30. Noragami: IMDb (7.8) 2014
Plot: Hiyori Iki saved a stranger during a bus accident and now her soul frequently leaves her body. She discovers two worlds: the Near Shore where humans live, and the Far Shore where phantoms and souls reside. Hiyori meets Yato, a god without a shrine, who grants wishes for 5 yen. She asks him to fix her body. Together with Yato’s weapon named Yukine, they face various challenges dealing with friendship, identity, and their pasts while going on exciting adventures.
My Recommendation: Noragami combines supernatural elements, complex character relationships, and meaningful ideas about who we are and how we can find redemption. It tells an exciting story with great animation and is a must-see for fans of action-packed tales with a hint of the supernatural. Get ready for an exhilarating adventure!
Genre: Supernatural, Action, Adventure, Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Kotaro Tamura
Producer: Takuya Matsushita, Kozue Kaneniwa
Writer: Deko Akao
Released Date: January 5, 2014 – (Season 1), October 2, 2015 – (Season 2)
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Funimation (North America)
Production Company: Bones
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix
29. Fairy Tail: IMDb (7.9) 2009
Plot: The story is set in the world of Earth-land, where wizards work for guilds. Natsu Dragneel is a Dragon Slayer wizard from Fairy Tail. He searches for his missing father and befriends Lucy Heartfilia. They form a team with other members and go on missions to fight criminals and dark guilds. A battle ensues between Fairy Tail and the dark guild Grimoire Heart, attracting the attention of Acnologia, an evil black dragon. The story continues with conflicts involving Zeref, Tartaros, and Acnologia until their ultimate defeat by Natsu and his friends.
My Recommendation: Fairy Tail is an animated show that is full of exciting stories, magical fights, and strong friendships. It has a good mix of funny moments, action scenes, and characters who grow over time. Some parts may seem similar to each other, but the main messages about friendship and never giving up make it worth watching for fans of fantasy and action anime.
Genre: Fantasy Anime, Adventure, Action
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Shinji Ishihira
Producer: Aya Hagihara, Takashi Watanabe, Shinichi Nakamura
Writer: Masashi Sogo
Released Date: October 12, 2009
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: TV Tokyo, Crunchyroll (streaming)
Production Company: A-1 Pictures, Satelight
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
28. The Eminence in Shadow: IMDb (7.9) 2022
Plot: In modern-day Japan, Minoru Kageno dreams of becoming a mastermind, but tragically dies in an accident. He is reborn as Cid Kagenou in a fantastical realm where he pretends to be average while secretly nurturing his desire for power. When Cid cures an elven girl named Alpha and spins a tale of a controlling cult, she joins him to fight against them. However, Cid soon realizes that his fabricated story has become real, and he must lead the Shadow Garden in battling the actual threats posed by the Cult of Diablos.
My Recommendation: The Eminence in Shadow is an exciting anime that combines comedy and action. It has a unique story and interesting characters, giving a new perspective on the isekai genre. The main character’s journey from being unknown to becoming a hero is entertaining and heartwarming, making it a must-watch for anime fans.
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Nobukage Kimura
Producer: Studio Mausu
Writer: Takashi Aoshima
Released Date: October 6, 2021
Runtime: 23 minutes per episode
Distributor: Sentai Filmworks
Production Company: Project No.9
Where to watch: Hulu
27. Re: Zero, Starting Life in Another World: IMDb (8.0) 2016
Plot: Subaru Natsuki, a NEET, gets summoned to a fantasy world. He dies while helping Emilia, a half-elf candidate for the throne. But he wakes up in the past each time he dies. Realizing his power to turn back time, Subaru becomes Emilia’s butler and helps her become queen. He also helps other friends along the way. However, every death brings him pain that only he remembers after time resets.
My Recommendation: Re: Zero offers a gripping narrative with complex characters and intense emotional depth. Its exploration of themes like resilience, sacrifice, and the consequences of one’s choices makes it a compelling watch. However, be prepared for dark themes and graphic content. Overall, it is a must-watch for anime enthusiasts seeking depth and intrigue.
Genre: Fantasy Anime, Drama, Psychological Thriller
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Masaharu Watanabe
Producer: Sho Tanaka, Tetsuya Dobashi, Hirohiko Asakura
Writer: Masahiro Yokotani
Released Date: April 4, 2016
Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes per episode
Distributor: TV Tokyo, AT-X, BS11, Media Factory
Production Company: White Fox
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV
26. Akira: IMDB (8.0) 1988
Plot: In 2019, Neo-Tokyo is a city filled with corruption and violence after a devastating war. Shōtarō Kaneda leads his gang against rival groups. Tetsuo, Kaneda’s friend, crashes into an esper named Takashi. Kaneda joins a resistance group to rescue Tetsuo. The espers try to control Tetsuo but fail. The group goes to find Akira for help as Tetsuo hunts him down.
My Recommendation: Akira is an important anime that changed the genre. Its complex story, beautiful animation, and thoughtful exploration of topics like power, corruption, and identity make it a must-see for any fan of anime. Get ready for a thought-provoking adventure that will make you think even after the movie ends.
Genre: Cyberpunk, Sci-Fi, Action, Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Producer: Ryohei Suzuki, Shunzo Kato, Yutaka Maseba
Writer: Katsuhiro Otomo (Screenplay), based on his manga
Released Date: July 16, 1988
Runtime: 124 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Tokyo Movie Shinsha, Akira Committee Company Ltd.
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $80 million worldwide
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, and iTunes.
Related: 20 Top Isekai Anime Series
25. Black Clover: IMDb (8.2) 2017
Plot: This series follows Asta, an orphan who lacks magic but excels in physical strength, and Yuno, a prodigy with immense magical power. They develop a friendly rivalry and both aim to become the next Wizard King. Yuno obtains a legendary four-leaf grimoire while Asta gains a rare five-leaf grimoire with anti-magic abilities. The Knights eventually confront Lucius Zogratis, who seeks to create his own perfect world.
My Recommendation: Black Clover is a colorful show with magic, action, and friendship. It starts off slow but becomes exciting and emotionally impactful. Asta’s determination and growth, along with intense battles and character development, make it great for fans of shounen anime
Genre: Shounen, Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara
Producer: Maiko Isogai, Takamitsu Inoue
Writer: Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Released Date: October 3, 2017
Runtime: Approximately 23 minutes per episode
Distributor: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Production Company: Pierrot
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
24. Bleach: IMDb (8.2) 2004
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Plot: Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager from Karakura Town, can see ghosts. He meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper searching for Hollows. Rukia transfers her powers to Ichigo after getting injured by a Hollow. Ichigo becomes a substitute Soul Reaper while balancing his high school life. Aizen fakes his death to obtain the powerful Hōgyoku inside Rukia. Ichigo stops the war against the Soul Society and reconciles with them after Aizen escapes to Hueco Mundo with Gin and Kaname.
My Recommendation: Bleach is a show that combines supernatural fights, interesting stories, and the growth of characters. It’s about soul reapers fighting bad spirits, which makes for an exciting plot with lots of action and emotions. Sometimes the speed of the story might not be consistent, but if you like adventurous anime with strong friendships, it’s definitely worth watching.
Genre: Shounen, Fantasy Anime, Supernatural
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Noriyuki Abe
Producer: Ken Hagino, Noriko Kobayashi
Writer: Masashi Sogo
Released Date: October 5, 2004
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: TV Tokyo, Crunchyroll
Production Company: Studio Pierrot
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix (availability may vary by region.)
23. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation: IMDb (8.3) 2021
Plot: An obese Japanese NEET is evicted by his siblings after his parents’ death. Feeling worthless, he saves a teenager from a speeding truck before dying. He awakens in a baby’s body in a world of magic and renames himself Rudeus Greyrat. Eventually, the spirit gives up on harming him but targets his descendants instead. Rudeus lives peacefully until natural death at 74 years old.
My Recommendation: Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is an interesting anime that combines fantasy and growing-up themes. It has a great story, interesting characters, and beautiful animation, which makes it a must-see for anime fans. However, it deals with mature topics so it may not be appropriate for everyone. In general, it’s an engaging adventure that you should try.
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy Anime, Adventure, Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Manabu Okamoto
Producer: Egg Firm
Writer: Manabu Okamoto
Released Date: January 11, 2021 – ongoing
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Tokyo MX, KBS, BS11, SUN, TVA
Production Company: Studio Bind
Where to watch: Crunchyroll and Funimation.
22. My Hero Academia: (8.3) 2016
Plot: Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a Hero despite being bullied by his childhood friend Katsuki Bakugo. His idol, All Might, chooses him to inherit his Quirk “One For All” and become his successor. Izuku attends U.A. High School for Heroes and encounters the League of Villains led by Tomura Shigaraki. After defeating the villain Stain, more villains join the League of Villains. The Heroes capture a member of the League of Villains named Kurogiri, who is revealed to be a Nomu created from a teacher’s childhood friend at UA.
My Recommendation: My Hero Academia is an exciting mix of action, humor, and heartfelt character growth. The colorful animation brings to life a world where heroes and villains fight, highlighting themes of bravery, friendship, and determination. Whether you’re new to anime or a long-time fan, it’s a captivating adventure that is worth experiencing.
Genre: Shounen, Fantasy Anime, Superhero
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Kenji Nagasaki
Producer: Wakana Okamura, Yoshihiro Oyabu
Writer: Yōsuke Kuroda
Released Date: April 3, 2016
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Bones
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix (availability may vary by region)
21. Violet Evergarden: IMDb (8.4) 2018
Plot: The Auto Memory Dolls were invented by Professor Orlando, a specialist in letterpress printing and mechanical dolls. He created the first doll for his wife Molly, who had lost her sight and could no longer write. The dolls were designed to record spoken words. In the present time, the term Auto-Memories Doll refers to the writing industry where people write on behalf of others. The story follows
My Recommendation: Violet Evergarden is an enjoyable anime show that explores love, loss, and finding oneself. The animation and storytelling are excellent, making it a must-see for those looking for an emotional journey. If you like Emotional anime, it’s definitely worth watching.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Producer: Shinichiro Hatta
Writer: Reiko Yoshida
Released Date: January 11, 2018
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Netflix (for international distribution)
Production Company: Kyoto Animation
Where to watch: Netflix.
20. Chainsaw Man : IMDb (8.4) 2022
Plot: Denji, a teenager in poverty, works as a Devil Hunter to pay off his father’s debt. He is helped by Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil. The yakuza betray Denji and kill him for a contract with the Zombie Devil. Pochita merges with Denji, and they become a hybrid. Denji seeks revenge and kills the yakuza as Chainsaw Man. Later, Denji joins the Public Safety Division to hunt Devils. Eventually, Denji attends high school while fighting Devils as a vigilante.
My Recommendation: Chainsaw Man is an exciting and dark fantasy series with lots of action and surprising turns. It has a special idea, interesting characters, and intense storytelling that keeps you hooked. Explore its violent world for an intense and thrilling experience like no other.
Genre: Dark Fantasy Anime, Horror
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Ryū Nakayama, Makoto Nakazono
Writer: Hiroshi Seko
Released Date: October 12, 2022
Runtime: 12 (List of episodes)
Distributor: MAPPA
Production Company: Shueisha
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
19. Your Name: IMDb (8.4) 2016
Plot: Mitsuha and Taki switch bodies intermittently, living each other’s lives. They set rules for sharing their bodies and communicate through messages. They discover that a comet will pass by on the day of the autumn festival. However, their body-switching suddenly stops. He wakes up in Mitsuha’s body on the festival day and learns about their family’s connection to body-switching.
My Recommendation: Your Name. is a beautiful anime that combines love, magic, and emotions. The animation is amazing, the story is compelling, and the characters are unforgettable. It’s a movie that will touch your heart and stay with you for a long time. If you enjoy movies that are enchanting and captivating, this is a must-see.
Genre: Romance, Fantasy Anime, Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Producer: Noritaka Kawaguchi, Genki Kawamura
Writer: Makoto Shinkai
Released Date: August 26, 2016 (Japan)
Runtime: 106 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: CoMix Wave Films
Box Office in US Dollars: Over $358 million worldwide
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and iTunes.
18. Naruto: IMDb (8.4) 2007
Plot: A powerful fox called the Nine-Tails attacks Konoha, a hidden leaf village. The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, seals the fox inside his newborn son Naruto. Naruto grows up scorned by villagers but learns the truth years later. Sasuke joins Orochimaru to gain power and leaves the village, prompting Naruto to train with Jiraiya while Sakura becomes Tsunade’s apprentice.
My Recommendation: Naruto is an interesting story about not giving up, making friends, and learning about oneself. The plot, characters, and world-building are well-developed and will appeal to fans of anime. Get ready to be immersed in a world of ninjas, exciting fights, and touching moments that will leave a lasting impression. If you like action anime, it’s definitely worth watching.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayato Date
Producer: Pierrot
Writer: Masashi Kishimoto (manga), Various (anime adaptation)
Released Date: October 3, 2002
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: TV Tokyo, Crunchyroll (streaming)
Production Company: Studio Pierrot
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
17. Erased: IMDb (8.5) 2016
Plot: In 2006, Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling artist, can travel back in time before dangerous events occur. When his mother is killed and he is sent back eighteen years, Satoru has the chance to save her and stop a serial killer from murdering three of his childhood friends.
My Recommendation: Erased is an exciting anime show that combines mystery, suspense, and emotions. The story is interesting, the characters are well-developed, and there are unexpected surprises throughout. It explores themes of friendship, regret, and second chances in a beautiful way. If you like suspense anime, it’s definitely worth watching.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural, Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Tomohiko Itō
Producer: Kenta Suzuki
Writer: Taku Kishimoto
Released Date: January 8, 2016
Runtime: Approximately 22 minutes per episode
Distributor: Netflix (streaming rights)
Production Company: A-1 Pictures
Where to watch: Netflix
16. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: IMDb (8.5) 2012
Plot: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a universe like ours but with supernatural elements. Some individuals can create Stands, representing their inner power. Hamon is another energy source, using controlled breathing to harness sunlight. The story follows different characters in separate parts of the series, all belonging to the Joestar family. The first six parts revolve around the conflict between Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando, while the last three occur in an alternate reality with significant changes to the Joestar family tree.
My Recommendation: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is an exciting mix of interesting characters, creative storytelling, and cool animation. It tells a story that spans different generations and involves supernatural fights and clever surprises. Anime fans will find it very enjoyable with its famous poses and memorable lines. It’s a must-watch for anyone who likes this type of show.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Various (Hirohiko Araki – Original Creator)
Producer: David Production
Writer: Hirohiko Araki (Original Manga), Various (Anime Adaptation)
Released Date: October 5, 2012
Runtime: Varies (approximately 23-24 minutes per episode)
Distributor: Warner Bros. (Japan), Crunchyroll (International Streaming)
Production Company: David Production
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu