A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO ANIME IN 2023

Have you been hearing your friends discuss anime and want to join in on the conversation but do not know much about it? Fear not, we got you. Caper Times has compiled a list of popular anime to help you be an Otaku. Whether you prefer the English dub version or the original Japanese version with subtitles is your choice, but I suggest you go for the latter.

Anime usually refers to animated shows originating from Japan, and they are notoriously famous for their quality of story and animation as well as the diverse topics they cover (from ninjas and pirates to nature and volleyball to almost anything and everything you can think of). People’s preference for anime also varies and this list comprises the most popular anime series that can keep you occupied for quite some time. Please understand that the ranking is purely based on personal preferences.

Warning! Most of the shows mentioned here are intended for adult audiences as they might contain blood, gore, extreme violence, and/or mature dialogues and scenes. Viewer discretion is advised.

5. NARUTO & NARUTO SHIPPUDEN

Naruto initially makes you think that it is a lighthearted story of a boy who just wants to be the Hokage (watch the anime to know what this means) but then will take you along on a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seats with unexpected twists that will make you question your deduction skills and emotional scenes which often succeed in making you feel like living the story. With a total of 720 episodes (220 from Naruto and 500 from Naruto Shippuden), this will keep you entertained for a while.

Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about Boruto – Naruto Next Generations, the sequel to Naruto. Naruto is available on Netflix and Crunchyroll and there is a high chance that you might be binging throughout the show. However, watch out for the filler episodes that are often misplaced.

4. DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA

Another Shonen anime to keep you entertained this year. Demon Slayer narrates the story of Kamado Tanjiro whose life changes overnight. Do not let the buoyant scenes of Tanjiro, Nezuko, and their friends fool you, the studio UFO Table has created a masterpiece of anime with this one. Demon Slayer can be considered one of the best-animated series ever, with an equally compelling storyline (so much so that I had to read the entire manga to quench my curiosity).

The franchise’s third season is set to release in April 2023 and there is enough time to catch up on two seasons and a movie.

Available on Crunchyroll.

3. JUJUTSU KAISEN

What can go wrong when you put together high school students, magic, and powerful villains? Did anybody think of Harry Potter? Well, I can give you one that is even better – Jujutsu Kaisen. No offense Potterheads, but even with just one season and one prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen might be a serious contender in this genre. Following the twisted story of a high schooler and his weird sensei, this anime makes you want more. If I say anything else, it might spoil the experience for you. Considered one of the best anime of the present time, Jujutsu Kaisen takes you into a world of sorcery and curses even before you realize it.

Available on Crunchyroll.

2. ATTACK ON TITAN

With an IMDB rating of 9/10 and a story that surprises you at every other episode, Attack on Titan could be crowned the best anime of all time if it were not for number one on this list. The narration includes politics that can be seen as a reflection of the modern world, which often is presented right on the viewer’s face and not in a subtle manner. This anime is not for the faint-hearted and if you are curious about how a show about man-eating titans relates to the present, head over to Netflix or Crunchyroll.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

As mentioned earlier, this list is my personal preference and there are anime series out there that some might like more than anything mentioned here. Here are some other popular anime that are as good as the ones in this list:

Please add your suggestions to this list. Now to the number one anime on my list…

1. ONE PIECE

How many episodes do you think it will take to narrate the story of a young boy with an apparently unattainable dream? 10? 50? 100? 500? 1000? Since it first aired in 1999, One Piece managed to grow its fanbase and is still running, with around 1050 episodes released. The story revolves around Straw Hat Luffy and his pirate crew whose adventures are entertaining like no other. A cocktail of silly jokes, drama, friendship, and vibrant characters, One Piece is not everyone’s first choice for their favorite anime. However, eventually, there is something for everyone in this anime that will make this anime an experience like no other. You can catch the latest episodes of One Piece on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

REFERENCES:

Anime definition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anime

IMAGES:

Naruto: https://naruto-official.com/en/anime/naruto1

Demon Slayer: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9335498/

Jujutsu kaisen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jujutsu_Kaisen

Attack on Titan: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/attack_on_titan

One Piece: https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GRMG8ZQZR/one-piece