when Oshi no Ko first hit the scene back in 2023? After just one episode with that fan-favorite YOASOBI opening, it dethroned Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood from its decade-long reign atop MyAnimeList. With season two on the horizon, you gotta wonder if lightning can strike twice. r4r3f

Oshi no Ko is a ride through the glitzy, often gritty world of Japanese showbiz. The story follows Aquamarine Hoshino, a former doctor reborn as the son of his favorite pop idol, as he navigates the waters of fame and tries to unravel the secrets surrounding his mother’s death. The mastermind behind this addictive series is none other than Aka Akasaka, who also brought us Kaguya-sama: Love is War. 

With 14 volumes and counting, there’s no shortage of material for the anime to work with. Given how much ground the first season covered, the episodes are poised to dive even deeper into the intricacies of celebrity life and the personal sacrifices it demands.

When is Oshi No Ko season two releasing? 373g4n

Slated for a grand premiere on July 3, 2024, Oshi No Ko season two will be available on a bunch of Japanese TV channels and HIDIVE for the international crowd. For those of you who are lucky enough to be at Anime Expo, you’re in for a treat. They’ll be hosting the world premiere screening, and you’ll get to see Oshi no Ko season two before anyone else. Plus, you’ll be in the presence of voice actress Yurie Igoma (Ruby) and producer Shimpei Yamashita.  

Oshi no Ko is also welcoming some new cast , like Ayane Sakura as Abiko Samejima and Daisuke Ono as Goa. Meanwhile, the opening theme, Fatale by GEMN, is featured in the trailer and sounds pretty great! I’m not saying I’ve had it on repeat for the past hour, but I’m not saying that either.  

Anyways, here are the release dates & times for the episode across other time zones:

Toei and Amazon will be dropping a live-action film later this year.

If you’re a long-term anime fan, then you probably the dark ages of not being able to find a high-quality version of your favorite show. Finding a video over 480p with accurate, official, and not-fan-made subs was like finding a unicorn. Forget watching an episode in its entirety; it would be ed in parts on YouTube, and if a part was taken down due to copyright issues, then you were out of luck.

Thankfully, those days are long past us and we now have our pick of streaming sites on which we can watch old and new faves alike. When choosing a website to stream anime from, Crunchyroll is an obvious standout. The internet streaming service has over 1,000 anime titles to choose from, making for one impressive library. While the variety is appreciated, it can be hard to pick something to watch when there’s such a staggering amount to choose from.

Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best anime available on Crunchyroll and it includes both old and new favorites and will hopefully introduce you to a variety of anime series you might not have otherwise known about. Without further ado, we present the best anime on Crunchyroll in no particular order.

One Piece (1999-present) c3xd

One Piece is a long-running anime with a huge following and over 1,000 episodes. This makes starting the show a daunting task, but we’re here to assure you that it’s worth it. The anime, adapted from the One Piece manga that started two years earlier in 1997, follows Monkey D. Luffy as he embarks on an ambitious journey to become King of the Pirates.

During his quest, Luffy encounters (many) new friends and enemies that you can’t help but appreciate. With so many episodes, there’s obviously some filler, but the story is surprisingly high-quality even after over two decades. One Piece is popular for a reason and this influential anime is well worth your time (as is the new Netflix series).

Spy x Family (2022-present) 5s5s32

This newer anime about a spy masquerading as a family man is a great time. Spy x Family only began airing in Apr. 2022 but has already had great commercial and critical success. The story follows master spy Twilight, who needs to create a fake nuclear family to complete what might be the greatest mission of his career. The fake family finds itself occasionally lost in the charade and the story has a great balance of action and wholesome moments.

Season two of Spy x Family will release sometime in 2023.

Mob Psycho 100 (2016-2022) 1u3cn

From the creator of One-Punch Man (another contender for this list), Mob Psycho 100 is a fantastic anime that takes common shonen (a genre of anime mostly geared toward young boys; think something like Dragon Ball or Naruto) anime tropes and subverts them for a fresh take on the genre. The series follows protagonist Shigeo Kageyama (Mob), a talented esper who prefers to solve his problems by bettering himself physically rather than relying on his ESP.

Mob is a rather stoic character and presses his emotions down instead of expressing them. When he finally lets his emotion meter reach 100, prepare for some massive psychic energy and some crazy animated sequences. The anime has some great characters (like Mob’s mentor Reigen Arataka) and is a worthwhile watch.

Blue Lock (2022-present) 172e2j

Blue Lock presents viewers with something that’s been missing from sports anime: high stakes. Isagi Yoichi is a pitifully average high school soccer player who receives an invitation from the Japan Football Federation that changes the trajectory of his life. The sports organization has chosen him to be part of project Blue Lock, where he will be pitted against 299 other players for a chance to play as a striker for the national team.

If players lose the competition, they permanently forfeit the chance to the national team, and this leads to an intense, cut-throat competition among the contestants. The show has viewers and Isagi wondering if any of the friendships he forms are real while they fight to nab the coveted spot.

Chainsaw Man (2022-present) 4p2n1e

Chainsaw Man is a seinen anime (meaning it’s geared more toward an older audience than your standard shonen) and, boy, is it bleak. This one follows Denji, a teen stuck with ruinous debt he acquired from his late father. He is forced to sell his own body parts and work for the Yakuza as a Devil Hunter to make even a small dent in his mountain of debt. Things change when he gains the power to spout massive chainsaws from his limbs from his best friend, the adorable puppy-shaped Chainsaw Devil, Pochita.

Fans appreciate that Denji is a twist on the stereotypical shonen-anime protagonist archetype; it’s not to say he’s a bad guy, but you won’t find any heroes here. The show is equal parts hilarious, violent, and dark, and the surreal aspect of Denji’s transformation into a human chainsaw sets it apart.

Solo Leveling (2024-present) qd42

Solo Leveling is one of the biggest manhwa titles and one of the most anticipated releases for 2024. The series is set in a world where people with supernatural abilities, known as hunters, venture into monster-infested dungeons to protect the rest of the world from destruction. Sung Jinwoo is an infamous hunter, known for being the weakest of the weak. After a ridiculously overpowered dungeon decimates most of his party, Jinwoo is near death himself before a mysterious entity known only as the System saves his life. 

The System offers Jinwoo the chance to level up and become the strongest hunter of them all. Now, Jinwoo must learn the truth about the System, the dungeons, and the mysterious power he’s been granted. 

My Hero Academia (2016-present) 5o4e5

For anime fans who loved Sky High and enjoy a good underdog tale, My Hero Academia is a quality choice. Hero is set in a world where about 80 percent of the population has superhuman abilities known as Quirks. Izuku Midoriya is born Quirkless, but dreams of becoming a hero like his idol All Might, the number one hero in Japan.

Izuku is eventuallyable to enroll in the prestigious UA, a school for young heroes to hone their Quirks. Of course, in a world with heroes, you’re sure to find villains, and this anime crafts villains just as well thought-out as their heroic counterparts. If you’re a fan of classic shonen series like Naruto and Dragon Ball, you’re sure to enjoy My Hero Academia.

Bocchi the Rock! (2022-present) 183s2o

This music-filled anime has plenty of humor and just as much heart. Bocchi the Rock! tells the story of Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou, a teenage loner with social anxiety. Hitori first begins learning how to play the guitar as a way to make friends, and by the time she’s in high school, she’s amassed an online following by posting videos of her playing (anonymously, of course).

Her dreams of making friends through music haven’t come true until she’s approached by Nijika Ijichi to Kessoku Band as their guitarist. The show follows Hitori and her band’s exploits as she tries to get out of her shell and excel musically with her newfound friends.

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War (2019-present) 4e2u2p

Berserk of Gluttony, like many popular anime, is set in a fantasy world where people have magical abilities. The main character, Fate Graphite, has been ridiculed for his “useless” skill, Gluttony. Suffering from a seemingly endless hunger, Fate is resigned to his fate and finds work as a gatekeeper for a noble family. 

When Fate is forced to kill a thief, he learns the truth about his power: he can absorb the skills of people he kills and become stronger. His hunger temporarily sated, Fate leaves to learn more about his skill and level up, all while trying to keep his appetite in check. Fans of dark fantasy should check this one out. 

Romantic Killer is one of those anime where you’re rolling your eyes one moment and blushing the next. After all, with cute boys everywhere you turn, life can be a bit adventurous.

The whimsical world of Romantic Killer offers a delightful harem rom-com that weaves an extraordinary tale around the life of high school student Anzu Hoshino. Anzu would rather spend her day playing video games and snuggling with her cat, but an eccentric wizard named Riri is determined to get her to fall in love with the real world. How? By sending a swarm of handsome gentlemen her way. Altogether, this anime is a unique blend of humor and romance, and with just one season out, some more fantasy will be required after you’ve binged through. Here’s a curated list of 10 anime gems similar to Romantic Killer.

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War 16j1k

With several seasons, and even an anime film sequel, Romantic Killer fans are in safe hands with Love Is War. However, while Anzu would rather play video games, Miyuki and Kaguya are too proud to it they’re in love with each other. Both anime have a series of love traps, as well as the underlying storyline of friendship at the heart of every good romance story.

Toradora! 5g711w

This rom-com anime follows two high school students, Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka. Despite their contrasting personalities, they team up to help each other pursue their respective crushes. As they work together, unexpected feelings start to bloom, leading to a heartfelt exploration of love and friendship. Toradora explores unconventional aspects of romance, adding depth and humor to the narrative. 

Chihayafuru s5o56

Chihayafuru follows the story of Chihaya Ayase, a high school girl with a ion for the traditional Japanese card game Karuta. Driven by her dream to become the Queen (the best female Karuta player), Chihaya forms a competitive club with her friends. While Chihayafuru and Romantic Killer may differ in genres and themes, they share similarities in their focus on high school life and the pursuit of personal goals.

My Senpai is Annoying 85z

This delightful anime revolves around the comedic relationship between a diligent, but eccentric senpai, and his pragmatic kohai. Harumi Takeda (senpai) constantly finds ways to insert himself into the life of his kohai, Futaba Igarashi, leading to amusing and endearing moments. The anime, much like Romantic Killer, explores the dynamics of their relationship, blending humor with hints of romance.

Kiss Him, Not Me 2f5s1n

Kiss Him, Not Me follows high school student Kae Serinuma, a fujoshi (female BL manga and anime fan) who undergoes a surprising transformation, following the death of her favorite anime character. The once overweight and introverted Kae becomes a sought-after beauty, attracting the attention of several attractive boys in her school. However, Kae remains devoted to her fictional ships, and would rather have her suitor be in love with each other. Her unique perspective on romance, and her reluctance to conform to traditional expectations, parallel the humorous twists found in Romantic Killer.

Cross Game 2d4828

Cross Game is a sports romance anime that revolves around the journey of a young aspiring baseball player named Ko Kitamura, who has no interest in girls or dating. After losing his first love Wakaba Tsukishima in an accident, Ko immerses himself in baseball. Determined to fulfill a promise made to Wakaba, Ko strives to become a skilled baseball player, and must rely on Wakaba’s abrasive sister Aoba for help. Much like Romantic Killer, this anime involves characters, who have little to no interest in love, facing unexpected challenges and navigating intricate relationships. 

My Dress-Up Darling 3n2a6o

Traumatized by a childhood incident, high school student Wakana Gojo becomes an introverted and reserved young man. One day, he encounters the eccentric and outspoken Marin Kitagawa, a classmate who is ionate about creating intricate and detailed cosplay outfits. Despite their contrasting personalities, Wakana finds himself drawn into Marin’s world of cosplay. Similar to Romantic Killer, My Dress-Up Darling features an unconventional romantic narrative that evolves from unique circumstances. 

Nisekoi: False Love 556n5u

Nisekoi: False Love is a romantic comedy anime centered around Raku Ichijou, the heir to a yakuza family, and Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival gang leader. To prevent a gang war, Raku and Chitoge pretend to be a couple, despite their initial dislike for each other. The story takes a turn when Raku discovers a pendant that may unlock memories of his childhood sweetheart. The blend of romance, humor, and a touch of intrigue in Nisekoi is similar to the charming Romantic Killer, making it a suitable recommendation for fans of quirky rom-coms.

Uncle from Another World f2c3k

Set in modern-day Japan, this anime follows Takafumi Takaoka, whose uncle has recently awakened from a 17-year-long coma. To everyone’s surprise, the uncle reveals a newfound talent for casting magic spells, disclosing that he had been transported to an alternate world while he was in his coma. Deciding to extend a helping hand, Takafumi welcomes his uncle into his home and helps him acclimate to modern society. The uncle’s interest and skill in the romance department are similar to Anzu’s in Romantic Killer, as he would rather stay at home playing games. 

Fruits Basket d134g

Fruits Basket is a heartwarming and emotionally rich anime centered around Tohru Honda, a high school girl who, after a series of unfortunate events, finds herself living with the mysterious Sohma family. Unknown to her, the Sohmas are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. While “Fruits Basket” and “Romantic Killer” differ significantly in their premises, they share common ground in their focus on unconventional relationships, and the exploration of romance within unique circumstances.

It’s not every day that the BL community is blessed with a beautifully animated series. After all, classics like Gravitation are still the face of BL anime, much to my own chagrin. Fortunately, in 2022, Sasaki and Miyano came to save the year with their heartwarming, tooth-achingly sweet story.

Just last month, we were once again treated to a generous dose of comfort with the release of the feature-length Sasaki and Miyano: Graduation. It’s safe to say that this anime might just be carrying the BL anime on its back – assuming, of course, that you’re as enamored with this heartwarming romance as I am. If you’ve already devoured the Sasaki and Miyano manga, and are in search of more content that exudes ‘gag-me-with-a-spoon’ cuteness, as always, we’ve got this covered.

Toradora 2k3f72

Although not a BL (as many of the entries on this list aren’t), Toradora has long been an absolute undeniable stable for slice-of-life fans. In fact, it was the very first romance anime I’ve ever watched, and to this day, I hold it dear to my heart. It has all the good heartwarming tropes that we see in Sasaki and Miyano, like a budding high school romance and a completely adorable group dynamic among friends. To top it all off, Taiga is one of the best tsundere characters in Shojo.

Given 13224

Perhaps the perfect side-by-side alternative to Sasaki and Miyano is the BL anime and manga Given. This cute yet heart-wrenching story is absolutely perfect from start to finish. Even though the manga is still ongoing, it is one of the most beloved BL works in the entire genre and it revolves around the story of four high school and university students who come together for their love of music.

Komi Can’t Communicate 6x1n5y

There are plenty of high school anime, so deciding which one to watch shouldn’t be too difficult. However, this also means plenty of bad anime is out there. Thankfully, Komi Can’t Communicate isn’t one of them. Depicting the story of a girl with social anxiety who has difficulty talking, and a boy who is eager to help her achieve her dream of making 100 friends, this anime is like cotton candy on a stick, making it the perfect watch to get a cavity after Sasaki and Miyano.

Gakuen Heaven 6e5a2q

If you’re a fan of old-school anime, here’s a great alternative: Gakuen Heaven. While the story doesn’t initially focus on a specific couple, it revolves around Keita Itõ, a student accepted into an elite male-only boarding school. Keita is immediately welcomed by a group of students who take a keen interest in the new addition. In the end, Keita and another character (no spoilers here) find their happily ever after, even amidst all the school drama.

Teasing Master Takagi-San 2a5sg

While Sasaki and Miyano have quite a comedic streak, the story isn’t exactly a riot of laughter. For this reason, Teasing Takagi-San is a brilliant alternative if you’re looking for some good-humored wholesome romance, filled with giggles and pranks. The story revolves around Nishikata’s continuous adventures as he tries to prank Takagi every single day. But here’s the thing, Takagi gets just as much of a kick from teasing Nishikata back in this cat-and-mouse pranking war.

Hitorijime My Hero 6f42q

So, Hitorijime My Hero stands out from the others on this list. Why? Well, the main couple, Setagawa and Kousuke, are a student and a teacher. Setting aside the moral implications, this anime is well-crafted, and the adorable side couple also faces their relationship hurdles. Despite the differing tropes in the story, it stands as a great BL anime to watch, sharing many similarities with Sasaki and Miyano.

Horimiya 3c3g5d

Horimiya is practically a textbook example of ‘opposites attract’. Similar to Sasaki and Miyano, it follows two high school students who are as different as can be. Hori is the popular girl at school, ired for her looks and intelligence, while Miyamura is somewhat distant from others. With stunning animation, this anime shows the journey of these two students getting to know each other and realizing they have more in common than anyone ever imagined.

The Stranger by the Shore 2b2b4p

I know it’s not an animated series, but it’s still an animated movie, so it definitely counts. The Stranger by the Shore is a film that follows the journey of an openly gay aspiring novelist and an orphaned high school student who meet by the sea and immediately sparks fly. Hindered by their age difference, Mio must return to the mainland to complete his studies, and three years . The rest you just have to see for yourself.

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War s3o1j

While it isn’t BL, Kaguya-Sama offers one of the funniest high school romances between two of the most stubborn and competitive characters imaginable: Shirogane, the president of the student council, and Kaguya, the vice president. They’re both absolute geniuses who adamantly refuse to it their feelings, constantly striving to make the other confess first. It’s a hilarious anime that will be perfect to fill that Sasaki and Miyano void.

Demon King from Today! 6g55o

If you’re already familiar with Demon King From Today, I know what you’re thinking. This story isn’t in a high school setting, nor is it technically a BL but hear me out: it is very comforting. It tells a story about Yuuri, who is transported to the Demon World and becomes their King. He accidentally proposes to Wolfram by slapping him and insulting his mother, and their story begins full of adventure, comedy, and quite cute moments between the two of them.

Get excited anime fans. Multiple previews for projects were dropped over the weekend. The official trailer for the  Kaguya-Sama: Love is War movie was released. Meanwhile, cast visuals for the stage production of Sword Art Online came out on social media. And finally, Spy x Family took some historical inspiration in their new visual poster.

Here are some of the things you may have missed from the world of anime.

Official trailer for Kaguya-sama: Love is War movie has been released 254p5s

Aniplex Japan released its official visual for the film adaptation of Kaguya-Sama: Love is War.

Kaguya-sama: Love is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends- is the film that takes place after the events of season three of the anime series. The trailer shows off scenes from the anime, as well as the kiss that happened at the end of the season. Lucky anime fans will be able to get a glimpse of the film as a 30-minute preview will be shown in this year’s Anime NYC on Nov. 19.

Kaguya-sama: Love is War -The First Kiss That Never Ends- will be released in theaters in Japan on Dec. 17, 2022.

Sword Art Online unveils cast visuals for their live show 4s451t

The stage adaptation for Sword Art Online has released cast visuals for its live show in Japan.

The show’s official Twitter released multiple images of the key characters for the show. This was a few days after Aniplex Japan released a visual trailer for the stage show, showcasing some of the sword techniques that will be seen on stage. According to Crunchyroll, Sword Art Online -DIVE TO STAGE- will be based on the Aincrad Arc from season one, and ticket sales will begin on Oct. 30, 2022.

Sword Art Online -DIVE TO STAGE- will be performing in the Tokyo International Forum Hall C from Nov. 8 to 13, 2022

Historical references were found in the new Spy x Family offical art 4z4l3y

Spy x Family released a new official artwork after episode 17 aired last weekend.

The poster featured Anya Forger and Damien Desmond, with a life-sized cardboard griffin that Desmond wanted to make in class. Fans who saw the poster noticed there was a subtle reference to the Jacques-Louis David painting, Napoleon Crossing the Alps.

Episode 17 of Spy x Family is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Today’s round of anime news will have fans feel different sorts of emotions. It was announced that the final chapters of Kaguya-Sama: Love is War will be released very soon. Meanwhile, Hunter x Hunter released a trailer, featuring memorable moments from the manga’s main protagonists. And lastly, new character art for Chainsaw Man was released as the anime revealed a brand new collaboration.

Here are some of the things you may have missed from the world of anime in the past 24 hours.

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War announces final manga release date 4046p

Manga author, Aka Akasaka announced the release dates for Kaguya-sama: Love is War’s final chapters.

According to Anime News Network, the news was released during the Young Jump’s 48th issue in 2022. The magazine announced that a 12-page booklet will be featured in the next issue to celebrate the manga’s completion. The manga entered its final arc back in 2021. Meanwhile, the anime finished its third season back in June 2022.

The final chapters for Kaguya-Sama: Love is War will be released on Nov. 2, 2022.

Monster Strike announces official collaboration with Chainsaw Man 6v3462

Monster Strike announced its official collaboration with Chainsaw Man, showcasing character stats and new art.

Monster Strike released a video about the collaboration, showcasing some of the characters and their stats. The mobile game said that it will give players the chance to add their favorite characters from the show to their roster. Meanwhile, Crunchyroll has also showcased new art for the collaboration, featuring both the human and demon characters.

Monster Strike x Chainsaw Man is scheduled to come out on Nov. 1, 2022.

Hunter x Hunter reminiscence it’s protagonist in new trailer 663i4i

Hunter x Hunter released an emotional trailer, reminiscing about the manga’s main protagonists.

The one-minute video revisited the bond between Gon and Killua, before it announced the release of its new manga next week. The video showcased notable scenes from the manga, with lines performed by the anime’s lead voice actresses, Megumi Han and Mariya Ise.

Hunter x Hunter vol. 37 will be released on Nov 4, 2022.