【Monica Swinn】

In these these turbulent times of self-isolation and Monica Swinnsocial distancing, we all need something to watch to keep our minds occupied and forget about everything that's happening in the world, at least for a little while.

Maybe you've always thought about getting into anime, or maybe you've seen some series but are looking for some other suggestions of shows to get lost in. Either way, we have plenty of recommendations that will keep your attention rapt — nothing makes you focus more than having to read subtitles.

Here's a list of some really great anime that should help you get through everything that's going on, no matter what you're into.

My Hero Academia

Credit: viz media

Are you missing school? Do you like a little action and some great superpowered fights? My Hero Academiatakes place in a world where most people have superpowers called quirks, and while many are pretty minor, some are verypowerful. The show follows Izuku Midoriya, a plucky young student who is obsessed with the legendary hero All Might. He attends U.A. High School with a whole bunch of other kids with quirks as they figure out their powers and work together to take on all kinds of threats to the school and beyond.

Streaming:Crunchyroll, Hulu

Aggretsuko

Credit: netflix

Are you missing work? Aggretsukois a down-to-earth anime that primarily takes place in an office and follows the life of Retsuko, an unassuming red panda in her mid 20s who has to deal with a shitty boss, navigate relationships with coworkers, and then let off steam by growling to death metal songs at karaoke bars. It's an adorable, light-hearted little series.

Streaming:Netflix

A Place Further Than the Universe

Credit: crunchyroll

If you need an upbeat story, A Place Further Than the Universeis a great one. Mari Tamaki is a second-year high schooler who is worried that she isn't doing enough with her life, but that changes when she joins three other girls on an expedition to Antarctica to search for one of the girls' missing mother.

Streaming:Crunchyroll

Haikyu!!

Credit: viz media

As all sports have basically been canceled for the time being, you may be looking for something that scratches that itch. Haikyu!!is a series that looks at junior high schooler Shōyō Hinata and his dream of becoming a great volleyball player. He goes from a kid trying to get his friends to help him practice (even though they're not interested) to a part of a team that relies on him and his skills, all while he learns about himself and his fellow players.

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Streaming:Crunchyroll, Netflix

Death Note

Credit: viz media

Death Noteis a pretty intense show that revolves around a demonic book that can be used for murder by writing a person's name in it, visualizing them in your head when you do it, and writing how they die. The book falls in the hands of teenager Light Yagami, who begins using it for what he perceives as the greater good and utilizes the complicated rules that come along with the book to avoid being found by investigators and fellow genius L. It's hard not to binge right through it.

Streaming:Crunchyroll, Netflix

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Credit: viz media

JoJo's Bizarre Adventureis an off-the-wall series full of ridiculous characters, beefy dudes, wild plotlines, and bright colors. The series follows various members of the Joestar family as they go on their individual, supernatural journeys, make friends, and ultimately defeat over-the-top villains. It's really weird and a great way to just completely disconnect from reality.

Streaming:Crunchyroll, Netflix

One Punch Man

Credit: viz media

Saitama is a guy who just wants to be a hero for fun. By doing 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run each day, he became the most powerful being in the universe, able to destroy any opponent with just one punch. One Punch Manis hilarious but also contains some really great action sequences, a perfect combo.

Streaming:Hulu

No Game No Life

Credit: seven seas entertainment

Stepsiblings Sora and Shiro are two reclusive nerds who are very talented gamers. When they defeat a god in a game of chess, they enter a world that centers around and is governed by games. Talk about escaping reality.

Streaming:Crunchyroll, Netflix

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Credit: aniplex of america

Generally regarded as one of the best anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis an epic tale of magic, villains, war, and family. Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy, but it goes horribly wrong. In the end, Edward loses an arm and a leg and Alphonse loses his whole body, his soul being relegated to a suit of armor, and the two set off to find the Philosopher's Stone but wander into so much more.

Streaming:Crunchyroll, Netflix

Code Geass

Credit: Funimation

Code Geass is an alternate world where three major superpowers control the world. The Holy Britannian Empire is making its assault on Japan but a prince of the empire, Lelouch vi Britannia, doesn't agree with his father's leadership and vows to destroy it. There are mechas, big fights, and lots of drama.

Streaming:Hulu

Topics COVID-19