1. Fruits Basket: IMDb (8.6) 2019
Plot: Tohru Honda’s mother dies, so she lives with her grandfather briefly before he remodels his house. Tohru buys a tent and camps near school. The Sohma family has a curse wherein members transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. Tohru promises not to reveal their secret and stays with them, aiming to break the curse and encountering their vengeful spirits controlled by Akito, the family leader.
My Recommendations: Fruits Basket is a heartwarming anime that beautifully combines humor, drama, and supernatural elements. With its endearing characters, touching storyline, and themes of acceptance and friendship, it’s a must-watch for anyone seeking a touching and uplifting experience that will resonate long after the credits roll.
Genre: Anime, Drama, Fantasy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Yoshihide Ibata
Producer: Manabu Endo, Kanda Soichi, Masahito Sakai
Writer: Taku Kishimoto
Release Date: April 6, 2019 (Season 1), April 6, 2020 (Season 2), and April 6, 2021 (Season 3)
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Funimation (North America)
Production Company: TMS Entertainment
Watch at Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, Prime Video
2. Your Lie in April: IMDb (8.6) 2014
Plot: Fourteen-year-old piano prodigy Kōsei Arima achieves fame through music competitions. After his mother’s death, he has a breakdown during a recital and loses the ability to hear his piano. Two years later, Kōsei lives a colorless life until he meets Kaori Miyazono, a spirited violinist who inspires him to play again. Despite her declining health, Kaori encourages Kōsei and they develop feelings for each other. Sadly, Kaori passes away during surgery. At her funeral, Kōsei learns of her love for his music and finds solace in the memories they shared together.
My Recommendations: Your Lie in April is a captivating blend of music, romance, and emotional depth. Through stunning animation and a poignant storyline, it delicately explores themes of love, loss, and the healing power of music. Prepare to be swept away on a journey of heartache and redemption unlike any other.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Music
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Kyohei Ishiguro
Producer: Hideaki Hatta, Shigehiko Sato
Writer: Takao Yoshioka
Release Date: October 2014 – March 2015 (Anime series), September 2016 (Live-action film)
Runtime: Approximately 22 minutes per episode (Anime series), 122 minutes (Live-action film)
Distributor: Aniplex
Production Company: A-1 Pictures
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $2.5 million (Live-action film)
Watch at Prime Video, Crunchyroll, JustWatch
3. HeartCatch PreCure! : IMDb (8.6) 2010
Plot: In a world where a Heart Tree protects everyone, the HeartCatch Pretty Cures defend it against the Desert Apostles. When Cure Moonlight is defeated and the Heart Tree loses its flowers, fairies Chypre and Coffret search for her replacement. They find Tsubomi Hanasaki, who becomes Cure Blossom alongside her friend Erika Kurumi, who becomes Cure Marine. Together, they fight against the Desert Apostles and their monsters called Desertians. By defeating these monsters, they collect Heart Seeds to restore the health of the Heart Tree.
My Recommendations: HeartCatch PreCure! is an enchanting blend of friendship, courage, and floral magic. With vibrant animation and compelling characters, it captivates audiences young and old alike. Its empowering message of love and determination resonates deeply, making it a heartwarming recommendation for anyone seeking joyous adventures and uplifting themes.
Genre: Magical Girl, Adventure
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Tatsuya Nagamine
Producer: Takashi Washio
Writer: Yoshimi Narita
Released Date: January 30, 2010
Runtime: Approximately 70 minutes
Distributor: Toei Company
Production Company: Toei Animation
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $13 million
Watch at Gogoanime, 9animetv
4. Violet Evergarden : IMDb (8.4) 2018
Plot: A machine called Auto Memory Dolls was invented as a prototype for the typewriter. Professor Orlando, an expert in letterpress printing and mechanical dolls, created it for his blind wife Molly, a novelist who could no longer write. This machine recorded human voices. Today, Auto-Memories Dolls refers to the writing industry. The story follows Violet Evergarden’s journey after the war ended.
My Recommendations: In Violet Evergarden, experience the poignant journey of a former soldier striving to understand human emotions through letter writing. With breathtaking animation and heartfelt storytelling, this masterpiece transcends boundaries of emotion, offering a profound exploration of love, loss, and the power of connection. Prepare to be moved to tears.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Taichi Ishidate
Producer: Shinichirō Hatta
Writer: Reiko Yoshida
Release Date: April 5, 2018
Runtime: Approximately 140 minutes
Distributor: Netflix (International)
Production Company: Kyoto Animation
Watch at Netflix, JustWatch
5. Aikatsu Stars! : IMDb (8.4) 2016
Plot:Season 1: Yume Nijino enrolls at Four Star Academy with her friends to become an idol. The academy has a famous girl group called S4. Yume also catches Subaru’s attention, a member of the boy group M4, because of his way of speaking and body language around her.
Season 2: A rival school called Venus Ark is introduced. It is located on a ship. Elza Forte and Kirara Hanazono from Venus Ark join Yume and the other idols. They also teach them about the Star Premium Rare Coord, which is the highest class dress type.
My Recommendations: Aikatsu Stars! follows the journey of aspiring idols at Four Star Academy, where friendships and rivalries flourish amid glittering performances. With its vibrant animation and catchy music, it’s a delightful blend of dreams, determination, and dazzling talent that’s sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
Genre: Anime, Musical, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Ryuichi Kimura
Producer: Hajime Yatate
Writer: Yuuko Kakihara
Released Date: April 7, 2016
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: TV Tokyo, Bandai Namco Pictures
Production Company: BN Pictures
Watch at 9animetv
6. Go! Princess PreCure: IMDb (8.4) 2015
Plot: Eight years ago, Haruka dreamed of becoming a princess, but was bullied by her classmates. She met Kanata, who gave her a charm and made her promise to never give up on her dreams. Now 13, Haruka attends Noble Academy. One day, she meets the fairies Pafu and Aroma being chased by Close. They reveal Dys Dark’s plan to lock dreams away in the Gate of Despair. Haruka’s charm is a Dress Up Key that transforms her into Cure Flora. With Cure Mermaid, Cure Twinkle, and Cure Scarlet, they form the Princess Pretty Cure Team to collect Dress Up Keys and protect dreams from Dys Dark.
My Recommendations: Go! Princess PreCure is an enchanting blend of magical girl action and heartfelt storytelling. With captivating characters, dazzling transformations, and empowering themes of friendship and courage, it’s a must-watch for fans of anime. Prepare to be swept away on a magical adventure unlike any other.
Genre: Magical Girl, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Yuta Tanaka
Producer: Takashi Washio
Writer: Jin Tanaka
Released Date: February 1, 2015 (Japan)
Runtime: 72 minutes
Distributor: Toei Company
Production Company: Toei Animation
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $17 million
Watch at 9animetv
7. Star Twinkle PreCure: IMDb (8.2) 2019
Plot: The Starry Sky World is home to twelve Star Princesses, representing Zodiac signs. They keep order in the universe. However, the Notraiders attack and scatter the princesses across the universe as Princess Star Color Pens. To revive them and save the universe from darkness, aliens Lala and Prunce travel to Earth’s Mihoshi Town with the fairy Fuwa. There they meet Hikaru Hoshina, who becomes Cure Star after receiving a pendant and pen. Joined by Lala, Elena, Madoka, and the alien Yuni, Hikaru leads Star Twinkle Pretty Cure against the Notraiders to revive the princesses.
My Recommendations: Star Twinkle PreCure is a captivating blend of magical girl adventure and heartfelt friendships. With vibrant animation and engaging characters, it’s an enchanting journey through space and imagination. From exciting battles to touching moments, it’s a delightful series that inspires courage, teamwork, and believing in oneself. A must-watch for all ages!
Genre: Magical Girl, Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Yūta Tanaka
Producer: Hideyuki Kachi
Writer: Isao Murayama
Released Date: February 3, 2019
Runtime: Approximately 25 minutes per episode
Distributor: Toei Company
Production Company: Toei Animation
Watch at 9animetv
8. Hori-san to Miyamura-kun: IMDb (8.1) 2021
Plot: The story is about two high school students, Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura. Hori is a popular student who hides her true self at school and takes care of her younger brother. One day, her brother gets a nosebleed and Miyamura helps him. They both realize they have been hiding their real identities from their classmates. As they get to know each other better, they become closer and decide to keep each other’s secret about their after-school lives.
My Recommendations: Hori-san to Miyamura-kun is a heartwarming Shoujo anime that beautifully captures the evolving relationship between Hori, a popular high school girl, and Miyamura, a quiet and mysterious classmate. With endearing characters, relatable themes, and moments of genuine emotion, it’s a must-watch for fans of romance and coming-of-age stories.
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Comedy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Daisuke Hagiwara
Writer: Hero
Release Date: Sep 26, 2012
Runtime: 6 Episodes (23 min. per ep.)
Distributor: Gonzo, Hoods Entertainment, Studio Kai, Marone
Production Company: Square Enix
Watch at WeTv, Crunchyroll
9. Kamisama Kiss : IMDb (8.1) 2012
Plot: Nanami Momozono’s life takes an unexpected turn when her father’s gambling debts leave her homeless. By chance, she rescues a man named Mikage who offers her his home – a shrine for worship. Nanami becomes the new God of the shrine with help from its keepers, Onikiri and Kotetsu. Initially hesitant, Nanami grows into her role and develops feelings for Tomoe, Mikage’s familiar. Though forbidden, Tomoe also falls in love with Nanami as their story unfolds.
My Recommendations: Kamisama Kiss is a delightful romantic fantasy anime filled with charming characters, whimsical magic, and heartwarming moments. Follow Nanami as she unexpectedly becomes a land god and navigates the complexities of divine responsibilities and a budding romance with the enigmatic fox familiar, Tomoe. It’s a captivating blend of humor, adventure, and love.
Genre: Romantic Fantasy Anime
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Akitaro Daichi
Producer: Brain’s Base
Writer: Julietta Suzuki (manga), Michiko Yokote (anime adaptation)
Release Date: October 2012 (Japan)
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode (total of 25 episodes)
Distributor: Funimation Entertainment (North America)
Production Company: TMS Entertainment
Watch at Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Hulu