10 Anime Guaranteed To Make Your Friends Addicted
Share your love of anime with friends!
Are you tired of watching anime by yourself? Do you wish you could share your undying love for anime with someone? Do your friends show no interest in anime?
Well, it’s either time to find new friends or follow this definitive list of shows that are guaranteed to pique their interest.
You might be thinking that it’s a good idea to show your friends Dragon Ball Z, One Piece or Naruto. Unfortunately, when you’re introducing anime to a newbie, it’s best not to start with shows that have over 100 episodes. It can be overwhelming and you’ll notice friends grow bored of these long shows. They want to know when it’s going to end, why a fight scene is 10 episodes long and why it took Luffy and his crew 61 episodes to finally start the Grand Line.
Start with popular anime that have a first season of 25 episodes or less. Later, if they show genuine interest, suggest the long or obscure shows that you love. Be a guide and show your friends what they’ve been missing.
10. Attack on Titan
Once upon a time, three friends named Eren, Mikasa and Armin were living simple lives behind a massive wall separating them from unknown dangers. Then suddenly, massive man-eating humanoid monsters called Titans smash through the wall to wreak havoc among the denizens of Wall Maria. Five years after the event, the three friends join the Survey Corps to prepare and protect their home from another attack.
Attack on Titan’s insane violence and heart-wrenching story shocked viewers when it was first aired in the U.S. on Toonami in 2013. After waiting 4 long years for season 2 and 3, the show continues to receive overwhelming acclaim from both fans and critics.
Who will like it: Attack on Titan has beautiful animation, fast-paced action with an intriguing mystery to boot. Your friends will like this if they enjoy shows similar to Game of Thrones. Anyone can die at any moment with plenty of twists and turns. It’s nearing its end so now is the perfect time to catch up.
9. My Hero Academia
A boy named Izuku Midoriya exists in a world where a majority of the population has superpowers called “Quirks”. He has the dream of one day becoming the number one hero, but his dreams are crushed when he finds out he has no quirk. Years later, he continues to pursue his dreams and aims to enroll into one of the most prestigious hero schools in Japan. Then one day, he has a fateful encounter that changes his life forever.
With the superhero craze unlikely to die down anytime soon, My Hero Academia arrived at just the right time. The show is 4 seasons deep and 2 movies strong, so right now is the perfect time to jump into the series before it hits 100 episodes and scares off your friends.
Who will like it: Pretty much any fan of the superhero genre! Simply tell your friends it’s an anime about superheroes and I’m sure they’ll want to check it out. If they somehow know nothing about the show, try not to spoil anything for them! A buddy of mine didn’t expect Deku to get powers and he freaked out when he delivered his first big punch.
8. Death Note
Light Yagami, an incredibly intelligent high school student, discovers a black notebook that claims it can kill anyone whose name is written in it, as long as the face is known to the owner of the book. He tests the book by writing the names of criminals and notices they begin dying of heart attacks. Once he realizes the power of the notebook, it jump-starts Light’s obsession to rid the world of evil.
Death Note is the show that reinvigorated my interest in anime. It’s a smart, thought-provoking series that makes you question whether or not you want Light Yagami to succeed in his plans.
Who will like it: Each episode of Death Note ends in a way that makes you want to watch more. The show is constantly developing the plot, making you wonder what happens next. When Light encounters a genius detective simply named L, the show becomes similar to Sherlock where two highly intelligent characters battle each other using only their wits. It’s the perfect show to binge-watch!
7. One Punch Man
Wouldn’t it be cool to be the strongest superhero in the world defeating bad guys in one punch! In the words of our protagonist Saitama, “Overwhelming strength is…pretty boring.” One Punch Man is possibly one of the best action comedies in years. The first episode immediately sets the tone of the show, surprising viewers with a stunning fight scene that only ends in disappointment for the main hero. Where the show lacks in tension (due to Saitama swooping in to end every fight in one punch), it makes up for in hope. Hope that Saitama’s overwhelming power will finally be noticed. Hope that people will see how great of a hero Saitama truly is so he can get the recognition he deserves.
Who will like it: Fans of action and comedy will love this show. The action scenes are incredibly fluid and the jokes are subtly hilarious. Saitama’s deadpan expressions and dry humor perfectly encapsulate what makes his character so funny, especially when he’s surrounded by overly exaggerated anime characters.
Supporting characters give it their all to defeat enemies that are far beyond what they can handle. Then Saitama shows up and ends it all with the flick of his wrist. To me, that’s comedy gold.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
State Alchemists Edward and Alphonse Elric set out on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful alchemical tool that has the potential to restore their bodies. The tragedy and growth of the Elric brothers is a sight to behold. FMA: Brotherhood has the capability to make you feel every emotion possible in just 4 episodes. With lovable characters, a unique story and beautiful artwork, you must see this show before you die.
FMA: Brotherhood is the 2009 version, which follows the original source material more accurately than its predecessor Fullmetal Alchemist in 2003. The 2003 version diverged drastically about a quarter through the show because it caught up with the previously incomplete manga. Once the book was finished, Studio Bones decided to remake the anime. Both versions are great, but FMA: Brotherhood is a perfect 10.
Who will like it: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a great show to watch for beginners. It’s a mix of action adventure, science fiction and fantasy with excellent writing, storytelling and artwork. Anyone can love this show, even if they don’t like anime.
5. The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland is a lovely slice-of-life anime about an orphanage filled with kids just living their daily lives. After you tell your friends that lie, go ahead and show them the absolute terror that is this show. Emma, Ray and Norman’s lives are completely shattered when they make a shocking discovery about the world outside of their orphanage named Grace Field House. If you have not seen this show, please do yourself a favor and watch it as soon as possible!
Who will like it: Horror and mystery fans will love this anime and the dozens of bombshell twists that occur throughout the show. The cat and mouse game between the trio and “Mom” is heart-pounding and genuinely exhausting. Unimaginable horrors and mysteries are ready to be discovered as you follow our protagonists as they fight for their freedom.
4. Samurai Champloo
Set in the Edo period of Japan, Fuu, a tea shop waitress, rescues master swordsmen Mugen and Jin from execution. In return for her help, the three set out on an adventure across Japan in search for a mysterious “samurai who smells of sunflowers.” Samurai Champloo is all about the journey, not the destination. Each episode feels like a self-contained story, which makes every adventure completely different from the next.
Who will like it: Lovers of Hip Hop and Jazz will adore the soundtrack from legendary DJ Nujabes. The beautiful art style, locations, characters and hijinks our protagonists encounter and sometimes cause are unforgettable. From critically acclaimed director Shinichirō Watanabe comes a show that perfectly blends genres with modern music that expertly complements the look and feel of the world.
3. Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199
In 2199, humanity is on the brink of total annihilation by an alien species called Gamilas, whose goal is to terraform Earth to match their atmosphere. Follow the crew of the Yamato as they travel across the stars in an effort to retrieve a tool that can reverse the damage caused by the Gamilas. They battle their way from planet to planet while Gamilas leader Abert Dessler fights to stop the unstoppable Battleship Yamato.
Who will like it: Star Blazers is a military science fiction space opera that skillfully presents the horrors of war and drama of politics. The series is the 2012 remake of the original Space Battleship Yamato that was released in 1974. The remake does an excellent job tidying up the plot with new and improved visuals.
2. Cowboy Bebop
Follow bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his crew of misfits working from their spaceship Bebop. Watch each episode as the crew take on jobs that somehow leave them penniless, while also confronting their dicey pasts. Originally released in 1998, this critically acclaimed series still holds up today and continues to be a massive influence for our current movies and television shows.
Who will like it: Those that love science fiction, westerns and noir films. Cowboy Bebop is another show directed by Shinichirō Watanabe which won several anime and science fiction awards, as well as introduced anime to western viewers. It garnered critical acclaim for writing, story, animation, characters and soundtrack. To this day, Cowboy Bebop is still considered one of the greatest anime of all time.
1. Haikyuu!!
Middle School student Shōyō Hinata suddenly gains a love for volleyball after seeing one game on tv. He strives to become as great as his favorite player named “Tiny Giant” due to his athletic talent in spite of his height. Both players share a height of around 5 feet 3 inches and can jump incredibly high. Shōyō follows in the footsteps of “Tiny Giant” and goes to Karasuno High School where he meets his new team and begins his journey to the top.
Who will like it: Sports fans, but pretty much anyone can love this show. Haikyu is a heart-felt, epic, fast-paced anime with some of the best character development that’s ever been seen. Every moment, every line of dialogue and every person they meet has a lasting effect on the players at Karasuno, as well as the players at their competing schools. Additionally, top-notch animation and a superb soundtrack add to this 10 out of 10 anime.
