Top 26 fulfilling anime (excluding slice of life)
Most animes come from manga and most mangas comes from light novels. While searching in the Web one will find thousands of animes. The problem there is that they are most times the beginning of a grand story. Sometimes The rest of the story is adapted later and sometimes they are never adapted at all. We all know how frustrating it is to wait for new seasons of your favourite anime. So, it’s just a little attempt of mine to give you some animes with decent and fulfilling stories. Here I am listing anime that after watching one may find contentment. Oh, and it’s not a ranking.
1.Parasyte the maxim
Genre: action, sci-fi, horror , psychological , drama, seinen
Brain-eating parasites of unknown origin have started assimilating themselves into the human race by attaching themselves to human hosts. When one parasite fails to take the brain of a high school boy, it is instead forced to consume and take over his hand. Now, with two brains and one body, Shinichi and his parasite companion are pulled into the silent war between parasites and humans.
Parasyte is one of best anime there is out there. why? Because of —
- Solid storytelling
- Fluid artwork
- Realistic characters
- Great development
Parasyte tells for itself how great it is. Just watch the first episode. You won’t be able to stand before finishing all 24.
2.Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphan (MSG-IBO )
Genre: Action, drama, mecha, sci-fi, space
Mecha anime isn’t as popular as it once was. This is a crying shame, and something needs to be done about it. This stand alone in the Gundam universe just might be the thing to turn that around.
Over three hundred years have passed since the Calamity War, the great conflict between Earth and its outer space colonies. Now Earth is ruled over by four economic blocs, and the military organization Gjallarhorn is responsible for keeping the peace. Mars, on the other hand, depends heavily on Earth’s economy.
Horrified by the appalling living conditions that Mars’ inhabitants have to bear, Kudelia Aina Bernstein, a young aristocrat from the Chryse Autonomous Region, gets involved in the Red Planet’s independence movement. She hires the services of a local company, Chryse Guard Security (CGS), to escort her on the journey to Earth to negotiate economic conditions with the earthly bloc that controls the region. The Third Army Division — consisting of Mikazuki Augus, Orga Itsuka, and many other child soldiers — are chosen to protect her.
When Gjallarhorn attacks the CGS facilities to assassinate the young revolutionary threatening their interests, Orga and his comrades must not let the attackers accomplish their goal — in fact, Gjallarhorn’s actions might turn out to be the unintentional catalyst that leads the children to be the forgers of their own destiny.
It has action, drama, conspiracies, passion, clash of metals, and everything an ideal mecha anime needs. It’s chockful of well-rounded characters and amazing action scenes, which will keep you at the edge of your seat!
Ps. When it comes to Gundam some people gets confused whether to see the previous series. MSG-IBO has no previous series as I said earlier it’s a stand alone in the gundam universe.
3.Darling in the FranXX
Genre: action, Drama, mecha, sci-fi, genre
In the distant future, humanity has been driven to near-extinction by giant beasts known as Klaxosaurs, forcing the surviving humans to take refuge in massive fortress cities called Plantations. Children raised here are trained to pilot giant mechas known as FranXX — the only weapons known to be effective against the Klaxosaurs — in boy-girl pairs. Bred for the sole purpose of piloting these machines, these children know nothing of the outside world and are only able to prove their existence by defending their race.
Darling in the franxx starts with very vague information. One may find one of the most loved female anime character here. The story goes in a slow and steady pace almost the entire time. Down near the end it blasts off and let us know that that we only knew of a tiny part of the whole picture. And that’s what I love most about this anime. The romance, the action, the surprise is something that to watch for in this anime.
4.Inuyashiki
Genre: action, drama, psychological, thriller, seinen
Inuyashiki tells the story of the saddest 58 year old man you’ll ever meet. His family doesn’t care about him, he’s written-off by society as a pathetic old man, and has recently been diagnosed with cancer — all seems lost. He’s given a new lease on life when he’s suddenly rebuilt as a cyborg by aliens.
For some the introduction may not look much appealing but for those who are bored of typical animes it’s a feast before their eyes. If I have to describe this anime in a word I would say — EXTRAORDINARY
5.Astra : lost in space
Genre:Sci-fi, adventure, space, shounen
In the year 2063, space travel is feasible and commercially available. 9 teenagers are on a camping trip to another planet. Upon arriving at their campsite, the group’s trip takes a turn for the worse when a strange sphere of black light sucks them into the vast reaches of outer space. Stranded with seemingly no hope, they find an abandoned ship nearby that provides them with the means to return home.
Kanata no astra is a typical — ish story with tweak of sci-fi.The characters are lovable. Each Character have their sparks as they help each other to survive and reach their destination. It’s a fun adventure. But the story is deeper than it looks on the surface.
6.Donten ni warau
Genre:action, historical, shoujo, supernatural
The sypnosis of this anime is :when swords were outlawed in the eleventh year of the Meiji Era, the mighty samurai population began to dwindle. Those who rejected the ban on blades rebelled, causing violent unrest to erupt throughout the countryside. To combat the rise in criminal activity, an inescapable lake prison was constructed. Three young men, born of the Kumoh line, were given the duty of delivering criminals to their place of confinement — but there is more to their mission than meets the eye.
This anime focuses more on the love between family. But that’s not all there is. It also has fair share of mystery, drama and action.
7.Grancrest Senki
Genre: action, drama, romance, fantasy
Speaking honestly, it did disappoint me a little in the middle as the story didn’t go to the depth I was expecting. Regardless it’s a good anime with a well written story. It has it’s pros and cons. Watching it in a light manner will give you enjoyment.
The continent of Atlatan once again finds itself devoured by the flames of war after a horrific event known as the Great Hall Tragedy.Our hero Theo Cornaro, a young warrior and Siluca Meletes, an Alliance mage goes on an adventure to rise up the ranks and save the continent from the flames of war.
8.Future Diary
Genre: action, mystery, psychological, shounen, supernatural, thriller
What would you do if someone would drop a “bomb” on you saying you can become god. It sounds fun huh? it is… until the same person says you have to kill other people involved in the same game. Mirai Nikki… Future Diary. The game spins around these devices that lead participants close to their objective.
I found it frustrating, in a good way, that when an episode ended it made me want to watch more..
Also, the series is full of interesting motives and philosophical concepts that makes it worthwhile watching.
In summary I would say Deus Ex Machina, the god of time and space, has gifted 12 young individuals with magical diaries. Each diary holds a special power that their holders must use to win a battle royale. The winner will become the new god of time and space but for the losers, there will be only death.
Mirai Nikki is a great and unique story, the characters are excellent especially Yuno, who is one of the most unique characters ive ever seen in an anime. Mirai Nikki is certainly worth giving a shot.
9.Akame ga kill
Genre: action, adventure, drama, fantasy
I know I said fullfiling. And this one doesn’t quite agree with that. But as it looks the story has ended.
We watch mature anime for a number of reasons, one of which is to expose ourselves to more violent and edgier stuff. Thank goodness, Akame ga Kill! gives us reason to revel in a universe filled with assassins and brutal conflicts.
Akame Ga kill has almost never ending number of great battle scenes, and a dark world that is built and discovered slowly to keep the viewer guessing.
10.Fullmetal alchemist Brotherhood
Genre: action, military, adventure, drama, shounen, comedy, magic,fantasy
In a world where the rules of alchemy surpass the laws of science, the Elric brothers once made a terrible mistake by breaking the most forbidden of taboos. Having paid a horrific price for their actions, the brothers now seek to correct the mistakes of their pasts and are soon caught up in events on a scale larger than either of them could have ever imagined.
There is nothing new to say about this Masterpiece. The art, the animation,the plot, the pacing, the character development, the character design, the ops, the eds everything about this anime is just remarkable. This 64 episode anime will give you an adventure that you will never be able to forget.
11.Occultic;nine
Genre : sci-fi, mystery
This one is a piece of work. For some people it’s too messy, too rushed. That’s right. But it does not let many things left out. At the beginning it feels like it’s a supernatural story with no shred of sci-fi. Down in the middle it sparks out.
It starts out with NEET teenager Yuuta Gamon, his enthusiastic best friend Ryouka Narusawa,high school fortune teller Miyuu Aikawa, who joins Yuuta to work on yuuta’s blog; realist Sarai Hashigami, who is stunned when tragedy strikes his family; doujin artist Ririka Nishizono, who has an uncanny ability to predict the future with her art; black magic practitioner and local curse expert Aria Kurenaino and her ghostly friend; Shun Moritsuka, a seemingly childish otaku detective; and reporter Touko Sumikaze.
As this unlikely group, bound only by the strings of fate, find their way to each other, they are confronted with murder and other events that are shrouded by the presence of the supernatural. They must band together to solve the mysteries interlacing the city and their lives.
12.Katanagatari
Genre:action, romance, martial art, historical, adventure
Katanagatari follows the adventure of strategist togame and Shichika Yasuri. Shichika Yasuri practices the most unique one: Kyotouryuu, a technique in which the user’s own body is wielded as a blade Together they are on a journey to collect 12 deviant blades for the shogunate.
It’s packed with action. White fox studios did a great job on it’s animation too. With each episodes as long as 50 minutes this story contains quite a depth. Matters are not what they look on the surface.
13.Monster
Genre:Drama, horror, mystery, psychological, thriller, seinen
As a viewer, we always take the writer’s job for granted. We expect them to write everything to perfection and well detailed. Monster delivers our desire with the type of brilliance that is rare to find. Monster is one of the most challenging and tricky narratives any anime has produced, and with its brilliant attention to detail, it makes every scene immensely important.
It follows neurosurgeon Kenjou Tenma working on his way to hospital hierarchy. Due to pressure from the higher ups he switches to operate a famous performer instead of a poor immigrant worker. The worker dies. This causes him to have a crisis of conscience.
When similar cases arises, he chose to save the life of a child named Johan Liebart instead of operating the city mayor. Little did he know how this was going to change his life for forever.
14. Zetsuen no tempest (Blast of Tempest)
Genre:action, mystery, psychological, drama, magic fantasy, shounen
When aika gets murdered his brother Mahiro dissappears vowing to find and kill her murderer. One month later wielding mysterious power he shows himself before his best friend Yoshino. There Yoshino learns that Mahiro has enlisted the help of a witch named Hakaze Kusaribe to find Aika’s killer and in return he has to help her to ged rid of the existence of an entity known as the “Tree of Exodus” which if not get ridden may destroy the world.
It’s a true Masterpiece. Blast of Tempest messes with your expectations by creating a battle where both sides believe they’re right. Drawing heavy inspiration from Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest,” Blast of Tempest examines the human psyche and motivations. There’s plenty of action, but the most important developments come from inside, through well-developed and complex characters.
15.Tengan toppa guren laggan
Genre :action, adventure, sci-fi, mecha,comedy
Simon and Kamina were born and raised in a deep, underground village. While excavating Simon finds a ancient artifact of war. Using their new weapon, Simon and Kamina fend off a surprise attack from the surface by creatures known as “beastmen” with the help of Yoko Littner, a hot-blooded redhead wielding a massive gun. the trio bravely fights these new enemies terrorising the remnants of humanity alongside other survivors to reclaim the surface, while slowly unraveling a galaxy-sized mystery.
What comes to mind first is that the artists and writers’ passion bleeds from nearly every scene. If you are going to watch it then know that you are in a ride for action, laughs,adventure and TWISTS.
16.Serius the yeager
Genre:action, historical, supernatural, vampire
Jaegers — a strange, diverse group of individuals tasked by the V Shipping Company to hunt down vampires around the world. Carrying musical instrument cases to disguise their identity, the Jaegers battle the vampires with the same mercilessness demonstrated by their foes.
Yuliy, the Jaeger’s most skilled warrior, is the sole survivor of a vampire raid on his home village. Using the strength granted by his werewolf blood, he works with his team to assist Tokyo’s law enforcement with the city’s vampire problem. Though under the pretense of helping the police, the Jaegers are actually fighting the vampires over the mystical Ark of Sirius. With its power to change the fate of the world, Yuliy and his friends must locate the artifact before the vampires can use it to achieve their destructive goals.
Sirius the Jaegar is a show that took on the vampire theme and made it into an action thriller with a feeling of suspense. You’ll find beautiful artwork, an engaging story line, great soundtracks, vibrant characters, smooth plot progression, well balanced tropes, and just an overall well coordinated anime.
17.Assasination Classroom
Genre: action, comedy, school, shounen
Adapted from the humorous hit manga by Yuusei Matsui, Ansatsu Kyoushitsu tells the story of these junior high pupils as they polish their assassination skills and grow in order to stand strong against the oppressive school system, their own life problems, and one day, Koro-sensei — their teacher — a creature who is capable of flying at mach 20 speed and threatening the existence of the earth.
Smooth development of characters in a story like these is a pretty difficult task . But Assassination Classroom pulls it off. This show simply knows what it’s doing, and knows what to build on and what not to. In short, its a light-hearted, interesting and utterly complete dramedy that anyone can enjoy. Because of that I highly recommend this show for anyone searching for a show about character development. Although that sounds simplistic, in essence, that’s what made this show great and after you watch it, you’ll understand why too.
18.Dimension W
Genre: Action, sci-fi, seinen
Dimension W, and a supposedly infinite source of energy within. In order to harness this profound new energy, mankind develops advanced “coils,” devices that can use the power of Dimension W .Ex-soldier Kyouma Mabuchi is an hunter of illegal coils known as “collector” who is wary of all coil-based technology to the extent that he still drives a gas-powered car. What started out as just any other mission is turned on its head when he bumps in Mira Yurizaki, an android with a connection to the “father” of coils.
Dimension W is the very anime that made me think about making this list. At first it looks like nothing special. But how the stories, the past, the future interacts with each other and comes together in the end is something special. The idea and concept aren’t exceptionally new, as Psycho-Pass did touch on the same sort of subject, but the characters and the way the story is presented are top-notch.
Overall I think this was a fun and entertaining show that gave off a familiar vibe that I had with Cowboy Bebop so if you’re someone who enjoys Sci-Fi or enjoyed Cowboy Bebop then this is definitely something you might want to check out.
19.Charlotte
Genre:drama, school, superpower
Charlotte is a show of teenagers with superpower but don’t think of it as “typical”. In my opinion the concept of this story is just perfect. It’s an outstanding, dramatic, and heartwarming story. Each Character is given a whole episode for introductions and has a backstory. And as you continue through this series you will see the main character Otosaka Yuu changing positively, as he was a narcissist and knocked down other peoples for his own good, to become a friendly teenager that cares for his friends and others. To truly enjoy this series you have to be able to see beyond what’s right there and try to get something out of it.
Charlotte is truly incredible, with its amazing and emotional story, lovable characters and beautiful art.
20. Erased
Genre:mystery, psychological, supernatural, seinen
It’s not uncommon for people to experience regret for events that have occurred during the course of their lives.
Erased explores the themes of regret and tragedy better than many live action films. Satoru Fujinuma is manga artist who travels back in time, in order to solve a murder of former classmate.
It is about loneliness and friendship, courage and hesitation, evil and good, family and abuse; It is about a lot.Everything about this anime has a unique atmosphere which you can feel from the first episode.
21 Guilty crown
Genre:Action, superpower, drama,romance, sci-fi
In Guilty Crown, after a tragic outbreak of a disease known as the “Apocalypse Virus”, one boy has obtained special powers and hopes to help restore Japan to the way it once was before it was taken over by an organization known as GHQ.
Guilty Crown is more like a combination of ideas that succeeded to appeal to the viewers in the past anime(s). It has awesome sound effects, the ost is something that sets the environment to just right. This action anime is filled with thrilling scenes that will literally take your breath away!
22. Another
Genre:
Are you in the mood for one of the most gruesome horror adult anime ever made? Then look no further than Another.
Kouichi Sakakibara is a teenage student who transfers into class 3–3 at Yomiyama North Middle School. In the gloomy atmosphere of Yomiyama North Middle School, Kouichi Sakakibara takes an interest in his classmate Mei Misaki despite cryptic warnings from the people around him. As the two grow closer the source of the school’s misery becomes more apparent with a mysterious connection to a death that took place 26 years ago.
love that Another has only 12 episodes and I love that the beginning of the anime was written in mind with its end. It’s not an anime that needs to keep coming up with new stuff to drag out another season. The writing is strong and the mystery is engaging right up until the end. the ultimate climax and payoff in this one is completely worth it.
23. Aldnoah zero
Genre:action, sci-fi, mecha, military
Aldnoah.Zero is one of the most unique mecha anime ever created. The story revolves around an intergalactical war between Earth and Mars, which sounds normal enough, but the abundance of complex ideas and out-of-this-world battle tactics make it stand out from the rest of the bunch.
While most mecha anime focus on a set of skilled fighters piloting well-equipped, ridiculously powerful robots, the main protagonists of this series (the Earth forces) are far less experienced and are forced to make due with low-level training robots. In this battle of epic proportions, the little guys must use their robots and their brains if they are to save the world.
If you like a show that has a protagonist who takes advantage of the antagonists by outdoing the antagonists strategically, like Lelouch and Blank from the renowned animes ‘Code Geass’ and’ No Game No Life’ respectively, then I hereby announce that Aldnoah is a kind of show that you’ll enjoy as much as I did.
24. Jomungand
Genre:action, adventure, seinen
Jonah Mar despises weapons due to his background as a child soldier, so naturally he is less than thrilled when his work lands him as the bodyguard of an international arms dealer. With armies, militias, and a slew of other buyers in front of them, and CIA teams constantly chasing them from behind, Jonah’s new assignment is anything but easy.
This anime is filled with interesting characters. Characters are cool looking. The story pacing is good, not too dark either. This is a anime that should be watched in light tone resting gently on your couch or sofa.
25. From the new world
Genre: sci-fi, mystery, horror, psychological, drama, supernatural
Psychokinesis is an awesome ability. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to manipulate material objects with thought alone? But then again, wouldn’t that result in chaos if this ability was wielded by irresponsible people?
Shinsekai yori explores how a society of psychics develops, as they attempt to unlock their powers. But as is often the case in post-apocalyptic anime, things don’t always go according to plan.
I have to say at first I found it boring as there was too many things that couldn’t be understood by me. But as I kept going the story went deeper and deeper and made it really interesting. From the new world creates a environment of agony and unknown to keep its viewer mesmerised. Watch it till the end and it wouldn’t disappoint you.
26. Robotics;notes
Genre:sci-fi, mystery drama, mecha, school
If you are looking for another mecha anime filled with clash of metals and action than robotics;Notes is not for you.
What started off being a very light-hearted anime quickly turned in an anime that sent chills down my back. Conspiracy theories, augmented reality, robotics and mechs, and advanced technology — So much is going on in Robotics;Notes. This story is VERY GOOD. You will enjoy it, try to watch it. If you like Steins;Gate, you probably would like this show. Both are scientific but somehow they try to keep it as close as reality.
