Top 100 Best Action Anime of All Time [2026]

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" follows the journey of the compassionate and determined Tanjirou Kamado, who shoulders the responsibility of supporting his family after his father's passing. Nestled in the secluded tranquility of the mountains, their peaceful existence is suddenly shattered.

One fateful day, while Tanjirou travels to a nearby village to sell charcoal and provide for his loved ones, darkness falls, and a mysterious man offers him shelter for the night. This fortuitous decision saves Tanjirou, as he learns the grim reality of a world haunted by man-eating demons that emerge after sundown.

Upon returning home at sunrise, Tanjirou is devastated to find his entire family slaughtered by a demon. His only surviving relative, his beloved sister Nezuko, has been transformed into a demon herself, yet she still clings to fragments of her humanity.

Torn between his desire for vengeance and his unwavering love for Nezuko, Tanjirou vows to protect her and seek justice for his family. His journey leads him to join the Demon Slayer Corps, dedicated to eradicating the menace of demons and preventing others from suffering the same loss.

This emotionally driven, action-packed anime delivers a powerful story of hope, family, and resilience, resonating deeply with fans worldwide. "Demon Slayer" offers far more than thrilling battles—it's an exploration of love's enduring strength in the face of overwhelming darkness.

To experience Tanjirou's epic adventure, watch "Demon Slayer" in the following recommended order:

• Episodes 1-26
• Episodes 27-33 (Mugen Train arc)
• Episodes 34-44 (Entertainment District arc)
• Episodes 45-55 (Swordsmith Village Arc)

The fourth season, featuring the Hashira Training arc, is highly anticipated for its Spring 2024 release. Don't miss this modern anime masterpiece!

"My Hero Academia," also known as "Boku no Hero Academia," is a thrilling anime where society revolves around unique abilities called 'quirks.' In this world, almost everyone possesses some form of superpower, giving rise to a new generation of heroes and villains. Fans are treated to high-energy battles and inspiring stories of courage and growth.

At the heart of the story is Izuku Midoriya, an ordinary boy without superpowers, yet driven by an unwavering dream to become a hero. Despite his initial lack of a quirk, Izuku obsesses over hero statistics, admiring the world’s best. Fate smiles on him when he meets his idol, All Might—the world’s greatest hero—who astonishingly chooses Izuku as his successor, passing on his legendary power.

With this new gift, Izuku enrolls at the prestigious UA High, embarking on a challenging journey to hone his abilities. Alongside rival-turned-friend Bakugo and classmates like Ashido, Asui, Uraraka, Ida, Kirishima, Tokoyami, Yaoyorozu, and Todoroki, Izuku faces fierce competitions and forges powerful bonds that push everyone to their limits.

The students are mentored by skilled heroes such as Eraser Head, Midnight, Ectoplasm, Gran Torino, Recovery Girl, and, of course, All Might. Together, they confront menacing villains and sinister organizations determined to disrupt peace. As Izuku’s courage strengthens, he and his companions must pass every test thrown their way.

For those looking to experience "My Hero Academia," the most engaging viewing order is:

• Episodes 1-13
• OVA 1 – “Save! Training! Rescue!”
• Episodes 14-33
• OVA 2 – “Training of the Dead”
• Episodes 34-38
• My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
• Episodes 39-52
• OVA 4-5 – “Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training” Parts 1 & 2
• Episodes 53-88
• My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
• Episodes 89-106
• OVA 7 – “Hero League Baseball”
• OVA 8 – “Laugh! As if You Are in Hell”
• Episodes 107-113
• OVA 6 – “Departure” (prequel to “My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission” movie)
• My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
• Episodes 114-138
• OVA 9 - UA Heroes Battle

The seventh season, scheduled for Spring 2024, promises to adapt manga chapter 139, continuing the saga of heroism, hope, and high-octane action.

"Bungo Stray Dogs" is an exhilarating action anime centered around Atsushi Nakajima, a young man whose life takes a dramatic turn after a supernatural encounter reveals his ability to transform into a spectral tiger. Haunted by mysterious incidents at the orphanage where he grew up, Atsushi is expelled and left with nowhere to go.

Lost and desperate, he crosses paths with Osamu Dazai—an eccentric detective with a dark sense of humor—just in time to save him from drowning. Dazai, a key figure in the Armed Detective Agency, recognizes Atsushi's potential and introduces him to a world filled with others who possess extraordinary abilities.

Osamu Dazai and his partner Doppo Kunikida soon draw Atsushi into their team, investigating supernatural cases that baffle ordinary police forces. As Atsushi adjusts to life among Ability Users, he helps the Agency confront bizarre mysteries and dangerous adversaries across Yokohama and beyond.

"Bungo Stray Dogs" escalates as the Agency faces a global threat from a shadowy villain known as the Collector. With both Ability Users and civilians at risk, unlikely alliances must form, including a tense partnership with their longtime rivals, the Port Mafia, in order to stop the mastermind's deadly plans. Dive into this thrilling series by watching it in the recommended five-season order below:

• Season 1 – Episodes 1-12
• Season 2 – Episodes 13-24
• Hitori Ayumu (technically S02E25)
• Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple (OVA)
• Season 3 – Episodes 26-37
• Season 4 – Episodes 38-50
• Season 5 – Episodes 51-61

"Naruto" and its sequel "Naruto: Shippuden" have left a lasting impact on the world of anime, inspiring countless viewers to dive into the medium. The rich, intricate storytelling and character development are highlights that continue to resonate with fans.

At its heart, the series chronicles the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a spirited and often mischievous ninja with big dreams. Initially perceived as talentless, Naruto's fate changes dramatically when it is revealed that the fearsome 'Nine-Tailed Fox' is sealed within him.

This demon, known as 'Kyuubi,' once attacked the Hidden Leaf Village, prompting the brave Fourth Hokage to seal it inside the newborn Naruto to protect his people. This decision carved the path of Naruto's challenging and extraordinary life.

Despite facing rejection and loneliness, Naruto's vibrant personality and relentless determination drive him toward his ultimate goal: to protect his friends and become the leader—the Hokage—of the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

Featuring thrilling battles, heartfelt moments, and a message of perseverance, "Naruto" remains a beloved action anime that continues to captivate audiences around the globe.

In a rundown building in Akihabara, Rintarou Okabe embraces his eccentric persona as a self-proclaimed mad scientist. Alongside his quirky companions, hacker Hashida "Daru" Itaru and his childhood friend Mayuri Shiina, he spearheads the creation of "future gadgets" that blur the lines between science and imagination.

The trio's most notable invention, the 'Phone Microwave,' initially appears to be a harmless oddity that transforms bananas into green mush. However, as strange events unfold, the group uncovers its astonishing ability to send messages—"D-mails"—to the past.

This accidental discovery attracts the interest of others, including the brilliant Kurisu Makise, and propels the team into a whirlwind of intrigue. As they delve deeper, Okabe and his friends find themselves grappling with the unpredictable and dangerous consequences of altering the timeline.

In a world where alien invaders known as 'Amanto' have taken over feudal Japan, Earth finds itself under their oppressive rule. The new authorities outlaw swords, forcing the once-proud samurai into obscurity and stripping them of their honor and purpose.

Amidst this upheaval stands Gintoki Sakata, the unconventional protagonist of "Gintama." Despite his laid-back demeanor and penchant for sweets, Gintoki still upholds the true spirit of a samurai while making ends meet as a Yorozuya, or jack-of-all-trades.

Gintoki's quirky crew includes Shinpachi Shimura, a determined young swordsman; Kagura, an umbrella-wielding girl with an insatiable appetite; and Sadaharu, their enormous pet dog. Together, they embark on hilarious and action-packed adventures across a city rife with chaos and conflict.

"Gintama" masterfully blends sharp comedy with thrilling action, delivering nonstop entertainment as the group clashes with assassins, rebels, and the ever-watchful authorities in their unpredictable escapades.

"Code Geass," especially its flagship entry "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion," stands as a masterfully crafted action anime that has captivated audiences worldwide. The series takes place in an alternate reality where Lelouch, a brilliant yet tormented protagonist, acquires a mysterious power known as 'Geass'—an ability that compels absolute obedience from others.

Blending high-stakes mecha battles with intense psychological and supernatural elements, "Code Geass" delivers nonstop action and suspense. Lelouch’s relentless rebellion against the mighty Holy Britannian Empire is fraught with strategic gambits, personal sacrifices, and unpredictable twists, painting a vivid portrait of resistance.

This acclaimed adaptation, known for its thought-provoking commentary, explores espionage, unjust colonization, moral ambiguity, and dramatic undertones. At its core, the series delves into the human desire for power—dissecting not only its dangers, but the underlying motivations that drive us to seek it.

Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama is a seemingly ordinary boy who recently awakened powerful psychic abilities. While many might see these gifts as a blessing, Mob discovers they bring just as much danger as potential. He struggles to keep his powers under control as he navigates the challenges of adolescence.

Mob's crush, Tsubomi, grows increasingly uninterested in conventional approaches, prompting him to seek advice and guidance. To better understand his abilities and impress her, Mob enlists the help of Arataka Reigen, a self-proclaimed master psychic who, unbeknownst to Mob, is actually a charismatic con artist.

Despite Reigen's questionable legitimacy, Mob is drawn into various ghost-busting missions, desperate to learn and control his extraordinary skills. Each task leaves him with more questions and little true mastery over his dangerous talents.

Early in the anime, Mob exercises only limited control, reluctant to unleash his true potential. However, his emotions are a volatile trigger, and every unguarded moment edges him closer to losing control in ways that could have disastrous consequences for everyone.

"Mob Psycho 100" serves up a compelling mix of heart, humor, and explosive action, following Mob's journey as he confronts both supernatural threats and the turbulence of growing up.

“Cowboy Bebop” is a standout example of the anime medium's creative versatility. This iconic series fuses bebop jazz, western motifs, and sci-fi elements into a masterful narrative that has captivated audiences and solidified its place as a pioneering action anime.

Set in the year 2071, after Earth becomes uninhabitable, humanity spreads across the solar system. The story follows the crew of the Bebop, a diverse and eccentric team of bounty hunters—each with their own mysterious past—as they pursue bounties and navigate their personal struggles.

The anime brilliantly balances fast-paced action and philosophical depth, weaving in existential themes and moments of levity. Shinichiro Watanabe's direction infuses every episode with style, emotion, and a unique sense of cool, making the journey as enjoyable as the action itself.

Choreographed fight scenes deliver both adrenaline and amusement, consistently impressing fans with their energy and creativity. "Cowboy Bebop" has left a lasting mark, appealing to both anime newcomers and seasoned fans alike.

For the best viewing experience, watch "Cowboy Bebop" in the following 'session' order:

• Episodes 1-13
• Episodes 14-22
• Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
• Episodes 23-26
• Cowboy Bebop: Ein’s Summer Vacation

"Black Clover" follows the journey of Asta and Yuno, two orphans abandoned together at a church in a kingdom ruled by the powerful Wizard King. Growing up as close friends and rivals, they vow to compete for the prestigious title of Wizard King once they are older and more powerful.

Asta faces a unique challenge: he lacks any magical powers in a world where magic means everything. Conversely, Yuno is a prodigy, effortlessly wielding impressive magic and quickly outshining his peers.

Despite Asta’s magical inability, he never loses hope. At their coming-of-age ceremony, Yuno receives a rare four-leaf clover grimoire, a symbol of remarkable potential. Meanwhile, Asta is left empty-handed—until adversity triggers the appearance of an even more mysterious grimoire.

When Asta confronts Lebuty, the odds are stacked against him. Drawing on Yuno’s encouragement and memories of their promise, Asta unleashes hidden strength and overcomes the challenge. United by their dreams but walking different paths, Asta and Yuno embark on an epic adventure to fulfill their destiny as Wizard King contenders.

When "Sword Art Online" premiered in 2012, its depiction of fully immersive virtual reality gaming felt like a futuristic dream, set far ahead of its time. The series explores a world driven by 'NerveGear' technology, where players can mentally control avatars in an online universe.

Within the show, Sword Art Online becomes an obsession for countless people, plunging them into the fantasy world of 'Aincrad,' teeming with powerful monsters and epic medieval battles. Each movement and action is dictated not by controllers, but by the sheer power of thought.

Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya, a seasoned gamer, is among the first wave of players to experience this virtual adventure. However, joy quickly turns to horror when the players discover they’re trapped: the only way out is to conquer all 100 levels, with no option to log out.

As alliances form and rivalries ignite, the stakes are frighteningly real—death in the game means death in the real world. Kirito stands alone at first, while Asuna Yuuki leads a formidable team, both fighting desperately to survive the game’s brutal challenges.

"Sword Art Online" turns the concept of virtual reality on its head, making the consequences of in-game actions unforgettably high. The relentless fight for survival keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Few action anime command recognition like "Dragon Ball Z." Blending the nostalgia of its iconic '80s style with legendary plot twists, this series stands as a cornerstone in the genre. Its masterful mix of high-octane battles and lighthearted humor creates an irresistible experience for fans old and new alike.

The Super Saiyan transformation arc remains one of the most legendary moments in anime history. The main character, often dubbed the "Superman of anime," draws subtle inspiration from classical Chinese literature and the Monkey King. Yet, Son Gokuu's character shines with originality and depth, forging his own legacy within the series.

As the last of the Saiyan race and an alien with unwavering resolve, Gokuu stands as Earth's guardian. His incredible strength and determination are put to the test as he defends the planet from an ever-expanding roster of powerful enemies.

Scrawled red phone numbers connect people to a little-known "Yato God," a self-styled "Delivery God" who dreams of gaining thousands of worshippers. Without even a shrine to his name, Yato struggles to build his reputation in the world of "Noragami."

For just five yen per job, Yato performs all sorts of odd tasks, hoping to earn faith and recognition. However, his aspirations take a hit when his trusted weapons master grows disillusioned and abandons him, leaving Yato at a crossroads.

Everything changes when Hiyori Iki, a young high school student, steps into Yato's world. She saves him during a near-fatal accident but is left with her soul mysteriously detached from her body, plunging her into the supernatural.

Learning the truth about Yato, Hiyori begs him to restore her to normal. Yato reveals he needs a new partner to help her, prompting Hiyori to embark on a journey with him. Along the way, she just might help Yato become a true god worth believing in.

"Pacific Rim: The Black" has captivated audiences, especially those intrigued by the mysterious character called 'The Boy.' With this gripping anime, Netflix further strengthens its impressive lineup of anime franchises, drawing in both longtime fans and newcomers.

The franchise began with Guillermo del Toro's visionary film in 2013, and the 2021 Netflix anime carries forward his imaginative science-fiction world with fresh twists and dynamic storytelling. Released in March of its debut year, the series delivers a bold continuation of the saga.

New monstrous threats, known as 'Kaiju,' emerge, setting the stage for high-stakes battles. Mecha enthusiasts will be thrilled by the iconic 'Jaegers,' piloted by a determined young boy and his younger sister on a quest to find their missing parents.

What begins as a search for family quickly becomes a deeper journey full of unexpected discoveries. The first season leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, ending with a dramatic cliffhanger that has inspired a flurry of fan theories and memes.

"Neon Genesis Evangelion" stands as a legendary title among action anime, instantly recognizable to fans around the world. Set in a near-future 2015, the story unfolds as humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, threatened by mysterious beings known as Angels.

To combat this relentless enemy, the United Nations establishes the covert agency Nerv, responsible for deploying giant humanoid robots called Evangelions. These mechas are mankind's last hope, piloted by select individuals capable of synchronizing with their enormous power.

At the helm of Nerv is Gendou Ikari, who seeks individuals capable of mastering the Evangelions. Joining the battle are Misato Katsuragi, Head of Tactical Operations, and Ritsuko Akagi, Chief Scientist, both instrumental in supporting the fight against the Angels.

Central to the story is Shinji Ikari, a fourteen-year-old boy unexpectedly summoned by his estranged father to become a crucial pilot of Evangelion Unit-01. Thrust into conflict, Shinji must confront his own struggles while carrying humanity's hopes.

Blending intense action, psychological drama, and deep reflections on human identity, "Neon Genesis Evangelion" delivers a profoundly impactful and enduring anime experience.

Known in Japan as ‘Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu,’ Parasyte: The Maxim delivers a chilling blend of horror and action. The series centers around mysterious alien parasites that invade human bodies, taking control by burrowing into their brains. As these creatures spread, humanity teeters on the brink of domination.

The aliens possess the terrifying ability to shape-shift, allowing them to easily prey on unsuspecting victims. Amid this chaos, high school student Shinichi Izumi becomes partially infected: the parasite, later named Migi, isn’t able to reach his brain and instead merges with Shinichi's right hand.

The symbiotic relationship between Shinichi and Migi forces the two to rely on one another for survival. Migi must keep Shinichi alive to sustain itself, while Shinichi gains unnatural powers that make him a target for other hostile parasites hunting their hybrid threat.

Their uneasy alliance is at the heart of the series, resulting in intense confrontations and moral dilemmas as they face relentless enemies and question the nature of humanity itself.

"Shingeki no Kyojin," more widely known as "Attack on Titan," delivers a gripping and intense storyline set in a world where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction. For generations, fearsome giants called 'Titans' have dominated, forcing the last remnants of humankind to cower behind concentric protective walls.

These towering, humanoid monsters are terrifying not only for their immense size and power, but also for the twisted pleasure they seem to take in devouring humans. Remarkably, a century of uneasy peace passes without a single Titan breach—until disaster strikes.

When the seemingly impenetrable barriers are shattered, a brutal new chapter begins for mankind. Driven by personal tragedy after losing loved ones in the sudden attack, Eren Yeager enlists with the Survey Corps, setting out to wage war against the Titan menace and reclaim humanity's future.

Alongside his steadfast companions—his childhood friend Armin Arlert and adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman—Eren faces an overwhelming foe. Together with their allies, they must devise a strategy to overcome the Titans and prevent the fall of humanity's final stronghold.

Earth lies in ruins after devastating attacks by monstrous "Klaxosaurs," pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. The last survivors now live in fortified cities known as "Plantations," where safety comes at the cost of strict control.

Inside these Plantations, specially selected children are raised to pilot powerful mecha called "FranXX." These formidable machines, requiring a male and female pilot, are humanity's only hope of fighting back against the Klaxosaurs.

Hiro, once a promising pilot candidate, loses his purpose after failing his final test. Disheartened, he wanders alone until an unexpected meeting with a mysterious, horned girl known as Zero Two changes everything.

Zero Two, infamous as the "Partner Killer," shows no hesitation in recruiting Hiro when her FranXX is badly damaged mid-battle and her partner is killed. Together, they face a relentless Klaxosaur attack threatening their Plantation.

This chance encounter ignites a heartfelt and high-stakes journey. "Darling In The FranXX" delivers a unique blend of action, romance, and camaraderie through the trials faced by Hiro, Zero Two, and an unforgettable cast of characters.

In the quiet village where Raki lives, terror strikes when a monstrous 'Youma'—a shape-shifting demon with an appetite for humans—emerges. Just when hope seems lost, a mysterious woman with silver eyes arrives, wielding a powerful sword.

This enigmatic guardian is known as a Claymore, a hybrid warrior born from both human and Youma. Tasked with hunting these deadly creatures, she is uniquely suited to protect the innocent. Raki survives the initial attack, but heartbreakingly loses his family to the Youma's violence.

Cast out by his frightened village, Raki finds himself drawn to Clare, the Claymore who saved him. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, traveling town to town to defeat the lurking Youma threat.

As their travels unfold, Raki uncovers the truth behind the Claymores' existence and their strict code. He also discovers that Clare is driven by a personal quest for revenge against a particular Youma, anchoring the gripping narrative of "Claymore."

Known also as "Akatsuki no Yona," this anime tells the compelling story of Princess Yona living in the peaceful Kingdom of Kouka. Her idyllic life is shattered when her father, the king, is tragically murdered by Su-won—her own cousin—who then seizes the throne.

Forced to flee with her loyal bodyguard and childhood friend, Son Hak, Yona discovers the harsh realities plaguing her kingdom—poverty, corruption, and suffering she never imagined from within the palace walls.

Determined to reclaim her birthright and transform Kouka for the better, Yona embarks on a journey that forces her to shed her naivety and grow wiser with every challenge. Along the way, a touching romance gradually blooms between Yona and Son Hak, adding emotional depth to their adventure.

The danger remains ever-present, as her ambitious cousin-turned-king will stop at nothing to hunt her down and eliminate her as a threat to his rule.

Yuri, a girl with a rifle, informs a recently awoken Otonashi that he has died and is now in the Afterlife. All that Otonashi recalls is his name. He learns from Yuri that she and her fellow-soldiers are ever at war with a girl named Tenshi.

Yuri is part of the ‘Afterlife Battlefront’, aka ‘Shinda Sekai Sensen’. Otonashi, refusing to accept Tenshi’s evil nature just like that, ventures to communicate with the unknown girl. He meets with a terrible twist in the “Angel Beats!” anime.

His encounter with Tenshi is bad enough to make Otonashi join the Battlefront. All this despite him being unusually drawn to Tenshi, a feeling he explores as the show progresses.

He uncovers plenty of Afterlife mysteries while making slow progress in understanding Tenshi’s intentions. Otonashi also has a lifetime of lost memories to recall.

Being a goblin is not easy. Despite their cunning, ferocity, and capacity for reproduction, they’re considered the lowest class of monsters around. Assignments with more attractive bounties keeps adventurers from doing anything about the goblin menace.

These vile monsters raid locations and steal women for breeding purposes in the “Goblin Slayer” anime. A teenage Priestess named Onna Shinkan joins a band of adventurers. Together they go looking for a particular goblin band that has stolen several women from a village.

A ‘Porcelain-rank’ adventurer, Onna is certain that this mission is right up her alley. This is, after all, her first day. The group’s inexperience gets them ambushed in a cave.

Everyone but the Priestess perishes. Just when she loses all hope, the reputed ‘Goblin Slayer’ leaps to her rescue and annihilates the entire nest where Onna is held captive. The Slayer holds a ‘Silver-rank’ and is no stranger to helping the ‘Adventurer’s Guild’ with their goblin matters.

A Lizard-Man, dwarf, and high elf accompany the Goblin Slayer who has now added Priestess Onna to his band.

‘Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari’ is this show’s other name, and it holds a wealth of action value. From modern Japan, four ‘Cardinal Heroes’ are selected from among ordinary men and called to serve the kingdom of ‘Melromarc’.

For centuries, this place has endured the onslaught of the 'Waves of Catastrophe'. The Waves can only be vanquished using specific weapons, to be wielded by the four chosen saviors.

Armed thus with a shield, bow, spear, and sword, the four heroes set out to fulfil their duty to Melromarc. An otaku named Naofumi Iwatani is given the role of ‘Shield Hero’, and he is anything but personable.

His defensive and offensive skills are subpar. He is not easily paired with trainers, owing to his inferior skills. When Malty Melromarc takes up the task of being his mentor, Naofumi believes himself incredibly fortunate.

But she betrays him soon after, exposing a fallacy that Naofumi took advantage of her. Thus begins the wrongly accused Naofumi’s journey into the depths of distrust and back as he attempts to rebuild his image and skills from the ground up.

Roving the land solo is never a good idea, and so he purchases Raphtalia, a demi-human slave to go with him on his travels. Meanwhile, the Waves are getting closer to annihilating the kingdom in the “The Rising of the Shield Hero” anime.

It will require Naofumi to bring more than his A-game to save the very people who demeaned and discarded him.

In a town called ‘Lawless’, Angelo Lagusa sees a tragedy unfold before his very eyes. The Vanetti family, with ties to the mafia, viciously murder his mother, father, and younger brother.

Having no choice but to go into hiding, Angelo leaves everything behind and dons the new name ‘Avilio Bruno’. It will be seven years before he returns to his hometown.

A mysterious letter bids him come over, its contents convincing enough to make him go. He learns that Nero, the Vanetti don’s son, is the man behind the letter. Apparently, Nero is seeking a friendship, or at least an alliance, for reasons he will soon share.

Avilio has not forgotten his need for vengeance, though. The “91 Days” anime is filled with enigma, action, blood-spill, and systematic revenge.

A different breed of  human being is found in the “Elfin Lied” anime. The ‘Diclonius’ is a product of scientific experimentation that results in the child being born with invisible telekinetic hands and a short pair of horns.

The government’s immoral and inhumane operations in this regard earn them no public flak because everything is secret and classified. Upon the escape of their experiment, Lucy leaves behind a trail of blood in her efforts to break free from the confinement and mistreatment that she’s been subjected to.

She receives a serious head injury during her escape. As a result, she gains a split personality. One part is killer Lucy, the other is a child with limited communication skills.

When Lucy encounters Kouta and his cousin Yuka, she forms a bond. They, in turn, give her shelter with no knowledge about her true skills and origins. The government soon comes knocking, and the proverbial manure hits the fan.

Also titled ‘Enen no Shouboutai’, this anime features people who turn into fiery monsters via acts of Spontaneous Human Combustion. These ‘Infernals’ are classified as first-gen entities. The next two generations are called ‘Pyrokinetics’, owing in large part to their ability to control their powers.

Allying against them are the Holy Church of Sol, the Tokyo Armed Forces, and the Fire Defense Agency. Among them, they concoct the ‘Special Fire Force’ comprising various Pyrokinetics to help find the cause for all the combustions.

Shinra “Devil’s Footprints” Kusakabe is a member of ‘Special Fire Force Company 8’. He eagerly takes to his duty to extinguish Infernals and bring them peace. The boy has great ambition and wants someday to be called a hero.

However, from the moment he joins the Force, Shinra realizes that they’re a mess of disputing brigades. Infernal sightings are growing ever more bizarre. And then there’s a secret group who claims to have the answers behind the fire that killed Shinra’s family twelve years ago.

Mysteries and action abound in the “Fire Force” anime.

Vampires rule this anime’s narrative, and literally so. Staz Charlie Blood controls Demon World’s ‘Eastern district’ with intimidating power. Rumors of him pit him as blood-thirsty and ruthless. In truth, Staz is obsessed with otaku and adores Japanese culture.

He leaves his underlings to manage his holdings, and surprise, he does not drink blood at all. Games, manga, and anime are the three rules he lives by on a daily basis.

Coming into his world, quite literally so, using a portal is Fuyumi Yanagi. The girl becomes a game-changer in the “Blood Lad” anime. An attraction between Staz and the strange girl is on the verge of blooming.

But a territorial attack throws his romantic plans out the window. It results in Fuyumi’s death. He vows to resurrect her ghost, which is seen wandering forlornly around. Staz believes he’s going to finally realize his long-held dreams of visiting Earth.

He goes to find the magic that can bring people back from the dead. Accompanying him are a half-werewolf called Wolf and a spatial magician named Bell.

An ordinary uneventful life. That’s what Naota Nandaba leads until Tasuku, his brother, takes off to America to play baseball. The older brother left plenty of stuff behind. Naota takes it upon himself to take care of Tasuku’s things.

The baseball-brother also left behind a girlfriend named Mamimi Samejima. She starts clinging to Naota, using him to fill his older brother’s void. The parents soon decide to let out Tasuku’s room.

Haruko Haruhara thus enters Naota’s life. Pink-haired, prone to bass guitar playing, and a bold Vespa rider, Haruko introduces a psychopath’s flair into Naota’s everyday schedule. It was bad enough she injured him with her Vespa, marking their first meeting.

A battle of wits and egos rises to the surface between the two in the “FLCL” anime and makes for thrilling viewing.

If you are yet to dive into the brilliant online matchmaking game of Dota2, get on it right now. Obviously, this writer is hooked to the game, so it comes as no surprise that he’s already binge-watched the first-ever original anime series based on it.

Thank you, Netflix and Studio Mir, in collaboration with Valve of course. This action anime series also released in March 2021 and contains a wealth of fantasy and adventure elements.

The “Dota2: Dragon’s Blood” anime has some popular characters being carried over from in-game. We have Davion the ‘Dragon Knight’ in the lead role encountering an ancient ‘Eldwurm’ and battling ‘The Scourge’.

His character arc in this brilliant show merges with those of other characters like Mirana (who has her own secret mission), Invoker (who ends the series on a superb cliff-hanger), Terrorblade (the bad guy), Luna (aka ‘The Scourge’ mentioned earlier I’m obsessed with this character in the game).

And a divine entry (not an in-game playable character): Selemene, the Goddess of the Moon.

The show’s narrative is set in the year 2071. Maneaters called ‘Aragami’ roam the post-apocalyptic Earth. The usual weapons are ineffective against these creatures. As a consequence, they have ended up making an extinction event worse by ravaging what remains of the land in the “God Eater” anime.

In an eleventh-hour attempt to fight them and save what’s left of humankind, an organization called ‘Fenrir’ rises to the Aragami challenge. Select people are infused with ‘Oracle Cells’ to become ‘God Eaters’.

These super-powered people can then use specialized weapons called ‘God Arcs’ to fight the monsters destroying their world. Lenka Utsugi is one such God Eater. He enjoys the distinction of being the only one of his kind who can wield both a blade and a gun as his God Arc.

He goes about learning to master his weapon to deal a decisive death-blow to the Aragami, who don’t seem to stop populating the planet with more of their kind.

This anime’s original title is ‘Kekkai Sensen’. If you thought only people were the prime focus in this show, you’d be dead wrong. Fishman who can talk, monkeys with supersonic powers, and vampires are all present and accounted for.

New York City has been renamed ‘Hellsalem’s Lot’. All this began a few years ago when a portal opened connecting Earth and a realm ‘Beyond’. Trapped in an unbreakable bubble, humans and otherworldly entities now have to co-exist.

A secret society comprising super-powered people and eccentrics pool their resources into ‘Libra’, which is the only real ‘government’ in this new way of life. They work to keep the chaos around them from spreading to other parts of the world.

Entering all this is Leonardo Watch, a photography hobbyist who, along with his parents and sister, experience dark life-changes in the “Blood Blockade Battlefront” anime. Leonardo’s sister goes blind when her brother comes into possession of the ‘All-seeing Eyes of the Gods’.

He never asked for these powers. Leo aims to restore his sister’s sight and thus heads to Hellsalem’s Lot to figure out the source of the ‘Eyes’. Before long, the young man finds himself joining Libra’s ranks and experiences strange and perilous misadventures.

Also called ‘Nurarihyon no Mago’, this anime tracks the life and times of half-boy half-youkai Rikuo Nura. Chief of the diverse ‘Nuka Clan’, Rikuo only knows them as family. But the rest of the world seems to consider the clan members monsters.

Rikuo finds himself with one foot in both worlds and unable to fully implement his desire to live a normal life. At Rikou’s school, all sorts of isolationism and bullying take place.

Things do not improve for the youkai-boy. The show puts him alongside: youkai attendant Tsurara Oikawa bestie Kiyotsugu who adores all things youkai and strives to prove their existence Onmyouji Yura Keikain and sundry rival youkai.

Being grandson to the legendary Nurarihyon is not helping Rikuo find the normalcy he desperately seeks in the “Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan” anime.

Possessing unique supernatural powers, ‘Kings’ go about recruiting super-powered individuals into their varied clans. Not only do they protect their members’ honour but also their lives. In the “K” anime, the ‘Red Clansman’ is brutally murdered, and a video of his culling goes viral.

One thing leads to another and the innocent Yashiro Isana is accused of the crime. He’s become a fugitive from the law and is forced to side with Kurou “Black Dog” Yatogami.

Owing allegiance to the late ‘Seventh King’, Kurou helps out worthy causes using his martial arts and sword skills. Currently in power is Mikoto Suou, the ‘Red King’. A grand conspiracy gradually comes to light as the hunt for Yashiro grows earnest.

A great war seems imminent, one between the ruling class and an enemy whose origins are frightfully hidden.

A mystery invite to a place called ‘Little Garden’ draws three teenage girls into a world of magic and enigma. Asuka Kudou, Izayoi Sakamaki, and You Kasukabe already have psychic powers but they never foresaw the events that would unfold once they accepted the strange invite.

The anime is also called ‘Mondaiji-Tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?’. In it, someone named Kurousagi introduces them to a psychic-based high-stakes game. The girls are tasked with joining a community before partaking in the games.

This community, aka ‘No Names’, lost all its lands and status when a demon lord defeated its members in a game. Now, the girls team up and work toward helping this community regain their lost dignity.

Plenty of excitement and thrills await them in Little Garden, to say nothing of the serpentine perils.

Residing on Itogami Island’s ‘Demon District’ is not always dull and boring. Kojou Akatsuki learns that the ‘vampiric' way when he adopts certain special abilities following a dark encounter. News goes out that he is the ‘fourth primogenitor’.

This puts Kojou in a serious position, because without any forewarning he’s now a ‘vampire of legend’, and a powerful one at that. His danger is great enough to warrant death.

And so the ‘Lion King Organization’ (no affiliation to the Disney movie J) dispatches Yukina Himeragi, an apprentice sword-shaman. Yukina’s initial mission is to observe Kojou’s threat level and do the needful if or when called for.

The tables turn when the two of them end up allying with one another to take on the city’s negative elements together. The “Strike The Blood” anime is a lesson in learning more about someone before passing judgment.

It portrays themes of power and unconventional friendships.

This anime’s alternative name is ‘Zero no Tsukaima’, and it is quite the thrill-fest to watch. The main mage character is named Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière. And if you think that’s a mouthful check out the plotline.

Royals, cloaks, and wands rule the show’s theme. Louise pursues her magical studies at the reputed ‘Tristain Academy’ but she is far from competent when it comes to spellcasting. Little wonder why her classmates dub her ‘Louise the Zero’.

One of her first summoning rituals in the “The Familiar Of Zero” anime results in a terrible explosion. Everything quickly changes when a boy called Saito Hiraga emerges from the smoke.

This entity is, in actuality, a familiar, and it becomes Louise’s duty to put him to work. He’s essentially treated like a slave and made to perform menial tasks for Louise.

Before long, she finds a mark on his head that she later learns makes this seemingly harmless boy-familiar a powerful one named ‘Gandalfr’ (no relation to Tolkien’s famous wizard J).

It starts to look like Louise’s ‘Zero’ days are coming to an end.

As a young boy, Afro sees his father being murdered by another man known simply as ‘Justice’. All this over a headband that apparently bestows god-like powers on the one who wears it.

Justice thus drops his lesser band and takes the ‘Number One’ band that belonged to Afro’s father. It will be several years before Afro gets his hands on the ‘Number Two’ band and feels ready to challenge his father’s killer.

Afro realizes that challenging Justice is indeed reserved exclusively to him now that he has the specific band to do so. However, anyone in the world can try and beat him in turn, so they can claim his Number Two band for themselves.

Afro is beset with an assortment of obstacles and trials on the road to vengeance and closure.

Living hosts and the devils who use them to take a physical form play core roles in the “Devilman: Crybaby” anime. However, if the living host in question has a will strong enough to beat the demon that’s trying to wrest control, then that person becomes a ‘Devilman’.

The soft and sentimental Akira Fudou enters the scene. He’s unable to refuse his friend, Ryou Asuka, when he asks for aid uncovering devils in the city. A party is their next stop and one that has 'degenerate' written all over it. ‘Sabbath’ is a delinquent’s dream-party.

Circumstances get out of control when demons overtake the place and turn everyone into monsters. Plenty of blood is shed as the party-goers turned creatures go on a rampage. Akira finds himself in a desperate situation to save his best buddy.

He has no clue when or how he merged with the demon Amon. Using his newfound ‘Devilman’ powers, he defeats the rest of the entities at Sabbath. Entire worlds of feeling and desire are awoken inside Akira as a result of his demonic merge.

He remains a sweet and soft person at heart, a crybaby if you will. Armed with his new form and the same old spirit, he teams up with Ryou to help others overcome their demon problems.

There’s a place of legend called ‘Vinland’ that old sailors tell stories of. Thorfinn grew up listening to these, and thus grew inspired to find it himself. For all intents and purposes, Vinland seems to be a place of peace and plenty, a regular utopia.

Thorfinn’s Icelandic native is a far cry from such an ideal location. In the “Vinland Saga” anime, Thorfinn’s life as a mercenary sits ill at ease with his dreams of reaching Vinland.

Whatever his father told him before the man was murdered seems a lie to him now that he’s actually all grown up and seeing the world for the terrible place it is.

The Danes and the British are ever at war and Viking mercenaries are growing fat off both their efforts to win. To choose just one side would mean total victory for that faction.

This puts Thorfinn and his fellow mercenaries in a powerful negotiating position. Thorfinn also has a self-appointed mission: to find the man who killed his father, a man named Askeladd.

Will Viking Thorfinn escape the endless cycle of war and death? Will he finally find Vinland and be at peace with himself?

Mercenaries for hire play potent parts in the “Gangsta” anime. Two such ‘Handymen’ in ‘Ergastalum City’ are Nicholas Brown and Worick Arcangelo. Police and crime syndicates alike hire their services out, like the time they tasked the two men with taking out a pimp.

Alex Benedetto is a prostitute who also comes under their line of fire, but the men add her to their ranks instead. They found her innocent and the victim of higher powers, and wish to safely get her out of the city.

But the mercenaries have their own problems, especially pertaining to their faction. The city used to be home to ‘Twilights’, people with super-human abilities. A specialized drug helps them find said powers.

The Twilights are now rising to the surface and against the city’s syndicates. This spells war and the Handymen realize they’re going to be caught smack in the middle of it.

Overweight and bullied, middle-schooler Haruyuki Arita relies on online games to find solace. When he discovers that someone named Kuroyukihime has overcome his high scores, he is not happy. This is the same girl who’s student council vice president at his school and is rather popular too.

He takes up her invite to the student lounge where Haruyuki is introduced to ‘Brain Burst’, a tech-program that raises a person’s brain waves to the extent when time itself seems to stop.

Essentially an augmented reality fighting game, players must win duels with other players to gain more brain wave acceleration. Losing all of one’s points means a forever-ban from the world of Brain Burst.

Kuroyukihime reveals that she brought Haruyuki on board purely because she needs his help with something. She aims to meet the game’s creator and learn his reasons for creating the game in the first place.

But she needs to defeat the ‘Six Kings of Pure Colour’ who are elite Brain Burst gamers. This will take her to level 10, the highest in-game. The girl in turn helps Haruyuki with his bullying issues at school.

It’s a win-win as they team up to take on some serious gamers in the action-packed “Accel World” anime.

The murder of her father sets Ryuuko Matoi on a quest to find his killer. A portion of her dad’s invention has also gone missing. Using that as her lead, she seeks out the other part of the ‘Scissor Blade’.

This brings her to the doors of a distinct high school. ‘Honnouji Academy’ is under Satsuki Kiryuuin’s cold rule. The student council president runs the show with the ‘Elite Four’.

The hierarchy at the school is ruthless. Satsuki bestows ‘Goku Uniforms’ on top students. It gives them superhuman powers. Ryuuko finds herself less than a match for one of these students and is forced to retreat to her destroyed home, but not before she gets the Scissor Blade back.

Back home, she inadvertently runs into a man called Senketsu, aka ‘God Clothes’, a sentient ‘Kamui’ entity. Ryuuko is bleeding when she arrives home, drawing the entity to her. By latching on to her, he lends her amazing abilities that Ryuuko gradually learns to use.

When she is ready, she heads back to Honnouji Academy to end the tyranny of the Elite Four. Ryuuko knows this will gain her access to Satsuki. She alone holds the answer to who murdered Ryuuko’s father.

A city known for its crime and depravity (within the “Black Lagoon” anime’s narrative), Roanapur in Thailand is as corrupt as they come. Delinquents and local crime syndicates suffuse the metropolis, and even church officials are not exempt from the claws of corruption.

Rokurou Okajima has so far been living a boring life. Until the Japanese businessman is sent on a delivery trip to Southeast Asia. A mercenary group operating out of Roanapur captures him.

Known simply as the Black Lagoon, this group plans to use Rokurou as a negotiating chip. Whatever bargain they wanted fails to come through. His former employer’s abandonment leads Rokurou into Black Lagoon’s fold.

Plenty of bloody trials and tribulations await him now that he’s part of the cutthroat group. Virtue and morality come under heavy question in this high-octane thriller anime in which a businessman turns mercenary.

The ‘Flying Pussyfoot’ transcontinental train is embarking on its infamous voyage in 1930s Chicago. It will leave a trail of death and destruction. Meanwhile, seeking immortality elixir bottles in New York is Szilard, an ambitious scientist.

His aide Ennis, who often wishes he were somewhere else, accompanies him in the search. Mafia groups in the nation are ever at war with one another, adding to the chaos and confusion in the “Baccano!” anime.

Back in 1711, Advena Avis hosts a handful of alchemists who prove that playing with immortality is never a good idea. Varied timelines and characters suffuse this action-packed anime. All their stories connect in interesting ways.

Themes surrounding immortality, alchemy, and survival are inter-linked in the series. Isaac and Miria are two particular characters who bridge several others in the show. The would-be thieves have captivating story arcs that result in the forging of bonds as well as consequences.

Hidden from the surface world is a deep underground village. Simon and Kamina call this place home. The boys are quite distinct from one another. Whereas Kamina is an ambitious loose cannon Simon is as timid as he is reserved.

During an excavation, Simon discovers what he later learns is an ancient artifact of war, specifically an ‘ignition key’. The boys refer to this key as ‘Lagann’. When the surface people suddenly attack their underground world, the two boys use the key to put up an adequate defense.

Accompanying them in the “Gurren Lagann” anime is Yoko Littner, a surface-dweller and skilled gun wielder who’s as hot-blooded as her red hair. The surface was supposedly a wasteland but when Kamina and Simon spot the blue sky now open above, they decide to go exploring with Yoko.

Using powerful machines called ‘Gunmen’, they wage battle against the ‘Beastmen’ who have proven to be a thorn in humanity’s side in this post-apocalyptic narrative. There’s a major mystery in the pipeline for the main characters to solve as they explore more of the unknown world above.

Being the best ‘Btooom!’ player in Japan does not make up for Ryouta Sakamoto’s real-life problems. He is an unemployed young man who resides with his mother and has but one accomplishment to his name.

When he suddenly finds himself stranded on an island, with no memory of how he arrived there, and in possession of a green crystal embedded in his left arm, Ryouta justifiably panics.

He knows where he is in the “Btooom!” anime. He is in a real-life version of the game he has aced. The stakes are life or death, and Ryouta is armed with a specialized bag of bombs called ‘BIMs’.

Seven fellow participants are similarly armed and tasked with taking one another out and reclaiming their crystals. This is the only way the final survivor will return home. Ryouta’s initial pacifist nature is forced into one of aggression as other players prove non-cooperative.

Befriending fellow-player Himiko, Ryoutas seek a way off the island. Meanwhile, they also strive to figure out the cause and consequence of this real-life version of the ‘Btooom!’ game.

A fictional Second World War Japan prevails in the “Tokyo Ravens” anime. The people in it use a war-winning technique of magic called ‘Onmyoudou’ against demons. But the nation is beset with the ‘Great Spiritual Disaster’, an annihilation event caused by the Onmyouji Yakou Tsuchimikado.

To counter the rising demon threat, the ‘Onmyou Agency’ is established. Over the years, the agency has evolved. It has branched out into technology and medicine, to name two sectors.

The magic used in the series is not accessible to everyone, though. The Tsuchimikado family’s own Harutora is a fine example of that. There exists an old family-promise to safeguard Natsume, the so-called reincarnation of Yakou, and the Tsuchimikado family heir.

But Harutora seems to be devoid of any talent worth highlighting in this regard. He chooses a simple life. Circumstances grow worse when an Onmyou Agency member attempts to re-create the magical disaster of the past.

Harutora is forced to ignite the family promise and do his duty by Natsume.

Ganta Igarashi and his class are gearing up for a fun field trip to ‘Deadman Wonderland’, a fancy name given to a prison amusement park. The place is designed to use inmates as entertainers who carry out daring and often dangerous acts for visitors.

A strange man in red upsets everything when he massacres Ganta’s entire class. Circumstances lead to Ganta being convicted for the crime and incarcerated in the self-same jail. Bizarre powers and sadistic criminals abound in the “Deadman Wonderland” anime.

Only by winning their sick games can Ganta stay alive. In this way, he ensures that a techno-collar on his person does not reach its ‘deadline’ due to consistent losses. He shares the same jail as the ‘Red Man’, who is the source of all his grief. What will Ganta do if/when he finds him?

Daigo Kagemitsu’s nation is facing absolute ruin. The greedy samurai turns to the only recourse he knows, demons. Renouncing Buddha, Daigo forges a demonic pact with twelve demons who exact a price for each boost to his prefecture’s development.

The samurai’s first son, Hyakkimaru, is thus ‘cursed’. The infant lacks skin, nose, ears, limbs, and eyes, but lives. The child is thrown in the river only to be rescued by a medicine man.

The man fixes the child using prosthetics and weapons that will help him survive. The “Dororo” anime gets quite dark when least expected. Without any of his senses, the child has to find a way to defeat the demons that cursed him so.

With each one he kills, he regains the natural elements that were stolen from him. An orphan boy named Dororo, soon starts to accompany Hyakkimaru in his travels. Together they roam around fighting for their lives in a world that has gone to the demons.

The year is 2021, for real, that’s the year used in the “Black Bullet” anime. And oddly enough, a virus named ‘Gastrea’ is rampant, turning people into monsters. ‘Monolith walls’ are the last hope of defense for struggling humankind.

These walls are made of a material called ‘Varanium’ that has proven harmful to the virus. That, and the ‘Cursed Children’, who have shown remarkable supernatural abilities sourcing from trace quantities of the virus inside them.

These kids are exclusively female and are supported by the ‘Tendo Civil Security’. The organization labels them ‘Initiators’ and provides them with protection partners called ‘Promoters’. The latter double as guides, because the children are just that, children.

They need support and guidance no matter their powers. Together, they face perilous odds during an assortment of missions to defeat the Gastrea virus, or at least keep it at bay.

The story primarily focuses on Initiator Enju Aihara and Promoter Satomi Rentaro who partner up on varied missions inside Tokyo.

In this series that needs no introduction, a demon drags a hapless teenage girl into another realm. The source of this inter-dimensional transit is the ‘Bone-Eaters Well’, which stands in the Shinto shrine on the girl’s family property.

The girl is Kagome and she gets kidnapped by a centipede demon. In the new world where she appears, plenty of parties are out seeking the ‘Shikon Jewel’, which later comes to be revealed as being reborn inside Kagome.

The girl also fulfills the truth that she’s the reincarnation of Priestess Kikyo, the previous priestess of the village near which she arrives. The world that Kagome finds herself in is actually 500 years in Japan’s past, particularly the ruthless ‘Sengoku period’.

A battle with a villainous demon shatters the Shikon Jewel, leading Kagome to Inuyasha. This hybrid dog-demon-human sets out with her to find the shards before evil parties get to them first.

Accompanying them are Shippo, a fox-demon Sango, a skilled demon slayer Miroku, a clever monk. Putting aside differences, upholding friendship and love, discovering spiritual and supernatural connections, and fighting the dark forces of feudal Japan all feature prominently in the “Inuyasha” anime.

In the “Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan” anime, fans are taken into the tail end of Japan’s ‘Bakumatsu Era’. Hitokiri Battousai is as feared as his legend. At the Japanese Revolution’s peak, this powerful and reputed assassin disappeared.

Even though a decade has passed, war veterans still quake at the mention of his name. The man is most certainly not dead but atoning for his sins and crimes.

Hitokiri now lives as a wandering happy-go-lucky swordsman named Kenshin Himura. His protection of the weak and helpless gains him another sort of repute. Meanwhile, Kaoru Kamiya owns her own kendo dojo.

An imposter who claims himself to be Battousai threatens the place. Kenshin lends his aid there and earns a prolonged welcome and accommodation at Kaoru’s dojo. This series tracks the life of a man seeking redemption but whose past and talents refuse to let him sleep at ease.

Also called ‘Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry’, this anime has a distinct plotline. It contains characters who can make powerful weapons from people’s souls. These so-called ‘Blazers’ earn their education and training in this art at the reputed ‘Hagun Academy’.

Once they graduate, they attain the title ‘Mage-Knight’. Entering the narrative is super-fail student Ikki Kurogane, who happens to possess a unique status. He is the academy’s only F-rated pupil.

Ikki encounters A-rated Princess Stella Vermillion, who also studies there. Their meeting occurs on an unintentionally personal note – he sees her undressed. One thing leads to another and Stella challenges Ikki to a magical duel.

The loser agrees to become the winner’s slave. Despite his low skills at the academy, a proud Ikki adopts Stella’s challenge. Circumstances bloom with Ikki gaining wisdom and making new friends, all the while striving to surpass his ‘weak Blazer’ image.

Imagine having a $60,000,000,000 bounty on your head. One man does. Called ‘Vash the Stampede’ or ‘The Humanoid Typhoon’, this man goes around levelling cities just for the heck of it.

And he does worse to people who stand against him. People are terrified to meet him and when they do, they are even more scared that they might accidentally make eye contact with Vash.

He kills people for less, or so the rumour goes. In truth, this one man is one big softie with a painful past. He claims he avoids violence where he can.

In the “Trigun” anime, Vash roves ‘Planet Gunsmoke’ and encounters the craziest moments. A couple of insurance agents, Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, track him just to ensure that his societal impact is kept as minimal as possible.

Vash exhibits an eccentric obsession for donuts and has an attitude that is both quirky and peculiar. Renowned assassins emerge and are assigned the mission of eliminating not only Vash but also the agents chasing him.

Nearly everyone who has lost a loved one has wished they could find a way to resurrect them. In the “D. Gray-Man” anime, fans saw a certain ‘Millennium Earl’ doing just that.

He needs the resurrected souls of the dead to craft varied machines known as ‘Akuma’. Once each soul has been trapped in an Akuma, the only way to release them is through exorcism.

There’s a counter-weapon expressly made for this purpose, and it’s called ‘Innocence’. Allen Walker has spent three years playing disciple for General Cross. He makes his way to the ‘Black Order’, an Exorcist organization founded for the sole purpose of putting a stop to Millennium Earl’s malign machinations.

One of Allen’s arms becomes an Innocent anti-Akuma tool while one of his eyes gains the ability to perceive the tormented souls within Akuma machines. Together, Allen and his fellow Exorcists must thwart a scheme by the Earl that has the potential to annihilate the world.

Known as the ‘Queen’s Guard Dog’, Ciel Phantomhive is as young as he is cunning. The era in the “Black Butler” anime (aka ‘Kuroshitsuji’) is Victorian England. Ciel is aided in almost every way by his loyal butler Sebastian Michaelis.

There has always been something enigmatic and supernatural about the butler. The man’s a demon whom Ciel made a contract with during one of his darkest life-moments. Ciel yearned for vengeance against those who wronged him and knew that only supernatural aid could help him achieve that.

Practically savoring the ‘soul meal’ to come at the end of the contract, Sebastian dutifully and diligently carries out every order from Ciel, his master for now. A homosexual aspect pervades the show’s narrative, specifically between the boy and the butler.

The year is 1600 and Toyohisa Shimazu is immersed in the ‘Battle of Sekigahara’. They’re in retreat and Toyohisa, who comprises the rearguard, is gravely wounded. Suddenly, he’s in a white hallway with hundreds of doors and a stern man named Murasaki.

He’s promptly pulled into a world entirely different from his in the “Drifters” anime. In this new land, a vast assortment of fantasy creatures abound. Toyohisa even sees long-dead warriors from his own history alive and moving around in this strange place.

Even here, there is great political unrest. Toyohisa learns as much from the great warlord Nobunaga Oda whom he befriends. He also joins forces with renowned archer Yoichi Suketaka Nasu.

He finds himself part of a corps called the ‘Drifters’ and they fight entities called the ‘Ends’. The latter is directly responsible for creating the ‘Orte Empire’. It has become a thorn in the side of Drifters everywhere on this otherworldly continent.

Elves and demi-humans are constantly under threat of death. It is up to Toyohisa and his newfound allies to bring much-needed peace and order to this strange land.

The year is 2039. Japan’s future sees an outbreak of the ‘Apocalypse Virus’ (interesting Covid-19 link, though not so alarming). It has been ten years since it broke out and GHQ is the new ‘government’; technically a military corps.

The pandemic is bizarrely called ‘Lost Christmas’. Freedom fighters counter the oppressive regime in the show’s narrative. One such rebel guerrilla group is called ‘Funeral Parlour’ and is led by Gai Tsutsugami.

When one of its members, Inori Yuzuriha, encounters a particularly anti-social weakling called Shuu Ouma during one of his missions, the plot performs a supernatural twist. In the “Guilty Crown” anime, fans see Shuu gaining the ‘Power of Kings’.

It lets him extract the personality, or ‘voids’, from anyone in the form of visible manifestations. Shuu’s stuck with this talent, and he needs to master it fast if he’s to help Japan in its fight against the despots in power.

Shuu has to pay a large price for all this, though.

When the dead abruptly rise up from their graves, Japan is thrown into a state of utter confusion and horror. The undead start to hound a high school wherein a hapless Takashi Kimuro is faced with a heartbreaking obligation.

His best friend has been bitten and soon will become one of the undead. Takashi has no choice but to kill him. His bestie’s girlfriend, Rei Miyamoto, finds herself alone.

Takashi vows to protect her and escape the school alive. But all of society has been ‘turned’. Takashi and Rei are left seeking other live humans. They are trying to find any other students in the school who have not turned into zombies yet.

Slowly a team starts to form, and they rove around searching for others as well as lost family and friends. They also deem it necessary to find out what triggered the undead pandemic (dead-demic J).

Comprising the group in the “Highschool of the Dead” anime are some interesting characters: firearms fetishist Kouta Hirano Kendo Club president Saeko Busujima the hot school nurse Shizuka Marikawa and a powerful politician’s daughter Saya Takagi.

You’ll also find this show going by the name ‘Kuro no Keiyakusha’. It has a side-story and a sequel that follows this title. South America is home to a ‘Heaven’s Gate’.

Meanwhile, Japan has a ‘Hell Gate’. It has been ten years since these two supernatural portals appeared. They defy all logic and science. It got worse when the world soon hosted ‘Contractors’.

These former humans gave up their precious natures for a handful of paranormal abilities. Around Japan’s Hell Gate, Misaki Kirihara plays the role of ‘Section 4’ Chief. She does not get along with Hei, a notorious contractor aka ‘Black Reaper’.

Hei has been known to fulfil dastardly missions for the ‘Syndicate’, the latest among them being word of a conspiracy against the Contractors. The “Darker than Black” anime is a sci-fi thriller that takes perilous circumstances to a whole other level.

This series unfolds in the 22nd century. The ‘Sibyl System’ in Japan has brought every citizen under its threat scanner. Does this or that person harbour criminal intent? This is what inspired the ‘Psycho-Pass’, which marks them as normal or dangerous.

In the “Psycho-Pass” anime, an almost Orwellian system reigns supreme. The ‘Inspectors’ are as cruel as they are lethal, and the ‘Enforcers’ serve as the unwilling hand of the so-called law.

With her sincere desire for justice, Akane Tsunemori finds herself in dark and treacherous waters in this narrative. Working with veteran Enforcer Shinya Kougami exposes Akane to the flaws in the System.

Her fellow Inspectors seem to know what she knows, but have apparently accepted the way of things. Refusing to give in, Akane tries to figure out how her personal ideals and beliefs are possibly going to survive this sea of corruption.

This show, from start to finish, is a bizarre comedy. No Game No Life is a type of anime that can be enjoyed by anyone and it perfect for weekend binging.

That’s what makes it memorable and popular. Siblings Sora and Shiro want to meet the as-yet-unknown online gaming duo known simply as ‘Blank’. An email arrives, challenging the siblings to a game of chess.

They see the whole world as one big game anyway, so they accept the mysterious summons. Before long, they are dragged into an alternative reality called ‘Disboard’ ruled by the ‘God of Games’ Tet.

Every fight or squabble imaginable is solved in this realm through high-stakes games. The foundation rule is that each party puts up a wager that is equal in worth to the wager of the other party.

Everything is practically reduced to child's play in the surreal world of the "No Game No Life" anime. The siblings find themselves determined to unite all sixteen races in Disboard. They also aim to dethrone Tet and take over this new world for themselves.

There’s also a ‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ but we’re just focusing on the titular one here. The show borrows a few key plot points from the Aladdin storyline (the original one from ‘Arabian Nights’).

Here we see a character named Aladdin who, along with his buddies, defeats a bad guy called Al-Thamen. They used to live together in a place called ‘Sindria’. Before long, they each go their own separate ways.

Aladdin, however, makes it clear that his heading is a place renowned for its population of magicians and mysteries, namely ‘Magnostadt’. He also wants to develop magical skills there. His friends Alibaba and Morgiana make their own plans and wish to return to their homeland afterwards.

The “Magi: The Kingdom of Magic” anime tracks the storylines of all three of these characters, their own personal challenges, and the parts they will soon be playing in a potential war brewing in the kingdom.

The series has another name, ‘Mirai Nikki’, and features Yukiteru Amano, a high schooler who relies on his cellphone-diary to store various thoughts. He seems to have created two imaginary friends: Deus Ex Machina, the god of space-time Murmur, the god’s servant.

When Deus eventually reveals himself to be an actual god, Yukiteru is more than impressed. The god gifts the boy with a ‘Random Diary’ that, living up to its name, shows Yukiteru random future events.

Eleven other people possess similar diaries. This state-of-play draws Yukiteru into battle royales with them. In the “Future Diary” anime, the narrative takes a ‘last person standing’ turn. The lone survivor is promised godhood and all control over space and time.

This leaves Yukiteru in the nerve-racking position of teaming up with fellow diary owner and obsessive stalker Yuno Gasai. At first, she wants nothing but Yukiteru’s safety. But there’s more to her one-sided love than meets the eye.

This anime’s alternative name is ‘The Irregular at Magic High School’, which sums up its core storyline. The narrative (set in the 21st century) starts by breaking the concept of magic as a fairy tale.

Magic in this anime is a ‘technical skill’ requirement in school. It has become something of a ‘systematized technology’. ‘First High School’ is the name of the institution where students go to learn magic.

It is not ‘Hogwarts’ in any way. The “Mahouka Koukou No Rettousei” anime has students divided into categories based on their entrance exam scores. ‘The first Course’ contains high scorers called ‘Blooms’.

Reserve students are thrown into ‘Second Course’ and are called ‘Weeds’. The show is seen through the eyes of siblings Tatsuya Shiba (Bloom) and Miyuki Shiba (Weed). Miyuki proves academically incompetent.

Despite her test results, she has exceptional technical know-how, top-notch fighting skills, and exemplary magical techniques. This leaves her brother Tatsuya, who actually passed the test, in the unenviable position of being the ‘Irregular’ at this school.

Ikebukuro is Tokyo’s downtown district and the place where an urban legend stands strong within the “Durarara!!” anime’s narrative. It’s bad enough that the place is rife with unknown gangs and bizarre rumours.

One such rumour has it that a certain ‘Black Rider’ roves around the area on an ebony motorcycle. Get this, the rider has no head. Mikado Ryuugamine heads over to Tokyo on a friend’s invite.

Mikado always wanted to experience city life. When he spots the headless biker on his very first day, he feels he’s living out the excitement he’s been craving for years.

Along with some of Ikebukuro’s interesting inhabitants, Mikado begins exploring the city’s supernatural goings-on. Soon he is entangled in events that are beyond his power to control.

The ‘Revolutionary Army’ in this series has its own secret assassination branch called ‘Night Raid’. Not only does the nation’s Prime Minister have a truly ironic name (he’s called ‘Honest’), his greed and cruelty inspired the founding of Night Raid in the first place.

Its members are present purely to overthrow the PM, who's known to exploit the innocence of the child emperor. As a consequence of it all, the entire country experiences adversity.

The freshest member of Night Raid is the show’s protagonist, Tatsumi. Seeing the poverty and decadence in his hometown, the naïve young man leaves to find a way to help his people.

He is impressed by what the Night Raid was doing and thus joined them in the fight against the Empire. He and his fellow members are ‘assassins with a cause’ in the “Akame ga Kill!” anime.

Plenty of installments under this title, but we’re going to deal with just the first one here. The ‘Holy Grail’ is not just all-knowing, it has also proven to grant uncountable wishes.

It is what sparked three wars in the past, with a fourth on the way. The ‘Einzbern family’ comes into possession of the Grail and believes things will be different this time.

The family is desperate enough to seek the right alliances. They give their sole daughter’s (Irisviel’s) hand in marriage as a ‘binding contract’ to Kiritsugu “Magus Killer” Emiya. Ancient paranormal familiars support six of Kiritsugu’s competitors in a ruthless game of survival where each party has its own ambitions and goals.

Kiritsugu has his own familiar called Saber. In the “Fate/Zero” anime, fans see Kiritsugu finding more than his match in a priest named Kirei Kotomine. This anime contains beautiful ‘battle royale’ themes worth watching.

The show’s Japanese name is ‘Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no Wa Machigatteiru Darou ka’. This series follows Bell Cranel who resides in a city called ‘Orario’. His goal is to become the land’s best adventurer.

But Bell is also quite a naïve young man. He encounters a goddess named Hestia, who is as lonely as she is beautiful. Together the two of them make progress in Orario’s catacombs, which are known for their blood-thirsty monsters.

A strange power is said to reside inside these catacombs, which are commonly referred to as ‘Dungeons’ in the “Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?” anime.

The series portrays deities and people living together. Life above-ground is not that easy either, but Bell and Hestia strive to make something of it. Friendships and mistakes rise up in good measure within the framework of this almost-mythic series.

Magic reigns in the mystical land of ‘Fiore’. ‘Magic Guilds’ are the heart and soul of almost all activity in this place. Mages come together and adopt job requests of the – if you haven’t guessed it already – magical kind.

One of the most reputed guilds in this realm is ‘Fairy Tail’. Aiming for wizardhood, the mage Lucy Heartfilia goes in search of the celestial gate keys. Accompanying her on her quest are Natsu Dragneel and his partner Happy.

They have their own mission, one where they’re attempting to find Natsu’s foster dad who just so happens to be a dragon called Igneel. The “Fairy Tail” anime is packed with fun and excitement.

Trickery and abductions unfold, only for Lucy to learn that her abductor belongs to the Fairy Tail guild. Foes become friends and Lucy is introduced to eccentric people like: Erza Scarlet, a magic swordswoman Gray Fullbuster, an ice wizard. Adventures abound involving the group in this unforgettable series.

Aka ‘Hataraku Maou-Sama!’, is an anime worth watching for several reasons. Quake ye mortals because ‘Demon Lord Satan’ is an actual character in the show. With his expansive demon armies, he starts to conquer ‘Ente Isla’.

He fails to take over the continent thanks to the efforts of Emilia, a heroine in her own right. Satan is left taking a portal into another world, namely ours.

The human realm becomes his unwitting refuge in the “The Devil Is a Part-Timer!” anime. Alsiel, his loyal general, travels over with his master into modern Tokyo. They attempt to find ways to return to their own realm and complete what they started.

Worse, there is no magic in the human world. Satan is thus left working part-time as a person called Sadao Maou. Suffice to say he hates his job at ‘MgRonald’s’ (some obvious wordplay here), a fast-food restaurant.

He gradually loses sight of his real aim and starts to plan an Earth takeover, one customer at a time. From his job to chores and paying the rent, this is a super-funny action anime featuring a super-evil character.

Imagine you’re suddenly whisked from real-life and into a popular MMORPG game. That’s what happens to thirty thousand Japanese gamers in the “Log Horizon” anime. ‘Elder Tale’ has performed its latest update and thousands of gamers find themselves locked inside the game for real.

A veteran gamer and a socially awkward college student in real life, Shiroe grabs this chance to be more than himself inside Elder Tale. His adventures in and around the virtual city called ‘Akihabara’ are amazing to watch.

His friend is also trapped in-game. This is Naotsugu’s first time in Elder Tale. From NPC negotiations to other-player battles and leadership moments, Shiroe has to do whatever it takes to get all the real people back to the real world.

A fiery but petite assassin named Akatsuki accompanies him on his quest.

It is 1868 and an English nobleman called George Joestar finds his life saved by a man named Dario Brando. Circumstances give George a chance to repay Dario when the latter dies, leaving his only son Dio alone in the world.

George takes Dio in and gives him a home. Little did George bank on the boy’s greed. Dio wants to take over ‘Joestar House’ for himself, and deny George’s true heir the chance to inherit it.

Dio aims to kill Jonathan “JoJo” Joestar all so he can rise up a few stations in life. Dio turns to a supernaturally empowered Aztec mask for help in this sinister endeavor.

He makes a big mess of things, a state of play that remains even half a century later. Joseph Joestar finds his grandfather’s legacy in New York City. He has to face up against the ‘Pillar Men’ who directly spawned from the Aztec mask, which had recently been unearthed in an archaeological dig.

And with this, we’ve only just scratched the surface of what is going in the “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” anime.

Also called ‘Ansatsu Kyoushitsu’, the “Assassination Classroom” anime features a mysterious beast that eats a portion of the moon and leaves it a permanent crescent. The students in ‘Kunugigaoka Middle School’ class 3-E are tasked with the near-impossible mission of finding and ending the creature responsible.

Intelligence reveals that this beast could next be taking a bite out of Earth. Their target is not going to be easy to bring down. More knowledge of the creature comes to the fore.

It can fly at Mach-20 speeds and blatantly shows that it’s not afraid of anyone or anything. Dubbed ‘Koro-sensei’, or ‘indestructible teacher’, the beast certainly lives up to its name in this show, which has proven to be enormously funny at the best of times.

Tentacles and perils aside, the students learn more from the creature than they ever thought possible.

A waitress (young and klutzy) champions a cause in the “Samurai Champloo” anime. It all began when Fuu Kasumi accidentally spilled tea on a certain special customer. Samurai start hounding her after that, forcing Fuu to turn to another samurai called Mugen to help.

Mugen also works at the same teahouse. His fighting looks more like breakdancing than fisticuffs, but his technique puts Fuu’s harassers in their place. He unintentionally picks a fight with local ronin Jin, who didn’t really want to face off.

The shop is demolished, and the son of a local magistrate loses his life. Now, both Jin and Mugen are confronted with imminent death sentences. Fuu comes to their rescue by hiring them as bodyguards as she embarks on a quest to find a ‘samurai who smells like sunflowers'.

This eccentric action-packed anime unfolds in the ‘Edo Period’ of Japan. The show contains cool hip-hop soundtracks and even cooler sword-fighting scenes.

There are numerous installments in the "Tokyo Ghoul" anime series. Tokyo City has become a harsh and merciless place, in the anime anyway. Ghouls and humans find it difficult to co-exist.

The ghouls are always hunting people and eating them. The fact that these murderous creatures can blend into human society, even look like people, is not helping matters any. Enter, bookish, and reserved college student Ken Kaneki.

Being an avid reader, he is naturally drawn to like-minded Rize Kamishiro. Rize happens to be a ghoul, and Ken’s friendship with her puts him in a rather dark spot.

The only reason he is still alive is because of mystery-waitress Touka Kirishima. But it is too late for Ken, he has become something of a half-human half-ghoul striving to find his place in both worlds.

We particularly draw your attention to the “Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign” anime, aka ‘Owari no Seraph’. A strange virus (not covid-19) seems to afflict anyone over the age of thirteen.

Circumstances lead to all of humanity coming under the rule of vampires who promise protection in exchange for the power to rule over human beings. And of course, they want blood by way of tribute.

Two young boys called Yuuichirou and Mikaela Hyakuya are taken captive from an orphanage, along with other kids. Mikaela’s rebellious plan to escape vampiric custody fails, leading to several innocent deaths. ‘Moon Demon Company’ eventually finds the only survivor of the massacre, Yuuichirou.

This military organization is dedicated to exterminating vampires. Years later, Yuuichirou becomes an official member of the ‘Japanese Imperial Demon Army’. He battles the vamps in the hope of serving due justice.

Friendship, loyalty, and vengeance are all core themes in this post-apocalyptic supernatural anime.

A popular VR game within the show holds great importance to its fans, also within the show. ‘Yggdrasil’ is the name of the game, and its highly anticipated final hour has arrived in the “Overlord” anime.

Playing the crucial dark role is master wizard Momonga, who heads the evil guild ‘Ainz Ooal Gown’. The servers are starting to shut down, but the wizard wants to spend those last few minutes in-game.

The game may have ended but Momonga finds himself still immersed in his character. Even the NPCs (non-playable characters) in the game seem more alive than usual, with their own personalities to boot.

The wizard uses his powers to corral his loyal servants into helping him take over this new world. He aims to discover the anomaly behind his strange in-game predicament and to seek out anyone else who may be as ‘stuck’ as he is.

Also called ‘Nanatsu no Taizai’ this anime takes viewers into a European-Middle-Ages setting. The region/nation’s protectors are the legendary ‘Holy Knights of Britannia’ who use magic to keep the peace and defend their borders.

Treachery takes place among the ranks with seven knights aiming to end the ruler of ‘Liones’. Though the Holy Knights defeat the double-crossers, the latter escape with their lives. These two-timers presently come to be referred to as the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’.

It will be ten years before the Holy Knights themselves initiate a military coup and take over the reins of Liones. In the “The Seven Deadly Sins” anime, the third princess of the Kingdom of Liones, namely Elizabeth, goes in search of the traitor-knights in the hope of convincing them to help her take back her kingdom.

Netflix has added another chapter to the book of action anime with “Castlevania”, a show that takes the character of Dracula to interesting and rather dark depths. Inspired by the video game series after the same name, this anime centers around Trevor Belmont, who is the last surviving member of the Belmont clan.

The show portrays most of its characters in a distinct emotional light. Eastern Europe comes under the threat of the legendary and feared Vlad Dracula Tepes and his vampire legion who want nothing better than to wipe humanity off the face of the Earth.

Belmont and his allies try to find ways to stop this beast. Along the way, they discover that there is more to Dracula than meets the eye. There is gore and action in good measure in this gorgeous and well-written anime.

When this peculiar anime’s protagonist Kei Kurono met with a train accident, little did viewers realize that they were in for a bizarre and plot-twist-ridden series sure to take them by surprise.

The show revolves around a rather dark afterlife, plunging Kei into a seemingly never-ending battle involving armour, weaponry, and alien invaders. As if a certain dark orb in the room wasn’t creepy enough in an afterlife setting, the orb informs Kei that if he loses the fight against the ‘dark spiritual beings’ he will not be reincarnated.

Facing decisive death, Kei does his best to survive. This show is as gruesome as it is disturbing, and is not for the faint-hearted.

This monster dueling action anime packs plenty of surprises and thrills, especially for card game enthusiasts. It’s a show about a game, and it only gets better the longer you watch.

The plot centers around a boy called Yugi Mutou and his aim to solve the ancient ‘Millennium Puzzle’. As a consequence, Yugi inadvertently ends up inviting a mysterious spirit with a gambler personality into his body.

He then goes about using his newfound powers to resolve various real-life problems on the wings of a card game called ‘Yu-Gi-Oh’. He challenges ill-intentioned people to Shadow Games, with the loser having their ‘true self’ exposed.

A lot of darkness is at play in this anime. The story arc progresses into various sub-plots, including the reveal of the spirit inside Yugi as that of an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh.

The ‘hunters’ in this show are actually specialists who have shown excellence in almost every scientific field of knowledge. The villains and allies that the protagonist Gon Freecss encounters set the tone in this brilliant action anime.

There’s something for everyone in this show, anything from card games and gang warfare to mutant genocide and tournaments. This is why some fans think Studio Madhouse makes the best action anime.

Different kinds of hunters roam this anime world, making it as dangerous as it is diverse. There’s even a ‘Hunter Exam’, one that Gon and his like-minded buddies take before travelling this risk-ridden world in search of their dreams.

This anime has provided its fans with such an awesome story and deep impressive characters. Not just the main characters but all the characters in this anime have great background stories and are capable of captivating the audience.

Fantasy, action, and adventure all merge into this outstanding anime that reaffirms the possibility of storytelling through this singular genre. The show has a simple foundation but a complex arc.

It uses the four basic elements of earth, water, fire, and air and combines them with its characters’ abilities to use telekinetic variants called “Bending”, which has origins in Chinese martial arts.

This anime world is made of four nations, and only the ‘Avatar’ can bring balance between them. This supreme character can bend all four elements. They also perform the role of being a ‘bridge’ between the physical and spirit worlds.

The protagonist Aang carries the viewers on a journey of self-discovery that is action-filled, fantasy-based, and well-motivated.

There are numerous branches in the Pokémon franchise, proving this anime’s global popularity. The show may have a large sprinkling of funny moments but its action-driven approach and defined characters steal the plot in more ways than one.

Most of these characters are non-human, namely, creatures called ‘Pokémon’ that are wielded and used in competitive battles. The protagonist Ash Ketchum takes viewers through an alternate world that is filled with these creatures.

How effectively a person understands and bonds with these Pokémon is often the crux of various plot-twists. Relationships like that between Ash and Kukui integrate an emotional angle into this fantastically balanced action anime series.

In a world made of five great seas, this adventure-driven action anime takes us back to the golden age of pirates. The pirate king, Gol D. Rogers, left behind a legacy by way of a ‘verbal treasure map’.

The characters in this anime series try to track said treasure down by relying on nothing but Rogers’s final words, that all his treasure was hidden in “that place”, and in one piece.

From characters like Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of the sea-worthy gang comprising the ‘Strawhat Pirates’, fans got an anime that is equal parts fun and action-oriented. Various factions (the marines, world government leaders, the nobility, the revolutionary army) vie for supremacy.

Luffy’s don’t-care attitude is charming, but his sub-textual message is even more profound. His desire to find Rogers’s treasure and become the new pirate king means he also finds true freedom in the world.

When Aslan Jade "Ash Lynx" Callenreese is discovered on the gritty streets of New York City by mafia kingpin Dino Golzine, it ignites a narrative upheaval of the most captivating nature.

In the “Banana Fish” anime, Aslan’s a runaway who becomes the boss of his own gang at the ripe young age of seventeen. The show’s very name is lent to a mysterious something that Aslan tries to figure out. ‘Banana Fish’ was also the very words his big brother, Griffin, has been muttering since his return from the Iraq War.

Circumstances lead to Dino sending his men to take Aslan down. At this time, the boy is in his underground bar hideout. Also around this time, his buddy Skip introduces Aslan to a couple of American reporters.

Shunichi Ibe and assistant Eiji Okumura are on a mission to write a detailed exposé on American street gangs. Aslan’s associate, Shorter Wong, warns him of Dino’s coming. This results in a full-fledged action sequence resulting in the kidnapping of both Eiji and Skip.

Aslan now has his plate full with rescue, survival, and that enigmatic ‘Banana Fish’.

This memorable character-driven action anime has inspired fans of the genre to no end. The story centers around ‘Band of the Hawk’ mercenary leader Griffiths and lone-wolf mercenary Guts. The plotline is distinctly battle-oriented, making this show truly live up to the action anime trend.

The rivalry between Griffiths and Guts is also something worth watching. The entire anime takes place in a medieval setting, with Guts trying to forge his own path in a world as gritty as it is power-hungry.

The series delves beautifully into the darker side of human nature, and other manifold tragedies. 90s-era gore complements amazing sword fights in this series known for having some of the most compelling characters in anime.

This anime takes action and familial bonding to a whole other level. Fans will have discovered plenty of dark moments in this well-written series, as well as a generous helping of warm emotions.

In “Brotherhood”, Edward and Alphonse find themselves on the path to bring their mother back from the afterlife. They make a serious error by not considering the ‘Law of Equivalent Exchange.

The storyline also boasts some interesting transmutation scenes involving the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. From occultism and alchemy to mysticism and the paranormal, you’ll find plenty to appreciate in this outstanding action anime. “Brotherhood” released in 2009/2010, and is an alternate version of the original “Fullmetal” show that came out in 2003/2004.

The former completes the story of the two brothers, in keeping with the manga that originally inspired the show.

“Hellsing” and “Hellsing Ultimate” are two chapters in the book of action anime that simply must be seen to be appreciated. Drawing heavily upon the former, as well as the manga that inspired it, “Ultimate” has become a standard-setter in action anime.

Anyone familiar with vampiric lore will find the name interesting.‘Van Helsing’ is the original literary character this anime is based on, only this action-oriented show takes things up several notches.

It is not just a story of survival but also one that covers a range of macabre moments, including (though not restricted to) inhumane acts of the depraved kind. Plenty of gore in this series, as you can imagine.

“Bankai!!” Most fans will actually hear this word in their heads, one uttered by the protagonist (Ichigo Kurosaki) of this excellent action anime series. This is one of the longest-running anime series and follows high schooler Ichigo who is capable of seeing spirits, including the dangerous kind called ‘Hollows’.

The character of ‘Soul Reaper’ Rukia plays a crucial part in his journey. There are beautiful family-driven moments in this show and not a small amount of comic relief. Plenty of action balances it out, giving viewers enough reason to understand how this show still enjoys a vast fanbase.

It covers a good deal about life in the afterlife, which adds to its storytelling value. The songs in this anime are just as brilliant as its wide array of characters.

Paranormal themes and outstanding musical scoring complement the unforgettable action sequences in this surprisingly underrated anime. Maka Albarn is the main character in this show, but he is far from the only memorable one.

To be fair, his scythe weapon is just as much a character in its own right. ‘Death Scythes’ are begotten when the human wielder in question hunts down ninety-nine bad people and one witch, in a specific order.

They should also succeed in properly extracting each of these souls. In a fictional location in Nevada are two schools. ‘Death Academy’ deals with weapons while ‘Death City’ trains weapon wielders.

This brilliantly written anime progresses with characters learning how to sync with their weapons, and using them to dish out some serious damage. They all answer to a ‘Death God’, further adding to the supernatural attraction woven into this anime series.

A recent title in the list of anime greatness, this beautifully illustrated and perfectly directed Netflix show deserves all praise for its wit, pace, and action. Outstanding voice talents – as with all the anime recommendations on this list – have set this show a class apart.

The tale follows the story of Heron, the bastard son of Zeus, as he experiences emotional tragedy and loss on his path to becoming his better self. His half-brother Seraphim experiences his transformation, particularly his dark choice to adopt demon hood via the consumption of the flesh and blood of a Giant.

Many Greek mythos pervades the series, with clever modifications made here and there. They did not skip on the gore either, making this action-driven series a must-see. Season 1 recently concluded, with quite the jaw-dropping cliffhanger.

Containing a good dose of ‘punchlines’, this comedic action anime certainly lives up to its repute. The protagonist is a guy named Saitama who, to put it simply, has ambitions to become an actual superhero so he can fight an epic villain, much like he recalls hearing about in stories.

A self-appointed training regimen takes a strange turn. Not only does Saitama lose all his hair, but he also becomes inhumanly strong. His dreams are never quite realized because when you can take a person out with a single punch, there will definitely be no long-drawn-out villain battles.

So much for those three years of training. His journey in the “One Punch Man” anime becomes one of seeking the ‘thrill of the fight’. This leads him to accept a 19-year-old cyborg as his disciple.

Together they form the Hero Association to help the world recognize their efforts.

17 years ago on the continent of Africa, there appeared a set of strange humans called ‘Ajin’. When ordinary people found them, they did the obvious and panicked, considering the Ajin a grave threat to humankind.

Not only are these entities indestructible they also wield superhuman powers. For the safety of all present, any Ajin witnessed is immediately arrested. High schooler Kei Nagai has aimed to become a doctor someday.

His knowledge of Ajin is only what he hears about them on the news, that too barely. At school, Ajin is not even considered part of the human race. Kei never quite listens in class either, so his know-how of these ‘people’ is little to nothing.

A fatal accident claims Kei’s life and he is reborn as an Ajin. Soon he experiences the pain of being hunted by a vast majority of human beings. The boy gradually learns that people and Ajin share more than they themselves would like to believe.

Yuuji Itadori often pays his ailing grandfather a visit at the hospital. When he isn’t there, he spends his free time at the ‘Occult Club’ where he immerses himself in harmless supernatural activities.

When Yuuji unwittingly swallows a mysterious cursed item, things change for the worse. In the “Jujutsu Kaisen” anime, Yuuji experiences several dangerous paranormal circumstances that throw him into a world of ‘Curses’.

In this show’s narrative, ‘Curses’ are horrible entities filled with nothing but hate and negativity. The cursed item in question once belonged to a demon named Sukuna Ryoumen. The item in question was his finger.

Known as the ‘King of Curses’, the demon’s physical remnant lived up to its name. Yuuji gains newfound skills and powers but he has to use them to fight the growing Curse threat.

He is soon introduced to the ‘Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School’. In it, he embarks on a journey to become a Jujutsu Sorceror.

Humans hail from the realm of ‘Assiah’ and demons, ‘Gehenna’. The series’ original name is ‘Ao no Exorcist', and it features possession as a means to travel between these two established worlds. ‘Satan’ is an actual character in this show.

Despite being the undisputed ruler of Gehenna, he fails to find a host apt enough for possession. Satan thus remains stranded in his own realm. But his ambitions to takeover Assiah have not diminished.

He, therefore, dispatches his infant son to help him fulfil the deed. Satan harbours a cruel fate for the boy. He waits for his son to grow up so he can serve as a capable possession-host for his father when the time comes.

Rin Okumura, the son, lives a simple life in Assiah until demons start to hound him. Before long, the troublesome teen learns of his true purpose and heritage. He is justifiably devastated by the news.

Instead of giving in to the wishes of his diabolical father, Rin starts training as an ‘Exorcist’. He does this for more than just personal reasons. In the “Blue Exorcist” anime, Rin also has a brother to look out for. Yukio is with him in the human world.

Aka ‘Koukaku Kidoutai: The Ghost in the Shell’, this anime has become immensely popular and has inspired all sorts of alternative media, including feature-length movies. In its dystopian narrative, set in the year 2029, technology reigns supreme.

Robots and humans co-exist or at least try to, and cybernetic implants are not unheard of. ‘Niihama City’ is the hub of futuristic progress and corruption. ‘Public Security Section 9’ is tasked with fighting the latter.

They also counter-terrorism, which has become rampant as the world veers closer and closer toward ultimate globalization. An enigmatic hacker plays a game-changing role in this anime’s narrative. Known simply as ‘Puppet Master’, he poses an insurmountable threat to Section 9’s Major Motoko Kusanagi, who’s tasked with bringing him down.

This near-robotic person-cyborg has left a trail of hapless victims devoid of their memories. The case grows so complicated that staff from ‘Section 6’ get involved. Plenty of futurism and philosophical themes pervade the plotline of this award-winning anime.

Also called ‘Mononoke Hime’, this anime features an ‘Emishi village’ that comes under attack by an unrelenting demon boar. Prince Ashitaka defends his tribe, putting his own life on the line to do so.

When the creature is about to die, he curses the young prince. The boy’s arm becomes the source of demonic powers that he can wield at his leisure. But each time Ashitaka does so, a portion of his life-essence is used up as a sacrifice.

The village elders agree that he has to go west for a cure. This leads the young prince to the ‘The Iron Town’, or ‘Tatara’. A power struggle is infolding there between the pro-deforestation Lady Eboshi and Princess San who stands by the forest’s sacred spirits.

Both sides have their own reasons to be furious about each other. Ashitaka takes it upon himself to help the two warring ladies find some measure of harmony before things reach the point of no return.

He does this while fighting his own inner battles with the demonic power vested in him.

Yuusuke Urameshi has proven himself a delinquent teen with no real hope for a future. When he flings himself before a moving vehicle to save another’s life, his life seems to take a turn for the better.

The ‘spirit realm authorities’ take note of Yuusuke’s bravery. He’s fatally injured but earns a second chance. But not too soon. In the “Yu Yu Hakusho” anime, Yuusuke is tasked with a checklist.

Upon its completion, the spirit realm’s heir to the throne Koenma promises him a second chance at life. Yuusuke thus dons the mantle of ‘Spirit Detective’ and is sent to Earth to carry out select duties with guidance from Botan, the ‘death god’.

Together they work against any and all evil presences in the Earth plane. Hiei and Kurama, a pair of demons, accompany him. He is also joined by Kazuma Kuwabara, his former rival.

All three have criminal backgrounds, but that does not stop them from attempting to fulfil the role of Earth’s spirit guardians.