The anime industry has come out to be among the most thriving industries in current times. It has managed to gain popularity and recognition from viewers all around the world and has gained acclamation on an international scale. The anime industry, with its captivating narratives and diverse themes, offers an unimaginable amount of creativity and resourcefulness.
People of all ages, it unemployed children to employed individuals, consume anime in its entirety. Whether it’s tales of heroes, beautiful bonds of friendships, alluring adventures, strategy-making themes, or science fiction plots, anime offers everything to all. In recent years, anime has provided everyone with something to watch and is loved by every age group.
Animes like “Demon Slayer,” “Attack on Titans,” “One Piece,” and “Naruto” have provided record-breaking hits at worldwide sales and have succeeded in providing a different perspective to perceive things. Its unique blend of visuals, narratives, and characters has made anime a newly thriving culture to thrive.
Also read: 50 Best Female Anime Characters That Everyone Adores
Animes Popular in Recent Times
1. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer, animated by uFotable, is an action-packed adventure anime involving swordsmen and demons. Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist, lives a happy and steady life with his family until they are attacked by a demon. The sole survivor is Tanjiro and his sister, Nezuko, who is demonized in the process.
Demon Slayer follows the journey of Tanjiro’s revenge and a way to cure his sister. He walks on the path of a ‘Demon Slayer’ along with his sister and companions Zenitsu and Inosuke, eradicating demons and forming momentous bonds.
Demon Slayer is also counted among the new-gen “Big 3” of the anime universe.
2. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy action anime animated by the MAPPA studio. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity struggles to strive and survive against the colossal creatures called Titans. Eren Yeager and his comrades Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert join the Cadet Corps to fight against the Titans and defend the walls.
The attack on Titans also shows the extent of human greed, which breeds power and fear. It depicts the horror of war and life of struggle and prejudice. The anime weaves tales of action, emotional settings, and shivering complexities of human nature.
3. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is considered among the new-gen “Big 3” in the anime verse along with Demon Slayer and is popular in recent times. Jujutsu Kaisen has everything from superpowers to curses from the high school environment to exorcism.
Yuji Itadori is your normal high school-going student who is a little more athletic and strong than his peers. One day he comes in contact with an exorcism, Satoro Gajo, and entangles himself in the world of exorcism and curses.
Itadori, along with Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki, attends the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School and fights to eliminate the curses. The anime is a blend of horror, mystery, friendships, and humor, along with the setting of action.
4. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia shares the stage of the new-gen “Big 3” along with Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer and is popular among anime viewers. In a world full of superpowers and superheroes, Izuku Midoriya is born with no superpowers or “Quirkless.” However, his life changes when he meets with Japan’s strongest superhero, All Might, and becomes a successor to his quirk.
My Hero Academia follows the story of Izuku and his friends, who, with the help of their superpowers, try to eliminate evil from the world. It experiences the theme of heroism, prejudice, and the development of Izuku and friends who limit their bodies to fight against evil.
Also read: My Hero Academia Watch Order: Anime, OVAs, Fillers & Movies Guide
5. Spy x Family
Spy x Family, animated by the Wit Studio CloverWorks, has managed to garner a lot of popularity in recent days and is one of the most famous animes.
Twilight, a spy, is on a mission to save the world from a threatening crisis. But to maintain his cover, he establishes a family with Yor Forger as his wife and Anya as their daughter. However, Yor is an assassin, and Anya has the power to read anyone’s mind. Spy x Family is an action anime that also includes light-hearted comedy and heartwarming moments. The scenes with Anya are a delight to watch, and Yor’s gullible personality makes her a popular “waifu” in the animeverse.
6. One Piece
One Piece, regarded as the original “Big 3,” is one of the longest-running and most popular animes. The anime has 1000+ episodes and is still in progress. Animated by Toei Animation, it includes action, humor, adventure, and romance as its genres.
Monkey D. Luffy, with a dream to become the Pirate King, forms the “Straw Hat Pirates” and starts his journey along with his crewmates to conquer the Grand Line. One Piece is popular for its dynamic characters, world-building and action-packed battles.
7. Chainsaw Man
Animated by the MAPPA studio, Chainsaw Man follows the story of Denji, who merges with his chainsaw dog. Denji works for the Yakuza and confronts devils for them; however, one day, he is betrayed by them and killed.
Denji’s chainsaw dog, Pochita, as a lost resort to save his master, merges with him, and Denji is transformed into a chainsaw devil with a mission to eliminate devils.
Chainsaw Man involves a lot of violence and supernatural creatures and delivers a thrilling experience.
8. Naruto
Naruto follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki and his tale of achieving his dream of becoming one of the strongest ninjas in the shinobi world. Naruto is also regarded as one of the “Big-3” and is among the most popular animes. Naruto Uzumaki spends most of his time isolated and by himself due to the presence of a strong entity that has been sealed inside him since birth.
As the story progresses, Naruto’s journey of self-exploration and character growth is shown in the anime. Naruto being a part of Team 7 along with Sakura Haruno and Sasuke Uchiho, is mentored by one of the strongest, Kakashi Hatake.
Naruto is a part of the legacy left behind by manga artists that are looked upon by recent artists.
9. Blue Lock
Blue Lock is a popular sports anime animated by the 8Bit studio. Japan’s football team finished 16th at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and faced backlashes at their home back. The Japan Football Union then devices a strict regiment to produce an ace striker for the team. The regiment formed is named “Blue Lock.”
Yoichi Isagi, the protagonist, is also selected as one of the prospective candidates but is faced with self-doubts as he finds better players than him. Blue Lock describes the story of fierce rivalries and human tendencies in the sports world. It is one of the renowned and offers an exciting take on the soccer world.
10. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure has been one of the most popular animes in the past years, animated by David Production. The fifth season of the anime was released as Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean and has been the talk of the industry.
Jolyne Kujo, daughter of the protagonist of the previous seasons, Jotaro Kujo, finds herself imprisoned. Her life is also in danger as a mysterious identity seeks to eliminate her and her companions. The story follows Jolyne’s journey to fight against enemies and unravel her family’s legacy.
Stone Ocean is another addition to the plot-twisting and mysterious nature of the Jojo franchise and gives the same experience as the previous seasons.
11. Lycoris Recoil
Animated by the famous A-1 Pictures, the plot of the Lycoris Recoil takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. Takina Inoue works in an all-girl task force named ‘Lycoris’ as an assassin who aims to eliminate criminals. However, during a mission due to a mistake, she is transferred to a separate division where she meets with a veteran, Chisato Nishikigi, and Takina’s journey to new secrets begins.
Lycoris Recoil is popular among anime viewers for its intense storytelling and amazing world-building characteristics. Lycoris Recoil offers a perfect mix of suspense, mystery, and decision-making.
Lycoris Recoil won the award for “Best Original Anime” at the Crunchyroll 2023 Anime Awards and was also nominated in several other categories.
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12. Banana Fish
Banana Fish is an underrated anime in the anime community but is a must-watch and is recommended for its versatile design and voice against sensitive topics. Animated by the MAPPA studio, Banana Fish is set in the mid-1980s. Ash Lynx, a young gang leader in New York City, comes in contact with a drug, Banana Fish, and gets entangled in the dark conspiracy around the drug.
Banana Fish provides an experience into the notorious underworld and delves deeper into the corrupt, fraudulent society. Ash Lynx’s journey to unravel the secrets of the drug brings out intense, action-packed sequences involving rival gangs and law enforcement. The anime revolves around the theme of trauma, power struggle, and acute character development.
13. Bocchi the Rock
Bocchi the Rock is a high school musical anime animated by CloverWorks studio. The anime follows the story of a shy, timid girl, Hitori Gotoh, alias “Bocchi-chan.” Hitori plays guitar and wants to be part of a band but has trouble making friends and working in groups. However, after a video of her became viral on the internet, she was offered by Nijika Ijichi to play in her band as the lead guitarist.
Bocchi the Rock is a heartwarming and light anime that fits perfectly in the musical genre. It depicts the reality of present scenarios in schools and human nature.
14. My Dress Up, Darling
My Dress Up Darling is one of the newly released animes and has been a success as it is loved by the anime community. Animated by the CloverWorks studio, My Dress Up Darling shows the story of Marin and Wakana, who together make anime cosplay costumes showcasing their talents.
Wakina has a passion for crafting hina dolls but is a shy personality and hides his craftsmanship due to social trauma. However, his life changes when his classmate Marin discovers his talent and suggests crafting anime cosplay costumes. With Marin’s support and Wakina’s talent, they create unique and beautiful costumes and make a name for themselves.
My Dress Up Darling was nominated in the Crunchyroll 2023 Anime Awards.
15. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is a high school romantic anime animated by A-1 Pictures. The anime showcases the “war” between the most eligible couple of the Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya. The war is none other than to make the other individual confess their love first.
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is a beautiful mix of mind games, desperation, twists, and romantic comedy that is a delight to watch. The anime shows the perspective of a girl and a boy in love and the extent they go to make their partner confess their love in a comedic and light way.
16. Dr. Stone
Dr Stone, animated by TMS Entertainment, is one of its kind anime involving science in a post-apocalyptic world. One day due to a bright flash, everything on Earth is petrified. After a long time, Senku Ishigami is suddenly revived in a world that has gone back to the stone age. However, being a prodigy, Senku quickly gets a grasp of the situation and starts finding a way to fix everything to its original form.
Dr. Stone follows the story of Senku and his allies, who, with the help of science and modern-day technological ideas, try to get a revolution in a stone age world. Anime is not only a medium of entertainment but also provides various information on modern-day inventions. Overall, Dr. Stone is a fun-to-watch anime with a pinch of scientific concepts.
17. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
After the popularity of the Cyberpunk video game, the game was animated into an anime by Studio Trigger. The anime is set in a dystopian night world that is affected by corruption and crime. A group of mercenaries known as ‘Edgerunners’ fight against the villains and try to save the city from corrupted corporations and cybernetic addiction.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners offers a cyberpunk-like animation and intense action scenes in addition to brilliant world-building and thought-provoking thoughts. The characters fight against evil as well as cope with their inner demons on their way to salvation.
The anime was awarded the “Anime of the Year” award at the Crunchyroll 2023 Anime Awards and was also nominated for several other categories.
18. Ranking of Kings
Ranking of Kings, animated by the Wit Studios, follows the story of a young prince who is deaf-mute. Bojji is the first prince of a kingdom and the next in succession to be seated on the throne of the emperor. However, Bojji is deaf and a naive kid.
After the death of the king and Bojji’s father, Bojji’s half-brother, Daida, is seated on the throne except for Bojji for the lacking of his physical shortcomings. Now, Bojji takes permission to go on
An expedition to gain experience and return after being a competent leader. He, along with his companion, Kage, who is the sole survivor of an assassin clan, embarks on a journey to become strong.
Ranking of Kings is an emotional story of a naive and simple boy who perceives the world from a different perspective. The anime is a rollercoaster of emotions and offers a beautiful experience of wholeheartedness and harmony.
19. One Punch Man
One Punch Man revolves around Saitama, alias ‘One Punch Man’, who is just a hero for fun. Animated by the Madhouse studios, One Punch Man is a mix of action, superheroes, society stereotypes, and many more.
The protagonist, Saitama, was a regular unemployed person who, through rigorous and disciplined training, became a superhero. Saitama is the strongest in the universe and manages to defeat every opponent with a single punch, which is also the reason behind his dejection.
One Punch Man is among the most popular animes of all time and is gaining more and more popularity as days go by.
20. Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss is set around a fictional world that harbors a crater, the Abyss, that descends deep down the Earth. Animated by the Kinema Citrus, Made in Abyss revolves around a girl named Riko who wants to follow the legacy of her mother being a White Whistle.
The Abyss houses artifacts and resources from the lost civilization; hence, a wanted hunting spot for the Cave Raiders. Riko’s mother was also a Cave Raider, a famous one which was titled the White Whistle. Now Riko, along with his half-human-half-robot friend, Reg, goes on the journey to find her mother and descend the Abyss.
Made in Abyss offers a captivating journey with great storytelling and emotional settings. The anime was nominated at the Crunchyroll 2023 Anime Awards; however, it wasn’t able to brag any awards.
21. Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is one of the most popular anime series based on the Viking era in medieval Europe. The anime is animated by Wit Studios. After the death of his father, Thorfinn sets on a journey of revenge for his father’s killers. The anime shows the growth of Thorfinn as the story progresses as he takes revenge on his father’s murderers.
Vinland Saga is a tale of bravery and vengeance. It also tells the viewers about the Viking code of honor and discipline. With complex characters, intense story building, and fierce action sequences, Vinland Saga made its way to anime viewers and has been a famous anime since its release.
22. Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers is an action-packed anime animated by Liden Films that involves time travel and game war. Takemichi Hanagaki is a 26-year-old male who finds a way to go back to his school days when he was part of a gang. Takemichi relives his school life and meets with his friends and his then-gang, Tokyu Manji Gang.
The story follows Takemichi’s struggle to save his friends and his involvement in Gang fights. Tokyo Revengers takes you on a journey of nostalgia and offers an intense experience of gang action, intricate plot twists, and friendship.
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23. Ya Boy Kongming
Ya Boy Kongming is a story of the reincarnation of one of the legendary strategists in Chinese Culture, Kongming. On his deathbed, Kongming wishes to have a peaceful life in his next incarnation. The heavens listen to him, and he is reborn, in his youth, in modern Japan.
The P.A. Works studio animated the panels, and the work seems genuine in the art style. With intensive storytelling and captivating animations, the anime looks proper and gives out a fresh take on the legend, Kongming.
24. Kotaro Lives Alone
Animated by the Liden Films, Kotaro Lives Alone follows the story of a 4-year-old boy, Kotaro, who lives in solitary. Kotaro moves into an apartment to live alone and becomes a neighbor to a manga artist and other characters. He enrolls himself in a kindergarten and looks after himself as he has a mental capacity of a mature person.
Kotaro Live Alone takes the viewers on a journey of self-appreciation and self-dependency with Kotaro. Kotaro has other people in his apartment who look after him, and the story also progresses with their character development. All in all, Kotaro Lives Alone is a beautiful experience in the life of a 4-year-old and offers a heartfelt and relatable exploration.
25. Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi Can’t Communicate a captivating anime about a high school girl who goes through social anxiety. Animated by the OLM studio, Komi Can’t Communicate set around Komi Shouko, who, with her endearing beauty, captures the heart of everyone on her first day of school.
However, Komi has a severe communication disorder and has problems making friends. To her rescue, her classmate, Hitohito Tadano, helps her to make friends, and a new phase in Komi’s life begins.
The anime progresses with Tadano and Komi’s effort to break down stereotypical barriers and find one’s voice. Komi Can’t Communicate a beautiful journey of friendship, making bonds, and coping with social anxiety.
26. 86-Eighty-Six
86-Eighty-Six is a war anime that takes place in a dystopian world that is at war. The anime being animated by A1-1 Pictures showcases the horrors of war and human prejudice and greed.
A group of pilots named “86-ers” are responsible for driving drones in enemy territory and aiding in the war. However, the public thinks of drones being autonomous and doesn’t have a hint of prejudice against these pilots. The pilots are treated as tools of war and are trained to be disposed of at any point.
The story focuses on the government’s propaganda and social injustices during the war. The anime showcases the horrors of war through captivating storytelling, intense character development, and action sequences.
27. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is a dark fantasy anime animated by the Madhouse creations. Sword Art Online is set in a virtual reality world in which the protagonist and other players get trapped inside a game and now have to beat the game to escape from the game. Kazuto Kirigaya, also known as Kirito, along with other players’ skills, are put to the test in the game to escape from virtual reality.
As time goes by, the thin line between reality and virtual reality is diminished in the minds of the players, and they start living a new life in the game. The anime explores the tales of friendship, swordsmanship, elemental powers, and strategy-making.
Sword Art Online is popular for its intense battles and captivating storytelling. It is a perfect blend of fantasy, gaming, elemental powers, and strategy-making.
28. Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie
Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie is a light-hearted slice of life animated by A-1 Pictures. The plot focuses on a high school teenage girl, Shikimori, and her partner, Izumi. The story mainly revolves around the high school love of these love birds and showcases the ups and downs faced in a relationship.
Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie depicts the problems in a relationship, the dependency of partners on one another, awkwardness and excitement of a relationship. The anime also shows moments of self-discovery and character development through a phase of sequences.
Also read: 61 Greatest Anime Characters Of All Time: From Heroes To Villains
29. Oshi No Ko
Oshi No Ko is an anime series that is based on the devotion of a fan toward his/her idol. Nagisa, a young girl, is a fan of the singing idol Marin and somehow entangles with the entertainment industry through her.
The anime shows the drawbacks of the entertainment industry, scandals, manipulations, and human nature to rise in popularity and the price to pay for it. On her journey to unravel the secrets of the idol world, Nagisa finds out about the dark secrets of their idols.
Oshi No Ko has a captivating plot and great story writing. It provides a mystery theme and keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.
30. Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 follows the story of a school-going kid, Shigeo Kageyama, who has intense psychic powers. Animated by the Bones studio, Mob Psycho 100 is popular for its peculiar animation and storytelling.
Shiego Kageyama possesses strong psychic powers that are triggered by a change in his emotions. Shiego wants to live a normal life, so he works as an assistant to a self-proclaimed psychic, Arataka Reigen. With Arataka, Shiego learns how to control his emotions. However, certain troubles keep coming his way, and his powers trouble him to break free.
Mob Psychic is among the popular animes in recent days and is loved by anime viewers because of its animation and character development. The anime focuses on personal growth, human connections, and self-acceptance.
31. Bleach
Bleach is one of the longest-running and most popular animes of all time. It is counted among the “Big-3” of the anime universe, along with Naruto and One Piece. Ichigo Kurosaki is a high school student who possesses the ability to see ghosts. One day he gains the powers of Soul Reaper and fights against other world malicious entities called Hollows.
The anime follows the story of Ichigo and his allies on a journey to fight against hollows and maintain a balance between the two worlds. Along with the main storyline, other events, such as problems in the world of Soul Reapers and bonds between humans and them, are also depicted in the story.
32. Berserk
Berserk is an anime that is famous for its gore and violent storyline. Animated by Madman Entertainment, Berserk is a dark fantasy manga series set up in a fictional medieval Europe. The story revolves around Guts, a mercenary, and Griffith, leader of a mercenary group, “Band of the Hawks.”
Berserk is a completely new experience for manga and anime viewers and showcases the dark reality of human nature. The story progresses with Guts’s struggles with demonic creatures and also his inner demons. The anime is popular for its dark and gritty tone, along with complex plot and intense plot twists.
33. Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is a fantasy anime set in a fictional world of hunters and Nen. Animated by Nippon Animations, Hunter x Hunter revolves around the protagonist Gon Freecss, a young kid who aims to become a hunter. Gon aims to become a hunter and also to find his truant father, who is also a hunter.
Hunter X Hunter follows the journey of Gon and his friends, Gon, Kurapika, and Leoria, on their way to becoming hunters. Hunter x Hunter offers an experience of raw friendship, natural talent, personal growth, and immersive storytelling. The series also provides action-packed sequences, strategy battles, and intense character developments.
34. Haikyuu
Haikyuu is a volleyball-based sports anime animated by Production I.G. The anime follows the story of Shoyo Hinata, a high school boy who has a passion for volleyball. Despite being of short stature, Shoyo possesses an impressive jumping ability that helps him in being a star volleyball player.
Haikyuu offers an experience of a high school volleyball team and the challenges faced by the players. Haikyu! has a diverse class of characters, such as Tobio Kageyama, Toru Oikawa, Yu Nishinoya, and many more, that brings out a competitive environment. The anime is popular among the new generations as well as sports enthusiasts for its dynamic character range and emotional settings.
35. Kakegurui
Kakegurui is another high school anime on the list but with a twist to the storyline. Kakegurui is based on gambling scenarios in a high school and is animated by the MAPPA studio. Kakegurui is set around a high school housing the children of the wealthiest section of Japan. At the school, the student ranking is not based on academics or sports but on gambling.
The anime is set around the life of the protagonist, Yumeko Jabami, who appears innocent at first sight but is a gambling addict. The story progresses with Yumeko diving deep into the gambling world and making contact with other cunning and colorful characters.
Kakegurui garnered popularity due to its captivating storyline, strategic mindset, and stunning animations.
Also read: Berserk Watch Order – How To Watch?
