On occasion, an anime series may do almost everything right, but miss landing perfection by the skin of its teeth. Whether it's the inclusion of ample, unnecessary filler, a lack of meaningful character growth, or an unwelcome retcon, even the best show is capable of losing its perfect streak. However, many releases over the years have managed to start and end on a high note, with no loss of quality in between. Whether it's a comedy that makes the viewer laugh out loud every episode or a horror series that consistently builds tension for the inevitable payoff, these anime are perfect for a binge session.
While there are plenty of other 'perfect' anime series out there, we selected these seven to start, as they are currently available on major streaming services. There's something for every kind of viewer here, from suspense and surreal comedy to action-adventure and fantasy, though it may also be the perfect chance to break out of your comfort zone and try something new.
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The Summer Hikaru Died
Yoshiki Tsujinaka is a teen in rural Japan who, like most young people, has a best friend. However, one day, his buddy, Hikaru Indo, shows up after going missing on a hike for a few days, and something about him doesn't seem quite right. As it turns out, Hikaru died in the mountains, and his body has been taken over by a strange eldritch being. This monster has all the same feelings and memories as the original, but Yoshiki is still able to tell the subtle differences. Regardless of what Hikaru has become, Yoshiki doesn't want to lose his friend, but that may be easier said than done.
An adaptation of Mokumokuren's manga series of the same name, The Summer Hikaru Died was released on Netflix for global audiences in 2025, and quickly became a massive hit. Its uncanny art style and distinctive horror elements have set it apart from others in the genre, and its blend of terror and slice of life, along with its main characters, make each episode a delight to behold. It's hard to let go of a friend, and even harder when that friend isn't human anymore.
Lycoris Recoil
Released to instant fanfare in 2022, Lycoris Recoil follows Takina and Chisato, two orphaned teen girls who have been recruited into a secret government agency to become assassins. While the pair work at a cafe as their cover during the day, by night, they effortlessly take out criminals and terrorists threatening Tokyo, with Takina always cool and collected and Chisato bringing plenty of noisy energy to their outings. The series balances high-octane, fast-paced action with more cozy, slow-paced scenes of the duo acting as normal high school students, making each episode feel somewhat unpredictable.
Lycoris Recoil was ranked one of the most popular and well-received anime series of 2022, and for good reason. Its approach to humor, epic fight scenes, and larger plot make it an addictive binge, and not a single scene feels unintentional or unnecessary, with Takina and Chisato's growing relationship particularly pleasing to watch. At only 13 episodes, it's a rather quick watch, and one that most viewers won't forget anytime soon.
86: EIGHTY-SIX
An adaptation of the sci-fi light novel series by Asato Asato, 86: Eighty Six is one of the most emotionally taxing series of the last decade, but one that's well worth watching from beginning to end. Set in the fictional Republic of San Magolia, a brutal war has been ongoing for nine grueling years. Civilians believe that autonomous mechs are fighting the battles, but the truth is far more brutal: citizens dubbed 86 are acting as pilots, effectively sent to their deaths. The 86 once had equal rights, but they were effectively scapegoated and dubbed subhuman by the dominant Alba race to fight. Lena, an Alba, is one of the rare few to try to learn about each member of the 86, humanizing them and trying to make a change.
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On the surface, 86: Eighty Six is a pleasant watch due to its use of impressive CG animation and character designs, along with its soundtrack, fight scenes, and smooth direction. Digging deeper, the story and characters are the driving force behind its ongoing popularity, with the 23-episode series packed with twists and turns. Themes of inequality and grief make this a heavy watch, but there may be lessons to be learned.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Those who haven't been caught up in Frieren-mania may be living under a rock, given the series' massive popularity and record-breaking ratings in the anime community since its first season premiered in 2023. Known as the former mage of the legendary group of adventurers, celebrated for defeating the Demon King decades ago, Frieren and her new protege Fern, and the young frontliner Stark, embark on a quest for magical knowledge, to ward off evil, and to travel north to see the resting soul of Himmel the Hero again. Given her long lifespan, Frieren often reminisces about her time on her grand journey years ago, and it's this, combined with her new relationships, that make the series one for the ages.
To call Frieren: Beyond Journey's End popular is a wild understatement. On Rotten Tomatoes, both seasons of the show have an incredible 100% rating, and the series also currently boasts the highest MAL score of the Winter 2026 anime season with a 9.18. It's difficult to easily sum up why it has reached the pinnacle, but its fantasy worldbuilding, lovable characters, soundtrack, and general 'side quest' energy make it effortless easy to get into. Despite what some may say, Frieren is far from overrated.
Full Metal Panic!
Released in 2002, the first adaptation of Shoji Gatoh's action sci-fi light novel series Full Metal Panic is a masterclass on combining military science fiction and complex mechs with a heartfelt romantic comedy. Sousuke Sagara is a young member of a covert anti-terrorist militia known as Mithiril who is, suddenly, given orders to protect Kaname Chidori, a Japanese high school student who doesn't seem to be at all out of the ordinary. As it turns out, Kaname has some unique powers that make her very attractive to the bad guys, and if they manage to snag her, nothing good will come of it.
While its animation isn't always perfect, Full Metal Panic has too much going for it to be left to the annals of time, from its well-crafted mechs and impressive action scenes to the slow-burning relationship between Kaname and the military-crazed Sousuke. The series also blends standard slapstick with dark comedy when you least expect it, and each of its 24 episodes is a proper roller coaster.
Asobi Asobase
There are countless examples of comedy anime, but few manage to make viewers' stomachs hurt from laughing from the first scene of episode one to the final seconds of the series. Asobi Asobase is, in one word, absurd, and that is its strong suit. The 12-episode series follows Hanako, Olivia, and Kasumi, three high schoolers who create their own non-recognized after-school club. As members of the Pastimers Club, the trio simply get up to random hijinks, whether that be writing questionable fanfiction, playing risky board games, or cutting their own hair. It all sounds innocuous enough, but these painfully hilarious girls have a way of turning everything into pure chaos.
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The Japanese voice acting in Asobi Asobase is a large part of why it's such a joy to watch, as Hina Kino, the actress behind Hanako, has a way of pushing herself to the absolute limit to make every joke a critical hit. Its art is outlandish, its plot points are off the wall, and its experimental heavy metal ending theme is just the icing on the cake.
The Faraway Paladin
Fans of classic fantasy should take the time to watch 2021's The Faraway Paladin, a faithful adaptation of Kanata Yanagino's ongoing light novel series. A human child living in a dead city far away from civilization, Will is raised by three members of the undead. While they do all they can to instill their values and wisdom in the youth, the trio is not surprised when Will takes his leave to find others of his kind. Doing his best to become a paladin after forging a contract with Gracefeel, the Goddess of Light, Will meets new friends and embarks on a series of incredible adventures.
The simplicity of The Faraway Paladin is its strength, and its pleasing visuals, expert writing, and heroic characters work together to make viewers feel like anything is possible. Each episode is a testament to Will's strength of character, and his growth throughout the series is a joy to watch. Sometimes, a straightforward adventure is all that's required.