Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira of Demon Slayer, and Kokushibo, the Upper Moon 1 Demon, are legends on opposite sides of the same war. Gyomei is humanity’s strongest warrior: a blind monk with godly strength and unshakable resolve. Kokushibo is a 500-year-old swordsman, a Demon with Moon Breathing techniques. Their canon fight was a team effort, but fans can’t stop asking: Can Gyomei defeat Kokushibo solo? In the Demon Slayer manga, Gyomei teams up with Sanemi, Muichiro, and Genya to take down Kokushibo. Even then, they barely survive. But Gyomei’s raw power, Demon Slayer Mark, and mastery of the Transparent World make him unique. Could his strength and skill outweigh Kokushibo’s centuries of experience and broken Demon abilities? ALSO READ: Could Kokushibo Defeat Muzan If He Were A Demon Slayer? Gyomei’s Strengths: Why He’s The Hashira’s Heavy Hitter  In Demon Slayer, Gyomei isn’t called the strongest Hashira for nothing. Let’s list his advantages: Physical Power: He swings a giant spiked flail and axe one-handed. Even Kokushibo admits Gyomei’s strikes could decapitate him.  Transparent World: This ability lets him 'see' muscle movements, predicting attacks like a sixth sense.  Demon Slayer Mark: Boosts his speed, strength, and reflexes to superhuman levels.  Battle IQ: Despite being blind, he fights strategically, like using his chain to trap enemies.    But here’s the catch: Gyomei’s biggest weakness is his humanity. Unlike Kokushibo, he can’t regenerate wounds or survive decapitation. One lethal strike, and he’s done; no regeneration, no coming back to life.    Kokushibo’s Kit: Why Upper Moon 1 Is A Nightmare Kokushibo isn’t just strong: he’s built to win. His Demon powers include:  Moon Breathing (16 Forms): Sword slashes that create crescent blades, cutting through anything.  Instant Regeneration: He regrows limbs (even his head) in seconds.  Blood Demon Art: His flesh morphs into swords, letting him attack from all angles.  Centuries of Experience: He’s fought and killed countless Hashira-level fighters. Most importantly, Kokushibo’s fighting style evolves mid-battle. He analyzes opponents and adapts, like switching from defense to offense when Gyomei activates his Mark . Moreover, his regeneration gives him an edge in every battle.   Solo Fight Breakdown: Gyomei Vs Kokushibo In Demon Slayer Imagine this: Gyomei faces Kokushibo alone. Here’s how it might go down. Gyomei opens aggressively with his flail and axe, leveraging the Transparent World to evade Kokushibo’s Moon Breathing slashes. The Upper Moon, initially curious, escalates to wide-range attacks to gauge Gyomei’s skill. As the fight progresses, Kokushibo adapts to Gyomei’s Mark and perceptive abilities, blending sword strikes with sudden blade-extending techniques. Though Gyomei blocks with his chain, his stamina dwindles against Kokushibo’s relentless assault. ALSO READ: Demon Slayer’s Success Is Hurting The Anime Industry (And Here’s Why) Gyomei nearly decapitates Kokushibo, but regeneration nullifies the strike. Forced to attempt multiple lethal blows, a solo impossibility, he strains his Demon Slayer Mark to its limit. Kokushibo retaliates with Moon Breathing ’s final forms, overwhelming the isolated Hashira. Without allies to disrupt Kokushibo’s focus, Gyomei unfortunately falls. The X-Factors: Crimson Nichirin & Gyomei’s Resolve But wait! What if Gyomei had a Crimson Nichirin weapon, which slows Demon regeneration? Can Gyomei defeat Kokushibo now? In the manga, these red blades were key to defeating Kokushibo . If Gyomei had one, he could weaken Kokushibo’s healing, making decapitation possible. Gyomei’s unbreakable willpower also matters. He survived Muzan’s poison and kept fighting. Against Kokushibo, his determination might push him to outlast the Demon’s stamina. But Kokushibo’s endurance is inhuman - he fought four Marked fighters after being beheaded .    Final Verdict: Gyomei Puts Up A Fight But Loses The War So, can Gyomei defeat Kokushibo alone? No. While his strength and Transparent World would pressure the Upper Moon, Kokushibo’s regeneration, stamina, and adaptive techniques outlast human limits. Even with a Crimson Blade, Gyomei lacks the skills to defeat him without allies. Gyomei’s effort would earn respect, but Kokushibo’s demonic body would prevail, giving a realization to the Demon Slayers that they need to team up to take the six-eyed monster down. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2019 8.44 Ufotable Action, Supernatural Netflix ALSO READ: Demon Slayer: Why Does Akaza Hate Douma And Kokushibo?

Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories is a light novel that gives fans more time with their favorite Devil Hunters, but is it canon to the official Chainsaw Man story? If you’ve ever wondered whether Power’s detective antics or Aki and Himeno’s first mission count in the manga’s timeline, you’re not alone. Let’s break down what’s canon, what’s not.   Written by Sakaku Hishikawa and illustrated by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, Buddy Stories includes four short tales about Denji, Power, Aki, and others. These stories feel like deleted scenes from the manga, but their place in the official lore isn’t clear-cut. Some fit neatly into the timeline, while others clash with major events. Here’s everything you need to know. ALSO READ: Why Does Makima Fear Chainsaw Man? What Is Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories About? The light novel has four stories:  The Great Detective Power and Her Assistant Denji: Power cosplays as a detective, dragging Denji into a goofy hotel mystery.  Nine Years’ Savor: Explores Quanxi and Kishibe’s complicated relationship nine years after they met.  The Day They Became Buddies: Shows Aki and Himeno’s first mission together, highlighting their early bond.  Enoshima, Island of Dreams: A 'what if' beach trip with Denji, Power, and Aki that never happened in the manga.  Fujimoto provided illustrations and the original concept, but Hishikawa wrote the stories. This collaboration makes fans wonder: Does the author's involvement make it canon?   Whether Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories is canon or not depends on two factors: timeline consistency and creator intent. Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories Canon Debate: Which Stories Count?  The First Three Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories - Maybe canon. Detective Power and Aki/Himeno’s Mission don’t contradict the manga. They slide neatly into quieter moments when characters aren’t involved in major arcs. Quanxi and Kishibe’s backstory also lines up with what the manga hints at, especially their history as comrades, though it adds some extra and toxic layers to their relationship. Fans often call these stories “slice-of-life canon”: side adventures that deepen characters without changing the main plot, similar to One Punch Man specials. But does that label really fit? The fourth story, Enoshima, Island of Dreams, clearly doesn’t. In it, Denji, Power, and Aki take a beach trip, something that never happens in the manga. In fact, the manga cancels this exact trip after Power is seriously injured by the Darkness Devil. Why Does It Matter?  Canon debates might seem nitpicky, but they affect how fans view character growth and world-building:  Aki and Himeno’s Relationship: Their buddy story adds emotional depth to their tragic manga fate.  Quanxi and Kishibe: Their history explains Kishibe’s later ruthlessness.  Power’s Personality: The detective story reinforces her chaotic, attention-seeking vibe.    However, Buddy Stories isn’t essential to understanding the manga. It’s more like bonus content for fans craving extra moments with the cast. So, don't just go ahead and build opinions just yet; enjoy the stories with some popcorn.   Final Verdict: It’s Complicated (But Mostly Not Canon)  Officially, Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories exists in a gray area. Tatsuki Fujimoto hasn’t confirmed if it’s canon, and the stories range from plausible to impossible. Here’s the simplest take: Treat the first three stories as soft canon: They don’t break the timeline and enrich character dynamics. Skip the fourth story if you care about strict lore accuracy.    At the end of the day, Buddy Stories is best enjoyed as a fun expansion of the Chainsaw Man universe, not a must-read for plot continuity. It’s worth reading just to hang out with these characters a bit more. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2022 8.46 MAPPA Action, Fantasy Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Why Everyone Wants The Chainsaw Devil’s Heart In Chainsaw Man?

Not everyone enjoys watching anime with Japanese audio and English subtitles. Sometimes, you can miss important scenes or small details while reading the text on screen. That’s why English dubbed anime is such a great option for many fans. And the good news? Crunchyroll has started offering more and more shows with English dubbing. In fact, some of the best shows out there now have amazing English voice-overs. If you’re someone who prefers watching anime in English, there are plenty of great choices waiting for you. In this list, we’ll look at the 10 best English dubbed anime on Crunchyroll that are totally worth watching. Whether you're new to anime or just want a break from reading subtitles, this list has you covered. ALSO READ: Best Horror Anime On Netflix That Every Fan Needs To Watch 10/10 KONOSUBA -God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! Ever wish your isekai adventure was more chaotic than heroic? Meet Kazuma, a guy who dies embarrassingly and gets reborn in a fantasy world with a useless goddess, Aqua. Together with explosion-obsessed Megumin and masochistic knight Darkness, they’re the worst team ever, but that’s why we love them! The English dub nails the comedy, especially Aqua’s whiny voice, and Kazuma’s deadpan reactions. Did you know the cast ad-libbed some lines to make jokes funnier? If you need a break from serious stories, KONOSUBA’s goofy charm is perfect. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On January 2016 8.10 Studio Deen Adventure, Comedy Crunchyroll 9/10 Blue Lock Who doesn’t love a good underdog story? Blue Lock takes soccer and turns it into a survival game. 300 strikers compete to become Japan’s next star, but only one will make it. The catch? They’re trapped in a facility that values ego over teamwork. The English dub perfectly captures the intensity of characters like Isagi (Adam McArthur) and Bachira (Zeno Robinson). The anime’s style captures the intensity of the manga panels, making every goal feel like a page come to life. So if you like sports anime with a dark twist, this is a must-watch. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2022 8.19 Eight Bit Sports Crunchyroll 8/10 Solo Leveling Have you ever felt the urge to become the best version of yourself? Solo Leveling follows a hero who starts from nothing and slowly grows into a legend. The story is simple yet powerful, and it even broke Crunchyroll's servers with its popularity. With each new battle, our hero levels up, proving that determination can light the darkest path. The dub’s intense narration by the talented voice actor  Alejandro Saab adds drama to every battle, especially when it comes to Jinwoo's screams mid battle. If you love RPGs and level-up stories, hit play on Solo Leveling now. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On January 2024 8.28 A-1 Pictures Action, Adventure Crunchyroll 7/10 Demon Slayer Imagine losing your entire family to demons - everyone except your little sister, who ends up turning into one. That’s the nightmare Tanjiro finds himself in. But instead of falling apart, he chooses to fight back. He becomes a Demon Slayer, determined to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human. Tanjiro’s kindness, even toward his enemies, makes him one of the most lovable characters in anime. ALSO READ: Best Anime Movies On Netflix The English dub really brings it all to life. Zach Aguilar nails Tanjiro’s emotions - you can hear the pain, the hope, the determination in every line. And Abby Trott somehow manages to make Nezuko’s little grunts and sighs feel full of personality. And don’t even get us started on the animation. Ufotable has simply raised the bar for the other shows. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2019 8.44 Ufotable Action, Supernatural Crunchyroll 6/10 Chainsaw Man Imagine a world where a young hero fights demons with a chainsaw - yes, you read that right. Chainsaw Man is as wild as it sounds, mixing horror, humor, and raw emotion into one crazy ride. The story is unpredictable and filled with moments that shock you into laughter or leave you gasping for breath. Ryan Colt Levy voices Denji perfectly, changing emotions from humor to desperation perfectly. The English dub doesn't censor anything, keeping Denji’s weird obsession with touching breasts and making love intact - awkward but hilarious. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2022 8.46 MAPPA Action, Fantasy Crunchyroll 5/10 Spy x Family Need a mix of action and family fluff? Spy x Family follows Loid, a spy who builds a fake family for a mission. His fake daughter Anya, voiced by Megan Shipman, is a telepath, and his wife, Yor, brought to life by Natalie Van Sistine, is an assassin. Of course, none of them knows each other’s secrets. The dub shines in Anya’s iconic “Heh?” moments and Loid’s smooth spy voice (Alex Organ). Here's a fun fact - Anya’s giggles were recorded separately to sound extra mischievous. It’s the ultimate “found family” anime with something for everyone, especially for beginners. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2022 8.47 Wit Studio, CloverWorks Action, Comedy Crunchyroll 4/10 Jujutsu Kaisen Here's another one of the best dubbed anime on Crunchyroll with the best animation . Jujutsu Kaisen revolves around Yuji Itadori, a high school student who swallows a cursed finger to save his friends, becoming the host of Sukuna, the King of Curses. Now, he trains with Sorcerers to hunt down Sukuna’s remaining fingers. The dub’s standout is Kaiji Tang as Gojo, the coolest and cockiest teacher ever. MAPPA’s animation makes every fight memorable, whether its Yuji vs Choso or Sukuna vs Mahoraga. Moreover, JJK is a pure addiction - you might binge this in one night. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2020 8.56 MAPPA Action, Supernatural Crunchyroll 3/10 Attack on Titan Not just the best English dubbed anime on Crunchyroll, but the best anime ever made. Eren Yeager (voiced by Bryce Papenbrook) witnesses his hometown being destroyed by Titans. Driven by revenge, he joins the military to fight back, but soon discovers shocking truths that change everything. ALSO READ: Best Anime That Started Slow But Became Masterpieces The English dub delivers powerful performances , especially during iconic moments like Commander Erwin's final charge and Levi's emotional outbursts. While Wit Studio created the stunning first three seasons, MAPPA took over for the final season and maintained the incredible animation quality. With its mind-blowing plot twists, Attack on Titan's final season will leave you completely stunned. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2013 8.56 Wit Studio, MAPPA Action, Drama Crunchyroll 2/10 One Piece With more than 1000 episodes, One Piece is long, but totally worth it. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy, voiced by Colleen Clinkenbeard, and his pirate crew as they search for the ultimate treasure. The world-building is insane, with islands made of candy, sky kingdoms, and fish-people. One Piece has been ruling the hearts of fans for ages now, and still, they can't get enough of it. In fact, the very idea that the series will soon be over scares them. Now wonder OP is considered the greatest anime of all time, and its voice actors proudly contribute to that. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 1999 8.73 Toei Animation Action, Adventure Crunchyroll 1/10 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Ever wondered what it’s like to lose an arm and leg, and replace them with metal? Edward Elric, brought to life by Vic Mignogna, and his brother Alphonse pay a heavy price for trying to revive their mother. Now, they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to fix their bodies. FMAB’s dub is legendary. Vic’s “NOOO!” screams and Travis Willingham’s Roy Mustang are iconic. A fun fact: The final episode aired on the same day as the manga’s last chapter. With perfect pacing and zero filler, FMAB is the number one anime for a reason. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2009 9.10 Bones Action, Adventure Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Darkest Anime Of All Time, Ranked

Let’s be real: Bleach’s Lost Substitute Shinigami arc, also known as the Fullbring arc is nobody’s favorite. Sandwiched between the epic Arrancar saga and the explosive Thousand-Year Blood War, this arc felt like a weird detour. Ichigo moped around, fought humans with psychic powers, and cried about losing his Soul Reaper abilities. Fans called the Fullbring arc slow, boring, and pointless. But this “worst” arc quietly planted the seeds for Bleach: TYBW’s greatest twist - the truth about the Soul King and Yhwach’s god-tier plan. But we just didn’t notice. ALSO READ: Bleach: Why Yhwach Considered Ichigo A True Threat From The Start Why The Fullbring Arc Felt Like A Letdown First, let’s recap why this arc gets so much hate. After Ichigo sacrificed his powers to defeat Aizen, the Fullbring arc focused on his struggle to live as a normal human. Enter Xcution, a group of humans with Fullbring abilities - powers born from trauma caused by Hollow attacks. Their leader, Kugo Ginjo, offered to help Ichigo regain his powers, only to betray him later. T he problem? The stakes felt low compared to fighting Espadas or saving the Soul Society . The villains like Ginjo and Tsukishima lacked the menace of Aizen or the Espadas. The pacing dragged, and Ichigo’s emotional arc felt repetitive. Fans tuned out, dismissing it as filler-tier content . But buried in this mess were clues about the Soul King’s true nature - clues we all missed. Fullbringers & The Soul King: The Hidden Connection Here’s the bombshell: Fullbringers exist because of the Soul King. Their powers come from pieces of the Soul King’s essence lingering in the human world. When a Hollow attacks a pregnant woman, traces of the Soul King’s power fuse with the baby, granting them Fullbring abilities. Ichigo’s Fullbring appeared as a chain, which quietly hinted at the Soul King’s role in holding the world together. In TYBW, we learn the Soul King isn’t a benevolent god, it’s a mutilated corpse used by the Soul Society to maintain balance. Yhwach, the Quincy king, wants to destroy the Soul King and reclaim its scattered power to reshape existence. Suddenly, the Fullbringers’ powers aren’t random, they’re fragments of the same god-like force Yhwach seeks. How This Foreshadowed TYBW’s Soul King Twist The Fullbring arc’s true purpose was to introduce the idea that the Soul King’s power isn’t confined to the heavens; it’s everywhere. Fullbringers like Chad, Orihime, and Ginjo were living proof. When Yhwach reveals in TYBW that the Soul King’s body parts (like the heart and right arm) have wills of their own, it mirrors how Fullbringers channel the Soul King’s residual energy through personal items. ALSO READ: Bleach: TWBW - Are Yhwach And Ichigo Kurosaki Related? Even Ichigo’s role as a hybrid takes on new meaning. His Fullbring training forced him to confront his human side, the same side tied to the Soul King’s influence. This set up his TYBW revelation as a Soul King candidate, a being capable of replacing the linchpin. No doubt, the Fullbring arc was a filler, but it was also a stealthy prologue to TYBW’s existential crisis. Why Fans Missed The Clues? So why did everyone overlook Bleach's greatest twist? Two reasons: The Arc’s Reputation: Fans were so bored by the slow pacing and small stakes that they ignored lore drops about Fullbring origins. Kubo’s Subtlety: The Soul King’s role wasn’t fully explained until TYBW. Without context, Fullbringers just seemed like quirky humans with superpowers. It wasn’t until Yhwach’s plan unfolded - absorbing the Soul King, declaring war on existence - that the dots connected. The Fullbring arc wasn’t a detour; it was the first chapter of a saga about who really controls life, death, and reality. Final Verdict: The Fullbring Arc Hid Bleach: TYBW's Greatest Twist Yes, the Fullbring arc is messy. Yes, Ginjo and Tsukishima are mid-tier villains. But without this arc, Bleach: TYBW’s greatest twists would’ve felt unearned. By tying Fullbringers to the Soul King, Kubo laid the groundwork for a story about cosmic slavery , inherited trauma, and the price of godhood. So next time you skip the Fullbring arc on a rewatch, remember: it’s the ugly duckling that secretly grew into Bleach’s most beautiful swan. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2004 7.97 Pierrot Action, Supernatural Netflix ALSO READ: Bleach: TYBW - Where Was Yhwach Hiding All This Time?

The Curse of Ymir is something no Titan Shifter can escape from in Attack on Titan. Titan Shifters like Eren, Reiner, and Zeke have god-like powers, but there’s a catch: no matter how strong they are, they die 13 years after gaining their Titan, no exceptions. This rule is tied to the tragic story of Ymir Fritz, the girl who started it all. The 13-year rule is like a countdown clock forced on every Titan Shifter as punishment for Ymir’s suffering. For 2,000 years, her pain echoed through the Paths, a dimension where all Titan powers come from. But how did one girl’s tragedy doom generations of Shifters? And could anyone escape it? ALSO READ: Attack on Titan’s True Villain Wasn’t Eren, It Was The Fans Ymir Fritz: The Girl Who Started The Curse Let’s go back to the beginning. Ymir Fritz was a slave who lived 2,000 years ago. After being hunted by her king, she stumbled into a mysterious tree and merged with a strange creature, the source of all living matter. This gave her the power of the Titans . King Fritz forced her to use her powers to conquer lands, build empires, and bear his children. Ymir served Fritz for 13 years before dying in battle. But even in death, her soul wasn’t free. She was trapped in the Paths, endlessly building Titan bodies for Fritz’s descendants. This slavery created the Curse of Ymir: a rule that anyone who inherits her power, i.e., Titan Shifters, dies 13 years after getting it. It’s not a coincidence, it’s Ymir’s way of punishing the world for her suffering. The Paths: Why The Curse Can’t Be Escaped The Paths connect all the Eldians (people who can become Titans). Ymir’s spirit lives here, sculpting Titan bodies from sand for every Eldian. When someone becomes a Titan Shifter, Ymir’s curse latches onto them like a timer. But here’s the messed-up part: Ymir isn’t doing this on purpose. She’s stuck in a loop, obeying King Fritz’s orders even after death. The 13-year limit reflects her own lifespan as a slave. Every Shifter dies young because she died young. Their bodies break down because her spirit is exhausted from 2,000 years of servitude. Even the Founding Titan can’t escape this rule unless Ymir herself chooses to stop. How The Curse of Ymir Ruined Lives In Attack on Titan The 13-year curse is like a ticking bomb that shapes every Shifter’s story: Grisha Yeager (Eren’s dad) went from a kind doctor to a desperate man, begging Eren to avenge him before his time ran out. Uri Reiss (Founding Titan holder) aged rapidly, turning from a young man into a frail old man in just a few years. Tom Ksaver (Zeke’s mentor) killed himself to pass on the Beast Titan, knowing he couldn’t escape the curse. ALSO READ: How Eren’s Time Travel Works In Attack on Titan Even Eren, who vowed to destroy the curse, couldn’t outrun it. His final plan relied on Mikasa killing him before his 13 years ended. The curse isn’t just physical, it’s psychological. Shifters live knowing their clock is ticking, pushing them to desperate, often cruel choices. How Mikasa’s Choice Resulted In Ymir’s Freedom The curse finally ends because of Mikasa Ackerman , the girl who loved Eren enough to kill him. In the finale, Mikasa’s choice to kill Eren (while still loving him) mirrors Ymir’s own story. But unlike Ymir, Mikasa let go of her toxic love. This act frees Ymir from her 2,000-year prison. With Ymir’s spirit at peace, the Paths collapse. Titans vanish, Shifters stop transforming, and the 13-year curse dissolves. Eren’s death didn't just end the Rumbling, but Ymir’s suffering too. The cycle breaks because someone finally showed Ymir that love doesn’t mean slavery. Final Verdict: A Curse Every Titan Shifter Had To Face Ymir’s pain infected every Titan Shifter, forcing them to relive her short, tragic life. The curse couldn’t be broken by power or politics, it needed empathy. Mikasa’s choice to kill Eren, despite her love, gave Ymir the closure she needed to move on. So why 13 years? Because that’s how long Ymir suffered. Her curse was a cry for help, a plea for someone to end her endless loop. And in the end, it took another girl’s heartbreaking choice to answer it. Release Year MAL RATING Animation Studio Gere Watch On April 2013 8.56 Wit Studio, MAPPA Action, Drama Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Mikasa's Headache Was A Sign Of Alternate Realities In Attack on Titan

If you’ve never watched anime before, Spy x Family is the best place to start for new fans. Imagine a show that mixes James Bond-style spy missions, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming family moments - all wrapped up in a story about a fake family that becomes real. No complicated lore, no confusing Japanese cultural references, and no need to watch 100 episodes to get it. Spy x Family is fun, easy to follow, and impossible to stop watching, and that's why it’s perfect for beginners. It’s a spy thriller, a sitcom, and a family drama rolled into one. You’ll meet a secret agent posing as a dad, an assassin pretending to be a mom, and a little girl who can read minds. If that doesn’t hook you, what will? ALSO READ: Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue Predicted Modern Fandom Obsession - And We Ignored It The Characters Feel Real (Even When They’re Ridiculous) Let’s be real: a spy, an assassin , and a mind-reading kid living together is bonkers. But the characters are so relatable, you’ll forget they’re not real. Loid isn’t just a cool spy, he’s a cool dad trying to bond with a daughter he barely knows. Yor isn’t just a killer, she’s a sweet, awkward woman terrified of failing as a wife and mother. Then comes Anya - she’s a six-year-old desperately trying to keep her fake parents from figuring out her secrets. They mess up, they grow, and they make you root for them. Even the side characters , like Anya’s rich friend Becky or the grumpy spy handler Franky, add flavor without overwhelming you. The Humor Works For Everyone - No Anime Knowledge Needed Anime jokes can be confusing for newcomers. Slapstick, exaggerated expressions, and niche Japanese puns don’t always translate well. But Spy x Family’s humor is refreshingly universal. Anya’s over-the-top reactions, her obsession with anime, and her dramatic hatred of carrots are instantly relatable. Yor’s accidental dish-smashing from being too strong, and her clumsy attempts to hide her assassin identity, are both hilarious and endearing. Then there’s Loid, whose high-tech spy gadgets tend to backfire during the most ordinary family moments. You don’t need to understand anime tropes to enjoy the laughs. It’s like watching a great Pixar movie - fun and silly for kids , but smart and witty enough to keep adults hooked. Short Episodes, Big Payoffs - No Commitment Fear New to anime? The idea of starting a series with countless episodes like One Piece or Naruto is terrifying. Spy x Family respects your time. Season 1 is just 25 episodes, and the second season only has 12 episodes, and every episode feels satisfying. Even better, the story doesn’t drag. Think of it like a movie that gets better with every scene. One minute you’re laughing at Anya’s terrible homework, the next you’re sweating over a bomb threat at a school festival. It’s the perfect pace for newcomers : quick enough to thrill, slow enough to care. Final Verdict: Spy x Family Is A Perfect Anime For Beginners Spy x Family isn’t trying to be the best anime. It’s trying to be the most welcoming. It’s the show you put on when you want to unwind, laugh, and maybe feel a little emotional. Forget swords, superpowers, or saving the world. This is a story about people faking it until they make it, and realizing they don’t want to fake it anymore. Whether you’re 15 or 50, Spy x Family will make you a fan of anime. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2022 8.47 Wit Studio, CloverWorks Action, Comedy Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Yuta Problem: Why Copying Powers Undermines The Story

Shinchan, the mischievous 5-year-old anime star, has been making kids laugh since 1992. But behind Shinchan's silly antics lies a real-life mystery: the creator, Yoshito Usui, disappeared mysteriously. In 2009, Usui vanished while hiking, leaving fans shocked and asking: Was this a tragic accident, or did something darker happen? Usui was hiking alone on Mount Arafune, a spot he often visited for inspiration. When he didn’t return home, his family reported him missing. Days later, his body was found at the bottom of a cliff. While officials called it an accident, rumors swirled. Friends said Usui had seemed withdrawn lately, and his final manga chapters had taken a darker turn. Check out our YouTube Short to know more about Yoshito Usui and his strange disappearance. ALSO READ: Akira Toriyama Saved Bleach: How Dragon Ball’s Creator Rescued Kubo’s Masterpiece Shinchan's Creator Disappeared: A Timeline Of Events On September 11, 2009, Usui told his family he was going hiking in Gunma Prefecture, a place he loved for its quiet trails. He packed his camera and left his home in Kasukabe, the same town where Shinchan’s adventures are set. But by nightfall, he hadn’t returned. His wife reported him missing the next day, sparking a massive search. A week later, a climber found Usui’s body 120 meters below Tomoiwa Cliff. His backpack, camera, and phone were nearby. The last photo on his camera showed the cliff’s edge, leading police to think he’d slipped while taking pictures. But there were no guardrails or warning signs near the trail, and friends questioned why a seasoned hiker like Usui would risk standing so close to the edge. The Theories: Accident, Suicide, Or Conspiracy? Usui’s publisher, Futabasha, insisted it was an accident. They pointed to his camera’s final photo as proof he’d fallen while snapping a scenic shot. Fans noted that Shinchan’s humor had stayed lighthearted until the end, with no clear signs that Usui wanted to quit. But critics argued the cliff’s steep drop and lack of safety measures made it a risky spot even for experts. Why would he hike alone if he was struggling? On the other hand, friends and family revealed Usui had changed in his final years. Once social and adventurous, he’d stopped hobbies like scuba diving and grown isolated. A neighbor even overheard Usui’s wife worrying he’d “killed himself” days before his body was found. Some fans speculate his devotion to Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religion he’d practiced passionately, might have added to his stress. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 1992 7.80 Shin-Ei Animation Comedy, Ecchi Amazon ALSO READ: There's A Surprising Truth Behind How Saitama Got His Iconic Yellow Caped Suit

Attack on Titan is a show where only a very few characters capture your heart, and Mikasa Ackerman is one of them. She’s a warrior who could slice Titans like butter, and the one person Eren Yeager couldn’t live without. But Mikasa isn’t just a fighter, she’s the reason the Titan curse ended. How? Because her love for Eren, as messy and heartbreaking as it was, held the power to break a 2,000-year cycle of suffering. It’s all about Ymir Fritz, the enslaved girl who started it all. Ymir’s love for King Fritz chained her to a cursed existence, forcing her to build Titans for his wars even after death. Mikasa’s story mirrors Ymir’s, but with one critical difference. While Ymir couldn’t let go of her toxic love, Mikasa did. And that choice? It saved humanity. ALSO READ: Was Eren Yeager Always Destined To Become The Villain in Attack on Titan? Ymir’s Curse: A Love That Trapped The World To understand Mikasa’s importance, we need to rewind to the beginning. Ymir Fritz was a slave who gained the power of the Titans but remained trapped by her love for King Fritz, a tyrant who exploited her. Even after dying, her soul lingered in the Paths - a timeless realm, creating Titans for Fritz’s descendants for 2,000 years. Ymir’s true curse wasn’t about Titans; it was about unhealthy love. She couldn’t break free because she believed love meant serving someone who hurt her. Enter Mikasa. Like Ymir, Mikasa loved someone deeply: Eren. But unlike Ymir, Mikasa’s love wasn’t blind. She loved Eren fiercely but refused to let his destructive path continue. When Eren unleashed the Rumbling, killing 80% of humanity, Mikasa faced an impossible choice: save the world or save the boy she loved. Her decision to kill Eren, while still loving him, showed Ymir that love could coexist with freedom. The Cabin Vision: Mikasa’s Ultimate Test In the final arc, Eren shows Mikasa a vision of an alternate reality. They’re living in a secluded cabin, far from war, growing old together. It’s everything Mikasa ever wanted: a peaceful life with Eren. But this vision isn’t just a gift; it’s a test. Eren asks her to forget him after his death, to let go of their bond. Mikasa’s choice here is pivotal. If she stays in this fantasy, the Titan curse continues. But she rejects it. She wakes up, kills Eren, and buries him under their favorite tree. By choosing the real world over a dream, Mikasa proves that love doesn’t mean clinging to someone at the cost of everything else. This act mirrors what Ymir couldn’t do - sacrifice her love for the greater good. The Kiss And Its Symbolism The moment Mikasa kisses Eren’s severed head is one of the most debated scenes in anime history. But it’s not just a tragic goodbye, it’s symbolic. That kiss represents Mikasa’s acceptance of Eren’s flaws and her resolve to let him go. It’s her way of saying, “I love you, but I won’t let your darkness define me.” ALSO READ: Attack on Titan’s True Villain Wasn’t Eren, It Was The Fans Ymir watches this moment from the Paths. For 2,000 years, she’d been waiting for someone to show her that love doesn’t require slavery. Mikasa’s choice to love Eren and stop him frees Ymir from her chains. The Titans crumble, and the curse ends. As Armin later explains, Mikasa was the “key” because she did what Ymir couldn’t: she loved someone enough to set them free. Mikasa’s Legacy: A New Dawn For Humanity After Eren’s death, Mikasa returns to Paradis, visits his grave for decades, and possibly raises a family. The final scenes show her old and gray, still wearing the scarf Eren gave her as a child. But there’s hope here: the Titan curse is gone, and the world begins to heal. In the epilogue, a boy (possibly Mikasa’s descendant) discovers the tree where Eren is buried. It’s the same tree where Ymir first found the Titan power. But this time, the boy isn’t running from danger; he’s exploring with curiosity. This mirrors Ymir’s story but with a twist: the cycle of hatred is broken, and humanity gets a second chance. Final Verdict: Only Mikasa Could Have Ended The Titan Curse Mikasa’s role in ending the Titan curse boils down to one truth: Love doesn’t have to be toxic. Ymir’s love for Fritz was rooted in fear and submission, but Mikasa’s love for Eren was selfless and brave. She loved him enough to let him go, even if it shattered her heart. Was it a happy ending? Not exactly. Paradis is eventually destroyed, and war returns. But Mikasa’s choice ensured that Titans, and the curse of Ymir, would never haunt humanity again. Mikasa ended the Titan curse and taught us that sometimes you need to make a tough choice for the greater good. Release Year MAL RATING Animation Studio Gere Watch On April 2013 8.56 Wit Studio, MAPPA Action, Drama Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Malaysia’s Hilarious Censorship Of Attack on Titan: They Added Clothes To The Titans

Not all anime shows are funny, colorful, or happy. There are some anime shows that go way deeper than just fun fights or romance. These anime deal with pain, fear, loss, and the darker side of human emotions. They don’t always have happy endings, and sometimes they leave you thinking for hours after watching. If you’ve ever watched a show that made you sit in silence after the final episode, you’ll know exactly what kind of anime we’re talking about here. In this article, we’re ranking the 10 darkest anime of all time. These are shows that left a heavy feeling in the heart, often showing the cruel side of the world. They might be hard to watch at times, but they’re powerful, deep, and unforgettable. ALSO READ: Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked 10/10 Berserk Is there any anime darker than Berserk? Probably not. This medieval dark fantasy follows Guts, a lone mercenary with a tragic past  - rather, let's say the most traumatic past.. Betrayed by his best friend, Griffith, Guts survives hell, only to keep fighting in a world filled with demons, torture, and endless suffering. The Eclipse scene is one of the most horrifying moments in anime history. The manga is even darker, but the 1997 anime captures the despair perfectly. However, don't expect much from the animation. Guts’ struggle is brutal, but his will to survive makes him one of the greatest anti-heroes ever. If you can handle extreme violence and emotional pain, this is the darkest anime. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On July 2016 6.33 Millepensee, GEMBA Action, Fantasy Crunchyroll 9/10 Elfen Lied What happens when a mutant serial killer has a split personality ? That’s the terrifying premise of Elfen Lied. Lucy, a Diclonius (a humanoid with invisible telekinetic arms), escapes a research facility and goes on a killing spree. But here’s the twist—she also has the mind of an innocent girl named Nyu. The anime doesn’t hold back on gore or emotional pain. It tackles discrimination, abuse, and the cruelty of humanity. The opening scene alone, with Lucy slaughtering guards in brutal fashion, sets the tone for the rest of the series. And yes, there’s a reason fans still debate whether this anime is genius or just shock value. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On July 2004 7.46 Arms Action, Horror Crunchyroll 8/10 Devilman Crybaby Devilman Crybaby is a modern retelling of the classic Devilman manga, and it’s insanely dark. The series revolves around Akira Fudo, who merges with a demon to gain power, but he keeps his human heart. His best friend, Ryo, has a shocking secret that changes everything. This anime doesn’t hold back - extreme violence, explicit scenes , and existential dread fill every episode. The ending is one of the most depressing in anime history. The director, Masaaki Yuasa, is known for his unique, chaotic animation style , which makes the horror even more unsettling. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On January 2018 7.74 Science SARU Action, Horror Netflix 7/10 Texhnolyze What if a city was so broken that violence was the only language people understood? Texhnolyze is set in Lux, a dystopian underground city where cruel gangs rule and survival is a daily struggle. The main character, Ichise, loses an arm and a leg, only to get them replaced with cybernetic limbs. ALSO READ: Best Horror Anime On Netflix That Every Fan Needs To Watch This anime is bleak. There’s almost no dialogue in the first episode, and the atmosphere is suffocating. The story explores topics like despair, human cruelty, and whether hope even exists. It’s not for everyone, but if you want an anime that feels like a nightmare, this is it. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On April 2003 7.79 Madhouse Drama, Suspense Crunchyroll 6/10 Serial Experiments Lain Imagine a world where the internet could erase your reality. That's the whole premise of Serial Experiments Lain. It's a  mind-bending psychological horror  about a girl who discovers a hidden digital world called The Wired. As she goes deeper into the Wired, that's when things get strange and scary. This anime predicted social media , online identities, and digital isolation years before they became mainstream. The atmosphere is dark, the storytelling is cryptic, and the ending will leave you questioning everything. It’s not gory, but it’s one of the most unsettling and darkest anime ever made. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On July 1998 8.09 Triangle Staff Sci-Fi, Mystery Crunchyroll 5/10 From the New World From the New World, known as Shinsekai Yori in Japanese, is a peaceful-looking anime at first, but don’t let that fool you. The story is about kids growing up in a world with psychic powers, but the truth behind their society is dark and disturbing. The more they learn, the more horrifying things get. This anime is slow,  but the payoff is worth it. The twists are horrifying, especially when you learn what happens to those who can’t control their powers. And the ending? It’s one of the most morally twisted ones in anime, making From the New World one of the darkest anime you will encounter. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On September 2012 8.25 A-1 Pictures Sci-fi, Horror Crunchyroll 4/10 Parasyte: The Maxim Imagine waking up one day to find your right hand has been taken over by an alien  parasite. That’s exactly what happens to Shinichi in Parasyte: The Maxim. Instead of killing him, the parasite named Migi forms an uneasy alliance with him. But not all parasites are so friendly -most of them slaughter humans without remorse. What makes this anime so dark? As he fights other parasites, he loses his emotions, becoming colder and more detached. The body horror is intense, but the psychological toll is even worse. Just imagine what you would do if you had to share your body with a monster? Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2014 8.32 Madhouse Horror, Action Netflix 3/10 Psycho-Pass Would you trust a system that decides who’s a criminal before they even commit a crime? Psycho-Pass is set in a dark world  where the Sibyl System scans people’s mental states to predict criminal behavior. If your Psycho-Pass gets too cloudy, the police can arrest, or even execute you on the spot. ALSO READ: Best Anime Movies On Netflix The series follows Akane Tsunemori, an idealistic inspector who slowly realizes how corrupt the system is. The show’s biggest strength? It makes you question justice, free will, and whether a perfect society is worth the cost. And trust us, some of the executions in this show are brutal. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2012 8.33 Production I.G Action, Sci-Fi Crunchyroll 2/10 Neon Genesis Evangelion Mix giant robots with existential depression, and you get Neon Genesis Evangelion. The show starts as a mecha anime but quickly becomes a deep dive into trauma, loneliness, and mental illness. Shinji, the protagonist, is forced to pilot a bio-machine to save humanity, but he’d rather run away. The anime’s second half is a psychological breakdown, culminating in the infamous End of Evangelion movie. The religious symbolism, Freudian themes, and brutal fights make this a masterpiece, but also one of the most depressing anime ever. Here's a fun fact: The creator, Hideaki Anno, wrote this during his own depression. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 1995 8.36 Gainax, Tatsunoko Production Sci-fi, Drama Netflix 1/10 Made in Abyss How cute can an anime look before it destroys your soul? Made in Abyss tricks you with its adorable art style , then hits you with some of the most disturbing body horror in anime. Riko, a young girl, explores a massive, mysterious pit called the Abyss, searching for her missing mother. But the deeper she goes, the worse the horrors become. There’s a reason fans call this the darkest anime of all time. From graphic mutilation to psychological torture, this show doesn’t pull punches. And yet, the world-building is so fascinating that you have to keep watching. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On July 2017 8.64 Kinema Citrus Adventure, Fantasy Crunchyroll ALSO READ: Best Anime Like High School of the Dead

The towering, four-winged monster called Mahoraga in Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t just another Cursed Spirit - it’s the ultimate weapon of the Ten Shadows Technique, a force so strong it made even Sukuna sweat. But what exactly is Mahoraga, and why does it hold the key to some of the most jaw-dropping moments in Jujutsu Kaisen? Also known as the Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General, Mahoraga's biggest strength is its adaptive nature. Imagine an enemy that learns from every hit you land, then becomes immune to your attacks. That’s Mahoraga. From its first appearance in the Shibuya Incident to its role in Sukuna’s battle against Gojo, this shikigami has rewritten the rules of combat in Jujutsu Kaisen. But how does it work, and why is it so feared? ALSO READ: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Yuta Problem: Why Copying Powers Undermines The Story What Is Mahoraga? The Untamable Beast Of The Ten Shadows Mahoraga is the strongest shikigami in the Ten Shadows Technique, a cursed ability passed down in the Zenin clan . Unlike Megumi’s other summons, like the wolves or toads, Mahoraga is a last-resort nuclear option. No Sorcerer in Zenin history has ever tamed it - but Sukuna did it, despite not being a member of the clan. To summon Mahoraga, the user chants, “With this treasure, I summon…” while clenching their fists. This references the Ten Sacred Treasures of Shinto myth, hinting at its divine origins. Once summoned, Mahoraga appears as a towering humanoid with four wings sprouting from its eyes and a massive eight-handled wheel floating above its head. That wheel isn’t just for show, it’s the key to its terrifying power. The Adaptation Power: Why Mahoraga Is Hard To Defeat In Jujutsu Kaisen Mahoraga’s signature ability is adaptation. Every time it’s hit by an attack, the wheel on its head spins, analyzing the technique. After a few spins, Mahoraga becomes immune to that attack and develops a counter. For example: When Sukuna first slashed it with Dismantle, Mahoraga adapted by deflecting the technique with Cursed Energy . Against Gojo’s Infinity, Mahoraga altered its own Cursed Energy to bypass the defense, letting Sukuna land critical hits. Mahoraga doesn’t just survive; it learns. And this shikigami was the reason why Sukuna took an interest in Megumi in the first place. Even Sukuna admitted that if Megumi had summoned it earlier, Mahoraga could’ve killed him. The only way to beat it? Overwhelm it with a completely new attack before it adapts. Sukuna did this by combining Malevolent Shrine with a fire arrow, but even that required insane precision . Mahoraga’s Role In Jujutsu Kaisen’s Biggest Battles In Jujutsu Kaisen, Mahoraga acts like a plot device that changes the story. Let’s look at its two most iconic fights: Shibuya Incident (Vs Sukuna) Megumi, near death, summoned Mahoraga as a suicide move against Haruta Shigemo. Sukuna intervened to save Megumi (for his own plans) and fought Mahoraga himself. The battle revealed Mahoraga’s raw powers, even sending Sukuna flying through buildings and forcing him to use Domain Expansion and a fire arrow to win. ALSO READ: How Did Yuji Kill Sukuna In Jujutsu Kaisen? The Shocking Downfall Of The King of Curses Shinjuku Showdown (Vs Gojo) Sukuna, now in Megumi’s body, used Mahoraga to counter Gojo’s Unlimited Void and Infinity. By adapting to Gojo’s techniques, Mahoraga gave Sukuna the blueprint to bypass Infinity entirely, leading to Gojo’s defeat. Without using this shikigami, Sukuna might never have beaten Gojo. The Mythology Behind Mahoraga: More Than Just A Monster Mahoraga’s design and name are steeped in real-world mythology : Buddhist Roots: The eight-handled wheel references the Dharmachakra, a Buddhist symbol for enlightenment. Every spin represents overcoming obstacles, fitting for its adaptation power. Hindu Influence: The name “Mahoraga” comes from Hindu serpent deities, while “Makora” (its Japanese name) is tied to Buddhist guardian generals. Shinto Treasures: Its full title, Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General, nods to the Ten Sacred Treasures of the Shinto god Nigihayahi. This mix of myths makes Mahoraga feel ancient and otherworldly, instead of a regular Cursed Spirit. Final Verdict: Mahoraga Is Jujutsu Kaisen’s Ultimate Wild Card Mahoraga isn’t important because it’s strong - it’s important because it’s unpredictable. It turns battles into high-stakes puzzles as you need to kill it before it learns your moves. Its presence raises the stakes for every fight it’s in, whether it’s Megumi’s desperate gamble or Sukuna’s calculated strategy. However, summoning Mahoraga means risking everything, and taming it requires incredible strength and strategy. One thing's for sure: The presence of Mahoraga in JJK makes the story genius and well-written. Release Year MAL Rating Animation Studio Genre Watch On October 2020 8.56 MAPPA Action, Supernatural Netflix ALSO READ: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Gojo Vs Sukuna Debate Proves Fans Don’t Understand The Story