By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 9, 2024
As the anime industry has grown in size and variety in recent years, the number of anime series that are released has drastically increased. The industry has gone through waves of which genres take the top-ranking spots on the tier lists, but there have been a handful of series that have remained popular for many years. Some examples of popular long-running anime series include Attack on Titan, One Piece, Dragon Ball, Sword Art Online, One Punch Man, and Fullmetal Alchemist.
It can be difficult to stay on top of the best anime series now, with every season bringing at least 10 or more shows to the table. And not all anime fans want to watch an action or drama, so where do you start with trying to find what to watch next? This quiz! Take this quiz to find out where you should start next, or start for the first time if you are new to anime!
Popular Anime
Popular anime are the top anime series in the industry that are currently streaming or have been streaming recently. Popular anime shifts with every new season and year. Some of the best anime series have been serializing for several years now, including shows like Boruto, Attack on Titan, One Piece, and My Hero Academia. Most anime series that are in the highest-ranking popularity lists are shonen, or anime that is most commonly marketing for a younger, male audience.
Which Popular Anime Is For You?
Anime has quite literally taken over the world, and we're all aboard the hype train, chugging along through endless landscapes of genre-defying series. With such a smorgasbord of fantastical worlds, gripping storylines, and characters that could put your average soap opera cast to shame, the most grueling challenge is not just watching anime, but deciding where to start. That's where we come in; trust us, we've been around this colorful block more than a couple of times.
Whether you're looking for an adventure that sails across the grand line, or craving the psychological twists that'll have you questioning reality itself, there's an anime beckoning your name. And yes, we know your pet probably isn't named after an anime character—yet. But let us lead you through the sea of choices with a quiz that's as unpredictable as anime plot twists!
Discovering Your Anime Match
Let's face it, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to anime. With so many flavors in the anime universe, finding your perfect match is like picking the ultimate ice cream flavor—exciting yet daunting. But worry not! We're here to guide you through the labyrinth of genres and industry insights to snag that series you'll binge watch thrice in a row. Ready to find your anime soulmate? Buckle up!
Genre Galore: Finding Your Anime Flavor
Anime isn't just a feast for the eyes; it's a smorgasbord of genres that can tickle your taste buds in ways you've never imagined. Whether you're into the high-octane punches of action anime or the deep, bread-crumbing trails of drama, there's a genre out there calling your name. Let's break it down:
- Action: Fast-paced and full of thrills, perfect for when you crave some adrenaline.
- Drama: For our feels-seekers, who love a good heart-tugging story.
- Fantasy & Sci-Fi: Escapism at its finest, with world-building that'll blow your socks off.
- Sports: They've got the spirit! Ideal for those who love a bit of competition.
- Slice-of-Life: The real MVP for mundane magic and finding beauty in the everyday.
- Horror: A chilling choice for the brave souls who want to sleep with one eye open.
Whether you're hankering for the charm of classic anime or the sharp twists of the latest hit, your genre preference is the compass to your anime odyssey.
Behind the Scenes: Animation and Industry Insights
Let's talk shop. The anime industry in Japan is a mega-machine churning out worlds that stretch our imaginations to their limits. With a rich culture that reflects in every frame, the finer details in animation can make all the difference. Here's a little industry insight:
- Animation: The lifeblood of any anime, where sketches become full-fledged personalities.
- Industry: A bustling blend of creative minds, from storyboards to screen, delivering best anime material.
- Character Development & Manga: These aren't just drawings; they're journeys penned with purpose, often originating from the enthralling pages of manga.
Unearthing your anime match is an adventure in itself. Exploring different genres and gaining a peek behind the animation curtain can help us appreciate the art form even more. So go on, take a stab at our quiz to beam directly into your anime destiny!
Must-Watch Anime Through the Years
Listen up, fellow anime aficionados! Brace yourselves for a whimsical whirlwind tour through the anime landscape, a land where the only limit is the sky... or maybe the far reaches of space. Let's take a jaunt through history and meet the legends of anime that set our otaku hearts aflutter.
The Evolution of Anime: Decades of Excellence
Oh, how anime has grown up with us! From the neon-soaked streets of 1998's Cowboy Bebop to the mecha drama of 2002's Mobile Suit Gundam saga, every year has been a treat. Our anime-watching parties wouldn't be complete without a healthy serving of 2006’s Death Note, a side of 2011’s Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and for dessert, a slice of 2019’s sweet and sour Fruits Basket remake.
- 1998: Cowboy Bebop - Let's jam!
- 1999: Trigun - Love and Peace!
- 2001: Fruits Basket - A zodiac of emotions.
- 2002: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed - Giant robots, bigger drama!
- 2006: Death Note - Mind games to die for.
- 2008: Code Geass - Rebellion never looked so fabulous.
- 2010: Angel Beats! - Tears and laughter in the afterlife.
- 2011: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Who knew alchemy could be so addictive?
Anime Hall of Fame: Series That Define the Art
Now, let's roll out the red carpet and herald the titans that forever etched themselves into our hearts. We might as well start with Attack on Titan, which had us on the edge of our seats from 2013 all the way to 2020. The heart wrenching roller coaster of 2016's Your Name had us reaching for the tissues, while 2019’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba charmed us with its blend of dark fantasy and loving sibling dynamics.
- 2013: Attack on Titan - No wall high enough!
- 2014: Tokyo Ghoul - A gourmet meal of horror and action.
- 2015: One Punch Man - Overpowered and loving it.
- 2016: Your Name - Cosmic love and time-twisting fate.
- 2017: My Hero Academia - Plus Ultra coming of age!
- 2018: A Place Further than the Universe - Friendship in the great white unknown.
- 2019: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Sword slashes and demon flashes.
And let's not forget the online sanctuaries where these gems found their fandom homes. We've cozied up with Netflix on a lazy Sunday for a binge, scoured Crunchyroll for the latest simulcasts, had movie marathons on Hulu, and deep-dived through the classics on Funimation. Each platform has been a trusty steed on our quest for the crème de la crème of anime.
So, whether you're a seasoned anime veteran or a neophyte ready to dip your toes into this mesmerizing pond, we’ve handed you the map. Now, go forth and explore — the anime multiverse awaits! And when you're done, find your way back to us here at BrainFall and discover which anime is the perfect match for your unique personality with our quiz. Assemble your watchlist, and let the binging commence!
