I now live closer to my anime addict friend, so I’ve been watching a lot more anime than usual lol. I’m a casual basic bitch anime fan. My top 5 is something like Frieren, DBZ, FMA/B (switch shows in the middle), Outlaw Star, Death Note.

For some of these I’ve only seen a few episodes, so I’m sorry if I give a bad review before getting to the good episodes.

Frieren

(seen 38 episodes)

I’m obsessed. Already seen all 38 episodes many times over lol. This show has some kind of sick pattern of breaking your heart and then healing it over and over again. It really excels at everything: slice of life, character writing, animation, music, action scenes (though infrequent), even the voice acting is great in both Japanese and English. This show can introduce a character and turn them into a fan favorite in record time. Every time there’s a post here asking for suggestions I have to hold myself back from responding with Frieren because I realize you guys are mostly bigger anime nerds than me and obviously know the most popular ones lol. 11/10 can’t wait for October 2027

RE: Zero

(seen 2 episodes)

I didn’t feel this one, and the characters felt cringe. I’m sure they grow over time but for now 4/10

Hellsing Ultimate

(seen 2 episodes)

I don’t think the writing or directing is great, except this show oozes style, Alucard is extremely cool. 7.5/10 I’ll probably watch more of this. And then I get to watch Abridged lol.

Jujutsu Kaisen

(seen 8 episodes)

This one is really cool, amazing animation. Character writing seems like it might be a slight weakness, like the conflict between the classes seemed a bit forced. 7.5/10

Solo Leveling

(seen 7 episodes)

Alright I actually hate this one lol. Animation is good, but I don’t like anything else. It’s like if you took One Punch Man and removed all the comedy, side characters, creativity, and Saitama’s personality. I’m sure the fights get good at some point because the animation is very good, but I need more than just action anyways. Even very action focused shows like DBZ have a lot more going for them. 1/10 sorry I know SL is really popular.

The Kingdoms of Ruin

(seen 2 episodes)

This seems like it might be good. It’s kinda overly dark just for the sake of being dark. Hard to judge the character/dialog writing at this point 6.5/10

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

(seen 26 episodes)

I knew this was gonna be goofy and over the top, but I didn’t expect it to also be really good. As over the top it is, it’s actually good writing and overflowing with creativity. 9/10 and next you’re going to say that Solo Leveling deserves a better score.

Fist of the North Star (2026)

(seen 9 episodes)

I wasn’t super familiar with the original but of course I knew “you are already dead” and had seen some clips. Don’t even bother with the English dub for this, gotta go with the Japanese. It’s mostly over the top fun. The CGI takes some getting used to, it’s not great but it’s fine. 5/10 it’s fun enough.

Daemons of the Shadow Realm

(seen 12 episodes)

I’m a huge fan of Fullmetal Alchemist, so I was hyped for this one. It’s good but actually kind of a let down at least in comparison. The hook isn’t nearly as strong, and most episodes don’t have much direction or any satisfying resolutions. The characters are pretty good, and the fights are good but not top tier. The English dub is good. 7/10 but I’ll definitely at least finish the season because I trust Hiromu Arakawa-sama.

One Punch Man season 3

This one is a bonus round because I was following it on release late 2025. What an utter failure of an adaptation. The only enjoyment I got out of this season is the qualities it lifted directly from the webcomic/manga. It’s hard to believe someone could take a golden IP like this and not give it the respect it deserves. It’s disrespectful to the art, but also just a really dumb business decision? As hard as the anime tried to ruin this season for me, I guess I’ll still give it a 5/10. Season 1 was a 10/10, season 2 was like an 8/10