The weekend is a beloved time in the lives of anyone entrenched in a nine-to-five Monday-to-Friday job. It represents freedom and all the possibility that comes with that. That's largely a good thing, but it also presents a dilemma: How do you make the most of those two days? Do you accept a party invitation and exercise your social muscles, or do you stay in and recharge your batteries? Given the article that you're reading, it's safe to say that you have chosen the latter.
That isn't to say that a weekend in front of another screen is going to be boring. There are an infinite number of possibilities when it comes to how to spend one's time on the web, perhaps you'll visit a casino online. After all, you'll no shortage of betting websites to choose from, many of which offer slot games inspired by popular culture, including anime classics. That's without mentioning how many classic casino games have a virtual equivalent you can play from the comfort of your couch.
Or maybe you're content simply sat in front of an hour-long compilation of cat videos. Anyone who dismisses cat videos doesn't know what they're missing, but it's hard to argue against the criticism that they lack a plot. For that, you're better off turning to your streaming provider and perusing its catalogue.
Take Netflix, for example. You'll never be bored if you have an account with them, especially if you're an anime fan. So, settle into the body-shaped dent you've made on your favourite armchair and take out your binge list. In this article, you're going to learn about the finest anime to make it to a streaming platform. Then, the only dilemma this weekend will be which to watch first.
First up is "Attack on Titan." This is the perfect watch foy anyone craving content featuring giant, naked cannibals. And maybe you didn't start off wanting that, but now that the idea is implanted in your head, it's becoming more appealing. In a way, it's sort of silly, but you'll suspend any doubts you have about the show when it holds you captive on a rollercoaster of emotions. The action and plot twists will leave you gasping for air and leave you questioning everything you knew about walls. We've already said too much.
If you fancy more of a psychological thriller, "Death Note" may be the show for you. The premise is simple: What would happen if you could kill people by simply writing their name in a notebook? Now add in the fact that the protagonist is a teenager and you essentially have a cross between "Mean Girls" and "Final Destination." As one might expect from such an intriguing plot, the main character is morally ambiguous. To be fair, if he wasn't, and simply put the notebook away, the show wouldn't last for very long.
Not existential enough for you? Hey, it's your weekend, you can spend it asking yourself deep questions after watching "Neon Genesis Evangelion." It starts off feeling like a classic anime, with teenagers piloting giant robots to save the world. You know, the usual. Then, however, it suddenly takes a left turn and becomes a psychological maze, to the point that the final episodes are famously confusing. Yet the confusion is part of the appeal, fans of the show insist. That's a brave choice.
If you're in the mood for something a little less mind-bending and a little more heart-warming, "Your Lie in April" is the anime equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. It's a story about music, love, and dealing with trauma, wrapped up in a package so beautiful it'll make you want to take up the piano, fall in love, and possibly invest in a box of tissues. Fair warning: this show will make you feel things. Real, human emotions. The kind you usually try to avoid by spending your weekends binge-watching anime instead of interacting with actual people.
But sometimes real human emotions get in the way of a good binge. Perhaps a more absurd rabbit hole (as anime often tends to provide) is more appropriate, in which case, you should look no further than "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure." An adaptation of a hugely popular manga series, it follows various members of the Joestar family as they discover their super powers and the similarly superpowered foes they must combat. These powers are hilariously random, and they're often conducted while striking a mean pose that will inspire you to parade in front of the mirror while the credits roll.
The great thing about weekends is that they remind us of a simpler time before the working world got its mitts on us. For many, that's high school. Okay, not every high school experience was great, but "The Disastrous Life of Saiki K" will make personal past embarrassments pale in comparison to what these characters go through. Make no mistake, though - this isn't a harrowing drama. Rather, it's a rapid-fire comedy that will make you laugh louder than a washing machine inside a washing machine.
Yes, that washing machine simile was a reference to the show. Yes, you're going to have a lot of those in your back pocket after your binge if you go down the comedy route. Fancy something more cerebral? Okay, we got you. "Code Geass" offers a political thriller wrapped in a mecha anime package. It's like "House of Cards" meets "Transformers," with a protagonist so morally ambiguous you'll spend half the show trying to decide if you should be rooting for him or not. By the end, you'll have strong opinions about the nature of power, justice, and giant robots. (What is it with anime and giant robots?)
Last but not least, we have "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," the anime equivalent of a perfectly balanced meal. It's got action, drama, comedy, and just enough philosophical pondering to make you feel intellectually stimulated without giving you a headache. Follow the Elric brothers as they navigate a world of alchemy, political intrigue, and the consequences of playing god. By the end, you'll have strong opinions about the law of equivalent exchange and a newfound respect for your limbs.
And that's only scratching the surface. If you've made it to the end of the article, congratulations, you've already started binging by consuming this list of bingeworthy shows. Now, you only have to pick one. Or, at least, one to start with.