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Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga tackles a historical setting that is seldom referenced by anime: Vikings. A prequel to the manga’s main story, Vinland Saga takes place during the 11th century when England was under the control of the Danes.
Vinland Saga’s main driving force is Thorfinn’s desire to get revenge against Askeladd, a quest that sees the former join the latter’s band. Blending political intrigue with ambiguous characterization, Vinland Saga is a gripping and unpredictable show that starts strong and only gets better as it goes along.
Rebuild Of Evangelion
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Rebuild of Evangelion boasts stellar animation and intriguing themes, the latter of which are presented in a more digestible way than the original show. While not flawless, these movies are a fascinating alternate take on a classic anime.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a shonen manga classic that has been around since the late-’80s. Save for an OVA, the series took a while to make the jump to anime, but the wait was worth it. David Production’s adaptation captures the over-the-top magic of Hirohiko Araki’s source material, delivering larger-than-life characters with big muscles and cool powers.
Banana Fish
Banana Fish revolves around Ash, a teenager who has been chosen to succeed the don of a mafia. Although ruthless and violent, Ash hates this world and has been subjected to unspeakable horrors for most of his life. When he meets Eiji, a Japanese photographer, a light finally enters Ash’s life.
Hitorijime My Hero
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Both Masahiro and Kousuke are characterized as individuals before they are brought together as a couple; consequently, their situations and personalities define their relationship rather than the other way around. The anime is also pretty tame by the subgenre’s standards, making it more accessible for the uninitiated.
Captain Tsubasa (2018)
Debuting in 1981 and still releasing sequels, Yōichi Takahashi’s Captain Tsubasa is a staple of the sports manga scene. The franchise has spawned its share of anime as well, with the 1983 and 1994 series being particularly highly rated. After more than 15 years away, Captain Tsubasa made its return to anime with a new adaptation that started things from scratch.
Overall, the 2018 take on the story does not quite reach the heights of the older versions, mainly due to some pacing issues. However, this modern release is nevertheless an enjoyable watch and, more importantly, makes Takahashi’s timeless tale accessible to a modern audience.
Princess Principal
Sonic X
Sonic X might not hit the spot for viewers who are not already fans of the Blue Blur, although they could appreciate the anime’s Saturday morning cartoon feel. For those who already love Sonic, this series is a must-watch.
Psycho-Pass
As only seasons 3 and 4 of Psycho-Pass are available on Prime Video, this recommendation comes with the caveat that newcomers to the anime should seek out the previous releases prior to starting this one. After the lackluster season 2, Psycho-Pass 3 marked a return to form for the franchise, delivering a solid central mystery alongside a couple of likable new characters.
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This season is quite socially conscious as well, more so than the previous iterations as it emphasizes current themes like immigration.
Ghost Stories
Ghost Stories is a unique case. The Japanese version is a straightforward horror series that is passable but largely forgettable. Rather than a standard translation, the English dub turns the series into a comedy, adding plenty of adult jokes while morphing the original’s stereotypical children characters into irreverent idiots.
Grand Blue Dreaming
Kenji Inoue’s Grand Blue is one of the funniest manga of all time. Zero-G’s anime adaptation does not fully capture the brilliance of the source material, but it is still hilarious in its own right. Set in college, which is already a welcome change of pace for anime, Grand Blue Dreaming follows Iori’s misadventures as part of the university’s diving club.
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Grand Blue is gloriously dumb, unapologetically over-the-top, and capable of the occasional touching moment. After watching the anime, make sure to read the manga.
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
Love is not always simple. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku revolves around a handful of couples that are in different stages of their relationships, with the central duo being Narumi and Hirotaka. Despite sharing an interest in otaku culture, Narumi and Hirotaka struggle to communicate, leading to frustration for the former and hilarity for the audience.
Although certainly not devoid of romantic moments, Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku is first and foremost a comedy, and it is a consistently hilarious one at that. Narumi’s reactions are priceless, and the main characters are all likable.
Naruto
By this point, Naruto transcends anime or manga. Alongside One Piece, Bleach, and Dragon Ball Z, Musashi Kishimoto’s story about a plucky ninja set the standard for mainstream battle shonen series. Naruto not only introduced plenty of people to the genre but also served as a gateway to the glorious world of anime as a whole. Split into two series, the original show tends to be overshadowed by its successor, Naruto: Shippuden; if nothing else, the latter produced more than twice as many episodes as its predecessor.
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon is a sequel to InuYasha revolving around Sesshoumaru’s offspring, Towa and Setsuna. When she was a child, Towa was sent to present-day Japan, where she eventually settled down as a shrine maiden who occasionally defeats monsters. One day, an exorcism takes a nasty turn and the girl winds up back in Feudal Japan. Yashahime follows the adventures of three princesses, while occasionally featuring cameos by InuYasha fan favorites.
Despite its sequel nature and obvious ties to Rumiko Takahashi’s iconic manga, Yashahime works better when the anime is viewed as its own thing. The show has different pacing and tone than InuYasha, and the main characters can be rather grating at times. However, the series improves as it goes along, with season 2 being a decent sit. This is one of those strange sequels that can be primarily recommended to fans who want to spend more time in InuYasha’s universe, provided they do not expect it to be too similar to its predecessor.
Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon?
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Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? is set in a town of adventurers who spend their time exploring a deadly dungeon. In this universe, gods and goddesses are not only real but also have guilds (called Familias) that reflect their power and social standing. Bell is the only member of the Hestia family, but the rookie’s determination might one day change that.
Sword Oratoria: Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon? On The Side
Ais and Lefiya take center stage in Sword Oratoria, and their wildly different personalities bounce off each other quite well. While these two might be presented as the protagonists, the show casts a wide net when it comes to characters. The spin-off also does a good job of expanding on Orario, DanMachi’s central city.
Sagrada Reset
Sagrada Reset leaves a bad first impression. Set in a Japanese town filled with people with unique abilities, the anime follows Misora Haruki, a girl who can reset time by three days, and Kei Asai, the only person who remembers what happens before the reset. As their abilities complement each other, the two work together to solve cases and help others.
On the surface, this sounds like a by-the-numbers premise, but Sagrada Reset takes an unusual approach with its characters. Kei and especially Haruki are extremely stoic, to the point they barely seem to have emotions. Eventually, they do change and grow, but it is not a quick process. Frustrating as the show can be at times, Sagrada Reset has flashes of brilliance.
Lupin The 3rd Part 4
Monkey Punch’s Lupin the Third manga debuted in 1967, with the first anime adaptation airing in 1971. Since then, the franchise has consistently produced new stories that, for the most part, retain the classic charm that helped make the manga a hit in the first place. Lupin the Third is an institution, and the show’s longevity can be credited to its iconic characters.
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Lupin the Third Part 4 is just a drop in the bucket that is the entire franchise, and the season changes the eponymous thief’s status quo by tying Lupin to a bride. This might make Part 4 seem like a terrible entry point for newcomers, but that is not really the case. Ultimately, this is still the same old Lupin the Third that revolves around over-the-top heists, well-established personalities, and slapstick humor.
Brave 10
Regardless of its brief nature, Brave 10 is nevertheless an entertaining watch. The anime revolves around Isanami, a priestess who witnesses the slaughter of her people at the hands of ninjas. Long story short, she meets Saizou, who proves to be Isanami’s first warrior in an army that would balloon to 10 soldiers. As the anime has way too big of a cast to properly showcase in just 12 episodes, most of the characters are basically just introduced, although Isanami and Saizou get a fair amount of development.
Himouto! Umaru-chan R
At school, Umaru Doma is the perfect idol. The girl is loved by all and seen as mature, intelligent, and respectable. At home, Umaru transforms into an otaku who loves nothing more than to waste away every second of every day. To visually illustrate this personality change, otaku Umaru assumes a chibi form.
Made In Abyss
Made in Abyss has cute characters, an imaginative world with endless possibilities, and gorgeous animation. The anime follows two children (sort of) as they descend the “Abyss,” a fantastical realm filled with wonders, dangers, and colorful personalities. Adventure awaits Riko, Reg, and the audience!
Also, Made in Abyss is devastating, uncomfortable, horrifying, and nightmarish. This is an “adventure” anime that has more in common with Berserk than One Piece.
Hunter X Hunter (2011)
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Hunter x Hunter has a fantastic power system and a well-rounded roster of characters, most of which lead their own lives removed from the protagonist’s existence. Boasting great animation by Madhouse and a story that is willing to go to places that most shonen series are reluctant to thread, this anime is an all-time great.
Shin-chan Spin-off
Shin Chan is an institution. While known in Western countries, the property is far bigger in Japan, and the 1992 anime is still producing episodes to this day. This irreverent child has starred in manga, movies, games, and commercials; he is inescapable. Crayon Shin-chan Spin-off is a spin-off that takes the franchise’s iconic characters and places them in unique settings that cannot be realistically tackled within the main timeline.
Split into four 13-episode seasons, each one tells a standalone story primarily inspired by genre pieces. For instance, the first season revolves around aliens, while the third entry is a samurai-themed parody of Lone Wolf and Cub. Crayon Shin-chan Spin-off’s humor is hit-and-miss, but the anime is a quick and largely entertaining sit. However, this show is for people who are already fans of Shin Chan.
Dropkick On My Devil!
When a goth girl summons a demon, they instantly hit it off and start a beautiful friendship filled with sweet moments. OK, Dropkick on My Devil! is not quite that wholesome, as Yurine, the goth girl, and Jashin-chan, the demon, spend the majority of their time trying to kill each other. The anime’s first season, which is the only one available on Prime Video, plays out like a more sadistic version of Tom & Jerry, and Jashin-chan is firmly cast in the role of the cat.
Toradora!
Toradora! is all about young love and that sometimes, the heart doesn’t know what it wants. Ryuji has a crush on Minori, whose best friend – Taiga – happens to have a thing for Ryuji’s closest companion, Yusaku. Therefore, Ryuji and Taiga decide to team up to aid each other in their quest for romance.
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They also happen to be polar opposites as Ryuji looks like a delinquent but is actually quite gentle while Taiga’s unassuming physique hides a tiger who is always ready to deliver a dropkick. Naturally, they complement each other quite nicely.
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
Kenichi is weak, a fact that defines his existence. One day, he meets a girl who can more than hold her own in a fight, which inspires Kenichi to join her dojo and become the strongest fighter in the world. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is a comedy-heavy battle shonen series that features a strong and lovable cast of characters.
Although a bit of an idiot at times, Kenichi works well as the anime’s lead since the show goes out of its way to properly chronicle his development as a fighter. Miu and Shigure Kousaka are also pretty iconic female characters.
Boarding School Juliet
The Romeo and Juliet story has been done to death, but Boarding School Juliet presents a fun twist on the formula. Dahlia Academy is divided into the Black Dogs and White Cats, two groups who are constantly at each other’s throats as they both seek to be the dominant party at the school. Romio and Juliet lead the Black Dogs and White Cats respectively, meaning they are positioned as mortal enemies. While they pretend to hate each other in public, Romio and Juliet are secretly in love.
Boarding School Juliet is rife with cliches, but the anime uses them well rather than as a crutch for poor writing. The protagonists have a sweet dynamic, and their personalities buck stereotypes. The show handles its action sequences well enough to ensure they are constantly entertaining, and the same can be said for its comedy.
Dororo
A modern adaptation of a popular classic manga, Dororo has a gloriously dark central premise. Due to his awful father, Hyakkimaru is born lacking many body parts. Somehow, Hyakkimaru manages to survive, so he sets out to regain his missing pieces by defeating the demons who hold them.
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Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied is gory, intense, uncomfortable, and ambitious. For all of its gratuitous content, this anime is still well-written, and the story builds up to an unforgettable final act.
Blade Of The Immortal
Decently animated and packed with uneven, but frequently entertaining fight sequences, Blade of the Immortal is a serviceable adaptation of the beloved manga, even if it does not come close to replicating the magic of the source material.
Le Cirque De Karakuri
Based on a manga that started in the ’90s and ended in 2006, Le Cirque De Karakuri very much feels like it was ripped from yesteryear, despite the anime airing from 2018 to 2019. This battle shonen series imagines a world where mannequins are used as weapons and a strange illness is running rampant.
Le Cirque De Karakuri suffers from some pacing issues, particularly during its second half as it rushes through the plot to try and cover as much of the manga as possible. While this certainly hurts the show’s quality, the anime is still a fun ride that comes packed with memorable action sequences, a trio of likable protagonists, and some really creepy puppets.
Happy Sugar Life
Happy Sugar Life is the definition of a fascinating but flawed anime. The show tackles dark and mature themes through the lens of mostly terrible people, including the protagonist, Satou, who falls in love with a young girl, Shio, and kidnaps her. Their relationship serves as the anime’s heart, and it is surprisingly effective despite their messed-up circumstances.
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Happy Sugar Life can be infuriating at times since so many of the characters are just the worst, however, there is also no other anime quite like it. Not everyone will enjoy this show, but it is still worth trying.
Honey And Clover
Honey and Clover is a coming-of-age anime, one that splits its time between Yuuta Takemoto struggling through college and Ayumi Yamada’s pursuit of love. Blending comedy, drama, and character growth, Honey and Clover is a bit uneven in places, particularly during the first season which focuses heavily on the relationship between Yuuta and Hagumi, an 18-year-old woman who looks and acts like a child. This story is given less attention in the second season, which arguably works to the benefit of the anime.
Polarizing moments aside, Honey and Clover is a powerful series at times, one that builds quite nicely as it goes along. It is also pretty funny.
Scum’s Wish
Rom-coms are an acquired taste. Most of the genre’s shows tend to romanticize young love, offering a sickly sweet representation that, in the case of a good deal of anime, rarely goes beyond holding hands. Scum’s Wish is not one of these shows.
Lerche’s series explores the ugly sides of romance: heartbreak, obsession, and vindictiveness. It is a series about hurt people doing awful things; consequently, the anime can be a difficult sit since so many of its characters are unlikeable. Scum’s Wish backs up its cynicism with a willingness to show mature content beyond what is typically found in romance-themed anime.
Magic Knight Rayearth
A classic isekai anime, Magic Knight Rayearth centers around three teenagers who are teleported to a fantasy world called Cephiro that is in desperate need of saving. Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji’s adventures start lighthearted enough, but Magic Knight Rayearth gradually embraces a darker tone, especially during its second season.
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Magic Knight Rayearth is a must-watch for fans of magical girl anime, particularly those who prefer their shows to come with a healthy helping of action and world-building. This series came out in the mid-’90s and very much looks the part, which is not a negative.
Tomorrow’s Joe 2
Tomorrow’s Joe is a classic that should be watched by anyone remotely interested in sports anime (or sports stories in general). While the animation is naturally dated, particularly in season 1, the storytelling holds up remarkably well, especially in season 2.
Cromartie High School
A surreal show that parodies delinquent and high school-themed anime, Cromartie High School starts out weird and gets more outlandish with each passing episode. It is a joy to watch. Takashi Kamiyama, a largely ordinary student, finds himself attending a school known for its delinquents. From there, Takashi goes on quite a journey.
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Cromartie High School is split into sketches, most of which do not attempt to maintain any continuity with each other. The main constant is that they are all hilarious.
Re:Creators
Re:Creators is a reverse isekai anime about characters from various fictional stories who are teleported to Earth, a process that unbalances the real world. As suggested by its name, this show dives deep into the process of creation, exploring how these fictional beings echo their inventors and how they can take on a life of their own. As the characters hail from wildly different styles of fantasy, they react differently to the reality they are forced to exist within.
Re:Creators has well-animated action, a fantastic antagonist that nearly steals the entire show, and a couple of noteworthy arcs that pay off nicely. Also, the anime’s soundtrack is incredible.
Princess Tutu Season 1
A classic magical girl anime, Princess Tutu is a triumph of art, storytelling, and music. The anime blends cute character designs with flashes of unsettling or plain old nightmarish backdrops, creating an otherworldly feel that gives the anime a dream-like atmosphere.
Please note that only season 1 of Princess Tutu is on Prime Video, covering 26 of the show’s 38 episodes.
Land Of The Lustrous
In this world, Lustrous are humanoid gemstones who must push back the threat of Lunarians, beings seeking to turn them into jewelry. The anime has thrilling action and well-written characters, along with plenty of emotionally exhausting moments.
Girls’ Last Tour
There are hundreds of great slice of life anime out there, but not many are set within a post-apocalyptic wasteland. In Girls’ Last Tour, Yuuri and Chito traverse a fallen world searching for things to satisfy their basic everyday needs. This is pretty much the entire anime, resulting in an oddly relaxing experience despite the haunting visuals often on display.
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For Yuuri and Chito, this wasteland has become the norm, and the girls approach their grim reality with enthusiasm and positivity.
GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka
A classic, GTO tells the timeless tale of an ex-gang member who becomes a teacher for not entirely wholesome reasons. Eikichi Onizuka is one of anime’s most iconic lovable idiots, although his intentions tend to be in the right place when it comes to his troubled students.
GTO is more than just a comedy about a teacher who can pull off funny reactions better than nearly any other anime character. The show tackles mature themes like bullying with a remarkable amount of finesse.
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