Summer is about eating ice-creams. Summer is about prowling in the wild while enjoying the cool breeze on your face. Summer is about lying on the sofas and doing absolutely nothing. Summer is everything for one. But most importantly, summer is about inviting your friends to your house and (after hours of discussion of which anime to watch), watching the classic Avatar: The Last Airbender all over again, because you just can’t get over the feels of it.
But if you have just begun exploring the verdant arena of anime, then there are so many other critically-acclaimed anime alongside Avatar. If you think nothing can match Avatar, then think twice, because we have compiled for you the list of top 7 anime that you can watch this summer with your friends.
7 best anime to watch this summer
1. The Dragon Prince
A Netflix Original animated fantasy series, The Dragon Prince, was created by Aaron Ehsaz and Justin Richmond. Now, if you have been a devoted anime viewer, you will not be surprised by the fame The Dragon Prince has garnered. For those unversed, The Dragon Prince is almost parallel to the most popular Avatar: The Last Airbender since it is written by Aaron Ehsaz, who also happened to be the latter’s former head writer. With season four of The Dragon Prince returning to Netflix in November after three long years based on Book 4, “Earth” on November 3, 2022, the season underscores the “Mystery of Aaravos” in nine episodes.
Official synopsis (via Netflix): “An extraordinary discovery inspires two human princes and an elven assassin to team up on an epic quest to bring peace to their warring lands.”
2. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean Part 3
A Japanese Original anime series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean is the sixth story arc based upon the Japanese manga series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, the Netflix Original follows the life of Jotaro Kujo’s estranged daughter Jolyne Cujoh, who is serving a 15-year sentence at Green Dolphin Street Prison. During her confinement, she is faced with the century-long rivalry between her family, and DIO, its greatest nemesis.
That being said, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean Part 3 was released on Netflix on December 1st, 2022. According to What’s on Netflix, the show is set to stream from episodes 25 to 38. Not only that but these episodes will eventually be broadcasted in Japan, on channels like Tokyo MX, BS11, MBS, and Animax.
3. Death Note
Another classic anime Death Note follows the life of a teen, Light Yagami who comes across a magical notebook that permits him to kill anyone he wants. All he needs to do is write their name inside the notebook. This follows a slew of hide-and-seek episodes between him and the investigator who is adamant about finding the perpetrator of these crimes. Directed by Tetsuro Araki, Death Note is not just about actions, it also dives deeper into the question of loyalty, morality, friendship, and justice. The portrayal of the world as an interminable dumpster fire, this anime won’t abstain from exploring the darker side of humans.
4. Waiting in the Summer
If you don’t want to commit yourself to anime with extensive episodes, then this one’s waiting for you. As the title suggests, Waiting in the Summer is set in the scorching heat of the summer months of rural Japan, with teenagers having absolutely nothing to do. But our protagonist Kaito Kirishima has got a new friend to spend time with, an intriguing humanoid alien, Ichika Takatsuki. An aspiring filmmaker, Kaito seeks help from Ichika to make a short, amateur sci-fi movie, with cutting-edge technology. Waiting in the Summer is an impeccable amalgamation of a peaceful rural life in Japan and aliens.
5. My Dress-Up Darling
A high school rom-com, My Dress-Up Darling is for all those who want the butterflies swarming in their stomachs. Set in early June or so, the rom-com anime features two protagonists, Marin Kitagawa, the genki girl and her reticent classmate, Wakana Gojo, who find summer to be the perfect time to try some cosplay. As Gojo and Marin explore the world of cosplay together, they discover various weather-appropriate costumes and employ the right fabrics in eliminating overheating.
Official synopsis (via IMDb): “High schooler Wakana Gojou cares about one thing: making Hina dolls. With nobody to share his obsession with, he has trouble finding friends or even holding a conversation. But after the school’s most popular girl, Marin Kitagawa, reveals a secret of her own, he discovers a new purpose for his sewing skills.”
6. Violet Evergarden
If you’re tired of watching rom-com and feel-good movies and are foraging for some depth in the series, then Violet Evergarden should be your next pick. In thirteen episodes, this anime series follows the life of a fourteen-year-old Violet Evergarden, who is a part of post-war reintegration that transitions into civilian life.
It’s the story of a young orphan’s attempt to find the meaning of life even when it has just proved to be quite the opposite. Violet Evergarden constitutes a lot of introspection and insights that will make you wonder about the workings of your lives and perhaps even change your perspective towards it. According to IGN, this series is “one of the most beautifully animated series around.” The official streamer also boasts Violet Evergarden: The Movie, which was added to its library on October 13, 2021.
7. Samurai Champloo
If you find yourself believing in ‘Carpe Diem’ and summer is for you is an adventure, then Samurai Champloo is for you since it provides you with the chance to feel the adrenaline of clambering the difficult peaks vicariously. Set in late spring or early summer, Samurai Champloo is modeled around Mugen, Fuu, and Jin who trek across Japan in search of Fuu’s father, a samurai who exudes the scent of sunflowers.
Official synopsis (via IMDb): “Fuu, a waitress who works in a teahouse, rescues two master swordsmen, Mugen and Jin, from their execution to help her find the “samurai who smells of sunflowers.”