My fond memories of my first cartoon, Tom and Jerry, marked the beginning of my love for animated shows in childhood. Television played a pivotal role in making cartoons captivating for me, and after school, I eagerly rushed to enjoy my favorite animated series. Reflecting on the diverse range of animated stories I’ve cherished, from cat-and-mouse antics to superhero escapades and humorous family tales, it’s remarkable how cartoons have covered extensive storytelling ground. Notably, even during the challenging times of the 2020 pandemic, while US movie sales plummeted, Japan’s anime industry experienced a comparatively modest decrease.
- Naruto: “Naruto” is a Japanese anime TV show centered around a young boy hailing from the Hidden Leaf Village, known for being the most troublesome student at the ninja academy. Despite his mischievous behavior around the village, he harbors a dream of becoming the village’s Hokage.
What truly captivated the global audience in this series was the introduction of Jutsu, a novel concept for the world. The widespread appeal of the show can be attributed to the diversity, distinctive physical attributes, and the formidable destructive capabilities of Ninjutsu.
2.ONE PIECE:
ONE PIECE is a famous adventure on the open seas like no other. Luffy, the main character in this web series, is brimming with energy and seeks exciting adventures at sea. Embarking on a dangerous quest from his humble village, he aims to locate the mythical treasure, ONE PIECE, with the ambition of becoming the King of the Pirates. Along the way, he builds a crew composed of his friends and family. Notably, ONE PIECE has quickly become the top title worldwide on Netflix, amassing an impressive 37.8 million views in less than two weeks since its release.
3.Demon Slayer
At the core of this series lies the profound theme of the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister. The narrative unfolds when a family becomes the target of demonic attacks, leaving only two survivors: Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko. However, a tragic twist occurs as Nezuko undergoes a gradual transformation into a demon herself. Fueled by the desire for vengeance and the hope to cure his sister, Tanjiro embarks on a heroic journey to become a demon slayer, facing numerous challenges and adversaries along the way. The series intricately weaves together themes of family, resilience, and the pursuit of justice, offering a captivating and emotionally charged storyline.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen
In this series, Yuji Itadori selflessly consumes a cursed finger to save a classmate, hosting the malevolent sorcerer Ryomen Sukuna within his soul. Curses, supernatural threats born from negative human emotions, wield formidable cursed energy. Joining Tokyo Jujutsu High School under jujutsu sorcerer guidance, Itadori collaborates with friends Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki. Mentored by Satoru Gojo, the series gains momentum on Netflix as Itadori and his comrades combat curses worldwide.
5. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man unfolds with Denji navigating a world overrun by bloodthirsty Devils amid poverty. A peculiar friendship forms when he allies with Pochita, a chainsaw-nosed Devil. After falling victim to gangsters, Denji merges with Pochita’s soul, transforming into Chainsaw Man. Recruited by Makima, a mysterious figure in Devil Hunting, Denji faces ambiguous promises, ultimately treated as a pawn in her intricate schemes.
6. Bleach
Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high schooler whose life changes when he accidentally gains Soul Reaper abilities from Rukia Kuchiki. Using these powers, Ichigo protects the living from Hollows with the help of friends who also develop unique abilities. The series explores the balance between the living and spiritual realms, delving into themes of friendship, sacrifice, and justice as Ichigo faces challenges in both worlds.
7. Detective Conan
Detective Conan follows high school detective Shinichi Kudo, transformed into a child named Conan Edogawa by a poison. Concealing his identity, Conan continues solving crimes while aiming to uncover the mysteries of the Black Organization. The anime is a captivating mix of suspense, intellect, and personal challenges, as Conan navigates each episode, pursuing justice and outsmarting the enigmatic forces behind his transformation. The series captivates audiences with its engaging narrative and themes of resilience.
8. Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z, a gateway for many young anime fans, is celebrated for its captivating blend of humor, eccentric characters, and thrilling martial arts battles. While the series may not delve into complex plots, it revolves around Goku, a superhuman martial artist, and his friends facing increasingly formidable foes. The enduring popularity of Dragon Ball Z lies in its ability to balance lighthearted humor, unique characters, and breathtaking action, making it a cultural phenomenon that resonates globally.
9. Death Note
Death Note is a classic anime about Light Yagami, a teenager who gets special powers from a mysterious notebook called the Death Note. This magical notebook allows its user to kill anyone just by writing their name in it. Using the Death Note and his clever mind, Light starts a global “moral” mission, causing a big impact on the world. The story unfolds as a thrilling game of wits between Light and skilled investigators who try to catch him. This anime has not only inspired many similar dark protagonist shows but also led to numerous live-action adaptations, earning its place as one of the best and most influential anime ever.
10. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan, a thrilling series, features characters like Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman battling formidable Titans. The manga wrapped up in April 2021, and the anime concluded in November 2023 after four seasons with a total of 94 episodes. Both versions offer captivating and suspenseful storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on viewers. The finale, whether in manga or anime, marks the end of an era, providing a deep and reflective experience for the audience.
