But for those that miss the more comedic roots of Akira Toriyama’s franchise, you’ll find this – and much more – in spades in its forebear, Kinnikuman.

You may be more familiar with Kinnikuman by its English title, Ultimate Muscle. While the manga began serialization in 1979 (five years before Dragon Ball) and received its first anime adaptation just four years later, it didn’t officially reach the West until the early 2000s. Despite needing significant (necessary) cuts, Ultimate Muscle gained a cult following, only to disappear after 2006. Meanwhile, the Kinnikuman manga and its various spinoffs in Japan petered out by 2013. Cut to the summer of 2024, and Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc began dropping weekly episodes on Netflix. Created to celebrate the franchise’s 40th anniversary, the new show is adapted from the revival arc of the manga and returns for the latter half of the Winter 2024-25 anime season.

Creator duo Yoshinori Nakai and Takashi Shimada (aka ‘Yudetamago’) initially began their manga, in which superheroes compete in interplanetary wrestling matches, as a parody of Ultraman. You don’t need to know anything about Ultraman, superheroes, or wrestling to enjoy Kinnikuman. And speaking from personal experience, you don’t need to know anything about Kinnikuman to enjoy Perfect Origin Arc. An exposition-heavy “Episode 0” does most of the work filling you in where you might have been Googling to get up to speed. However, you could skip even this and dive right in: the story, in essence, comprises legacy chojin (superheroes) having to team up with legacy akuma chojin (villains) to fight a bunch of bigger bad guys from another world who are called the Perfect Large Numbers. Safe to say those who live for tournament arcs will be well-fed.

Every episode revolves almost entirely around wrestling matches, which is perfect if you’re after low-commitment easy-viewing on par with your favorite Saturday morning cartoon you may have dipped in and out of as a kid. But to say that Perfect Origin Arc is “leave your brain at the door” entertainment isn’t to downplay its creativity or quality. Strangely, the titular alien prince who looks like he’s wearing a mask of his own skin is one of the more normal-looking characters in a cast that includes chojin based on ramen noodles, babies, toilets, springs, cassette players, and more. Your mind might wander as you try to imagine what the quality of life is for a guy whose entire body is a metal coil… only to refocus when said guy delivers Hellraiser-levels of violence on his opponent in a ring situated on an Egyptian pyramid (yes, with an audience – wrestling fans are nothing but committed in the world of Kinnikuman).

Related: 10 Great Action Anime To Watch Today

The hardcore nature of the fighting catches the uninitiated off-guard, starkly contrasting the silliness of the character designs, and, indeed, the “fake” nature of wrestling. However, the handsomely crafted animation style by Production I.G keeps things firmly in the realm of Looney Tunes. The ludicrous cartoonishness of torrents of blood and inhuman bodily contortions will make you laugh more than they will churn your stomach. It also prevents the nuts-and-bolts formula of match after match from becoming dull: the escalation in absurd action combined with unique and peculiar powersets make every Perfect Origin Arc battle wildly unpredictable. This is complemented by some brilliant voice work from actors who are clearly enjoying letting loose to embody this weird and wacky cast.

It’s not just a visual and audio treat, though; the Kinnikuman revival is surprisingly emotionally engaging, too. The anime deftly laces its fights with enough flashbacks, sparring dialogue, and wrestling-style melodrama for the personal stakes to be as clear as the overarching, world-saving ones. Granted, you won’t be bawling your eyes out when your favorite chojin suffers defeat, but for such a large ensemble of characters with a wealth of history between them, you might be surprised how affected you feel when an anthropomorphized toy you met a handful of episodes back crumbles to dust in the arms of his best friend.

Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc probably won’t top any Best Of lists, but as a revival of a dormant shonen classic, it should at least go down as a nostalgic delight for existing fans, and an accessible piece of pure entertainment for new ones.

Unfortunately, this adaptation of Yuto Suzuki’s action-comedy series has been missing its mark with fans. In a similar vein to The Way of the Househusband and Spy x Family, Sakamoto Days transplants high-octane action into mundane, everyday settings. In this case, the premise is that revered and feared hitman Taro Sakamoto hangs up his guns to settle down, start a family, and run a convenience store. When his retirement is exposed to the criminal world, a bounty is placed on his head. He then spends much of the series dodging assassination attempts while keeping his wife and daughter none the wiser.

The manga has been serialized since 2020 in Weekly Shonen Jump and built enough of a fanbase and print circulation to warrant an animated version, which began in January with episodes streaming weekly on Netflix. While Sakamoto Days never had the insta-hype of the more adventurous Chainsaw Man or the darker and deeper Jujutsu Kaisen, the manga features some beautifully drawn spreads and balances its action and comedic beats well with more heartfelt, familial moments – the same moments that make the aforementioned Spy x Family, in particular, so endearing. In other words, it’s a solid foundation to build a rising shonen franchise on.

Early concerns about the anime were raised when the first trailer was released, with fans critical of the animation quality in particular. These criticisms intensified after the show premiered, and it’s hard to argue with them: while TMS Entertainment’s work is far from the worst (certainly by Seven Deadly Sins or 2016’s CGI Berserk standards), it does feel lackluster. The sharp fluidity of the manga’s best pages lost their edge in animation and some of the backdrops are awkwardly sparse. In addition, the paper textures director Masaki Watanabe incorporates distract against the flat visuals instead of adding extra points of interest. None of this has been helped by complaints from Japanese fans on social media that the studio allegedly deleted negative comments on the trailer’s YouTube page.

Related: Spy X Family Is Officially Getting a Third Season

Low quality animation doesn’t automatically equate to bad storytelling or humor. The anime adaptation of fellow Jump series Mashle, for instance, is animated by A-1 Pictures in a style that mirrors the amateurish quality of the manga’s earlier chapters. Mashle is highly reminiscent of the original webcomic art for One-Punch Man and, both being gag comics, there’s an implicit allowance from readers that rougher drawings heighten rather than detract from the parodical nature of the material. In the more professionally drawn manga and anime versions of One-Punch Man, this works in reverse: the detail of the more serious action moments is counterbalanced with the now iconic egg-like Saitama expressions. The Sakamoto Days animation is neither deliberately bad nor good enough to help its humor land, creating a less discussed issue: the anime just isn’t funny enough for an action-comedy.

Again, Spy x Family serves as a strong point of comparison, with the comedic conceit of a spy having to maintain a believable cover as a husband and father driving the story’s plot and character development. In placing more emphasis on the assassins and underdeveloping the convenience store angle, the civilian and hitman elements are more jarring than they are cohesive in Sakamoto Days, squandering a fun premise to become a much more standard battle shonen. This isn’t aided by uninspired visual storytelling that allows comedy sequences to fall as flat as the action. Compared to the laugh-out-loud wackiness of recent predecessors Delicious In Dungeon and Dandadan, it just doesn’t hold up.

Comparison, which I’ve been doing a lot here, is perhaps the biggest contributor to disappointment in Sakamoto Days – as well as an additional underpinning of the anime’s hype. Studios like Trigger, Science Saru, and MAPPA have raised the bar in the last several years for mainstream shonen anime. Even the One Piece anime has received impressive animation overhauls that push the boundaries on what can be done with weekly, long-running anime.

If you’ve not read the manga, Sakamoto Days isn’t a bad watch by any stretch of the imagination. But under the weight of fan expectation, more creative competition, and the high precedent set by the Shonen Jump brand, the anime’s hopes of being a modern classic might have been crushed for good.

Best Blue Lock Quotes

15. “I’m not here to play with you guys. I’m here to crush you and claim victory.” – Yoichi Isagi

This is the moment Isagi truly steps into his ego-fueled evolution. This line is all about seizing opportunities instead of waiting for them. When he says this, he’s no longer just a player – he’s a predator, and he understands what it means to survive on the field.

It’s a turning point for Isagi, proving that talent alone won’t get you to the top. You have to want it more than anyone else.

14. “The only one who decides my worth is me.” – Rin Itoshi

Rin embodies a pure, undiluted ego. He doesn’t care about outside opinions – his belief in himself is absolute.

This Blue Lock quote reminds us that self-worth isn’t dictated by others. If you let people define your limits, you’ll never break past them.

13. “The best striker is the one who scores the most goals.” – Ego Jinpachi

Ego doesn’t sugarcoat anything. His philosophy? Winning is everything.

This line sums up Blue Lock’s entire purpose – to create a striker who lives and breathes goals. It’s not about being a team player; it’s about being the one who wins the game.

12. “You don’t become the best by working with others. You become the best by beating them.” – Barou Shouei

Barou is pride personified. He’s not interested in partnerships – he plays for himself, by himself.

His arrogance is both his biggest strength and biggest flaw. However, in a series like Blue Lock, sometimes selfishness is a necessity. For Barou, the game isn’t about collaboration – it’s about standing above the rest. Every match is a battlefield and every player is a rival. If you want to be the best, you can’t rely on others. You crush them, surpass them, and take what’s yours.

This Blue Lock quote reflects Barou’s unyielding ego and hunger for greatness. In his world, there’s no room for second place – only kings sit at the top.

11. “Devour whoever stands in your way.” – Ego Jinpachi

Ego’s words are practically law in Blue Lock. He doesn’t teach teamwork – he teaches ruthless ambition.

If you’re not willing to destroy your opponent’s dreams for your own sake, then you don’t belong in Blue Lock.

10. “Football isn’t about your opponent. It’s about devouring yourself.” – Ego Jinpachi

Ego doesn’t just demand dominance over others – he demands dominance over yourself.

This line highlights one of Blue Lock’s biggest themes: self-evolution. The best players don’t just beat their rivals – they surpass their past selves.

9. “There’s no future for those who give up.” – Meguru Bachira

Bachira’s energy is infectious. He never doubts himself, never slows down – he just keeps moving forward.

This Blue Lock quote reminds us that giving up is the only way to guarantee failure. Even when you’re at rock bottom, the game isn’t over until you stop playing.

8. “If you’re not willing to take the shot, you’re not a striker.” – Ego Jinpachi

A striker’s job is to score. If you hesitate, you’re already losing.

This quote drills home one of Blue Lock’s biggest lessons – confidence is key. If you doubt yourself, you’ll never be the best.

Related: Blue Lock Chapter 291 Recap & Spoilers

7. “Talent isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you steal.” – Ego Jinpachi

Ego’s philosophy? Success isn’t a gift – it’s something you take.

Blue Lock players don’t wait for talent to develop naturally. They study, adapt, and steal the best skills from their rivals to create their own unstoppable style.

6. “A king doesn’t need a team—his team serves him.” – Shoei Barou

Barou sees himself as the ruler of the field. He doesn’t play to support others – others exist to support him.

It’s a mindset that clashes with the idea of teamwork, but in Blue Lock, selfishness can be an advantage.

5. “I’ll become the best in the world.” – Rin Itoshi

No hesitation. No doubt. Just pure conviction.

Rin doesn’t just want to be good – he wants to be the best. And he means it.

4. “You have to be the one who changes the game.” – Ego Jinpachi

Ego doesn’t train followers – he trains game-changers.

A true striker isn’t just someone who plays well – they’re the reason their team wins. If you’re not influencing the match, you’re replaceable.

3. “The field belongs to the one who controls the game.” – Yoichi Isagi

Isagi’s biggest strength isn’t speed, power, or technique – it’s his mind.

He sees the field like a chessboard, always planning ahead and predicting his opponents. In Blue Lock, intelligence is just as deadly as raw talent.

2. “Without ego, you’ll never become the best.” – Ego Jinpachi

Ego makes one thing clear – modesty won’t get you anywhere.

You have to believe you’re the best before you can become it. The moment you start playing it safe, you’ve already lost. If you ever look at the top players of each sport, you will notice this confidence and ego shining through them.

1. “The one who scores is the hero.” – Ego Jinpachi

This is Blue Lock in a single sentence.

Forget passing and teamwork – if you’re not scoring, you’re not winning. In Blue Lock, only the hero survives.

Blue Lock is a battlefield of egos and these quotes prove it. Every line drips with ambition, hunger and the drive to be the best.

15. Ichigo and Rukia (Bleach)

Ichigo’s and Rukia’s friendship is one of the strongest in the show. The entire Soul Society Arc is a testament to what Ichigo would do to protect Rukia. He takes on the entire Soul Society just because he wants to save Rukia for saving his life.

The relationship is also filled with funny banter, mutual care, and love. To put it simply, if it weren’t for Rukia, Ichigo would never have become a Soul Reaper.

14. Lelouch and Suzaku (Code Geass)

The entirety of Code Geass shows what it means to sacrifice relationships to achieve a larger goal. The best example is the friendship between Lelouch and Suzaku. They are two childhood best friends separated by their opinions and definitions of good.

One is fighting against the government as part of the resistance to bring about a revolution, while the other thinks about fixing the system from the inside while working with the government. However, both of them still see each other as classmates and good friends, even if they differ in opinion.

13. Tanjiro and Nezuko (Demon Slayer)

Tanjiro would do anything for Nezuko in Demon Slayer. When she is turned into a demon, he doesn’t see a monster – only his sister. While the entire world tells Tanjiro that her sister is not who she was anymore and has become a monster, Tanjiro still decides to protect her sister and tries to turn her back into a human.

They have their ups and downs when Nezuko loses control, but it’s Tanjiro’s brotherly love and care that get her back to her senses. From that day on the snow mountain, both of them started a journey together not knowing what they were about to face, and the only thing keeping them together is the bond that they share as siblings.

12. Inuyasha and Kagome (Inuyasha)

Kagome and Inuyasha in Inuyasha bicker constantly. He’s stubborn, and she’s headstrong, but underneath it all, they care deeply for each other. Kagome’s kindness softens Inuyasha’s rough edges, while Inuyasha’s strength gives Kagome courage. Through every fight and every argument, their bond grows. Long before love enters the picture, their friendship is what keeps them together.

11. Yusuke and Kuwabara (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Yu Yu Hakusho’s Yusuke and Kuwabara start as rivals. They fight, bicker, and compete with each other anytime they can. However, through every fight, a strange respect grows. Kuwabara would take a hit for Yusuke without hesitation, and Yusuke wouldn’t leave him behind. It’s the classic bro-to-bro bond that we all relate to.

Their friendship is loud, messy, and full of attitude – but when it counts, they always have each other’s backs.

10. Eren and Armin (Attack on Titan)

In Attack on Titan, Eren Yeager and Armin Arlert share a dream. As kids, they looked to the horizon, imagining a world beyond the walls. They wanted to see the ocean, the sky, and the world beyond. However, it wasn’t going to be easy, as the world outside was filled with Titans, which were even worse than humans.

From countless near-death encounters to losing friends, they stuck together and survived. Eren became a fighter. and Armin became a thinker. Even after Eren sets out on a self-destructive path of genocide, Armin still sees a friend in him and tries to talk him out of it till the end.

9. Light and L (Death Note)

Death Note’s L and Light aren’t the best of friends; in fact, they are sworn enemies. However, somehow, they understand each other better than anyone else. They are both geniuses who are trying to bring down the other. Their battles are more than just strategy – they are a test of minds. It’s like seeing the best minds go at each other wildly. At the end of the day, though, both of them are teenagers and respect each other. While Light might be a psychopath and a narcissist, he still sees and respects the genius of L.

8. Natsu and Happy (Fairy Tail)

Natsu and Happy from Fairy Tail are inseparable. From the moment they met their adventures began. Happy isn’t just a talking cat – he’s Natsu’s best friend. He cheers him on, makes him laugh, and even helps him fight. No matter the danger, they face it together. Whether flying through the sky or stuffing their faces with food, their anime friendship proves that the best companions come in the unlikeliest forms.

Related: 13 Most Hated Anime Characters Ever

7. Ash and Pikachu (Pokémon)

Ash and Pikachu don’t start as friends in Pokémon. Pikachu was a stubborn Pokémon who didn’t listen to any trainer, much less a kid from a small village. After countless fights, Pikachu starts to see and respect Ash’s ambition to become the best Pokémon trainer. From then on, their bond strengthens with every battle. Their friendship is so deep that Pikachu refuses to evolve as it might affect their relationship.

Ash’s feelings for Pikachu remain the same, as no matter which island they are on or what people they are with, he always keeps Pikachu by his side or, more precisely, on his shoulder.

6. Edward and Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Edward and Alphonse Elric’s bond in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood goes beyond friendship – they are brothers united by a shared goal.

It all started with a failed experiment to revive their mother, which caused Edward to lose his arm and Alphonse his entire body. While Edward was fine losing his arm, he couldn’t stand to see his brother in such distress. For this reason, both of them set out on an adventure to get what they lost back. However, both of them were unaware of the cruel world that was out there.

With every battle, their unwavering loyalty to each other is displayed. Edward’s determination to protect Alphonse and Alphonse’s deep care for his brother make their bond one of anime’s most heartfelt examples of family and friendship.

5. Midoriya and Bakugo (My Hero Academia)

Midoriya and Bakugo’s relationship in My Hero Academia starts as complicated but soon turns into something we all love.

Bakugo became jealous of Midoriya’s newfound power as he was always just a puny kid who followed him around. However, seeing him stand as his equal made Bakugo doubt his strength. Of course, being boys the only way to sort this out was a fight. It didn’t matter who won that fight, though, because, in the end, Bakugo saw the hard work and struggle Midoriya went through to get where he was, motivating Bakugo to aim higher.

From then on, they became rivals and friends, trying to become stronger than the other. Their competitiveness and bond make My Hero Academia such a fun watch.

4. Naruto and Sasuke (Naruto)

Naruto and Sasuke start as teammates and good friends. Naruto was happy to see someone look at him as a human and not as the nine-tailed beast. So, when the entire village discarded Sasuke as a rogue ninja and criminal because he lusted for power, Naruto still had faith in his friend and fought to get him back on the right path.

Even after countless fights, Naruto believes they’re meant to be friends. His stubbornness eventually brings Sasuke back. Their story proves that some bonds can survive anything – even darkness.

3. Goku and Vegeta (Dragon Ball)

Goku and Vegeta start as enemies, and their rivalry is legendary in Dragon Ball. Over time, though, their rivalry turns into a relationship of mutual respect. Vegeta refuses to admit it, but he admires Goku, and Goku, in turn, sees Vegeta as his greatest challenge. They push each other to new heights. Without their rivalry, they wouldn’t be as strong. This dynamic makes them one of anime’s most iconic pairs. Frankly, if it weren’t for Goku’s and Vegeta’s competitiveness toward, each other, there wouldn’t be such amazing Saiyan transformations.

2. Zoro and Luffy (One Piece)

Zoro and Luffy in One Piece don’t need grand speeches or sentimental moments to prove they have one of the best anime friendships of all time. It’s there in the way Zoro stands beside Luffy without hesitation and the way Luffy never doubts that Zoro will come through when it matters.

From the second Zoro joined the Straw Hat crew, he wasn’t just signing up for an adventure – he was betting everything on Luffy’s dream. And Luffy? He trusts Zoro with his life, crew, and even the hard decisions. They don’t overcomplicate things. They fight, they win, they move forward. Whether it’s in a fight or a tough call, their bond is unshakable.

1. Gon and Killua (Hunter x Hunter)

Gon and Killua in Hunter x Hunter shouldn’t work as friends. One’s a sunshine-wrapped-in-human-form adventure junkie; the other is a trained assassin with enough emotional baggage to fill an entire arc. And yet, from the moment they meet, it feels as if they have known each other forever.

Gon sees Killua’s potential even when he doesn’t, and Killua would probably fight the entire universe if it meant keeping Gon safe. It’s the kind of friendship that makes you believe in the power of true ride-or-die companionship.

And those are the 15 best anime friendships of all time.

Announced via a press release from Crunchyroll today, it was announced that the Ghost of Tsushima anime adaptation will be based on the video game itself, as well as the Legends co-op multiplayer mode, which explored Japanese folklore and mythology. This makes sense, as an adaptation of Jin’s story might not necessarily bring anything new to the table for fans who have already played the game. By tapping into the mythology while setting the series within the world of Ghost of Tsushima, there’s plenty of storytelling potential there, as well as unexplored territory.

The adaptation will also be produced in collaboration with Aniplex, the studio that’s worked on other critically acclaimed series like Demon Slayer and Solo Leveling. The animation will be handled by the studio Kamikaze Douga, with Takanobu Mizuno helming the project as its director, and Gen Urobuchi for story composition.

“This project is a testament to the creative synergy within the Sony family, uniting the expertise of PlayStation Studios and PlayStation Productions; the creative team of Sucker Punch Productions and Aniplex; Sony Music’s iconic global artist roster; and Crunchyroll’s fan-first global marketing and distribution footprint,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “The Ghost of Tsushima anime will offer fans an exciting new way to experience the game in an anime style that will be bold and groundbreaking.”

“Having already proven the immense quality and versatility of our gaming properties across multiple successful film and television projects, we couldn’t be more excited to announce our first ever anime adaptation,” said Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions. “Ghost of Tsushima’s rich, immersive world and its fantastical Legends mode based on Japanese mythology provide the perfect canvas for this project, and Aniplex is the perfect partner to translate Sucker Punch Productions’ hit video game into a stunning new anime series.”

“We are excited to create new opportunities for our artists to engage with such incredible global IP,” said Tom Mackay, President, Premium Content, Sony Music Entertainment. “Music plays such a key role in the overall audience viewing experience and we are thrilled to be working alongside our Sony partners to develop compelling content for fans around the world.”    

There’s no set release date for the Ghost of Tsushima anime adaptation just yet, and all we know is that it’s slated for a 2027 release. In the meantime, the game itself is already available on PlayStation and PC, and its sequel Ghost of Yotei is currently in production.

Of course, there are good twists and there are bad twists. A bad twist is a twist that makes no sense and usually just exists for shock value. Many anime fall into that trap constantly, failing to realize a good twist takes effort. There needs to be a build-up to it, when a show works to establish a status quo then rip the rug out from under the viewer. There needs to be emotional investment or the twist won’t have any impact. That, and the twist needs to be memorable. It needs to be a singular moment that defined a key moment in the show’s narrative.

So when we’re looking at the best twists, those are the criteria that we’re looking for. What are the twists that stuck with us and changed a series completely, for better or worse? It goes without saying too that if you’re reading this for the first time, beware of spoilers. With that said, here are the 10 best plot twists in anime history, in alphabetical order.

Attack on Titan – Eren Was the Villain All Along

There are plenty of good twists in Attack on Titan and choosing the best one was hard. Learning about the history of the world was definitely surprising, as well as the origins of the Titans, and how characters like Bertholdt and Reiner were Titans, but the one that tops them all was how Eren was the villain all along. Eren had been manipulating events through his ability to send memories into the past, most notably in how he convinced Grisha to kill the Reiss family. This one event kicks off basically everything Eren needed to gain the Founding Titan powers, which is notable if only because of what he would do later in the Rumbling. This one moment flipped the series on its head and changed everything we thought we knew.

Berserk – The Eclipse Went So Hard

For the first chunk of Berserk’s story, we follow a mercenary group called the Band of the Hawk, and its leader Griffith and his closest friend Guts. We see them bond, but over time, it becomes all too apparent that Griffith is losing control of the group and his own ambition for power causes him unparraled suffering. At his lowest point he intentionally ushers in an event known as the Eclipse, where he attains godhood and joins a demonic group known as the God Hand. Berserk laid out the prophecy regarding the Eclipse and Griffith’s fate extremely early on, so it wasn’t a big surprise, yet the real shock was just how brutal the Eclipse was. Nearly every character we knew was brutally murdered, maimed, or psychologically broken in a gruesome manner. Yes, we all knew that Griffith was going to betray Guts in his pursuit of power, but wow was it worse than we thought.

Bleach – Aizen Faked His Death

The Soul Society arc of Bleach is often regarded as its best, and its in no small part to its twist. Someone murdered the mild-mannered captain of Company 5, Sosuke Aizen, and all eyes are on Ichigo, the unsanctioned Soul Reaper, as the primary suspect. At the end of the arc though, it’s revealed that not only is Aizen alive, but he faked his death and manipulated the other companies in order for him to acquire a powerful item called the Hogyoku. The entire climax of the arc is him just revealing how he accomplished everything and seeing his polite venear evaporate into sociopathy. This was the moment that gave Bleach its best antagonist and made him a truly devious mastermind.

Death Note – L Dies

Death Note establishes early on a cat and mouse dynamic between Light Yagami, a high schooler who gains the power of book that allows him to muder anyone he wants, and L, the reclusive detective trying to hunt him down. The first half of the series has these two frenemies working alongside each other, with Light doing whatever he can to evade L’s capture and find a way to kill him. And at the halfway point of the series though, Light succeeds and kills L. L’s death was a shocking moment, if only because now the show had to figure out what happens next. Because of this, the second half of Death Note isn’t as strong as the first, but seeing Death Note willingly destroy its core relationship was a bold twist, albeit one that doesn’t really pay off.

Dragon Ball Z – Goku Is An Alien

Audiences may take this one for granted given how generations have grown up knowing that Goku is an alien, but following the original Dragon Ball, this was a shock. Dragon Ball was a quirky action anime that rarely touched sci-fi concepts, so to see Dragon Ball Z begin not only with the revelation that Goku was an alien, but that he also had a brother was a double whammy of twists. Again, this twist has faded considerably in recent years given how Dragon Ball Z has basically gone all in on sci-fi themes and ideas, but to hear that everyone’s favorite monkey boy was actually and alien was completely unexpected.

Kill la Kill – Satsuki Was Good All Along

If we could have a surprise heel turn on this list, then a surprise face turn is just as valid. Throughout Kill la Kill, we’ve seen Ryuko fight against the head of Honnouji Academu’s student council, Satsuki Kiryuin. Satsuki is ruthless in her goals and always seems two steps ahead of Ryuko and her friends, even when her subordinates lose. All of this was a ploy though to defeat her mother Ragyo, who is the headmistress of Hannouji, and prevent humanity from being assimilated by alien clothes. Sure, it’s predictable, but the length that Satsuki went to prove her loyalty to her mother made this twist all the more effective and the reveal so dramatic.

Odd Taxi – Everyone Is A Human

If you’ve never heard of Odd Taxi, stop and watch it now. It’s a gripping crime drama about a taxi driver that is painfully real with the themes it examines, but that’s not why it’s on this list. It’s not even because the series centers around the strange death of a high school girl and the reveal of the culprit was completely unexpected. No, it’s on here because while the entire series follows a group of animals, that’s actually just the result of a brain injury suffered by the main character. Everyone is actually a human and the story takes place in the real-world. It’s a masterfully laid twist that may not seem amazing, but is imaculately executed in the show.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica – Just… All Of It

I’ll be real with you all, trying to select one twist in Madoka Magica is virtually impossible. Should I go with the true nature of the magical girls? What about the motivations of the cute Kyubey? Or how about the events of episode 3 that put into perspective just what kind of show Madoka Magica is? Or why not talk about the tragic backstory of Homura? Unlike with Attack on Titan where there was one twist that clearly stands above the rest, all of the twists in Madoka Magica are all equal in my eyes, leading to a series whose twists will absolutely destroy you.

School Days – The Ending

School Days is a terrible show. It’s a mid-2000s harem comedy that has bad animation, an absolutely horrendous main character, and plenty of moments that will rub anyone the wrong way. Seriously, after three episodes, you will loathe its main character Makoto. And then we get to the final episode. The outrageous, brilliant, and jaw-dropping final episode. A final episode so infamous, I’m not even going to spoil it. All I’ll say is that if you hated Makoto (and everyone hates Makoto), then this finale will leave you floored at how the series opts to end his arc.

Zombie Land Saga – Truck-Kun Kills Sakura

Let it never be said that a twist can’t be hilarious, and Zombie Land Saga gets its twist right out of the gate. The series stars Sakura, who is a high schooler who wants nothing more than to be an idol and after a few minutes, she steps outside her house and a truck smahses into her and kills her. Eventually she’s revived as a zombie, but you won’t be thinking about that. You’ll still be thinking about how that truck absolutely demolished her without any warning. It’s comedy gold, plain and simple, and easily a great way at suberting expectations, like all good twists do, leading to a great anime comedy about a group of zombie idols that has a ton of heart.

At the time of writing, the Blue Lock manga is still going strong. We’re well into the series’ third proper arc now, and it’s almost impressive how Kaneshiro has managed to keep the momentum going for this long. Most readers would likely balk at the idea of a single soccer match lasting a whole year as you wait for chapters to release on a weekly basis, but the manga’s excellent art, character arcs, and over-the-top, if unrealistic, soccer moves kept fans hooked. It’s that good.

Oricon’s yearly ranking of the best-selling manga series of 2024 is also out now, and the final estimates have Blue Lock placed in fifth position, behind the likes of Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren. Simply put, Blue Lock is a huge deal in the manga world, which makes its subpar anime adaptation feel all the more disappointing.

Blue Lock Season 1 was largely pretty well-received. The first half brought all of our favorite characters to life, the voice work was great, but the season faltered towards the end, when the animations for the important matches started to see a noticeable dip in quality. Instead of actually animating the most crucial bits, much of the Blue Lock anime resorted to using freeze frames and stills to illustrate what was happening during the matches. When we did get to see actual animations, the CGI effects often felt off and made the character models look cheap and stilted.

With Blue Lock being lauded as one of the best-selling manga series back in 2023, a lot of fans — myself included — had hoped that this would mean better production quality for the upcoming Season 2. Unfortunately, Blue Lock Season 2 hasn’t improved much over the first season, if at all.

While Blue Lock‘s first couple arcs were very compelling, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the series really hits its stride once we get to the U-20 arc. This is where things start to get serious. The Blue Lock project is on the verge of getting shut down, and in order to keep things going, these rough, unpolished players need to band together to take down Japan’s prestigious U-20 team. To make things even more challenging, the Blue Lock team is comprised entirely of aspiring strikers, which means their odds of winning against a highly organized team are extremely low.

This is the first time we get to see the Blue Lock players showcase their skills on a national stage. The stakes have never been higher, and the manga absolutely knocks it out of the park with stunning art, new moves, and longstanding rivalries that develop in incredible ways. The U-20 arc went on for one year in real-time, but it still stands out as the manga’s strongest arc (though the current NEL arc has the potential to top it as well).

It was important that the anime adaptation knock it out of the park with Season 2, but unfortunately, that just hasn’t been the case from what we’ve seen so far. If anything, the overall animation quality seems to have taken a step back from Season 1. Whenever the characters are about to take a step forward to start running across the field, the show cuts to a slow pan of their face or some other slow-motion shot. We rarely ever get to see the games in motion, which is a huge part of what makes the Blue Lock manga so compelling.

For a series that’s clearly so beloved by the manga community, having such a low-quality anime adaptation is a travesty. We’ve still got a handful of episodes to go in Season 2 as we wrap up the U-20 match, but with the way things are going and how the anime has been received, it’s possible we might not even get a third season after this. And that would be a damn shame.

Blue Lock is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Related: Best Anime of All Time

10. The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland starts out as a jolly story about kids in an orphanage. However, it doesn’t take long to find out what’s actually going on behind the curtains.

What looks like a happy orphanage on the surface turns out to be something so horrific that it leaves you thinking about it for a while. I will not spoil the dark plot twist the anime has in store for you, as it’s the shock that makes it so good.

The major critique of the show is the unsatisfying second season, which condenses the manga’s storyline. However, the first season is still worth the watch.

9. Junji Ito Collection

To any anime veteran, Junji Ito is not a new name. He is a mangaka famous for horror stories, most notably Uzumaki.

This Junji Ito collection features episodes adapted from some of his best works. It’s a great way to experience the art of Junji Ito, as a lot of his work is yet to receive an anime adaptation. So, if you are not a manga reader, this is the best entry point into his work.

Each episode shows a new story and features some of his famous protagonists like Tomie, Soichi, and Fuchi.

8. Gleipnir

Gleipnir provides a delicious mix of horror, thriller, and action. The anime feels like a generic shounen series at the start, but quickly unravels into a dark and disturbing story.

The show starts off with high school students Shuichi Kagaya and Claire Aoki. Shuichi is gifted an unknown power to turn into a teddy bear of mass destruction. There is an interesting quirk to his new power that allows Claire to step inside the teddy bear and control Shuichi.

Shuichi is trying to understand the origins of his powers, while Aoki is looking for her sister, who was also granted powers but then went missing. The search leads to the unearthing of some horrifying truths. Safe to say, both characters have a lot more in common than aligned goals.

7. Uzumaki

Uzumaki is considered to be Junji Ito’s best work. It’s takes an already established supersition around the spiral — or Uzumaki — and builds on it in a more supernatural way.

The story follows  Kirie Goshima and her boyfriend Shuichi Sato as they try to understand the weird curse of the spiral affecting their town. This spiral manifests in weird ways throughout the town, causing unexplainable and confusing phenomena.

Both characters struggle to grasp what this curse is and try to escape this wicked town. For any anime fan looking for a true horror series, Uzumaki is the one to try. If you have the time consider reading the manga first, as it’s much better.

Related: All Major English Cast Members Of Uzumaki

6. Erased

In terms of pure scare, Erased is a bit toned down, but it makes up for it in the psychological trauma department. It’s a classic murder mystery story with a time-travel twist.

Struggling mangaka Satoru Fujinuma finds himself with the weird ability to travel back in time. This ability activates when an unknown assailant brutally murders his mother and Satoru is accused. His ability then activates and sends him back 18 years to his childhood.

This wasn’t a pleasant time for him as, during his childhood, three of his classmates were murdered and went missing. He concludes that his mom’s murderer and the one who took the lives of his friends are connected.

From there begins a journey of mystery and plot twists. The anime gets darker as the story progresses making it a worthwhile psychological horror to watch.

5. Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue showcases the darker truths and the underlying secrets behind celebrity culture. It’s a mind-bending psychological thriller film from director Satoshi Kon that will keep you on your toes.

The story follows Mima Kirogoe — a former pop idol turned actor. She navigates this dark world of celebrities, tackling stalking, identity crises, and hallucinations. As the anime continues we get to see her descent into madness.

The reason Perfect Blue is a must-watch anime for any horror fan is how it blurs the line between reality and perception. You will often be left wondering if what you are seeing on screen is Mima’s reality or just her perception of it. 

4. Parasyte

Parasyte follows the story of Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who becomes the host of an alien parasite named Migi. Fortunately, the parasite only inhabits his right hand instead of his whole body. From then on, the anime takes a dark turn, as it turns out many other alien parasites have taken over lots of humans for their nefarious goals.

The anime then showcases a good blend of action, suspense, and horror as Shinichi tries to fight and survive against parasite-infected humans. Parasyte doesn’t shy away from showing blood and gore, so be prepared to see humans dying in unimaginably gruesome ways.

The anime also has a live action adaptation, called Parasyte: The Grey, if you are interested.

3. Devilman Crybaby

Devilman Crybaby is an adaptation of Go Nagai’s Devilman manga directed by Masaki Yuasa, popular for anime like Ping Pong, Ride Your Wave, and  Kemonozume. He is known to create visually striking and philosophically impactful anime and Devilman Crybaby is no exception.

This is a psychological horror that follows the story of Akira Fudo, who becomes a human-demon hybrid and is then thrust into a brutal war between humanity and demons. The beautiful thing about the anime is that there is no right or wrong; humans are just as terrible as demons, often worse. 

The show builds on this idea of unchecked evils and emphasizes the darkness of human society. It does so with amazing animation filled with gore, violence, and overall disturbing imagery.

2. Higurashi When They Cry

If you are looking for a suspenseful and mysterious psychological horror anime that blurs the line between illusion and reality then Higurashi: When They Cry is worth watching.

It explores the bizarre and tragic events that place in the rural village of Hinamizawa. This idyllic looking village turns out to have dark secrets which are uncovered as the story progresses. It takes multiple looping arcs to figure out what’s actually happening, leaving you in suspense for a major part of the ride.

Higurashi: When They Cry is a superb psychological and supernatural horror that masterfully shows friendship, betrayal, and the darkness of human nature.

1. Another

Another is a chilling supernatural horror based on Yukito Ayatsuji’s novel of the same name, revolving around a mysterious curse placed upon a class in Yomiyama North Middle School.

To put it simply, there is an extra person in the class who should not be there. This character is someone from the class who tragically died in the past but somehow now exists in this classroom. Knowing who this is becomes difficult as the curse modifies everyone’s memories. The curse brutally murders members of the class as time passes. If the students fail to recognize who this extra person is, people continue to die.

From then on it’s a series of death and carnage as classmates die one by one while the class tries to figure out who this extra person is. The anime creates a very unsettling and chilling atmosphere with the animation and sound effects, which just adds to the mystery.

Look Back was originally written in 2021, in between the long break between Parts 1 and 2 of Chainsaw Man. So, upon its release, it had a lot of eyes on it, not just as a way to fill in the void between Chainsaw Man releases but because of the critical acclaim it was receiving. The fact that it received acclaim when it came to the West isn’t surprising, but what was is that it was turned into a film. Look Back is short – lasting 143 pages – and the film itself barely qualifies as feature-length, running for less than an hour.

That may irk some people when they decide to watch Look Back and think how it barely has any time to really get going, but that isn’t the point of it. In fact, its brevity is its strength. Look Back follows a young girl named Fujino (Yuumi Kawai/Valerie Lohman) who is interested in drawing but develops a rivalry and friendship with a shut-in at her school named Kyomoto (Mizuki Yoshida/Grace Lu), who also likes to draw but is an infinitely more talented artist than Fujino. The film shows the two of them growing and supporting each other before it all comes to a horrible and tragic end.

As far as being an adaptation of Fujimoto’s work goes, Look Back knocks it out of the park. This is the first major project that Studio Durian has helmed almost entirely and the amount of detail they put into replicating Fujimoto’s linework is staggering. Whether it be the vacant expressions on people’s faces or the detail they put into animating certain segments, it honestly does feel like an animated version of the manga. Add in some subtle piano music that dots the soundtrack, and you have an experience that is simply enamoring.

That beauty though does have its drawbacks. While scenes like showing the two girls running around in the city to celebrate their achievements are suitably pleasant, the darker moments don’t feel as dark as they probably should be. I can’t say exactly why it fails to hit as hard as it does, but when a major incident occurs in the last few scenes, it comes across more like an unfortunate accident than a tragedy. It doesn’t drive home the devastation that Fujino is feeling, and when we do see in detail what happened, it doesn’t have as strong of an impact because of it. Maybe it’s because I’m used to seeing news story after news story in the United States showcasing the extent of the kinds of tragedies depicted in Look Back, but it doesn’t quite capture the devastation that one would feel after learning about said event.

As for the joyous and uplifting scenes, those moments don’t come across as strongly as they can because the film often resolves to use montages to show just how happy the two are. I do like the fact that these sequences are dialogue-free, allowing the atmosphere to wash over the audience and let the animation do the talking, but those moments tend to drag out just a bit too long to the point where you can’t help but feel that Look Back is forcing you to feel a moment than letting it happen naturally. It’s a minor criticism, I admit, but I couldn’t help but feel the film was forcing me to feel happy or sad without actually earning it.

Related: The Chainsaw Man Manga Is Returning To Its Former Glory (But It Never Left)

If I’m coming across as a bit vague, it’s mostly because Look Back is a film about vibes more than anything else. I feel that the best way to enjoy the movie is to just lean back and let the sequences and the characters wash over you. Plenty of sequences in the film rarely have any dialogue, so we’re just left to watch the characters sit at desks as the seasons change to depict their dedication to their work, making Look Back come across as a love letter to artists – for better or worse.

Fujino is the superficial side of artistry. She wants to make art at first because of the praise she received for it and she relishes it. At first, it’s easy, but when she discovers that it takes effort to actually be talented, she hunkers down and gets better. At the same time, she becomes more miserable because of it. She loses her friends, does nothing but draw, and always sees herself as inferior to Kyomoto, a person she never even met at that point. Even as an adult, when she created her debut manga “Shark Kick,” a direct parallel to Fujimoto’s own Chainsaw Man, she was miserable while doing it. Making art and manga is hard, and whenever she’s doing it without Kyomoto, the film showcases how much of a soul-crushing process it is.

As for Kyomoto, she loves art and has a drive to be better because it’s what she wants to do. In a way, she’s the polar opposite of Fujino. She doesn’t want the success or the adulation, and she’s uncomfortable with the prospect of being in meeting after meeting to discuss her work. She loves to create environments and background art, and while she does love and idolize Fujino as an artist and as a friend, she’s at her happiest creating with her. She breaks her agoraphobia to try and better herself, using art as a vessel to improve as a person, almost in direct opposition to Fujino’s decline. Or is it a decline?

The final few lines of Look Back, both in the manga and in the film, have Fujino explain how laborious it is to make manga. There’s no fun, it’s unglamorous, and most people should probably just read manga instead of trying to make them. But then someone asks why she draws. We’re never given a direct answer, but we see a long montage showing the joy that Fujino and Kyomoto had over the years in creating their various manga projects. It’s schmaltzy, but it drives home the message that when you’re creating art with others instead of for others, that’s when you’re the most satisfied.

Look Back is an unconventional yet beautiful anime feature film that’s overall excellent. Its themes are open enough that you can come to a completely different conclusion about the thesis of the film than I did and still find meaning behind it. It’s a triumph that a compelling and thought-provoking film like this can be released and last less than an hour. It’s a testament to the power of shorter films, and this only makes me even more excited at the prospect of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s next one-shot, the critically acclaimed Goodbye, Eri, also receiving a feature film adaptation. Make it so.

Look Back is available to stream on Prime Video.

When Will One Piece Chapter 1131 Be Released?

One Piece Chapter 1131 will be released on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 7 AM PT. The latest chapter will be available to read for free on Manga Plus. And lucky for fans of the anime, there will be no more two week long breaks for the Manga! This news was originally leaked by X, formerly Twitter, user Pewpiece.

“There will be no break after Onepiece CH-1131,” the user wrote next to a short video.

Considering there won’t be a break after Chapter 1131, fans can expect a new chapter to be released every Monday in November. So, Chapter 1132 will be released on November 18 and Chapter 1133 will be released on November 25. There is speculation that with this release schedule, there is a potential for the manga to release at least two chapters before Christmas break. Fingers crossed!

Where to Watch One Piece

Fans can catch up on old episodes of One Piece on Amazon Prime Video, which offers a free trial to new subscribers. You can also watch the anime on Crunchyroll.

On October 13, 2024, it was announced that episode 1123 had been delayed and would not be airing on it’s original date of October 20, 2024. Shortly after the broadcast of episode 1122, it was announced that the anime would be taking a six month hiatus and would be back sometime in April 2025. The break was set in place to give animators some time off while they work on refocusing the anime to become bigger and better.

When Will Episode 1123 Be Released?

A date and time for when episode 1123 will be released has not officially been announced, but on October 13, 2024, the show’s official X, formerly known as Twitter, account stated that the show will be taking a 6-month hiatus.

So, given that One Piece is currently on a 6-month break, we expect that episode 1123 will air sometime in April 2025, following the hiatus. We know this isn’t ideal, given the fact that One Piece is constantly pumping out new episodes for their loyal fans. However, in the meantime, fans can watch the 21-episode special for the Fish-Man Island Saga from November all the way through March on Amazon Prime Video!

Attack on Titan The Movie: THE LAST ATTACK, directed by Final Season director Yuichiro Hayashi at MAPPA, will reconstruct both parts of Attack on Titan Final Season THE FINAL CHAPTERS into one 145-minute film.

“I originally drew the storyboards [for The Final Chapters] with the idea that it would be watched as a single movie. So, having the opportunity to have everyone watch it in the best possible environment, the theater, is a dream come true for me,” Hayashi said in a statement.

The synopsis on Crunchyroll reads: “Known in Japan as Shingeki no Kyojin, many years ago, the last remnants of humanity were forced to retreat behind the towering walls of a fortified city to escape the massive, man-eating Titans that roamed the land outside their fortress. Only the heroic members of the Scouting Legion dared to stray beyond the safety of the walls – but even those brave warriors seldom returned alive. Those within the city clung to the illusion of a peaceful existence until the day that dream was shattered, and their slim chance at survival was reduced to one horrifying choice: kill – or be devoured!”

When Will Attack on Titan: The Last Attack Be Available in the US?

To be honest, as of right now, the official date for when The Last Attack will be available to watch in the US has yet to be announced, but we’re hoping that it isn’t too long after the Japan release! However, we might have to wait until some time in the new year. Attack on Titan: The Final Season was originally released in Japan on November 4, 2023, while the dubbed version was released on January 7, 2024, so if the new film follows this pattern, the US could expect to see the dubbed version sometime in January. Fingers crossed!

In other news, it has been announced that the movie is adding a mystery post-credits scene. I know, I know. Just one more thing us folks in the US have to wait for! But, maybe we will get lucky with some leaks that we can share!

The news was announced in a very cryptic Tweet on the Attack on Titan‘s official X, formerly known as Twitter, account which translates to: “The content of the video remains unknown. Please come and see it for yourself at the theater.”

Attack on Titan: THE LAST ATTACK Cast

• Marina Inoue as the voice of Armin Arlert
• Yui Ishikawa as the voice of Mikasa Ackerman
• Yûki Kaji as the voice of Eren Yeager

Where Can I Watch Attack on Titan Episodes?

Before the movie drops in the US, you can catch up with previous episodes on Hulu now. The series is also available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Ranking the Best Anime of All Time

14. Jujutsu Kaisen

Have you ever thought that eating a finger would make you the vassal to the powerful and evil King of Curses? Yuji Itadori certainly didn’t.

Though the anime starts with a lighthearted tone, it quickly evolves into a darker narrative, where no character is truly safe. Jujutsu Kaisen has captivated audiences with its supernatural elements, intense battles, and stunning animation. It features a diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and layered backstories, adding emotional depth to the story. 

The series balances thrilling action with poignant moments, exploring the clash between humans and curses. It is a gripping journey that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, making it a standout in modern anime.

13. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer is one of the newest animes on our list but has already reached the upper echelon when it comes to popularity.

Imagine returning home one day only to find your entire family slaughtered; blood drenching the walls of your house and bodies of your loved ones littered around. This is how Demon Slayer begins. 

This anime involves a rich storyline, intriguing characters, and breathtaking fight scenes. Its unique art style is a fusion of Japanese aesthetics and modern animation. As you walk through the world of demons and slayers with Tanjro Kamada and his sister Nezuko, be prepared for heartwarming moments, dark themes, and stunning action.

12. Berserk

Berserk is a story of revenge, survival, and spirit. It is a dark and brutal story about Guts, a skilled swordsman with a tragic past. Guts was born from the corpse of his mother and was raised as a mercenary and led a life of hardship.

As the anime proceeds, he joins the Band of Hawks, whose leader is the charismatic Griffith. Guts form strong bonds with the group. But as Griffith’s ambitions grow, he succumbs to evil and decides to sacrifice humanity, leading to a horrifying “Eclipse” event that would stay forever stuck in the minds of its fans. 

The 1997 anime painted a vivid picture of the massive and deranged world of Berserk, depicting its arcs faithfully. As a viewer, you are forced to witness the consequences of uncontrolled ambition, set in a violent medieval world that preys on the weak.

11. My Hero Academia

Stories about superheroes sometimes do have a lot of cliches, but My Hero Academia tells you a tale of great heart. The series focuses on Midoriya, who dreams of becoming the greatest hero, but in a world where almost everyone has powers or “Quirks,” he is born quirkless. However, his wish is granted when the legendary hero All Might passes his quirk to him. But, of course, this comes at a cost.

Enrolling into U.A. High School, Midoriya trains alongside a range of well-developed heroes and gives his everything against his enemies. As he grows stronger and faces formidable foes, he learns what it means to be a true hero. 

There is no black and white in this story about superheroes. Not every villain is purely evil, and not every hero is as upright as they seem to be. My Hero Academia shows you that everyone is imperfect, even if they have powers.

10. Death Note

Death Note is a gripping psychological thriller that makes you question if you have your morals intact, as you find yourself rooting for the plotting villain. It follows Light Yagami, a high school student who finds a mysterious notebook, the Death Note. To his shock, Light realizes that any person whose name is written in the book dies, as long as you know what they look like.

Armed with this god-like ability, Light, under the name “Kira,” decides to eliminate all criminals. He vows to create a utopia where he is the final authority on justice. But with great power comes great responsibility. As the deaths pile up, he attracts the attention of a notorious genius, L, who immediately picks up his trail, engaging in a cat-and-mouse chase.

The series makes unique use of the concepts of a shonen anime and makes you feel invested in a battle of the wits between two geniuses. If you love dark, intellectual plots and clever psychological rivalries, you shouldn’t miss out on Death Note, even if it does get too edgy at times.

9. Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail is set in a magical world full of mages, wizards, guilds, and even dragons, but somehow, it still manages to teach us the value of friendship.

It follows the adventure of Natsu Dragneel, a fire-breathing Dragon Slayer wizard. Together with his loyal flying cat companion, Happy, they seek to find Natsu’s adoptive father, Igneel. As they navigate through a world full of dangers and excitement. Natsu, along with his friends Lucy, Gray, and Erza, take on raging battles and face powerful enemies. 

What sets Fairy Tail apart from other animes is its exploration of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. This inspiring story emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and bonds that run thicker than blood.

8. Code Geass

Code Geass features a devilishly charming antihero at its helm and one of the most unforgettable endings to an anime ever seen. 

Lelouch is an exiled Britannian prince who gains a mysterious power called “Geass.” With this ability, he aims to free Japan, avenge his mother’s death, and become the instigator of a rebellion against Britannia as the masked leader, Zero.

The series also cleverly pulls off the grand aspect of incorporating mechas as well, without ever overdoing it in its showcase of the horrors of war and the fight against oppression. This anime hooks viewers with its unpredictable storyline and intellect, doubling as a fantastic political thriller that tells a tale of war, revenge, loyalty, and rebellion.

Related: Anime’s 10 Greatest Couples Ever

7. Attack On Titan

Now that the series has officially come to an end, it’s a treat to look back on the cultural phenomenon Attack on Titan.

This intense series shows you that death could come knocking on your door at every instance. It depicts a world where humanity is on the verge of extinction. Trapped inside massive walls, people live in fear of the Titans (giant human-like creatures that terrorize humans and eat them). Our protagonist, Eren Yeager, watches as one of the Titans gobbles his mother

As our protagonist delves deeper into the world, we watch him face the truths that shake the very foundation of his being. Shocking secrets about their world, the Titans, and their origin are uncovered. Countless sacrifices are made, but you wonder if they were ever truly worth it.

6. Hunter x Hunter

While the original 1999 version has its charms due to the vintage animation style, we’re picking the 2011 remake for this list, mainly because of its faithfulness to the original manga Hunter x Hunter. 

This series is about Gon Freecss, a young boy who sets out to become a hunter. His ultimate goal is to find his father, Ging, a legendary hunter who left on a quest when he was young. As he begins his perilous journey, he befriends Killua, a skilled assassin, coming from a family of trained killers. Together, they are joined by Kurapika and Leorio as they go through various trials and tribulations.

The anime is full of fearsome battles and dangerous threats in the form of psychopathic villains, murderous groups, and monstrous creatures in its many arcs. Many fans point to the Chimera Ant Saga as being one of the best arcs in anime history. The storyline also evolves, with each character having a journey of personal growth.

5. Bleach

Considered one of the Big Three, Bleach fell in popularity against its competitors. However, the series made a blast of a comeback in 2022 with its sequel, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War. 

It follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who accidentally gains the powers of a Soul Reaper. He is bestowed the duty to guide lost souls to the afterlife and protect the living from evil spirits. The essence of the plot revolves around Ichigo’s growth as a warrior and a human being.

Once you dive deep into the anime, you find yourself mesmerized by its fight choreography and enthralling visuals. The choreography of its battles leaves a thrilling aftertaste. For viewers looking for an adrenaline rush, this is a go-to anime.

4. Naruto/Naruto Shippuden

The story of a lonely orphan boy who longed for companionship and made it his mission to be the Hokage transformed into one of the most popular known anime of all time.

Considered a part of the Big Three, Naruto Shippuden sees the story become more mature as it delves into darker arcs from the original. This show explores complex characters as they have their own path of personal growth, self-discovery, and forming bonds. It also features several standout arcs such as the vicious Pain’s Assault and the highly famous 4th Ninja War.

The series resonated with audiences of all ages, giving you moments of lighter comic relief. It is a blend of adventure, battles, and inspiring life lessons and follows the core belief of never giving up because that’s the true ninja way.

3. One Piece

If you’re looking for an adventure that never ends, then One Piece is right up your alley. Spanning over 1000 episodes, it is still currently ongoing. However, all jokes aside regarding its length, there’s certainly no compromise on quality, as its fanbase would surely tell you. Even years after its debut, One Piece remains as engaging as ever, especially with the new Netflix live-action adaptation.

Monkey D. Luffy’s journey to find the fabled treasure known as One Piece and claim the title of Pirate King is the central thread of the story. One Piece masterfully blends humor, heartfelt moments, and pulse-pounding action, all while exploring deeper themes, freedom, friendship, and the cost of pursuing your dreams.

With its expanding world, rich lore, and unforgettable story arcs filled with surprises, the series keeps viewers hooked at every turn. It is truly a must-watch for anyone who wants a good pirate adventure.

2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Sometimes, an anime series struggles to find the right balance of character development, world-building, and delivering a compelling narrative. However, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood makes it look effortless and pulls us in for an unforgettable premise.

The show follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who try to use alchemy to revive their mother. However, it goes awry, with the two brothers paying the cost with their physical bodies. The brothers then set out to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies to their natural order. The series is further propelled because of the compelling backstories of each of its side characters.

The essence of this anime lies in the deep themes of sacrifice, the cost of ambition, morality, and the consequences of using power for personal gain. As an anime, it appeals to a wide audience with its use of mature themes and comical moments, cementing it as an all-time favorite.

1. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is all the rage, especially with the release of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. But speaking strictly about the anime itself, it’s one of the most iconic stories ever told. 

It follows the journey of Son Goku, a Saiyan warrior raised on Earth. The series shows him defying all the odds to protect his adopted home against increasingly powerful enemies. It also boasts a colorful cast of characters and never fails to introduce even more. Dragon Ball Z even delivers intense action and unforgettable villains, and who can forget those iconic yet endless transformations? 

At its very core, it’s a story of friendship, sacrifice, and perseverance, where every victory feels hard-earned through blood, sweat, tears, and a lot of screaming. Once you’ve conquered Dragon Ball Z, the adventure doesn’t stop there. Sequels like Dragon Ball Super offer even more exhilarating fights and transformations to enjoy.

And those are the 14 best anime series of all time.