There are many streaming platforms out there, each with their own shows to watch. Either one HBO subscription or maybe Netflix subscription, every site seems to have something new. But today I’m not going to talk about new live-action movies or TV. No, I’m going to talk about one of my favorite genres, anime.
There are so many different types of anime out there that it can be hard to know where to start. Want something heartless? Something too dark and serious? What about comedy? Well, look no further because here are five classic anime for you to check out that will surely make you a fan.
For the faint of heart: Pokémon
Long long!
Yes, you better believe I will Pokemon here.
Look, believe what you want, but actually, Pokemon is an anime series. Well, it was a trading card game and then some video game franchisebut when did the first episode Pokemon weather and then came to the Western world? Everything was over. The world fell in love with the first three starters, Pikachu, and more Pokémon. Now is the time to do it.
If you don’t know the basics Pokemonthe main series follows ten-year-old Ash as he sets out to become the Pokémon Champion and catch all the Pokémon out there (hence “Got to Catch Them All!”). Along the way, he befriends his best Pokemon, Pikachu, faces challenges and learns lessons.
There’s a reason I’m putting this as a safe pick – because it’s really a completely worthwhile anime with no intense dark episodes or moments that might turn you away from it.
Pokemon
- Release date
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1997 – 2023
- Network
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TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC
- Directors
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Shigeru Omachi, Koji Ogawa, Fumihiro Ueno, Hideki Hiroshima, Maki Kodaira, Makoto Ooga, Ayumi Moriyama, Keitaro Motonaga, Shigeru Ueda, Fumihiro Yoshimura, Minoru Ohara, Yoshitaka Makino, Kiyoshi Egami, Makoto Sokuza, Bjarda N. Makino, Masahiko Watanabe, Hiroaki Takagi, Tazumi Mukaiyama, Ryohei Horiuchi, Yoshihiro Oda, Hiromichi Matano
For lovers of slow-burning drama: Violet Evergarden
You will cry
Violet Evergarden It doesn’t seem like an anime that will grab you at first glance, but this show changed me.
- Integrations
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Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- Ports
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HDMI, Optical, Ethernet
The anime follows the story of the titular character Violet, a former child soldier raised as a weapon. But when he is no longer a soldier, he tries to understand what true love is and the human experience by working for the postal company and writing heartfelt letters that teach him about life.
I know. This provision in itself is gut-wrenching. But watching Violet slowly progress over several seasons makes it even better, and it’s one of those shows that sits with you for hours after you’ve finished.
Violet Evergarden
- Release date
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2018 – 2018
- Directors
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Taichi Ishidate, Haruka Fujita
- writers
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Reiko Yoshida, Tatsuhiko Urahata, Taaki Suzuki
For long-timers: One Piece
Prepare to be shut down
Hey, I never said that every anime here would be super short.
Look, this may be crazy, but if you’re looking for an anime to commit to and stick with, I have to recommend it One Piece.
If you haven’t heard One Pieceall you need to know is that it primarily follows Monkey D. Luffy, who, with the power of his rubber limbs, sets out to gather his crew of pirates in search of a legendary treasure, One Piece.
An anime based on the manga of the same name has been airing for almost as long as I’ve been alive. Yes, there are many episodes. 1000+, to be exact.
But to be honest One Piece it’s one of those shows where you can turn it on in the background while you’re cooking or cleaning (as long as you dub) and still capture everything that’s happening. It’s also a series that you can easily sit down and enjoy for hours.
Either way, you will fall in love with Luffy.
One Piece
- Release date
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October 20, 1999
- Network
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Fuji TV
- Directors
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Hiroaki Miyamoto, Konosuke Uda, Junji Shimizu, Satoshi Itō, Munehisa Sakai, Katsumi Tokoro, Yutaka Nakajima, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kenichi Takeshita, Yoko Ikeda, Ryota Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kakudou, Takahiro Imamouzoa, Noshiroji Mamura, Shishido, Hidehiko Kadota, Sumio Watanabe, Harume Kosaka, Yasuhiro Tanabe, Yukihiko Nakao, Keisuke Onishi, Junichi Fujise, Hiroyuki Satou
For superhero fans: Sailor Moon
Powers like no other
If you’re like me and rewatch everything Marvel movies before Avengers: Judgment Day, then maybe you are looking for superhero anime. Sailor Moon best to recommend.
Based on the manga of the same name, Sailor Moon It follows a teenager who discovers she wants to become Sailor Moon, a powerful being capable of protecting the world from evil forces. With the help of new friends, new powers and more, they take on dark villains to keep civilians safe.
With five seasons, I’d say it’s also a great option for those who want something light. But since it focuses on powers, I’d say you have to be at least somewhat interested in superheroes to enjoy it. Either way, you’ll love Usagi (the main teenager) and what she’s up to. It’s useful, provides great lessons, and is an all-around fun time.
Sailor Moon
- Release date
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1992 – 1997
- Network
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tv asahi
- Directors
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Takao Yoshizawa, Harume Kosaka, Kazuhisa Takenouchi
For someone who wants something dark: Attack on Titan
You will never be the same
I feel like recommending Attack on Titan It’s like recommending to someone who has never watched anime Breaking Bad to someone who has never seen a drama. Once you look at the top, you really can’t go back.
But oh well, here we go.
Attack on Titan is a dark anime set in a world where humanity’s sole survivors live behind three giant stone walls, while the outside world is overrun by giant humanoid Titans. A branch of the military, the Scout Regiment is the only group responsible for traveling beyond the walls to destroy the Titans and explore the open world.
Primarily, we follow the series through protagonist Eren Yeager and his quest to kill all the Titans. But everything goes dark very quickly. I will say that if you want darkness, this series is it. But trust me, you will never be the same again. You never know what happened. And you might want to watch this over and over again for plot clues. You have been warned.
Oh, and maybe keep the kids away.
There are some really great anime shows out there, but these are just some of my favorites. I would highly recommend checking out any of them – you won’t regret it. And many of them are available online, whether through Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime channels, and more.
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- Subscription with ads
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No, all ad-free
- Synchronous streams
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1, 4 or 6
- Live TV
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no
- Price
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Starting at $8 per month
As the world’s largest anime library, Crunchyroll is an obvious choice for fans of Japanese animation, as well as other areas of Japanese and Asian pop culture that go along with it.
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- Subscription with ads
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Yes, through Prime membership or $9 per month
- Synchronous streams
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3
- Live TV
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no
- Price
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Included with Amazon Prime subscription ($15/month or $139/year) or $9/month
Prime Video has a huge amount of content to watch. Other Amazon benefits are also a bonus.
