As summer break rolls around it is the perfect time to relax and catch up on your favorite shows. While you’re sitting on your porch or in your room, take time to introduce yourself to some new anime! Anime, hand-drawn and computer-generated animation, originates from Japan. Most of these shows are in Japanese but you can watch them in either English or Japanese with subtitles. There are several subgenres within anime but we will be focusing on one of the most popular: Shounen. Whether you are new or well-versed in this genre, these are the top 5 anime of the season.

1. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)

First on the list is Demon Slayer which is a show which follows the main character, Tanjirou on his journey. In this make-believe world set in Taishō-era Japan, Tanjirou’s family is attacked by demons, leaving only two surviving members: Tanjirou and his sister Nezuko, who is slowly turning into a demon herself. In this world, there are police-like heroes called “Demon Slayers,” who aim to stop demons from killing humans. In an effort to save his sister, Tanjirou sets out to become a Demon Slayer himself. This show consists of a movie and two seasons, the second of which came out earlier this year. You can find this anime and all its parts on Crunchyroll, an anime streaming service, Netflix and Hulu. 

Rating: 7 Nichirin Swords out of 10 

2. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

Next up is Attack on Titan. In Attack on Titan, commonly shortened to AOT, humanity lives within 3 enormous walls that protect them from the man-eating humanoid creatures called “titans” on the outside world. The story follows Eren, a young boy who vows to kill all the titans after he witnesses his mother get eaten in the aftermath of the attacks on Shiganshina, his hometown. He joins the resident titan fighting corps determined to avenge his mother. This show is filled with action and excitement but is also a tale about a boy who truly just wants freedom for his family. AOT consists of 4 seasons with a fifth coming out in 2023. This show is available on streaming websites such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, Funimation, and Hulu. 

Rating: 9 Levi Akermans out of 10

3. Jujutsu Kaisen 

Jujutsu Kaisen follows the adventures of Yuji Itadori who joins his school’s Occult Club. On one of the escapades of this club he and his friends come face to face with a creature that the show identifies as one of many “Curses.” Ultimately, Yuji is forced to join a secret society of Jujutsu Sorcerers in order to kill a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna, of whom Yuji becomes the host by consuming one of his fingers. Jujutsu Kaisen is a sequel to Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (Akutami’s Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School) which was recently released as a movie in theaters. To watch this show, visit Netflix or Crunchyroll. 

Rating: 6 Sukuna fingers out of 10

4. My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)

My Hero Academia is a little different from the rest of the shows on this list as it is often more lighthearted with undertones of dark themes. This six-season show set in a society of superheroes where only 20% of the population is without them follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers. As we go through the story we learn that one of his biggest dreams is to become a superhero. Soon he is recruited by All Might, Japan’s greatest hero and Izuku’s favorite superhero, to inherit his special powers. Overall, this show has many lighthearted moments while still getting its main message across: your family will be your greatest strength. As you meet the different characters and get invested in their individual superpowers, you gain relationships with them that some shows can not offer. My Hero Academia has 5 seasons with the sixth season set to air in the Fall of 2022. Check out this captivating anime on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu

Rating: 6 Shoto Todorokis out of 10

5. One-Punch Man (Wanpanman)

The last show on this list is One Punch Man, which is also set in a superhero society. It follows the story of Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Although he never flaunts his power, he aims to find a worthy opponent to fight. As he grows continuously bored of his lack of challenge due to his overwhelming strength, he fights numerous villains. One-Punch Man has two seasons currently, but the story further expanded into Manga form. You can watch this show in full and gain the full experience on Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. 

Rating: 8 Saitamas out of 10