Animes, or what we call in English Animation are hand-drawn and computer-generated animations that are produced in Japan. Animes are known for their unique visual style accompanied by an excellent narrative and detailed and beautiful backgrounds. Animes embrace various genres, such as Romance, Thriller, Drama, Fantasy, etc. In recent years, there has been a massive increase in the International viewership of anime. If you are new to the Anime world, below are a few recommendations you should watch if you already haven't:
1. Death Note
Death Note follows the story of a brilliant but bored genius, Light Yagami. He discovers a mysterious notebook, “Death Note" The book grants the owner the mysterious ability to kill anyone whose name is written in it. The book originally belonged to Shinigami Ryuk. Displeased with the world's unfairness, the protagonist uses the book to kill those he deems morally unworthy of life. It is a 37-episode series that will keep you hooked.
2. Demon Slayer
Written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer is a 26-episode series that follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a Demon Slayer after his family is brutally slaughtered and his younger sister turned into a demon. The brother-sister bond will make you cry and is beautifully placed in the show. The series received many awards and is considered one of the best animes by anime geeks.
3. Naruto
Directed by Hayato Date, Naruto is a 220-episode television series based on a Japanese manga of the same name. Naruto tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a youthful Ninja yearning for recognition from his comrades and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the revered leader of his village. The first 135 episodes of the series are adapted from Part 1 of the manga. The remaining 85 episodes are original and use plot elements that are not in the manga. There is also a sequel to the original Naruto anime, which matches part 2 of the manga.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime adaptation of the Japanese manga of the same name. The series follows the story of a high school student Yuji Itadori, who joins an organization of Jujutsu sorcerers to hunt evil curses. The anime received critical acclaim for its animation, action sequences, and storytelling. The series is very gripping, and the fight sequences will give you literal chills. The anime quickly gained a large fan following and is even considered one of the best anime of 2020.
5. Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan is undoubtedly one of the most loved series in the world of anime. It is a dark fantasy anime series, adapted from the manga of the same name. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives behind walls protecting them from giant humanoid Titans. The protagonist Eren Yeager wishes to save humankind from the wrath of the Titans. The series is known for its intense action, intriguing plot twists, and morally gray characters. The twist and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time.
6. Code Geass
Set in an alternate timeline, Code Geass follows the story of Lelouch Lamperouge, a former prince of Britannia. The Holy Britannian Empire had conquered a significant portion of the world, including Japan, which is called Area 11. The exiled prince Lelouch, obtains the ‘Power of absolute obedience’ from a mysterious woman named C. C. This power allows him to command anyone to follow his orders without question. The soundtrack, characters, and plot are A+. It is a captivating and thought-provoking story. The series should be watched by everyone, anime fan or not.
7. Tokyo Ghoul
Directed by Shuhei Morita, Tokyo Ghoul is an animated series adapted from the manga of the same name. The story is set in a fictional version of Tokyo, where humans coexist with ghouls. Ghouls are human-like beings who can only survive by eating human flesh. The protagonist Ken Kaneki is a college student who, after an encounter with a Ghoul, is transformed into a half-Ghoul. The story follows the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by Ken as he tries to reconcile his human and Ghoul side. The series is highly captivating and will keep you hooked.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA)
If you are someone who is deeply fascinated by science, then this anime is for you. FMA is a sci-fi-based anime series based loosely on the anime series of the same name. The story is set in a world where alchemy is widely practiced. The anime follows the story of two brothers- Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are searching for the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful artifact said to amplify alchemical abilities. The series is packed with action, emotion, humor, and drama making it highly engaging.
9. Steins; Gate
Another sci-fi anime. Directed by Kenichiro Murakawa, Steins; Gate is adapted from a visual novel of the same name. The protagonist Rintaro Okabe is a self-proclaimed mad scientist who, along with his friends, accidentally discovers a method of time travel through which they send text messages to the past, thus altering the present. The series follows the consequences of their actions, and with the twists and turns, becomes highly captivating. The story makes you question the possibilities of time travel.
10. Your Lie In April
This one is for all the Romance fans. Your Lie in April is a musical drama adapted from the manga series of the same name. It is a 22-episode series that follows the story of a young Piano maestro Kosei Arima, who loses the ability to perform the piano after his mother's death. The story tells about his experience of how he deals with the trauma, and how, after he meets a Violinist, Kaori Miyazono, his life changes for good. The Piano scenes are so good that they’ll teleport you to a different world.
