Get ready to add some shows to your “must watch” list!
Attack on Titan (Shingeki No Kyojin)
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "The anime follows the manga storyline, the story is super great, and the animation is aesthetically pleasing to the eye!! And well, you got Levi Ackerman – he is so hot and cool I can't even!"
—amikkaela
Wit Studio
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Where you can watch it: Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime
Why you should watch it: "DO NOT LET THE TITLE OR ART FOOL YOU. The show takes such a dark turn and if you're a fan of plot twists that come out of nowhere, I'd recommend this anime." —secretlymsmarvel
Studio Shaft
Magi: Labyrinth of Magic
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "Magi: Labyrinth of Magic, its sequel Magi: the Kingdom of Magic, and the spinoff, Magi: Adventure of Sinbad (my personal favorite), since it's also on Netflix. The character development is exceptional and it'll be hard to hate most of the characters. It'll be a longer journey than most anime shows, but once you've finished it all in an angsty binge-night, you'll be nostalgic of the first episodes where it only seemed magical and humorous. All three are on Netflix." —itsamazingracias
A-1 Pictures
Castlevania
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "I was initially apprehensive about this Netflix original, but once I have it a chance, I was hooked. The voice cast was amazing, especially Richard Armitage (Trevor) and Graham McTavish (Vlad)." —mirandag11
Netflix
Kill la Kill
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "The animation is BEYOND incredible, and the voice acting is so on-point. The dialogue and writing is also just too funny, with twists and turns and you just can’t help being behind Ryuko (the main character) the whole time. However, something to keep in mind is that there are themes of parental sexual abuse that come up towards the end of the show that may not sit well with many people. Just something to keep in mind! Personally, I think it adds to that particular incredible yet fucked up storyline, but I know some people probably wouldn’t love it. All that said, Kill la Kill is a complete 10/10 for me!! Oh, one last thing though. If you are going to watch it be prepared for a LOT of nudity/near nudity." —robp44f35fabd
Aniplex of America
Yuki Yuna is a Hero
Where you can watch it: Amazon Prime
Why you should watch it: "Yuki Yuna Is A Hero is a must if you like shows like Puella Magi. The characters are all sweet and quirky, which makes it even more devastating when you realize the hell they're going through. You're likely to succeed [in crying] if you try!" —nigh
Studio Gokumi
My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It’s about a kid with no superpowers (or quirks as they call them) in a world where 80% of the population has a superpower. He eventually gets his own quirk and is accepted into a high school designed to train students into becoming superheroes. Izuku Midoriya is a lovable main character who uses his intelligence to make up for his inexperience. All his classmates and teachers are cool, as well. I’d say it’s a good beginner anime."
—rachela447ee73b0
Studio Bones
Violet Evergarden
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "There’s an anime that was just added to Netflix called Violet Evergarden. If you’re looking for a good story or a good cry, or both, it’s the perfect anime. Following a girl who lost her arms in a war, she’s the product of war, designed to be a weapon. She follows her own journey, becoming someone who writes letters for a living. A lot of the characters are relatable and the story is relatively easy to follow. I LOVE this anime. The mix of old and new technology gives the anime a vintage feel. BE WARNED: I CRIED MY EYES OUT IN THIS ANIME." —sydneyk416a6bc73
Kyoto Animation
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Where you can watch it: Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime
Why you should watch it: "It's such a well written, sad story with empathetic characters, and amazing action. It has pretty clear commentary on human nature (for example, several antagonists are the physical embodiments of the seven deadly sins), and it's wonderful to watch the resulting character development. Although it is a sad story, the end of the series has an extremely satisfying resolution. You'll have a good, cathartic cry - I did, anyway." —sarahashstarr
Aniplex of America
Hunter x Hunter
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "That has you covered on action romance and comedy. It'sis legit one of the best shows I have ever seen, period." —victoriaa440a6dfed
Viz Media
Devilman Crybaby
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "Sure, it’s kind of graphic, but it’s a psychedelic trip into war and the dark sides of human nature. It's the best anime of 2018, by far! It’s such a bitter ending that leaves you with a sick feeling in your stomach, but the ride to get there is amazing. If you watched the original Devilman, you’ll know what I’m talking about, since this follows that plot pretty closely. If you haven’t, you’ll just have to ride along with Akira, Ryo and Miki, and just see what happens." —evelynspencer02
Netflix
InuYasha
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "My favorite anime ever! I love the combination it has: comedy, drama, fantasy, adventure, and even romance! The first two seasons are on Netflix and the rest is on Hulu. Hulu also has the very last season of the anime, but it took some getting used to because the voice of the main character was switched to a different actress. It’s still a great show though, and would 10 out of 10 recommend it!" —allypengn
Viz Media
Your Lie in April
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It’s a slice-of-life anime that really tugs at the heart strings. The character development is beautiful. It also shows a lot of classical music, which is really great." —darienjamess
A-1 Pictures
Death Note
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "Death Note is definitely on the "must-watch" list. Just when you think you know where things are going, there's an "oh shit" moment, and the story shifts. It makes you question what you consider "right and wrong" and the fantasy/ otherworldly components to it are easily digestible, in my opinion. The animated series (and the questionable live action movie if you care to watch, afterwards) are available on Netflix. You cannot watch anime and bypass Death Note." —bauxjangles
Madhouse
Silver Spoon
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "It’s about a city boy going to an agriculture high school to get away from his family, but it’s so much more than that. The relationships and interplay are high quality, and make the fish-out-of-water premise work. I watched it for the first time when I was a city girl on a farm and it hit me in all the right places, but all the friends I’ve recommended it to have loved it as well. It's from Arakawa, who brought you Fullmetal Alchemist, so you know it’s going to be good." —lize4fe4f1462
A-1 Pictures
Ouran High School Host Club
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's the anime that started it all for me. This Shojo comedy is essentially about an honor student, Haruhi Fujioka, who gains entrance to Ouran academy through a scholarship and happens upon the host club: a group of boys who cater to the whims of young women. After breaking an 8-million-yen vase being used in an auction, Haruhi works for the host club in order to earn back the money. The quirk is, Haruhi is a girl and hides her sex in order to remain a male host, gaining popularity with the female crowds. At first the anime seems too ridiculous to comprehend but you soon realize that the anime itself KNOWS just how outrageous it is and plays on it. From it's adorable characters, to it's beautiful animation style, Ouran is a hilarious anime that most non-anime goers would love. It's great to watch when you're feeling down, because it's light-hearted comedy and romance will have you feeling happy in a heartbeat!"
—ashleyo4c9c44910
Studio Bones
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "Don’t let the live-action, whitewashing controversy keep you from this Japanese gem. It’s great if you love riveting police procedurals. Major (the main character) is a badass, complex female protagonist. Watch it on Hulu, you won’t regret it!" —allierowling
Production I.G.
Toradora!
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's funny, cute, and has a good story. All of the characters are very well written and unique. I think everyone should watch it, it just leaves you with a good feeling when you finish." —voldemortisbae56
J.C. Staff
Space Dandy
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "Because he’s a dandy guy....in space. It's probably the only cool thing my ex got me into." —tori1017
Studio Bones
One Punch Man
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's my fave, because it's full of relatable moments for any twenty-something. It's also full of wacky monsters-of-the-week, and absolutely gorgeous animation sequences. And on top of being a great story, the show has characters that face real problems." —macl4b0ef5632
Madhouse, J.C Staff
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "It's a self aware anime that "explains" and lovingly pokes fun at common anime tropes like the weird hair colors and the characters are stereotypical sports guy, edgy cool anime guy, perfect pretty waifu girl, reformed thug, etc. I've been screaming at everyone I know to watch it. Similar humor to One Punch Man, but it really has something for all anime fans."
—c4d5beae9e
J.C. Staff
Black Clover
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "Magic, swords, kings, and a plucky protagonist with lofty dreams. What more could you ask for in an anime?" —jonathanm33
Studio Pierrot
Children of the Whales
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "I thought it was going to be super chill and mellow, but boy was I wrong. The animation was beautiful, plus the story was so unique and well thought out! I can't wait for more!" —kalleechamberlain
J.C. Staff, Netflix
Naruto
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "I always rewatch Naruto, because it came out when I was in elementary school, and I've basically followed it for most of my life, lol. Honestly, it's just a really entertaining anime to watch — there are LOTs of characters and almost all of them have interesting backstories, and the plot line is v gripping. I may have shed a few tears during some of the arcs...no shame."
—yiyang
Studio Pierrot
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Where you can watch it: Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime
Why you should watch it: "An essential part of the anime starter pack. I enjoy it even more as an adult than I did when I was 10." —katyherman
Toei Animation
Noragami
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's absolutely my favorite anime and I can watch it again any time. There is the perfect amount of comedy, action, potential romance, and mystery to keep you guessing. In short: it will consume your life and it will be wonderful." —sweebie728
Studio Bones
Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun (Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-Kun)
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's hilarious and it only has twelve episodes so bingeing won’t kill you." —rdykzeul
Doga Kobo
Cardcaptor Sakura
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "My sister and I used to pretend our toy golf clubs were magical wands. We would watch the show and try to follow her magic transformations wth our wands." —rachelkoksquare
Madhouse
Claymore
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "A beautifully under-appreciated anime that can be talked about in a feminist framework including how society attempts to control women and in particular, their sexuality." —stephenb49ac7b67c
Madhouse
Sword Art Online
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "It's an interesting blend of action, fantasy, romance, etc.!" —rakali0822
A-1 Pictures
Snow White with the Red Hair
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's one of my favorites because it is really romantic and the animation is beautiful." —abulynn
Studio Bones
GANGSTA
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It’s a pretty violent anime with some serious themes, so it’s geared more towards adults. Also, the main character is a deaf badass! It’s nice to see an anime that features sign language. Sadly there’s only one season since the studio that produced it went under, but the manga is ongoing so you can still follow the story." —ashleyw472385b29
Manglobe
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's always a good time. Trying to explain the plot is easier said than done, but it's essentially just about multi-generational family hijinks with the occasional vampire or serial killer." —kaltevuus
David Production
Fruits Basket
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's about people who turn into the signs of the zodiac when touched by a member of the opposite sex. Unfortunately they only made one season, so to finish them you'll have to read the manga."
—chelseap41bbad0ab
Studio Deen
Durarara!!
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's my absolute favorite. It is a great dramatic comedy involving a mysterious gang called the Dollars. Filled with fleshed-out characters and a hint of fantasy. I recommend it 100 percent." —alixb40fa4db5f
Brain's Base
Samurai Champloo
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "The animation is brilliant and the modern spin of hip hop meets Edo era samurai is great." —sydneyv43b1d2cd9
Studio Manglobe
Cowboy Bebop
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's easy to watch and only 20 episodes. It's the the best. Whenever I feel like watching anime, I have to stop myself from just rewatching these over and over again." —karab467e5ec81
Studio Sunrise
Assassination Classroom
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "Great storyline and the show did a nice job at introducing all of the characters...to the point where it seemed like there were no background characters. I had a feeling about what the end was going to be like, but I still cried!" —jeannettep3
Studio Lerche
The Seven Deadly Sins
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "It's my favorite! Seven Deadly Sins is so funny and the fantasy elements make me drool. I love all the magic, new creatures, and the intricate back stories. It's a must-see." —ebly1487
A-1 Pictures, Netflix
Case Closed
Where you can watch it: Netflix
Why you should watch it: "It's basically about a high school detective who reverts back into a child after being fed this weird poison by a mysterious crime organization. He solves crime while trying to figure out who poisoned him. It's a combo of mystery, romance, humor, and tear-jerking moments. If you love anime and crime shows, you'll def enjoy it. Unfortunately, it has crazy fillers, but if you can get through them (or just skip them), it's worth it! You can get the latest episodes on Crunchyroll, but not all of it because there's like 800 episodes and STILL going." —yiyang
TMS Entertainment
Death Parade
Where you can watch it: Hulu
Why you should watch it: "It's incredible, because it's a show that keeps you entertained while also ripping your heart out at the same time...in the best way. You'll cry, but you'll have a good feeling afterwards." – Sonja Usher
Studio Madhouse
Fate/Zero
Where you can watch it: Netflix or Hulu
Why you should watch it: "Watch each Fate series! They're well written, the animation is beautiful, and the plots are great. They can be intense, so if you're looking for a serious, more mature anime, these are the ones."
—secretlymsmarvel
Studio Ufotable
via BuzzFeed/Travel
