Top 5 Must Watch Anime

Yes, I am an anime fan. I have been watching anime since Middle-School, and it has always impressed me with it’s ability to express certain human emotions and experiences that only anime can express. So here is my list of the Top 5 Must Watch Anime that I absolutely love!

1. Re: Zero.
   • Being my all time favorite, Re: Zero hits home for me one a couple of areas. First, it has very believable characters that have extremely believable motives! That alone will draw you in. The overall story hits on some fantasy cliches, but then it gives so many original twists and turns that it will draw you right in ans surprise you. The main character, Subaru (Soo-BARR-ooo), is not some overpowered superhero, instead he is just human. His struggles in this fantasy world that he is put in, are human struggles. The action in this movie is very well done, and it does not take over or take away from the story. Overall, a very well balanced show, great and lovable characters, and a story-line that will have you laughing one moment, then crying the next. A fantastic work of art!
2. Bleach
   • I know what you are thinking. “Did he just literally jump from a show like Re: Zero to bleach?” Yes, I absolutely did. Bleach is a polar opposite from Re: Zero, but it has some qualities that I appreciate very much. Bleach was the first anime that I seriously got into watching, and I finished all 360-some episodes (Now I have poor eyesight! JK)! Bleach tells the classic story of an underdog who is imbued with supernatural powers and goes on an epic quest to save the world and his friends, or multiple worlds and multiples groups of friends (it gets complicated). Ichigo, the main character, is believable in a lot of ways, and there are a couple of moments in the show where you can become very empathetic with him. One of the greatest qualities that I assign to bleach is their action and fight scenes. Bleach has what you might call a “hard magic” system, which basically means that the viewer is fully informed with how the world works and how the characters powers work. This is rally great for those who are super nerdy (like me)! Overall Bleach is one of those classic action-fantasy stories that will keep you clicking from one episode to the next and I highly suggest watching it!
3. Attack on Titan
   • I had to bring this one up because it brings the idea of “desperate hard times” to a whole new level. For the record, I have only seen season one, but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and I absolutely LOVED it! Attack on Titan does a very good job at making you fall in love with the characters, and believe in what they are doing. You want them to succeed, and when it gets tough, you begin to get nervous. This show does a very good job at an “end of the world” kind of feel, but without the typically zombie apocalypse that has been beaten to death so many times (no pun intended). Attack on Titan does a very great job with their action, and while it is very graphic, it does not take away from the show at all. The show itself does not have any “light hearted” action, it’s aim is to be more sobering. Overall, one of my absolute favorites and is a must watch!
4. Death Note
   • Death Note is a CLASSIC! While being more dark and cynical, Death Note is very unique, in that it follows the story of the antagonist more than the protagonist. The story in short is about a high-school student that finds a book left behind by a God of Death. Anytime this student writes the name of a person in that book, with that person’s face in mind, they are killed. The whole story is about the detectives in Japan trying to hunt down and find this killer who is trying to make the world “a better place” by eliminating people and criminals. It is truly gripping story with plenty of twists to keep you reeling. Something I also appreciate about this show is that it is very intelligent and not just senseless action. It is a mystery and a very fun one at that! This one definitely makes my Top 5!
5. Fate Stay-Night Unlimited BladeWorks
   • Technically, this is a sequal series (the original being Fate Zero). Fate Zero is amazing, but Fate Stay-Night Unlmited BladeWorks just pulls ahead a little bit. This anime is about the “Holy Grail Wars”, which take place in modern day Japan. It is between 7 or 8 wizards or warriors and their familiars that they summon, and they fight to posses the Grail. While this may sound somewhat cliche, this show will actually blow your socks off. They often do a very good job at getting you emotionally attached to many of the competitors, which then pulls on your heart-strings when they all have to fight each other. Overall this show really hits home with a couple of good things. First, the animation in this show is absolutely STUNNING! It is very fluid and smooth. Second, the action is fantastic and very clear! Lastly, the characters are very interesting and complex, not always the case with anime, and I was very impressed. Overall this show does a great job at keeping the viewer into the story, and every episode does a great job at pulling you into the next without feeling forced. This one is certainly on my Top 5!

Well I hope you enjoyed my Top 5 must watch anime! These are some of my personal favorites! If you would ever like me to do more in-depth reviews of these anime’s or any others, please comment below!

This is Daniel James, Signing Out!