Anime has become rampant globally nowadays with its charming aesthetics, quirky antics, and marvellous storytelling. Aside from its innate magnetism, its proliferation can be attributed to the wide variety of anime shows that encompass every genre, satisfying the distinct tastes of men, women, children and adults alike:
Isekai – Sword Art Online
It is one of the most common and most popular genres of anime today. Sword Art Online is largely responsible for the genre’s fame, whose countless sequels and over-the-top action sequences have garnered and retained the public’s adoration. The anime follows a group of people who joined a VR game but with a hidden twist: those who died in the game also died in real life unless they beat the entire game’s 100 levels. The protagonist, being one of the beta-testers, has more experience and skills than the average player and decides to set out on his own while still looking after his fellowmen.
Mecha – 86
Mecha anime peaked during the 1970s and 80s, with entries like Mazinger Z and Gundam laying the foundation for the appeal we now have today for giant robots duking it out against one another, steel-to-steel. 86 is one the more recent entries in the genre and has instantly captured the attention of mecha anime lovers not only with its fast-paced combat but also with its unrestrained exploration of racism, military lifestyle, and uncensored horrors of war.
Supernatural – Castlevania
While not viewed as anime by some, formerly only restricted to a series of extremely beloved games with a robust fanbase, Castlevania’s Netflix adaptation was a roaring success that efficiently utilized its extensive lore and multi-layered characters. Its worldbuilding was splendidly done, with each character, even the most minor, serving a significant purpose to advance the plot with more twists and turns than a tornado.
Romance – Fruits Basket
Thanks to its manga form’s popularity, it has been adapted into an anime, which was soon translated globally due to international demand. The anime follows a teen girl suffering through numerous challenges who ends up being invited to live with her classmate after a series of unfortunate events. Eventually, the girl learns of the family’s secrets, which make use of the 13 Zodiacs from Chinese culture. The anime depicts the importance of culture, friendships, love, and, most of all, family.
Psychological – Kakegurui
Kakegurui is certainly not for the faint of heart. The anime delves into dark territory at times, with characters frequently engaging in psychological manipulation and high-stakes mind games. Viewers are taken on an intense ride testing both the mental fortitude and morality of the students at Hyakkaou Private Academy.
Gambling serves as the primary means of establishing hierarchy at the school, measuring which students have the wit, nerves, and cunning needed to come out on top in this hostile environment. The inclusion of actual casino games adds an extra layer of immersion for viewers already intrigued by strategic gaming. For those compelled to try their own hand at the games portrayed in Kakegurui, online Casino Bonuses can enhance the experience, helping individuals find deals tailored specifically to their gaming needs and interests.
Just be warned: watching Kakegurui may compel you to embrace your inner risk-taker! Proceed with caution and gamble responsibly.
Mystery/Thriller – Detective Conan
Few other shows, anime or not, can compare to the genius that is behind the anime, Detective Conan. Spanning more than 1000 episodes since its release, it is the fifteenth-longest anime series in history. What makes this even more spectacular is how each episode features an entirely unique, creative, and impactful method of murder and mayhem that Conan must solve. What further separates Detective Conan from other detective shows is that Conan is originally a seventeen-year-old high school student who was physically shrunk back down to his preschool self, but retains his keen intellect. This presents some unforeseen challenges, and an even more unexpected set of benefits as a literal child detective.
Sports – Haikyu!!
Haikyu!! centers on a man with a burning passion for volleyball; however, he is dealt a bad card for sports, a short stature, and a diminutive frame. However, he works hard to compensate for his shortcomings. The show’s charm goes beyond the sport. In fact, the characters’ relationship and struggles cast an inescapable hold over their watchers. Each of the characters has their own distinct, often abrasive personalities that they must navigate through for the good of the team, and it’s this very dynamic that makes their interactions all the more compelling. The anime happily delves into the camaraderie among the male players, showcasing the uniqueness and beauty of male friendships and the obstacles they need to overcome to achieve their dreams.
Horror – Death Note
One of the most famous anime shows ever produced, Death Note, fearlessly dives into the horrors of devilry and murder. Aside from the gory sprees and grotesque visuals, the series also explores the concept of how absolute power corrupts. The protagonist stumbles upon the titular notebook and first sets out to purge the world of evil, a noble notion that soon ends up with him using the power for his own personal interests. He is then soon opposed by a capable detective who has traced the supernatural murders back to him, facing the once-noble student who has now become as demonic as the entity behind the notebook.
