In the mood for… ANIME: 7 Fantastically Entertaining Anime Shows

Dan da dan-anime show-aliens-ghosts-magical powers-photo by IGN

IGN

Curious about exploring the world of anime-style entertainment? Perhaps one of my suggestions will be your perfect pick to start indulging in anime. If you’re already a die hard anime fan please don’t come at me for watching the following shows in English rather than Japanese, haha. Maybe one day I’ll watch anime in Japanese, but for now it’s a sweet ease (hehe) that I can watch these awesome foreign language productions in one of my primary languages.

I take Netflix-and-chilling very seriously. Not to be confused with today’s generational meaning for the term. So, don’t invite me over to netflix-and-chill for ulterior motives, like I actually want to watch the movie, haha. Watching movies and shows from all kinds of regions (Spanish, Italian, French, German, Turkish…you name it) as long as the story line, cinematography and characters are interesting, is a big time favorite life activity for me. You can always count on me to join a movie night! *bats lashes*

Ok train of thought is back at the central station. So, let’s get back on track.

The following list of 7 anime shows I find fantastically entertaining are presented in no particular order, other than the first one being a show that I am currently following on Netflix. Scroll on for the lineup!

1. Dan Da Dan

“Dan Da Dan — The premise is a recipe for wild shenanigans: Two protagonists arguing about the existence of ghosts and aliens are then thrust into a reality where they have to deal with both simultaneously.” –IGN

M notes: Dan Da Dan might just have my favorite anime intro to date (you can check it out and be your own judge by pressing play). Watching this show feels like riding a fun roller coaster ride. Trigger warning it is really out there, and has references of SA, but their redemption game is thriving.

2. Delicious in Dungeon

“Unexpected ingredients make for superb friendships in Delicious in Dungeon — The perfect show for fans of fantasy, food, and friendship, in the most refreshing and life-affirming way possible…” –Reactor

M notes: Delicious in Dungeon is the first anime show that I’ve watched anticipating each new episode to be premiered on a weekly basis. Yes, that means that for 24 weeks starting in the beginning of the 2024 New Year, I would excitedly get my snack-a-rama on while watching the adventures unfold. *patiently waiting for more episodes*

3. Blood of Zeus

“Blood of Zeus is an epic war between gods, mortals and demons in this dynamic mash-up of anime and mythology.” –Deadline

M notes: If you’re really into learning more about mythology and exploring the worlds of ancient times like me, I think you’ll enjoy giving Blood of Zeus a watch. Full of action and drama, as per usual when it comes to tales involving battles of good vs evil. Check out the trailer to see what I mean!

4. Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

“A world filled with beautiful bright colors, an addictive soundtrack, and a fantastic storyline to boot? — Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is a must watch!” –Dorkaholics

M notes: Personally, I do not think that this trailer does justice to the wonderment that awaits in Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts. The diversity of characters reminds me of Adventure Time (one of my all-time-fave toons – so you know I mean business), and the ever-present ambition and optimism that each of them display to achieve their goals give ‘hope’ a new meaning.

5. Bee and Puppycat: Lazy in Space

“Bee and PuppyCat: Lazy in Space is like a warm hug from a long-lost friend” –The Verge

M notes: From cats galore, to embodying an adventurous spirit, to otherworldly explorations, to experimental fashion and an overload of quirkiness, I feel like I relate sooo ridiculously much with Bee (and Puppycat). If you know me IRL, especially if you’re one of my besties than I think you’ll agree, hahaha. Bee and Puppycat is one of my all-time-faves when it comes to anime shows for sure. It’s oddly funny, because I’ve never really been fired from a job and a lot of the trailer/story centers on working temp gigs yet I relate so much with the essence of her world. You’ll have to give it a watch to see what I mean.

6. Romantic Killer

“Romance is dead, but ‘Romantic Killer’ brought it back — With the loss of her three loves — chocolate, video games and her pet cat, Momohiki — Anzu wants nothing to do with what wizard Riri markets as a magical solution to Japan’s low birth rate.” –Washington Square News

M notes: Romantic Killer made me laugh out loud so much. The iconic dramatic facial expressions that are quite typical aspects of anime shows are EXTRA DRAMATIC in this series, especially when the main character, Anzu, is presented with opportunities for romance of which she tries to resist with every fiber of her being.

7. Toradora!

“Toradora! first aired in 2008, and set the gold standard for romance anime with an adorable usage of character archetypes like the tsundere and often hilarious situations.” –ScreenRant

M notes: Not to promote violence, but yeah fxck around and find out is definitely the vibe for tiny-but-mighty protagonist, Taiga. If you’re into RomComs than Toradora! is probably a BIG YES for you.

Sayonara

I’d say there’s a little bit of something for everyone in this lineup. Personally, I’m not too big on the super gore stuff, that’s more my twin sister Tasha’s turf…But I’m pretty open-minded…I heard Death Note and Berserk are great. However, wildly bloody. Tasha always loved Elfen Lied…We’ll see…Maybe I will check ’em out when the next spooky season comes around.

Random Fun Fact Alert! Did you know that apparently Elfen Lied inspired the making of Stranger Things? Muy interesante, IMO (read: in my opinion). Here’s to staying curious and exploring the creative arts!