There is a lot of anime out there, and in this golden age of TV streaming, the choices have never been more significant. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic? We’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, most fabulous, and unforgettable anime through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, our attention this time turns to anime with a focus on the acting industry. From murder-mystery dramas to psychological thrillers, these anime feature different takes on the industry which should entertain folks.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll add them when we can!
Oshi No Ko
Oshi No Ko is a brilliant idol anime that provides viewers with excellent commentary on the entertainment industry. It follows a doctor who perishes one night. He reincarnates as Ai’s son, an actor named Aqua. After living a great life with Ai and his sister Ruby, Aqua witnesses someone murder Ai. Believing his father is responsible for his and Ai’s demise, Aqua vows to make him pay.
Despite being an idol-centric anime, Oshi No Ko gives viewers a taste of what life’s like for YouTubers, actors, directors, and others. It does so by exploring the lives of its side cast and fleshing them out as much as possible. Characters like Kana and Akane receive as much depth as the show’s protagonists and give viewers wonderful insight into the ups and downs of their careers.
On top of having spectacular visuals, amazing music, and touching themes, Oshi No Ko is a must-watch!
You can read our thoughts on Oshi No Ko in our full-season review here!
Glass Mask
Glass Mask is a superb anime that delves into the intricacies of the entertainment industry. It follows Maya and Ayumi, two girls who compete for the role of The Crimson Goddess. They must conquer countless challenges, reach their limits, and make their rivals fail. Maya, our protagonist, has incredible growth, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to acting.
Her character will inspire many people to pursue their dreams head-on, regardless if they want to become an aspiring performer or not. This anime is filled with incredible twists, turns, and intense moments of suspense to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Despite showing the downsides of the acting industry, Glass Mask explores how acting helps people find their true calling and heals emotional wounds.
Together with its depiction of the acting process and gorgeous visuals, Glass Mask is a gem many viewers should check out.
Skip Beat
Skip Beat is a quirky and fun anime for those who adore romantic comedies. It follows Kyoko as she embarks on a mission to seek revenge on her former friend Shoutarou by becoming a successful actress. Although she knows very little about the industry, Kyoko’s willing to endure the harsh realities of this industry to make Shoutarou pay. Her journey is relatable and inspiring, drawing viewers in and keeping them invested throughout the series.
This anime smoothly incorporates elements of romance, drama, and comedy. It has a well-paced plot and some unexpected twists that’ll surprise viewers. Kyoko will meet many competitive people in the industry that’ll push her to exceed her limits and prove herself.
Not only that but Skip Beat gives viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the profession. You’ll see characters experience tough auditions, rigorous training regimes, and technical aspects of acting.
After watching Skip Beat, fans will develop a deeper understanding of the dedication and skill needed to become a successful performer in the industry.
Millenium Actress
Millenium Actress is a masterfully crafted anime that delves into the world of acting, providing a nice introspective and poetic exploration of the profession. Our story follows an ex-filmmaker named Genya. He wants to film a documentary about his former company’s star Chiyoko with his pal Ida. As they unravel more of Chiyoko’s past, she uncovers an answer to a mystery that’s plagued her mind for ages.
This anime takes viewers on a journey through several periods and genres. The story unfolds like a puzzle that gradually reveals Chiyoko’s experiences and the impact her profession has on her life. This anime’s nonlinear storytelling adds depth to the anime’s narrative.
The anime highlights how Chiyoko’s dedication to her craft allows her to embody her roles to the fullest degree. It beautifully captures the essence of acting and shows how people pursue it as a means of escape and self-expression.
On top of having spectacular animation and a glorious soundtrack that complements its ideas, Millenium Actress is a must-watch for those who adore thought-provoking works.
Perfect Blue
Perfect Blue was directed by the same gentleman who brought you Millenium Actress. This anime delves into the dark side of fame and the toll it takes on its actress protagonist Mima. Viewers will follow this former pop idol as she experiences unknown horrors and disturbing visuals that will cause her to descend into madness.
This anime’s known for blurring the lines between reality and fiction. It will make viewers feel constant paranoia alongside Mima as she’ll confront monsters who are fictional and real. Furthermore, the scenarios she faces throughout the anime are bone-chillingly authentic. She’ll succumb to immense pressure and will be manipulated to do things she typically wouldn’t do.
If you’re looking for a fabulous psychological thriller with great cinematography and storytelling, check out Perfect Blue.
Kageki Shoujo!!
Kageki Shoujo is a great anime that immerses viewers in the acting universe, offering a captivating exploration of the theater industry. It takes place in an all-girls school for performing arts and centers around the lives of Sarasa and Ai. They’re two aspiring actresses with contrasting backgrounds and personalities.
This anime excellently indicates what one needs to succeed in this career field. It provides a comprehensive overview of acting’s intricacies, from its rigorous training to the countless rehearsals one must endure to become successful.
Further, this anime depicts the challenges actors face in the theater field like self-doubt, stage fright, and performance pressure. Its attention to detail in its craft is unprecedented, making it a must-watch anime for anyone who aspires to be an actor like our protagonists in Kageki Shojou.
Kodocha
Kodocha is another fantastic anime that tackles acting to a strong degree. It follows the daily endeavors of Sana, a charismatic child actress who navigates the challenges of her acting career and the complexities of her personal life. Through its excellent storytelling, Kodocha captures the essence of acting. It features the passion, creativity, and dedication that go into making a well-established performance. Sana’s infectious personality will captivate viewers as much as it does her support group.
Further, it portrays the ups and downs of the career, delving into the excitement and thrill of being on stage and the challenges of balancing school, personal relationships, and a demanding career. The anime does a great job at demonstrating how much of a toll acting has on Sana when she tries getting into character too. She’ll deal with many complications that’ll require her to make sacrifices that will affect her personal life tremendously.
On top of highlighting the benefits of pursuing a career, Kodocha is a fun acting-themed anime everyone should watch.
A3! Season Spring & Summer
A3! Season Spring & Summer follows a struggling theater company called Mankai Company, as they navigate the challenges of revitalizing their group and mounting successful productions. One of the anime’s best aspects is its insightful depiction of the theater industry. It delves into multiple intricacies that go into creating plays, from auditions and casting to rehearsals and performances.
It delivers behind-the-scenes looks at the hard work, dedication, and collaboration that is required to create a successful production. This allows viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the acting profession. The characters receive excellent growth and are diverse enough in personality, goals, and issues. As they overcome their problems, they grow not only as actors but as people.
If you’re looking for an insightful and entertaining theater-centric anime to watch, check out A3! Season Spring & Summer.
Puppet Master Sakon
For those looking for an anime that mixes elements of mystery and drama with the art of puppetry and acting, Puppet Master Sakon should interest you. It follows Sakon, a talented puppet master who uses his skills to solve cases and unravel dark secrets.
This anime’s known for delving into puppetry in complex manners. It captures the movements and expressions of the puppets with precision and artistry. Viewers will love the anime’s mesmerizing performances that bring the puppets to life, blurring the line between reality and fiction. From delving into the rich history of puppetry and its different styles, audiences will find its content fascinating and insightful.
In addition to highlighting its character’s psychological states and examining the competitive the acting industry’s competitive nature, Puppet Master Sakon is an anime that’s worth watching.
Kaleido Star
If you’re in need of a show with a passionate and inspiring protagonist, Kaleido Star should suffice. This anime follows Sora, a young girl who wants to become a part of the world-renowned circus troupe, Kaleido Stage. Sora’s journey will be brimming with countless challenges and obstacles.
Through willpower and determination, Sora will conquer her obstacles. This culminates in a powerful message concerning hard work, self-belief, and how a powerful mindset can lead to achieving one’s dreams. Secondly, Kaleido Star depicts the collaborative nature of acting and the importance of teamwork.
This anime portrays its circus as a community where all performances must count on each other for support. and trust. Through her interactions with them, Sora develops better teamwork and communication skills.
On top of delivering relatable problems actors face concerning criticism, rejection, and coping with pressure, Kaleido Star is a must-watch for aspiring actors.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime about acting 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!