Are you one of those people who haven’t experienced an animated movie or a web show yet? In the 90s era, kids were familiar with animation only in comic books and cartoons. But with the evolution of Japanese pop culture, flooding popular streaming platforms with flashy anime series made Generation Z and even Millennials go completely crazy.
If you love to watch all those action-packed, suspenseful thrillers, then you have to watch anime at least once in your lifetime. Everybody loves how they design the animated characters and showcase an amazing plot with loads and loads of emotions. If you are a first-time viewer, don’t worry at all because we have curated a top 10 list of the best animes to binge-watch.
The Promised Neverland
Genre: Action, Adventure
Release date: 14 April 2019
Rating: 8.3/10
Cast: Sumire Morohoshi, Mariya Ise, Shinei Ueki and others
The animated film title “The Promised Neverland” centers on a group of children who reside in the bucolic Grace Field House orphanage. However, they quickly learn that their cherished career is a part of a malicious plot. The youngsters go out on a perilous quest to learn the truth about their existence and the unspeakable secrets of the outside world because they are determined to escape their predicament. The show addresses themes of survival, trust, and the unbreakable spirit of kids confronting impossible obstacles.
When They Cry
Genre: Drama, Horror
Release date:12 April 2006
Rating: 7.8/10
Cast: Noriko Hidaka, Yui Horie, Fujiko Takimoto and others
The anime “When They Cry” is set in the serene village of Hinamizawa. But as the narrative goes on, sinister secrets and riddles start to come to light. Several terrifying incidents, including eerie deaths and bizarre happenings, involve a group of friends, including the main character, Keiichi. The drama examines themes of paranoia, psychological torment, and the protagonists’ frantic searches for the truth about the sinister occurrences in their idyllic-seeming community. Prepare for a tense and terrifying adventure into the unknown.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Genre: Horror and Comedy.
Release date: 3 August 2023
Rating: 8.9/10
Cast: Eiji Akaso, Mai Shiraishi, Miwako Kakei and others
This is the anime version of the Walking Dead series, covering scenes of a zombie apocalypse. The plot also unfolds the life of a 24-year-old boy frustrated with his job. Later, he finds his life meaningless when suddenly he encounters a zombie. This anime show will give you goosebumps and startle you with its storytelling. The director of the series – Yusuke Ishida, releases one episode every weekend.
Cowboy Bebop
Genre: Space, Fiction and Drama
Release date: 26 October 2021
Rating: 8.9/10
Cast: John Cho, Danielle Pineda, Elena Satine and Mustafa Shakir.
This classic anime series shows how life will be in 2071 when the world will become an inhabitable place. The plot depicts the struggles of bounty hunters working for the renowned spaceship Bebop. It is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe. It created immense popularity among young adults because of the ultimate thrill and entertainment.
My Happy Marriage
Genre: Love, Romance and Fantasy
Release date: 5 July 2023
Rating: 8.9/10
Cast: Reina Ueda, Ayane Sakura, Kaito Ishikawa, Toshinari Fukamachi and Hiro Shimono
This captivating anime series launched in August 2023. This show is a perfect amalgamation of emotions and love. It is about a poor girl who follows her parents’ advice at every point in life, who is then forced to marry an army commander known for his ruthless nature, disliked by everyone in the society. Later, the couple shared a good bond and turned out to be a happy couple.
Demon Slayer
Genre: Action and Fantasy
Release date: 6 April 2019
Rating: 8.6/10
Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Hiro Shimono, Zach Aguilar, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka and Kana Hanazawa.
This anime series screens over the life of a young brother who tries to save his sister from turning into a demon. The protagonist expressed his deep dejection when summoned with the truth that his parents were butchered by the demons. In the end, his high spirit made him achieve his goal.
Death Note
Genre: Crime, Drama
Release date: 21 October 2007
Rating: 8.9/10
Cast: Nat Wolff, LaKeith Stanfield, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley and others
The anime “Death Note” centers on Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers the Death Note, a strange notebook. Light chooses to utilize the notepad to eradicate criminals after realizing that anyone whose name is put in it will perish. He attracts the notice of a clever investigator by the name of L, who is out to put an end to Light’s administration of justice. The cat-and-mouse game played between Light and L, as well as morality and power, are all explored in the episode.
Hunter X Hunter
Genre: Fantasy and Action
Release date: 2 October 2011
Rating: 9/10
Cast: Megumi Han, Cristina Vee, Mariya Ise, Greg Chun and others
The anime series covers the undying spirit of a Hunter named Gon Freecss, who was left alone at a very young age by his father. His exponential skills and capabilities made him a well-recognized hunter. The show was created by Yoshihiro Togashi and received a great response from the young audience.
Ōoku: The Inner Chambers
Genre: Horror, Fantasy and Drama
Release date: 29 June 2023
Rating: 7.5/10
Cast: James Simenc, Steve Blum, Cindy Robinson, Trevor Devall.
The unique plot is directed by Noriyuki Abe and covers a weird Japanese custom where a deadly disease wipes away half of the male population, and only entitled men are allowed to serve as the concubines for elite women. Such a matriarchal characteristic of the story has attracted feminists from around the globe.
Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune
Genre: Action and Adventure
Release date: 18 May 2023
Rating: 6.9/10
Cast: Frankie Kevich, Ron Bottitta, Cherami Leigh, Amber Lee Connors and others
The world-famous Hideki Anbo has directed Yakitori, attaching eye-opening scenes upon over-dependence on technology. In the story, an inspiring boy named Akira tries to save the planet Earth from alien invaders. Later, he secretly breaches into the massive army of aliens. It has created a remarkable craze among teenagers and adults.