Top 20 Most Popular Anime Shows To Watch On Hulu
Are you an anime enthusiast searching for your next binge-worthy series on Hulu? Look no further! Hulu, a popular streaming platform, boasts an impressive library of anime titles that cater to every taste and preference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve curated a list of the top 20 anime shows available on Hulu. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures, supernatural mysteries, or thought-provoking dramas, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest. These anime have garnered critical acclaim and have a dedicated fan following, making them must-watch choices for anyone exploring the world of Japanese animation.
Most Popular Anime Shows To Watch On Hulu
1. Attack on Titan
In a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, the story follows Eren Yeager and his friends Mikasa and Armin as they join the fight against these terrifying beings. Eren possesses a mysterious power that could change the course of the battle. As they uncover the truth about the Titans, they are drawn into a complex web of politics and conspiracies.
“Attack on Titan” received widespread critical acclaim for its intense storytelling, intricate world-building, and deep character development. It was praised for tackling complex themes such as freedom, morality, and the consequences of war. The animation quality and action sequences were also lauded. It became a cultural phenomenon and a gateway anime for many newcomers to the genre.
2. My Hero Academia
In a world where people with superpowers, known as “Quirks,” exist, Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy, dreams of becoming a hero. He gains the legendary power “One For All” from the number one hero, All Might, and enters U.A. High School to train as a hero. The series follows Izuku and his classmates as they face various challenges and villains.
“My Hero Academia” received praise for its unique take on the superhero genre, exploring themes of heroism, identity, and society’s expectations. It was commended for its diverse cast of characters and character development. The action-packed battles and emotional moments resonated with audiences, making it a standout shonen anime.
3. One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy, with the ability to stretch his body like rubber after eating a Devil Fruit, sets out to find the ultimate treasure, One Piece, and become the Pirate King. He forms a diverse crew known as the Straw Hat Pirates, and together, they embark on epic adventures, battling powerful foes and uncovering the mysteries of the Grand Line.
“One Piece” is highly regarded for its world-building, character depth, and epic storytelling. Critics and fans alike praise its long-lasting popularity and impact on the anime and manga industry. It’s known for its humor, emotional depth, and intricate plot arcs that keep viewers engaged for hundreds of episodes.
4. Naruto Shippuden
Continuing the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest in his village, “Naruto Shippuden” follows Naruto’s journey as he faces formidable enemies, including the Akatsuki organization. He seeks to bring back his friend Sasuke and protect his village from various threats.
“Naruto Shippuden” received acclaim for its character development, exploration of themes like friendship and perseverance, and intense ninja battles. It’s considered one of the most influential and successful anime series, with a dedicated fan base.
5. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Gon Freecss, a young boy, embarks on a journey to become a Hunter and find his absent father. Along the way, he forms deep friendships and encounters challenges in the form of dangerous creatures and other Hunters. The series explores complex moral dilemmas and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
“Hunter x Hunter” (2011) is celebrated for its intricate storytelling, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. It’s often praised as one of the best shonen anime adaptations due to its mature and nuanced approach to the genre. Critics appreciate its unpredictable plot twists and engaging battles.
6. Death Note
“Death Note” revolves around a high school student named Light Yagami who comes into possession of a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. With the alias “Kira,” Light sets out to rid the world of criminals and establish a utopian society, sparking a cat-and-mouse game with the brilliant detective L.
“Death Note” received widespread acclaim for its gripping psychological thriller elements, complex characters, and moral dilemmas. It’s often lauded as a masterpiece for its exploration of the consequences of absolute power and the battle of wits between Light and L.
7. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. Their journey uncovers dark secrets about alchemy and the world they live in.
The series is highly praised for its compelling story, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes such as sacrifice and the consequences of one’s actions. It’s considered one of the greatest anime of all time and is celebrated for its faithfulness to the manga source material.
8. Cowboy Bebop
Set in a futuristic world, “Cowboy Bebop” follows the adventures of bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his eclectic crew as they chase down criminals across the galaxy. The series blends elements of space western, noir, and jazz music, creating a unique atmosphere.
“Cowboy Bebop” is a critical darling, known for its stylish animation, memorable characters, and iconic soundtrack. It’s often cited as a gateway anime for introducing newcomers to the medium due to its universal appeal.
9. The Promised Neverland
“The Promised Neverland” is a gripping anime that revolves around a group of orphans, led by the brilliant Emma, who discover the horrifying truth about their idyllic home, Grace Field House. Unbeknownst to them, the orphanage is a front for a farm where children are raised as livestock for demons. This chilling revelation sets off a high-stakes game of cat and mouse as Emma, Norman, and Ray attempt to escape their dire fate while outsmarting the cunning “Mom.” The series received critical acclaim for its suspenseful storytelling, complex characters, and the moral dilemmas it explores within the context of survival. Its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats combined with thought-provoking themes garnered widespread praise, establishing it as a standout in the psychological thriller genre.
10. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Set in a historical Japan plagued by demons, “Demon Slayer” follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into one. Tanjiro’s quest for revenge and his desire to cure his sister lead him to a group of elite demon slayers.
“Demon Slayer” received immense acclaim for its stunning animation, thrilling battles, and emotional depth. It became a massive commercial success and a cultural phenomenon, earning praise for its character development and captivating story.
11. Black Clover
“Black Clover” follows Asta, a young boy born without any magical power in a world where magic is everything. Determined to become the Wizard King, Asta obtains a rare anti-magic grimoire and sets out on a journey with his rival, Yuno. Together, they aim to prove that effort and determination can overcome natural talent.
“Black Clover” is known for its fast-paced action, character growth, and themes of perseverance and friendship. While some initially criticized its similarities to other shonen anime, it has gained popularity for its engaging battles and character development.
12. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” is an anime with multiple story arcs, each following a different member of the Joestar family. The series is known for its unique battles, supernatural powers called Stands, and epic confrontations between heroes and villains. It spans generations and genres, from historical adventure to supernatural horror.
Critics and fans appreciate the creativity and inventiveness of “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.” It has a devoted following due to its distinctive art style, memorable characters, and imaginative fights. The series has been influential in the world of manga and anime.
13. Sword Art Online
In the near future, players of a virtual reality MMORPG called Sword Art Online find themselves trapped in the game world by its creator. To escape, they must clear all 100 floors of the game. Kirito, the protagonist, and other players form alliances and face numerous challenges, both in the game and in the real world.
“Sword Art Online” received mixed critical reception, with praise for its immersive virtual world and criticism for its pacing and character development. It remains popular among fans for its action sequences and exploration of the impact of virtual reality on society.
14. Tokyo Ghoul
“Tokyo Ghoul” explores a dark urban fantasy world where flesh-eating ghouls exist alongside humans. Kaneki, a young man who becomes a half-ghoul after a chance encounter with one, must navigate the complexities of his new existence while trying to protect his loved ones.
Critics and viewers appreciate “Tokyo Ghoul” for its exploration of identity, morality, and the coexistence of two very different species. It’s lauded for its dark and mature themes, as well as its character-driven narrative.
15. Dragon Ball Super
“Dragon Ball Super” continues the story of Goku and his friends after the events of “Dragon Ball Z.” It introduces new powerful foes, such as Beerus and Jiren, and explores the multiverse through various tournaments and adventures.
While “Dragon Ball Super” has received mixed reviews from critics, it remains immensely popular among fans of the “Dragon Ball” franchise. The series is celebrated for its epic battles and the return of beloved characters.
16. Dr. Stone
“Dr. Stone” is a unique and intellectually stimulating anime set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been turned to stone statues. The story follows Senku Ishigami, a brilliant scientist who awakens thousands of years later and embarks on a quest to rebuild civilization using science and technology. This science-driven adventure series received acclaim for its educational elements, as it explores real scientific principles and inventions. Critics lauded its engaging characters, notably Senku’s charismatic personality, and its ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining. “Dr. Stone” struck a balance between thrilling survival challenges and an optimistic view of human progress, making it a standout in the genre.
17. Mob Psycho 100
The story centers on Shigeo Kageyama, a teenager with incredible psychic powers, including telekinesis and exorcism. Despite his extraordinary abilities, he seeks a normal life and suppresses his emotions. However, as he encounters supernatural threats, he must learn to control his powers and confront his inner turmoil.
“Mob Psycho 100” is acclaimed for its unique animation style, dynamic action sequences, and exploration of themes like personal growth and self-acceptance. It’s often praised for its humor and the depth of its characters.
18. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Naofumi Iwatani is summoned to a parallel world as the Shield Hero along with three other legendary heroes. After being falsely accused of a crime, he is ostracized and must rely on his wits and the power of the legendary shield to survive and seek justice.
“The Rising of the Shield Hero” received attention for its darker and more mature take on the isekai genre. It explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the resilience of the protagonist. While it garnered a dedicated fanbase, it also faced controversy for its portrayal of certain themes.
19. One Punch Man
Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch, faces existential boredom and seeks a worthy adversary. Alongside other heroes, he battles monsters and villains, all while dealing with the absurdity of superhero life.
“One Punch Man” is celebrated for its satirical take on the superhero genre, humor, and stunning action sequences. It’s known for its commentary on the nature of power and heroism, resonating with both fans of the genre and newcomers.
20. Black Lagoon
“Black Lagoon” offers a gritty and action-packed narrative centered on the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries operating in the lawless, criminal underworld of Southeast Asia. The series blends high-intensity gunfights, moral ambiguity, and deep character development as the crew navigates treacherous waters filled with criminals, terrorists, and corrupt organizations. Widely praised by critics for its dark and mature themes, “Black Lagoon” is known for its morally complex characters, especially Revy and Rock, whose contrasting ideologies add depth to the narrative. The series received acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of violence and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, cementing its status as a must-watch for fans of gritty, adult-oriented anime.
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