My Top 3 Anime

This one is going to be an easy list. I am very strict when it comes to anime purely because there is some weird content out there (I say as I unironically watch Food Wars). ANYWAY here's my list of my all time favourite anime that everyone should watch...

3) The Apothecary Diaries

In third place, we have The Apothecary Diaries. An anime filled with historic intrigue, mystery, romance, and commentary on feminism in Ancient China through a fictional lens.

This is one of those shows where the more I talk about it, the more I want to rewatch it.

It follows Mao Mao, a girl from the pleasure district who has been kidnapped and sold to the Palace. There, she gets on with her tasks, but her intelligence catches the eye of those in power. Her controlled demeanour makes her an interesting character to watch as she solves mysteries, saves lives, and slowly opens up to those around her.

Also this is her love interest. Isn't he PRETTY?! Jinshi take me if Mao Mao don't want you cries unlike her I won't pretend I don't like frogs.

2) Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

A cinematic masterpiece that had me sobbing at the end of the first episode.

The only reason this isn't tied with The Apothecary Diaries is because of its animation. LORD the animation is beautiful - it's currently my phones lock-screen. The battle scenes are epic and the characters are realistic. It explores deep questions of mortality, community, and the wonder of life, all whilst maintaining a rich fantasy world.

Some examples of the artistry of the animation. There were so many more stills I could have used!

This story follows Frieren, an immortal elf, searching for the afterlife to reunite with her loved ones. If you like Dungeons and Dragons, you will love this! Its as if we're seeing a campaign unfold before our eyes in animated form.

1) Fruits Basket

I cannot explain the love I have for this anime. It is, and will continue to be, one of my biggest writing inspirations. The beauty of Fruits Basket is that it takes a silly concept and makes it real, discussing the mental and familial trauma it would cause.

Fruits Basket begins with Tohru, our protagonist, who has recently become orphaned. With nowhere to live, she ends up staying at the house of the most popular boy in school. She discovers that his family clan have a dark secret - whenever they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex, they turn into an animal of the Chinese Zodiac! Silly, am I right? But the brilliance of this story is that it makes the concept real, delving into what the consequences of this silly fact would mean. It discusses themes of parental neglect, bullying, rejection sensitivity, abuse and many more. The episodes had me laughing and then sobbing right after. It's one of those shows you have to experience to really understand.

I have analysed this show multiple times throughout my writing degree. Its a story that deserves more praise. It is simply brilliant. One of the things I love most about it is that our main lead, Tohru, is a girl whose kindness and empathy are her biggest strengths and her saddest weaknesses.

I aspire to create characters with as much depth of those in this show. If you do watch it, I highly recommend the dub (its one of the only times I recommend the English over the Japanese purely because of how much better the voices match).

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

I like a loottt of anime, and while the above three remain my favourite, some of these below have either been in the top three at one point, or I have considered putting them there.

Spy x Family

He's a spy. She's an assassin. Neither know the other's identity. Their child? A telepath who can read their minds.

This is one of my comfort shows and the only reason it doesn't have a spot in the top three is because its slightly too episodic.

I love the slow-burn found-family. The characters deny their feelings for one another so well. It remains one of the funniest anime I've watched and I wish I could give every character a hug.

Also, I love Loid more than Gojo. (Yup I said it)

Tokyo Revengers

Time travelling loser is trying to save the future, but keeps getting it wrong. With gang activity, intriguing characters, and a heart warming found family, Tokyo Revengers is a very fun watch. The main character can be slightly irritating, but I find him to be realistic. I love that there is representation of a man who's not scared to cry. His main downfall for me though is that he's a bit stupid (but endearing). It was nice to finally have a main character who doesn't suddenly change into a macho man after realising he's the protagonist. It allows a bit of light-heartedness even in the face of threat.

Ouran High School Host Club

This is forever going to be an honourable mention. Tamaki, my first romance anime love, you're perfect. This is a really giggly show and we love our non-binary queen/king Haruhi. It really makes fun of a lot of romance anime tropes. My biggest pet peeve with this show is that there is no season 2.

(Also there is nothing I can do about the twins... just embrace them >.<)

Jujustu Kaisen

Included as an honourable mention only because without it, my glorious blue-eyed king, Gojo wouldn't be here. Gojo please marry me.

he obvs said yes

Do you share any of the same favourites? Or would you change the list completely? I'd love to know!