If you haven’t already heard, anime is one of the fastest growing mediums of entertainment worldwide. Maybe you have always been turned off by anime’s cartoonish nature but there’s more to it than meets the eye.
In fact, many anime are generally made for both younger and older audiences in mind. So grab a pencil and take some notes because here are five fantastic anime recommendations for you to watch whether you’re a certified edge lord or a total sweetheart.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba”
The first anime on this list is none other than the worldwide hit known as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba” which follows a young boy named, Tanjiro Kamado, who comes home to a massacred family and a sister that has been turned into a demon.
In order to cure his sister, Tanjiro undergoes a journey to slay demons and find a cure within a mysterious organization known as the Demon Slayer corp. From the elegant animation to the compelling story, intriguing characters and touching music, “Demon Slayer” is the epitome of what anime is all about.
My personal favorite part of the anime so far is the Entertainment District arc. This arc demonstrates the show’s biggest strengths which includes many hilarious moments, jaw-dropping fight scenes and emotional moments that will probably have you jumping out of your seat.
So if you think you’re ready, then you’re probably wrong because this anime will slay your expectations!
“Erased”
The next anime is “Erased” which follows 29-year-old Satoru Fujinama, who after the death of his mother, is sent back in time 18 years. Around the same time a series of kidnappings had occurred in his hometown which relate to his mother’s untimely death.
This anime is great for beginners because of its short-span of 12 episodes and simple murder mystery plot which most non-anime watchers are accustomed to.
Make no mistake, this anime will keep you on your toes as Satoru uncovers not only the truth about the mysterious disappearances of his friends, but also about his true purpose in life.
RELATED: Back to the 80s: ‘Weird Science’
“Haikyu!!”
The anime, “Haikyu!!” is a slice-of-life anime that centers around Shoyo Hinata who is a volleyball player of short-stature. After losing to the infamous “King of the Court” Tobio Kageyama, Shoyo pledges to transcend his rival.
Yet, Shoyo finds that Tobio is joining the same high school team as him in his first year. This anime is perfect for beginners and sports fans due to its realistic environment while still capturing the exhilarating moments that most anime are known for.
As you watch Shoyo and Tobio overcome their limits, you may find yourself becoming more inspired in your own life, whether that be academically or physically!
“Toradora!”
“Toradora!” is a classic romcom show that revolves around mean-looking yet kind-hearted Ryuuji Takasu as he bumps into the tiny and fiery Taiga Aisaka aka “Palmtop Tiger” in school.
Both characters turn from enemies to friends as they work together to rizz up each other’s best friend. Throughout the process, both Taiga and Ryuuji begin to develop an even tighter-knit bond that complicates their relationship with each other and those around them.
What starts as a funny and easy-going tale quickly transitions into a complex story of the challenges that come along with being an adolescent. This anime is perfect for beginners because of its light-hearted and comedic storyline. If you’re looking for some relatability or even a feel-good experience then this anime is for you.
“Attack on Titan”
If you’re a fan of apocalyptic or grim settings like “The Walking Dead” then “Attack on Titan” should be right up your alley.
This anime takes place in a dystopian era where humanity is forced to hide within walls because of giant man-eating humanoids called titans. When the wall-protected city’s outer-layer is broken into, young Eren Yeager becomes determined to destroy all titans and free humanity once and for all.
This anime is a great gateway to anime as it tackles the painful reality of war, politics and freedom which parallels our own world. So if you’re willing to undertake a gripping tale that questions your morality as a human being then this show is for you.
Many people today believe “Attack on Titan” to be not only one of the best anime, but also one of the greatest pieces of fiction ever made. So maybe grab a napkin and some utensils because you’re in for one hell of a feast (literally).
To those that made it through, hopefully at least one of these anime piqued your interest. If you’re still a bit skeptical, just know that there’s an anime out there for everyone. Even though anime may be grounded in fiction, it’s really meant to be so much more.