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Some anime entertain you, while others consume your soul and leave you screaming, “Just one more episode!” We’ve all been there, binge-watching late into the night with zero regrets. Today, we’re diving into six anime with top-tier storytelling—the kind that keeps you glued to the screen until you finish every single episode.
So grab your snacks, avoid those spoilers, and let’s begin!
1. Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Basic Story: You wake up in a foreign fantasy world with no recollection of how you arrived. No super-powered abilities, no magical swords, just groups of clueless misfits trying to survive. That’s Grimgar in a nutshell.
Our hero Haruhiro and his similarly under-equipped party members have to battle goblins, accept brutal missions, and scrape together enough cash just to buy food. It’s a world where every fight is a struggle, and dying is forever. No do-overs.
Why You Should Watch It
- A grounded approach to the fantasy genre—no superpowered heroes here!
- Emotional storytelling that makes you feel every struggle.
- It is a beautiful watercolor animation that transports you to another world.
2. Space Brothers
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Basic Story
Muta and Hibito promised as children to become astronauts. Years down the line, Hibito is living his dream, training to travel to the Moon, while Muta is jobless and filled with self-doubt. But destiny presents him with a second opportunity to pursue his dream.
To become an astronaut, Muta has to pass rigorous tests, overcome his own clumsiness, and show the world that he’s more than “Hibito’s older brother.”
Why You Should Watch It
- A feel-good underdog tale of pursuing your dreams.
- Realistic characters—Muta’s hardships are believable and motivating.
- Comedy, drama, and space travel are mixed in a way that keeps you glued to the screen.
3. Katanagatari
Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance, Historical
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Basic Story
In a world of swordsmen, Shichika Yasuri battles bare-fisted. He learned a special martial art from his father, which renders swords useless.
Step in Togame, the master strategist, who requires the assistance of Shichika in gathering 12 mythical swords. They go on an adventure riddled with sweeping battles, engaging dialogue, and surprising turns of events.
Why You Should Watch It
- An original art style that differentiates it from the rest of the anime.
- Witty dialogue—conversations are battles in themselves.
- An emotional rollercoaster—the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways that will leave you agog.
Recommended: Top 15 Slice of Life Anime Recommendations: Relaxing and Heartwarming Series to Watch
4. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Genre: Drama, Historical, Psychological
Where to Watch: Netflix
Basic Story
In medieval Europe, to utter “The Earth revolves around the Sun” was a capital offense. This anime depicts a group of scholars who put everything on the line to seek scientific truths.
There is no main character—every episode presents new characters who defy society’s ignorance. It’s like seeing “Death Note” but with science rather than notebooks.
Why You Should Watch It
- A thrilling intellectual thriller that keeps you on the edge.
- Empowering storytelling—each discovery is a matter of life and death.
- Heavy philosophical undertones of knowledge, rebellion, and truth.
5. Made in Abyss
Genre: Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Drama
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, HIDIVE, Netflix
Basic Story: To the naked eye, Made in Abyss seems like an adorable adventure anime. But don’t be deceived—this show is dark, poignant, and savage.
The film is set in the underwater town of Sumika during a sunny summer. It follows Riko, a young girl who wishes to venture into a mysterious abyss where the further you descend, the more the effects of “the curse” increase. She goes on this adventure with Reg, a robot boy who possesses secret abilities, and it is a beautiful and terrifying journey.
Why You Should Watch It
- Top-notch world-building—each level of the Abyss is its own distinct world.
- An emotional rollercoaster—expect to cry. A lot.
- A blend of adventure, horror, and mystery that will be engrossing.
6. Vinland Saga
Genre: Action, Historical, Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
Basic Story: Know Thorfinn, a boy Viking who admires his dad, Thors. But with the onset of tragedy, Thorfinn becomes filled with revenge and devotes his life to finding the perpetrator—Askeladd.
But Vinland Saga is more than just violence. Along the way, it tests the definition of war, revenge, and purpose.
Why You Should Watch It
- A complex and reflective story—this isn’t another Viking anime.
- Exceptional character development—Thorfinn’s change is one of anime’s best.
- Intense action scenes are interrupted with heavy philosophical moments.
Conclusion
These six anime are more than just entertainment—they drag you into their universe and won’t let you go. Whether it’s a realistic battle of survival (Grimgar), a sci-fi fantasy chase (Space Brothers), or a historical epic (Vinland Saga), each one of them has top-notch storytelling that will have you binge-watching all night.
So, what anime are you watching first? Let me know in the comments!
FAQs
- Which of these anime is best for beginners?
If you’re just starting out with anime, Space Brothers or Vinland Saga are good places to start.
- Is “Made in Abyss” actually that dark?
Yes! The further the characters delve into the Abyss, the more terrifying things become. Don’t be fooled by the adorable art style!
- Where can I stream “On the Movements of the Earth”?
Sadly, it’s not out widely yet. Keep an eye on fan translations!
- Is “Katanagatari” a typical samurai anime?
Not on your life! It’s more of an artistic and philosophical romp with some of the best dialogue in anime.
- Will I cry watching “Grimgar”?
Yes. This anime does not shy away from emotional scenes.
