Popular Anime: Top Shows & Must-Watch Series for Fans in the US
Anime has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling and captivating visuals. In the United States, the popularity of anime has grown exponentially over the years, with a growing number of fans eagerly seeking out the best and most popular anime shows and movies.
In this article, we will explore the world of popular anime, providing recommendations on the must-watch series, top shows of all time, current favorites, and popular anime movies.
We will also delve into the expanding popularity of anime in the US and provide recommendations for different genres to cater to the interests of different readers.

Key Takeaways:
- Discover the most popular anime shows and movies among US fans
- Explore the contributing factors that make an anime popular
- Get recommendations for must-watch series, current favorites, and popular anime movies
- Discover anime shows of different genres to cater to your interests
- Gain insight into the growing popularity of anime in the US
What Makes an Anime Popular?
Anime has become a worldwide phenomenon with a rapidly growing fanbase. From the unique storytelling to the mesmerizing animation styles, anime series and movies have a distinct appeal that captivates viewers. But what makes an anime popular? Let’s explore some of the key factors below.
Compelling Storytelling
At the heart of every popular anime is a compelling story. Whether it’s an action-packed adventure or a heartwarming romance, a good story keeps viewers engaged and invested in the characters. Popular anime shows like “Attack on Titan,” which follows a group of humans fighting against man-eating giants, and “Naruto,” which tells the story of a young ninja’s journey to become Hokage, are known for their gripping storylines that keep viewers coming back for more.
Unique Art Styles
Another aspect of anime that draws fans is the distinct art style. Anime typically features exaggerated facial expressions, bright colors, and expressive character designs that give each series a unique look and feel. Popular anime like “One Piece” and “Dragon Ball Z” are known for their colorful and energetic animation, creating an immersive experience for fans.
Relatable Characters
A well-written and relatable character can make or break an anime series. Fans become attached to characters they can empathize with, root for, and see themselves in. Popular anime characters like the determined and compassionate Eren Yeager from “Attack on Titan” or the charismatic and carefree Monkey D. Luffy from “One Piece” have become fan favorites due to their relatable personalities and motivations.
Cultural Influence
Many anime series and movies are inspired by Japanese culture and folklore, creating a unique and distinct appeal for fans. Shows like “Demon Slayer,” which explores the world of demon hunters in feudal Japan, and “Spirited Away,” which tells the story of a girl’s journey through a mysterious spirit world, showcase the rich history and traditions of Japan through the lens of anime.
Overall, a combination of these factors, along with others like music, voice acting, and pacing, can contribute to the popularity of anime. With so many amazing anime series and movies to choose from, it’s no wonder why this beloved art form continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Top Anime Series of All Time
Here are some of the all-time favorite anime series that have captured the hearts of fans around the world:
Anime Series | Description |
---|---|
Attack on Titan | A dark and thrilling action-packed series that follows humanity’s fight for survival against giant humanoids called Titans. |
Naruto | A coming-of-age story of a young ninja named Naruto, who dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of his village. The series focuses on his training, adventures, and the relationships he builds with his friends and enemies. |
One Piece | A pirate adventure series that follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew on their search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. The series is known for its vast world-building, unique characters, and humor. |
Dragon Ball Z | A classic action-packed series that follows the adventures of Goku, a martial artist with incredible strength, who fights against villains to protect the world from destruction. |
These anime series have not only captivated viewers with their engaging plots and characters, but they have also had a significant impact on the anime industry, inspiring many other shows to follow in their footsteps. The popularity of these series has only continued to grow over the years, with new fans discovering them and old fans revisiting them.

Check out these popular anime series for yourself and see why they are considered some of the best of all time!
Must-Watch Anime Shows
If you’re looking for some of the most popular anime shows of recent years, look no further than these must-watch series. These anime shows have captured the hearts and imaginations of fans worldwide and are sure to have you binge-watching for hours on end.
Anime | Description |
---|---|
Demon Slayer | Follow the young Tanjiro as he battles demons and tries to save his sister in this beautiful and action-packed series. |
My Hero Academia | Join Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers, as he strives to become a hero in a world where nearly everyone has abilities. |
Death Note | Watch Light Yagami, a high school student who gains the power to kill anyone whose name he knows, as he tries to create a better world by eliminating criminals. |
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Explore a world of alchemy and adventure as brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to regain their bodies in this epic series. |
Each of these must-watch anime shows brings something unique to the table, from stunning animation to gripping storylines and unforgettable characters. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience these amazing series for yourself.

Trending Anime: Current Favorites
Anime has always been an ever-evolving industry, with new and exciting shows being produced every season. In recent years, several anime series have gained tremendous popularity among US fans. Let’s take a look at some of the current favorites that are trending right now:
Anime Title | Summary |
---|---|
Jujutsu Kaisen | In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, an unlikely hero named Yuji Itadori becomes the host of a powerful curse and joins a secret society of Jujutsu Sorcerers to save his friends and humanity. |
Tokyo Revengers | Takemichi Hanagaki travels back in time 12 years to his middle school years to save his ex-girlfriend from being killed by a gang. To change his fate, he must team up with his former delinquent gang mates and confront his past. |
The Promised Neverland | Set in a world where orphaned children are raised in an idyllic orphanage, Emma and her friends uncover a dark secret that threatens their survival and must find a way to escape before it’s too late. |
Haikyuu!! | Follow the journey of Shoyo Hinata, a high school student who dreams of becoming a volleyball champion despite being short in stature. He joins his school’s volleyball team and faces off against rival teams to reach his goals. |
These anime series have gained popularity for their unique and engaging storylines, well-developed characters, and stunning animation. Fans of action, drama, romance and sports genres will find these shows compelling and entertaining.

With so many excellent anime series to choose from, it’s no wonder that the popularity of this genre continues to grow in the US. Keep an eye out for these current favorites and add them to your watchlist today!
Popular Anime Characters
One of the most fascinating aspects of anime is the iconic characters that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From the spiky-haired Goku to the determined Naruto Uzumaki, these characters have become cultural icons in their own right. Let’s explore some of the most popular anime characters of all time.
Character | Series |
---|---|
Goku | Dragon Ball |
Naruto Uzumaki | Naruto |
Eren Yeager | Attack on Titan |
Monkey D. Luffy | One Piece |
Goku from “Dragon Ball” is perhaps one of the most beloved anime characters of all time. He embodies the classic traits of a hero – strength, bravery, and unwavering determination. Naruto Uzumaki from “Naruto” is another fan favorite, known for his boundless energy and strong sense of justice.
Eren Yeager from “Attack on Titan” has been praised for his complex character development as he fights against the Titans to protect humanity, while Monkey D. Luffy from “One Piece” is considered one of the most charismatic and entertaining anime protagonists ever created.
These are just a few examples of the many iconic anime characters that have captured audiences around the world. They are a testament to the power of anime storytelling and the enduring impact that these shows can have on their viewers.

Popular Anime Movies
When it comes to anime movies, many have captured the hearts of viewers with their breathtaking animation and compelling stories. These movies have not only been loved by anime fans but have also garnered critical acclaim outside the anime community.
Movie Title | Release Year | Key Highlights |
---|---|---|
Your Name | 2016 | This romantic fantasy movie explores the themes of love, time, and fate. It features stunning animation and a heartwarming story that has touched the hearts of many. |
Spirited Away | 2001 | A masterpiece from the renowned director, Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away is a classic tale of a young girl’s journey in a magical world. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and gained global recognition for its imaginative storytelling and animation. |
Akira | 1988 | Akira is a cyberpunk classic that has had a significant influence on the sci-fi genre. The movie features stunning animation, a dystopian world, and a complex narrative that explores themes of power, corruption, and human evolution. |
Princess Mononoke | 1997 | This epic fantasy movie is another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki. The movie features stunning animation, a compelling story, and complex characters that explore themes of environmentalism and the relationship between humans and nature. |
Apart from these, other popular anime movies that are highly recommended to watch include “Grave of the Fireflies,” “Ghost in the Shell,” “Perfect Blue,” and “Paprika.”

Anime Recommendations for Different Genres
Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or just getting started, there’s a wealth of amazing anime series out there to explore. Here are some anime recommendations in different genres to cater to your interests:
Action | Romance | Fantasy | Comedy | Sci-Fi |
---|---|---|---|---|
Attack on Titan An intense and gripping series about humanity’s struggle against man-eating giants. The show is known for its spectacular action scenes and plot twists that will keep you guessing. | Toradora! A heartwarming and funny series about two high school students who team up to help each other win the hearts of their respective crushes. You’ll fall in love with the charming characters and their hilarious antics. | Sword Art Online An epic adventure set in a virtual reality MMORPG, taking you on an unforgettable ride filled with action, romance, and drama. You’ll be drawn in by the stunning animation and engrossing story. | K-On! A delightful and uplifting series about a group of high school girls who form a music club. The show is known for its heartwarming moments and catchy tunes that will leave you humming along. | Psycho-Pass A thought-provoking sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian future where a computer system can predict the likelihood of someone committing a crime. The show will keep you on the edge of your seat with its gripping storyline and complex characters. |
These are just a few of the many amazing anime series out there waiting to be discovered. Try out different genres and find what resonates with you!

Trending Anime: Current Favorites
As the anime industry continues to evolve, new shows are constantly emerging and capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. In recent years, several anime series have gained immense popularity among fans in the United States.
Here are some of the latest trending anime shows:
Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark fantasy action series that follows the story of a high school student named Yuji Itadori, who becomes a powerful sorcerer after ingesting a cursed object. The show features intense fight scenes, complex characters, and stunning animation that brings the supernatural world to life. Jujutsu Kaisen has quickly become one of the most talked-about anime shows of the year, captivating audiences with its unique storyline and visually stunning visuals.
Tokyo Revengers

Tokyo Revengers is a time-traveling action drama that tells the story of a young man named Takemichi Hanagaki, who goes back in time to save his ex-girlfriend and prevent her tragic death. The series explores themes of friendship, loss, and redemption while featuring intense fight scenes and dynamic characters.
Tokyo Revengers has quickly become a fan-favorite among anime enthusiasts for its captivating plot and emotional storytelling.
The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland is a psychological thriller that follows the story of a group of orphans who discover a dark secret about their idyllic home and must work together to escape. The show features complex characters, suspenseful plot twists, and stunning animation that creates a tense and eerie atmosphere.
The Promised Neverland has earned critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and exploration of morality and survival.
Haikyuu!!

Haikyuu!! is a sports anime that follows the journey of a high school volleyball team as they work towards becoming national champions. The show features dynamic characters, intense matches, and stunning animation that captures the excitement and energy of the sport. Haikyuu!! has become a cult classic among anime fans for its engaging characters and thrilling sports action.
These trending anime shows are just a few examples of the diverse and dynamic content available to fans in the United States. With each passing season, the anime industry continues to push boundaries and create captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Conclusion
From timeless classics to current favorites, the popularity of anime shows and movies continues to grow among fans in the United States. Through compelling storytelling, unique art styles, and relatable characters, anime has captured the hearts of viewers across different genres.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to some of the most popular anime series and movies, along with recommendations for different genres. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer, there is always something new to discover and enjoy in the world of anime.
So, grab some popcorn and immerse yourself in the thrilling adventures of your favorite anime characters. Who knows, you may even find yourself becoming a part of the ever-growing anime fanbase in the US.
FAQ
Q: What makes an anime popular?
A: Anime becomes popular due to factors such as compelling storytelling, unique art styles, relatable characters, and cultural influence.
Q: What are the top anime series of all time?
A: Some of the top anime series of all time include “Attack on Titan,” “Naruto,” “One Piece,” and “Dragon Ball Z.
Q: Which anime shows are a must-watch?
A: Must-watch anime shows include “Demon Slayer,” “My Hero Academia,” “Death Note,” and “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.”
Q: What are the trending anime series currently?
A: Some of the trending anime series are “Jujutsu Kaisen,” “Tokyo Revengers,” “The Promised Neverland,” and “Haikyuu!!”
Q: Who are some popular anime characters?
A: Popular anime characters include Goku from “Dragon Ball,” Naruto Uzumaki from “Naruto,” Eren Yeager from “Attack on Titan,” and Monkey D. Luffy from “One Piece.”
Q: Which are some popular anime movies?
A: Some popular anime movies are “Your Name,” “Spirited Away,” “Akira,” and “Princess Mononoke.”
Q: Can you recommend anime series from different genres?
A: Sure! Some recommendations include “Hunter x Hunter” for action, “Clannad” for romance, “One Punch Man” for comedy, and “Steins;Gate” for sci-fi.
Q: How is anime expanding in the US?
A: Anime is gaining popularity in the US through a growing fanbase, anime conventions, streaming platforms, and the impact of social media.