You cannot have a recommendations list without paying homage to the series that built the western fandom.

If Goodnight Punpun is arthouse depression, Chainsaw Man is punk-rock chaos. Denji is a teenage boy so deep in poverty that he works as a devil-hunter to pay off his dead father’s yakuza debt. After being betrayed and killed, his pet devil, Pochita, fuses with him, allowing Denji to turn parts of his body into chainsaws. The result is a hyper-violent, deeply weird, and surprisingly emotional story about the desperate need for human connection and simple pleasures (like eating jam on toast). Fujimoto’s paneling is cinematic, his dialogue is unpredictable, and his characters are beautifully broken. It is a breath of fresh, blood-spattered air.

(2019) - In a world where demons threaten humanity, Tanjiro Kamado becomes a demon slayer to avenge his family's death. With its stunning animation and action-packed storyline, Demon Slayer has become a favorite among anime fans. The series features a unique blend of dark fantasy and adventure elements, with a strong focus on character development and world-building.

: This series is currently a global phenomenon, winning "Best Animation" at Anime Corner 2024 and continuing its dominance with a second season in 2025. : A wild mix of ghosts, aliens, and adolescent romance.