| Anime | Manga | Why you’ll love it | |-------|-------|--------------------| | Attack on Titan | Complete (139 chapters) | Giant monsters, political intrigue, and non-stop twists. | | Demon Slayer | Complete (205 chapters) | Stunning animation + emotional family-driven plot. | | Jujutsu Kaisen | Ongoing | Modern dark fantasy with creative power systems. | | One Piece | Ongoing (1000+ ch) | The ultimate epic adventure — slow burn, huge payoff. | | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Complete (108 chapters) | Perfect pacing, great magic system, no filler. |

Genre: Isekai, Kingdom Building, Comedy Why it’s popular: It is the feel-good isekai. The stakes are low, the protagonist is overpowered, and the world-building is addictive.

If you have never watched an anime before, these three titles are the most accessible, popular, and influential series of the last decade.

  • Pacing: If an anime feels slow, read the manga. If a manga feels hard to visualize, watch the anime. They complement each other perfectly!

    • These series are currently airing or leading the charts on platforms like Crunchyroll Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game

    : The most anticipated return of 2026. It features the high-stakes confrontation between Yuta Okkotsu and Yuji Itadori as sorcerers are forced into a deadly battle royale. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2

    : Often regarded as one of the best modern fantasy anime. The new season covers the Divine Revolte arc

    , following Frieren, Fern, and Stark into the treacherous Northern Plateau. Witch Hat Atelier

    : The standout premiere of Spring 2026. Known for its unique, dynamic power system and stunning magical world-building, it is a top recommendation for fans of original fantasy. One Piece: Elbaf Arc

    : Continuing its reign as the "king" of manga and anime. The long-awaited Elbaf Arc officially kicked off in April 2026, bringing the series closer to its final saga. Oshi no Ko Season 3

    : A dark exploration of the idol industry that continues to maintain unmatched narrative tension in the 2026 lineup. Top Manga Series to Collect

    If you prefer reading, these are the best-selling and most critically acclaimed manga of the year so far.

    Best Anime to Watch Right Now (Top Picks for 2026) - Complex

    Here’s a curated guide to popular anime series and must-read manga, organized by genre and audience level. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan, you’ll find something to enjoy.

    Genre: Action, Adventure, Pirate Fantasy Why it’s popular: One Piece is a cultural phenomenon. Written by Eiichiro Oda, it holds the Guinness World Record for the most copies published of the same comic series by a single author.

    The worlds of anime and manga have exploded into the global mainstream. Gone are the days when these mediums were considered niche hobbies. Today, they represent a multi-billion dollar industry that offers everything from gripping political thrillers to heartwarming slice-of-life stories. But for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike, the sheer volume of content can be paralyzing. Where do you start? What should you read or watch next?

    Whether you are looking for your first gateway series or trying to fill a void after finishing a masterpiece, this guide offers the most comprehensive popular anime series and manga recommendations available. We have broken these down by genre, difficulty level, and "vibe."