Outside of Japan the term ‘anime’ has come to mean ‘animation made in Japan’ or more broadly, any animated show or movie that uses the signature aspects of Japanese-style animation. In Japanese, anime is actually how you would say animated cartoon (written アニメ). Originating in early 20th century japan the genre is characterised by its vibrant colours, dramatic storylines, and characteristic facial expressions.
Over the last 100 years 1000’s of titles have been released but with so much out there, we thought it would be fun to put together a list of our favourites.
1. Seven Deadly Sins (2014)
The story of the Seven Deadly Sins, a group of warriors who were wrongly accused of a crime they didn't commit and went on a quest to vindicate themselves.
2. Akame Ga Kill (2015)
A countryside boy named Tatsumi sets out on a journey to The Capital to make a name for himself and met a seemingly dangerous group of Assassins known as Night Raid. Their journey begins.
- Action (Muad fight scenes)
- 24 episodes in Season 1
3. One Punch Man (2015)
The story of Saitama, a hero that does it just for fun & can defeat his enemies with a single punch.
- Action, Comedy
- 12 episodes in season 1 & 12 episodes in season 2
- Big boy fight scenes
4. Fire Force (2019)
A superhuman firefighter force is formed to deal with supernatural fire incidents.
- Action
- 24 episodes in season 1
5. The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019)
A gamer is magically summoned into a parallel universe, where he is chosen as one of four heroes destined to save the world from its prophesied doom.
- Action
- 25 episodes
6. Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Tokyo is haunted by mysterious ghouls who are devouring humans. People are gripped by the fear of these ghouls whose identities are masked in mystery. The story follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who barely survives a deadly encounter with Rize Kamishiro, his date who reveals herself as a ghoul.
- 12 episodes in season 1, 12 in season 2 and 24 in season 3
7. Blue Exorcist / Ao No Exorcist (2011)
After discovering that he's the son of Saturn, a young man must join the True Cross Academy in order to master his abilities and defeat Saturn himself.
- Action, Supernatural
- 37 episodes in season 1
8. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime (2018)
"Rimuru Tempest" is the new name of a slime in a fantasy world taken by a former 37-year-old human Satou Mikami after he is killed by a passing robber. Broken free from ordinary, stale past life, his fresh adventure in a fantasy world as a slime monster with unique abilities begins.
9. Sword Art Online (2012)
In the year 2022, thousands of people get trapped in a new virtual MMORPG and the lone wolf player, Kirito, works to escape.
10. Blood Lad (2013)
Blood Lad follows Staz and Fuyumi, soon joined by the spatial magician Bell and the half-werewolf Wolf, as they travel to find a magic that can bring humans back to life.