In these turbulent times of self-isolation and social distancing, we all need something to watch to keep our minds occupied and forget about everything that’s happening in the world, at least for a little while.
Maybe you’ve always thought about getting into anime, or maybe you’ve seen some series but are looking for some other suggestions of shows to get lost in. Either way, we have plenty of recommendations that will keep your attention rapt — nothing makes you focus more than having to read subtitles.
Here’s a list of some really great anime that should help you get through everything that’s going on, no matter what you’re into.
My Hero Academia
Are you missing school? Do you like a little action and some great superpowered fights? My Hero Academia takes place in a world where most people have superpowers called quirks, and while many are pretty minor, some are very powerful. The show follows Izuku Midoriya, a plucky young student who is obsessed with the legendary hero All Might. He attends U.A. High School with a whole bunch of other kids with quirks as they figure out their powers and work together to take on all kinds of threats to the school and beyond.
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Aggretsuko
Are you missing work? Aggretsuko is a down-to-earth anime that primarily takes place in an office and follows the life of Retsuko, an unassuming red panda in her mid 20s who has to deal with a shitty boss, navigate relationships with coworkers, and then let off steam by growling to death metal songs at karaoke bars. It’s an adorable, light-hearted little series.
Streaming: Netflix
A Place Further Than the Universe
If you need an upbeat story, A Place Further Than the Universe is a great one. Mari Tamaki is a second-year high schooler who is worried that she isn’t doing enough with her life, but that changes when she joins three other girls on an expedition to Antarctica to search for one of the girls’ missing mother.
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Haikyu!!
As all sports have basically been canceled, for the time being, you may be looking for something that scratches that itch. Haikyu!! is a series that looks at junior high schooler Shōyō Hinata and his dream of becoming a great volleyball player. He goes from a kid trying to get his friends to help him practice (even though they’re not interested) to a part of a team that relies on him and his skills, all while he learns about himself and his fellow players.
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Death Note
Death Note is a pretty intense show that revolves around a demonic book that can be used for murder by writing a person’s name in it, visualizing them in your head when you do it, and writing how they die. The book falls in the hands of teenager Light Yagami, who begins using it for what he perceives as the greater good and utilizes the complicated rules that come along with the book to avoid being found by investigators and fellow genius L. It’s hard not to binge right through it.
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
