There are a lot of TV shows out there and in this golden age of TV streaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic? Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable shows through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, our attention this time turns to anime animated by Studio Bones. From Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to My Hero Academia, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a phenomenal shonen series and remake. Unlike its 2003 counterpart, this adaptation feels more faithful to its creator’s manga. Regardless, both adaptations contain gripping narratives, superb characters, and enjoyable soundtracks. In this anime, we examine the lives of Edward and Alphonse Elric.
They embark on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. This stone contains incredible powers that’ll help these brothers regain their former bodies. The reason for their appearance stems from their tampering with alchemy at a young age. They tried reviving their mother, but Edward winds up losing limbs and Alphonse his entire body.
These brothers will meet many people during their journey. Some will make them smile while others will disgust them. No journey would be complete without some fun action. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood contains epic fights that will get you excited. With some powerful character interactions and superb action, this is a must-watch shonen series.
Mob Psycho 100
Did you watch and like One Punch Man? If so, you’re in for a treat with Mob Psycho 100. Not only does it feature an overly strong protagonist but it retains the same humor and art style as One Punch Man. With some epic fights sprinkled into its narrative, this is a superb supernatural series that will get you excited.
This anime follows a young psychic named Mob. He knows unleashing his powers could lead to catastrophic nightmares and chooses not to use them. He only uses his powers as a means to impress his crush Tsubomi. To establish control over his powers, Mob seeks help from Reigen, who exploits Mob’s powers for money.
Therefore, we examine Mob’s daily routine of exorcising evil spirits to fulfill Reigen’s monetary desires. This anime strikes a good balance of comedy and action. The humor consists of witty one-liners to deadpan humor. If you’re looking for a show that will bring you immense joy, Mob Psycho 100 is worth watching.
Josee, the Tiger, and the Fish
Jose, the Tiger, and the Fish is a great reimagining of the class Little Mermaid folk tale. This anime will elicit an emotional response from viewers. You’ll wind up crying for its cast during their troubled times and smiling during the anime’s heartwarming scenes. This is a mature work of art and tackles heavy-hitting subject matter.
Some can relate to the journey its female protagonist undergoes in the film. Her determination and bravery will rub off on viewers who find themselves in a similar scenario. On that note, this anime has fluid animation and incredible character designs. These aspects will allow viewers to immerse themselves in the world.
Our characters form a tight relationship with each other. The anime’s male protagonist will do everything in his power to make our female protagonist feel loved and cherished. It’s their strong dynamic and bond that makes this a worthwhile watch for any anime fan.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a fabulous sci-fi series. It has well-written characters who get into all types of adventurous scenarios. It contains some remarkable action scenes, slight tomfoolery, mature themes, and a jazzy soundtrack. The fights have excellent animation and you’ll find yourself drooling over how the characters move on screen during these scenarios.
In it, we follow a bounty hunter named Spike Spiegel. He travels to multiple planets looking for work with his friend, Jet. Eventually, they run into some colorful individuals like the seductive Faye Valentine and wacky Ed. Their lives are never dull and fans will enjoy seeing them get roped into amusing scenarios. With a great atmosphere and incredible setting, Cowboy Bebop’s a must-watch.
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is a modern shonen anime with heavy superhero inspiration. This work pays tributes to classic Marvel and DC Universe villains and heroes while staying true to its shonen nature. It follows a powerless boy named Izuku who lives in a world full of superheroes and villains. After saving his bully Bakugo from harm, Izuku receives powers from his role model, All Might.
All Might also help Izuku enroll in U.A. Academy, a school that’ll help him become his world’s greatest hero. Like most shonen works, My Hero Academia tackles themes like courage, friendship, and pursuing your dreams. This anime features a large roster of characters. Unfortunately, many characters don’t get as much screen time as they deserve.
However, series creator, Kohei Horikoshi gives each cast member a unique power and personality to stand out. This anime has striking visuals and amazing animation. You’ll feel immersed in how incredibly detailed its world looks. The countless fights Izuku and his classmates endure in the show are just as astonishing. Give this a shot if you adore superhero shows.
Sword of the Stranger
Sword of the Stranger is a phenomenal samurai-themed anime. It has great storytelling, art quality, and a powerful soundtrack. It takes place during Japan’s Sengoku period and follows an orphan named Kotarou. He spends his time stealing from unsuspecting citizens and chatting with his canine companion, Tobimaru.
However, assassins are out to get Kotarou for his crimes. On the run, he meets a ronin named Nanashi. Nanashi helps Kotarou heal his wounds. Although Nanashi doesn’t want to help them further, Kotarou bribes him to become their bodyguard until Tobimaru’s healed from the poison, and they reach their destination.
Thus we follow Nanashi, Kotarou, and Tobimaru’s journey in this merciful world. This anime’s protagonists are enjoyable and receive great depth throughout the film. This anime’s feudal Japanese setting is marvelous to look at and many will appreciate its accuracy to our world’s version of feudal Japan. If you’re looking for a great representation of Japanese history, check this out.
Bungou Stray Dogs
Imagine The Avengers as literacy authors with supernatural powers. They’d turn out something like our cast in Bungou Stray Dogs. This is an excellent mafia, crime, and mystery show with great action sequences. It follows an orphan named Atsushi. A mystical tiger follows him around and causes him issues at his orphanage.
He’s removed from the establishment and stumbles upon a drowning man named Osamu. Atsushi saves Osamu and learns he’s a supernatural detective. He’s investigating strange phenomena caused by Atsushi’s tiger friend. Although they resolve the issue, Atsushi joins Osamu and his companions on various supernatural-themed cases involving fights and amusing hijinks.
Atsushi is a great protagonist and many can relate to his desire to help others. He’ll need the most help out of everyone, though. The fights our characters participate in are marvelous spectacles. The soundtrack only adds to one’s excitement for these scenes. If you’re looking for a fun and action-packed mafioso anime featuring homages to classic literary authors, check out Bungou Stray Dogs.
Noragami Aragato
Noragami was like a blink and you’ll miss it hit within the anime community. It has excellent characters, enjoyable comedy, and some beautiful fights and visuals. Although the first season was praised for those aspects, its sequel, Noragmi Aragato (Aragato), upped the anty and gave fans a more exciting time.
This season takes place after Yato and Yukine strengthened their bond as god and Regalia. Yato continues taking jobs to achieve his million worshipper dream but still hasn’t fixed Hiyori’s loose soul problem. An old rival named Bishamon rears her head into their lives, causing a clash between her and Yato.
Therefore, this season focuses more on fleshing out the secrets that lie in Yato and Bishamon’s pasts. Fans can expect deeper conflicts between these two that carry more weight than the previous season’s dilemmas. The visuals and animation see a dramatic increase in quality too. If you enjoyed the first season of Noragami, chances are, you’ll love Aragato.
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is splendid school-themed anime. With a satisfying episodic plot structure, a likable cast, and countless comedic routines, you’re guaranteed to like it. While the show can feel extremely lighthearted, you’ll be saddened by our characters’ backstories. In addition to some touching character interactions, you’ll find yourself bawling your eyes out while watching this.
Otherwise, Ouran High School Host Club is a delightful anime that will warm your hearts. Ouran High School Host Club follows a well-mannered girl named Haruhi. She heads to her school’s unused music room to study. Upon entering, she’s met with a loud welcome by the Host Club. This club features handsome boys who adore amusing the girls
Haruhi tumbles over and knocks an expensive vase of theirs. To repay them for the vase, Haruhi joins the club and becomes a host. While pretending to be a boy, Haruhi must participate in this club’s activities to repay them.
Darker Than Black
Are you looking to dive into a realistic world with incredible thought-provoking elements? Darker Than Black is a sci-fi action anime that’ll satisfy those wishes. While the plot starts off vague, it slowly unravels into something greater. With a suspenseful atmosphere, a well-written cast, and diverse music, you’re in for a lovely time with this anime.
The anime takes place in a future where two gates appeared. The gates brought supernatural humanoids called Contractors with them. Hei, the show’s protagonist, is an infamous Contractor who runs into trouble with Japan’s Section 4 Chief, Misaki. While solving several mysteries, Hei will uncover the dark layers of a plot that threatens many Contractors’ lives.
This anime has impressive character designs. The characters have memorable personalities that reflect their unique appearances. The fights aren’t the main focus of the narrative. However, each bout maintains sharp visuals and stellar choreography. Viewers will get goosebumps from this anime’s soundtrack. Fans looking for a more complex written narrative with fun fights should check this out.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best Studio Bones anime through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!