It’s finally summer and you know what that means. Beaches, sun, and fun, but it also means heat, humidity, and mosquitoes. Why not stay inside, crank the AC, and binge some quality anime. We have a list of 25 animes that are definitely binge-worthy.
25. Future Diary
When Yukiteru Amano finds himself stuck in a very deadly game, his only tool is a phone that is able to tell his future and Yuno, his own personal yandere. This lovesick, potential psychopath is willing to do anything for him. In this romantic action horror anime, follow Yukiteru as he tries to figure out this deadly game and win. In this anime, there are no heroes, just different shades of neutral and evil. All Yukiteru wants to do is live through this while everyone tries to kill him and each other. Yuno isn't someone to be messed with though. You get in between her and her man and she will personally make your life a living hell. This anime can get real dark at times, but you get to see how Yuno and Yukiteru’s partnership works so well together. Even though there are times Yuno pushes the envelope and takes things further than needed, a girl like Yuno is exactly what you need when your life's on the line every second of every day.
24. Black Clover
Welcome to a world filled with magic and wonder. Yuno and Asta are determined to become the Wizard King. The only problem is, Asta can’t use magic. So, what's a young boy to do? Well, keep pushing forward. When Asta is granted a 5 leaf clover magical grimoire that negates magic, he is more determined than ever to become Wizard King. Follow Asta and Yuno as they race to the title and battle evil. The unique spells and people in this anime are amazing. You can't help but smile as you watch Asta and Yuno use their rivalry to push each other forward.
23. Sword Art Online
Imagine being stuck in an MMORPG and learn that when you die in the game, you die in real life. This is the problem facing Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya. He's stuck in a game where death means death in real life. It’s surprising to find that everyone has quickly grown accustomed to the situation. As you watch, you might occasionally wonder which world is more real. The people that Kirito encounters are interesting and we get to see how other people are surviving in the virtual world. The characters are funny, which helps provide a memorable anime with great action scenes.
22. Berserk (1997)
Guts isn't the nicest anime hero on the block. Being born after his mother was hanged, Guts’ life has been a battle since day one. When he comes across a group called the Band of the Hawk, he decides to join. As they continue their journey together, the group begin to grow in recognition. Guts is put in charge of the offensive faction and begins to learn that the world is more complicated than he expected. Guts is definitely a character with many sides to him. He aligns with good, but sometimes questionably based on some of his actions.
21. Samurai Champloo
Set in Edo era Japan, Fuu Kasumi is a young woman who spends her days as a waitress in a small teahouse. When certain circumstances enable her to hire Mugen, an eccentric sword fighter, and Jin, a traditional samurai, the group sets off on an adventure to search for the legendary Samurai that smells of sunflowers. Hopefully, Jin and Mugen won’t kill each other before they find it. This anime has amazing and in depth sword fights with a nice infusion of a hip-hop soundtrack.
20. Drifters
After being killed in the Battle of Sekigahara, Toyohisa Shimazu arrives in an endless white hallway with hundreds of doors on each side. A mysterious blonde man sits at a desk, but before he even has a chance to ask any questions, he is pulled through one of the doors and into a new world. Learning of the impending war that is coming and that is threatening the lives of the demihumans, Shimazu sets off with his group of unlikely heroes to save this new world. The animation is the same as Hellsing Ultimate and it works amazingly well! The action scenes and gore are amazing in this anime. The mixture of history and fantasy is great!
19.Soul Eater
Welcome to Death City, home of the revered Death Academy, run by Death himself. The goal of the school is to raise “Death Scythes”, human hybrids with the ability to change into weapons to fight the evils of this world. Evans is a Death Scythe aiming to become Death’s new weapon. With the help of her friend and meiser, Mako, they will be able to reach that goal together. The duo also work with the hot-tempered Black Star and his timid partner, Tsubaki. Then there is Death the kid and his dual pistols, Pat and Liz. Follow them as they take on missions and collect souls as they protect the city and everyone they care about.
18. One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy has a dream to be the king of the pirates. His only problem is that he’ll sink like a stone in open water after receiving power from a devil fruit. That won’t stop Luffy though. As the captain of the straw hat pirates, he and his crew will make it to the grand line and realize their dreams. It's exciting to see the crazy and unique islands. The various enemies they face are sometimes as interesting as the main characters. The world is deep and detailed, especially when going into the backstory of the characters. This is a daunting anime to take on. With over 800 episodes, this anime will certainly take up most of your summer.
17. Kill la KIll
At Honnouji Academy, Satsuki Kiryuin is the student council president and runs a tight ship at her school. She and the Elite Four are so powerful of their goku uniforms, which give them special abilities. When the new transfer student, Ryuko Matoi, comes to challenge the Elite Four and the president, she is badly beaten and retreats to her ruined home. She comes across a rare goku uniform called Senketsu. After coming in contact with her blood, the uniform bonds with her and gives her incredible powers. Watch as Ryuko charges into battle with her scissor blade and challenges the Elite four and Satsuki again.
16. Blue Exorcist
Demons and humans are like yin and yang. Equal and yet opposite from each other. The only way for demons to reach the human realm is via possession. When Satan, the Demon King, can’t find a proper vessel, he decides to send his son up and prepare him to be possessed and become the Demon King. If you like action mixed with a great story about a boy struggling to control himself and his powers, this anime is perfect for you.
15. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
Fuyuki City is usually a quiet place, surrounded by a mountain and an ocean. But when it becomes the stage for an ancient ritual, things take an explosive turn. The Holy Grail War has begun and seven masters have summoned seven heroic spirits for an all-out battle royale. It's only over when the last pair wins. Rin and Shiro are the main characters of this anime and it's interesting to see how their motivations push them. The visuals for this anime are amazing. The colors are bright and vibrant and it's a joy to watch from start to finish.
14.One Punch Man
Ever wondered what it would be like to be a hero so powerful you could defeat any enemy with one punch? This anime answers that question. Saitama used to be a working class man, but when he decides to train his body to it's peak, he becomes the world’s most powerful hero. This anime is satirical but has a strong story behind it. Follow Saitama as he struggles with the boredom of absolute power.
13. Cowboy Bebop
This is definitely a classic for any avid anime fan. It's an awesome mixture of a western and outer space. Follow Spike and the Bebop crew as they collect bounties all over the galaxy. The soundtrack is amazing full of fast paced jazz and mellow harmonic pieces that is soothing to your ears. Meet unique people who are, at times, just as interesting as the main characters. Watch as Spike get into fights that are fluid but impactful.
12. Tales of Zestiria the X
Sorey is a young boy living in the land of the seraphim, magical beings that are not visible to regular humans. He spent most of his life studying about the legendary Shepard. When a strange girl from another realm comes and asks Sorey to help her find the legendary Shepard, he accepts her plea. With his seraphim friend, Mikleo, they set out to help save the human world. Zestiria is a beautiful anime full of explosive fight scenes and interesting and unique characters. You will probably be hooked at episode one.
11. Tokyo Ghoul
Welcome to a world where man-eating people called Ghouls are commonplace in society. Ken Kaneki is a timid young boy who loves to read and enjoys his time at his local coffee shop. When he is caught up in an accident involving a Ghoul, his life is changed forever as the doctors save his life by placing Ghoul organs into his body. Kaneki is pulled into the dark and bloody world of Ghouls and must adjust to this new world, or die. Ken Kaneki isn't your typical main protagonist. He isn't strong, he certainly isn't brave, and you would think he wouldn't last. But he doesn’t just survive: he thrives. It's amazing to watch his character development. The obstacles he faces are daunting, but it’s great to watch him overcome them.
10. Attack on Titan
In a world where humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction by man-eating humanoids called Titans, the last of humanity has settled inside walls and begun to prosper. But when a mysterious colossal Titan kicks a hole through part of the wall, Titans breach the wall and enter where the humans thought they would be safe. Meet Eren Jaeger, a hot-headed young man who dreams of being part of the scout regiment to take revenge on the Titans and unravel their origins. You have to appreciate the animation style in this anime. The way they twist and soar in the air as they slice through Titans is fantastic!
9. Hunter x Hunter
Gon wants to be like his father. He wants to be a hunter. So when the chance for him to take the hunter qualifier exam occurs, he takes it. Join Gon on his journey with his friends as they tackle huge obstacles and horrific monsters. Even though he is so young, Gon has faced challenges that would scare most 12-year-olds away. He smiles at the face of danger and it's really admirable.
8. Bleach
Ichigo Kurosaki is your typical high school student as he attends class and hangs out with his wacky friends. However, Ichigo can see ghosts of the departed. Yep, you read that right. A soul reaper named Rukia comes to his town and pulls him into a world of sword battles and monsters called hollows, corrupted souls that feed on other souls. Follow Ichigo and his friends as they battle to save not only the world of the dead but the world of the living as well. The fights in this anime are intense. They really flesh out the characters and detail what drives them to their goals. This anime is serious, but it doesn't shy away from the light hearted moment to give the viewer a break from the action.
7. Devilman: Crybaby
This anime pushes the envelope. Devilman Crybaby is a reimagining of the 1970s manga. It follows the story of Akira Fudo and Ryu Asuka who have been looking to prove the existence of demons. During a sex and drug-filled party, demons appear and begin to tear everyone apart. During the massacre, Akira finds himself fusing with one of the demons, thus becoming a devilman, someone who has the body of a demon and the heart of a human being. This anime touches on everything taboo. Sex, violence, rape, drugs, and persecution. This reimagination adapts into the modern age. Listen for the Japanese rap that is sprinkled in throughout the show and watch how the world reacts to the events that transpire in the show. The animation is certainly expressive and it's a joy to watch even during the uhm...colorful parts of this anime.
6. Yu Yu Hakusho
This is one of those oldies but goodies. Yusuke Urameshi is the local rebellious bad boy in his city. Some might say he is hot-headed, brash, and selfish. But when he gives his life to save a young boy from being hit by a car, he gets a second chance as a spirit detective. Now alive and learning to access his gifts, he sets off to protect humanity from the horrors of the spirit world. When first watching this anime, Yusuke will probably not be your favorite character. What's unique is his growth as a character. You get to see him learn sympathy, compassion, and what fighting for others means. The animation might be dated, but if you love a good story then check this show out.
5. My Hero Academia
In a world where everyone has a quirk, Izuku Midoriya is quirkless and in the minority. Yet he aspires to be the number one hero. When he meets the world’s number one hero, All Might, his hero decides that Izuku is worthy to wield the mysterious power of One For All. This anime is definitely an underdog story. You can't help but cheer Izuku on as he begins to learn and control One For All. You can see how his passion and drive to be better always keeps pushing him to move forward.
4. Fairy Tail
Magic is king in this show. Fairy Tail follows Lucy Heartfilia, Natsu Dragneel, and Happy the talking flying cat as they complete jobs for the Fairy Tail guild. Watch as they make new friends and battle tough enemies. The magic they use is incredible and some moments will give you goosebumps. The world of Fairy Tail is huge and full of one-of-a-kind characters. The show really captures how teamwork and friendship can overcome anything.
3. Dragon Ball Super
Dragon ball Super takes place after the events of the Buu Saga. Follow Goku and the Z-Fighters as they battle gods and other warriors throughout the multiverse. Meet new characters such as Beerus, the God of Destruction, and Whis. Old enemies come back with a twist. The fight scenes have only gotten better. The animations are crisp and will leave your mouth agape.
2. Hellsing Ultimate
If you're looking for an anime that dives into the darker side of things, then Hellsing Ultimate is perfect for you. The new police girl named Seras Victoria is called onto a scene where a vampire has attacked a small village. She is pulled into a life of blood, violence, and Nazis. What I love about this anime is just how dark it truly is. It mixes horror and action and it doesn't hold back on the gore or carnage. If you can stomach the gore, then Hellsing Ultimate is perfect for you.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Let’s start off with a classic. Fullmetal Alchemist follows Edward and Alphonse Elric. An incident involving alchemy leaves Edward without an arm and a leg, and Alphonse without a body and his soul attached to a suit of armor. They set off to find the philosopher's stone, a legendary stone that could make anything out of nothing and restore their bodies. It mixes fantasy with science in a beautiful balance. The way that characters use alchemy is innovative and mind-blowing. This anime is amazing and a great introduction if you want to pull someone into anime.
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