Starting to watchanimeafter 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.
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. 8might 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 admitted 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. 8will premiere its second seasonin 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.8is one of the biggest animes of 2024and easy to binge-watch due to its lighthearted tone, likable characters, and funny moments, while also showcasing intriguing worldbuilding that steadily unveils for viewers.
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 Kingsis 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 Kingsfeatures 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.
Delicious in Dungeonshows 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 Dungeonis 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,Delicious in Dungeonis 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.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Cast
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.
Watching a different type of story is the best way to enter into the anime groove again, andOrbis 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 passion 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.
Netflix’s New Anime That Has Surpassed Re:Zero and Dan Da Dan in Japan Is a Hidden Masterpiece Everyone Should Watch
Netflix’s most underrated anime of Fall 2024 reaches the top place on its broadcast in Japan, proving it’s the season’s sleeper hit.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earthdoesn’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 likeVinland Saga.Also,Orbwon’t leave the audience indifferent by giving them a new perspective on life about the importance of pursuing knowledgeas well as the courage to dedicate oneself to your passion, 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.
With Studio Trigger’s own visual identity and an aesthetic strongly highlighted by neon colors,Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersis an ode to the cyberpunk genrewith detailed urban landscapes, a society obsessed with technology, and excesses of violence. The anime follows David Martinez, who is thrust into thecriminal 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, althoughCyberpunk: Edgerunnersis 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, beingan excellent option for fans of titles likeGhost in the ShellandAkira.
Solo Levelingtakes the crown as the rising animeof 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 inSolo Leveling, the anime has many intense and emotional developments, highlighting the importance of surpassing 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.
86 Eighty-Sixis 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,86Eighty-Sixresemblesanimes likeAttack on Titan, as both share a marked social criticism of racism and discriminationas 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.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endhas 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. InFrieren, 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,Frierenisn’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 passage of time changes your perspective and relationships, and how people evolve. Because of this,Frierenis 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.
