Top 40+ Most Popular Anime to Watch on Crunchyroll Right Now
If you’ve yet to explore the world of anime now is the perfect time to start binge-watching some incredible shows. Crunchyroll offers a free download and boasts over 1,000 titles so there’s no reason to miss out on one of the most engaging animation styles.
This list highlights some of the best anime to kickstart your journey and hopefully sends you down a Crunchyroll rabbit hole to discover even more fantastic shows. My mission is to introduce as many newcomers as possible to the anime world and with so many options on Crunchyroll there’s bound to be something for everyone.
Start Your Anime Journey with These 44 Must-Watch Shows
1. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Follow the Joestar family across generations as they battle evil using unique powers called “Stands.” This series offers a refreshing take on storytelling and action-packed battles.
2. Mob Psycho 100
Average kid Mob is a powerful esper who works with a con man to control his emotions and powers. This unique series offers incredible animation and compelling storytelling.
3. Attack on Titan
In a post-apocalyptic world where giant humanoid Titans threaten humanity, Eren Jaeger and his friends must uncover the mysteries behind these creatures and save humanity from extinction.
4. Naruto and Naruto Shippuden
Experience the early and mature years of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming Hokage. These series follow his training, battles, and the uncovering of his hidden powers.
5. One Piece
Follow Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates on their epic quest to find the One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King. With rich storytelling and unforgettable characters, this long-running series is a must-watch.
6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
After his family is slaughtered by a demon, Tanjiro Kamado becomes a Demon Slayer to find a cure for his demon-turned sister Nezuko. This series offers breathtaking animation and gripping battles.
7. Fate/Zero
Powerful families send mages and warriors to compete in the Fourth Holy Grail War. Kiritsugu Emiya, a merciless mage, joins the tournament on behalf of his wife’s family.
8. Fairy Tail
Natsu Dragneel searches for his adoptive father while embarking on adventures with his guild. This series is filled with magic, battles, and heartwarming friendships.
9. Blue Exorcist
Satan’s son Rin Okumura becomes an exorcist to fight against demonic possessions. This series explores his struggle against his demonic heritage.
10. Sword Art Online
Trapped in a VR MMORPG, Kazuto Kirigaya must beat the game to escape. This thrilling series offers intense battles and emotional moments, but be prepared for the violence that escalates in later seasons.
11. Tokyo Revengers
Takemichi, a down-on-his-luck adult, is transported back to middle school and must join a gang to save his childhood love and her brother from being murdered.
12. Hunter X Hunter
Gon Freecss sets out to find his father and become a licensed hunter. Alongside friends, he faces impossible odds and thrilling adventures.
13. Rurouni Kenshin
Former assassin Himura Kenshin travels Japan helping those in need as penance for his past. With a reverse katana, he strives to live peacefully while facing old and new enemies.
14. Death Note
Light Yagami gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a mysterious notebook. This psychological thriller explores the consequences of wielding such power.
15. Jujutsu Kaisen
In a world where cursed energy creates monsters, Yuji Itadori becomes a sorcerer to fight these threats. With superb storytelling and unique characters, this anime captivates from the start.
16. Dragon Ball Super
Goku’s adventures continue in this reboot of the classic Dragon Ball series. With updated animation and storytelling, Dragon Ball Super revitalizes the beloved franchise.
17. Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric use alchemy in a failed attempt to bring back their mother, leading them on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies.
18. Inuyasha
Half-demon Inuyasha and Kagome, a girl from the present, search for shards of a powerful jewel. Along the way, they meet allies and face formidable foes in this epic adventure.
19. Fire Force
Join Shinra Kusakabe and Company 8 as they battle fire-bursting demons and a doomsday cult in this visually stunning and richly told story. Perfect for fans of pyro action and intense storytelling.
20. One-Punch Man
Saitama, a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch, searches for a real challenge. This unique take on the superhero genre provides plenty of laughs and exciting battles.
21. My Hero Academia
Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy in a world of superpowered beings, dreams of becoming a hero. Follow his emotional and action-packed journey to becoming one of the top heroes in this heartwarming and thrilling series.
22. Vinland Saga
Set during the Viking period, Vinland Saga follows young warrior Thorfinn on his quest for revenge against the man who killed his father. With action, emotion, political intrigue, and epic stakes, it’s perfect for fans of Game of Thrones.
23. Trigun
Vash the Stampede, a pacifist with a massive bounty on his head, brings chaos wherever he goes. This series combines humor and action, creating a unique and entertaining experience.
24. Demon King Daimao
Akuto Sai, aspiring to be a powerful magician, learns his destiny might lead him to become the Demon King. This series follows his efforts to change his fate.
25. Tokyo Ghoul
Ken Kaneki, fused with a ghoul, navigates a world where ghouls are feared. This series features gripping characters and fantastic fight scenes.
26. Spy x Family
Master spy Twilight recruits a fake family for his mission. This fun and heartwarming series follows his improvisations as his “wife” Yor and “daughter” Anya keep him on his toes.
27. Hajime No Ippo: The Fighting!
Shy kid Ippo discovers the world of boxing and trains to become a great boxer. This inspiring and comedic series offers top-notch boxing matches and unforgettable characters.
28. Blue Exorcist
Satan’s son Rin Okumura becomes an exorcist to fight against demonic possessions. This series explores his struggle against his demonic heritage.
29. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
Reborn as a slime in an alternate world, Satoru Mikami sets out to create a world where all races are accepted. This series offers a unique and heartwarming adventure.
30. Gin Tama
In an alternate timeline where aliens invaded Edo period Japan, Gintoki works odd jobs while embodying the samurai spirit. This series combines humor and action.
31. Fist Of The North Star
Kenshiro, a martial arts master, defends the weak in a post-apocalyptic world. This series showcases his journey to become the hero his world needs.
32. Reborn!
Tsuna, a failure in life, is groomed by an infant hitman to become the boss of the Vongola family. This series showcases his growth and newfound skills.
33. Parasyte -the maxim
Shinichi Izumi encounters parasites that invade humans, taking over his right hand. Together they must stop the alien threat and save humanity.
34. Berserk
Guts, a mercenary, seeks vengeance against his former comrade Griffith. This dark and intense series continues the story from the original 1997 series and the Golden Age Arc.
35. Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma
Soma Yukihira competes in intense cooking battles to save his family restaurant and prove himself among elite chefs. This series combines mouth-watering recipes with over-the-top reactions.
36. Tokyo Revengers
Takemichi, a down-on-his-luck adult, is transported back to middle school and must join a gang to save his childhood love and her brother from being murdered.
37. Jujutsu Kaisen
In a world where cursed energy creates monsters, Yuji Itadori becomes a sorcerer to fight these threats. With superb storytelling and unique characters, this anime captivates from the start.
38. Black Clover
Asta, a boy born without magic, strives to become the Wizard King in a world where magic is everything. This anime is filled with epic battles and inspiring character growth.
39. Dragon Ball Z
Experience the classic Dragon Ball Z series which dominated the anime world in the 90s. Despite dated animation, the fighting scenes are still top-notch.
40. Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon
Set years after Inuyasha, Sesshomaru’s twin daughters are separated and reunited in a series of adventures. This continuation offers a great story in a familiar world.
41. Akame Ga Kill!
Tatsumi joins the Night Raid, a group of assassins supporting the rebellion against the corrupt Empire. This series is filled with intense battles and emotional moments.