Welcome to the thrilling world of anime! With countless series and movies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to watch next. Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast or a newcomer, this guide is here to help you navigate the vast landscape of anime and find your next obsession. From classic series to the latest releases, we’ll explore a range of genres and themes to suit any taste. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of anime!

Understanding the Different Types of Anime

Action-Packed Anime

One Piece

One Piece is a popular manga and anime series that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy with rubber powers, as he travels the world in search of the legendary One Piece treasure. With its exciting battles, memorable characters, and thrilling storyline, One Piece has become a beloved favorite among many anime fans.

Naruto

Naruto is a classic anime series that follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with a dream of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. Along with his friends Sasuke and Sakura, Naruto embarks on various missions and battles, while also facing personal challenges and overcoming obstacles. The series is known for its strong characters, intense action scenes, and emotional storytelling.

Bleach

Bleach is a supernatural anime series that follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who becomes a Soul Reaper, a guardian of the afterlife. Along with his friends and allies, Ichigo battles various supernatural enemies, including powerful spirits and rogue Soul Reapers, while also grappling with his own personal issues and conflicts. The series is known for its fast-paced action, engaging characters, and complex storyline.

Romantic Anime

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and romantic story, then romantic anime might be the perfect choice for you. These anime typically focus on relationships and the emotional growth of the characters as they navigate their feelings and overcome obstacles. Here are a few examples of romantic anime that you might enjoy:

• Fruits Basket: This anime follows the story of a young girl named Tohru, who befriends the members of the Sohma family, who are cursed to turn into animals from the Chinese zodiac when hugged by a member of the opposite sex. As Tohru gets to know each member of the Sohma family, she helps them break the curse and find love and happiness in their lives.
• Your Lie in April: This anime is about a young piano prodigy named Kosei Arima, who stops playing the piano after his mother dies. When he meets a violinist named Kaori, he is inspired to start playing music again and begins to fall in love with her. However, a tragic event occurs that threatens to tear them apart.
• Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day: This anime is about a group of childhood friends who drift apart after a tragic accident. When one of the friends, Menma, dies, she becomes a ghost and tries to communicate with her friends to help them move on with their lives. As they try to fulfill Menma’s wish, they must confront their feelings and memories from the past.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Anime

• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
  • Set in a world where alchemy is possible, the story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy.
  • The series delves into themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the consequences of meddling with the natural order.
  • With its compelling characters, engaging plot, and epic action scenes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and fantasy anime.
• Death Note
  • Light Yagami, a high school student, finds a mysterious notebook called the “Death Note.”
  • Any name written in the notebook will result in the death of the person within 40 seconds.
  • Light decides to use the notebook to rid the world of criminals, but his actions attract the attention of a genius detective known as L.
  • Death Note is a psychological thriller that explores the nature of justice, morality, and power.
  • The series’ intricate plot and complex characters make it a standout in the sci-fi and fantasy genre.
• Spirited Away
  • Set in a world of spirits and magic, the film follows Chihiro, a young girl, as she and her family stumble upon a mysterious town.
  • Chihiro’s parents are transformed into pigs, and she must navigate the town’s many dangers and strange inhabitants to save them.
  • The film is a masterpiece of Japanese animation and storytelling, with themes of growth, courage, and the importance of family.
  • Spirited Away is a must-watch for fans of fantasy anime and is often cited as one of the greatest anime films of all time.

Finding the Right Anime for Your Tastes

Utilizing Anime Recommendation Websites

One of the best ways to find the right anime for your tastes is by utilizing anime recommendation websites. These websites offer personalized recommendations based on your preferences, viewing history, and other factors. Here are some of the most popular anime recommendation websites:

MyAnimeList

MyAnimeList is one of the most popular anime recommendation websites. It offers personalized recommendations based on your preferences, such as genre, age rating, and studio. You can also see what other users have rated anime, which can help you make an informed decision. Additionally, MyAnimeList has a vast database of anime, including both popular and lesser-known titles.

Anime-Planet

Anime-Planet is another popular anime recommendation website. It offers personalized recommendations based on your preferences, such as genre, age rating, and studio. Anime-Planet also has a feature called “Similarity Score,” which rates how similar an anime is to the one you’re currently watching. This can be helpful if you’re looking for something similar to your current favorite anime.

Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll is a popular streaming service for anime. It offers a vast library of anime, including both popular and lesser-known titles. Crunchyroll also offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences. Additionally, Crunchyroll has a community of users who can offer recommendations and insights into different anime.

Overall, utilizing anime recommendation websites can be a great way to find the right anime for your tastes. These websites offer personalized recommendations, vast databases of anime, and insights from other users. So, if you’re looking for your next anime watch, be sure to check out these websites.

Checking Reviews and Ratings

• Anime News Network
• IMDb
• Rotten Tomatoes

When it comes to finding the right anime to watch, checking reviews and ratings can be a valuable resource. Here are some popular websites that provide reviews and ratings for anime:

Anime News Network

Anime News Network (ANN) is a comprehensive website that covers news, reviews, and discussions related to anime and manga. They offer a wide range of reviews for various anime series, written by their team of professional reviewers. Additionally, ANN allows users to leave their own reviews and ratings, making it a great resource for finding user opinions on anime.

IMDb

IMDb, or the Internet Movie Database, also offers a section for anime. Users can find ratings and reviews for various anime series, as well as information on cast and crew, plot summaries, and more. IMDb also provides a platform for users to leave their own reviews and ratings, making it a useful tool for finding user opinions on anime.

Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes is a website that provides reviews and ratings for movies and TV shows, including anime. While their selection of anime may not be as extensive as other websites, they do offer reviews and ratings for popular anime series. Additionally, Rotten Tomatoes allows users to leave their own reviews and ratings, making it a helpful resource for finding user opinions on anime.

In conclusion, checking reviews and ratings on websites such as Anime News Network, IMDb, and Rotten Tomatoes can be a valuable tool in finding the right anime to watch. Whether you’re looking for professional reviews or user opinions, these websites can help you make an informed decision on your next anime watch.

Building Your Anime Watchlist

Breaking Down Your Watchlist

Seasonal Anime

• Definition: Refers to anime shows that are released during a specific season, typically with new episodes airing weekly.
• Examples: Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
• Pros: Keep up with the latest trends, get a sense of what’s popular among fans, often have a larger community to discuss with.
• Cons: Can be difficult to keep up with multiple shows at once, some shows may not live up to the hype.

Classic Anime

• Definition: Refers to older anime shows that have stood the test of time and are considered to be “classics” within the anime community.
• Examples: Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z, Neon Genesis Evangelion.
• Pros: Often have well-developed characters and storylines, offer a glimpse into the history of anime, may be easier to binge-watch.
• Cons: May not be as visually appealing as newer shows, may be harder to find subtitles or dubs for older shows.

Continuing Anime

• Definition: Refers to anime shows that are currently ongoing and have new episodes airing regularly.
• Examples: One Piece, Naruto, Fairy Tail.
• Pros: Can be an enjoyable experience to watch a show as it airs, be a part of a large community of fans, allows for discussion of recent events.
• Cons: Can be difficult to catch up on a long-running show, some shows may lose steam over time.

Tracking Your Progress

As you progress through your anime watchlist, it’s important to keep track of what you’ve watched, what you’re currently watching, and what’s still on your list. Here are some tips for tracking your progress:

Keeping a log of what you’ve watched

One way to keep track of your progress is to keep a log of what you’ve watched. This can be as simple as making a list on a piece of paper or in a notebook, or using a spreadsheet or app to keep track of the titles, seasons, and episodes you’ve completed. Having a record of what you’ve watched can help you remember which shows you’ve enjoyed and which ones you want to continue watching.

Using apps like AniList or Anime Progress

There are several apps available that can help you track your progress, including AniList and Anime Progress. These apps allow you to create a watchlist, track the episodes you’ve watched, and rate the shows you’ve completed. They also provide recommendations based on your watch history and let you share your progress with friends and other anime fans. Using an app can make it easier to keep track of your progress and discover new shows to add to your watchlist.

Joining the Anime Community

Participating in Online Discussions

As you delve deeper into the world of anime, you may find that participating in online discussions is a great way to connect with other fans and learn more about different series. There are many online communities where you can join in on the conversation, such as Reddit communities, anime forums, and social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

• Reddit communities

Reddit is a popular platform for online discussions, and there are many communities dedicated to anime. Some of the most active communities include r/anime, r/animemes, and r/animeproduction. These communities offer a space for fans to share their thoughts on different series, discuss upcoming releases, and connect with others who share their interests.

• Anime forums

Anime forums are another great resource for online discussions. Forums like AnimeSuki and Amino are popular among anime fans, and offer a variety of discussion topics, from specific series to broader industry news. Many forums also have dedicated sections for fan art, fanfiction, and other creative endeavors.

• Twitter and Instagram

Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram are also great places to participate in online discussions. Many anime creators and industry professionals use these platforms to share news and updates, and fans often engage in discussions using hashtags and other social media tools. You can also follow popular anime accounts, like @anime and @crunchyroll, to stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends.

Participating in online discussions is a great way to connect with other anime fans and learn more about different series. Whether you prefer Reddit communities, anime forums, or social media platforms, there are many resources available to help you engage with other fans and expand your knowledge of the anime world.

Attending Conventions and Meetups

Anime Conventions

Anime conventions are large-scale events that celebrate all things anime. They typically feature a wide range of activities, including cosplay contests, panel discussions, and vendor booths selling anime merchandise. Some of the most popular anime conventions include Comic-Con International in San Diego, California, and Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California.

Attending an anime convention can be a great way to immerse yourself in the anime community and discover new shows and movies. You can also meet other fans and learn about the latest trends and developments in the world of anime.

Local Anime Clubs

Local anime clubs are smaller, more intimate gatherings of anime fans. They often meet regularly to watch and discuss anime shows and movies, and sometimes even host special events like cosplay parties or trivia nights.

Joining a local anime club can be a great way to connect with other fans in your area and learn more about the different genres and styles of anime. You can also get recommendations on which shows to watch and discuss your favorite anime with others who share your interests.

Watch Parties

Watch parties are informal gatherings of anime fans who get together to watch their favorite shows and movies. They can be hosted by individuals or groups, and can take place in person or online.

Attending a watch party can be a fun way to socialize with other anime fans and share your love for the genre. You can also get recommendations on which shows to watch and learn about new anime that you may not have discovered otherwise.

Continuing Your Anime Journey

Expanding Your Horizons

• Exploring different genres
  • Action-packed battles in the fantasy world of “Madoka Magica”
  • Emotional journeys through space in “Planetes”
  • Thought-provoking political intrigue in “Death Note”
• Trying out new studios and directors
  • The magical worlds of Studio Ghibli
  • The gritty urban landscapes of “Akira” director, Katsuhiro Otomo
  • The surreal, psychological depth of “Perfect Blue” director, Satoshi Kon
• Reading manga and novels
  • Discovering the origins of your favorite anime in their original manga form
  • Delving into the expansive universe of “Harry Potter” in the “Death Note” novels
  • Experiencing the story from a different perspective in “Fullmetal Alchemist” novels

Staying Up-to-Date

Following anime news and blogs

One of the best ways to stay up-to-date with the latest anime releases and news is by following anime news and blogs. There are numerous anime blogs and websites that provide comprehensive coverage of the latest anime releases, industry news, and updates on upcoming shows. Some popular anime blogs include ANN (Anime News Network), Otaku Diary, and The Otaku Spot. These blogs often feature reviews, analysis, and insights into the world of anime, providing readers with valuable information to help them make informed decisions about their next watch.

Subscribing to podcasts

Podcasts are another great way to stay informed about the latest happenings in the anime world. There are many anime-focused podcasts available that cover a wide range of topics, from reviews and discussions of current shows to interviews with industry professionals and discussions of the latest industry news. Some popular anime podcasts include Anime Boredom, The Anime Network Podcast, and Otaku Diary. Subscribing to these podcasts can provide listeners with a wealth of information and insights into the world of anime, helping them to stay up-to-date on the latest releases and trends.

Keeping track of upcoming releases

Staying up-to-date with the latest anime releases is important for any anime fan looking to expand their horizons and discover new shows. There are several ways to keep track of upcoming releases, including following anime studios and distributors on social media, subscribing to streaming services, and checking out online forums and communities dedicated to anime. By keeping track of upcoming releases, fans can stay informed about the latest shows and make sure they don’t miss out on any new releases or series that may interest them. Additionally, many streaming services and online retailers offer pre-orders for upcoming releases, allowing fans to secure their copies before they hit the market.

FAQs

1. What is anime?

Anime is a type of Japanese animation that is targeted at a wide range of audiences. It encompasses a vast array of genres, from action-packed shonen series to romantic shojo stories, and is known for its unique art style and storytelling.

2. How do I get started with anime?

Getting started with anime is easy! You can start by watching popular shows such as “Dragon Ball Z,” “Pokemon,” or “Naruto.” Alternatively, you can try out some of the more recent shows like “Demon Slayer,” “Attack on Titan,” or “My Hero Academia.”

3. What genres of anime are available?

Anime covers a wide range of genres, including action, adventure, comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, romance, sci-fi, and many more. Some popular genres include shonen (aimed at teenage boys), shojo (aimed at teenage girls), seinen (aimed at young adult men), and josei (aimed at young adult women).

4. Where can I watch anime?

There are many places to watch anime, including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. Some shows are also available for purchase or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Google Play.

5. How long does it take to watch an anime series?

The length of an anime series can vary greatly, with some shows having only a few episodes and others having hundreds. On average, a season of an anime series can range from 12 to 24 episodes, with each episode lasting around 20-30 minutes.

6. Is anime suitable for all ages?

Anime is suitable for a wide range of ages, but some shows contain mature themes and content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. It’s important to check the age rating of a show before watching it, and to use your discretion when selecting shows for younger viewers.

7. How can I find the right anime for me?

Finding the right anime for you depends on your personal preferences and interests. Consider what genres you enjoy, what themes or topics interest you, and what type of characters you like to see in a show. Additionally, you can read reviews and watch trailers to get a sense of whether a show is right for you.