It’s no surprise that Anime has really picked up in popularity over the last few years, going from a genre not really known by many to one of the most enjoyed media by the general public. One of the primary reasons for this spike in popularity is that there are so many anime genres. Romance? Mecha? Action? Comedy? Tragedy? No matter what you’re looking for, you will find the right type of anime for you. Today, I’ll recommend 5 animes for anyone who is looking to get into the medium, starting from my 5th most recommended anime to my personal favorite

5. Hori-San to Miyamura-Kun

To start off the list, we have what I would argue is one of the purest romance animes out there. The story of Horimiya follows our two protagonists, Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, and the relationship they develop. The story starts off with Miyamura and Hori meeting after Hori’s little brother comes home with a bloody nose. During this meeting, Miyamura is very stylish, which is completely different from the quiet, reserved Miyamura at school. Throughout the show, Hori and Miyamura grow their relationship and their own personalities, getting comfortable with one another, helping each other grow as individuals, and even sharing intimate moments together. Horimiya is also an anime capable of evoking feelings within the viewers, whether it’s the joy of watching these two be happy with each other’s company, the laughter that some of the funniest moments can offer, or the relatability viewers may have with the characters in the more heartfelt moments.

4. Makine: Too Many Losing Heroines

Well, if you’ve been rejected, then this anime is for you! Makeine Too Many Losing Heroines is another realistic romance anime following our four main protagonists, those being the three girls who were all rejected by their crush and their friend, who is more or less their place to talk their hearts out. Throughout the 12-episode run, we see how our main boy, Kazuhiko, who initially considered himself a background character, meets the three girls and gets to know them more personally, helping them with their struggles and growing as a person himself. This anime knows when to take itself seriously and make you feel for the characters and then take a few steps back to make the audience laugh with the characters. With a second season recently announced as in production, there is no better time to start watching Makeine than right now.

3. Whispers of the Heart

Oh wow, a Ghibli movie that isn’t Kiki’s Delivery Service or Spirited Away? Whisper of the Heart is one of the more underrated movies they’ve released and is most certainly one of their hidden gems. The story follows Shizuku, a 14-year-old, who meets Seiji. Initially, both of them have problems with one another in a comedic manner. However, as they spend more time with one another, a relationship begins to bloom between the two of them, and they help one another realize their dreams and overcome their insecurities. Even though this story is very simple and easy to follow, the message of the movie will hit deep for most viewers, especially people who might be struggling with discovering their passion in today’s ever-changing world.

2. Dandadan

The ultimate “what on earth” anime that came out in 2024 for all the best reasons. In today’s world of modern anime, which mostly follows the standard and safe anime tropes, Dandadan is the definition of a 10/10 wild ride. The story follows Momo Ayase and Ken Takakura (not the real-life actor) as they discover that both aliens and ghosts exist, meeting new allies and enemies all while realizing their feelings for one another. Dandadan was the first anime to completely throw me off in terms of the plot, as I first thought it was a romance, then an action anime, and then it’s a drama, only to find out it’s all about Ken getting his balls back, and this isn’t satire. Even with all this nonsense, Dandadan is one of the few anime that simultaneously made me laugh, smile, and feel for the characters, which is a great indicator of an incredible show. But if a show this good isn’t number 1, then what takes the cake?

Honorable Mentions

My Deer Friend Nokotan:

Here’s the perfect anime for people who wish to get a lobotomy. This is absolute brainrot of an anime. It barely has a plot, and the slight plot it has mostly revolves around deer.

Weathering With You:

Weathering with You may have been Makoto Shinkai’s weakest story, but the romantic chemistry between Hina and Hodaka is my favorite. The lengths one would go for the other is so pure and heartwarming.

Kiki’s Delivery Service:

A classic movie about a Witch discovering a way she can turn her passion into a job. This movie is excellent for people who are experiencing burnout and need a character they can relate to.

1. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

Do not let this title fool you into thinking this is a weird kink anime about eating someone’s pancreas. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is one of the most heartbreaking anime movies that will hurt you emotionally. The story follows our main protagonist as he finds a journal called “Living with Dying.” As he reads the journal, he finds out his classmate Sakura is dying of a pancreatic disease, and as Sakura finds out, she decides to hang out with him despite his initial reluctance. The more they hang out, the more their relationship grows, but not as lovers, but as two opposites who rely upon one another. Sakura likes hanging around him, giving her a sense of normalcy, while hanging around Sakura helps him grow as a person, giving him a better understanding of the importance of relationships. The part that really hits hard is the fact that she doesn’t act and seems like someone who’s going to die — quite the contrary, in fact. Her cheerful and genki energy makes it hard not to get attached to her for both the viewers and our main protagonist. In the end, even if it’s inevitable, you don’t want this character to die. This movie truly hit hard for me as I can relate to the main character, both in having a friend who was very cheerful and lively yet losing her to an illness, and being someone who struggled with social relationships in my teenage years. Yet after watching this movie, it really gave me a reality check to reflect and recognize how not just my friend, but how everyone I’ve met has shaped me as a person, and how I can grow to be a better version of myself by being more social and involved with everyone in my life. So, to anyone reading this, even if it’s hard, even if you’re an introvert, grow relationships with friends and family. It will be worth it in the end because you can grow as a person and help others grow, and because you never know when it will be the last time you can make memories with them happen.