Looking for anime or donghua (Chinese animation) recommendations? Here is a list of different categories that might pique your interest if you’re just starting out or just want to add something to your watch list. Many of these you can find on Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix and Hulu, to name a few.
Romance- A classic genre that anyone can enjoy. These will show the journey of the character’s relationship with each other through a variety of different trials.
Series
- Horimiya
- Yona of the Dawn
- Kamisama Kiss
Movie
- Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish
“Horimiya” showcases the real struggles one might face in a relationship which makes it easy to relate to. “Yona of the Dawn” and “Kamisama Kiss” are different since they do have a fantasy aspect to them but there are also multiple love interests that you can’t help but root for. “Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish” is a slow burn because the characters are trying to overcome their own issues, which makes it a bit complicated for their growth together early on.
Wholesome with a twist- These works may seem wholesome either at the start of the show, maybe the opening in general, or because of the art style. However, the plot will be darker or sadder than it looks… never judge a book by its cover!
Series
- Promised Neverland (S1)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica
- Anohana
Movie
- Ride Your Wave
- Maquia
This is an interesting category nonetheless but each one put you on a ride of different emotions that some might be generally confused about by the end of it or sobbing due to what the characters just went through. “Promised Neverland” and “Madoka Magica” draw you in due to their wholesome art style but once you watch a few episodes you can’t help but sympathize with the characters. “Anohana” and “Ride Your Wave” seem like one thing but once the full backstory and plot twists are revealed you can’t help but shed a few tears. “Maquia” is truly one of a kind movie that everyone should watch due to its plot being unlike any other.
Fantasy/Action- For anyone that enjoys a good action series with elements of fantasy tossed in. Magic, monsters, fights, and everything in between.
Series
- The Case Study of Vanitas
- Link Click
- Takt Op. Destiny
Movie
- Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (the movie is canonically before the series)
Some of these might have passed by you during the recent season of new releases but each one is entertaining due to their unique plots. “The Case Study of Vanitas,” “Link Click,” and “Takt Op. Destiny” are almost like partners-in-crime stories, which make for entertaining scenes throughout the show. While trying to solve underlying issues and fight opponents off, they always make time to bicker with each other which you can’t help to laugh at. “Jujutsu Kaisen” is one of the best action series at the moment, and everyone should give it a shot at some point.
Slice of life/Comedy- Just want a good laugh or an actual wholesome anime then these are for you. These are light-hearted shows for everyone’s entertainment.
Series
- Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan
- Sleepy Princess of Demon Castle
- Asobi Asobase
Movie
- Kakushigoto
All of these shows are pretty amusing in their own ways but overall are a great way to unwind to or just have in the background. “Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan” is entertaining due to the conflict between the main character’s pessimistic nature and his role as a children’s show host. “Sleepy Princess of Demon Castle” and “Asobi Asobase” are wholesome in looks but absolutely hilarious in each episode because new issues always arise to make the main characters go on some type of journey. “Kakushigoto” is about a father trying to keep his true job hidden from his daughter, but circumstances always conspire against him.
Visual Treats- This section will catch your attention due to their distinctive art styles. Not only are these beautiful visually but the storylines are just as intriguing.
Series
- Violet Evergarden
- Toilet-bound Hanako-kun
- Pretty boy detective club
Movie
- Bubble
“Violet Evergarden” and “Bubble” are visual masterpieces with plots that are one like no other. “Toilet-bound Hanako-kun” and “Pretty Boy Detective Club” take place in school settings, but the journeys which they embark on are otherworldly and are enhanced by the art style.