We’re giving you the lowdown on some of the best anime shows of all time. Grab some popcorn – it’s time to get bingeing!
As huge fans of all things (slightly) nerdy and geeky like graphic novels and cult cartoons, anime is of course one of the things that we love in our lives. Whether it’s superhero, fantasy, dystopian, or comedy, there’s always something comforting and inspiring in each series that brings you into a whole new world – or shatter your heart in a million pieces. So, grab your fave action figure from the Sino Centre and get ready to binge watch some of the best anime series of all time.
Best anime shows to watch non-stop
1. Bungo Stray Dogs
Revolving around the lives of members of the Armed Detective Agency, Bungo Stray Dogs follows the orphan Atsushi Nakajima as he joins this special agency for those with supernatural abilities. With many characters named after famous Western and Japanese authors and/or characters from prominent literature, it’s eerily captivating to reimagine literary figures on screen in the form of anime. As the Agency deals with criminal organisations like the Port Mafia, they must also deal with other supernatural forces at play.
2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
If you haven’t heard of Demon Slayer, you really ought to learn about it now, because its immense popularity has swept across the world (yep, not just in Asia!) over the past several years. Originally a Japanese manga, Demon Slayer was adapted into a popular anime series in 2019. Following Tanjiro Kamado’s journey to become a Demon Slayer after a family tragedy, both the original and dubbed voice performances have garnered much praise. With an exciting plot involving superpowers, revenge, and intense battles (plus a touch of humour and cuteness to balance), it’s no surprise that Demon Slayer has managed to gain a loyal fan base!
3. Haikyu!!
He may be smol, but he is powerful! When high school student Shoyo Hinata finds his passion in volleyball in Haikyu!!, he’s determined to become the top player despite his small stature. Journey with him as he overcomes many obstacles, such as building a volleyball team for his school from scratch and competing against rival strong teams. Often praised for its character development and focus on friendship and sportsmanship, Haikyu!! will leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and maybe even wanting to learn how to spike a volleyball yourself.
4. My Hero Academia
Even for those of you who usually don’t get excited by superhero stuff, My Hero Academia is a game changer. In the world of My Hero Academia, there are people born with “quirks” (aka superpowers) making them either a Villain or Hero. The story follows Midoriya who used to be a quirk-less person, but changes things up after inheriting a quirk from the world’s greatest Hero and enters a Hero high school. It may sound cliche, but the characters are all so flawed and authentic that you can’t help but feel for them.
5. Parasyte: The Maxim
One of the most influential science fiction horror manga series, the anime adaptation of Parasyte called Parasyte: The Maxim is an exciting interpretation of the bestselling series. After an attack by a Parasite, Shinichi Izumi’s right hand soon becomes its host with its own intellect, personality, and abilities. As Shinichi is forced to cooperate with this new being, he discovers there are many others that are under the control of these worm-like aliens called Parasites.
6. Tokyo Ghoul
Set in an alternate reality where ghouls who look like humans exist and feed on human flesh, Tokyo Ghoul follows Kaneki, who becomes a half-ghoul after a deadly incident. Now existing as a cannibalistic being struggling to find a place in society, he discovers that a large number of people who possess the face of normal people are also secretly ghouls. Definitely one of the best anime series for those who enjoy action and dark fantasy.
7. One-Punch Man
Brace yourself for (arguably) the most powerful anime superhero ever created – Saitama, aka One-Punch Man. His superpower? Well, it’s literally in the name, because this man can defeat any opponent with just a single punch. Prepare to be amused and flabbergasted by how Saitama navigates his world with superhuman strength as he attempts to seek a worthy opponent. Will he succeed in his quest? Tune in to find out for yourself!
8. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
Born with psychic abilities like telepathy and teleportation, all Kusuo Saiki wants is to live a normal high school life while avoiding attention. As he uses his powers secretly throughout The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, he discovers that those around him are more unique than he thought. After two successful seasons, a limited sequel anime series, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: Reawakened, was released on Netflix.
9. Attack on Titan
If you’re a fan of action, fantasy, and dystopian fiction, Attack on Titan is not to be missed. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Attack on Titan illustrates the ongoing conflict between humans and man-eating giants (Titans). Although gigantic walls help separate the two communities, a group of elite soldiers, known as Survey Corps, often venture outside the walls to fight Titans and find out more about what’s beyond their village. The battles in Attack on Titan can be cruel and intense, but they’re nonetheless beautifully animated. Also, the protagonist, Eren Yeager, will grow on you.
10. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is undoubtedly one of the best anime for fans of dystopian novels like Orwell’s 1984. In a future where citizens’ criminality potential is measured by a Crime Coefficient Index through a biometric network, police officers are told to eliminate citizens based on this Psycho-Pass assessment. A hard-hitting cyberpunk thriller, Psycho-Pass follows Inspectors and Enforcers of the Criminal Investigation Department as they work within this system.
11. Violet Evergarden
With its well-written and beautifully made episodes, Violet Evergarden is an anime that guarantees tears. As the former soldier Violet Evergarden adjusts to life after a devastating injury on a mission, she pursues employment as an “Auto Memory Doll” to help ghostwrite letters for local citizens. While Violet goes through training to become an Auto Memory Doll, she grapples with reentering society and understanding the last words of her mentor Major Gilbert.
12. Back Street Girls
Looking for a great laugh? Back Street Girls has got one of the most insane plots ever for an anime series. After three Yakuza men fail a major mission, their boss sends them to Thailand to undergo sex reassignment surgery. As they come back to Japan, they’re then made to go through intense training to become popular idols in order to make money for the Yakuza. Despite this slightly problematic-sounding plot, Back Street Girls is actually quite a hilarious comedy that tackles complex topics light-heartedly.
13. Jujutsu Kaisen
Here’s a series for those who like a good dose of dark fantasy in their anime! Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori as he joins the Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School to train under a teacher, in order to rid himself of a curse initially unsealed by an occult club. An interesting take on shamans, spirits, and occult themes, Jujutsu Kaisen’s intriguing lore and thrilling action will keep you hooked.
14. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
The world of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is at times quirky, funny, and downright bizarre. Centred on the Joestar family, the anime follows these powerful family members on each of their own adventures as they take down supernatural forces. Known for its flashy fight sequences, Jojo is an entertaining show full of unique elements. Considered one of the best anime adaptations by its huge global following, Jojo is just waiting for you to binge watch!
15. Kill la Kill
Depicting some of the most interesting female protagonists in the world of anime, Kill la Kill has plenty of exciting action as well as comedy. As Ryuko Matoi seeks to find her father’s killer, her search leads her to Honnouji Academy, a high school run by the intense student council president Satsuki Kiryuin. Using clothing, particularly school uniforms, to convey important themes like class and power, Kill la Kill also has magical elements like a sentient sailor uniform – say what?
