Tohru Honda is a girl living in a tent in the woods. She is taken in by the mysterious Sohma family, who are cursed to transform into the animals of the Chinese Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex.

If you have never watched an anime before, these are the shows that have broken records and captured mainstream attention. They are popular for a reason: high production value, universal themes, and incredible hooks.

Shonen (meaning "few years") is the demographic aimed at young men, but it is loved by all ages. These series are long, but the character attachment is worth the time.

Why you’ll love it: Jujutsu Kaisen has raised the bar for modern shonen. It features a trio of lovable characters (Yuji, Nobara, and Megumi) and a sense of genuine danger—no plot armor here. The power system (Cursed Energy) is creative, and the villain, Ryomen Sukuna, is terrifyingly cool.

If you have seen the big names above, try these "popular within the fandom" but less mainstream hits.