On 17 March 1997, Cartoon Network launched an afternoon programming block named Toonami, which would go on to become a ratings juggernaut. Anime, the Japanese form of animation, has been insanely popular among high school and college students for years, and Toonami has been credited by many as jump starting North America's obsession with the art form. Most young adults today fondly remember favorites such as "Dragon Ball Z", "Pokemon", and "Sailor Moon". However; these shows just barely scratch the surface. If you're wondering what the anime hype is all about, read on!
Anime is as vast as (perhaps more vast than) western animation. Unlike western animation, many of the shows are geared towards teenagers and adults, not young children. You can find romantic anime, funny anime, serious anime, supernatural anime, and much more. There are popular anime series enjoyed by people all over the world (see: Dragon Ball Z), and there are obscure anime series that appeal to certain niche groups. Below, we will try to find the perfect anime for you.
For The Action Seeker
If you enjoy a lot of action and fighting in your media, boy are you in the right place! Anime is well known for its epic fight scenes that put western animation action series to shame.
The new, hottest thing: "Attack On Titan" is considered one of the best anime series of this decade. It's certainly one of the most popular series. In a world where colossal, titan-sized giants have ravaged the world, humanity is forced to hide behind a series of walls. However; when a Titan army breeches humanity's outer-wall, teenager Eren Yeager vows to avenge his mother and become the ultimate Titan slaying machine. This is his journey.
The classic: "Dragon Ball Z" was an after-school favorite of boys as young as five and as old as eighteen. Arguably one of the most popular anime series of all time, the series follows the adventures of Goku, an alien from the planet Vegeta, as he joins his friends in fighting evil and defending the Earth.
The lesser-known: "Deadman Wonderland" aired on Toonami a few years ago and achieved moderate success. A truly action packed series, "Deadman Wonderland" is at times violent.
For The Romantic
Grab the tissues! Some of these can get quite sad. Here are some great anime series that will give you your romance fix.
The new series: "Your Lie In April" aired from 2014 - 2015. It's a series about a genius musician who has lost his muse to tragedy. Will young love help him reclaim his will to play the piano?
The classic: "Fruits Basket" is an absolute classic about an orphan who moves in with her classmate. The series wrapped up after 26 episodes in 2006.
The lesser-known: "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day" is a real tear-jerker of an anime. A group of childhood friends are torn apart by tragedy. Years later, a strange event brings them closer together once again.
Additional Resources
Crunchyroll is a site where you can legally stream anime for free.
Anime Suggestion Generator is a site where you can get recommendations for more anime based on what you've already watched.
