You may find yourself with some time at home these days. And hey, we’re also at home, doing what we can. But it’s time for some positivity! We want to know: What are you watching?
We gathered a handful of the Funimation family to share what they’re watching, and they made the case as to why you should watch these shows too! But we want to hear from you, so drop your picks in the form below and let us know what you think of our lists!
And with that, it’s time to watch some anime!
Staff picks
Nicholas Friedman – Sr. Managing Editor
If you want something action-packed, hilariously fun and so incredibly smart, look no further than this series. From the cons of psychic Reigen to Mob’s undeniable charm, it’s a must-watch.
After putting this one off for YEARS, I finally watched the whole thing in a weekend. It absolutely lives up to the hype, and its positively overblown characters are so darn likeable that you will cry. For sure.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
It’s rare to find a depiction of a romantic relationship so realistic and so relatable. Somehow, this series does both, and you’ll be rooting for Sakuta and Mai the entire time. Also, the OP is a major bop.
Haley Whisennand – Community Manager
One of the best things about entertainment is it can help you step into a lifestyle you’ve never experienced personally. Watching Hachiken, a city boy who decides to enroll in an agricultural school in hopes of escaping the stress of his parents’ scholarly expectations, learn about a whole new part of society through daily struggles is both refreshing and relatable, even if you haven’t spent a single minute of your life in the country.
Sometimes the best thing is a lighthearted, episodic slice of life with so many characters that there’s literally someone for everyone. For those who aren’t familiar with Touken Ranbu, the franchise focuses on historic Japanese swords (and a few spears) that are reincarnated as warriors.
While the franchise as a whole typically centers around these reincarnated swords going back in time to fight an evil force looking to disrupt history, Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru specifically is a more laid-back series that showcases what the touken danshi are doing when they aren’t fighting the bad guys. It’s a perfect series to watch when you just want to relax.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Teen angst + interplanetary politics + mecha = something perfect for binge-watching. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans takes the Gundam series staples that fans love and weaves them into a slightly more shounen story. From Tekkadan to Gjallarhorn to Turbines, this series is filled with a cast of unique, diverse characters that will keep you hooked through all 50 episodes.
Marshall Wright – Sr. Director, Audience Development
Death Parade, Bungo Stray Dogs, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
These three have been on my must-watch list since I started at Funimation. We have so much awesome anime in every season, and like so many of our fans and subscribers, we’re always trying to keep up with what’s new, so I wanted to take some time to start checking off more of those #youshouldbewatching series.
Hopefully, I’ll gain a little cred with Haley once I’ve marked them off my MAL!
Lauren Moore – Manager, Content Production
I’ve unabashedly screamed about this show for years because I feel like it needs more love in general. It’s a story that highlights unexpected friendships in the wake of loss, loneliness and feeling different from others. The characters are SO GOOD. SO, SO GOOD.
They speak to the different levels of fandom in all of us, especially those of us who are passionate about things that aren’t always considered popular or “cool” by mainstream standards. Every time I talk to someone else who has watched it, it turns into a conversation gushing about how cute and wholesome it is. PUT IT ON.
This anime is just a straight-up fun, fantasy adventure. It makes me wish I was a beautiful demon girl, drinking ale with my horse all day while kicking a$%. There’s bounty hunter antics, demons, gods, world-ending beasts…all set in a rich fantasy backdrop. I immediately fell in love with the main trio when I first watched it, and the aesthetic is… 👌👌👌so if you want something beautiful, funny and action-heavy to watch, I recommend this for sure. It’s originally based on a card game, but you definitely don’t need knowledge of the game to jump into this anime.
WATCH IT. PLEASE JUST WATCH IT because this show will make your heart smile. I immediately gained three daughters watching this show: a vampire, a dullahan and a snow girl. And I WILL protect them with my life. Monster Girls is a coming-of-age story about demi-humans trying to fit in with “regular” humans at school.
Yes, “friendship solves everything blah blah,” but this REALLY is a very thoughtful look at accepting one another and how providing support can truly change people’s lives.
Josellie Rios – Manager, Social Media
Its comedy and endearing characters are perfect to pass the long days! With Season 2 coming up, this is a great time to follow this intense battle of wits and fall in love with this show.
The fate of humanity is at stake. Fighting Titans is necessary for survival, but not everything is as it seems. An intriguing story with plenty of episodes to binge (that are still not enough!), Attack on Titan will keep you on the edge of your seat while the mystery of the basement unfolds.
If not now, when? Believe me when I say that it won’t take you long to binge through 10 episodes in a sitting when you realize how epic the Straw Hats’ adventures are. You’ll be glad to have so much ahead of you. Like, 900+ episodes.
If you’re one of those who’ve wanted to give it a try but “don’t have the time,” now’s your chance!
Blake Hall – Coordinator, Audience Development
If you enjoy discovering what lies under the surface of a bright and happy world, then TPN is for you. It’s got all the elements of a great seinen: darker and more mature themes, a complex game of cat and mouse, and multi-layered characters whose stories are at times inspiring, and at others, tragic.
A fun shounen series that balances the best elements of the genre: a mix of great characters (including a like-able, fiery protagonist!), a fast-paced story that never lets up, and a rich fantasy world that’s full of surprises.
It tops a lot of people’s lists among recent anime for good reason. Deeply flawed heroes and sympathetic villains abound, and the series is full of thought-provoking moments. Plus, the story that just keeps getting better; if you’re willing to follow through to the end, you won’t be disappointed!
Aly Luskey – Coordinator, Social + Community
I love the equal parts of comedy, drama, and mystery in the series. Coupled with the incredible character design and beautiful animation, easily one of my favorites from the winter season.
ACCA 13-Territory Inspection Dept
I have an obsession with series that kind of lead the watcher on a wild goose chase in every episode, only to come back full circle in the final moments and tie up every loose end. Also there’s a lot of bread.
A classic that only gets better with age. Every time I watch it I find new things I may have missed before.
Not a Funimation subscriber yet? Sign up now so you won’t miss out on all things anime.
Love creating content about anime? Pitch us a feature for Funimation Editorial!
Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest anime content? Follow Funimation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Looking to chat about what anime you should be watching? Head on over to the Funimation Forums.
