Why You Should Give Anime A Chance In 2024

Anime has really evolved over the years into a massive fandom. Originating from Japan, its crossed multiple cultural and language barriers over time to become the mainstream hit its become today. Whether it’s the animation style, deep plots, or relatable characters, anime offers an immersive experience that’s hard to match. Its an entertainment medium that can cater to all tastes and ages, with genres ranging from adventure, fantasy, romance, science fiction, comedy and everything in between.

Diving into the world of anime is like taking a journey into vast new landscapes of storytelling. Unlike typical TV dramas or cartoons, anime offers a unique blend of visual art with layered narratives that can range from hyper-realistic to surreal. Giving anime a chance has a potential to open a whole new dimension of entertainment that's as awe-inspiring as it is enjoyable.

As anime’s popularity continues to rise, its impact on culture has become more apparent than ever. As you may have noticed, communities around the world have been increasingly embracing anime and Japanese culture. There’s been a gradual uptick in people with anime car stickers, cosplayers, conventions, and people posting about their favorite shows and characters on social media.

Anime conventions were once small gatherings. Originally, they'd host about a few hundred guests that share a love with the hobby. Nowadays conventions have grown into massive events attended by tens of thousands of guests. According to LVL UP EXPO, in 2023 the convention saw over 102,000 attendees take part in the festivities at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Unlike in the 90's where getting your hands on an anime was a fairly difficult task, accessing anime today has never been easier. Platforms like Crunchyroll, HIDIVE, Netflix, and Hulu offer vast libraries of titles that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. Whether you're a seasoned viewer or a curious newcomer, exploring different anime series has become very simple and convenient.

As you ponder giving whether to give anime a shot, here's a few show recommendations that should be a good starting point for your journey:

Genres: Adventure, Drama, and Fantasy
Episodes: 28 (1 Season with a 2nd Season confirmed)
Languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese (BR), and German

In terms of storytelling, music, action, and visuals, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is truly a masterpiece. If you're willing to give a single anime a chance to impress you, this is it. This is a journey that anyone that enjoys anime should go on.

Genres: Action, Drama, and Suspense
Themes: Military, Gore, and Survival
Episodes: 94 (4 Seasons)
Languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese (BR), and German

Attack on Titan is a special case of an amazing story that you DO NOT want to be spoiled. The carnage the Titans bring, superb action scenes, and mysteries will have you needing to push forward through all of the loss. Will humanity be saved? Or will it fall beneath the might of the Titans?

Genres: Drama and Romance
Themes: Love Polygon, Music, and School
Episodes: 22 (1 Season)
Languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, and German

Your Lie In April shows us that sometimes life can be unexpected and unfair. The trauma that comes with the loss of a loved one can be debilitating, but as life goes on the world still holds beauty and meaning.

Genre: Action
Themes: School and Super Powers
Episodes: As of 4/23/24 - 138 Episodes throughout 6 Seasons (Series Ongoing)

At the core of My Hero Academia (MHA) is one question, "What does it mean to be a real hero in a world full of super heroes?" You start from the exciting beginnings of a young hero's journey to become the number one hero as he uses his strength and wits to defeat the villains that try to cause harm. MHA is fun, inspirational, action packed, and includes a massive cast of characters with a ton of unique quirks.

Genre: Comedy
Themes: Music and CGDCT (Cute Girls Doing Cute Things)
Episodes: 12 (1 Season)

Bocchi is downright hilarious. From start to finish you'll be laughing, crying, cheering, and maybe even feeling a little cringe, but you're one-hundred percent going to have a good time. The comedic gags, feel good moments, great music, and amazing animations make this show a new cult classic for rock enjoyers and anime lovers alike.