Top 100 Binge Worthy Anime

Top 100 Binge-Worthy Anime

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most bingeable anime of all time.

#100: “Shangri-La Frontier” (2023-)

Whether you’re looking for a quick laugh, a cool fight scene, or another fully-realized fantasy world, you can’t go wrong with “Shangri-La.” The story is pretty simple: Guy buys a game. Guy goes inside the game. Guy meets a cast of quirky characters, and sets off to fight the big-bad and save the world. But, soon enough, those familiar trapping become “Shangri-La Frontier’s” claim to fame. The clever comedy and refreshingly low-stakes plotlines make for remarkably easy viewing, especially over a long weekend. Before you know it, you’ll have marathon’d through the whole thing, and be left craving more.

#99: “Buddy Daddies” (2023)

This spy-comedy has two assassins, one little girl, and a boatload of reasons to keep watching. Most of them involve the aforementioned assassins and their adopted daughter. As you can imagine, pulling off any kind of undercover operation becomes a lot harder when you’re also on babysitting duty. Not that anyone’s complaining - Miri will steal your heart from her very first scene. By prioritizing comedy and heart over raw thrills, “Buddy Daddies” delivers a uniquely satisfying twelve-episode arc. Oh yeah, it’s only a dozen episodes; the perfect length to finish in a few sittings. Or one. We don’t judge.

#98: “FLCL” (2000-01)

Clocking in at just a mere six, half-hour installments, there’s simply no excuse to avoid “FLCL.” It’s the kind of propulsive, meticulously paced series that’s basically asking to become your next night in. To say nothing of its quality. The steam-punk inspired coming-of-age tale has more heart than it knows what to do with, and that’s earned it an unshakeable legacy amongst fans. Believe us when we say the issue won’t be finishing “FLCL,” it will be trying to make its half a dozen episodes last. A quick word of advice, though; stay away from the sequels, alright?

#97: “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” (2006-09)

On the outside, “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” looks like an average highschool drama. However, it comes with a few notable caveats. For one, Haruhi’s friends include time-travelers, espers, and aliens. Secondly, they were all sent to watch Haruhi, who’s unaware she’s actually a god capable of obliterating reality as we know it. If you think that’s wild, it only gets weirder from there. “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” totally commits to its bonkers worldbuilding with a never-ending cycle of genres. It’s sci-fi, it’s comedy, it’s action, it’s drama - honestly, it’s probably faster to say what “Haruhi” doesn’t cover. You really should just see for yourself.


#96: “The Saga of Tanya the Evil” (2017-)

This saga is one to look out for. After dying in modern-day Japan, Tanya is reincarnated in a magic-enhanced World War I. But, this second chance comes with an ultimatum from a so-called God: Tanya will continue to reincarnate as long as she passes to natural causes. Otherwise, it’s down below for her soul. It’s a surprisingly thoughtful spin on the isekai formula that raises a lot of questions about faith, morality, and the pursuit of one’s happiness above others. Plus, it’s got enough epic battles to keep action junkies hooked for days. No matter if she’s good or bad, Tanya’s story sure is entertaining.

#95: “Saint Seiya” (1986-89)

It doesn’t get more classic than Gods and monsters duking it out. Even if you’ve never heard of “Saint Seiya,” its influence on anime is hard to ignore. You’ve got flashy tournament arcs, you’ve got an intuitive power system based on Greek mythology, and, of course, you’ve got a metric ton of differently-colored transformations. “Saint Seiya” is the epitome of a great action shounen, and its legacy proves as much. Over the years, it’s gotten spinoffs, games, movies, and more merchandise than any one person could ever reasonably collect. That’s all to say “Saint Seiya” can keep you enthralled for a very long time.

#94: “Gate” (2015-16)

All’s fair in love, war, and anime. Funnily enough, “Gate” is all three. When a mysterious portal to a fantasy world opens up in Japan, Itami goes through to scout out the enemy. What he finds, though, is a medieval land of elves and nobility that want peace, too. Mostly. Things get messy, fast, when bombs drop and guerilla warfare breaks out, leaving Itami in the middle to try and find common ground. The focus on peace and politics help ground “Gate” through its many larger-than-life fight scenes. Combine that with tight pacing, and you don’t need to choose between character and action; “Gate” has both.

#93: “Kakegurui” (2017-19)

At Hyakkaou Private Academy, math, science, and history take a backseat to the most important lesson of all: gambling. The first, and most important rule, is never bet against the house. Especially when it’s named “Kakegurui.” The high-stakes schoolyard games turn every flip of a card or roll of a dice into a nail-biting thrill ride. Luckily for transfer student Yumeko Jabami, that’s exactly the kind of thing she thrives on. Her adrenaline cravings keep the show fun, fast-paced, and tense as hell, particularly since any bad gamble could lose her everything. If you want our advice, when in doubt, go all in on “Kakegurui.”


#92: “Deadman Wonderland” (2011)

There’s nothing wonderous about this theme park. Doubling as a prison, it puts Japan’s most-wanted through games of life-or-death for others’ enjoyment. Though, to be fair, it does make quite the program. As sick and twisted as it is, there’s something riveting about seeing the teenaged Ganta outsmart each and every challenge thrown his way. It doesn’t come without a few casualties, though. All we’ll say is that “Deadman Wonderland” is not a show for those who get queasy around blood. But, if you can stomach its gruesome trials, Ganta’s literal life-sentence is a show to look out for.

#91: “Summer Time Rendering” (2022)

Following two years away, Shinpei returns to his hometown to attend his sister’s funeral. But, when he sees strange marks on her throat, he begins to suspect her death may not be as innocent as it seems. He sets off to uncover the mystery - and then suddenly wakes up before the funeral all over again. The time-looping mystery is just asking for things to get convoluted, but somehow, “Summer Time Rendering” pulls off every jaw-dropping reveal with tact and finesse. Occasionally, even a few tears, too. It may not be the mystery you think, but “Summer Time Rendering” is still a case well-worth pursuing.

#90: “Danganronpa: The Animation” (2013)

At the bequest of an anthropomorphic bear with questionable origins, sixteen teenagers are trapped in a high school with only one way out: kill a classmate, and escape prosecution. It sounds gruesome, but that’s “Danganronpa” for you. It’s full of murder, mayhem, and a whole lot of finger-pointing. The rising body count and ensuing investigations keep the story going along at a rapid pace all the way to its bloody conclusion. The mortality rate at this school isn’t very high, but everything else gets an A+.

#89: “World Trigger” (2014-22)

What has action, aliens, adventure, and more? The answer is “World Trigger,” a show that belongs on your watchlist, ASAP. It starts out simple enough, with a young alien boy named Yuma trying to blend into normal human society. But, a few years of intergalactic invasions have soured public opinion on his kind, leaving Yuma with more than warfare to worry about. That’s the heart of “World Trigger,” but the action is what really put it on the map. The inclusion of alien technology turns every fight into an explosive smackdown for the ages. “World Trigger” is the kind of show that’s so addictive, it makes a hundred episodes feel like ten.

#88: “Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma” (2015-20)

The instructions here are pretty simple; add a dash of fanservice, a sprinkle of humor, and a heaping portion of delicious-looking anime food, and you have an irresistible recipe on your hands. There’s really no way to properly sum up how scrumptious “Food Wars” is on a regular basis. It’s part battle anime, part loving parody, and part cooking show all wrapped into one, perfectly trimmed dish. What’s not to like? You’ll come for the tournament arcs, and stay for the delectable dishes. At least, as long as your growling stomach can take it. Trust us, you never want to watch “Food Wars” when you’re hungry.

#87: “Free!” (2013-18)

Come on in, the water’s just right for you to catch up on “Free!” It’s the spitting example of a good sports anime, complete with intricate strategies and gorgeous animation. There’s a lot of eye candy, too, if you’re into that kind of thing. But, despite the backstrokes and bulging muscles, everything is second to the characters and their interpersonal dynamics. At a certain point, you won’t care whether the Iwatobi Swim Team wins, you’ll only care if Haruka, Makoto, Rei, Rin, and Nagisa do. So, if you haven’t started “Free!” yet, the only question is, what are you waiting for?

#86: “Tomodachi Game” (2022)

Friendship. Blood debts. Inventive fights for survival. This anime has it all, and it isn’t shy about it, either. As you can probably guess from its name, “Tomodachi Game” thrives on its ability to take average schoolyard activities, and put a bloody new twist on them. Usually, with fatal results. Each one is more vicious, cruel, and clever than the last. But, that’s also why “Tomodachi Game” is hard to look away from. Whether it’s the red-stained contests, the exhilarating riddles, or sheer morbid curiosity, “Tomodachi Game” will keep you holding your breath until the credits roll on the last episode.

#85: “The Apothecary Diaries” (2023-)

This one is a sight to behold. Somewhat literally. “The Apothecary Diaries” characterizes its world with gorgeous music, stunning artwork, and impeccable attention to detail. Best of all, it extends the same nuances to its main character, Maomao. She’s witty, resourceful, and abrasive in all the right ways. Watching her navigate her new life in the palace is interesting enough on its own. But, the story really kicks into gear when Maomao discovers the illnesses sweeping the nobility may be a part of an interconnected scheme. While “The Apothecary Diaries” is certainly an acquired taste, Maomao ensures this medicine goes down easy.

#84: “Sengoku Basara” (2009-10)

It’s no surprise that an anime based on a legendary hack-and-slash gaming franchise has a lot of, well, hacking and slashing. Chronicling two hot-headed warriors as they try to reclaim Japan from a tyrant, “Sengoku Basara” stays as refreshingly simple as it can. In fact, it doesn’t even try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it doubles down on exactly what you’d want from an action anime: white-knuckled brawls, flaming rivalries, and some insanely cool finishing blows. You know you’re in for a good time when the final episode ends, and you’re still left wanting more.

#83: “Record of Ragnarok” (2021-)

This might be the only anime in all of history where you get to see Jack the Ripper face off against Hercules. Yes, that Hercules. For context, “Record of Ragnarok” follows a tournament between gods and mortals to decide the fate of humanity. But, really, the story is just an excuse to see a bunch of historical figures duke it with some notable deities. The fights are grand, and usually don’t fit in a single episode, making “Record of Ragnarok” feel tailor-made for binging. As if to prove it, Netflix drops episodes in bulk, too. Clearly, there’s only one right way to watch “Record of Ragnarok.”

#82: “Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury” (2022-23)

If you’re looking for an anime guaranteed to entertain, it’s hard to resist “Gundam” doing what “Gundam” does best. That’s not to say “The Witch from Mercury” played it safe, though. On the contrary, it was the first mainline series in seven years, the first to feature a female protagonist, and the first to include an openly LGBTQ+ hero, too. The risks paid off with a captivating narrative about political corruption and personal values. And, of course, it wouldn’t be “Gundam” without the classic mecha carnage that no other franchise does better. Suletta’s story won’t be forgotten any time soon, that’s for sure.

#81: “Akiba Maid War” (2022)

After starting a new job, seventeen-year-old Nagomi soon finds herself embroiled in the cut-throat underground world of… maid cafes? Yeah, “crazy” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Steadfastly going against all preconceived notions, “Akiba Maid War” takes inspiration from all kinds of categories. Sometimes it’s a ditzy slice of life, sometimes it’s a splatter-fest action film, and sometimes, there’s a panda. Because why not? “Akiba Maid War” prides itself on being over-the-top, and if you accept the lunacy, you’ll be treated to an anime like none other. Believe us, once you see a maid dive into a shootout, you can never go back.

#80: “Beyblade” franchise (2001-)

Is it too soon to call this a classic? We’ll do it anyway. “Beyblade” is a classic. Instead of settling in as a glorified toy commercial, the original “Beyblade” anime let it rip with some captivating story arcs and surprisingly dark character moments. Additionally, the constant updates to the “Beyblade” toy line kept things fresh across several seasons and storylines. By now, there’s an arc for just about anything you could ever want out of “Beyblade.” The franchise has been spinning for over twenty years now, and with how fast it’s going, it’s never too late to catch up.

#79: “Classroom of the Elite” (2017-24)

At this prestigious academy, grades decide just about everything, including your status in life. And, also, how much your classmates are going to be plotting your downfall. To put it lightly, the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School is a warzone. Arguments are frequent, malicious, and in Ayanokoji’s case, downright cathartic. Beyond that, the high-school setting lets “Classroom of the Elite” indulge in some soapy hijinks without losing sight of its tense central narrative. While the machinations and double-crosses can get a bit messy, that’s precisely why “Classroom of the Elite” is built for bulk viewing. A school term will never go by so fast.

#78: “One Piece” (1999-)

A thousand episodes and counting may not seem like the easiest binge in the sea. But, once you set sail with Luffy and the straw hats, you won’t be able to stop. Full of memorable characters, iconic fight scenes, and top-tier worldbuilding, each individual arc of “One Piece” is like a feature-length movie. Stopping in the middle isn’t just a disservice, it’s pretty much impossible. To sweeten the deal, “One Piece” is the rare show without any noticeable dips in quality. If anything, it’s only getting better. As long as you take it one arc at a time, this thousand-episode voyage will go by in the blink of an eye.

#77: “Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai” (2020-22)

If you’re in the mood for a cozy adventure anime, it doesn’t get any better than this. All it takes is one look at the gorgeously-animated fight scenes to realize that “Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai” is the real deal. Paired with an admirably straightforward tale about good versus evil, the show manages to feel both nostalgic and modern at the same time. Although, that shouldn’t be too surprising considering it's based on a beloved manga from the 80s. Despite being painfully overlooked during its initial run, people are going to be telling legends about Dai and his Dragon Crests for years to come - both in universe, and out.

#76: “Hellsing Ultimate” (2006-12)

Did someone call for hyper violent gunslinging vampires? Good, because one way or another, Alucard’s gonna show up. As the Hellsing Organization’s ace in the hole, the former count now spends his time blasting away everything else that goes bump in the night. While the violence is certainly crowd-pleasing at times, there are elements here that are as dark as you can get. Between Seras’ tormented history, the gruesome demise of numerous innocents, as well as the abundance of Nazi vampires, there is no stone this anime won’t touch in order to turn up the fear factor.

#75: “Another” (2012)

#74: “Pluto” (2023)

#73: “Uncle from Another World” (2022-23)

#72: “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” (2023)

#71: “The Quintessential Quintuplet” (2019-21)

#70: “My Dress Up Darling” (2022)

#69: “Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94)

#68: “Golden Kamuy” (2018-)

#67: “Solo Leveling” (2024-)

#66: “Angel Beats!” (2010)

#65: “Delicious in Dungeon” (2024-)

#64: “Black Clover” (2017-21)

#63: “Ranking of Kings” (2021-)

#62: “Berserk” (1997-98)

#61: “Frieren: Beyond Journey's End” (2023-)

#60: “Blue Lock” (2022-)

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

#58: “Initial D” series (1998-2014)

#57: “Kingdom” (2012-)

#56: “Mashle: Magic & Muscles” (2023-24)

#55: “Tokyo Revengers” (2021-)

#54: “Chainsaw Man” (2022-)

#53: “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” (2022-)

#52: “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” (2022)

#51: “Oshi no Ko” (2023-)

#50: “Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers” (2015)

#49: “Hajime no Ippo” (2000-14)

#48: “Gundam Build Fighters” (2013-14)

#47: “Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple” (2006-07)

#46: “Dororo” (2019)

#45: “Dorohedoro” (2020)

This one is hard to explain to people without them thinking you’re on drugs. We’ll give it a go though! The series follows Caiman, a man with a lizard head and amnesia to boot, who searches for the sorcerer who transformed him into his current state. Oh, and he also got another head living inside the back of his throat. “Dorohedoro” features a unique, dystopian fantasy world with rough but detailed animation and surprisingly endearing characters. With only a single season and some OVAs out so far, “Dorohedoro” is a quick and strange watch. There’s certainly nothing else like it!

#44: “Btooom!” (2012)

You might think you’re hot shit when you’re blowing up fools online, but just how far will that gamer know-how take you when you’re forced to play it in real life, deaths included. After awakening on a tropical island filled with players, psychos and other fearful participants forced to partake in a real-life version of a highly violent video game, Ryota has no choice but to git-gud at running for his life and tossing grenades in order to stay alive. Throw in a believable romance, plenty of explosions, and this battle royale is a fine reminder that keyboard warriors are in name only.

#43: “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” (2011)

Take a collection of charming young girls, throw in a dabble of magic and a cute mascot, mix together with the Urobutcher’s borderline sadistic storytelling sensibilities, and what do you get? A series that changed the magical girl genre forever. With its series of sinister twists juxtaposed by incredible action sequences, this beautiful-looking spiral into depression is well worth investing your time into. Watching innocence be shattered by the cruelties of real-world consequences has never been so entertaining!

#42: “Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Hungry for more DB goodness but you’re a little bit tired of watching Z? Well, for the five of you that haven’t watched its awesome sequel series (no, not GT) then now’s the time to knuckle down and nosedive into the multiverse madness that is Super! It’s got everything you love from the original, including one hell of a tournament arc, Goku surpassing his limits and attaining a form even greater than anyone can believe, and of course, Vegeta being Vegeta. Honestly, the Tournament of Power alone is worth the price of admission!

#41: “JoJo's Bizarre Adventure” franchise (2012-)

We’d be remiss to not mention the now legendary series that has come to define a whole generation of anime lovers. For those that haven’t caught JoJo fever yet - you owe it to yourself to catch up on the generational battles of the Joestar lineage. From Jonathan’s introductory clash with future vampiric nemesis Dio, all the way to gang-star god Giorno and prisoner waifu Jolyne, we guarantee you a transformative experience, one that will undoubtedly submerge you in the never-ending phenomenon that is a “JoJo reference.”

#40: “Drifters” (2016)

At first glance, a Japanese warrior being teleported to a wartorn fantasy world doesn’t sound all that groundbreaking. But, rest assured, this realm is still well worth the vacation. Despite a familiar setup, the show quickly substitutes genre convention for a tightly-written narrative full of rousing action, light humor, and flashy animation. The brisk pace ensures things never get dull, and it’s a struggle just to take a breath in between the climactic setpieces. Plus, it doubles as a lesson on Japanese culture since the titular cast of defenders are reimagined interpretations of actual historical figures. It’s a bloody delight, but it was made by the mad lad responsible for Hellsing, so what do you expect?

#39: “My Hero Academia” (2016-)

Izuku Midoriya may be normal compared to our world, but his lack of a superpowered ability makes him an anomaly in his. However, quirk or not, he is determined to become a hero, and thankfully, he’s got some ‘mighty’ mentors to help him out along the way. The show’s blend of breathtaking fight scenes and heartwarming school life hijinks proved to be a downright “super” combination. Better yet, all that’s on top of standout production values and an expansive cast of lovable characters. The bombastic action is as hype as it comes, whilst doubling down on its loving homage to all things superhero.

#38: “The Case Study of Vanitas” (2021-22)

In 19th century Paris, a young man with a magical grimoire tracks down vampires - but not to kill them. Instead, Vanitas and his sidekick, Noé , use the mystical book to cure bloodsucker’s of their carnivorous urges. Despite the trimmings of horror, it sidesteps a self-serious tone with plenty of knowing humor and sensual interactions. Along the way, there’s swoon-worthy romances, breezy action sequences, and even a good, old-fashioned conspiracy thrown in just for good measure. Vampires have never looked so fashionable.

#37: “Sk8 the Infinity” (2021)

After launching off the ramp during the crowded 2021 anime season, this light-hearted series landed with an impressive flip trick. It explored the dangerous - and often comical - world of underground skateboarding without losing sight of its well-defined central themes. To help balance out its dramatic duels, the show rolled on with a surprising attention to character development. From climactic showdowns, to eye-popping skate tricks, to Reki and Langa’s adorable relationship, there was always a good reason to pick up the board again after the credits rolled.

#36: “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (2018-21)

Yeah, the title here is kind of its sales pitch, too. While it doesn’t stray too far off the isekai path, it still, somehow, morphed itself into something special, Rimuru successfully swallows up both food and fan expectations with their lovable attitude. Fulfilling the promise of its name, the show’s focus on Rimuru’s charming quirks lends the series a much-needed emotional center. Their jovial curiosity is then juxtaposed with some intense moments where they totally throw down the gauntlet - or, in some cases, the Megiddo. It’s a well-executed fantasy with enough added earnestness to make you wish you’d reincarnate into a slime, too. Who wouldn’t want to run a nation of monsters?

#35: “Sabikui Bisco” (2022)

While it takes place in a dystopian future ravaged by rust, this battle-anime completely shakes the stuff off its seemingly familiar tropes. In an attempt to save the world, Bisco and his comrade Milo traverse the desert with only a bow and arrow. Except, these projectiles spontaneously grow mushrooms upon impact, and might be the key to curing the worldwide plague. Yeah, it’s admittedly a strange foundation, but the dubious worldbuilding soon becomes its strongest attribute. The post-apocalyptic visuals and non-sentient threat give the show a distinct narrative identity within its well-trodden framework. After some jaw-dropping late-game twists, the only complaint we have is that it went by way too fast.

#34: “Moriarty the Patriot” (2020-21)

After assembling all the clues, it would appear the real culprit of this show’s success was its characters all along. Just not the one you’d expect. It’s no mystery why there’s an anime based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic stories, but focusing on villain William Moriarty would’ve left even Sherlock scratching his head. However, by flipping the crime scene, the engaging mind-games broach new perspectives on justice and classism. As it draws you deeper into its clever mysteries, the show pulls its own sleight of hand by turning into a complex character study. One could say it's surge in popularity was…elementary.

#33: “Beastars” (2019-21)

On principle, CG animation can be a tough sell, especially when the show’s main cast is fluffy instead of flesh. But, if given the chance, this series will take you by stampede. Its innovative 3D visuals often surpass its 2D counterparts with beautiful mosaics that push the limits of what an anime can look like. There’s plenty of meat to chew on these bones, too, from Legoshi’s animalistic impulses to the brewing conflict between carnivores and herbivores. It’s all seasoned to perfection with just enough political commentary to resonate far beyond its bestial implications. With all that, it’s no wonder why this stands at the top of the anime food chain.

#32: “Fire Force” (2019-)

This ember burned its mark on fans through hot storylines and even hotter action sequences. As everyone knows, the best way to douse human combustion is to fight fire with fire. Or, at least, that’s what Shinra and his team of pyrokinetics think. It seems to be working out, to the tune of an ambitious onscreen adaptation featuring some of the most stunning animation a weekly series has ever seen. Complimented by standout sound design, it’s hard not to be awed by how much impact each and every blow has. If you’re in the mood for something flashy, nothing burns brighter than these flames.

#31: “Black Lagoon” (2006)

Chaotic, unrealistic, and a bit excessive, but damn, this show's a great time! Even Rock agrees, and he was just a lowly salaryman. After being presumed dead, the former office worker decides to join this modern-day pirate crew as their professional coordinator. From there, it’s gang wars, gun fights, and the best kind of criminal antics across a seedy underbelly of a setting. It’s cool, it’s quick, and best of all, it’s easy viewing without ever becoming mindless. That might have something to do with Revy always stealing the show!

#30: “Talentless Nana” (2020)

At this superpowered high school, math, science, and murder are all on the curriculum. Given the potential threat of a bunch of super teens taking over the world, the government decides to send in a specialist - the so-called Talentless Nana. She may be powerless, but she is oh so efficient at permanently expelling her classmates. While everyone else thinks they’re in a murder mystery, the real tension comes from whether Nana can complete her mission before her extracurricular activities are exposed. It turns the boilerplate concept into a literal game of “Among Us,” with a never-ending spree of close calls.

#29: “Kengan Ashura” (2019-)

Alongside contracts, business transactions in this revisionist Japan are done in the arena. When the prestigious Kengan Annihilation Tournament rolls around, Tokita “Ashura” Ohma’s knack for busting heads earns him a spot on his sponsor’s behalf. And, really, that’s all the setup you need. What follows is a near-exhausting stretch of epic fights full of stellar choreography, awesome techniques, and fist-bumping clashes of strength. Even more, the standout 3D animation elevates the already-hype martial arts flurries with fluid movement and dynamic camera angles. Since the story basically chronicles one long tournament arc, the twenty-something episodes fly by faster than one of Ashura’s punches.

#28: “Gurren Lagann” (2007)

Much like Simon and Kamina, this show just doesn’t deserve to be underground. After the two brothers stumble upon an ancient mech, they take their rightful concerns about humanity’s fate to the war torn surface world. The sibling dynamic between Simon and Kamina grounds the show through some outstanding action sequences that are the epitome of the word “epic.” There’s also a mecha-sized mystery afoot in the galaxy, but it’s used as a framing device to tell a genuinely inspiring story about brotherhood and self-empowerment. What makes this show truly great is that it’s about lovable characters who happen to pilot giant robots, not the other way around.

#27: “Vinland Saga” (2019-)

The historical backdrop of this dramatized retelling isn’t just for effect. Instead, it fearlessly sails the choppy waters of what it really means to be a Viking. Even if parts aren’t entirely accurate, the result is undeniably impactful. The Shakespearean plotting and intricate themes effortlessly coalesce into a story that, at its core, is a simple coming-of-age tale. Albeit, one caked in blood, vengeance, and animosity. However, the bursts of violence are earned through its commitment to deep characters and a fact-based setting. It’s a cruel tale about the loss of innocence, but the unflinching realities make it a shipwreck you can’t look away from. Plus, Askeladd might just be the greatest written character in anime, period.

#26: “Bungo Stray Dogs” (2016-)

Atsushi’s adventures in the “Armed Detective Agency" will leave you barking for more after just one viewing. To support its fleshed-out cast and unique premise, the series consistently trades out tones and styles to keep each episode fresh. It’s a horror film one moment, a comedy the next, and then a cold-case after that. Its experimental style means the episodic cases never grow stale, and instead allow a thorough examination of vastly different sides of the cast - and we aren’t just talking about the weretiger transformations. While you can never be totally sure what you’re going to get from it, this supernatural procedural is still well worth adopting.

#25: “Death Note” (2006-07)

Turns out murder is indeed like potato chips; you can’t stop at just one. From the inaugural scribble in the Death Note, there’s no looking away from this addictively entertaining thrill-ride. The captivating back-and-forth between the wannabe omnipotent Light and prodigal detective L is less a game of cat-and-mouse than it is a war of two damaged geniuses. Instead of empty action sequences, “Death Note” subverts expectations at every page through riveting rounds of mental chess that produce some genuinely heart-stopping plot twists.

#24: “Astra Lost in Space” (2019)

Adolescence is tough enough even without getting stranded across the cosmos. Luckily, these kids are resourceful enough to set a course back. But, managing resources, making supply runs on hostile planets, and keeping hormones in check is a tough job for nine teenagers. While their slowly-formed camaraderie is worth the price of admission alone, it's the ambitious mystery at its heart that really sends this show into the stratosphere of greatness. Unfortunately, that’s really all that can be said without rocketing into an asteroid field of spoilers. Just take our word for it that this seemingly straightforward road-trip shot for the stars in more ways than one.

#23: “Mobile Suit Gundam 00” (2007-09)

After nearly thirty years on the air, you’d think these legendary mechs would cast a shadow so big no show could even step out of it. And yet, somehow, the double-O series proved its Gundams weren’t running on fumes just yet. The thematically-rich story has a propulsive sense of narrative momentum that practically yanks its viewers along with it. But, this is “Gundam,” and naturally it features some classic mecha-carnage. Plus, the advent of modern technology helped it deliver some of the most thrilling fight scenes the series had ever seen. With shiny production values and plenty of fuel left in the tank, “00” didn’t just reach “Gundam’s” high bar, it surpassed it.

#22: “Baki” franchise (2000-)

If you’re looking for more of a long-term relationship, it’s hard to go wrong with a show that’s been shattering ribs and expectations for over twenty years. Across three series and a hundred episodes, Baki’s proven his worth in the delightfully lethal game of no-rules hand-to-hand combat. The iconic action sequences haven't let up yet, and each new iteration of the show continues to build upon the surprisingly deep ongoing storyline. Baki just keeps getting stronger, and there’s no sign of him stepping out of the ring any time soon.

#21: “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” (2006-08)

Armed with the power to force obedience upon anyone, Lelouch vi Britannia wages a strategic struggle against his corrupt royal lineage. But, what happens on the battlefield isn’t nearly as engaging as the ideological decisions that war demands. This show routinely reminds the audience that while Lelouch is the main character, he’s no hero. Instead, his single-minded determination leads to some downright maddening cliffhangers guaranteed to leave you hitting “play next.” If you start this show, you might as well grab a snack and get comfortable, too, since your eyes will be glued to the screen as if Geass itself commanded it.

#20: “Akudama Drive” (2020)

Channeling the madness of Danganronpa with the trappings of a Tarantino flick, Akudama Drive is the best kind of crazy. Revolving around highly skilled criminals, all of whom find themselves roped into taking on a dangerous job in exchange for some serious money, as well as their own lives. Naturally, everything goes wrong, with betrayal, death and wacky sci-fi twists spilling in every step of the way. Even if you regard it as style over substance, there’s a lot of fun to be had here with Swindler and the gang.

#19: “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (2019-)

Its popularity by this point is only matched by how bingeable it is! Following the slaughter of his family and his sister’s conversion to demon, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corp in the hope of seeking a cure. The breathtaking artstyle and epic scale of its battles have cemented it as a modern great, with its shonen storytelling allowing anybody to easily spiral down the rabbit hole. Between its arcs and record-breaking movie, it’s clear Demon Slayer fever is going to be sticking around for the long-haul.

#18: “Recovery of an MMO Junkie” (2017)

You can finish it in a single day, what are you waiting for? Falling into a mid-life crisis, Moriko decides to quit her successful job and throw all her time into an MMO RPG. She soon meets another player and begins to grow attached, not realizing that she may know them in real life. Heartwarming and adorable in every capacity, MMO Junkie tells a very relatable story about pursuing your passions even against societal pressures and the good and bad that come with it, and how anybody can find a little love along the way..

#17: “Odd Taxi” (2021)

Exquisitely written doesn’t even come close. Part mystery thriller, part meditation on Japanese culture as a whole, the series focuses on a middle-aged cab driver, who gets tangled up in the aftermath of a murder, with many of the key players just happening to end up in the backseat of his cab. Oh, and he’s also a walrus. The anthropomorphic edge might get some getting used to, but the snappiness and wit of the dialogue will have you entrenched before you know it.

#16: “The Seven Deadly Sins” (2014-21)

If binging this show is a sin, we don’t want to be right. After Princess Elizabeth’s kingdom is taken over, she seeks out the might of the Seven Deadly Sins; legendary warriors who were once framed, to help her take back her homeland from the traitorous Holy Knights. Not shying away from its sillier elements, there’s plenty of fun to be had here between the Sin’s individual quirks, personal journeys, and some great magical fights. Plus, you have to watch it for Escanor alone!

#15: “Fate/Zero” (2011)

If you need a place to start your descent into the Fate-Verse, we’d recommend this as a jumping-off point. It tells the tale of the Fourth Holy Grail War; a tournament where aspiring mages summon historical warriors to compete in a series of deathmatches to have their wish granted. The word convoluted might get thrown around a fair bit regarding this prequel, but the exceptional animation, wide variety of mythical and ancient characters and use of magic still paint it as one of the must-watch fantasies!

#14: “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” (2016-18)

Quirky, crazy, and outright hilarious, Saiki K.’s day to day antics are a trainwreck that we can’t stop watching. Blessed with psychic powers that he deems a curse, Saiki struggles to lead a normal life but repeatedly runs into problems…mostly due to the rest of the normal yet equally outrageous cast. The fourth wall-breaking, fast pace of the jokes, and Saiki’s very own deadpan style of narration ensures that you’ll be laughing your antenna off before long.

#13: “Devilman Crybaby” (2018)

Insanity, tears, chaos - mesh it all together and you've got the crown jewel in the Netflix anime catalog. When demons start to spill out into human society, former wimp Akira unwittingly fuses with one, and in doing attempts to save those he loves while struggling with his own dark desires. The animation feels like something close to a psychedelic trip with its vibrant colors, bizarre scenery and crazy runs, none of which takes away from just how heartwrenching and despair-inducing this series can be at the best of times. And you’ll still be happy for the ride.

#12: “One Punch Man” (2015-)

A premise so simple it’s almost beautiful. Deconstructing and taking jabs at the superhero trope, the story follows the exploits of the titular One Punch Man, Saitama; a man so strong that everything he punches is wiped out in only one hit. And that’s basically it. Despite being surrounded with all kinds of s-tier heroes, villains and everything in between, nothing comes close to the strength of Saitama’s fist. This not only makes for incredible action, but some stellar comedy, one that will have you drawn in all the way to that out of this world final boss fight.

#11: “Kuroko’s Basketball” (2012-15)

Trading in vicious battles for hype basketball matches, this is the sports anime that even casuals will adore. Eager to help his new team become the best in the country, basketball prodigy Kuroko lends his skills to Seirin, whilst competing against his former teammates for the championship. While not afraid to dip into anime logic from time to time, for the most part this is a riveting example of how sports, character growth and anime are a match made in heaven.

#10: “Kill la Kill” (2013-14)

As erotic as it is action-packed, Kill la Kill is quintessential Studio Trigger, firing on all cylinders with their outlandish sense of humor and ridiculously awesome fights. Following the tale of Ryuko Matoi and her quest to find vengeance for her father, Kill la Kill has sentient costumes, fanservice, slice of life, and so, so much more. Managing to toe the line between some serious topics and a light-hearted presentation, the series is compelling no matter which aspect of its crazy spectrum it's tackling. This is the anime that gave us Satsuki, it deserves your allegiance.

#9: “Erased” (2016)

Time travel and murder mysteries are apparently made for each other, especially when they’re layered together this magnificently. After being inexplicably transported back in time to when he was an elementary schooler, Satoru tasks himself with preventing the kidnapping and killings of his classmates, as well as uncovering the madman behind it. Unwavering in its exploration of both human failings and human compassion, Erased will thrill you from beginning to end. Fair warning, have someone close by to hug.

#8: “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” (2021-)

The isekai that started it all, and one in dire need of your attention. Starting off life as a depressed, wasteful layabout, Rudeus is given a literal second chance at life in a world where magic and monsters are commonplace. While the fantastical elements of the series are enjoyable on every level, it’s true heart lies in Rudy’s redemption, and how he slowly learns to become a better person whilst accepting his flaws. How something can be so heartwarming, savage, sleazy and eloquent at the same time is beyond us, but the mad lads accomplished it all the same.

#7: “Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-)

Swiftly establishing itself as this generation’s must-watch shonen, this series takes all the tropes you love, adds on an extra coat of darkness, and comes out swinging. After being bonded to a demonic entity, hard-headed yet lovable Itadori becomes a jujutsu sorcerer, with the intention of wiping out curses and ensuring the beast inside him remains sealed. What would be narrative pitfalls for lesser series excels here, from its magic system, its resident OP character, and its own particular brand of tragedy. Watch this space because this is only going to get better!

#6: “Made In Abyss” (2017-22)

A work of art that loves nothing more than to strangle your soul, Made in Abyss is as bingeable as it is sadistic in the way in which it presents a captivating story with wholly innocent characters…who are forced to contend with both monsters and men of the worst kind. Alongside her cyborg companion, optimistic cave dweller Riko chooses to dive to the bottom of the chasm known as the Abyss in search of her missing mother, one that not only contains wondrous sights, but sinister forces all too happy to unmake them. Beautiful and blisteringly painful to watch at times, it's a trek that demands your attention, even if you want to turn away.

#5: “Higurashi: When They Cry” franchise (2006-21)

A horror show masquerading as a slice of life. When a new student arrives to a new town with the hope of enjoying a new life, he soon finds out that there’s something wicked afoot; a curse that loves nothing more than to loop time, just so it can present new opportunities for the cast to lose their minds and try to rip each other apart. Yeah, it’s one of those anime. Hardcore, yet engrossing, it may never truly give you that long-sought good ending, but seeing so many versions of the same characters try to fight their way out of the worst kind of situations is still entertaining nonetheless.

#4: “Kaiji” (2007-11)

Shows based on death games are all the rage these days, with this being yet another classic example of why getting into debt is a terrifying thing. Desperate to overcome his financial hellhole, eternal loser Kaiji finds himself drawn into various games of life and death, all for the chance to earn that much needed green. He may be an idiot, but Kaiji’s quick-wittedness in the heat of the moment always makes for a riveting watch, especially with the crazy manner of contents tossed his way!

#3: “Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)

Dreaming of finding his absentee father, Gon makes the fateful decision to become a hunter, and in doing so would helm what many consider to be the best shonen experience to date. The ingredients are all here - a fantastic tournament arc, foes with staggering complexities, fight scenes that put its contemporaries to shame, an endearing cast constantly challenged by the world around them, it just keeps going. The ride to reach the end is so good that it won’t even matter that a continuation seems increasingly unlikely…

#2: “Attack on Titan” (2013-23)

Giant monsters, giant walls, and one angry youngster vowing to tear it all down. One of the century’s most explosive and enthralling anime experiences, Eren Jaeger and the Survey Corps’ mission to wipe out the Titans might sound like standard fare, but the series has quickly proven itself to be a master at subversive narratives and phenomenal world building. There’s never been a better time to dive in and see just what the hell everyone is talking about. You know, if you’re one of the two anime fans who haven’t chosen to take the plunge yet. You won’t regret it.

#1: “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)

The second iteration of the Elric’s and their journey to find the Philosopher's Stone is generally agreed to be one of the greatest anime ever created, and it also proudly wears the crown of being the most binge-worthy, even with such a meaty episode count. Committing a terrible mistake whilst trying to bring back their deceased mother through the power of alchemy, Edward and Alphonse Elric’s journey to reclaim what they’ve lost is staggering in scope and effortless in execution. Brotherhood is no slouch when it comes to its brawls, but shines brighter than most when it comes to the introspection of its leads. No matter how you look at it, it’s the best anime has to offer.

What’s an anime you’ve binged in a single sitting? Let us know in the comments below!