Growing up as a gamer and a bit of a tech wiz, you’d expect me to have loved anime for a long time. However, only in recent years have I started indulging in these animated stories, and it is quite tough for me to become a fan of a new anime show.
You’ll likely be able to tell what kind of anime fan I am by simply going through this list. I prefer the fantasy styles, in worlds full of creatures or magic.
This list will detail my 10 favourite anime shows so far but note; that I don’t read manga so please don’t judge me. 😀
As a side note, can someone tell me why 1 or 2 series of certain animes are produced and then no more? Some of these entries could use an extra season, but they don’t seem to get one!
10) Vox Machina
Favourite character: Grog
Loosely based on Dungeons & Dragons (which I’ve never played), I went into Vox Machina with an open mind. It follows a group of dysfunctional members of different races and classes, as they simply try to put food on their tables.
Over time, their exploits become greater, and they end up making a name for themselves. But this doesn’t come with too much financial reward, so they must keep going.
We’re currently waiting on a new season as the previous one ended with a bit of a cliffhangar. There’s lots of charm and wit, it’s certainly enjoyable and worth watching!
9) Grimgar Fantasy of Ash
Favourite character: Ranta
Many individuals are transported to a fantasy realm and given the task of defeating creatures or completing quests to earn a living.
The art style is quite unique and different to what you usually see. The action is fun but very grounded, and there is little humor.
Despite the lack of fun, Grimgar Fantasy of Ash has plenty of heart and is a great series to watch if you enjoy the “hero’s journey”. Watching these young souls go from struggling against a goblin to battling huge bosses is something you don’t get with a lot of fantasy series.
8) Sword Art Online
Favourite character: Kirito
SAO was the first anime I watched, and it got me hooked.
I thought anime was just a different style of children’s cartoons but this all changed when the plot of Sword Art Online was revealed.
Hundreds of players using headsets get stuck in their virtual world. If they die in the game, the headset kills them in real life.
The main character (Kirito) is a bit of a loner, and that resonated with me a lot. I much prefer to play games solo, rarely playing with friends. While other players are looking out for each other, Kirito trains by himself and makes considerable gains throughout the series.
I can imagine you’re already fully aware of Sword Art Online if you’re reading this article with genuine intent. Although a lot of anime fans stick their noses up at this anime, I think it was the perfect introduction for me, and it holds a spot in my heart as a result.
7) Demon Slayer
Favourite character: Inosuke
My most recently finished anime, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming Demon Slayer movie.
Quite a serious anime with a powerful storyline and strong plot points, the characters are incredibly unique (especially Inosuke).
While Demon Slayer provides a gripping storyline with heartbreak and action, it also gleefully provides a perfect balance of humour and optimism.
The only reason it ranks so low is due to a fairly picky reason. Sometimes during fight scenes, it will cut out to some emotional backstory of one of the characters, and it throws off the pacing for me.
This is not a common complaint from Demon Slayer fans, and is purely my own opinion, so you might be OK with it!
6) How Not to Summon a Demon Lord
Favourite character: Diablo
It took a while, and there are a fair few questionable scenes, but How Not to Summon a Demon Lord is a fun anime that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The main character (Diablo) is a super powerful Demon Lord who is teleported into the world of the video game he has been playing.
Inside this fantasy world, he is a tough, super-powerful being. However, on the inside, Diablo is an introverted mess who has no idea how to socialise. This all adds up to a comedic storyline with some very awesome action scenes.
5) Darwin’s Game
Favourite character: Shuka
A short but sweet anime,
4) GATE
Favourite character: Rory
GATE has one of the most epic scenes in anime history, when the modern military enters the Gate into the fantasy world.
Just imagine you’re a simple peasant, watching warriors and wizards walk by. Then suddenly a group of Apache helicopters fly overhead. It’s a fun combination for sure, and goes about as well for the fantasy world’s citizens as you can imagine.
What you get is a mixture of modern human technology and fantasy magic. There isn’t much heart but there’s plenty of fun.
3) Seraph of the End
Favourite character: Guren
Based during a post-apocalypse settings, Seraph of the End is an anime about Humans vs Vampires. And the humans have been losing for a while.
Vampires pretty much rule Japan, and keep many children hostage to use for blood. As a result, humans are forced to make pacts with demons to power up their equipment and bodies so they can fight back.
What you get is a grimdark anime with some of the best action you’ll find in any anime.
2) One Punch Man
Favourite character: Genos
My friends were telling me about One Punch Man for some time, but I could never look past the “bald guy with cape” character. Until one day I gave it a try, and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done with my life.
In a world full of demons of various shapes and sizes, heroes battle to protect humanity. Some of them are very funny, such as the fabled Mumen Rider.
One Punch Man contains some amazing action scenes to boot, with Genos in particular boasting some scene-stealing moments!
Don’t take it too seriously, just enjoy the humor and you’ll never regret watching this anime!
1) Re:Zero
Favourite character: Rem
In my humble opinion, Re:Zero is the best anime I’ve ever watched – by far!
Subaru (the main character) is just a guy. No real special powers, no OP weapon, no huge muscly body. He’s just a person trying his best to look out for others.
One of the few powers he has is the ability to “Return by death”. If he dies, he wakes up at the start of the day, ready to go again.
Subaru faces dozens of horrific, barbaric deaths. He doesn’t do this to further his own gain, instead he does it to ensure his friends stay alive.
Over the episodes, the story goes even deeper. I won’t spoil too much, but the lore and characters that get introduced will grip you completely.
Genuinely, it gets a solid 10/10 from me, and I really hope they create the next series in my lifetime!