Author | Vivian Rice |
People! It’s almost Christmas Break!!!!! Of course, the dreaded midterms are before the break, but after that, we’re home free! I don’t know about you guys, but I’m already planning which Christmas decorations should go where. Coming with the holiday breaks is what we (well, at least me) love, binge watching our favorite shows in our warm comfy beds. It’s no secret to my good friends that I love anime and manga! Anime is Japanese animated shows featuring all sorts of genres and themes. Manga is the same as Anime except it’s more like comics. The characters for anime are animated, hence the title, but have human voice actors who literally voice anime characters for a living. In Japan, anime is a big deal. I’m planning on binge watching some anime shows, both ones I’ve seen and haven’t seen yet. Here are some recommendations if you’d like to start watching anime, it’s a wide variety! If you can’t finish the list, then if you’re interested, research animes with google.
1. Noragami, PG-13.
An exciting adventure mixing traditional Japanese culture with modern day Japan. A great anime if you’re into mythology and legends, a good recommendation for thrilling comedy and drama.
2. Ouran High School Host Club, PG-13.
A romantic drama comedy, it’s one of the oldies but a total classic! It features the dramatic but hilarious school lifestyles of the wealthy in one shot episodes. Also, there’s a ton of literary examples in the dialogues between the characters, if you like flowery and embellishments in speech then this one’s for you! It’s also just plain hilarious, the entire story is incredibly outlandish.
3. Gakuen Babysitters, PG.
I really think this should have been rated G, but I don’t rate anime shows so I can’t say. It’s an exceptionally great anime for children and people who love children. Full of themes on family, friendship and how to treat your siblings with love. The entire anime is just full of cuteness and adorableness. It can also teach you how to babysit with fruitful results.
4. Violet Evergarden, PG-13.
Bring out massive amounts of tissue boxes for this anime, I still have tear stains on my pillow from when I watched this anime, hyperbole but you get it. It’s a coming of age and acceptance story, and how the protagonist Violet discovers what emotions truly are. This is an anime with a ton of emotions, ready those tissue boxes.
5. Your Lie In April, PG-13.
A romantic drama, it’s both a tragedy and a comedy. Is that an oxymoron? For all you musically talented people (definitely not me), you’ll love this anime. It’s full of great classical music with a phenomenal plot and excellent character development. Literally, it’s filled with piano and violin music, it’ll make you cry your heart out. It’s just so beautiful.
6. Haikyuu!! PG-13.
This is not an anime about poems, contrary to the title. It’s one of the better sports animes out there, all about volleyball! A tad unrealistic when it comes to the actual sport but an amazing adventurous storyline with exciting, lovable, and passionate characters all the way throughout the entire story. I’m still waiting for season 4.
7. One Piece, PG-13.
A true classic, it’s a currently running anime since 1999 with over 800 episodes. With pirates braving the high seas, overcoming challenging and thrilling adventures, and form friendships. it’s a perfect anime to start watching and never be able to finish. I seriously wonder if it’ll ever conclude.
8. Boku no Hero Academia, PG-13.
It’s probably one of the most famous animes in the new generation. Action, adventure, and superpowers, it’s a superhero Anime! Amazing soundtracks and a brilliant plot, it will keep you on your toes throughout the entire show. It’s also one of my and Lydia Rice’s personal favorites, I love all the characters so much!