My Top 5 Animes

Anime is one of those things that you either love or refuse to try. I first started watching anime in 6th grade after meeting a couple of really nice girls in my gym class who were always talking about a pink-haired salamander, a little blue cat, and a blonde girl who was never wearing enough clothing. They gave me the name of the show, a website to watch it on, and I have been hooked ever since.

In an effort to spread the anime spirit, I have compiled a list of my top 5 animes that I have seen in the five years since that day in gym class. Maybe this list will help some people try something new (something wonderful, in my biased opinion), or maybe it will give anime veterans some new shows to watch. Or perhaps it will just help a few people, who have hidden their love of these shows as I did for years, feel heard, or seen, or at least accepted.

1. Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail gets the #1 spot on this list simply because it was my first anime, and therefore will always be my favorite. I'm rewatching it for the third time now, and honestly, it is a bit childish but I still think it's the perfect first anime.

It's incredibly long, but the series is complete now so you won't have to wait for four years to finish it as I did. Fairy Tail has its sad moments--some extremely sad moments, in fact--but overall it's a lighthearted, funny, action-packed anime that is perfect for beginners.

Available on: Hulu, Dub and Sub. Kissanime.ac (I prefer the old Kissanime.ru) Dub and Sub + all movies and OVA.

2. Hunter x Hunter (2011)

It's hard to know where to begin with this one. I've watched Hunter x Hunter three times now and have loved it every single time.

Hunter x Hunter is much more advanced than Fairy Tail. It's not nearly as long, but it's much more violent and for an older/more mature audience. Hunter x Hunter is action-packed and funny, but very very sad (just wait for the Chimera Ant ark). If you thought Fairy Tail was sad, I'm not sure you can handle this one.

Gon and Killua (the two young boys) are incredibly talented best friends who meet while competing to become Hunters. They're about 12 years old, and the Hunter Exam is known to kill or seriously injure most participants. Now, if you've never heard of the show I'll bet you're a little concerned about 12-year-olds participating in a life-or-death exam, but there's no need to worry--Killua is from a family of assassins and Gon's father passed the exam when he was Gon's age (and trust me, Gon takes after his dad).

Oh, and did I mention that not only does Gon take after his dad, he basically plays hide-and-go-seek with him throughout the entire show? Gon's dad is basically a deadbeat, but it's ok because you forget about him between Gon and Killua's adventures, Killua's family trauma, Kurapika's revenge (probably the best fight in the entire series), and the romance between an ant and a blind girl.

Still not interested?

Available on: Netflix, Dub only and only the first four seasons. Gogoanime.sh, Dub and Sub, all episodes + movies. Kissanime.ac, Dub and Sub, all episodes + movies.

3. Haikyuu

Haikyuu is all about a team of high school volleyball players, who are trying to restore their school's former glory as regional champions. As a volleyball player, Haikyuu will forever be one of my favorite animes. Not only are the games shown in the show absolutely phenomenal, but the players are ridiculously talented, not to mention good-looking.

Haikyuu is the perfect combination of non-stop humor, competition, and lovable characters. While I'm not sure it will seem quite as amazing for those who do not play volleyball, I still think everyone should give it a try.

Available on: Hulu, Dub and Sub. Netflix, Dub only. Kissanime.ac, Dub and Sub + all the movies.

4. Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood is just a masterpiece from start to finish. The storyline is impeccable, the characters show so much growth and are remarkably talented overall, and of course, the action scenes are fantastic. Not to mention the philosophical theme of a god that is somehow cruel, fair, and creepy all at the same time.

One thing I absolutely love about FMA Brotherhood is how amazing the female characters are. Each one is just as strong as her male counterpart, fiercely independent, yet still loves one man with her whole heart. They all give off the vibe of "I don't need a man but I'm deciding to be with this one." It's extremely well written, with a lot of love and devotion exuding from each character.

While FMA Brotherhood has its dark side, the ending is perfect and the characters keep things humorous throughout. I've watched the show twice now and fallen in love with it both times.

5. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a wild, traumatic ride from the very beginning. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin are three teenagers fighting against flesh-eating giants, known as Titans, that have taken over their world. Eren turns out to be humanity's greatest weapon against the monsters, but he can be quite the little hothead. Thankfully, he has Mikasa and Armin to balance him out.

Attack on Titan is incredibly gruesome and some of the characters you like will die. I'm sorry. But it's still worth watching.

Attack on Titan is unique in that there are no set enemies or allies. Who you thought was an enemy at first, can turn out to be a friend in the next season, and vice-versa. There is an interesting duality in each character, a potential for good and evil. Every detail is up to the viewer's discretion.

Available on: Hulu, Dub and Sub. Kissanime.ac, Dub and Sub.

This list was incredibly hard to make, and there are no doubt a few other animes that belong on it. Each of these shows will always bring me comfort and make me nostalgic, and as much as some people may judge me for watching them, I will never give up anime as my guilty pleasure.