You know that feeling when an anime is so captivating that it seems like it lasts only two minutes? Well, these certainly deliver that experience.
1. Mashle: Magic and Muscles
What it’s about: Mash Burnedead is born into a magical world, despite lacking any magical abilities. Forced to live in hiding with his adoptive father, Regro, Mash sets out on a journey to become a Divine Visionary, a prestigious title bestowed upon exceptional students at the renowned Easton Magic Academy. His goal is to create a peaceful life alongside his father. Despite his lack of magical powers, Mash relies on his extraordinary physical abilities to survive.
Why it’s worth watching: This anime combines elements of Harry Potter and One Punch Man in a unique and captivating way. Mash is a relatable character who is devoted to cream puffs and weight lifting. However, he stands out from typical jocks with his endearing personality and deadpan, oblivious demeanor. Mashle delivers over-the-top humor as the main character navigates a magical world. Amidst the jokes and gags, Mash challenges a biased magical society, showcasing that kindness can make a significant impact.
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
2. My Love Story With Yamada-Kun At LV999
What it’s about: After being dumped by her boyfriend for another girl, Akana Kinoshita seeks solace in Forest Of Saviour (FOS), an online game they used to play together. While exploring the game’s hunting grounds, she unexpectedly encounters her guild-mate, Yamada, and ends up pouring her heart out about her failed relationship. To her surprise, Yamada responds with indifference. However, when Akane attends an in-person FOS event to get back at her ex, she unexpectedly meets Akito Yamada, a legendary gamer who also happens to be her unsociable guild-mate. Their friendship takes an unexpected turn as they engage in conversations and bond in ways they never anticipated.
Why it’s worth watching: As a gamer myself, I was immediately drawn to the storyline of this anime, and so far, it has exceeded my expectations. It offers a modern and realistic take on the rom-com genre, particularly with Akane questioning whether her feelings for Yamada are genuine or if she’s merely captivated by his looks while overlooking his antisocial behavior. I can relate to that dilemma. Akane and Yamada’s relationship is not a typical love-at-first-sight scenario. Each episode develops their romance as they interact in-game and learn more about each other in the real world. The supporting cast of characters adds humor to My Love Story and contributes to the growth of the two protagonists.
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
3. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
What it’s about: Exhausted from a life filled with bloodshed and betrayal, Gabimaru, a former shinobi (ninja), desires nothing but death. Despite his wish, Gabimaru manages to withstand all attempts on his life while on death row. Why? Because he has a reason to live. He yearns to reunite with his wife, the one person who saw past his emptiness and envisioned a normal life together. However, obtaining a complete pardon for his crimes requires him, along with other death row inmates, to embark on a perilous mission in search of the elixir of life on a mysterious island called Paradise.
Why it’s worth watching: As the latest creation from Studio MAPPA, Hell’s Paradise was met with high expectations, and having watched the initial episodes, I can confidently say that this anime surpassed them all. The animation is stunning, the characters are captivating, the fight scenes are action-packed, and the incorporation of gruesome horror elements adds to the show’s allure. Gabimaru is not just a typical assassin; each episode unravels the layers of his character, shedding light on the events that shaped him into the person he is today.
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
4. Suzume
What it’s about: Set in a serene town in Kyushu, high school student Suzume Iwato crosses paths with Sōta Munakata, a young man searching for abandoned areas with magical doors. Intrigued, Suzume directs him to an old resort nearby. Curious herself, she decides to explore and stumbles upon a door standing on its frame, revealing a starlit field beyond. Suzume soon learns that Sōta is a “Closer” tasked with locating and sealing these doors to prevent catastrophic disasters. Embarking on a journey across Japan, Suzume and Sota join forces to avert a major catastrophe.
Why it’s worth watching: Suzume, written and directed by the master storyteller Majoto Shinkai, known for films like Your Name and Weathering With You, is an emotional whirlwind. Like Shinkai’s previous works, Suzume captivates with its breathtaking visuals and a remarkable soundtrack that enhances the emotionally charged narrative. Inspired by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, the film explores themes of loss, resilience, and healing from trauma. Suzume’s character is bold and resilient, while Sota brings humor to the story. Although it may not surpass the cultural impact of Your Name, Suzume remains a beautiful film that warrants watching (and rewatching).
Available in local cinemas, and if not accessible, it is likely to arrive on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll soon.
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc
What it’s about: Continuing from the events of the Entertainment District Arc, Tanjiro heads to the Swordsmith Village to get his sword repaired. During his stay, he encounters the Mist Hashira (Muichiro Tokito), the Love Hashira (Mitsuri Kanroji), and reunites with his fellow Demon Slayer, Genya Shinazugawa, who is also the younger brother of the Wind Hashira. While waiting for his sword, the village falls under attack by two upper-rank demons, leading to another intense battle for survival.
Why it’s worth watching: If you haven’t jumped on the Demon Slayer bandwagon yet, now is the time. There’s a reason why it has become one of the most popular anime series out there. The stunning visuals, particularly during the action sequences, the gripping storyline, and the depth of its characters all contribute to its appeal. Even though Season 3 is just beginning, Demon Slayer is already delivering high-stakes action that keeps viewers hooked until the very last second. Each episode feels incredibly short because you become completely engrossed in the unfolding events. The character development of the other Hashiras and the exploration of Genya and the Swordsmith Village add further depth to the series. The only downside is the week-long wait between new episodes, which can be quite a struggle.
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
6. Heavenly Delusion
What it’s about: Fifteen years have passed since an unprecedented catastrophe decimated modern civilization. In the aftermath, ferocious man-eating monsters roam the desolate lands, striking fear into the hearts of the surviving few. Within an isolated facility, a group of children seeks refuge, growing increasingly curious about the world beyond the protective walls that shield them. Meanwhile, outside the facility, two young survivors named Maru and Kiruko, burdened with their own secrets, join forces to embark on a quest for a fabled place known as Heaven.
Why it’s worth watching: The premise alone captivated my interest, and after watching a few episodes, I can confidently say that Heavenly Delusion is one of the most captivating anime series I’ve seen this year. Every aspect, from the intriguing setting to the intertwining storylines and enigmatic characters, is steeped in mystery. As the narrative unfolds, you eagerly grasp onto each revealed detail, attempting to unravel the secrets behind the world of Heavenly Delusion. If you enjoyed The Last Of Us and The Promised Neverland (excluding the anticlimactic Season 2), this anime will undoubtedly resonate with you.
Available to stream on Hulu or Disney+ (you’ll have to search up the Japanese name, Tengoku Daimakyou, to find it).
7. A Galaxy Next Door
What it’s about: Following the death of his father, Ichirou Kuga, a manga artist, finds himself taking care of his two younger siblings. Overwhelmed by the demands of his job and family responsibilities, Ichirou’s life takes a turn when he gains a new assistant named Shiori Goshiki. However, their lives become even more complicated when a strange accident and supernatural encounter lead to their unexpected engagement.
Why it’s worth watching: A Galaxy Next Door is one of those delightful anime series that allows you to sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in a heartwarming storyline. The main characters exude sweetness and kindness, and the added twist involving Shirou sets it apart from other romance anime. While it may not be an award-winning show, if you’re seeking a slice-of-life anime that brings warm and fuzzy feelings, while witnessing a charming love story unfold, then this is the perfect choice for you.
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
8. My Home Hero
What it’s about: After taking the life of his daughter’s abusive yakuza boyfriend in order to protect her, Tetsuo Tosu, an ordinary salaryman, seeks assistance from his wife to dispose of the body. However, evading the consequences of murder proves to be far from simple, as members of the yakuza start questioning Nobuto’s sudden disappearance.
Why it’s worth watching: The sheer suspense and tension found in each episode make My Home Hero a compelling watch. What sets this anime apart is how Tetsuo’s wife accidentally discovers his crime but willingly decides to aid him. Despite being an ordinary couple, their shared commitment to safeguarding their daughter, coupled with Tetsuo’s passion for mystery novels, unexpectedly transforms them into adept murderers. However, their newfound prowess has its limits, as Episode 3 introduces a surprising twist that adds another layer of intrigue to the series. No spoilers, though—you’ll have to watch to uncover the truth!
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
9. Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion
What it’s about: After a mysterious death, Rinko Hanasaki wakes up in the body of Raeliana McMillan, the eldest daughter of a wealthy baron. However, this is no ordinary world—it is the exact same world as a novel she once read. While her new life initially appears like a fairytale, Rinko remembers the tragic ending of this story: her murder at the hands of her fiancé. Determined to alter the original outcome, she orchestrates a fake engagement with Noah Volstaire Wynknight, a duke hiding his own sinister secrets.
Why it’s worth watching: Adapted from a popular manhwa (Korean comic), this anime received numerous positive reviews on Crunchyroll, piquing my interest enough to give it a try—and I’m delighted that I did. Although the first two episodes start off slowly, by the third episode, I was completely engrossed. The captivating blend of murder-mystery (as we are unaware of the identity of Rinko’s killer in the real world) and the brewing tension of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Raeliana and the Duke, who harbors his own enigmatic past, make for an exhilarating storyline. Additionally, Adam Taylor, a member of the Duke’s guard who develops an affection for Raeliana, adds further intrigue. If I were to draw a comparison to a live-action show, I would say this anime exudes vibes similar to Bridgerton, and I am thoroughly invested in it.
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
10. Dead Mount Death Play
What it’s about: A deadly confrontation between a knight and a necromancer, known as the Corpse God, ends with the latter’s reincarnation into the body of a murdered teenager in modern-day Tokyo. Although the Corpse God seeks a peaceful existence, he quickly discovers that there are individuals determined to eliminate his host body. With the equilibrium between Earth and the Other World disturbed, he must confront new adversaries and forge alliances in order to achieve his objective.
Why it’s worth watching: If you’re a fan of isekai, Dead Mount Death Play will undoubtedly capture your interest as it subverts the usual tropes of the genre by having a character from another world come to Earth. What sets this anime apart is its adept handling of serious and weighty themes, interspersed with dark humor to counterbalance the violence. The characters in Dead Mount Death Play, including the morally ambiguous Corpse God, contribute to the depth and intrigue of the storyline, keeping viewers engaged as they contemplate which side to root for.
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
11. And lastly, To Every You I’ve Loved Before and To Me, The One Who Loved You
What it’s about: These two sci-fi romance movies, while separate, interweave with each other across parallel worlds while also presenting their own individual narratives. Depending on the order in which you watch them, you will experience different endings to the overarching story. Here are the synopses for each film:
To Every You I’ve Loved Before:
Amid the challenges of making friends following his parents’ divorce, Koyomi Takasaki encounters Kazune Takigawa, who claims that they have met before. Kazune reveals that she originates from World Line 85, an alternate universe where she and Koyomi are lovers. In a reality where traversing between dimensions is natural, could Koyomi actually be the one from another world?
To Me, The One Who Loved You:
Koyomi Hidaka and Shiori Sato meet at his father’s research center and begin to develop romantic feelings for each other. However, their parents also fall in love and eventually marry. To avoid becoming step-siblings, they decide to escape to a parallel universe. While traveling between dimensions is common in their world, it is not without consequences. Is there a universe where the young couple can exist, and what sacrifices must they make to find it?
Why it’s worth watching: The concept of these two separate yet interconnected films offers a truly unique storytelling experience. Additionally, depending on the viewing order, you have control over the ultimate outcome of the story, with a bonus third ending that can be unlocked by alternating between the “blue movie” and “red movie.” Without revealing too much, it’s best to approach these films with limited prior knowledge, prepare a box of tissues, and fully immerse yourself in the narratives (as the scientific elements within the movies may be complex to comprehend at times).
Available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
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