The first section of this table of contents provides a list of popular Japanese anime series that have won the hearts of many viewers. Among this list, Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (Your Lie in April) comes first. This touching anime tells the story of a young boy who finds a new reason to play music after a meeting with a female violinist who alters his life with her talent and her personality. It is a beautifully made anime that explores themes of love, loss, and finding oneself.
Other animes in this section explore different themes. NHK ni Youkoso! (Welcome to the N.H.K.) is a dark, psychological anime that follows a young man struggling with social anxiety and paranoia. On the other hand, Tsurezure Children is a light-hearted anime that tells the story of various high school romance stories. Each anime on this list has garnered a fan following and offers something unique for every viewer.
Top 13 Anime Series Recommendations
If you’re looking for some great anime series to watch, here are our top 13 picks:
- Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (Your Lie in April)
- NHK ni Youkoso! (Welcome to the N.H.K.)
- Tsuritama
- Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
- Kokoro Connect
- Angel Beats!
- Tsurezure Children
- Erased
- Kiznaiver
- Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (Goodbye, Mr. Despair)
- The Tatami Galaxy
- Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
- Little Busters!
Each of these anime series offers a unique and compelling story, memorable characters, and beautiful animation. Whether you’re a longtime fan of anime or just getting started, these shows are sure to entertain and inspire you.
Tsuritama
Tsuritama is a Japanese anime television series that follows the story of high school student Yuki Sanada who relocates to the small island of Enoshima and develops an interest in fishing. He meets Haru, a carefree and unusual boy who claims to be an alien, and together with two other teens, they form a fishing team and embark on a series of adventures. The series explores themes of friendship, communication, and self-discovery, and is known for its vibrant animation style and quirky humor. If you’re looking for a feel-good coming-of-age story with a unique premise, Tsuritama is definitely worth checking out.
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is an emotional and heartwarming anime that explores themes of grief, loss, and friendship. The story centers around a group of childhood friends who have grown apart after the death of their friend, Menma. However, when Menma’s ghost appears to the main character, Jinta, she asks him to fulfill her wish so that she can finally rest in peace.
The anime beautifully portrays the struggles of each character as they come to terms with their own guilt and regret surrounding Menma’s death. It also demonstrates the power of friendship and how it can heal even the deepest wounds. The animation and music are both stunning and add to the emotional impact of the story.
Overall, Anohana is a must-watch for fans of drama and character-driven stories. It will tug at your heartstrings and leave a lasting impression on you.
Kokoro Connect
Kokoro Connect is a Japanese light novel series that was later adapted into an anime and manga series. The story follows five high school students who are suddenly connected by a mysterious phenomenon that forces them to switch bodies and share their innermost thoughts and feelings. As they navigate this new and often unsettling experience, they uncover deep truths about themselves and each other. With its blend of drama, romance, and science fiction, Kokoro Connect is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Angel Beats!
Angel Beats! is a popular Japanese anime series that aired in 2010. The story follows a group of high school students who find themselves in a strange afterlife high school where they must fight against a powerful student council president named Angel. The series combines elements of comedy, drama, and action, and is known for its emotional moments and unique storytelling. Despite its short 13-episode run, Angel Beats! has remained a favorite among anime fans and is considered a must-watch for those looking for a memorable and heartwarming story.
Tsurezure Children
Tsurezure Children is a romantic-comedy anime series that follows the love lives of various high school students. The show explores different types of relationships and features multiple couples with unique storylines. The animation is vibrant and the characters are well-developed, making it a must-watch for fans of the romance genre. Tsurezure Children is a lighthearted and enjoyable show, perfect for those who want to relax and indulge in a charming love story.
8. Erased
Erased, also known as Boku dake ga Inai Machi, is a thriller anime series that follows Satoru Fujinuma, a man who possesses an ability that allows him to go back in time and prevent life-threatening incidents from happening. When he is accused of a crime he did not commit, he uses his power to travel back in time and prevent a tragedy from his past that may have led to his wrongful conviction. With a gripping storyline and well-developed characters, Erased is a must-watch for fans of mystery and suspense.
Kiznaiver
Kiznaiver is an anime series that follows seven high school students who are connected through a technology experiment that allows them to feel each other’s physical and emotional pain. As they navigate their newfound connections and relationships, they must also confront the mysterious organization behind the experiment and its dark intentions. With its unique premise and compelling characters, Kiznaiver is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and drama anime.
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (Goodbye, Mr. Despair)
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is a Japanese manga and anime series authored and illustrated by Kōji Kumeta. The anime adaptation of the series was directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and produced by Shaft. The story revolves around a high school teacher named Nozomu Itoshiki who is constantly filled with despair and his eccentric students. The series is known for its dark humor, satire, and unique animation style. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate clever writing and unconventional storytelling, it is a must-watch.
The Tatami Galaxy
The Tatami Galaxy is a popular anime series that revolves around a college student who yearns to achieve his ideal college life. The series explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the consequences of choices made. The unique animation style and intricate storytelling make it stand out from other anime in the same genre. If you’re a fan of thought-provoking anime that challenges your perception of reality, then The Tatami Galaxy is definitely worth checking out.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is a post-apocalyptic anime series set in a world overrun by Kabane, zombie-like creatures that can only be killed by piercing their heart with a weapon made of a rare metal called Shogane. The story follows a young engineer named Ikoma, who develops a new weapon that can defeat Kabane more efficiently, and a group of survivors as they try to reach a safe haven called Kongoukaku. The anime received mixed reviews, with praise for its animation and action scenes, but criticism for its weak character development and predictable plot. Nevertheless, it remains a popular choice among fans of the zombie and post-apocalyptic genres.
Little Busters!
Little Busters! is a Japanese visual novel developed by Key. The story follows protagonist Riki Naoe, who has a history of being a victim of bullying. He joins a group of friends known as the Little Busters, who seek to have fun and live life to the fullest. As the story progresses, Riki and the Little Busters uncover a deeper truth about their world and themselves. The visual novel was adapted into an anime series, which premiered in 2012. Little Busters! has received positive reviews for its storytelling and character development.