These are the series that brought anime into the mainstream during the 2010s and 2020s. If you go to a comic con, you will see these costumes everywhere.
| Title | Medium | Genre | Why Recommended | Caveat | |-------|--------|-------|----------------|--------| | | Anime (S1 complete) + Manga | Fantasy, Slice of Life, Philosophical | Explores post-adventure grief and the passage of time from an immortal elf’s perspective. Masterful quiet storytelling. | Slow first 4 episodes; requires emotional patience. | | Dandadan | Anime (2024) + Manga | Supernatural, Action, Rom-Com, Absurdist | Unhinged energy + genuine heart. Aliens vs. ghosts with incredible animation (Science SARU). Great manga art. | Very weird; some crude humor. | | Chainsaw Man | Anime (S1) + Manga (Part 2 ongoing) | Dark Fantasy, Action, Horror | Deconstructs shōnen tropes through poverty, trauma, and desperate desire. Denji is a tragic anti-hero. | Extreme gore, sexual themes, emotional devastation. | | The Apothecary Diaries | Anime (S2 ongoing 2025) + Manga/LN | Historical Mystery, Drama, Medical | Ancient Chinese court intrigue meets forensic science. Protagonist Maomao is brilliantly cynical and competent. | Slow-burn mystery; requires attention to detail. | | Oshi no Ko | Anime (S2 2024) + Manga (completed) | Reincarnation, Showbiz Satire, Psychological | Brutal look at Japanese entertainment industry, idol culture, and online harassment. Incredible first 90-min episode. | Massive tonal whiplash; dark themes. | hentai tsunade hot
Would you like a personalized recommendation based on 2–3 anime or manga you already love? Just name them. These are the series that brought anime into