Short, non-spoiler reviews and hot takes of anime for the newly initiated weeb.
As the record holder for best box office performance in Japan and #1 Foreign-language film in the U.S., Mugen Train is a fantastic canon movie that sets itself as the pinnacle of what an anime movie of a series should be.
Demon Slayer is an intense shonen that proves that the genre can stay relevant. With stellar animation, music, and pacing, it lives up to its hype. Most episodes will give you full-body goosebumps, make you cry, or both.
A remarkably dull sequel that progresses slowly with various non-sequitur arcs. When not in a monotonous fight scene, it's the same tired “jokes” of accidentally seeing a girl changing or naked, over and over again.
Every anime sin is committed here in a show that feels like it was Frankensteined together out of everything kids in the early 2000s said they liked about anime.
While it has iconic moments and largely set the stage for anime and shonen in particular, Naruto does not age well; there are plenty of better shows. It is very culturally relevant to be familiar with, however.
Jojo’s is an extremely over-the-top presentation of a lot of dramatic, sexy-posing men, and it is a beautiful thing.
Yakitate!! Japan is a goofy, wholesome comedy that channels a similar vibe to the great Abridges series of the early 2010s with quality humor and the cast doesn't really take the show seriously.
Kakegurui presents the eternally glorified “Anime High School Girl” and then shatters it into disturbing pieces.
In addition to being a powerful and intense shonen, this is also the most gorgeous food anime, and a purely indulgent ecchi without any of the awkward scenarios. A definite gem.
If you’re looking for a rush, Kakegurui won’t disappoint. If you’re wanting to stay comfortable, give it a pass. I'd liken this to very spicy or strong ethnic food: You either love it and get hooked, or you hate it.
