Top 10 Anime That Are The Best To Binge

Script written by Jonathan Alexander

Top 10 Anime That Are Better Binged

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best anime that should be viewed in bulk.

#10: “Tokyo Revengers” (2021-)

When you turn on the first episode of this show, you’re in store for time travel, gang wars, and a whole lot of thrown fisticuffs. If it sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. Since “Tokyo Revengers” is all about changing the past - and the butterfly effect that goes with it - things can get complicated, fast. That’s where binging comes in. Watching “Tokyo Revengers” in one go means you won’t have to worry as much about forgetting the small stuff. Like, say, what point of time they’re in, and why it matters. Instead, you can just sit back, relax, and appreciate one of the most empowering anime of the 2020s.

#9: “Blue Lock” (2022-)

Like all the great sports anime before it, “Blue Lock” tears up the turf by making you care about the people kicking the ball more than whether they score or not. But, that character-focused storytelling might have a few too many flashbacks for some people’s tastes. However, those spotlight moments are a lot less jarring when you aren’t waiting week-to-week for the match to continue. If you sprint through “Blue Lock” in a few sittings, the character backstories feel like worthwhile addendums instead of pace-killing detours. Although, it really shouldn’t come as a shock that a show about soccer incentivises going fast.

#8: “Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy” (2022-23)

When you power through a show en masse, it’s a lot easier to see the subtle changes in its formula. “Bastard!!” starts out as a shamelessly suggestive fantasy series, and by the end, it’s… well, still that. But, as it goes on, the episodic elements fade away in favor of a genuinely awesome war against Demon Gods. Trust us, it’s worth the investment. In fact, “Bastard!!” was literally designed that way. Distributed by Netflix, the adaptation dropped in chunks of over ten episodes a piece. Clearly, they knew exactly the type of show they had on their hands. In for a penny, in for a pound, right?

#7: “Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94)

There’s not a ghost of the chance you’ll be able to put this one down. While a hundred episodes may sound like a big commitment, “Yu Yu Hakusho” goes by in a flash. We’d even wager it’s better that way. Sure, it originally aired weekly, so each installment can technically stand on its own. But, all together, the episodes build upon each other into a uniquely captivating narrative. It’d be a disservice to “Yu Yu Hakusho” to pull yourself out of its world for even a few days. Given that almost every episode ends in a painful cliffhanger, staying glued to your screen shouldn’t be too hard, anyways.

#6: “Initial D” series (1998-2014)

In the shady world of underground street racing, putting the pedal to the metal is part of the job. Sometimes, though, “Initial D” takes its time. Certain races and tournaments stretch across multiple episodes, and given how entertaining they are, that’s a good thing. But, fair warning, it also makes the series an absolutely addictive watch. Since most episodes are just one leg of a much longer track, it’s practically criminal to hit the brakes. No, “Initial D” is much better when you ride along with its high-speed races until the very end. Plus, with how many seasons, movies, and specials there are, “Initial D” can keep you enthralled for a long, long time.

#5: “Kingdom” (2012-)

If you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can’t judge an anime by its first episode, either. Or, really, its first season. Look, when you have over a hundred episodes under your belt, you’re bound to have a few lumps of coal every now and then. Unfortunately, most of “Kingdom’s” come early on, primarily because of its wonky animation. But, take our word for it, the show gets much better. The sooner you race through its shaky start, the sooner you get to experience one of the coolest historical anime out there. With the power of binging, it won’t even take that long.

#4: “Oshi no Ko” (2023-)

The idol world is a dangerous place. Both for the characters, and the audience. See, “Oshi no Ko” broke onto the scene with tons of fanfare. But soon enough, those same viewers realized the pain of waiting a week to see how things would progress. By the time the season ended, many agreed that the optimal way to experience “Oshi no Ko” is all at once. The slower episodes wouldn’t drag, the mystery would wrap up quicker, and best of all, you wouldn’t have to worry about those pesky cliffhangers. And, boy, are there a lot of them. Just save yourself the pain, and finish “Oshi no Ko” in one sitting.

#3: “Kaiji” (2007-11)

If you’re going to gamble on anything, gamble on “Kaiji.” The namesake bettor is willing to risk it all on the roll of a dice, resulting in breathtaking wagers and even more breathtaking plot twists. Unfortunately, those jaw-dropping plot points take a while to set up. Especially in the later arcs. But, that’s exactly why “Kaiji” makes for such a satisfying binge. You can experience the build-up, payoff, and resolution all at once. Removing the downtime between episodes solves almost everything. Kaiji can continue delivering high-stakes thrills until he either runs out of stuff to gamble, or finally loses one of his life-and-death wagers.Whichever comes first.

#2: “Baki” franchise (2001-)

You want to watch “Baki?” Well, in that case, you may as well get comfortable. Even though the original anime came out in 2001, the series’ fight-heavy structure is tailor-made for mass viewing. With the next episode only a click away, you can race through the slower training arcs and eat up entire tournaments in one fell swoop. Each chapter flows so naturally into the next, it’s a wonder how anyone could watch this weekly and not go mad. Luckily, starting part way through the 2018 series, Netflix began dropping entire “Baki” seasons in bulk. Take the hint already, and just start watching.

#1: “Higurashi When They Cry” Series (2006-21)

At first glance, “Higurashi” and its many, many iterations may seem like too much to realistically binge. But, that’s only if you look at it as a show. In reality, the best way to approach “Higurashi” is to think of each season as its own horror film. The only real way to get the full experience is to watch it together. Partly because of the way the story unfolds, and partly because the lore gets kind of dense. With time loops, schoolyard hijinks, and blood-stained murders galore, “Higurashi” is definitely worth the watch. Just so long as you remember that it’s a sprint, not a marathon.

Let us know your binge-worthy favorites in the comments below!