Where to start? If you want action, start with Demon Slayer. If you want a story that makes you think, start with Death Note. If you want a complete masterpiece, start with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Whether you're a seasoned fan or looking for a starting point, these highly-rated anime and manga series represent the pinnacle of the medium, categorized by their distinct styles and appeal. Modern Masterpieces (Ongoing & Recent Hits)
These series are currently shaping the landscape of global anime culture with high production values and gripping narratives. 30 Best Anime Shows Of All Time - BuzzFeed
Whether you are a seasoned otaku or a complete beginner looking to dive into the world of Japanese animation and comics, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming.
To help you navigate the vast libraries of Crunchyroll, Netflix, and bookstores, we have curated a list of the most essential, popular, and highly-rated series broken down by genre.
For when you want something mature that makes you think.
| Anime | Manga | Why you’ll love it | |-------|-------|--------------------| | Death Note | Same title | Genius cat-and-mouse game between a boy with a death notebook and a legendary detective. Classic. | | Monster | Same title | Slow-burn thriller about a doctor chasing a serial killer he once saved. Mature and gripping. | | Chainsaw Man | Same title | Violent, chaotic, surprisingly emotional. Denji’s life as a devil hunter is wild and unpredictable. | | Made in Abyss | Same title | Cute art style, but brutally dark story. Two kids explore a cursed, beautiful abyss. Not for the faint of heart. |
| Anime | Manga | Why you’ll love it | |-------|-------|--------------------| | Fruits Basket (2019) | Same title | Cursed zodiac family and an orphan girl. Emotional, healing, and beautifully complete. | | Your Lie in April | Same title | Music, young love, and loss. Bring tissues. Anime adaptation is gorgeous. | | Horimiya | Same title | Realistic high school romance. No love triangles, just two people growing closer. | | Nana | Same title (hiatus) | Two girls named Nana become roommates. Rock music, messy relationships, adult life — raw and unforgettable. |
| If you like... | Watch this... | Read this... | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Harry Potter but darker | Hunter x Hunter | Witch Hat Atelier | | John Wick with magic | Demon Slayer | Sakamoto Days | | Eternal sunshine & elves | Frieren | To Your Eternity | | Corporate horror | Kaiji | Uzumaki (by Junji Ito) |
The Heavyweight: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
The Underrated Pick: Hell’s Paradise