With Amazon Prime Video’s new monthly content, even anime fans have plenty of shows and movies to pick from. Fans have even more options since the streamer added Crunchyroll as an optional premium channel. This addition expands Prime’s catalog exponentially, giving users access to both platforms’ anime content in one package.
The cost is ultimately the same as subscribing to both individually, but it undoubtedly makes Prime’s anime library more accessible to new and longtime fans. Convenient as it is, this library can overwhelm uninitiated audiences. That’s where this guide comes in, as the list is updated monthly and focuses on the best anime on Prime Video right now. This includes Prime’s native library and the premium Crunchyroll channel.
For those who might be feeling a little overwhelmed, but are still intrigued by the genre, we also have worthwhile guides on the best anime on Netflix and the best anime on Hulu to help fans get the most value out of their subscriptions. Also, check out our guides for the best new shows to stream and the best shows on Amazon Prime.
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Dragon Ball DAIMA (2024)
Between the video game Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero and the ongoing Dragon Ball Daima anime, fans of the classic franchise are well served. Daima is the last piece of Dragon Ball content the late Akira Toriyama created before his passing, taking Goku and co. on a whimsical adventure.
After a strange conspiracy turns Goku and his friends into childlike forms, they travel to the Demon Realm to discover the cause. The revered Toriyama’s work is beloved for its imaginative world-building. So far, Dragon Ball Daima has been living up to that reputation, presenting a charming premise with Toei’s smooth animation.
Dan Da Dan (2024)
Science Saru’s adaptation of Dan Da Dan by Yukinobu Tatsu is easily one of the best anime of the fall 2024 season. This strange story begins with teenager Momo Ayase rescuing classmate Ken Takakura from a group of bullies.
The two end up in a heated debate about whether ghosts or aliens are real. Not only are they both right, but Momo and Ken will get roped into a string of supernatural incidents. Sci-fi, the occult, and a dash of coming-of-age romance all in one, Dan Da Dan is the most imaginative anime adaptation of the year. The art direction and animation are visually striking, and its zany premise won’t even give fans a chance to be bored.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002)
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is another highlight from the mech franchise. Animated by Sunrise, this installment depicts a full-scale war between two subspecies of humans. The Naturals (unaltered humans) clash against the Coordinators (genetically altered humans living in space colonies), with young Coordinator Kira Yamato being swept into the conflict when a third party invades his home to steal Mobile Suits.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is one of the most successful anime series from the franchise, praised for its drama, mech action sequences, and political intrigue. Gundam is known for its impressive sci-fi world-building and operatic storytelling, and SEED achieves this without alienating new fans.
Dragon Ball Super (2015)
With the addition of Crunchyroll as an optional add-on to Prime Video, Dragon Ball fans have even more content in one place. For the uninitiated (or simply the nostalgic), audiences can watch Dragon Ball Super, the long-awaited sequel series to DBZ.
Set after the events of DBZ’s Buu Saga, Goku finds his quiet life interrupted when Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens to find the powerful opponent prophesized to defeat him. While it’s hard to top the legacy and novelty of DBZ, Dragon Ball Super has all the action and over-the-top storytelling fans would want. From high-octane tournaments to even more elaborate power-ups, Dragon Ball Super is endlessly entertaining.
MEGALOBOX (2018)
There are plenty of grounded sports anime, but for fans wanting a larger-than-life twist, Megalobox is a great choice. Animated by TMS Entertainment, Megalobox takes place in late 21st-century Japan when professional athletes wear mechanized exoskeletons to box.
The plot focuses on a scrappy underground boxer known as Junk Dog, who rises through the ranks to win the prestigious Megalonia tournament and take down its reigning champion. Megalobox is the perfect mix of engrossing character drama and visceral boxing action. Even with the exciting sci-fi backdrop, Megalobox tells an investing underdog-themed story that fans of more realistic boxing anime like Hajime no Ippo and Ashita no Joe can appreciate.
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (2015)
The Dragon Ball franchise’s 19th movie and the first in the main canon, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is an exciting return for the anime series. Produced by Toei Animation, the movie sees the return of iconic DBZ villain Frieza, who’s exact revenge on Son Goku and company for defeating him.
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is a worthy sequel to the DBZ manga and TV anime adaptation. The story doesn’t accomplish anything groundbreaking, but Resurrection ‘F’ feels like a warm return for these classic characters. It acts as a bridge to the Super sequel series and packs all the fast-paced fights and nostalgia fans will want.
Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2011)
Yasuhiro Nightow’s Trigun is a 1990s sci-fi classic. While the recent CG reboot was surprisingly creative, Trigun: Badlands Rumble is perfect for fans who want more of the original anime adaptation’s continuity. Directed by Satoshi Nishimura and produced by Madhouse, this movie follows a side story between episodes of the 1998 show.
The franchise’s lead outlaw, Vash “the Stampede,” finds himself in a city where bounty hunters are tracking a wanted robber named Gasback, who has a past connection to Vash. Trigun: Badlands Rumble is an excellent example of an anime-original story that does justice to the manga source material. The new characters and story feel faithful to Nightow’s intended sci-fi-Western tone, now backed by Madhouse’s more modern animation.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015)
While Mobile Suit Gundam can seem difficult to dive into, it has plenty of great standalone shows. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is one such installment, revolving around a group of juvenile soldiers who establish their own militaristic security company.
The young fighters use their Mobile Suits to fight on behalf of their contractors, raging against the adult leaders who exploited and betrayed them. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is one of the most beloved entries in the franchise thanks to its gritty sci-fi action and engrossing drama. Packed with political intrigue and branching storylines, this series makes some biting social commentary on real-life crises like slavery, children of war, and rampant political corruption.
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (2022)
For thrilling robot-themed action, anime fans should check out the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam series. The Witch from Mercury is a recent TV installment animated by longtime studio Sunrise, and it’s set in a future where intergalactic corporations run the world.
The Benerit Group dominates the mobile suit industry, and the plot focuses on young Suletta Mercury, a girl who transfers to a technology academy owned by the conglomerate. Complete with complex political machinations, character drama, and mech-on-mech combat, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is a must-watch for sci-fi anime fans. It contains all the tropes fans have come to love while remaining accessible to the uninitiated viewer.
Dragon Ball (1986)
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise is best known for the sequel Dragon Ball Z, but the original series is still worth watching in 2024. Animated by Toei Animation, Dragon Ball chronicles the colorful exploits of Son Goku, a shockingly powerful young boy with a monkey tail and a mysterious past.
Along with his companion, Bulma, they clash with many villains on their way to finding the seven wish-granting Dragon Balls. Dragon Ball is a landmark in the manga and anime mediums. Toriyama’s whimsical worldbuilding still shines through, complemented by martial arts-themed action, comedy, and a mix of sci-fi and fantasy.
Kingdom (2012)
Fans of mature, historical dramas owe it to themselves to watch the anime adaptation of Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom. With five seasons currently released and animated by studios including Pierrot and Signpost, the story is set during a fictionalized take on China’s Warring States era.
It follows a young orphan named Xin as he aims to become the land’s elite general and unify China. Kingdom is one of the most acclaimed seinen manga thanks to its epic-scale conflicts and character drama. The anime adaptation has only improved with each season in terms of its art direction and animation quality, and the plot will suit fans of other historical anime/manga like Vinland Saga and Vagabond.
Slam Dunk (1993)
For fans wanting to delve into classic sports anime, Slam Dunk is an easy recommendation. Animated by Toei Animation and adapted from Takehiko Inoue’s manga, the story focuses on a basketball team from Shōhoku High School.
Hanamichi Sakuragi, an immature and ill-tempered freshman, develops a productive passion for basketball as the team grows into a nationwide contender. Slam Dunk is among the most widely acclaimed sports manga thanks to its grounded cast and mix of humor and exciting sports drama. Like any quality sports anime, it’s compelling to basketball fans and non-fans alike, and it’s one of the best shounen series — sports-theme or otherwise.
Tonbo! (2024)
Sports anime is an increasingly popular niche in the medium, with Tonbo! using golf as its backdrop. Based on Ken Kawasaki and Yu Furusawa’s manga of the same name, the plot focuses on the journey of a young girl named Tonbo Ooi.
After former pro golfer Kazuyoshi Igarashi looks to move on by taking a job at an island’s development center, he’s amazed by the girl’s incredible talent and rediscovers passion for the sport. Animated by OLM, Tonbo! is well-received for how it uses golf for its story, but more impressive is how character-driven it is. The sport is a great vehicle for the co-leads to grow past their respective life struggles.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
The cyberpunk subgenre is known for moody, neon-lit atmospheres, and Ghost in the Shell is one of its best representatives. Directed by Mamoru Oshii and animated by Production I.G, the movie is set in Japan in 2029, as cyborg public-security agent Motoko Kusanagi and her team hunt an elusive threat.
The agency is tracking a hacker dubbed the “Puppet Master” who strips victims of their memories. Ghost in the Shell is one of the most important anime in the medium’s history. Manga creator Masamune Shirow’s story takes aesthetic and thematic cues from Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, exploring concepts like the sense of self and the ethical dilemmas that arise in an aggressively technological world.
InuYasha (2000)
Rumiko Takhashi’s Inuyasha was a manga classic of the 1990s, and its anime adaptation did it justice in the 2000s. Animation studio Sunrise is behind the anime series, telling the story of 15-year-old Kagome Higurashi and time-traveling exploits to Sengoku-era Japan.
She meets the half-dog, half-demon Inuyasha, teaming up to prevent the fragments of a powerful jewel from being used for nefarious purposes. Inuyasha is an anime classic and remains one of the best shonen adventure series in the medium. The series earned praise for its entertaining mix of action, adventure, Japanese fantasy, and romance elements.
Ghost Stories (2000)
Based on a series of Japanese children’s novels by Tôru Tsunemitsu, Ghost Stories combines supernatural horror with dark humor. Pierrot produced the anime adaptation, telling the story of Satsuki Miyanoshita, a schoolgirl who moves to her late mother’s hometown but is roped into paranormal adventures.
Along with her band of ghost-hunting classmates, Satsuki tries to expel the spirits of a haunted school building. Ghost Stories received a positive reception, but the series’ Japanese and English dubs notably vary. The original version played out like a more conventional horror story, while the English dub was particularly praised for complementing the scares with witty dark comedy.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023)
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, alongside other adaptations like Delicious in Dungeon, shows high fantasy excels in anime. Based on Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe’s manga series, Frieren follows the quest of the eponymous elven mage. Generations after Frieren’s heroic companions defeat the Demon King, she takes in a new apprentice and seeks to fulfill her late friends’ requests.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is acclaimed for its soothing and vibrant fantasy world. It also bucks the trend of heroes banding together to defeat a world-ending threat. Instead, Frieren opts for a quieter but no less emotional approach, portraying a main character struggling to face mortality.
Dragon Ball Z (1989)
The late Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z is still the most popular of the blockbuster franchise. The sequel series is set five years after Son Goku’s win at the World Martial Arts tournament, with the protagonist now living quietly with his wife Chi-Chi and son Gohan.
But when the Saiyan villain Raditz arrives on Earth, Goku’s origins are revealed and his life takes a sudden action-packed turn. Dragon Ball Z is an anime phenomenon that’s persevered decades later thanks to its iconic characters and over-the-top action. The anime consistently expands its world with grander conflicts each arc, flashy power systems, and imaginative villains.
Pokémon (1997)
The segmentation of the Pokémon TV anime across streaming platforms is admittedly convoluted. Still, fans can enjoy Ash Ketchum’s classic adventures on Prime Video, specifically from Gold and Silver. Following Ash and Misty’s adventures in the Orange Islands, they rejoin Brock to explore the Johto region.
Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver takes cues from the acclaimed Game Boy Color video games while telling its own charming story. The “monster-of-the-week” formula is still well in effect, but it’s perfect for the now-nostalgic atmosphere. Even with the familiar cartoon tropes, Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver still features touching character development between Ash and his friends — Pokémon included.
Cromartie High School (2003)
Anime fans looking for a lighter and more comedic diversion should look into Cromartie High School. Production I.G animates this adaptation of Eiji Nonaka’s manga series, telling the story of mild-mannered Takashi Kamiyama’s attempts to survive Cromartie High School.
He does the unthinkable by enrolling in a school infamous for its delinquent student body and getting into hilarious antics with his friends. Cromartie High School earned praise for its eccentric and gag-style sense of humor. The episodes are quick-paced yet concise, which suits the series’ oddball comedy while never overstaying its welcome.
My Hero Academia (2016)
Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has taken the anime scene by storm since the adaptation began in 2016. Produced by studio Bones, the story is about Izuku Midoriya, a teenager desperate to become a hero in the vein of his idol, All Might. My Hero Academia is set in a world where most of humanity is born with a super-powered “Quirk,” and despite Izuku being born without one, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy.
The series has proven to be one of the most lucrative and popular shounen manga and anime series currently airing. It’s not without the tropes fans would expect from such a story, but it depicts a colorful world that puts an entertaining spin on the superhero genre.
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
Syun Matsuena’s Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is a charming action-comedy, and its anime adaptation stays true to that tone. Animated by TMS Entertainment, the story sees the unassuming Kenichi Shirahama become desperate to overcome his relentless bullies.
All hope seems lost until he befriends classmate Miu Fūrinji, who invites him to her grandfather’s dojo to learn from its eccentric martial arts masters. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is campy and melodramatic, but its zany cast ensures the simple premise is endearing. The balance of fast-paced action and comedy makes this anime a breezy watch.
Blade of the Immortal (2019)
7.4/10Blade of the Immortal‘s second anime adaptation is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. Set during feudal-era Japan, the plot revolves around the eponymous cursed samurai Manji. To repent for the 100-plus samurai he murdered, Manji must kill 1,000 evil men to break the curse and regain his humanity.
Blade of the Immortal is among the best seinen manga, and Liden Films’ adaptation is a solid effort that surpasses the 2008 anime. It does an admirable job of making an excellent yet straightforward revenge epic stylized and interesting in motion. Manji’s wisecracking personality and the dark atmosphere make this a worthwhile watch.
Banana Fish (2018)
8.2/10The adaptation of Akimi Yoshida’s Banana Fish is one of the best anime shows exclusive to Prime Video. Animated by MAPPA, the story is mostly set in 1980s New York, following young gangster Ash Lynx and the unraveling mystery of a dangerous street drug. As his investigation intensifies, he develops a profound relationship with Eiji Okumura, a photographer’s assistant.
Banana Fish is an engaging mix of crime, drama, and romance without spreading itself thin creatively. The plot’s compelling central mystery, grounded main cast, and nuanced approach to sensitive themes, including sexual abuse and gender conformity, earned widespread appeal.
Kaiju No. 8 (2024)
The adaptation of Naoya Matsumoto’s Kaiju No. 8 is one of the biggest shounen anime of 2024. Animated by studio Production I.G, the series tells the story of Kafka Hibino, a clean-up crew worker in the aftermath of monster attacks, who gets far more than a promotion to the elite Defense Force.
Falling behind his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, now a captain of the Defense Force’s Third Division, Kafka gets a monstrous transformation ability after ingesting a kaiju. Kaiju No. 8 is shaping up to be one of the best ongoing anime of the season, backed by over-the-top action and its clever premise. Production I.G’s animation work is typically top-notch as well.
Hell's Paradise (2023)
The adaptation of Yuji Kaku’s Hell’s Paradise is a promising new anime series from studio MAPPA. It focuses on the story of Gabimaru, a terrifyingly efficient assassin who’s given the chance to earn his freedom and avoid execution.
He’s ordered to partner with his would-be executioner Sagiri to retrieve the fabled Elixir of Life from a dangerous and supernatural island. Hell’s Paradise has the potential to be one of the most exciting ongoing anime, complemented by visceral action and its inventive Edo-era Japanese setting. The historical backdrop contrasts well with its striking dark-fantasy elements.
Yu Yu Hakusho (1992)
From the mind of Hunter x Hunter creator Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho was his breakout hit. Animated by studio Pierrot, the series follows the adventures of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenager who’s revived as a Spirit Detective after sacrificing himself to protect a child in a car accident.
With this second lease on life, Yusuke is joined by Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei on a string of supernatural and martial arts-themed exploits. Yu Yu Hakusho is a satisfying shounen story for all ages thanks to its combination of action, storytelling, and entertaining supernatural atmosphere. It earns its 100-plus-episode runtime, balancing comedy and a sincere cast despite its larger-than-life premise.
Fighting Spirit (2000)
Also known by its English name Fighting Spirit, George Morikawa’s Hajime no Ippo is a benchmark in the sports genre. Animated by studio Madhouse, the plot follows high school student Ippo Makunouchi as he aspires to be Japan’s top boxer.
An otherwise mild-mannered boy, Ippo begins a star-studded journey that involves boxing against some of the world’s strongest athletes. Fighting Spirit perfectly balances compelling sports action and commentary with meaningful character development. The story effortlessly maintains an inspiring tone in its high-stakes matches and quiet character-driven moments outside the ring. Alongside anime like Haikyu!!, Fighting Spirit is an excellent gateway into the sports genre.
Mob Psycho 100 (2016)
From the creator of the widely beloved One-Punch Man, this supernatural action-adventure and comedy series also received a stellar adaptation. Based on the webcomic and manga adaptation written and illustrated by One, Mob Psycho 100 is about a telekinetic, yet otherwise unassuming middle school boy dubbed Mob who struggles socially to find the joys common to a kid his age.
Animated by studio Bones, Mob Psycho 100 has an impressive balance of various tones. It manages to be equal parts action-packed, laugh-out-loud funny, and sincerely emotional in its storytelling. The coming-of-age themes at the core of Mob’s story are what make this anime relatable, grounded, and emotional.
Aoashi (2022)
Animation studio Production I.G has built an esteemed reputation for its sports anime adaptations, and that holds for Aoashi. Adapting the manga by Yūgo Kobayashi and Naohiko Ueno, this series tells the story of a youth soccer player named Ashito Aoi — infamous for his reckless playstyle and short temper — who’s humbled after he’s scouted to try out for a high school team in Tokyo.
Now that he no longer has the benefit of having a team built around his talents to stroke his ego, Ashito must grow as a person and a player to prove himself among a squad of skilled players. Like other similar series adapted by Production I.G, Aoashi has been praised for telling an investing and down-to-earth story through the lens of sports.
Attack on Titan (2013)
When the adaptation premiered in 2013, Attack on Titan became a mainstream anime sensation. WIT Studio adapted the first three seasons of writer/illustrator Hajime Isayama’s manga, while the anime studio MAPPA took over for the drawn-out fourth season. The story is set in a bleak fantasy world inspired by European aesthetics where humanity is forced to live in a walled-in city-state to defend itself from the violent and grotesque Titans that roam outside.
What follows is upstart soldier Eren Yeager’s quest to destroy all Titans to avenge his slaughtered family, but far more sinister forces dwell under the surface of this premise. While the release structure of its “final season” was clunky, Attack on Titan proved to be a consistently compelling fantasy saga packed with intrigue. It had an appeal somewhat similar to Game of Thrones in that it was set in a ruthless, unforgiving dark fantasy world with tense action set pieces, complex political dynamics, impressive worldbuilding, and a tantalizing mystery at the story’s core.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
While the first anime adaptation was solid in its own right even though it eventually diverted from the original story, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the definitive version in terms of sticking to the source material. Animated by the creative team at Bones — who also produced the first anime adaptation — Brotherhood follows Hiromu Arakawa’s manga faithfully. It’s set in an Industrial era-inspired dark fantasy world where alchemist brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric set out on a quest to find the fabled Philosopher’s Stone.
The duo are desperate to use it to restore their bodies after a grisly attempt to resurrect their mother. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the most widely acclaimed manga and anime of the 21st century, lauded for its detailed worldbuilding, creative use of fantasy elements, and immensely rewarding character arcs.
To Your Eternity (2021)
One of the more refreshing shounen anime adaptations as of late, To Your Eternity is tasteful mix of fantasy and touching drama. Based on the manga of the same name by Yoshitoki Ōima, the story is about an immortal entity dubbed Fushi who travels across the world using their supernatural abilities to take the forms of various characters over centuries.
To Your Eternity has a similar mellow tone as anime/manga series like Mushi-Shi when using its fantasy elements to tell intimate character-driven stories about the people Fushi meets. However, the series’ wonderful exploration of the human condition is also complemented by some entertaining action that shounen fans will feel familiar with elsewhere.
Golden Kamuy (2018)
Writer and illustrator Satoru Noda’s Golden Kamuy has been one of the best seinen manga series in recent years. It had an overall fulfilling run and well-earned finale, and the anime adaptation has done it justice so far. Golden Kamuy is set in early 1900s Japan in the aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War, with veteran Saichi Sugimoto and his newfound friend and Ainu native Asirpa teaming up in a race against time to find the indigenous peoples’ hidden gold treasure.
It’s an excellent period-piece anime that balances sincere character drama with occasional comedic relief. The series features a diverse cast of characters, each with deep motivations that explore themes of post-war traumas. Animation company Geno Studio adapted the first three seasons of the TV show, with Brain’s Base helming the upcoming fourth and final season.
Death Parade (2015)
An anime-original story, Death Parade takes a creative twist on the concept of the afterlife. Produced by animation studio Madhouse, the series takes place largely in an otherworldly bar called Quindecim, with the enigmatic bartender Decim catering to its recently deceased pairs of souls and having them compete in various games to judge who is reincarnated and who is sent into the void.
Death Parade combines intense emotional storytelling as Decim slowly learns the nuances of human morality and the tragic — and sometimes gruesome — backstories of the otherworldly bar’s patrons. But for all the gut-wrenching and bittersweet storytelling, the character designs and overall art direction have an impeccable sense of style.
Run with the Wind (2018)
Sports anime are a great way to tell stories from more grounded perspectives, and Run With the Wind is one of the best contemporary examples. Production I.G adapts author Shion Mura’s novel of the same name, telling the story of former high school ace runner and current college student Kakeru Kurahara as he’s inadvertently roped into joining his university’s track club.
Together, a group of unlikely students morphs into an inspiring team of athletes who develop sincere bonds worth getting emotionally invested in. Run With the Wind will surely suit the tastes of Haikyu!! fans, as the story is sincerely down to earth and features Production I.G’s usual charming art direction and clean animation work.
Samurai Champloo (2004)
Samurai Champloo is another uniquely stylish and resonating anime from beloved Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe. Animated by studio Manglobe, the series is set in a fictionalized Edo-era Japan as the rival ronin Jin and Mugen are saved from execution by a former teahouse waitress named Fuu and are now indebted to help her find the elusive “samurai who smells of sunflowers.”
Similar to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo was widely praised for its slick animation, thrilling action sequences, inventive use of music, and poignant social commentary. It might not carry quite the same revered weight as Watanabe’s earlier series, but Champloo is more than deserving of its acclaim as one of the best anime of the 2000s.
Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Arguably one of the most important anime series in the history of the genre, Cowboy Bebop is a timeless sci-fi story. Set in 2071, the series follows the exploits of an unlikely bounty hunting crew in a world where corporate greed has devastated Earth and forced most of humanity to colonize space — only to continue making the same mistakes.
Complemented by a fantastic acid-jazz soundtrack that influences the animation and art direction, Cowboy Bebop features a unique cast of characters with compelling backstories and character arcs. This series’ episodic story and core plot blend the sci-fi and neon-noir genres and are anchored by thoughtful themes of the human condition.
Berserk: The Golden Age Arc – Memorial Edition (2022)
The late Kentaro Miura’s Berserk manga is one of the most acclaimed in the medium, and while the dense dark fantasy epic isn’t as prolific in the anime space, the most recent adaptation of The Golden Age Arc is a worthy celebration of the writer/artist’s legacy. Berserk: The Golden Age Arc — Memorial Edition focuses on a lone young mercenary named Guts.
He has only known pain and war his entire life, but Guts finds himself recruited in larger-than-life leader Griffith’s Band of the Hawk. Along with the latter’s second-in-command, Casca, the trio lead the mercenary group in a massive war on a kingdom’s behalf — all while a sinister fate looms over their heads. The Golden Age Arc — Memorial Edition is Studio 4C’s TV adaptation of the studio’s original anime movie trilogy.
TRIGUN (1998)
The recent CG-animated reboot Trigun Stampede was an impressive reimagination on its own terms, but the original anime adaptation of writer Yasuhiro Nightow manga still holds up as a classic. Animated by studio Madhouse, the 1998 Trigun series follows the gunslinger Vash “the Humanoid Typhoon” as he travels a sci-fi desert wasteland and is feared by most of this world’s inhabitants.
However, for the level of notoriety he’s built up, Vash avoids violence whenever possible and has a goofy personality. Cleverly combining the sci-fi and Western genres, Trigun is an inventive anime classic that’s far more than meets the eye. As the series progresses, a captivating mystery unfolds — with Vash at the center of it all.
One Piece (1999)
Thanks to the addition of the Crunchyroll channel, anime fans now have access to the flagship One Piece anime series in addition to the spin-off movies. Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is a shounen manga and anime phenomenon that’s going strong decades later, with the series being a consistently entertaining experience.
Animated by Toei Animation, the show opens with young Monkey D. Luffy as he embarks on a grand quest to follow in the footsteps of his role model, Red-Haired Shanks, to become a world-class pirate — and discover the immense treasure that renowned pirate Gol D. Roger, left behind before being executed. What follows is a vibrant swashbuckling saga filled with colorful casts of heroes, villains, and everything in between.
Haikyu!! (2014)
Though it’s not the most common subgenre of anime, sports series have an impressive catalog of shows to watch. The likes of Slam Dunk and Hajime no Ippo are regarded as classics, but Haikyu!! has established itself as the go-to modern sports anime.
Animated by Production I.G, Haikyu!! puts a slice-of-life spin on volleyball, as it follows the journeys of high schooler Shoyo Hinata as he attempts to become an elite player despite being outclassed by his contemporaries in height. Alongside a diverse supporting cast, heartfelt character arcs, stylish art direction, and slick animation work, Haikyu!! makes this an incredibly investing watch and easy to root for these young athletes.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
Writer Gege Akutami’s Jujustu Kaisen manga is one of the biggest modern shounen sensations, and that acclaim has translated into the anime adaptation. Produced by famed studio MAPPA, this series sees high schooler Yuji Itadori enrolled in Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he’s trained and guided by some of Japan’s greatest sorcerers in combatting the otherworldly Cursed Spirits rampant throughout the country.
Bolstered by an engaging main and supporting cast of characters, stylish art design, and exhilarating animation, Jujutsu Kaisen is an exciting dark urban fantasy and martial art anime. It’s undoubtedly one of the biggest additions to the service now that anime fans on Amazon Prime Video can access it through the added Crunchyroll channel.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023)
One of the more under-the-radar anime hits this year, writer Haro Aso and artist Kotaro Takata’s Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead takes its comedic spin on the apocalypse to the anime space. Animated by studio Bug Films, the story has a brutally overworked 24-year-old named Akira Tendo crushed under the weight of his corrupt corporate superiors.
However, a sudden zombie breakout brings Japan’s society to its knees, and Akira couldn’t be more relieved. Now with a newfound sense of purpose and freedom, he sets off on a mission to fulfill all the things on his bucket list that his oppressive corporate lifestyle prevented. Mixing vibrant visuals with surprisingly clever social commentary on unbalanced world-life culture, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a comically refreshing way to subvert zombie-themed tropes.
TRIGUN STAMPEDE (2023)
The original Trigun manga by Yasuhiro Nightow and studio Madhouse’s anime adaptation of it were classics of the ’90s. That made the prospect of a reboot that drastically alters the story into something mostly original a risky proposition, but studio Orange’s Trigun Stampede impressively stuck the landing.
Set in a dystopic future where humanity had to break up into colonies to find a new hospitable planet to live on, the anime tells the story of Vash “The Humanoid Typhoon” for his destructive reputation. However, he’s a pacifist and champion of peace, and that misinformed reputation comes from the atrocities committed by his twin brother. Trigun Stampede makes smart twists to justify its intriguing new story, all without trying to replace the classic original.
SPY x FAMILY (2022)
One of the best contemporary anime to watch on Amazon Prime Video through the Crunchyroll premium channel is Spy x Family. An animation co-effort by Wit Studio and CloverWorks, this adaptation of Tatsuya Endo’s manga of the same name has become a charming modern sensation.
A Spy going under the codename “Twilight” embarks on a high-stakes mission to maintain peace between two fragile nations, requiring him to take on the alias Loid Forger as part of a fabricated family. Little do they know, each of the family members has something to hide, from Yor’s assassin background and Anya’s telepathic powers. Combining ’60s and modern aesthetics, Spy x Family is a delightful spy-thiller and feel-good comedy hybrid.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
9/10Dororo (2019)
8.4/10
