Genre: Dark Fantasy, Supernatural
Where to start: Season 1 / Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (prequel movie)
Currently the crown prince of Shonen, Jujutsu Kaisen is stylish, brutal, and unpredictable. Unlike typical heroes, protagonist Yuji Itadori shares his body with a demon—and the plot doesn’t pull punches. The manga’s current "Culling Game" arc is breaking the internet weekly.
Genre: Comedy, Action, Domestic Fluff
Where to start: Episode 1
A spy has to build a fake family for a mission. Unbeknownst to him, his "daughter" is a telepath, and his "wife" is an assassin. Spy x Family is the perfect palate cleanser. It is wholesome, hilarious, and features a dog who can see the future. The manga is incredibly consistent.
Not all anime is about fighting demons. Sometimes, you just want to laugh until you cry or get a hug via television.
Genre: Supernatural Romance, Drama
Where to start: Season 1 (2019 reboot) hmv get wasted program part1 hentai m36 origi fixed
Do not watch the 2001 version. The 2019 remake completes the story. Tohru Honda lives in a tent in the woods and gets taken in by the mysterious Sohma family, who transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. It starts cute and becomes devastating.
The world of anime and manga is infinite. These popular anime series and manga recommendations should keep your queue full for the next year. What will you watch tonight?
From breakout modern hits like The Summer Hikaru Died to enduring epics like
, the current anime and manga landscape offers a deep mix of supernatural thrillers, high-stakes action, and heartwarming coming-of-age stories. Top Anime Series (Current & Trending)
For fans looking for the best of 2025 and 2026, these titles are currently leading the charts: The Summer Hikaru Died Genre: Dark Fantasy, Supernatural Where to start: Season
: Widely hailed as a masterpiece, this series blends horror and slice-of-life. It follows Yoshiki, who realizes his best friend Hikaru has been replaced by a supernatural entity. Available on Netflix. Dan Da Dan
: A high-octane mix of paranormal action and comedy. Its second season, which follows the main cast fighting everything from cultists to music spirits, has become a global cultural phenomenon. Stream on Crunchyroll or Netflix. The Apothecary Diaries
: A medical mystery set in a loose fantasy version of medieval China. It follows Maomao, a sharp-witted pharmacist who solves court intrigues and poisonings. Watch it on Crunchyroll. Solo Leveling
: The story of Sung Jinwoo’s rise from the world's weakest hunter to its strongest. Its second season, Arise from the Shadows , remains one of the most popular titles on Crunchyroll. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
: A contemplative fantasy that explores life after a hero's quest. It is highly recommended for its emotional depth and beautiful animation. Must-Read Manga Recommendations Not all anime is about fighting demons
Whether you're starting fresh or looking for new-gen hits, these manga are essential: Death Note
In the last decade, the world has officially caught “anime fever.” What was once a niche hobby has exploded into a global phenomenon, with streaming services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu competing for the best titles. Simultaneously, manga—the Japanese comic books that often serve as source material—has outsold American comics for the first time in history.
But with thousands of titles available, finding the right place to start (or finding hidden gems you’ve missed) can be overwhelming. Whether you are a complete newbie or a veteran otaku looking to update your list, this guide offers popular anime series and manga recommendations tailored to your taste.
| If you liked... | Try this... | Why? | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Breaking Bad | Death Note | Genius protagonist with a god complex. | | Stranger Things | Summer Time Rendering | Time loops and shadow monsters. | | John Wick | Chainsaw Man | Gory, fast-paced, and hungry for violence. | | Harry Potter | Mashle: Magic and Muscles | A muggle who just punches wizards. | | The Office (US) | Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun | Satire of shoujo manga tropes. |