I’ve noticed it often takes a little time for a TV show to really click with audiences, and anime is the same way. A lot of anime series need a few episodes to hit their stride and figure out what they’re all about. In fact, a lot of fans have an unwritten rule: give a show at least three episodes before deciding if it’s worth continuing with.
I’ve noticed that while many anime series take time to find their footing, some grab you right from the start. There are a few that immediately felt special, and even now, years later, it’s clear why they became instant fan favorites. They just had that ‘it’ factor from the very beginning.
7) Dandadan
Science Saru’s *Dandadan* follows Momo Ayase and Okarun, two teens who develop supernatural powers after a spooky encounter with ghosts and aliens. This encounter has a strange side effect for Okarun, and the pair must work together to fix it while battling other supernatural forces—and gradually falling for each other.
When it was announced that Science Saru would animate *Dandadan*, fans were confident they’d deliver a visually stunning and faithful adaptation of the manga’s unique style and compelling story. That expectation has proven true – the anime has become a major success, and with a third season already planned, there’s still much more *Dandadan* to enjoy.
6) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
The anime *Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End* follows Frieren, an elf who is a powerful mage and was part of the group that defeated the demon king. Years after their victory, when her human companion, Himmel, passes away, Frieren begins to understand how much she valued their time together. This realization prompts her to embark on a new journey – one focused on learning how to connect with and understand others.
Frieren was already incredibly popular as a manga, and the anime adaptation lived up to the hype. Its beautiful animation and music perfectly complemented the touching and bittersweet story. Although the manga is currently on break, the upcoming second season of the anime promises even more to love.
5) My Hero Academia
Izuku Midoriya, the main character in Bones Film’s *My Hero Academia*, has a big dream: to become a hero. The problem is, he was born without any superpowers. But after meeting his hero, All Might, Izuku gets the opportunity to show everyone he has what it takes to become not just a hero, but the very best.
When *My Hero Academia* first came out, superhero stories were incredibly popular, and its exciting action and memorable characters quickly made it a fan favorite. After a decade, the final season of *My Hero Academia* is now airing, and it’s expected to deliver a satisfying conclusion, just like the original manga.
4) Attack On Titan
I’m completely hooked on MAPPA’s *Attack on Titan*! It starts with this incredible moment where humanity’s defenses finally fall after a century, and the terrifying Titans break through. When Eren Yeager’s family gets caught up in the chaos, he vows to destroy every single Titan, but honestly, it quickly becomes clear that things are way more complex than just a simple revenge mission. It’s an amazing story!
Attack on Titan quickly became popular with both fans and critics thanks to its stunning animation and complex, ever-changing storyline. While it had a few minor issues, it remained a hugely influential cultural phenomenon. Many consider Attack on Titan to be the most important anime series of recent times, and it continues to deserve that recognition even years later.
3) The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya
I’m a huge fan of *The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya* by Kyoto Animation, and the setup is just brilliant! Basically, this normal guy, Kyon, gets roped into joining Haruhi Suzumiya’s SOS Brigade – she’s obsessed with finding the supernatural. What’s amazing is that the other members of the club *are* the supernatural beings she’s looking for! They’re secretly watching over Haruhi, who unknowingly has these incredible, almost godlike powers, and they’re all working to make sure she *doesn’t* find out about them. It’s such a clever premise!
When it first came out, *The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya* exploded in popularity, becoming a global anime phenomenon thanks to its brilliant writing and stunning animation by Kyoto Animation. It’s still considered one of the best anime series ever adapted from a light novel. Though it doesn’t get the attention it deserves today, it’s absolutely worth watching.
2) Naruto
The anime series *Naruto*, produced by Studio Pierrot, follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who is disliked by others because he contains a powerful and dangerous spirit—the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. Naruto dreams of becoming the leader of his village, the Hokage, and gaining the acceptance of everyone around him. His journey is filled with challenges and large-scale conflicts, eventually leading to a quest to save the world.
I remember when *Naruto* exploded onto the scene in the 2000s – it was *huge*! Even now, it’s easily one of the most popular anime ever made. When you think about the ‘Big 3’ *shonen* series, *Naruto* always felt the most relatable, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why it connected with so many people. The story was simple, but the writing was just so much fun, and the action kept you hooked!
1) Dragon Ball
Toei Animation’s *Dragon Ball* follows Son Goku, a boy with a monkey tail, as he embarks on adventures with his friends, frequently searching for the magical Dragon Balls that grant wishes. Originally a martial arts fantasy, the series gradually transformed into a large-scale science fiction story, and the battles became increasingly grand as well.
From the fun adventures of the original *Dragon Ball* to the intense battles of *Dragon Ball Z*, the series has consistently captivated audiences and become one of the most beloved and impactful anime ever created. *Dragon Ball* is truly iconic, and widely considered a masterpiece from the very beginning.
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2025-10-17 22:44