Hunter x Hunter – 4.8/5
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The ever-popular Hunter X Hunter is a remake of a classic anime that aired in the mid 90’s, but it actually follows the original manga storyline on which it is based. The show’s main protagonist Gon, a scruffy-haired teen who aspires to be a famous hunter and locate his father who he believed to have been dead until very recently. His adventure sees him leave his home, Whale Island, to pursue this endeavor. Along the way, he forges new friendships with a colorful cast of characters such as the ex-assassin Killua, and he gets up to all manner of intriguing distractions like practicing a strange magic known as Nen, beating a virtual reality game with real-life stakes, and battling giant man-eating ants. It’s a tale packed with variety and unpredictability that’ll keep you guessing right the end of its 140+ episodes.
Of it’s near 2,000 critical-rating votes on Crunchyroll, 1,800 of them are a 5/5 rating.
My Hero Academia – 4.8/5
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One the most talked about anime series in recent years, My Hero Academia is packed with fantastic action and a warming narrative that is brought to life by a cast of memorable and relatable characters.
The story centers on Deku, a teenage boy who dreams of becoming a superhero but unluckily finds himself one of the only children of his generation born without a superpower. Yet after being chosen by the world’s mightiest superhero, All Might, he manages to find his way to U.A High School, a school for heroes, in the hope of turning his dream into a reality. And it’s his status as an underdog that instantly makes Deku such a likable character, and watching his quest to achieve these lofty goals unravel is highly entertaining.
There have been around 430 reviews of the series on Crunchyroll, with over 380 of them 5/5.
Naruto Shippuden – 4.7/5
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Naruto Shippuden first aired back in 2007, and though it might be old hat, it’s still one of the most popular series on Crunchyroll. Shippuden is aimed at a more mature audience than the original Naruto series (still highly popular, itself) with its darker plot, and the series’ iconic characters are caught up in far more emotionally poignant storylines now that they’re all grown up. You should expect even more intense fighting scenes, and its presented in a slick animation style that looks superb. Overall, Shippuden builds from the foundations left by the original series and improves in all areas.
Be warned, there are quite a few filler episodes scattered amongst each major plot point, but overall it’s a superb anime series that can’t be missed.
Sure, it’s a 4.7/5 versus the other marginally higher rankings here, but there have been a whopping 47931 reviews on Crunchyroll, of which 43851 are 5/5.
Gintama – 4.8/5
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Gintama isn’t the serious Samurai adventure it might first appear as. Oh no. On the contrary, it’s one of the most hilariously whimsical alternate history sci-fi tales you could possibly watch. In Gintama, it’s aliens not Americans that have forced open isolationist Japan, which sets things in motion for a truly bizarre alternate history where Tokyo is still known as Edo, aliens freely walk the streets, and futuristic technology is has augmented human life in the 1800s.
Where Naruto Shippuden sometimes devolves into annoying filler episodes, Gintama is streamlined into short and intense story arcs, articulated by some bad-ass fight scenes, and more than a pinch of outlandish humor.
There are over 10,000 5/5 reviews for Gintama on Crunchyroll.
Bleach – 4.8/5
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Bleach is an interesting albeit quirky adaptation of a Japanese manga series. The story follows a 15-year-old Japanese high school student named Ichigo Kurosaki who has an ability to interact with ghosts, which later sees him used as a substitute Soul Reaper (someone who sends good and bad souls to their final resting place). The series is filled with drama, intense battles, and plenty of lighthearted moments scattered across its 366 episode run, which helps to round out an excellent set of characters.
The animation style is eye-catching, and the sword-fighting scenes are particularly dazzling thanks to some well-choreographed battles and spectacular moves. In general, the style is fluid and the studio did a great job bringing Tite Kubo’s manga series to life.
Attack on Titan – 4.7/5
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Attack on Titan is fast forging a reputation for itself as the definitive anime show of the decade. It’s certainly one of most universally popular, reaching beyond just anime fanatics and attracting a mainstream of interest. The premise is unique and captivating, and the antagonists both awe-inspiring and downright spooky. This is one anime series you won’t want to miss out on, and it’s especially good for those that are first dipping their toes into the genre.
The story follows Eren Yeager, a young warrior who vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans. These giants are typically several stories tall, have very little intelligence, and devour human beings for fun. Eren’s motivation is about more than just valiantly standing up to the threat, though; for him, it’s personal. As the walls of his city crumbled under the weight of a Titan Attack, he and his sister watched their mother is torn apart by the behemoths. And so begins a gripping revenge tale packed full of drama and spectacular action.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure – 4.8/5
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Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is a manga that has been circulated since 1987, and it continues to be one of the most popular in Japan. Now, it has the anime adaption that it’s always deserved with a brilliant series that is winning praise amongst Crunchyroll users. The first two parts, Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency, were comprised of a 26 episode series which made up the first season and now the third part, Stardust Crusaders, has begun airing as well.
The premise of the story is a simple one, following the trials and tribulations of the Joestar family as they combat evil throughout different generations. It’s all very faithful to the original source material, and the art style will also win over any fans of the original anime. Except here it really pops with vibrant visuals that burst from the screen.
Assassination Classroom – 4.9/5
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Assassination Classroom is a story about a class of third-year middle school kids that have earned an unfortunate reputation as the losers of their school by a social hierarchy cultivated by its villainous principal. These kids are mocked and demeaned by the other students, hidden away in a small shack on a mountain away from the main campus. What’s more, they’ve been tasked with assassinating a giant tentacled “teacher” who threatens to destroy the world.
If that sounds more than a little strange, that’s because it is. But it’s also one hilarious, absurdly clever, and completely unique premise for an anime. Assassination Classroom is a romping good time, and its mad story is complemented by great art and production values.
Crunchyroll users are clearly enjoying it, with 139/150 votes a perfect 5/5 rating.
Kuroko’s Basketball -4.8/5
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Kuroko’s Basketball is a great sports anime that will entertain with some epic sports scenes, a likable cast of characters, and cleverly written comedic lines. Although it helps to know a little about the sport, you’ll quickly pick things up even if you’re a newcomer, and the action is so entertaining that it’s well worth a watch regardless.
The plot follows Taiga Kagami, a promising young Basketball player returning from the US, and Tetsuya Kuroko, a seemingly ordinary student whose lack of presence allows him to move around unnoticed. Tetsuya was previously a member of the notorious Teikou Junior High School’s basketball team, who were crowned champions three years in a row thanks to five outstanding players. Known as “The Generation of Miracles,” they dazzled opponents with their incredible skills, but their separate ways after the team disbanded.
Tetsuya, known as the “Phantom Sixth Man,” was a member of that team. Despite being neither athletic nor able to score any points, he moved inconspicuously around the court assisting the more talented players. Now he joins forces with Taiga in a quest to become the best Japanese high school team by winning the Interhigh Championship. To reach their goal, they have to cross pathways with powerful teams, and Tetsuya’s old teammates.
Skip Beat! – 4.8/5
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Skip Beat! is the story of young Kyoko Mogami, a wistful yet upbeat sixteen-year-old girl who loves her childhood friend, Shotaro, but is cruelly betrayed and thus seeks revenge against him. Kyouko has to be one of the best shoujo heroines to pop up in a long time. Swinging between the innocent, caring-type to a vindictive, bitter monster at the flip of a coin! But you’ll soon adore her crazy mood swings and various personalities because, beyond just being hilarious, she’s a strong heroine who shows plenty of depth and resolve in achieving her goals.
Skip Beat! is the sort of anime experience that’ll make you smile, even if you weren’t 100% sure it would be your cup of tea. It’s lighthearted, but its more poignant moments are relatable and heartfelt. Even some minor issues with occasionally low-quality animation and a few pacing inconsistencies with its plot can’t spoil what is a thoroughly enjoyable show.
There’s a reason why Skip Beat! has over 14,000 5/5 user reviews on Crunchyroll…
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