These series shaped the modern landscape of anime and manga, featuring massive worlds and iconic "hero's journey" arcs.
: A dark fantasy where high schoolers use cursed energy to fight malevolent spirits.
: Mushishi for a quiet, atmospheric experience, or JoJo's Bizarre Adventure for something loud, colorful, and unique. Most Popular Anime/Manga in 2020s - Google Trends - IMDb
: The blueprint for the modern battle shonen, centered on Goku's martial arts adventures and the search for wish-granting orbs. Modern Hits (2020s)
For those who prefer deep plots and intellectual mind games.
These series have taken the world by storm recently with top-tier animation and gripping narratives.
: Cowboy Bebop (space western) and Neon Genesis Evangelion (mecha/psychological).
: A high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse between a student with a supernatural notebook and a world-class detective.