15 Best anime that both new and old fans will enjoy

In Japanese, the word “anime” simply means “animation,” but it has also come to represent the unique brand of animation made famous by Japan. Over the last few decades, anime has taken the world by storm, yet for the uninitiated, knowing where to start can be daunting. There’s just so much out there, spanning every conceivable style and genre. For the anime-curious, or for those looking to broaden their horizons, here are some of the best anime that both new and old fans will enjoy.

BEASTARS

In this series, anthropomorphized animals attend an elite high school together. However, the carnivores and herbivores begin to distrust each other after the mysterious murder of an innocent alpaca. It’s up to a socially awkward gray wolf to help solve the crime—all while navigating his complex feelings toward a dwarf rabbit whom he can’t decide whether he wants to date or eat. Being a teen wolf ain’t easy. Based on a hit manga, Beastars features computer-generated animation from the prestigious studio Orange, which has changed many people’s minds about just how good CG anime could look. This is a must-watch for anime loved by both new and longtime fans.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Legendary anime studio Trigger and director Hiroyuki Imaishi bring a hyperkinetic style to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, which is set in the world of the popular video game Cyberpunk 2077. In a dystopian future, a young man with the power to manipulate time joins a band of misfit hackers. The phrase “video game adaptation” can often set off alarm bells, but Imaishi and his team pulled off a pitch-perfect series, working closely with the game’s creators to get the lore right while changing things up to suit their needs. The result is a rollicking thrill ride that feels equal parts Cyberpunk and Trigger. This is a great anime for both first-timers and experienced viewers.

Delicious in Dungeon

Dungeon-crawling fantasy meets gourmet cooking in Delicious in Dungeon, the anime adaptation of the popular manga by Ryoko Kui. The series, animated at the legendary Studio Trigger, centers on a group of adventurers who, when not battling monsters or searching for treasure, love to cook. Using unique ingredients—i.e., monster parts—they become the Anthony Bourdains of their realm, getting into wild adventures and frying up delicious monster-based dishes. This is one of the best anime recommendations for new and seasoned fans.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Just how bizarre is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure? The anime is adapted from a manga by legend Hirohiko Araki that began as a fairly conventional action-adventure story but over the years transformed into an over-the-top romp. The characters strike impossible poses, don wildly creative outfits, and wield powers named after Araki’s favorite rock bands. The series spans several generations of the Joestar family as they grapple with their perpetual antagonist, Dio Brando, going from Egypt to Japan to Italy. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is truly an anime loved by both new and longtime fans due to its unique style and constant evolution.

My Happy Marriage

Set in the 1800s, when Japan was modernizing, My Happy Marriage centers on Miyo, a Cinderella-like character mistreated by her family. In the world of My Happy Marriage, being born without supernatural powers makes you contemptible. When she comes of age, Miyo finally has the chance to escape her home by getting married, but there’s a catch: she’s betrothed to a soldier infamous for scaring away potential wives with his cruel behavior. With its combination of a historical setting, fantasy elements, and romance, My Happy Marriage is one of the best anime recommendations for new and seasoned fans.

Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre

For decades, the soft-spoken dental technician turned manga creator Junji Ito has been considered the Japanese king of horror stories, but there haven’t been many anime adaptations of his work. That has been rectified by Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, a new series adapting several of Ito’s iconic short stories. Because each episode is a different story, it’s easy to pop in and out, and the tone of each offers something new, from pure terror to tongue-in-cheek fun. This collection of twisted tales is definitely an anime loved by both new and longtime fans.

Komi Can’t Communicate

Komi’s goal in her first year of high school is to make 100 friends. There’s just one problem: she’s painfully shy and unable to utter a single word. Komi resigns herself to suffering in silence until she meets Tadano, a kind classmate who makes it his mission to help her break out of her shell. This heartwarming and hilarious series is the best anime that both new and old fans will enjoy, as it deals with serious topics like social anxiety in a way that will make you laugh out loud and maybe even reach for the occasional tissue.

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Neon Genesis Evangelion

When it hit Japanese airwaves in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion quickly became a certified phenomenon. Almost 30 years later, the series still has a firm hold on viewers in Japan and around the world. Evangelion takes place in a future Japan where teenage protagonists must pilot giant robots to defend the world against mysterious alien invaders. Giant robots had been a staple of anime for decades, but creator Hideaki Anno combined the trappings of the genre with deep psychological themes that helped the show make its lasting impact. It’s a classic that is without a doubt the best anime that both new and old fans will enjoy.

Ōoku: The Inner Chambers

What if a disease that only affected men spread through the population, making women dominant in feudal Japan? That’s the premise of Ōoku: The Inner Chambers, which is based on the popular manga by Fumi Yoshinaga. The Ōoku were the inner chambers of real-life Edo (now Tokyo) Castle, where women with a connection to the shogun lived. In the series, of course, the tables are turned, and the inhabitants of the Ōoku are men who must serve the female shogun. The series is full of palace intrigue, forbidden romance, and beautiful rituals, making it a compelling drama.

ONE PIECE

One Piece, adapted from a blockbuster manga, hardly needs an introduction: it’s one of Japan’s most famous franchises, holding the Guinness World Record for “most copies published [of] the same comic book series by a single author.” With its live-action adaptation making waves, there’s no better time for non-initiates to dive in. The long-running series centers on Monkey D. Luffy, a boy whose dream is to become the king of the pirates. This is one of the best anime recommendations for new and seasoned fans because its epic world-building and massive scale will keep you engaged for years.

Pokémon Concierge

Pokémon, the long-running video game, anime, and trading card franchise about trainers and their battling monsters, hardly needs an introduction. With almost 30 years of Pokémon content, you might imagine there wasn’t much left to explore, but Pokémon Concierge puts a new spin on things, both in storytelling and format. Pokémon who need a break from all that battling visit a resort where they’re waited on by the new concierge, Haru. The series is animated in charming stop-motion and is just the thing when you want to relax.

Record of Ragnarok

Once every thousand years, a council of gods gets together to decide whether humanity deserves to carry on. This time, they agree to pull the plug, but they give humanity a final shot to defend itself in a tournament called the Ragnarok. Record of Ragnarok pits gods against famous humans from history for fights that are both laugh-out-loud funny and edge-of-your-seat epic. The irreverent take on mythology is a treat, as are the arbiters of the tournament, the Valkyries. This series is another great anime for both first-timers and experienced viewers.

SAKAMOTO DAYS

Once upon a time, Taro Sakamoto was the world’s greatest hit man—but then he fell in love. His new beau had one rule: no more killing. Fast-forward a few years, and Sakamoto is an unassuming family man running a convenience store. But quitting the hit man life isn’t easy. Now there’s a bounty on his head, and he has to use his old skills to defend his family while still maintaining his wife’s rule. This action-comedy from the mind of artist Yuto Suzuki has been brought to life by TMS Entertainment.

Vampire in the Garden

A five-part original from the mind of Ryôtarô Makihara, Vampire in the Garden takes place in a world in which vampires and humans are at war. To strengthen themselves as warriors, humans have abandoned music and art, while the vampires maintain a rich culture full of beauty. In this upside-down world, an unlikely friendship emerges between a human and a vampire who embark on a journey to find a more peaceful existence. Along with its compelling storyline, Vampire in the Garden offers rich visuals courtesy of Wit Studio. Its short length makes it easy to pick up—and likely to whet your appetite for more.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

We’ve all got things we want to do before we kick the proverbial bucket, but it can be hard to break out of the day-to-day rut. That’s certainly the case for 24-year-old office worker Akira Tendo, but what finally gets him to wake up and experience life to the fullest isn’t an inspirational talk or self-help book, but a bona fide zombie apocalypse. Based on the hit manga by Haru Aso, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead combines zombie horror with humor in the style of Shaun of the Dead for a fun and occasionally harrowing romp through Tokyo.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a classic psychological thriller, a charming romantic comedy, or a unique take on a well-worn genre, this list has something for everyone. Anime’s endless creativity and variety make it a medium that continues to surprise and delight audiences of all experience levels. We hope these recommendations help you discover your next favorite series, proving that the best anime that both new and old fans will enjoy is truly timeless.