I've watched anime since before I can remember. It was at the center of my childhood and teenage years. It has even followed into my adulthood. I've recently gotten back into anime, and I wanted to compile a list of shows that are worth binge watching while you're on break or even when you're back on campus. This list has a little of everything for everyone's anime tastes.
1. "Attack on Titan" ("Shingeki no Kyojin")
OK, so I should probably get the most gruesome of the list taken care of first. "Attack on Titan" aired in 2013 in Japan before airing around the rest of the world. The series so far has only one season which has already been dubbed in English, and season two is scheduled to release sometime this year. It is about the struggle between the human race and the cannibalistic human-like giants known as Titans. The main protagonist, Eren Yeager, vows to save humanity and eradicate all Titans after his mother is eaten by one. The series follows him and his friends who train to be soldiers that fight back against the Titans. This anime has plenty of fighting, mystery, blood and even a little bit of comedy. The animation style is something new and not like your average anime. Every character has an interesting backstory and you become invested in each one. Also, it has an amazing opening theme song. If you want something to keep you hooked and on your toes, I'd give this anime a go.
2. "My Little Monster" ("Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun")
On the complete other side of the spectrum is 2012's "My Little Monster." This contemporary, comedic-love story is for anyone wanting a good laugh and something cute to watch. This anime consists of only one season and follows two high school students, who are polar opposites, and the series' main protagonists. Shizuku Mizutani is a studious girl who takes her education seriously, while Haru Yoshida does not; however, he's naturally smart and doesn't need to study, unlike Shizuku. The series is about their complicated, quirky, cute relationship and how they love each other despite their differences. Shizuku is a loner and would rather study than make friends and over the season, she becomes a more caring and open character. Haru, after being around Shizuku and wanting to be with her, begins to calm down and not fight as often in means to please her. It's a cute anime that can make your heart soft. If you like contemporary romantic fiction, this anime is for you!
3. "Vampire Knight" ("Vanpaia Naito")
Miss that sparkly vampire phase you had back in 2010? Then try "Vampire Knight," a vampire anime from early 2008. This two season series follows Yuki Cross, adopted daughter of a boarding school headmaster where the student body is split in half. The "day" class is comprised of human students who wear black uniforms and attend class during the day, while the "night" class is comprised of good-looking vampires in white uniforms that attend classes at night (unknown to the human students that they're vampires). Yuki and her childhood friend Zero Kiryu act as guardians of the campus to keep the classes separated. A vampire student named Kaname Kuran protects Yuki and his connection to her doesn't become clear till the end of the first season -- which will blow your brain, believe me. The love triangle in the series between these three main characters is one of the best I've watched, and the rest of the characters are well developed. With only two seasons, it's really worth binge watching in a few days. It's nothing like "Twilight," so don't worry -- these vamps don't sparkle.
4. "Sword Art Online" ("Sōdo Āto Onrain")
After airing in Japan in 2012, "Sword Art Online" quickly became a widely popular series. Currently with three seasons, this anime follows Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya. In 2022, gaming technology has advanced to where gamers can transport themselves inside the game platform via nerve gear. Thousands of plays have signed into the game, SAO, and are trapped by the creator -- unable to log out. If the players die in game, or if someone in the real world removes the nerve gear, they die in real life. The catch? Players have to beat the game in order to leave. Kirito partners with Asuna Yūki and they take on the game. The animation and world in this anime is amazing, and the opening theme song is great. If you like video games and a cute protagonist couple, then check out this show.
