berserk ’97’s outtake reel. While this may not count as an in-universe joke, we cannot deny how funny these outtakes are. Big voice acting names behind it include the voice of Goku, Sean Shemmel, and Dr. Eggman’s Mike Pollock. It’s good to see the cast had such a fun time recording such a dark and dramatic anime. Where else would you find Griffith, the most hated anime character, singing about how easy he is in bed and Guts having a philosophical meltdown in the heart of battle? Those are our picks for the funniest moments in Berserk. While Berserk is still ongoing, here are some anime you can watch from start to finish right now. If you want to keep the funnies going, check out our picks of the funniest moments in One Piece, or if fighting is more your style, check our rankings of the strongest characters in Dragon Ball Z.

Berserk fan-made anime has already gone viral A group of Berserk fans have aimed to create their own anime of the series, and they’ve received tremendous support for their efforts. Any Berserk fan would tell you that the situation with an anime adaptation of the series is rather dire. The 1997 Berserk anime has a cult following and is considered the best adaptation we’ve received versus the poor attempt of the Berserk 2016 3D animated series, which, unfortunately, is the only Berserk anime that goes beyond the Golden Age into “modern” territory. Since then, we’ve received a quality trilogy of films recapping the Golden Age that was given a release with new scenes treatment as a tribute to the late Berserk author Kentaro Miura. Still, apart from those releases, there is nothing else worth mentioning. That is, until a group of fans came together to make a faithful anime adaptation of the Black Swordsman Berserk arc. Fan-made Berserk anime recieves huge support Since uploading in October 2023, this teaser has amassed over 1.2 million views on YouTube, with the project only gaining more support as time goes on. By proxy, this team of fans is solidifying their interest in a new Berserk anime. The teaser trailer and the description state: “We aim to create a proper 2D adaptation of the stories that have been neglected of this medium, starting from the beginning.” We can imagine this is aiming to adapt the entirety of the Black Swordsman arc of Berserk, the prologue set after the Golden Age that kickstarts the series. The 1997 Berserk anime briefly touches upon this arc in the first episode but is heavily cut down to the very bare bones of the arc, only including an early segment of the Black Swordsman arc, heavily censoring and changing details of the story. This fan adaptation may aim to recreate the Black Swordsman arc faithfully, and judging by the violence included in the teaser, this will be no-holds-barred regarding accuracy. What supports this school of thought is the Studio ECLYPSE Twitter/X page with a post showing an image of Guts and a villain known as “The Count” in his apostle form. A famous scene not shown in anime before, despite the arc’s brief inclusion in the 1997 anime, further proves that Eclypse is striving for a faithful adaptation. This collaboration of fans known as Studio ECLYPSE includes markReymer, who runs their own animation YouTube channel full of anime-inspired works, including recreating a scene from the infamous “Lost Children” arc of Berserk. All Berserk enthusiasts will want to watch out for this fantastic fan-driven project as more action-packed animation is planned for the near future.

Berserk Chapter 377: Everything we know so far CrunchyrollBerserk finally continues its epic story with its latest chapter — so here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Chapter 377. Berserk manga finally returns after creator Kentaro Miura’s death. The creator’s close friend and co-worker, Kouji Mori, takes the helm and continues the fan-favorite Seinen manga. Between two of the finest anime series ever centered on Guts, his story has become one of the most lasting and popular in anime and manga. Berserk is a long-running manga series that began in 1989. Fans were captivated by the animation, the tale’s complexity, and the characters’ nuances. Several years have passed since Guts and his companions restored Casca’s mind, thanks to the mystical dwellers of Elfhelm. However, as soon as she regains her sanity, Griffith kidnaps her. The events that occurred later leave Guts emotionally devastated. However, he didn’t have much time to grieve or devise a scheme to save her before being thrown in chains and seemingly heading East with his companions. Warning: Spoilers ahead! Is there a release date for Berserk Chapter 377? Berserk manga goes on another hiatus, so it won’t be appearing in the May issue of the Young Animal magazine. The manga has just returned after a long time before it goes on another hiatus. However, Berserk Chapter 377 may continue in the following month. What happens in Berserk Chapter 376? The chapter starts with a color spread featuring Guts and Puck looking over the Kushan Empire. The manga shows the Empire for the first time. The story picks up from where it left off in the previous chapter as we see Guts being swept away in water before he sees an ethereal form, Schierke, who holds his hands and pulls him out. We then see him shackled up as he gains consciousness. However, Schierke is lying down on a bed and appears to have gone too deep into the astral realm. Silat sympathizes with the mages, having known what it’s like to lose their homeland. Guts’ party, mages, and Kushan have only one thing in common, and it’s to take revenge on Griffith. Kushans are preparing to go on an all-out war against Griffith. However, both sides have their advantages and disadvantages. You can also check out our list of the 10 best Seinen anime and the best Berserk figures available for fans to buy.

Berserk Chapter 376: Release date and everything else we know Berserk finally releases Chapter 376 and continues Guts’ story in a new era for the legendary hero. Despite the unfortunate passing of Berserk creator Kentaro Miura, the future of the culturally inspiring manga giant has remained as resilient as protagonist Guts. Thankfully, Miura’s good friend and co-worker Kouji Mori plans to continue writing Berserk to its conclusion. With over 350 chapters, Berserk has been an odyssey. Between two of the best anime shows ever based on Guts, his story has become one of the most enduring and beloved in all anime and manga. Each installment is met with open arms, no matter how long they take. Any Berserk fan will tell you the release schedule can be chaotic, to say the least, with the gap between chapters sometimes lasting over a year. Spoilers ahead! Berserk Chapter 376 release date Berserk Chapter 376 was released on April 26, 2024. The chapter is part of Young Animal issue 9-10/2024. And, fans love what they did with the latest chapter. Kouji Mori previously confirmed on X, formerly Twitter, that “the release date has been determined by the publisher”, before asking fans to remain patient. What you should know before Berserk Chapter 376 Griffith arrives on Elfhelm with Nosferatu Zodd to take Casca from Guts. While he puts up a fight, Griffith proves himself nigh-untouchable, leaving Guts in a state of despair as Griffith attacks the island with shadowy creatures. Unleashing a dark force, Griffith destroys Elfhelm, making most of the magical creatures, including their mermaid friend Isma, disappear. The remaining characters make their escape on the infamous ship they arrived on the island with, and Guts collapses into a deep depression. After the chaos has passed, their ship is attacked by Kushan forces led by Silat and Daiba; thinking it a massacre, Isidro is devasted that Guts has just given up and let himself be captured. All seems hopeless until we see Rickert’s familiar face in the crowd of Kushan soldiers, calming everyone as they approach a new land. Meanwhile, Casca remains in a fugue state in Falconia, going mad with rage whenever she comes back to reality until she passes out. Griffith mentions a plan to head eastward to his generals while looking at the World Tree, which appeared when Griffith killed Kushan Emperor Ganishka in his reincarnated giant form. Heavily, this implies that he will launch an attack on the Kushan Empire soon. The ending of Berserk Chapter 375 points to the beginning of a new arc with our heroes arriving in a new, presumably the eastern land of the Kushan Empire, taking inspiration from the real-life Kushan Empire from the first century in the now Middle East and North India areas. Since the chapter is released, you can check out everything we know about Berserk Chapter 377. You can also check out our list of the 10 best Seinen anime and the best Berserk figures available for fans to buy.

Berserk Chapter 376 makes one subtle choice fans love Young Animal ComicsAfter a delay, Berserk Chapter 376 arrived recently, finally pushing forward the story of Guts and his mission against Griffith. Fans enjoyed the whole thing, but the choice to gloss over a boat ride has them particularly pleased. Berserk Chapter 376 brought some of the finest work we’ve seen from Kouji Mori and Studio Gaga yet. The team took over the manga after creator Kentaro Miura’s death in 2022, and output has been irregular. That’s for good reason, though, as everyone’s putting their all into each chapter. 376 has many fans raving, and not just because of the stellar art. “I literally cheered when they completely skipped the boat ride,” says one user on Reddit. “The art is absolutely fantastic and it seems like the team has really come into their own style while maintaining Miura’s,” says another Reddit user. “Not only that, but we skipped the boat ride!” Forgoing something like a trip across open water could be argued as antithetical to Miura, who enjoyed his subplots. Jokes have suggested that if he was still in the driver’s seat, we’d have gotten a whole arc based on the boat. Mercifully, not the case. “The art is impressive and this chapter, with all the due respect, is even better than some of the latest Miura ones,” another fan adds. “They also skipped the boat trip, added lots of dialogues and improved on everything. We can’t ask for more.” We have a guide on Berserk Chapter 377 if you want to know all the info on that. Our best anime on Crunchyroll list will also offer more top tier stories to check out.

Berserk 1997 anime finally releasing on Blu-Ray The 1997 Berserk anime is finally arriving on Blu-ray with the beautiful remaster it deserves. Put your glasses on; nothing will be wrong because Berserk’s 1997 anime is finally getting a Blu-Ray release. Berserk is one of the most influential pieces of media to exist, inspiring iconic gaming franchises, music, films, and other anime and manga alike. Ever since the death of Berserk’s author, Kentaro Miura, any news of new Berserk content, even a remaster, is very welcome. Berserk fans understand the struggle of getting a decent anime adaptation after the disastrous attempt at a 3D animation style in 2016, which is the only adaptation that gives us content based beyond the Golden Age. However, we have hope that with the Golden Age films being rereleased with new scenes, and that interest will pick up for a brand new Berserk anime. Berserk Blu-Ray remaster of 1997 anime announced DVD and Blu-Ray publisher Discotek Media – which specializes in remastering older anime, including Astro Boy, Lupin the Third, and the infamous Ghost Stories anime under their belt – has announced that it is publishing a remaster of the Berserk 1997 anime for Blu-Ray. The remaster will contain all 25 episodes of the 1997 Berserk anime covering the events of the Golden Age saga of Berserk up until just after the dreaded Eclipse. However, readers will notice that much of the manga’s more risque content has either been censored or outright removed. Looking at you, Wyald, you sick freak. The Blu-Ray box set will contain both the English and Japanese dubs of Berserk ’97, HD quality of all 25 episodes, and the classic hilarious blooper reel beloved by fans. Though a release date has yet to be announced, fans are already highly excited at the thought of this remaster even existing, let alone coming soon. While Blu-Rays are supposed to avoid region locking, the majority of Discotek Media’s releases are exclusive to Region 1 players, the United States territories, and Canada. International fans of Berserk might be out of luck unless they fork out for a region-free Blu-Ray player. That’s all the information we have on the Berserk 1997 anime Blu-Ray remaster coming soon. Fellow strugglers will want to know all they can about the upcoming Berserk chapter in the manga, and while it’s certainly different from Berserk, both can tug at the heartstrings, so we’ve ranked One Piece’s most emotional moments.

Underrated Berserk 1997 anime series now available on Blu-Ray The 1997 Berserk anime is finally getting a fully-fledged Blu-Ray remaster, but not all fans may be able to watch it Berserk fans are often starved for new content with long gaps between chapters, disappointing modern anime adaptations, and the awful blow dealt with the death of series creator Kentaro Miura, putting the continuation of Berserk into question before official confirmation by Miura’s staff who’ll go on to continue the manga. While demands for a faithful Berserk anime adaptation are still rampant, with few answers from big-name anime studios, fans will be happy to learn of the new Berserk Blu-Ray remaster of the beloved 1997 anime available to pre-order now. Berserk 1997 anime remastered for Blu-Ray Published by Discotek Media and sold on Amazon, the Berserk 1997 Blu-Ray contains all 25 episodes of the anime remastered in HD, both the Japanese and English dubs of the series, and the hilarious outtake reel this series is famous for. The Berserk 1997 two-disk Blu-Ray remaster will cost $59.95 and is aiming for an estimated release date of March 26, 2024. Fair warning for international fans: this is a “Region A” Blu-Ray set only. It may not work on your players outside of US territories and East and Southeast Asia. This region locking does mean international fans may have to fork out for a region-free Blu-Ray player if they want to see the 1997 Berserk anime in its highest quality. The official cover art depicts Guts as he appears after the Golden Age, his eye gone, his arm replaced with the iron prosthetic; while the 1997 anime mostly takes place in the Golden Age, we briefly see glimpses of this version of Guts at the beginning and end of the series, bookending who he becomes because of this harrowing journey. Fans can pre-order the Berserk 1997 Blu-Ray remaster right now from Amazon. If you’re after more Berserk check out our picks for the funniest moments in the bleak series, believe or not they exist, and everything we know about the upcoming Berserk chapter. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Bartender: Glass of God: Premiere window, trailer & more Liber EntertainmentCocktails, an empathic bartender, and anime – what more could you want? Here are all the details we have so far about the upcoming anime Bartender: Glass of God. Based on Araki Joh’s popular 2004-2011 manga, the upcoming anime series isn’t Bartender’s first soiree onto the small screen. The series was first adapted into a critically acclaimed anime back in 2006, followed by a 2011 TV drama. Much to the delight of fans, after a 17-year hiatus, the anime series is getting a sequel called Bartender: Glass of God, once again returning fans to the prodigy bartender Ryu Sasakura and his delicious cocktails. So, what do we know about the series? Let’s take a look at the release window, cast and crew, trailer, and more. Bartender: Glass of God release window Bartender: Glass of God is slated for an April 2024 release. On September 19, alongside a 70-second preview clip, it was announced that Bartender: Glass of God would debut in April 2024. Bartender: Glass of God plot Adapted from Araki Joh and Kenji Nagatomo’s Bartender manga, the story once again follows genius mixologist Ryu Sasakura who works at Eden Hall, a bar hidden in the backstreets of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Following the premise of the previous series and the manga, customers plagued by various troubles all wander into the bar where Ryu makes them the perfect drink to solve their problems. And this time, the stakes are even higher, because Ryu claims to be able to make a mysterious drink, the “Glass of God”. Who’s in the cast? The cast and crew for the sequel look different from the original. Produced by Liber Entertainment, Ryōichi Kuraya – the director behind Tsugumomo – takes the helm for this new series. Well-established screenwriter Mariko Kunisawa is writing the screenplay. Crunchyroll has acquired the streaming license, so fans from all around the world can enjoy the series together. The announced cast is as follows: Terashima Takuma as Sasakura Ryuu – Nanjou Yoshino as Kurushima Miwa – Shiraishi Ryouko as Kinjou Yuri – Furukawa Makoto as Kelvin Chen – Shiraishi Haruka as Higuchi Yukari – Matsui Eriko as Karakami Kyouko – Is there a trailer for Bartender: Glass of God? On September 19, 2023, Studio Liber released the official trailer for Bartender: Glass of God. Featuring the series’ main character, Sasakura Ryo, the trailer revisits the mysterious Eden Hall and the unbelievable cocktails that launched the series into critical acclaim. While you wait for the April 2024 release date, the original 2006 anime adaptation Bartender is also available on Crunchyroll. So, why don’t you check it out today? How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen. And thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription. There’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. Check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Massive Netflix anime crossover beats Godzilla Minus One right after release NetflixNetflix just premiered Baki Hanma Vs Kengan Ashura, the hard-hitting combat sports anime crossover, and the mini-series has shot up the service’s charts, leapfrogging some major releases. Featuring the stars of two iconic sports anime, Baki Hanma Vs Kengan Ashura is the heavyweight bout of crossovers. In one corner, you have Baki the Grappler, who specializes in no holds barred cage fighting, and in the other stands Kengan Ashura, a modern day gladiator. Whoever wins, we’re the real victors in the anime movie. Since coming out on June 6, 2024, the hour-long special has garnered viewers at a rapid pace. According to Flixpatrol, in under two days, Baki Hanma Vs Kengan Ashura climbed right up the service’s Top Ten list, slotting in comfortably at number two worldwide. The most notable opponent that’s been knocked back as a result is Godzilla Minus One. The Oscar-winning monster film’s arrival on Netflix — and streaming in general, for that matter — was highly anticipated, spurring a wave of first time and repeat watches. That’s now in third place, with thriller Colors of Evil: Red in fourth. The top dog at the moment is Under Paris, a slightly shlocky Jaws-riff about a shark in the River Seine. Viewership for the new movie is almost double that of Baki Hanma Vs Kengan Ashura and Godzilla Minus One. Clearly this means our two professional fighters should scrap with Godzilla next. Then, introduce a shark, preferably in a European city where sharks definitely aren’t supposed to be. Netflix would be rolling in the viewers. This crossover project provides a good stopgap for both franchises. Baki Hanma Season 3’s status is currently undetermined, whereas Kengan Ashura Season 2 Part 2 arrives sometime in August 2024. Just as any great MMA combatants do, everyone is staying fight ready for whatever’s coming. For more on what anime is coming up, check out our guides on Tower of God Season 2, Solo Leveling Season 2, and One Punch Man Season 3.

One of the best Netflix anime is getting a sequel – but there’s a catch NetflixBaki Hanma, one of the greatest shonen anime available on Netflix, has a sequel coming, adapting the next instalment of the Baki manga. Since premiering on the service in 2018, Baki Hanma has become one of the best anime shows on Netflix thanks to awesome fights, and a good old fashioned underdog story. The titular martial artist’s journey through underground fight clubs in order to become the best and challenge his father has garnered a fervent fanbase over the last six years, leading to an expanding franchise. The sports anime draws from the Baki saga, which encompasses several different series, not unlike Dragon Ball (but with much less episodes). Now, it’s been announced that Baki-Dou is being adapted. Officially the fourth part of the timeline, Baki-Dou takes place after Baki and his dad clash, where the fighting industry has to find some way to elevate beyond their incredible battle. No spoilers, but what happens is very silly, and very fun. The announcement comes from Japan, and right now we don’t know any details on global distribution. Since Netflix currently holds a significant amount of the existing Baki anime, it’s probably safe to expect Baki-Dou to arrive there eventually, we don’t know for certain. It’s worth noting that Netflix just announced a Baki Hanma Vs Kengan Ashura crossover as well, so the platform is making moves with both licenses. Watch this space for more when we have it!

Baki Hanma Season 2 Part 2: Release date, time & where to watch NetflixBaki Hanma Season 2 Part 2 will arrive on our screens soon – here, you can get information about its release date, time, and the streaming platform that will make the new episodes available to you. Baki Season 1 Part 1 featured the revival of a man named Pickle, who comes from the Jurassic Era. The man was sent to Japan to face several fighters, who were defeated by him easily. However, when he came across Baki, he found him to be a potent fighter whom he must fight. In the ring, Baki was the one to dominate the fight until he decided to win on the basis of his stamina. Well, it’s obvious no matter how much strength Baki has, it’s not easy to challenge a dinosaur hunter. After giving us an action-packed first part, Baki Hanma is returning with Part 2 of its second season, which will feature the biggest face-off in the history of the series. Baki will be seen fighting his own father, Yujiro Hanma, who is an even stronger fighter than him. However, as Baki has faced several substantial opponents in the past, we may see him give a tough ride to Yujiro. Baki Hanma Season 2 Part 2: Release date and time Baki Hanma Season 2 Part 2 will be released on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 12:00am Pacific Time. Below, we have given a time schedule that must be followed by Baki Hanma’s fans residing in other time zones: 12:00am PDT – 2:00am CDT – 3:00am EDT – 8:00am British Time – 9:00am European Time – 12:30pm IST – 3:00pm Philippine Time – 4:30pm Australian Time – Where to watch Baki Hanma Season 2 Part 2 Baki Hanma Season 2 Part 2 will arrive on Netflix. The first part of the anime’s exciting season was released in July on the same platform, and now, the streaming giant is all set to add its highly-awaited second part. The first part of Baki Hanma Season 2 had 13 episodes, and the upcoming part is speculated to have 12-13 episodes, putting an end to Baki’s story by featuring his biggest fight in the series. Besides that, like the previous part, we may get all the episodes of the second part dropped altogether on Netflix. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. In the meantime, check out our other anime coverage below: My Happy Marriage Episode 6 | Bungou Stray Dogs Season 5 Episode 5 | My Hero Academia chapter 397 | My Happy Marriage: Miyo Saimori | 10 Best anime shows like My Happy Marriage | One Piece Gear 5 anime schedule | OOne Piece Gear 5 explained | Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 anime | One Piece chapter If you click on a product link on this page, we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Netflix reveals long-awaited anime crossover, and fans are in shock NetflixNetflix has revealed a knockout punch of a crossover, with two beloved anime about fighting set to square off against each other. During Anime Japan 2024, Netflix announced that Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura would be duking it out to see which is truly the best anime show. Both sports anime focused on hand-to-hand combat, they make an ideal pairing for an epic mish-mash. Baki Hanma, currently midway through Season 2, follows the titular fighter on a journey from underground bareknuckle grappling right up to legitimate martial-arts championships. Kengan Ashura is a little darker, focusing on a gladiatorial circuit overseen by rich benefactors where a novice prizefighter rises through the ranks. They’re two of the best anime if you want to see some bloody combat, and Netflix is putting them in the ring together to see who emerges as the true champion. Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura will be an anime movie, and fans can’t believe it’s finally happening. “I actually can’t believe this is happening,” one fan exclaims on X, formerly Twitter. “Oh my God, I can’t believe this, so hype! Biscuit vs Julius, clash of the muscle titans,” another adds. The subject evokes other popular crossovers, like the genre-defining fighting game X-Men Vs Street Fighter from 1996. “This is probably one of the best crossovers since [the] Cyclops and Ryu handshake,” another X account points out. Seeing Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura on-screen together is surreal. Such a project shows the investment and ambition of Netflix’s anime output, with the company demonstrating that if there’s keen interest, anything can happen. We’ll find out who will reign supreme on June 6. In the meantime, check out our guides to Demon Slayer Season 4 and My Hero Academia Season 7 for more great upcoming releases. I wonder if we’ll ever see Tanjiro and Deku team up? One can dream!

“Awesome” K-drama now an anime show on Crunchyroll CrunchyrollK-drama and manhwa fans can rejoice now as the anime adaptation of True Beauty is finally coming to Crunchyroll. True Beauty is a popular name in the manhwa and K-drama fandoms. Written and illustrated by Na-young Kim, this romantic comedy debuted as a webtoon in 2018, before finally concluding in 2023. The famous comic was later adapted into a romantic K-drama starring Moon Ka-young, Cha Eun-woo, Hwang In-youp, and Park Yoo-na. The TV show premiered in 2020 and ran for 16 episodes. Now, the series is ready to conquer another entertainment medium as it’s become an anime show. The anime is co-produced by Crunchyroll and Naver Webtoons while Studio N and Cocktail Media handle the animation. The anime series is exclusively streaming on Crunchyroll from August 7, 2024. As of yet, there hasn’t been any mention of the episode count. True Beauty follows Lim Jugyoung, who’s been bullied by her peers in middle school because of her appearance. Not willing to suffer the same indignities in high school, she begins changing her looks with make-up while hiding it from everyone. While things have been going great for her since then, with everyone obsessed with her beauty, all is about to change soon. When the handsome Lee Suho enrolls in her school, he not only becomes instantly popular but also ends up seeing her real face. The rest of the story follows the duo as Jugyoung does everything to prevent Suho from revealing her secret. True to every romance manhwa, there are plenty of dramatic and heart-pounding moments sprinkled in between. Fans of the K-drama and manhwa are pretty excited about the anime. As one X user wrote, “The K-drama was awesome, I’m curious to watch the anime!” “The K-drama was such a good experience, I wonder if an anime can keep up with that. A show in Japanese that’s supposed to play in Korea sounded a bit off when I watched Solo Leveling, but I’ll give it a shot,” shared another. “My WEBTOON got a K-drama and now an anime. I have the best taste for real,” commented a third. For other Summer 2024 anime, check out our guides to Oshi no Ko Season 2, Tower of God Season 2, and Fairy Tail: 100-Years Quest.

Avatar: The Last Airbender intro gets an epic Game of Thrones twist Nickelodeon / HBO[jwplayer h3XPfMqQ]An Avatar fan recreated The Last Airbender’s intro in the style of Game of Thrones’ iconic opening sequence. The epic VFX project re-imagines the Nickelodeon animation like you’ve never seen before. The Last Airbender made its groundbreaking debut on Nickelodeon in 2005. Viewers from around the world connected with its story about a monk named Aang who, as the Avatar, can control the elements of Water, Earth, Air, and Fire. The show’s intro has become iconic in its own right, and is a staple of pop culture. A talented VFX artist took the segment and brought it to life using Game of Thrones’ mind-blowing opening sequence. Avatar re-imagined in the style of Game of Thrones The video was posted on Reddit, and went viral with over 4.1k likes at the time of writing. While the project was re-discovered on June 2, the jaw-dropping creation was originally made back in 2015 by creator ‘Ramsey VFX Shows.’ The artist meticulously re-imagined Avatar’s 2D animated intro into the style of Game of Thrones iconic opening which made its debut in 2011 on HBO. The YouTube video opens up showing the Southern Water Tribe, before panning to the Air Temples and the Nomads’ spiraling towers in the sky. In the story, the massive city of Ba Sing Se is the center of the Earth Kingdom. The incredible clip brings the massive location to life by showing its lower, middle, and upper rings rising up from the ground. The fan intro then pans to the great Northern Water Tribe, and their ice wall defenses. Finally, the epic recreation moves to the Fire Nation, which is tucked away between mountains and surrounded by volcanic islands in the West. The video truly brings the animation’s map to life, and gives viewers a true scale and scope of how detailed the world actually is. Despite ending in 2008, Avatar has found a renewed explosion in popularity after Netflix added the HD version of the show in June. Old fans and newcomers have been re-discovering the Nickelodeon animation all over again. Those in love with Aang’s adventure are in luck, as the streaming service also announced they have plans to bring The Last Airbender to life in the form of a live-action drama. For everything we know about the project, check out our guide here.

Avatar: The Last Airbender cosplayer masters all the elements as Kyoshi NickelodeonKyoshi was one of many Avatars who preceded Aang in Avatar: The Last Airbender and her story inspired many fans, including a talented cosplayer who created an incredible outfit and transformed into her. Avatar: The Last Airbender is all about the trials and tribulations of Aang and his friends. However, he has a long line of predecessors who shared his powers and had a duty to restore peace and balance to the world. Kyoshi was one of them. She lived several hundreds of years earlier and was succeeded by Roku, the immediate predecessor to Aang. Described as a tall and powerful woman, she overcame a difficult childhood before being recognized as an Avatar in her teenage years. Throughout the series, she made several appearances in flashbacks and visions. She’s also recognized as the founder of the Kyoshi Warriors, an order of female warriors whose sole purpose is to protect her homeland, Kyoshi Island. Suki, the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, is a popular choice among cosplayers. However, a cosplayer named cosmic.reys.cosplay decided to break the mold and dress up as Kyoshi instead. “Only justice will bring peace,” she said. “Proud to share with you Avatar Kyoshi, who I fell in love with after reading her novels by @yeebookauthor! The Rise of Kyoshi and the Shadow of Kyoshi are epic reads that give Kyoshi such a compelling backstory! This cosplay was so much fun to put together!” View this post on Instagram It has some parallels to a traditional Kyoshi Warrior cosplay. For example, the earrings, facepaint, fans, make-up, and green robe are more or less the same. However, the biggest difference lies in the headpiece, which is larger and more pronounced than her subordinates. More importantly, though, it looks flawless. The attention to detail is second to none, and the added after-effects in her eyes are a nice touch as well. It resembles how Kyoshi looks in her Avatar State. All in all, it’s an incredible piece that has been described as everything from “so good” to “amazing.” Cosmic Reys deserves all the praise, and her fans are looking forward to what’s in store next.

Avatar: The Last Airbender cosplayer lights up like a wildfire as Princess Azula Nickelodeon / Instagram: @vygridaAvatar: The Last Airbender fans can’t get enough of the fiery villain Princess Azula, and a talented cosplayer stunned them with her incredible transformation. Princess Azula is one of the sickest and most twisted characters in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Born a fire-bending prodigy, her father, Fire Lord Ozai, placed lofty expectations on her, which pushed her to become manipulative and power-hungry. She also harbored deep resentment towards her mother, believing that she loved her brother, Prince Zuko, more than her. Together, these issues planted a seed that eventually blossomed into mental instabilities and caused her to have a complete mental breakdown. But despite the tragic circumstances of her life, her fire-bending skills were second to none. She was a feared but respected leader throughout the series, and even in the end, Team Avatar couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. A cosplayer named Vygrid is one of many fans who sympathize with her, too. She recently transformed herself into Princess Azula, and her fans and followers couldn’t believe their eyes. The brilliant outfit captured all the important details, from the red, black, and gold Fire Nation armor to the lipstick, make-up, and hair tied into a bun. But perhaps more importantly, she had a killer expression, which made her look like the real deal. View this post on Instagram Vygrid also posted another picture two weeks earlier. It didn’t show off the outfit, but it gave fans a closer look at her face while she tried to re-enact the famous ‘Azula smile’ scene in the show. It also shows how good of a job she did with the hair and make-up. People often forget they’re just as important as the outfit, especially if you’re trying to re-create a character as authentically as possible. View this post on Instagram The two photos have been liked by more than 1,000 people, which is insane considering Vygrid only has 1,500 followers. However, she’ll almost certainly attract a whole lot more with this stunning piece, and it would be well-deserved.

Avatar fans demand live-action crossover for infamous episode As Netflix’s live-action Avatar The Last Airbender series approaches, a fan is demanding an outlandish crossover of controversial proportions, grabbing the attention of fans to figure out how an infamous episode would be handled if reached. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a beloved animated series that puts other anime to shame with a quality story, memorable characters, remarkable animation, engaging combat, and hilarious comedy. Though Avatar is only an honorable title in anime, it stands out above most ongoing series from Japan. While we wait for Netflix’s live-action series with tempered expectations, one fan has proposed a crossover within the series if it reaches a certain point in the story, bringing the most controversial piece of Avatar: The Last Airbender media back into the limelight. If Netflix doesn’t do it, they’re proving their cowardice, apparently. Avatar fans demand controversial crossover over for Ember Island Players episode Though many fans want to forget about M. Night Shyamalan’s live-action take on Avatar with The Last Airbender movie, u/Ok_Mud2019 has demanded a very controversial crossover that would include the universally panned film. To add context, there’s a once-in-a-blue-moon filler episode during Avatar: The Last Airbender Book Three: Fire (Season 3). The gang finds out that a group of performers is putting on a show of their adventures up to the end of Book 2: Earth, all from the warped Fire Nation propaganda point of view, bringing lame caricatures of our heroes to the stage as hilarity ensues. The controversial part here is that this fan demands that if Netflix ever reaches this episode, they should employ the actors from M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Last Airbender” to perform as the Ember Island Players in the act of transcendental meta humor, poking fun at combining what’s known as one of the worst Avatar episodes with the worst Avatar product. Fans in the comment section give their two cents with u/DarkArcher_ stating: Having the original voice cast would be an excellent nod to the animated series that started it all. Since the live-action movie only covered Book One: Water, barely involving the casting of Fire Lord Ozai and Azula, this leaves out the world’s greatest earthbender, Toph. Have no fear, as u/Realshow suggested a solution to this issue. For context, the Ember Island Players portrayed Toph as a large, musclebound man’s man, to which the small Toph commends them for accurately portraying her attitude. It gives M. Night Shyamalan a chance to shine in the spotlight in a fake muscle suit. However, our pick would be Dwayne Johnson if he’s available; he’s literally called “The Rock,” which is perfect for an Earthbender. The likelihood of this episode happening in the first place is very low, with Netflix’s track record of cancellations. However, the live-action One Piece series was a pleasant surprise (to say the least) – but that did involve series creator Eiichiro Oda having the final say, something the Avatar live-action series has lost. On top of everything, the actor’s performances in The Last Airbender movie were panned – so, even if the series gets that far, there’s little hope of the live-action movie cast making an enthusiastic return.

Attack on Titan fans adamant controversial character “did nothing wrong” CrunchyrollAttack on Titan contains some divisive moments, and a look at characters who deserved their fate has reopened a discussion on what happens to Eren Yeager. A pillar of pop culture in the 2010s, Attack on Titan will rightly go down as one of the best anime of the current era. Riveting, gory, and action-packed, the Survey Corps’ endless battle against the mindless Titans made for some excellent entertainment. The main character, Eren Yeager, typifies a complicated protagonist. At first he’s seen as a hero, but later on in the story, he becomes something of a war-monger trying to initiate genocide against the oppressive state of Marley. On an X/Twitter thread of anime characters who got what they deserved, Eren’s passing is listed as an entry. His inclusion proves to be one of the more controversial choices, as many sympathize with his actions. “Eren did nothing wrong,” state a few replies, making their stance clear. “He tried to save his island and his people. He didn’t deserve this at all,” said another. “Eren did the right thing by unleashing The Rumbling. It means Paradis starts with the scientific advantage moving forward, instead of always behind in terms of technological advancement,” another added. There’s definitely logic to what they’re saying. Paradis was essentially used to test and breed Titans by Marley, made to believe they were the last bastion of humanity by an apathetic mainland. Upon discovering this, Eren became obsessed with burning it all down, much to the dismay of even his closest friends in Mikasa and Armin. Creator Hajime Isayama doesn’t hold back from the complex emotions around such a situation. Attack on Titan manga finished in 2021 and the anime wrapped in 2023. If you’d like something to fill the gap, Dandadan, Lazarus, and Terminator Zero all have some horror vibes you might just enjoy.

Attack on Titan’s final episode English dub: Release date & time UfotableThe Attack on Titan finale is arriving with its English dub version in early 2024, and here’s everything you need to know about its release schedule. With heavy hearts and teary eyes, every AoT fan bid goodbye to their favorite dark fantasy anime series on November 4, 2023. However, it wasn’t easy for us to let go of a series that had been with us for ten years. Attack on Titan took us on a roller coaster ride for an entire decade by coming up with the most intriguing plot twists. Even though Eren’s story ended in 2023, we were happy that the animation studio and AoT’s creator gave a fantastic conclusion to the series. International fans who have been waiting for the English dub of the anime don’t have to wait any longer, as Crunchyroll has recently announced its release date. Attack on Titan Season 4 final episode English dub Release date & time revealed As per Crunchyroll, AoT finale will be released on the platform on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Here are the release timings for fans residing in different time zones: 9:00am PST – 11:00am CST – 12:00pm EST – 5:00pm BST – 10:30pm IST – Of course, a significant part of the fandom likes to watch the original Japanese version of anime; however, it’s also true that several fans are waiting for the episode’s English dub. So, if you still haven’t watched the final episode, you can finally experience its brilliance next month. Not only English, but Attack on Titan finale will also be available in a few other languages, including Portuguese, German, and Spanish. Moreover, fans can watch the episode on Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block on Saturday, January 6, 2023, at 12:00am EST. Crunchyroll also gave us details of the English voice actors and the dubbed version’s release information. You can find the list below: Bryce Papenbrook as Eren Yeager – Jessie James Grelle as Armin Artlert – Trina Nishimura as Mikasa Ackerman – Mike McFarland as Jean Kirstein – Jessica Calvello as Hanji Zoe – Matthew Mercer as Levi Ackerman – Robert McCollum as Reiner Braun – Lauren Landa as Annie Leonhart – Clifford Chapin as Connie Springer – Amber Lee Connors as Pieck Finger – Lindsay Seidel as Gabi Braun – Bryson Baugus as Falco GriceJason – Liebrecht as Zeke Jaeger – How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Attack on Titan will make anime history with Eren Yeager interview CrunchyrollWho isn’t fond of Eren Yeager, the antagonist turned protagonist from the legendary animanga series Attack on Titan? Well, the anime character will again create history by appearing in an interview ahead of the final saga. Attack on Titan has always impressed the community with its sensational masterpiece narrative, soundtracks, and, of course, well-written characters. Even though every character from the Attack on Titan (AoT) universe has their own fan-following, the one character who can give goosebumps to every viewer is none other than the main protagonist/antagonist, Eren Yeager. After a long wait, we are finally approaching the release of the final part of AoT that will reveal Eren’s fate. He is a character who has turned into an entity that wants to destroy everything for the sake of his loved ones. Basically, the innocent Eren has undergone a giant transformation and wants to eradicate the majority of the population. You must have heard intriguing news revolving around the franchise before, but we are sure you haven’t come across something like we are about to tell you. Attack on Titan’s Eren Yaeger to be interviewed by Japan’s local broadcast channel A recent post on social media revealed that Eren Yaeger will be interviewed by Japan’s NHK “Professional Work Style” on October 23, 2023, at 11:45pm JST. Initially, every fan wondered if it was an interview with the character’s voice actor as it made sense. However, this time, it will not be the voice actor but the anime character who will be interviewed. It would be the first time an anime character will be interviewed, and that’s why every fan is really excited about it. Several fans commented that they believe the interview will not involve an AI of Eren but a real person portraying the character. A One Piece fan also commented that they want someone from Eiichiro Oda’s created universe to be interviewed after Eren. NHK has also revealed that as the saga will end after some days, the whole point of this interview is to have a chat with the main character, Eren, and some of the other AoT characters, including Levi, Armin, Mikasa, and more. As Eren is moving on a path of Genocide, it’s understandable if the character is interviewed about his vision or how far he is willing to go to achieve his goal. We can only speculate things until the official interview comes out. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Attack on Titan: Who is Ymir and how did she become a Titan? crunchyrollAttack on Titan featured Ymir in a pivotal role; however, not many fans are aware of who she actually was and how she became the Founding Titan. The dark-themed series takes place in a world where humankind lives with the terror of the huge titans. It comes with several mind-bending twists and turns, one of which is the tragic backstory of Ymir. Ymir wasn’t mentioned in the first two seasons of Attack on Titan, but we learned a fair bit about her in the following seasons. We even got an entire episode dedicated to Ymir’s backstory, which finally shed some light on the history of Titans. That being said, Attack on Titan took several long breaks before eventually coming to an end, so not everyone remembers the events that unfolded in the previous seasons. However, to truly understand the phenomenal finale, you must know about Ymir’s history. Who was Ymir in Attack on Titan? Ymir walked on Earth around 2000 years ago, when her village was destroyed by the Eldians. After killing her parents and cutting off her tongue, Ymir was taken as an enslaved person by the Eldian soldiers. Ymir was simply a child at the time, and since the very start, she knew nothing but to serve the Eldian King, Fritz. Ymir was a helpless girl who was earlier being hunted by Eldian soldiers for sport. On the brink of death, Ymir came across the power of Titans by merging with the Hallucigenia worm. Even after coming across such devastating powers, Ymir only served Fritz and fought off Marley and other nations so that Eldians could rule the world. Fritz also had three children with Ymir: Rose, Maria, and Sheena. One day, an assassin launched an attack on Fritz, and Ymir decided to sacrifice herself for the King. She did that not because she was his slave but because she loved Fritz. After Ymir’s death, Fritz forces his daughters to eat her body so that the titan powers can be passed on to them. These girls then passed on their powers to their children, and so on. That way, the Founding Titan’s powers were divided into nine Titans (the ones we saw in the series). After her death, Ymir found herself in The Paths, a space where time and space don’t exist. In this space, Ymir continued to create titans for the Eldian empire using the sand. So, even after her death, Ymir was still loyal to Fritz and continued to serve the Eldian empire. Who freed Ymir in Attack on Titan’s final season? Interestingly, it was Mikasa who freed Ymir from the shackles of love. The Titan powers only existed because Ymir couldn’t relinquish her love for Fritz, even though the King only saw her as a puppet. Eren got the Founding Titan powers after convincing Ymir that he would free her from this cycle; however, it was Mikasa who was bound to help Ymir. Mikasa loved Eren even after he mocked her feelings. She wanted to save her love even when he went on to carry out genocide. Similarly, Ymir loved Fritz even though he killed countless innocent people. So, Ymir was observing Mikasa because they both were in a similar situation. And when Mikasa chose humanity over love and killed Eren, it inspired Ymir to let go of her feelings for the Eldian King and find peace. You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here, and other anime coverage here.

How to watch Attack on Titan in order: A chronological guide MAPPAIf you haven’t seen Attack on Titan, you’ve definitely heard about it, so here’s exactly how you should watch the iconic anime. Attack on Titan is one of the best anime of the century thus far. The manga from Hajime Isayama stirred up a storm when it debuted in 2009, only to become a defining piece of pop culture when the anime series kicked off in 2013. The epic story centers on Eren Yeager and the Survey Corps, a special battalion created to defend their city from the terrifying Titans, gigantic, humanoid monsters that eat inhabitants whole. As the stakes rise, so does the production value and excitement, all leading to a controversial ending in the manga, that was equally divisive in the anime show. But how do you make sense of it all? We have the answers, and they’re more straightforward than you think! Attack on Titan chronological watch order Attack on Titan has four seasons, and you can watch the whole thing chronologically. From the first episode to the last, Eren’s rise to prominence and the War of the Titans make for the incredible mystery that turns into an exciting, bloody parable at the cost of revenge and nationalism. The main story of Attack on Titan should be watched in this order: Attack on Titan Season 1: Episodes 1-25 – Attack on Titan Season 2: Episodes 26-37 – Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 1: Episodes 38-49 – Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2: Episodes 50-59 – Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 1: Episodes 60-75 – Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2: Episodes 76-87 – Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 3 Special 1: Episode 88 – Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 3 Special 2: Episode 89 – Attack on Titan complete watch order with OVAs Attack on Titan also has several OVAs that feature spin-offs centering around the side characters. Not only do you receive a deeper understanding of the Survey Corps’ dynamics, but almost all of these include events mentioned in the main series. Here’s how to watch Attack on Titan with the OVAs: Attack on Titan Season 1: Episodes 1-25 – Attack on Titan: Ilse’s Notebook (OVA) – Attack on Titan: The Sudden Visitor (OVA) – Attack on Titan: Distress (OVA) – Attack on Titan: No Regrets (OVA) – Attack on Titan Season 2: Episodes 26-37 – Attack on Titan: Lost Girls (OVA) – Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 1: Episodes 38-49 – Attack on Titan: Lost Girls: Lost in the Cruel World (OVA) – Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2: Episodes 50-59 – Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 1: Episodes 60-75 – Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2: Episodes 76-87 – Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 3 Special 1: Episode 88 – Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 3 Special 2: Episode 89 – All seasons of Attack on Titan are currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, most underrated anime of 2023, and the best anime like One Piece.

Attack on Titan: Was the anime ending different from manga? CrunchyrollThe Attack on Titan anime has concluded, giving us the most wonderful and beautifully crafted final episode. However, the ending of the anime looks different from what we have read in the manga, and here, we have talked about the same thing. Attack on Titan became one of the most popular and controversial manga series at the same time because of the ending that couldn’t please the majority of the massive fanbase. Sadly, Isayama did not rework the complete ending even after the fans raised a poll. So, since the announcement of the anime finale surfaced, everyone wished to see an anime-only ending and not the one the manga forced them to see. Now that the episode is finally out, fans are wondering if the anime ending was any different from the manga. Well, let’s find out: The anime-only ending made fans feel for the characters even more Firstly, no, the Attack on Titan anime’s ending wasn’t different than the manga; however, MAPPA and Isayama sensei introduced some anime-only scenes and added some different dialogues that made the ending a little better. Things didn’t change in the grand scheme, but the anime ending was a lot more pleasing than that of the manga. The first change that grabbed our attention was when Armin confronted Eren about Mikasa; the manga panel felt quite pale, but MAPPA brought out the best of the scene and made it look impactful. Secondly, the panel that shows Armin calling his own friend a “mass murderer” was changed by the studio as well. In the anime, we see how Armin respects Eren’s feelings and says that he is equally responsible for the war, so he will join Eren in hell, and they’ll both pay for the sins they have committed. Besides that, the anime featured a scene where Mikasa and Eren were talking in the cabin; this part in the manga wasn’t stretched as much as it was in the anime episode. Also, in the manga, Paradis Island was bombed around 60-70 years after Eren’s death, but in the anime’s post-credit scene, we see that the Island was bombed after several generations, possibly after 300-400 years. So, for anime fans, Eren achieved peace for at least the time when his friends and their children were alive. Of course, everything was fantastically done in the anime, but one thing that was left out was that in the manga, it was hinted that Mikasa and Eren had a child and they visited Eren’s grave together. However, in the anime’s post-credit scene, we only see Jean and Mikasa visiting the grave without the child. Then, we see that Mikasa died of old age, which is something that was also shown in the manga. You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here, and other anime coverage here.

Beloved Attack on Titan voice actor joins One Piece cast CrunchyrollOne Piece Episode 1113 is highly anticipated among fans as it will feature an exciting battle, and a beloved Attack on Titan star will voice one new character. One Piece Episode 1113 is titled ‘Run, Koby! A Desperate Escape Strategy!’. The episode will feature Garp and the SWORD members arriving at Hachinosu to rescue Koby. Koby failed to arrest Boa Hancock due to Blackbeard’s intrusion. He captured the young Marine and made him a prisoner in his base. However, Garp refuses to give up on his student. What follows is an all-out battle against the Marines and one of the most powerful pirate crews in the New World. Fans will witness Garp’s full power for the first time as he fights Kuzan and the other members of the Blackbeard Pirates. The upcoming episode will also introduce a SWORD member, Kujaku. She will be voiced by Marina Inoue, the voice of Armin from Attack on Titan. Marina is also popular for being the voice behind Momo Yaoyorozu from My Hero Academia, Mai Zenin from Jujutsu Kaisen, and several other characters. Kujaku is a Marine Rear Admiral and the granddaughter of Marine Vice Admiral Tsuru. She has the powers of Muchi Muchi no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. It allows her to use whips to command anything she lashes, including objects. She is one of the SWORD members who joined Garp to rescue Koby. However, she doesn’t play a major part in the rescue since Garp was fighting the powerful opponents by himself. Although Kujaku has been briefly introduced in Episode 1090, she will finally make her proper debut in Episode 1113. For more from One Piece, check out our ranking of the strongest Straw Hats. Also, look at why Roger Pirates didn’t act after learning the truth and the manga confirming Imu’s gender.

Attack on Titan movie: First trailer, plot details, and everything else we know Pony CanyonThe Rumbling isn’t over just yet, because Attack on Titan: The Last Attack is coming to theaters, and we have all the information available. To mark the first anniversary of Attack on Titan‘s ending, we’re getting a full theatrical release from one of the best anime of the 2010s. Eren, Levi, and the Survey Corps are swinging onto the big screen for the mega sendoff their story has always deserved. Alas, if you’re hoping for a fresh installment, The Last Attack isn’t it. Following in the footsteps of Demon Slayer, this is a compilation film covering the final episodes in the gigantic war between the titans and humanity. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t something for everyone in the feature. Here’s everything you should know about what’s coming. When is the Attack on Titan movie out? Attack on Titan: The Last Attack is out on November 8, 2024 in Japan. Overseas release dates haven’t been confirmed yet, but we expect to see the film sometime early 2025. Anime movies like this generally arrive to American, European and British cinemas weeks after they open in Japan. The time disparity allows time for proper subbing and dubbing, and then a rollout of both versions in cinemas so anyone who wants either version can enjoy them. Attack on Titan movie trailer The first teaser for Attack on Titan: The Last Attack arrived with the announcement in August 2024. It’s a short clip, showing the carnage as the Survey Corps battle Eren’s titans in a last ditch effort to prevent complete disaster. The scale of Attack on Titan Season 4 was always impressive, MAPPA going all out to show the devastation and war. These scenes will look incredible on the big screen, touched up and re-edited to maximize effect. What is Attack on Titan: The Last Attack about? Attack on Titan: The Last Attack will show the Survey Corps taking on Eren after he’s set off the Rumbling, releasing the Wall Titans and threatening the entire known world. Mikasa, Levi and Armin lead the effort, facing an apocalypse started by a totally genocidal Eren. The film is a recut version of the last four episodes of Attack on Titan Season 4. Arriving one year after they premiered, this coda is actually more in-keeping with storyboard artist and The Last Attack director Yuichiro Hayashi’s original vision. “I originally drew the storyboard with the idea that it would be watched as a single movie, and having the opportunity to have everyone watch it in the best possible environment, the theater, is a dream come true for me,” he said. “We’re also working on updating the visuals as much as possible. Please experience the Rumbling in the theater!” This is the end… for now Attack on Titan: The Last Attack puts a fine point on the epic story by redoing the conclusion on the grandest stage possible. Since both the manga and anime are done, doing something theatrical was really the final milestone for the franchise. Although we’ve had Attack on Titan films before, they were live-action spin-offs that were neither received especially well nor given a chance to make waves internationally. This will be the show’s first big run in theaters, something that really could have happened much sooner if MAPPA chose to go that direction. Don’t expect much else beyond the occasional licensed release like a clothing line or video game for the foreseeable future. Attack on Titan burned extremely brightly for a decade, and now it’s time to lay the property to rest – just like Eren himself. That’s everything we have on The Last Attack. For more from anime’s biggest and best, check out our guides on Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, The One Piece, and Solo Leveling Season 2.

Attack on Titan announces surprise movie coming very soon, but don’t get too excited Pony CanyonAttack on Titan is coming to theatres to commemorate The Final Chapters releasing on home media, but you’ll need to be living in Japan for now. Attack on Titan has been finished for almost a year at this point, but we’re still reeling from the ending. One of the best anime of the 2010s, Eren Yaeger’s war against the evil Titans had us enraptured for years, leading to an emotional conclusion (if a little drawn out). Since the last episodes, the Part 4 of Season 4, are arriving on Blu-ray in a special Attack on Titan: The Final Chapters set, a new movie is coming to theatres. It’s a compilation film, known as The Last Attack. Attack on Titan: The Last Attack arrives on Friday, November 8, 2024, three days after the one year anniversary of seeing it all on television. Sadly, it’s exclusive to Japanese cinemas for the time-being. The announcement comes with a trailer, demonstrating some of the incredible scenes from those last episodes. Lots of fire and titans, and members of the Survey Corps being pushed to their limits. The Last Attack is just under two-and-a-half hours long, making it a strong evening or afternoon out at the cinema. It arrives at a point where anime is riding high at the box office. Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle and Gundam Seed Freedom are among the highest-grossing movies of the year in Japan. Besides them, we’ve had Blue Lock: The Movie – Episode Nagi and Demon Slayer: To The Hashira Training as well, both of which got wide releases as well. The latter was a compilation film also, though Demon Slayer has done them since the second season. MAPPA clearly sees there’s still excitement in Attack on Titan and decided to double down on the big finale. The franchise’s overall popularity would suggest we get a global rollout at some stage, but that remains to be seen. Have a look at our list of upcoming anime for other releases to be aware of, and we have guides to Dandadan, Dragon Ball Daima, and Solo Leveling Season 2 for franchises we know are coming outside Japan.

Attack on Titan studio remaking underrated ’90s anime WIT StudioPopular anime Attack on Titan studio, WIT is remaking an underrated ’90s anime, and we have the first trailer. WIT Studio, popular for making the first three seasons of Attack on Titan, is already working on the One Piece anime remake, which is adapting the first saga of the manga. However, the studio is not done with anime reboots yet as they have announced another reboot. Yaiba, a Shonen manga by Gosho Aoyama, was serialized from 1988 to 1993 while the anime aired from 1993 to 1994. Gosho Aoyama is also popular for creating Detective Conan. Yaiba centers around Yaiba Kurogane, who wants to become a samurai and trains hard with his father. His struggles truly begin when he arrives in Japan and has to deal with a new civilized reality, having several dangerous adventures that make him stronger every day. Takahiro Hasui (Mob Psycho III director) will be directing the anime remake at WIT Studio, with a series composition by Toko Machida (Kemono Michi: Rise Up). Additionally, character designs and chief animation direction by Yoshimichi Kameda (Mob Psycho 100) and music by Yutaka Yamada (VINLAND SAGA) and Yoshiaki Dewa (Hell’s Paradise). “I’m looking forward to this one. I really enjoyed the 1993 anime, so I want to see what they do with Kenyū Densetsu Yaiba,” writes one fan. Another adds, “WTH, every anime that I wanted to watch when I was a kid is coming back with a remake! Thank you, anime gods.” “The first thing that struck me when I watched the YAIBA teaser PV was how the animation was exactly the same as it was back then, or rather, how it was the character designs of Aoyama-sensei from way back then (tears). I can’t wait to see Okita-kun with those same drawings,” shares one more. For more of the finest anime on offer, check out our lists of the best short anime, highly anticipated upcoming anime in 2024, most underrated anime of 2023, and best anime like One Piece.

Attack on Titan soundtrack spoiled the ending 10 years ago CrunchyrollAttack on Titan’s finale made us cry for our beloved characters, especially Eren and Mikasa. But what if we say that the anime series already teased the heartbreaking ending a decade ago? Attack on Titan came from the brilliant mind of Hajime Isayama and made history. There is no denying that the industry will never get a masterpiece like this ever again. The twists and turns of AoT made us question everything we thought we knew about the story. Since the first day, the series brought several things that maintained the fandom’s excitement. Such elements often involved scenes or soundtracks that hinted toward something big – thanks to the genius mangaka. Here, we talk about a soundtrack that revealed the finale way before the series’ conclusion, which might be one reason it remained unnoticed. Attack on Titan Season 1 OST foreshadowed the series ending Attack on Titan is obviously known for its twisted narrative, but let’s not forget that the series also has some of the most beautiful soundtracks that can uplift anyone’s mood. However, Season 1 of AoT featured a theme song titled ‘Call Your Name’, and it clearly hinted at the final events of Eren and Mikasa’s story. Lines like “I wish I could be with her until my last day” are said from Eren’s perspective, in which he clearly expresses his love for Mikasa. In the finale, we saw how Eren never wanted Mikasa to forget him, and all he wished was to spend life with her, but he couldn’t. So, it’s evident that these lines hint that Eren wouldn’t be able to live a peaceful life with Mikasa. In the finale, we also see Eren and Mikasa’s dream of a peaceful life, and in the song, there’s a line that says, “We dreamt a new life, someplace to be at peace.” Finally, “All I know my life is gone” clearly hints at Eren’s heartbreaking end. After the finale, Isayama stated that the series’ ending was set in stone from the start. The author had this ending in his mind from the beginning, so it’s understandable why this song from Season 1 foreshadows the final events of the story. Eren and Mikasa had feelings for each other since childhood, but they never wanted to accept them publicly or in front of each other. When Mikasa admitted that she loves Eren, she didn’t get acceptance from him because he already knew what their story would be. Well, that’s because his future self was the one who started everything; in fact, he was the one who directed the Smiling Titan toward the Yaeger house so that it could eat his mother. Besides that, with the story moving forward, we also realize that Eren knew from the beginning that Armin would eventually become the Colossal Titan after eating Bertholdt. Apart from that, he also knew that he would die at the hands of his love, Mikasa. He wanted freedom for the Eldians, but he was already familiar that he wouldn’t be able to do it because he was stuck in a time loop, and coming out of it wouldn’t be possible. Hence, he intentionally sacrificed himself so that the entire Eldia and his friends could lead a peaceful life. Interestingly, the ‘Call Your Name’ OST hinted at such a tragic ending for Eren a decade ago. You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here, and other anime coverage here.

Attack on Titan fans shocked by new Megan Thee Stallion song CrunchyrollMegan Thee Stallion is a noted anime fan, and in her latest collaboration, she drops a nod to Attack on Titan that’s got her audience talking. After appearing at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards in Jujutsu Kaisen cosplay, Megan Thee Stallion has paid tribute to another of the best anime, Attack on Titan. She makes a guest appearance on GloRilla’s new single, ‘Wanna Be’, and the nod is unmistakable. “I’m the female titan / I’m steppin’ on b*tches / I’m showin’ my t*tties / I tore up the city,” she raps, starting at 1:24. The lyrics are ferocious, exactly what you’d expect from the acclaimed rapper, who gives GloRilla a run for her money on the tune. “The way Meg said she was the female titan! This the one,” reads one commenter. “The AoT reference is fire,” says another. The Female Titan has her own arc in the manga, relatively early in Attack on Titan. She’s the titan form of Annie, and battles Eren’s titan form after she gives the Survey Corps quite a lot of trouble. The collaboration arrives on the eve of the pair touring together, as GloRilla is set to support Megan Thee Stallion’s upcoming US run. The tour, dubbed Hot Girl Summer Tour, treks across the US and into Europe and the UK between from May through to July. Expect this song on the setlist – who knows, maybe there’ll be a titan in the show, too. Check out our guides to Demon Slayer Season 4, Tower of God Season 2, and My Hero Academia You’re Next to see what might influence Megan next.

Attack on Titan Season 4 trailer gives first look at humanity’s final battle MAPPAMAPPA have finally dropped the official trailer for Attack on Titan Season 4, as fans of the series prepare themselves for the final chapters in the legendary anime’s tale. Attack on Titan’s anime adaption first launched in 2013, and since then it has become one of the most popular and revered shows, following the story of Eren Yeager and his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, whose lives were changed forever when Titans breached the walls of their hometown and wreaked havoc, eventually devouring Erin’s mother in one of the most harrowing moments. Since then, fans have followed the story of the trio as they joined the Scout Regiment, determined to take down these monsters once and for all, and explore the world beyond the walls which they have been unable to explore for centuries. With the final portion of the epic story set to launch this year, new animators MAPPA have dropped the Season 4 trailer, but be warned, the video and the remainder of this article does include spoilers for Season 3 and 4. The end of Season 3 saw the lives of the main characters flipped upside, as they learned that those who lived within the walls were not the last of the human race who had survived the onslaught of Titans, but instead were exiled to the island on which they live by the Nation of Marley, who were afraid of the Subjects of Ymir, born with the ability to transform into Titans. The Season 4 trailer shows the aftermath of their discovery, as the Scout Regiment and the Subjects of Ymir apparently wage war on those who had forced their kind to retreat behind the walls centuries earlier in what is likely to be their final battle to learn the truth and finally escape the confinement they have lived in for generations. Alongside the trailer, MAPPA also released a new image, showing Eren in his Titan form towering over Reiner Braun, the Armored Titan who breached the gate of Wall Maria. Attack on Titan author Hajime Isayama confirmed that Attack on Titan would be animated until the end, and thanked former animator WIT Studio for all their work over the last 20 years, and hoped that the final season would help fans and the team at MAPPA make “wonderful memories” with him again. Despite concerns that Attack on Titan Season 4 could be delayed due to the ongoing situation that is affecting the world, the final chapter of the epic story is still set to launch in Fall 2020, meaning fans don’t have too long to wait.

Attack on Titan Season 4 new trailer drops as final battle approaches MAPPAAttack on Titan is approaching the end, and a new teaser gives us a preview of what we can expect from the show’s final season. After launching in 2013, the anime adaptation of Attack on Titan has become one of the most popular shows of all time. It follows the story of Eren Yeager and his friends, Mikasa and Armin, as they attempt to take down the fearsome Titans that wreaked havoc on their hometown. When Season 3 ended last year, it was revealed that the upcoming Season 4 would be the show’s last outing. The action will kick off on December 7, 2020, and naturally, anticipation for the anime’s looming return is at fever pitch. The first TV spot for Attack on Titan’s fourth season has debuted online, and it teases the action that’s coming in the show’s sure-to-be-stunning conclusion. There’s titans raining from the sky – a pretty terrifying sight – and more from our hero Eren and the Scout Regiment. What will happen in Attack on Titan Season 4? It’s expected that the new season will follow a new cast of characters who exist in the enemy land of Marley, before leading into the highly-anticipated final battle between the Eldians and those who have kept them captive for decades. As previously announced, Season 4 will bring Eren and his team’s story to a close. While fans are understandably upset that this is the final season, it’s nice to know that the Attack on Titan team will get to provide a proper conclusion on their own terms. https://twitter.com/animetv_jp/status/1328045676278800385 Back in May, fans got their first look at Season 4 with the release of a mind-blowing trailer, although its original October release schedule was pushed back to December due to the ongoing global health crisis. Attack on Titan Season 4 will be available to stream on Crunchyroll and FunimationNOW. The animation process will this time be handled by MAPPA instead of WIT Studio, who worked on the first three seasons. While we patiently wait for Attack on Titan to return to our screens on December 7, 2020, we’ve rounded up everything we know about Season 4 – including plot details and casting – right here.

Attack on Titan Season 4: How many episodes will the final part feature? MAPPAAttack on Titan fans are ready to meet their favorite characters for the final time on the screen. Here, we reveal how many episodes will be there in the fourth season’s final part. Attack on Titan is set to bid goodbye to its fans this November, and everyone is struggling with their feelings. On one hand, the fandom can’t wait to see what the future of Eren and the other fan-favorite characters look like, but they also do not want to let them go. AoT manga began its serialization in 2009, and in 2013, it got an anime adaptation that created history by becoming the most popular yet controversial series of all time. Well, it has actually been a decade, and now, as the era is going to meet its end, let’s hope the anime sticks to its promise and comes with the best of everything. Now, let’s shed some light on the episode count of the final part of Season 4. How many episodes will be there in Attack on Titan Season 4 final part? Attack on Titan Season 4 final part will come with one episode with a runtime of 85 minutes, giving us the experience of a movie. The fourth season of the anime, which was split into three further parts, will end up having 30 episodes in total. The first part arrived with 16 episodes in 2020, and the second part was released in 2022 and had 12 episodes. Later, in March 2023, the first part of Season 4’s Part 3 arrived with a special episode, and now, the final episode of the entire series, i.e., Season 4 Part 3 Part 2, is going to be released on November 4, 2023. Ai Higuchi shares a message ahead of the final episode’s release Isayama is not the only one who shared a profound message with the fandom – Ai Higuchi, who has created an impactful ending theme for the final season, also shared a message showcasing her love for the series. Ai Higuchi states that even though the world of Attack on Titan is really big, and even if it’s unreachable, she has tried to make a song that will do justice to the story. So, with an anxious yet excited heart, she created the ending theme song, titled “Itterashai,” which means “See you later.” You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here, and other anime coverage here.

Attack on Titan Season 4 Final Episode: Where to Watch CrunchyrollAttack on Titan Season 4 Final Episode is ready to arrive with all its glory on November 4, 2023, and here, we have discussed where you can watch the fantastic and most anticipated episode. The gigantic anime franchise Attack on Titan has entertained us for almost a decade, and now the time has come when we have to bid farewell to the series. Of course, just thinking about it makes every fan emotional. The initial stages of the series don’t let you guess how complicated its story actually is. In the beginning, you will feel as if you are watching a typical dark fantasy-themed series where you’ll get to watch the heroes fight the mighty Titans. However, with time, you will realize that the storyboard has more than that to offer. The twists and turns keep on giving you goosebumps every now and then. So, as the story moves forward and we are now about to witness the ultimate finale of the entire series, let us jump into the article to find out about the episode’s streaming information. Where to Watch Attack on Titan Season 4 Final Episode? While the Japan-based audience will get to watch the final episode of Attack on Titan on the local networks, fandom in the other territories can count on Crunchyroll and Hulu. Initially, we didn’t know which streaming platforms would pick up the rights for the finale, but recently, Crunchyroll and Hulu confirmed that the episode will be included in their library. In Japan, the much-awaited episode will come out at midnight, but as Crunchyroll/Hulu hasn’t yet announced the release timings, we expect you to wait for it. That’s because most streaming platforms reveal the time when the episodes are near their official release. Attack on Titan’s manga ended in 2021, and now it’s time for us to say goodbye to the series once and for all, as the upcoming special episode will put a full stop to the whole Era. Fans who have already read the ending of the series know what the conclusion of the anime will look like, but the ones who aren’t familiar with it will definitely get shaken by the dramatic ending. You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here and other anime coverage here.

Attack on Titan Season 4 Final Episode runtime explained Attack on Titan Season 4 Final Episode is approaching its release date, making fans wonder about the upcoming episode’s runtime. Fans have mixed feelings regarding the upcoming Special episode of AoT. On one side, the community can’t hold on to their excitement to watch the characters back on the screens; however, there’s a major part of the community that is sad after realizing that this would be the end of the road for Attack on Titan. Attack on Titan, which started as a straightforward story and made us believe that we would be seeing a main protagonist avenging the death of his mother from the gigantic monsters, has changed entirely with time. You realize that there’s much more depth in Isayama’s story once you reach Season 4 of the anime series, which will end soon. While the Final episode has yet to drop, the information regarding its runtime is out, and here, we have revealed the same. Attack on Titan final episode’s runtime revealed The finale episode of Attack on Titan (Season 4 Part 3 Episode 2) will run for 1 hour 25 minutes, making it longer than the one-hour special episode that was released on March 3, 2023. The movie-like episode will air on Japan’s local channels in a couple of days. If the final episode follows the pattern that was followed by the previous one, International viewers will be able to watch it on Crunchyroll right after its broadcast in Japan. On social media, the final trailer and preview images for the episodes have already emerged, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. Several fans have commented and expressed how excited they are to watch Eren and the other characters while also mentioning that they are not prepared yet to let them go. The fandom has also started praising MAPPA after seeing the top-notch animation that we are going to get. MAPPA has recently surprised the fandom with its spectacular animation in Jujutsu Kaisen, and it’s for sure that the final episode of Attack on Titan won’t be any different. To be precise, if the upcoming finale episode is not cinema, then what else is? You can check out our other Attack on Titan coverage here and more anime content here.

Attack on Titan Season 4 final episode Release date and time for Crunchyroll CrunchyrollThe G.O.A.T anime, Attack on Titan is all set to arrive on the screens once again with the banger final episode of Season 4. Well, if you can’t wait to learn about its release date and where to watch details, you can count on us. Attack on Titan has enjoyed a massive fanbase since 2013, as that was when Eren and the other spectacular characters made it to the screens. Even though the manga has been around since 2009, what pulled every anime enthusiast toward it was the marvelous animation by WIT Studio. In fact, fans around the world enjoyed the story so much that they couldn’t resist reading the manga, too. Despite enjoying the fandom, the manga became the one that faced a huge controversy for its ending. Several fans started a petition calling for an anime original ending because they were unsatisfied with the manga’s ending. For the time being, it is yet to be known if the anime will see a different ending or if it will feature the conclusion that is in the manga. However, according to recent news, Hajime Isayama has requested MAPPA to make some minor changes to the storyboard. So, it would be exciting to see what parts of the original story would be modified and to what extent. Attack on Titan Season 4 final episode: Release date and time The Attack on Titan Season 4 final episode will be released for the Japanese audience on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 12:00 am JST. The episode will be streamed on Crunchyroll, and here’s the time schedule that you must follow: 5:00pm PDT (November 4) – 6:00pm Mountain Time (November 4) – 7:00pm Central Time (November 4) – 8:00pm Eastern Time (November 4) – 12:00am Greenwich Mean Time (November 5) – 1:00am European Time (November 5) – 5:30am IST (November 5) – 8:00am Philippine Time (November 5) – 10:30am Australian Central Daylight Time (November 5) – Attack on Titan finale gets a special countdown livestream We already know how excited the fandom is, for the finale episode of Attack on Titan, as with the climax of the fourth season of the anime, a whole Era will come to an end. Recently, MAPPA has started a special countdown livestream featuring the soundtracks, making everyone more excited for the episode. With the Livestream, the countdown of the final episode of Attack on Titan anime has started, and we can’t wait to lay our eyes on the screens to appreciate every character for the last time. Expect Crunchyroll servers to crash when the Attack on Titan final episode releases Previously, we have seen the servers of Crunchyroll crashing for several hours due to the overwhelming number of visitors on the platform. This happened when the final episode of Demon Slayer Season 2 arrived on Crunchyroll, and interestingly it also happened when Part 3 of Attack on Titan Season 4 arrived earlier this year in March. So, the history may repeat itself this time as well. Of course, there are chances that Crunchyroll is able to handle the task this time around, but it’s always better to be prepared. You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here, and other anime coverage here.

Attack on Titan Season 4 final episode receives spectacular new character illustrations MAPPAAttack on Titan Season 4 will be released on November 4, 2023, and fans can’t hold their breath whenever a new glimpse of something related to the series surfaces. Well, recently, new character illustrations have emerged on the Internet, and we are here to let you know about them. The world that was created by Hajime Isayama in 2009 is going to end in 2023, and every anime fan is curious to witness the fate of Eren Yaeger as he embarks on a journey of destruction. At the start of AoT, we met a kid who was happily living with his parents and Mikasa, whom he rescued from the hooligans who killed her parents. Later, when he witnessed his mother getting eaten by a huge Titan, he joined the forces of the Scout regiment to kill every monster in existence. Over the years, he fought many threats, but eventually, he became the biggest threat that humanity has ever faced. Fans know that Eren needs to be stopped, but we surely can’t wait to see our good old Eren back on the screens. New Attack on Titan Season 4 illustrations leave fans “gushing” Attack on Titan Season 4’s finale episode is a few days away from its release, and everyone has already started scrolling down the Internet in search of new information/key visuals/trailers of the awaited episode. When the final trailer of the episode was released a few days before, we understood what the characters would look like. However, recently, the illustrations of Eren, Jean, Levi, and Erwin became the reason why fans are even more excited to watch the finale. Apart from our main character, every fan has been awestruck seeing how beautiful the designs make Levi and Erwin look. Moreover, Attack on Titan Season 4 illustrations of Pieck was also released recently, and it was so unique that fans were unable to recognize the character. While some fans were confidently saying that it was Mikasa, others realized that it was Pieck. In the illustration, we can see Pieck biting her finger to transform into the Cart Titan. You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here, and other anime coverage here.

Attack on Titan riles up fans with the mesmerizing final trailer MAPPAAttack on Titan is on the verge of its conclusion, and while every eagle-eyed fan waited for the final episode’s new information, the creators have recently surprised the entire fandom with a spectacular trailer. Attack on Titan anime came in 2013, and since then, it has been a huge name in the industry–thanks to the impactful narrative and the beautifully written characters. The first three seasons of the anime were animated by WIT Studio, the one behind the fascinating animation of Spy X Family. However, due to other work commitments, the studio couldn’t take responsibility for the series’ final part. Apparently, another massive studio, MAPPA, agreed to fit in the shoes of the one that had already raised the hopes of the cult fan following. So far, the mammoth studio has done a fantastic job with AoT’s animation and direction, and hopefully, things will be the same with the Final Special. MAPPA stuns the fandom with the exceptional final trailer of Attack on Titan MAPPA has already impressed fans with its work in the final season’s previous parts, and now, we can see that the studio has maintained the quality in the final episode. The trailer features the members of the Survey Corps, including Mikasa, as she goes ahead to stop his dear friend from committing the genocide. On the other side, we also see Levi, who is injured but still, due to his willpower, is participating in the fight against Eren’s Founding Titan. Apart from that, we can also see other substantial characters, or shall we say, Titans, in the trailer as well. This includes Armin’s Colossal Titan, Cart Titan, and our favorite, Reiner’s Armored Titan. Of course, all these characters can be seen doing their best to stop Eren, who is set on a path that’ll leave countless bodies on the ground. While manga fans already know how the story will end, the anime-only fans will finally get a closure in November. It’s unlikely that MAPPA will go for an anime-only ending, but it’s safe to assume that we can still see some original scenes that weren’t in the manga series — that’ll be really helpful to add more depth to the story. Nevertheless, regardless of the path MAPPA has chosen to go with, we can safely say that it’ll be a grand conclusion to Eren’s journey, which is evident from the trailer. You can check out more anime coverage here.

Attack on Titan recap: Everything that happened in the anime so far UfotableAttack on Titan’s final episode is almost here, and if you need to refresh your memory on what happened so far in the series, here’s a brief recap of the series. Isayama’s Attack on Titan is a masterpiece, which begins as a straightforward survival and revenge story before transforming into something deeper. AoT throws several twists and turns while also dealing with topics like politics and racism. It’s hard to understand or remember the complex yet spectacular story of Attack on Titan at once, and that’s why we’ve decided to help you remember the crucial events from the story ahead of the final episode’s release. In this post, we’ve briefly talked about the significant AoT events that happened between Season 1 and Season 4 Part 3 Special 1. Attack on Titan Season 1 recap AoT all begins with the introduction of characters Eren, Armin, and Mikasa, whose life turns upside down when Colossal and Armored Titan breaches Wall Maria, unleashing several abnormal titans in the Shiganshina District. Eren sees his mother get eaten by a Titan, which causes him to enlist in the 104th Cadet Corps and trains with the aim of getting into the Survey Corps. He has only has one goal in mind: eliminate every Titan he sees on his path. After some time, Eren sees a dream where his father injects something into his (Eren’s) body and gives him a key to his office. After five years of training, Eren finally graduates the training, along with several other mates, including Armin, Mikasa, Sasha, Connie, Reiner, Berthold, and Jean. On their first day of completing the training, they again witness the destruction of Colossal and Armored Titan. This time, Eren tries to fight the threat, but he gets eaten by a Titan while saving Armin. However, this wasn’t the end of Eren’s journey, as he soon returned to the ground, but this time as a Titan. Eren fights off other Titans with his newfound transformation, and very soon, Armin, Mikasa, and other characters find out that it’s Eren driving that Titan’s body. Of course, people inside the wall judge Eren’s loyalty, but he soon gains everyone’s trust by fixing the hole in the Wall Maria with a boulder. After that, Survey Corps takes Eren under their charge, which brings characters like Levi and Erwin into the spotlight. The Survey Corps takes it upon themselves to reclaim the Shiganshina District, which holds the key to Titans’ secret and history. On this expedition, the group comes across the Female Titan, who almost captures Eren, but the boy is saved, thanks to the efforts of the Survey Corps and Levi, Mikasa. Later, Armin deducts that Annie, one of their batchmates, is the Female Titan. This leads to Eren and Annie’s fight within the walls in their Titan forms. Eren wins the second fight, but before he can eat or kill Annie, she uses crystallization to save herself. In the end, we also learn that several Colossal Titans are trapped inside the Walls. Attack on Titan Season 2 recap The second season gives us Sasha’s backstory, and we are introduced to the Beast Titan, which can somehow control other Titans. The Beast Titan uses that power to unleash an attack on the tower where Reiner, Historia, Connie, Berthold, and several other characters are held up. The Abnormals overwhelm everyone in the tower, so Ymir, who is pretty close to Historia, reveals her Titan form and fights off the Abnormals. Ymir gets badly injured in the process, but Eren and other characters arrive right on time to save everyone. At this point in time, Reiner and Berthold decide to reveal their true intentions and the fact that they are Armored and Colossal Titans. Eren is shaken by the betrayal, so he channels all his anger toward the Armored Titan. But with the help of Colossal Titan, Reiner successfully captures Eren and Ymir. Reiner and Berthold intend to take Eren and Ymir to their village, which is outside of the walls. However, the Survey Corps catches up to them, and after a lot of effort, Eren gets out of Reiner and Berthold’s grasp. At the same time, the Abnormal that ate Eren’s mother arrives, and Eren tries to turn into Attack Titan since he wants to kill the monster who took his mother’s life. However, he couldn’t turn into Titan, and Hannes died protecting them. Eren almost loses all hope, but thanks to Mikasa, he channels an ability called the Coordinate, which allows Eren to control the Abnormals. Interestingly, this ability is the reason why Reiner and Berthold were after Eren. Thanks to Eren, everyone survives the whole ordeal. Reiner and Berthold escape, and Ymir joins the duo. In the end, we learn that the Abnormals, whom we’ve been hating since the start, were actually humans who were somehow turned into Titans. Attack on Titan Season 3 recap After so many battles, we get a slow start to Season 3, with several episodes focusing on the Royal Family and Historia’s struggle to take back her throne, which was rightfully hers. Meanwhile, the struggle to take back Shiganshina District is ongoing, which is an expedition that has already claimed countless lives. At the same time, Beast Titan, along with Reiner and Berthold, does everything in his power to capture Eren. In this season, we learn that there’s a world outside of these walls, Marley. Apparently, Marlians were tortured by Eldians, people who can turn into Titans, for several centuries. Later, we learn that the first Reiss King, who had the power of the Founding Titan, decided to stop the bloodshed. He used his powers to control the Titans and build these walls, but he hid several Colossal Titans inside the walls. Marley was aware that if his people were ever threatened, he’d unleash these Colossal Titans on the entire world. However, the people of Marley hated Eldians for what they’d done, and they wanted to punish people inside of the walls for what their ancestors did. So, they kept turning Eldians residing in Marley into Titans and sending them to Paradis Island. It’s also revealed that Grisha Yeager (Eren’s father) turned Eren into a Titan by giving him Spinal fluid. Grisha was the Attack Titan at the time, and Eren got that power after eating his father. Now, Marley sent its soldiers to capture Eren so they could get the ability to control every Titan on the planet through Coordinate. We also learn that Beast Titan’s host is Zeke Yeager, who is Eren’s half-brother. In the battle of Shiganshina, Commander Erwin loses his life after delivering the most powerful speech in the history of television. At the same time, Levi dominates Beast Titan and shows the enemy his true place. Armin, while helping Eren fight the Armored and Colossal Titan, gets burned by Colossal Titan’s steam but doesn’t die. Eren then uses the Spinal fuild to turn Armin into a Titan, who eats Berthold and gets the Colossal Titan transformation. With a realization that there’s a world outside of the walls, Eren also learns that the world he always wanted to see hates his kind. Attack on Titan Season 4 recap The fourth season starts some years after the events of Season 3, where we move away from Paradis Island and get introduced to the world of Marley. In this new world, we see a changed and more mature Reiner, who is haunted by the tragedies he brought on Eldians as a soldier for Marley. Here, we also get introduced to Gabi and Falco, who kind of mirror the personalities of Eren and Armin when they were children. Falco gets close to a wounded soldier of Marley, who later turns out to be a grown-up Eren. Eren confronts Reiner for the wrongs he has done, and what’s unexpected is that Reiner apologizes to Eren for taking countless lives in the name of his country. In the next moment, Eren turns into Attack Titan and kills countless people in Marley. In the midst of all this, Eren also kills the Warhammer Titan and also takes its powers. The Scouts also arrive on Paradis Island to rescue Eren, and we see another fight between the Beast Titan and Levi. We also learn that Eren has joined forces with Zeke to carry out the euthanization plan, which is to prevent all Eldians from having children and eventually end Eldians’ bloodline. Thus, there will be no human with Titan ability left on the planet. To carry out this plan, Zeke needed the power of the Founding Titan, which was possessed by Eren. On the other hand, Eren needed the Royal blood, which is running in Zeke’s veins. However, it’s later revealed that Eren wanted to use Zeke’s Royal Blood to fully access Founding Titan’s powers. Apparently, Eren wanted to use the Founding Titan’s power to unleash the countless Colossal Titans on the world. In short, he wanted to start the Rumbling, and even after the combined efforts of several people, Eren succeeds in his plan. At this point, Eldians divide into two sections – on one side, we have Eldians who agree with Eren and wish the world (except Paradis Island) to be wiped out, and on the other side, we have Eldians who don’t agree with his genocide. Mikasa, Armin, Jean, Annie, Connie, and other friends of Eren are against him. So, they join forces with Annie (yeah, she’s out of the crystal) and Reiner against Eren. After getting their hands on the ship and the ultimate sacrifice of Hange, the assembled force arrives where Eren actually is and declares war against their friend. You can check out our Attack on Titan coverage here, and other anime coverage here.

Attack on Titan movie gets new trailer, and fans are divided Pony CanyonAttack on Titan isn’t done quite yet, because a new movie is on the way, bringing the final episodes to the big screen, and fans are split on the decision. If any anime defines the 2010s, it’s Attack on Titan. After premiering in 2013, the anime show swiftly garnered a massive worldwide fanbase, becoming a major franchise in the medium alongside One Piece and Dragon Ball. The final episode arrived in 2023, but Attack on Titan: The Last Attack will revisit the closing moments with a compilation film. This version is closer to the intended vision of director Yuichiro Hayashi, who initially planned for a theatrical release. A new trailer and poster give us another look at what’s coming – the colossal battle to stop Eren Yeager and the Rumbling, with fire and bloodshed at every turn. Seeing it in theaters will be an experience, but some fans are a little cynical. “I see, they’re still squeezing the last drops of milk,” reads a response on X/Twitter. “Unless there’s new segments or anything different at all story wise, I don’t see the point. Other than milk it for as much money as they can of course,” adds another. This re-release is coming a year after the TV show finished, beginning in Japan on November 8, 2024. It’ll edit together the last four episodes, which made up Part 4 of Season 4, into one cohesive feature. The runtime is 155 minutes, so it’s going to be a commitment in theaters, but regular blockbusters run that length and over regularly, so there’s nothing new there. Opinion is split, as many are excited to see MAPPA’s work on the biggest screens with the best sound systems possible. It’s the same novelty that’s allowed Demon Slayer to do compilation films before every season, and led to Haikyuu!!, Blue Lock and Spy x Family enjoying worldwide theatrical rollouts. If they can do it, Attack on Titan definitely can. But if you’d rather check out something new, our upcoming anime list has plenty of options for you.

Attack on Titan Season 4: What happened to Mikasa? CrunchyrollDiscover Mikasa’s fate in Season 4 and beyond as we explore the final chapter of the Attack On Titan manga and anime, from an unbreakable bond to her unthinkable choice. Attack On Titan‘s highly anticipated conclusion aired on November 5, 2023, and fans discovered the fates of their beloved characters. A lot has happened throughout the series. But since the anime‘s first episode aired back in 2014, one character has consistently stood out as a fan favorite: Mikasa Ackerman. Mikasa’s unwavering determination and fierce loyalty have been her defining traits throughout the series. Now Eren, Armin, and Mikasa’s journey has completed, fans have taken to X/Twitter to discuss the best (and the most heart-wrenching) series conclusion of all time. So, now the bittersweet conclusion of Attack On Titan has aired, there’s one burning question on everyone’s mind. What really happens to Mikasa? We look at the manga and the anime to find out. Spoilers to follow… Attack On Titan Season 4: What happened to Mikasa in the manga? The manga ends with Mikasa forced to confront Eren in a fight to the death, ending the Titans’ tyranny once and for all. Mikasa says goodbye to the person Eren once was, defeats the Titans, and moves on with her new life in a safer world. The anime adaptation has proven mostly faithful to the original manga, although with a few key differences. For example, in the manga, Armin (instead of Mikasa, as shown in the anime) is the one to pull Eren out of his first Titan form. This is why the manga is the perfect starting point to speculate the fate of the characters we’ve loved for years. Mikasa Ackerman (portrayed by Yui Ishikawa) is stoic, loyal, and undoubtedly fierce. We’re introduced to her in Season 1 after having pledged her life to protect her foster brother and closest friend, Eren Yeager (voiced by Yuki Kaji), since Eren rescued her from human traffickers when she was only nine years old. Over the seasons we watched as their bond became unbreakable, with Mikasa’s unwavering devotion to her childhood pledge to protect Eren driving her every action. However, in the fourth season of the series, their relationship takes an unexpected and dramatic turn. This shift forces Mikasa to confront her lifelong beliefs and take a stand against the very person she vowed to protect. Attack On Titan: The Final Chapters Special 1 introduces us to the beginning of the end. And most importantly, how to finally end the Titans’ reign of terror: the Rumbling. But what happens to the story when our beloved hero becomes the villain? After Eren triggers the Rumbling (essentially a cataclysmic event that involves an army of Titans marching across the world and trampling everything in their path), resulting in the deaths of 80% of the world’s population, Mikasa and Armin have no choice but to kill their friend. In the penultimate chapter, Mikasa, Armin, Levi, and the surviving remnants of the Scout Regiment engage in an epic clash, a life-and-death struggle against Eren and the formidable Shining Centipede, the source of all Titans. Attack On Titan: The manga and Season 4 Hajime Isayama officially released the final chapter of his Attack On Titan manga in April 2021, evoking mixed responses from fans. But it didn’t end there. Isayama shocked fans when it was revealed in October 2023 on Twitter that he isn’t done with the universe yet! He will release a new 18-page chapter and illustration artbook in April 2024. Could this offer a new ending for Mikasa? Regardless of what these final pages will reveal, let’s take a closer look at what Attack On Titan season 4, part 3 holds for Mikasa as the fate of the world hangs in the balance: The manga divulges that while Armin harnesses the might of the Colossal Titan to combat Eren’s fearsome Founding Titan, it is Mikasa ultimately infiltrates Eren’s Titan form, severs his connection to the Titans, and ends the darkness engulfing their world once and for all. After making it inside Eren’s Titan mouth with assistance from Levi, Mikasa decapitated Eren’s human body and kissed him for the first and last time. The final chapter confirmed Eren’s death – for good this time. As the dust settled, Mikasa brought his head to Armin, who tearfully mourned his loss with her. The final manga chapter is particularly heartbreaking. In the aftermath of the battle, Mikasa is one of the few to emerge unscathed. However, she remains bitterly affected by the death of her childhood friend and continues to visit Eren’s grave, clinging to the scarf he gifted her before the events of Season 1. This bittersweet ending signifies the enduring bond between the two, a connection that transcends even death. The new pages illustrated by Isayama reveal an older Mikasa visiting Eren’s grave, accompanied by a child and a mysterious, unnamed companion. However, her partner’s identity remains a well-guarded secret, sparking countless speculations. But it is possible that the answer could be revealed in 2024. Mikasa’s life in the manga after the rumbling The final pages of the manga hint at a future beyond the apocalypse, and Isayama leaves room for speculation. The fate of Paradis Island and its inhabitants is offered as a fleeting glimpse into a world still in flux, suggesting that the story may continue in unexpected ways. With the grand finale of Attack On Titan on the horizon, fans will remember Mikasa Ackerman as a testament to loyalty, resilience, and the complexities of friendship over time. Her journey, marked by triumphs and sacrifice, has left a significant mark on the anime world. And we’re waiting for the series final episode with bated breath, knowing that Mikasa’s legacy will last for generations to come – and that it could continue in 2024 with the long-awaited release of a new chapter. How does the anime differ from the manga? After Attack on Titan’s anime came to its epic 85-minute conclusion, some changes – sanctioned by Hajime Isayama himself – between the anime and manga’s endings were evident. From Isayama’s statement, fans were led to believe that the anime’s ending could be significantly changed from the one in the manga. However, after the dust settled, the credits rolled, and the post-episode sequence streamed, fans of the franchise were left stunned. For the most part, the conclusion of the anime stayed faithful to the manga and therefore, Mikasa’s final fate also remained unchanged. The final episode of Attack on Titan not only ended the war but revealed that Mikasa was able to live a peaceful life while mourning the loss of her childhood friend. As the years pass, the anime shows that she marries and has a family and is eventually buried at the same site Eren is buried, bringing the story to a bittersweet end that Eren always hoped for her. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world. – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica. – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched. – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other Attack on Titan coverage here and more anime content here. 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Attack on Titan: MAPPA shares special message after final episode CrunchyrollThe highly-anticipated final episode of Attack on Titan finally premiered last weekend – so here’s what MAPPA has to say about it. Attack on Titan anime premiered its final episode last weekend. The series was trending worldwide and even caused Crunchyroll servers to crash due to high traffic. It goes to show how long fans have been waiting for the finale, and it ended with slight changes from the manga. The manga, created by Hajime Isayama, debuted in 2009 and generated worldwide controversy with its divisive ending in 2021. Many fans were disappointed with how everything played out in the end. However, there were also many who supported the mangaka and felt the tragic ending was justified. Nonetheless, with slight changes and stellar animation, fans worldwide were more than happy as their favorite series came to a tragic yet beautiful end. Shortly after Attack on Titan premiered its final episode, MAPPA shared a special message for fans. MAPPA’s message to fans after Attack on Titan final episode MAPPA thanked Attack on Titan fans for watching the final episode. The original message is in Japanese, so we’ve shared an English version below. “Thank you for watching the TV anime Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 2. I was so excited. Sorry to have kept you waiting so long. It was a very long and difficult year, but I was able to help bring the anime Attack on Titan to a close. I am truly grateful. I pray that this work will be loved by everyone for many years to come.” The animation studio behind the series since Season 4 executed the story beautifully and brought Hajime Isayama’s vision to life. MAPPA picked up the series in Season 4 and brought major changes in art styles compared to Wit Studio, which was responsible for the first three seasons. Attack on Titan was already popular before, but its popularity skyrocketed after Season 4 started airing thanks to the plot twist and the incredible anime adaptation. MAPPA is one of the biggest animation studios in Japan, creating popular anime such as Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Vinland Saga, and so on. All seasons of Attack on Titan are currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen. And thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US. Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference. For example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan. Or you can pay for a subscription. There’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. See our other Attack on Titan coverage below, and you can check out our other anime coverage here. Attack on Titan Season 4 Final Episode runtime explained – Attack on Titan final episode: Everything we know – 10 best anime like Attack on Titan ranked – Attack on Titan: Hajime Isayama apologizes for final episode – Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Attack on Titan manga to return with a new chapter CrunchyrollSince the author of Attack on Titan teased a new Twitter account named Shingeki Fly, every fan has been die-heartedly waiting for further information. Well, the day is here when we can shed some light on the recently revealed data about the mysterious profile. Attack on Titan manga concluded in 2021, and now, as the anime is about to reach the climax, fans wonder if it’s the end of the era. However, seeing the current situation, the community isn’t so sure about that. Attack on Titan was a fun ride, and none of the fans are ready to let go of it. However, it’s also true that some fans weren’t exactly happy with the manga’s ending. That’s why the fans were hoping to get an anime original ending. Well, we aren’t getting an original ending for the anime, but there’s something else that’s worth looking forward to. Attack on Titan manga will return with new material Recently, we got the news that Attack on Titan’s author will be releasing an 18-page volume and an art book featuring illustrations in 2024. There are several rumors on the internet stating that the release date for the new manga chapter will be April 30, 2024. However, there’s no official announcement regarding that. So, we shouldn’t keep our hopes high until the official sources confirm the same. Even though there is no information regarding the chapter’s plot, fans have started assuming that the author must have prepared this chapter to fix the ending of the original manga. But no one exactly knows what the new project is going to be about. Looking back to the past, there are several interviews in which Hajime Isayama admitted that he didn’t know the ending of AOT would invite controversies and backlashes. So, keeping that in mind, several fans also believe that there are possibilities that Isayama is trying to give the manga a proper ending. Besides that, we can also think that, like other manga series, the upcoming chapter by Isayama can serve as a spin-off series to the original. Well, nothing can be said until Isayama himself makes the revelations. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope to get the new details about the new content very soon. How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023 Crunchyroll is the world’s best hub for streaming anime, whether it’s One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen – and thanks to ExpressVPN, you can access the platform’s full library even if you’re outside the US. If you’re abroad, here’s what you need to do to access Crunchyroll’s full selection – and it really is this simple: Sign up for ExpressVPN, which has ultra-fast servers and offers a secure, private connection wherever you are in the world – Connect to a location anywhere in the US; Express VPN allows you to choose from 24 different spots, from New Jersey to Santa Monica – Visit Crunchyroll online and start streaming all of your favorite animes – and perhaps some you’ve never watched – Accessing Crunchyroll’s US roster makes a difference; for example, Hong Kong users only have access to less than 100 titles, while the US has nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows. You can also stream anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan, or you can pay for a subscription – there’s even a 14-day free trial if you can’t quite make up your mind. You can check out our other anime coverage here. Please note that if you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

Attack on Titan: Is the manga finished? CrunchyrollAttack on Titan’s anime adaptation will be concluding soon with the final part of Season 4. While fans who have read the manga are already familiar with its status, the anime watchers are curious to know if the manga is already finished or if it is still ongoing. Hajime Isayama brought the iconic manga into existence in 2009, and it got an anime adaptation after several years, making the series even more popular with its amazing animation, thanks to the WIT Studio. The series became so popular among the community that fans couldn’t stop themselves from talking about it all the time and thinking about what would be on the menu next. Well, when it comes to the anime series, it’s hard to say what MAPPA has to offer in the ultimate finale that’ll hit our screens in November – but we have some answers about Isayama’s legendary manga series. Is Attack on Titan manga finished? Yes, no matter how hard it is for us to accept reality, the Attack on Titan manga has concluded. After running successfully since 2009, the popular manga series ended in 2021 with the 139th chapter. However, the ending couldn’t please the fandom and received several backlashes. To be specific, there were several fans who actually hated it, calling for an alternative ending. Numerous polls were raised to force the mangaka to come with a different conclusion. However, as of now, there are absolutely no reports of AoT receiving another ending or the manga’s return. So, it’s safe to say that this is actually the end of the road for AoT unless, of course, Isayama announces a spin-off sometime in the future. The anime has already been adapted until Chapter 130, so the final part will cover the events from Chapter 131 to 139. You can expect it to be at least an hour-long experience. The story of Attack on Titan took place in the year 845 when the first wall was broken by Armored Titan and Colossal Titan. That was when an innocent kid (Eren) saw her mother getting eaten by a Titan, and then he vowed to kill every Titan outside the walls. The story was simple and straightforward in the beginning, but it took a completely different route later on, and that’s what made it a thrilling ride. Nonetheless, for manga fans, that fun ride ended back in 2021, and the anime fans will finally bid farewell to the series next month. You can check out our other Attack on Titan coverage here and more anime content here.

Attack on Titan is getting a musical adaptation KodanshaSing along to the OP, because the Attack on Titan manga and anime is getting a new adaptation, this time in the form of a musical! It was announced today that Attack on Titan, the acclaimed series by Hajime Isayama, is about to hit the stage! The manga series, which inspired a hit anime show – which is currently on its final season – and a sub-par live-action movie, is now attempting a new medium: musical theatre. That’s right, a musical adaptation of the manga is coming to certain stages in Japan. While a dark shonen series surrounding humanity being pushed to the brink of extinction by giant humanoid monsters doesn’t seem on the same page as, say, Phantom of the Opera, this is following a recent trend of anime musical transformations. And there’s plenty of people working on this new project. Who is making the Attack on Titan musical? The play, scripted by Masafumi Hata, is being directed by Gō Ueki. Hip hop artist KEN THE 390 is the music director, with lyrics by Kaori Miura. The main cast includes Kurumu Okamiya as Eren Jaeger, Sara Takatsuki as Mikasa Ackerman, Eito Konishi as Armin Arlert, and Ryo Matsuda as Levi. These actors can be seen on the musical’s official poster. Other cast members include: Yū Fukuzawa as Jean Kirstein – Yasue Kazuaki as Marco Bott – Tomoya Nakanishi as Connie Springer – Sena as Sasha Braus – Mitsu Murata as Hannes – Riona Tatemichi as Hange Zoe – Takurō Ōno as Erwin Smith – Mimi Maihane as Carla Jaeger – Mitsuru Karahashi as Grisha Jaeger – Masanori Tomita as Dimo Reeves – Takeshi Hayashino as Keith Shadis – Turns out, this is not the first time a stage production of the anime has taken place. There was another production in 2017, but that had to be canceled after 38-year-old acrobat Kazutaka Yoshino passed away due to an on-stage accident. The main draw of the anime, that being watching the characters swing around on their 3D Manoeuvre gear, brings the technical aspects of the show into question. According to Kodansha, the show aims to combine traditional staging and music with the latest technology to recreate the Attack on Titan world, but this could both be dangerous and costly. Granted, you could say that the 2010 show Spider-Man: Turn of the Dark, was able to transform swinging acrobatics into musical theatre, but that show also wasn’t without its fair share of infamous hospitalizations. When and where will the Attack on Titan musical be performing? The musical will be running in 2023, at the Orix Theater in Osaka from January 7-9, and at the Seinenkan Hall in Tokyo from January 14-24. More details and visuals about the musical can be found in the trailer below.