Starting to watch anime after taking a long break from watching any series can be a more complex task than some imagine. Sometimes it’s hard to get into the anime groove again after experiencing burnout either from binging too many series or an oversaturation of generic titles that can cause frustration in viewers and a lack of motivation to take a risk with a new story. However, some of the best recent anime can not only help viewers get over this block but also help them fall in love with the medium all over again.
Although not all the titles are so accessible at first for those away from the anime community for a long period, either because of the time that has to be invested in them or because they take a long time to hook the audience, these series are a must-watch for anyone wanting to get back into anime.
8 Kaiju No. 8
Animated by Production I.G & Studio Khara; Based on the Manga by Naoya Matsumoto
Kaiju No. 8
- Release Date
- 2024 - 2024-00-00
- Directors
- Shigeyuki Miya, Tomomi Kamiya
- Writers
- Ichirō Ōkouchi
Cast
Masaya Fukunishi-
Wataru Kato
WHERE TO WATCH
- Franchise(s)
- Kaiju No. 8
- Creator(s)
- Naoya Matsumoto
If one of the reasons to leave anime to the side for a while was the number of generic protagonists in recent series, Kaiju No. 8 might be the most refreshing anime to start with. Kafka Hibino is not the typical high schooler protagonist, but he is a resigned 32-year-old man who dreams of being a hero but lacks any special ability, so he was not itted to the anti-kaiju defense forces and now works cleaning the corpses of these monsters. However, Kafka renews his motivation, and his destiny changes after unexpectedly becoming a human-kaiju hybrid.
Kaiju No. 8 will premiere its second season in Summer 2025.
This way, Kaiju No. 8’s unique premise appeals to both shōnen and MonsterVerse fans as it features exciting battles against gigantic monsters. Moreover, Kaiju No.8 is one of the biggest animes of 2024 and easy to binge-watch due to its lighthearted tone, likable characters, and funny moments, while also showcasing intriguing worldbuilding that steadily unveils for viewers.
7 Ranking of Kings
Animated by Wit Studio; Based on the Manga by Sosuke Toka
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Ranking of Kings
- Release Date
- 2021 - 2022-00-00
Cast
-
Minami HinataBojji
-
Ayumu MuraseKage
WHERE TO WATCH
- Creator(s)
- Sosuke Toka
Ranking of Kings is a medieval fantasy anime starring Prince Boji, who is ridiculed by the entire kingdom for being weak, deaf, and mute. Boji meets Kage, the last survivor of the shadow clan, and both will go through many difficulties while finding allies and enemies in this story of kings and thrones. This way, Ranking of Kings is one of the most unique recent animes, sharing the atmosphere of a grim fairytale showcasing a world full of magic, rare mystical creatures, and beautiful colorful landscapes drawn in the purest Ghibli style.
As in every story of royal intrigue, Ranking of Kings features battles and betrayals but also has many emotional moments, delving into themes like discrimination, the pain caused by bad decisions, and the debate between honor, loyalty and what is right, all this through complex and real characters with good development. Furthermore, Ranking of Kings has a unique art style and stunning animation that makes it a true visual delight for viewers looking to experience something different from the usual animes.
6 Delicious in Dungeon
Animated by Studio Trigger; Based on the Manga by Ryôko Kui
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Delicious in Dungeon
- Release Date
- January 4, 2024
- Directors
- Yoshihiro Miyajima
- Writers
- Ryoko Kui, Kimiko Ueno
Cast
-
Sayaka Senbongi
-
Kentarou Kumagai
WHERE TO WATCH
- Franchise(s)
- Delicious in Dungeon
Delicious in Dungeon shows an odyssey in which a unique party must enter a mysterious dungeon to save a member who was left behind. However, this rescue mission becomes a gastronomic adventure as the characters must eat unappetizing monsters as they advance to survive inside the dungeon. This way, Delicious in Dungeon is a gourmet exploration with high-quality animation, perfect for those who enjoy lighthearted comedy, action, and adventure.
Although the concept of a fantasy series focused on food may not seem interesting, is one of the animes with the best worldbuilding, exploring its underground world with its own logic and unique ecosystems where everything is perfectly balanced in a way that resembles reality but without becoming repetitive at any time as it develops its overarching plot where darkness lingers as they delve deeper into this dungeon and get closer to their goal.
5 Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Animated by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Uoto
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Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
- Release Date
- 2024 - 2025-00-00
Cast
-
Maaya SakamotoRafał
-
Kenjiro TsudaNovak
WHERE TO WATCH
In 15th-century Poland, young prodigy Rafal stumbles upon a revolutionary theory challenging the belief that the Earth is the center of the universe. Under the mentorship of a mysterious scholar, he begins exploring this heretical idea. As the Inquisition closes in, Rafal must navigate a dangerous path to uncover the truth.
- Seasons
- 1
Watching a different type of story is the best way to enter into the anime groove again, and Orb is one of the most original series in recent times. Orb mixes science, philosophy, and an epic fight for truth in the heart of the 15th century, telling the story of Rafal, a child prodigy with a ion for astronomy who discovers the heliocentric theory in a time when institutions repressed any idea that challenged the dogmas. Although this historical setting might sound boring, the anime is a hidden gem for lovers of deep narratives, focusing on the discord between power and authority against progress.
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Orb: On the Movements of the Earth doesn't shy away from showcasing the ruthless treatment of religious to science and those considered heretics at the time, which might appeal to those who enjoy realistic series like Vinland Saga. Also, Orb won’t leave the audience indifferent by giving them a new perspective on life about the importance of pursuing knowledge as well as the courage to dedicate oneself to your ion, even at the cost of their safety. Furthermore, the anime is filled with tension, mind-blowing twists, and layered characters with deep monologs that will impact the audience and leave them craving more.
4 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Animated by CD Projekt Red & Studio Trigger; Based on the Video Game Cyberpunk 2077
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Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
- Release Date
- 2022 - 2022
- Network
- Netflix
- Writers
- Mike Pondsmith, Yoshiki Usa, Masahiko Otsuka
Cast
-
Aoi Yuki
-
Kenichiro Ohashi
WHERE TO WATCH
- Franchise(s)
- Cyberpunk
With Studio Trigger's own visual identity and an aesthetic strongly highlighted by neon colors, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an ode to the cyberpunk genre with detailed urban landscapes, a society obsessed with technology, and excesses of violence. The anime follows David Martinez, who is thrust into the criminal world of Night City, where money is everything and which is characterized by inequality and the shattered dreams of its residents. This dystopian yet relatable futuristic setting is a marked social critique, giving the anime a touch of melancholia and making it possible for the viewer to relate to David's struggles.
Also, the anime has masterful direction, which gives frenetic rhythm and a lot of dynamism to the action scenes, in addition to touches of comedy that make it extremely entertaining. Moreover, although Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is not suitable for all audiences and has sad moments that hit the audience, it offers a satisfying ending that leaves a lot to reflect on and closes its story completely, being an excellent option for fans of titles like Ghost in the Shell and Akira.
3 Solo Leveling
Animated by A-1 Pictures; Based on the Web Novel by Chugong
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Solo Leveling
- Release Date
- 2024 - 2025-00-00
- Directors
- Shunsuke Nakashige
- Writers
- Noboru Kimura
Cast
-
Taito BanShun Mizushino (voice)
-
Genta NakamuraKenta Morobishi (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
- Creator(s)
- Chugong
Solo Leveling takes the crown as the rising anime of the moment, taking one step ahead of the usual cookie-cutter power fantasy stories and delivering an exciting and satisfying series that viewers can’t help but not look. Solo Leveling shows the power journey from zero to hero of Sung Jinwoo, a hunter who, after an awful experience, is saved by a game-like system and finds the opportunity to level up endlessly, all while unveiling the mysteries surrounding the dungeons that appear in the world.
If You Think Solo Leveling Is Another Generic Anime, I Can Tell You This: You're Wrong
Solo Leveling is one of anime's hottest new-gen series, and despite what you may think, it's much more than just another generic power fantasy show.
With many epic battles against threatening bosses, Jinwoo’s heroic journey is elevated by the series’ brilliant battle choreography and stunning visuals, along with an excellent portrayal of what power represents and the sacrifices that come along with it. Additionally, besides the tension and action-packed scenes in Solo Leveling, the anime has many intense and emotional developments, highlighting the importance of suring oneself. Moreover, the anime is full of cliffhangers that make it easy to binge-watch as it keeps fans hooked to know how far Jinwoo will go.
2 86 Eighty-Six
Animated by A-1 Pictures; Based on the Light Novel by Asato Asato & Shirabii
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86: EIGHTY-SIX
- Release Date
- 2021 - 2022
Cast
-
Ikumi HasegawaVladilena Lena Milizé
-
Shoya ChibaShinei Nouzen
WHERE TO WATCH
86 Eighty-Six is one of the most underrated anime, as beyond being a simple series with a military theme, it presents a moral dystopia and a realistic representation of war and its impact on the lives of the victims. The story is set in a war environment where a handler named Lena is in charge of commanding a squad belonging to a minority and dehumanized district known as the Eighty-Six, who are forced to pilot "unmanned" drones in each battle.
This way, 86 Eighty-Six resembles animes like Attack on Titan, as both share a marked social criticism of racism and discrimination as well as the cruelty and ignorance of society due to a corroded system. Additionally, the anime has stunning animation that highlights the incredible action scenes during the battles of the legions, as well as a tense atmosphere and soundtrack that gives viewers an immersive experience. However, its best-selling point is its well-written characters that viewers can relate to and a consistently compelling narrative that culminates in one of the best season finales in modern anime.
1 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Animated by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Kanehito Yamada & Tsukasa Abe
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Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
- Release Date
- September 29, 2023
- Directors
- Keiichirô Saitô
- Writers
- Tomohiro Suzuki
Cast
-
Mallorie Rodak
-
Jason Douglas
WHERE TO WATCH
- Creator(s)
- Tsukasa Abe, Kanehito Yamada
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has taken the world by storm and snatched the top place in anime not only for its amazing artistic direction with beautiful landscapes and soundtrack, but also due to its unexpected, heartwarming and introspective story. In Frieren, a party of 4 heroes return from their adventure victorious after defeating the demon king, which is a subversion of what is always seen in fantasy anime, since the final boss was already defeated. This way, the anime seeks to convey the message that the journey is as important as the objective, masterfully intertwining the past and the present.
Frieren’s Long-Awaited Second Season Will Receive An Update Very Soon
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End season 2 could finally get the first news and update soon, after months of waiting.
Furthermore, Frieren isn't an action-packed fantasy, it is a journey into people's interiors, about the search for the meaning of life and death and what happens after it, about how the age of time changes your perspective and relationships, and how people evolve. Because of this, Frieren is one of the most pleasant and comforting experiences that viewers can have with any type of series, making it suitable to fall in love with the anime medium again.
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