Anime is booming. And it's everywhere.
With each series as inventively animated and imaginatively plotted as the next, it’s easy to find a show (or hundreds) that entertains you, characters you fall in love with, and worlds to be transported to. So, we’ve curated a list of shows that should be at the top of your watch list, detailing how many seasons each series has and where to watch it. We also added a couple picks that represent diverse, well-rounded list of essential recommendations for newbies in search of a great anime series to get them hooked.
And with the news that Dragon Ball Super is returning with a remastered version called Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, and the continuation of DBS' story with Dragon Ball Super: The Galactic Patrol, we had to make sure we updated this list properly.
Whether you’re new to the medium or have strong feelings about the subs vs dubs debate, here are the 4 best anime to watch right now.
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Cast: Romi Park, Rie Kugimiya, Miyoko Aso
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: TV-14
Seasons: 1
Stream On: Disney+, Hulu
If somehow you never heard of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, don't worry, we got you. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a fantasy adventure anime about two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in a forbidden attempt to bring their mother back to life, only to lose their bodies as a result. To undo their mistake, they set out on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful artifact that can restore what they lost. Along the way, they uncover a massive government conspiracy involving war crimes, artificial humans called Homunculi, and the true cost of power, all while grappling with themes of sacrifice, morality, imperialism, and what it really means to be human. Truly a classic.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Cast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, Mallorie Rodak
Genre: Fantasy Epic
Rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Stream On: Crunchyroll/Netflix
You may have never heard of this one. Or maybe you have. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End follows a powerful elden mage who lived for thousands of years, with the idea of making human companions seem short-lived and their concerns trivial at first. The story centers on her emotional growth as she confronts her past and learns the value of time and relationships, spurred by her regret over not knowing her human companions better.
Vinland Saga
Cast: Yūto Uemura, Shizuka Ishigami, Ken'ichirô Matsuda
Genre: Action, Adventure
Rating: TV-MA
Seasons: 2
Stream On: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn, a young Viking raised in a world of endless war, whose life is consumed by revenge after a personal tragedy pushes him onto the battlefield at an early age. As he grows from a fierce warrior into a broken survivor, the story shifts from brutal combat to a deeper exploration of guilt, purpose, and the cost of violence. Set against real Viking history, Vinland ultimately becomes a meditation on whether true strength lies in conquest or in rejecting violence altogether and seeking a peaceful life symbolized by the story's legendary land.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Cast: Junya Enoki, Yuma Uchida, Asami Seto
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 16+
Episodes to Date: 49Stream On: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Based on the manga series of the same name, Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most-watched anime on Crunchyroll, and for good reason. Combining familiar shōnen vibes with distinct style, the series is the perfect example of how the execution of certain anime can really take them over the top. Across Jujutsu Kaisen’s three seasons, high schooler Yuji Itadori joins a society of sorcerers in an effort to defeat a curse. While that setup may sound basic, it’s the way that comedy, action, and horror blend together that really make this infinitely bingeable. And at just forty-nine 23-minute episodes to date, that’s a binge you’ll likely make in a week or two.
Dragon Ball Super
Cast: Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa, Hiromi Tsuru
Genre: Action, Adventure
Rating: TV-PG
Seasons: 5
Stream On: Hulu
Dragon Ball Super continues the story of Goku and his friends after the defeat of Majin Buu, following them as they face gods, alternate universes, and threats far beyond anything they’ve encountered before. As Goku pursues ever-stronger opponents, the series introduces divine transformations, multiverse tournaments, and new villains like Beerus, Goku Black, and Jiren, blending high-energy battles with humor and long-running themes of growth, friendship, and the endless drive to surpass one’s limits.
And with Dragon Ball Super finally returning with a focus on the Moro Arc, you may want to catch up on the series now before that releases.
Demon Slayer
Cast: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Hiro Shimono
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 16+
Episodes to Date: 63Stream On: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Also known as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Demon Slayer is set in the early 1900s and follows a teenager who joins the demon-slaying organization aptly named the Demon Slayer Corps when his family is murdered and his sister becomes possessed by a demon. Across its four seasons, multiple story arcs provide greater depth into both Tanjiro’s strength and training as well as unique missions such as the “Mugen Train” arc.
If all of that sounds dense, don’t worry. Thanks to its expert animation and plotting, all of these layers just enrich the characters, story, and world-building. No wonder even Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino is jealous of the series.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Cast: Megumi Ogata, Kotono Mitsuishi, Yuriko Yamaguchi
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Rating: TV-MA
Episodes to Date: 26
Stream On: Netflix
If you want to see a showcase for some of the best heart-pumping action and deep, character-driven storytelling anime has to offer, look no further than Neon Genesis Evangelion. This show follows a team of young pilots who belong to an organization called Nerv. Nerv uses gigantic robots to defend themselves from giant monsters known as Angels. Throughout the show, the psychological toll on each pilot is explored, featuring some of the most stunning animated sequences ever put to screen (we’re looking at you, Episode 22).
Released in the mid-90s and still one of the most beloved and critically-acclaimed anime series of all-time, Neon Genesis Evangelion’s legendary deconstruction of traditional mecha anime is still as exhilarating to experience thirty years later. It often hops between streamers, so catch it on Netflix before it disappears.
Chainsaw Man
Cast: Kikunosuke Toya, Shiori Izawa, Shogo Sakata
Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror
Rating: 16+
Episodes: 12
Stream On: Crunchyroll
One of the best things about anime is how wildly inventive its premises are. Take, for example, the totally excellent Chainsaw Man, a twist on the shōnen formula that sees its main character make a deal to become reincarnated as a chainsaw-headed humanoid demon rather than die. While many anime focus on fighting demons, kaiju, and other supernatural monsters, Chainsaw Man finds fresh blood and plenty of teeth in its one-of-a-kind blend of action and workplace comedy.Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc was one of the bigger box office hits of 2025, so if you’re planning on watching the movie, it only makes sense to watch the series first. With only 12 episodes in its first season, that’s an easy task to complete, even if you’ll want to savor ever frame.
Hunter x Hunter
Cast: Megumi Han, Mariya Ise, Miyuki Sawashiro
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 16+
Episodes: 148Stream On: TubiTV, Crunchyroll
Airing from 2011 to 2014, anime fans are still discovering (and falling in love with) Hunter x Hunter more than ten years later. The series focuses on Gon, a young boy who dreams of becoming a legendary hunter, just like his father. While the first arc of the anime explores Gon and the rigorous Hunter exam, later arcs focus on the towering, multi-level Heavens Arena and the mysterious, invasive Chimera Ants. It’s the kind of detailed fantasy anime nails so well, and Hunter x Hunter does it flawlessly.
If you love adventurous anime and haven’t checked it out yet, what are you waiting for? With 148 episodes, there’s plenty of adventure to be had.
One Piece
Cast: Kikunosuke Toya, Shiori Izawa, Shogo Sakata
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 16+
Episodes: 1,155Stream On: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Not to be confused with its live-action adaptation (also available to stream on Netflix), One Piece hit 1,155 episodes at the end of 2025. That may sound like a daunting binge watch, but once you fall in love with Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of his swashbuckling friends and foes, you’ll look up and realize you’re already halfway done.
Luffy’s simple goal of becoming pirate king by finding the legendary One Piece treasure keeps overall storylines simple, allowing for plenty of zany humor across each of the twenty season’s arcs. If you like your anime adventures with a side of comedy, start watching before you fall any further behind!
My Deer Friend Nokotan
Cast: Trina Deuhart, Roo Ryder
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 14+
Episodes: 12
Stream On: TubiTV, Crunchyroll
In this fantasy anime comedy, honor student Koshi Torako is thrust into adventure when she becomes involved with a mysterious, antlered girl, Shikanoko Noko. With its punny title and meme-y sense of slapstick humor, Nokotan proves that anime can make you laugh-out-loud. And if you have any additional context about Japanese pop-culture, the show gets even funnier.
While some anime offer a deep exploration of character or theme, others (like My Deer Friend) are content to just be a gag-a-minute comedy with magical elements. If that’s up your alley, this is a show whose 12-episode season goes down easy as a great palate cleanser between more hard-hitting series.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Cast: Daisuke Ono, Unshô Ishizuka, Tôru Ohkawa
Genre: Fantasy, AdventureRating: TV-MA
Episodes to Date: 190
Stream On: Netflix, TubiTV
Looking for anime with bold art direction, equally-bold character design, and a roller-coaster of a story that will make you laugh and cry? Look no further than JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, a truly unique series nine different protagonists, all with the nickname “JoJo” and psychic powers. Each arc stands alone, but, taken as part of a larger story about the Joestar family, the show gets better and better the further in you get.
With its great soundtrack and stylish animation (just wait for the fight between Polnareff and Ebony Devil), JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is as entertaining as it is weird. For fans of battle-based shōnen anime, it’s hard to beat the colorful cast of characters a show like JoJo boasts.