CheckMag | Darwin's Game and 4 other titles every anime fan must watch at least once
Darwin's Game (2020)
- Number of episodes: Small - just 11
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Sci-Fi
When Kaname, a student, launches an app called Darwin's Game on his smartphone, he really has no idea what he's just gotten himself into. He is about to embark on a path full of blood, supernatural abilities and unexpected encounters, some of them pleasant, some much less so.
Despite this being a "modern" series, it manages to keep the viewer entertained for every minute of every episode.
Charlotte (2015)
- Number of episodes: Small - 13 + 1 Original Video Animation (OVA)
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Drama
Yuu, a student, has always been a special person. He has an ability to take over other people's minds, control their actions, see the world through their eyes, if only just for a few seconds. Of course, he routinely uses that ability of his to make his life easier; it is only when he meets Nao Tomori, a girl from another school, and her friends, that he discovers that he is not the only person in the world to have a supernatural ability - and, crucially, that this ability is more a curse than a gift.
This series would not be what it is without a few unexpected plot twists that make it truly a joy to binge on.
Future Diary (2011)
- Number of episodes: Moderate - 26 + 1 OVA
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
Yuki mosly uses his phone to keep a diary of what he sees and does daily. One day, the phone starts predicting his future - and, shortly afterwards, Yuki finds himself in a situation so bizarre and dangerous, he has no choice but to become much faster and much smarter. Luckily for him, he won't be alone in the survival game that is about to unfold.
It's incredible how much action every episode of Mirai Nikki packs. The soundtrack/score is brilliant, too. It is about as good as what Ergo Proxy and certain Gundam titles have. The plot is not perfect but one can't really have everything.
Black Butler (2008)
- Number of episodes: Moderate - 24 episodes in the first season + 1 OVA
- Genre: Supernatural, Mystery
A young individual named Ciel made it his mission to solve various crimes and mysteries. He is not alone on this dangerous path, as a pretty much almighty servant is always by his side - one that has plenty of nasty surprises in store for those stupid enough to even think about harming his master.
This series does not really have a great plot and the soundtrack/score is not mind-blowing either, but Black Butler is fun to watch nonetheless. Sebastian (this is the Black Butler's name) saves the day, and it is his personality that makes the show worth revisiting over and over again.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the rebellion (2006)
- Number of episodes: 50 - 25 in the first season; 25 in the second season
- Genre: Action, Drama, Mecha, Sci-Fi
Lelouch, a student living in Japan, has a disabled sister to protect - and a mission to accomplish. He is looking for ways to make the emperor of the Empire of Britannia (that rules the entire world, Japan included) pay for some rather unfortunate events in Lelouch's past, and an unexpected encounter with an immortal witch that gives him a supernatural ability will greatly help him achieve that goal.
The soundtrack/score, the plot, the personalities of both main and secondary characters, pretty much everything about Code Geass is perfect. This is a great title for those making their first steps in the colorful world of Anime.
