Best Anime Series That Are A Must Watch

Anime has transcended its origin in Japan to become a global phenomenon. From classics like Dragon Ball to modern gems like Demon Slayer, there's an anime series for every viewer. The popularity of anime is evident in the tremendous success of studios like Toei Animation, which recorded substantial net sales in recent years. Moreover, the transition from 2D to live-action adaptations, such as Alice in Borderland and Netflix's One Piece, has further fueled the anime craze. In this comprehensive article, we'll explore some of the best anime series across different genres and why they have captivated audiences worldwide.

Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)

Directed by Sung Hoon Park and Shōta Gosh Ozono Jujutsu Kaisen introduces us to Yuuji Itadori who unwittingly becomes part of the occult world. A seemingly casual decision leads to him swallowing a cursed item, setting off a chain of supernatural events. The voice cast including Junya Enoki, Junichi Suwabe and Yuuichi Nakamura, brings the characters to life. Jujutsu Kaisen, the winner of Anime of the Year at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival seamlessly blends horror, action and supernatural elements.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019)

In the Taishō era, Tanjiro Kamado's life takes a tragic turn when his family is slaughtered. He vows to become a demon slayer joining the Demon Slayer Corps. This captivating series directed by Haruo Sotozaki boasts a talented voice cast including Natsuki Hanae, Hiro Shimono, Akari Kitou and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka. The sequel film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train became one of the highest-grossing Japanese anime movies ever, cementing the series' place in anime history.

Violet Evergarden (2018)

Violet Evergarden directed by Taichi Ishidate and Haruka Fujita is a heartfelt tale set in the aftermath of World War I. The protagonist, Violet Evergarden, seeks a new purpose after serving as a weapon in the army. The series delves into her journey as an "auto memory doll" transcribing emotions into written words. The voice cast including Yui Ishikawa, Daisuke Namikawa and Kouki Uchiyama delivers a moving performance making it a must watch series for fans of emotional storytelling.

One-Punch Man (2015)

One-Punch Man directed by Shingo Natsume and Chikara Sakurai presents a unique twist on the superhero genre. Saitama the protagonist can defeat any foe with a single punch. This offbeat premise is brought to life by the voice cast including Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa and Aoi Yuuki. The series is an adaptation of Yusuke Murata's manga remake of the original webcomic by Japanese artist One.

Tokyo Ghoul (2014)

Directed by Shuhei Morita, Tokyo Ghoul introduces us to Ken Kaneki, whose life takes a nightmarish turn when his date reveals herself as a ghoul, a flesh-eating creature. The series, featuring the voice talents of Natsuki Hanae, Kana Hanazawa, and Sora Amamiya, explores the consequences of his transformation into a half-ghoul. Tokyo Ghoul is based on Sui Ishida's best-selling manga, making it a top choice for fans of dark fantasy.

Attack on Titan (2013)

A dark fantasy masterpiece, Attack on Titan directed by a team of talented directors, presents a world where humans are besieged by flesh-eating Titans. Eren Jaeger along with his friends joins the Scout Regiment to seek vengeance. The voice cast including Yuuki Kaji, Yui Ishikawa, Marina Inoue and Hiroshi Kamiya, brilliantly brings the characters to life. This series adapted from Hajime Isayama's manga is known as Shingeki no Kyojin in Japan and has left an indelible mark on the anime world.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (2012)

Directed by Naokatsu Tsuda and Kenichi Suzuki JoJo's Bizarre Adventure follows the adventures of the Joestar family across generations. A unique mix of supernatural powers, memorable characters, and bizarre encounters makes it a captivating series. Tomokazu Sugita, Kazuyuki Okitsu and Takehito Koyasu contribute their voices to the eccentric cast. Adapted from Hirohiko Araki's manga, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is a must-watch for those seeking something out of the ordinary.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

Yasuhiro Irie directed Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a series that follows the journey of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse. Their pursuit of alchemical knowledge leads to a tragic accident, leaving Ed without an arm and leg and Al as a disembodied soul. This compelling tale, featuring the voice talents of Romi Park, Rie Kugimiya, and Shinichiro Miki, dives into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of wielding great power. This adaptation stays true to Hiromu Arakawa's original manga, delivering a faithful and enthralling narrative.

Clannad (2007):

Tatsuya Ishihara's Clannad is a heartwarming story of Tomoya Okazaki who forms an unlikely friendship with Nagisa a schoolmate with a dream of reviving the school's drama club. The series explores themes of friendship, family and personal growth. The voice cast including Yuuichi Nakamura, Mai Nakahara and Houko Kuwashima brings depth to the characters' emotional journeys. Clannad is based on a visual novel developed by Key offering a unique and touching viewing experience.

Monster (2004):

Directed by Masayuki Kojima Monster delves into the life of Kenzo Tenma a skilled brain surgeon who makes a fateful decision to save a young boy named Johan. The consequences of this choice lead to a gripping psychological thriller. The voice cast including Hidenobu Kiuchi, Nozomu Sasaki and Mamiko Noto delivers a masterful performance that enhances the suspenseful atmosphere. Monster is adapted from Naoki Urasawa's manga offering a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.

Naruto (2002):

Hayato Date directed Naruto, a series centered around Naruto Uzumaki a young ninja aiming to earn recognition by becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. The voice cast featuring Junko Takeuchi, Kazuhiko Inoue and Noriaki Sugiyama breathes life into the vivid characters and thrilling battles. Based on Masashi Kishimoto's manga, Naruto combines martial arts, adventure and coming-of-age themes making it a beloved classic.

One Piece (1999):

Directed by Kōnosuke Uda, Munehisa Sakai and Tatsuya Nagamine One Piece tells the epic tale of Monkey D. Luffy's quest to find the legendary treasure One Piece and become the king of the pirates. Luffy's journey is filled with humor, adventure and memorable characters and the voice cast including Mayumi Tanaka, Kazuya Nakai, Hiroaki Hirata and Akemi Okamura contributes to the series' enduring popularity.

Summary

Anime, once a niche interest, has grown into a global phenomenon with diverse genres and themes. The mentioned series are just a fraction of the vast anime landscape, showcasing the medium's ability to captivate audiences. Whether you're new to anime or a seasoned fan, these shows, with their memorable characters and compelling stories, leave a lasting impression worldwide.