The world of anime is growing and not just in Japan but all over the world. Throughout the years, anime is gaining popularity and reaching global phenomena. It is because anime encompasses a distinctive art style with thought-provoking narratives and intense emotions in the viewers. If this was not enough, anime has a variety of genres that appeals to a different set of audiences. From action to romance, anime has it all. With anime gaining popularity and influence in the Western media, here are ten different anime that gained popularity amongst the global audience.
1. Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball has become a treasured classic and has has a considerable influence on the shonen genre, thanks to its iconic characters, furious battles, and a great balance of action and comedy. Goku lives alone and has a carefree life until he learns about the Dragon Balls through Bulma, who is on a quest to collect seven dragon balls and grant her wish to get a boyfriend. Goku and Bulma are later joined by Muten-Roshi and Kuririn. But the story turns when they realize a desire is not that simple to everyone.
2. Naruto
Masashi Kishimoto created the popular Japanese comic and animation series Naruto. It chronicles the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a teenage ninja who wants recognition from his friends and aspires to become Hokage, leader of his village. The success of this anime gave birth to its sequels like ‘Naruto: Shippuden.’ The fame did not just stop here but went on and gave way to video games, movies, and spin-offs titled ‘ Baruto.’ Even after two decades after its release Naruto still interests anime fans worldwide
3. Death Note
What happens when a 17- year- old high school student gets his hands on a book that can kill anyone just by writing their names in it? Light Yagami, a bright student, gets his hands on Death Note, where he realizes he can kill anyone by writing their names but on the condition that he has to know their faces. The owner of the book known as Ryuk or the god death soon joins Light on his adventure. The story takes a turn when the police seek help from L, an intelligent and witty individual like Light.
4. Attack On Titan
Attack on Titan displays a world on the brink of extinction due to the arrival of humanoids called the Titans. Eren Yeager, his sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert are central to the plot. They live within the confines of a city fortified with gigantic walls erected to keep the Titans at bay. Their world is turned upside down when a giant Titan breaches the wall, allowing smaller Titans to invade and consume the people within. It gained importance due to its storyline and the portrayal of the hardships of war.
5. Haikyuu
It tells the story of Shoyo Hinata, a high school student who loves volleyball. Despite being short, Hinata is determined to become a great volleyball player and pursues his dream of joining the volleyball team at Karasuno High School. When Hinata enters the school, which was once known to be legendary, is now struggling to restore its glory. The competitive high school sports and the challenges presented by athletes, both physically and psychologically, are highlighted in this series which also makes the series hard to miss.
6. Demon Slayer
It tells us a story about Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer after his family is attacked by the demons. He witnesses his sister turning into one. Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization dedicated to killing monsters and defending humans, to discover a cure for his sister and avenge his family. He goes through rigorous training to improve his swordsmanship and learns to use the special breathing techniques that give him fantastic power and agility.
7. Spy X Family
This anime popularized the fake family trope but with a twist where all the family members hide their identities and pretend to be a happy family. But the world comes crashing down when the well-educated father turns out to be a spy, the sweet mother is indeed an assassin, and their cute daughter possesses telepathic abilities. This anime is known for its comic relief and the interest created by the characters.
8. Jujutsu Kaisan
It follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary physical ability. Itadori becomes embroiled in the world of curses and exorcism due to a sequence of incidents. Cursed spirits and supernatural entities exist in the universe of Jujutsu Kaisen, posing a threat to humanity. Itadori enrolls in the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, a school which prepares students to become Jujutsu sorcerers. These sorcerers use cursed energy and particular skills to counteract curses and shield people from their destructive impact.
9. My Hero Academia
Kohei Horikoshi created the manga and anime series My Hero Academia. It takes place in a universe where quirks have evolved superhuman abilities, and heroes with these abilities safeguard society from evil. The plot centers around Izuku Midoriya, a young boy who, despite being born without a quirk, aspires to be a hero. When he meets All Might, the greatest hero of all time, who recognizes Izuku's potential and passes on his quirk, "One For All," to him, his life changes. Izuku enrolls in the U.A. High School, a prominent academy that teaches aspiring heroes, with his newfound abilities.
10. Pokemon
Perhaps the oldest form of anime that is loved by everyone around the world. As everyone is aware of Ash and Pickahu’s adventure along with Misty and Brock. Their never-ending encounters with Team Rocket. Overall, Pokemon was popularized around the globe so that fans continue to play Pokemon Go, the game adaptation of the original manga.
