So, I asked Nigerian fans themselves to pick the absolute best of the best, and what I got is a list that鈥檚 as surprising as it is inevitable: a mix of long-time classics, cult favourites, and new-gen hits that have taken over YouTube and TikTok feeds. This ranking captures not just the best storytelling and animation quality but also how deeply these shows have embedded themselves into Nigerian pop culture and youth consciousness.

Whether you鈥檙e a die-hard otaku, a casual watcher, or a friend who promises to 鈥渟tart anime soon,鈥� here are the 40 best anime shows, ranked by Nigerian fans.

40. (2014)

Genre: Action

Seasons: 5

Episodes: 100

The story begins in the kingdom of Liones when Princess Elizabeth seeks out the legendary group of knights known as the Seven Deadly Sins鈥攚arriors once accused of plotting a coup, now scattered and branded traitors. Her mission? To reunite them and stop the corrupt Holy Knights who have seized control of the kingdom.

鈥淚 like it because I love fantasy shows.鈥� 鈥� Abdulmaleek, 21.

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39. (2004)

Genre: Action

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 26

Three unlikely companions hit the road together: Mugen, a wild swordsman whose fighting style is inspired by breakdancing; Jin, a calm and precise ronin; and Fuu, a feisty waitress on a mission to find 鈥渢he samurai who smells of sunflowers.鈥� Their journey takes them through episodic adventures packed with sword fights, eccentric characters, and unexpectedly emotional moments.

鈥淚 love the blend of samurai drama with urban culture elements like DJ scratches, beats, graffiti and the iconic Nujabes soundtrack.鈥� 鈥� Marv, 27.

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38. (2014)

Genre: Action, Adventure
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 24

Tatsumi, a naive swordsman from the countryside, heads to the capital in search of fortune 鈥� only to discover it鈥檚 rotting with corruption. After a deadly encounter, he joins Night Raid, an elite band of assassins determined to overthrow the Empire. Each member wields a legendary weapon called a Teigu, and every battle feels like it could be their last.

鈥淚t has characters that have grown to love, despite that they might get taken out in the most shocking and tragic way.鈥� 鈥� Francis, 25.

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37. (2008)

Genre: Horror, Thriller
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 13

This surreal psychological thriller explores urban fear, collective hysteria, and the strange ways society processes pressure. It begins with a mysterious assailant nicknamed Lil鈥� Slugger 鈥� a boy on rollerblades wielding a golden baseball bat 鈥� attacking random people in Tokyo. As detectives close in, the line between reality and delusion begins to blur.

鈥淚t’s the kind of anime that sticks with you long after the credits roll.鈥� 鈥� Ayomide, 23.

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36. (2014)

Genre: Horror
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 24

A dark plunge into a world where humans share their cities with flesh-eating ghouls who look just like everyone else, but survive only by consuming human flesh. The story follows Ken Kaneki, a shy, bookish college student whose life changes violently after a wrong date turns him into a half-ghoul.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about monsters, it鈥檚 about how far you鈥檒l go when the world forces you to change.鈥� 鈥� Edwin, 25.

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35. (2022)

Genre: Sports

Season: 2

Episodes: 38

After Japan鈥檚 national team suffers a humiliating World Cup exit, a radical new programme is launched to gather 300 of the country鈥檚 most talented young strikers and pit them against each other in a high-stakes elimination game to create the ultimate ego-driven goal scorer.

鈥�Blue Lock isn鈥檛 about teamwork in the regular sense. It鈥檚 more about sharpening individuality until it becomes unstoppable.鈥� 鈥� Caleb, 25.

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34. (2014)

Genre: Sports
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 85

This show follows Shoyo Hinata, a short but fiercely determined volleyball player. After a crushing middle school defeat to prodigy setter Tobio Kageyama, Hinata unexpectedly ends up as Kageyama鈥檚 teammate at Karasuno High.

鈥淭his series captures the grind and joy of sports while never losing humour. It鈥檚 less about winning and more about growth, teamwork and pushing past limits. Even if you鈥檝e never touched a volleyball, it鈥檒l make you feel like you could serve an ace in the finals.鈥� 鈥� Olorundare, 30.

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33. (2022)

Genre: Horror
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 12

It follows Denji, a broke teenager saddled with his late father鈥檚 debt to the yakuza. His only companion is Pochita, a tiny devil with a chainsaw for a nose. After a betrayal that leaves him dead, Pochita fuses with Denji, reviving him as the half-human, half-chainsaw hybrid known as Chainsaw Man.

鈥淲hat makes Chainsaw Man stand out to me is its mix of grindhouse gore and stylish animation. Denji isn鈥檛 a noble hero, his goals are hilariously mundane. But he has an impulsive humanity that keeps him relatable.鈥� 鈥� Esther, 26.

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32. (2023)

Genre: Action, Adventure
Seasons: 3
Episodes: 24

The story follows Mark Grayson, a seemingly ordinary teenager whose father, Nolan, is the world鈥檚 greatest superhero, Omni-Man. When Mark鈥檚 own powers awaken, he鈥檚 eager to follow in his father鈥檚 footsteps.

鈥淗onestly, at first I was like nope because I don’t like English anime, whether it is subbed or originally English-made. But Invincible? That was an experience. It’s like a stronger Superman.鈥� 鈥� Erioluwa, 22.

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31. (2018)

Genre: Romance
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 13

Violet, a former child soldier, becomes an Auto Memory Doll鈥攁 ghostwriter who helps people express their deepest emotions through letters鈥攁fter the war.

鈥淭he series is a feast for the eyes. But beyond the aesthetics, the raw emotions in every episode always stand out. Whether it鈥檚 grief, love or closure, each one leaves an ache in your chest.鈥� 鈥� Idris, 25.

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30. (2016)

Genre: Action, Comedy
Seasons: 3
Episodes: 37

An awkward middle schooler with overwhelming psychic powers could easily destroy cities with his abilities, but all he really wants is a normal life, friends, and maybe some muscles to impress his crush.

鈥淚 really love how Mob鈥檚 emotional state is tied directly to his powers. So, when his feelings hit 鈥�100%,鈥� things get explosively out of control. It gives me a thrill.鈥� 鈥� John, 24.

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29. (2017)

Genre: Action
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 293

The sequel to the massively popular Naruto series shifts the spotlight to the next generation of ninja in the Hidden Leaf Village. At its centre is Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto鈥攏ow the Seventh Hokage鈥攚ho鈥檚 determined to carve out his own path and escape the shadow of his father鈥檚 legendary reputation.

鈥淭his opinion is probably controversial, but I prefer Boruto to the OG. The animation in Boruto is at its peak, and the writing is out of this world. Seeing the Genins and Chunins from Naruto’s time, grown is really fire. It doesn’t sit well with me that Orochimaru isn’t in jail or worse, though. Man’s a devil. 鈥� Medio, 20.

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28. (2019)

Genre: History
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 48

A historical epic that blends Viking legend with a deeply human tale of revenge, honour, and redemption. Set in 11th-century Europe during the height of the Viking Age, it follows Thorfinn, a young warrior whose life is consumed by the desire to avenge his father鈥檚 murder at the hands of the cunning mercenary leader Askeladd.

鈥淭his is the GOAT, man. 鈥楢 true warrior needs no sword.鈥� That phrase has stuck with me since I watched it. Peace can鈥檛 be found through violence 鈥� it only creates deeper roots of hatred. That鈥檚 what Thors stood for; he sacrificed his life for his crewmates and his son. Thorfinn, his son and the main character, spent years chasing after his father鈥檚 killer, ignoring his father鈥檚 words. He finally understood that war is bad and swore never to touch a sword again. It鈥檚 a rollercoaster of a show. Shout-out to Makoto Yukimura.鈥� 鈥� Alfred, 21

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27. (2017)

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Season: 1

Episodes: 12

Juni Taisen: Zodiac War has a nihilistic storyline. It’s a war game in which twelve champions representing the twelve zodiac signs slug it out in a battle of strength, skill, wisdom, and cunning. Those twelve are usually very strong, and they each have different ideals reflected in their zodiac alignments. The winner gets one wish granted.

鈥淎side from the fight choreography, the quality of the animation and the storytelling approach (there was a bit of subterfuge, crazy plot twists and some bait and switch, so you can’t tell who the main character is. The language deployment and the expression of emotions in it is top level. It wasn’t the type of artificial emotive voicing you’d find. The anime was so good I had to read the manga to get the fuller story.鈥� 鈥� Timilehin, 24.

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26. (2017)

Genre: Action 

Season: 4

Episodes: 165

In a world where nearly everyone wields magic, Asta is the rare exception 鈥� born without a single spark of magical ability. Determined to defy fate, he throws himself into relentless physical training, relying on sheer willpower and grit to pursue his dream of becoming the Wizard King. Flawed, loud, and often underestimated, Asta鈥檚 journey is one of perseverance against all odds.

鈥淲atching him get humiliated and get back up with a smile on his face, or get beat down and get back up with tears in his eyes鈥攊t made me emotional all the time. I resonate with it so much.鈥� 鈥� Sam, 26.

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25. (2018)

Genre: Romance
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 24

In a dystopian future where humanity hides in massive mobile fortresses to escape monstrous Klaxosaurs, children are bred to pilot giant mechs known as Franxx. These machines require a boy-girl pairing to function, but for Hiro 鈥� a former prodigy who has lost his purpose 鈥� everything changes when he meets Zero Two, a rebellious, horned pilot feared as the infamous 鈥淧artner Killer.鈥�

鈥淭his was also lovely because of the plot. It makes you root for these kids and almost tear your hair out when you watch them make mistakes.鈥� 鈥� Tayme, 22.

24. (2024)

Genre: Action

Season: 2

Episodes: 25

A high-octane tale of delinquents, street fights, and unshakable loyalty. Haruka Sakura transfers to a school where respect is earned only through strength. Though a fierce fighter, he gradually discovers the power of friendship and the importance of protecting those who stand by him.

鈥淭his is the most flashy, intense, and surprisingly heartfelt manga series that I鈥檝e seen.鈥� 鈥� Queen, 23*.

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23. (2020)

Genre: Comedy, Medical Drama

Season: 1

Episodes: 12

A lighthearted medical fantasy where Dr. Glenn Litbeit and his lamia assistant Saphentite treat a variety of monster girls 鈥� from centaurs and harpies to mermaids. Each case brings unusual challenges, heartfelt moments, and, more often than not, a patient or two falling for the charming doctor.

鈥淚t鈥檚 equal parts wholesome and mildly suggestive, but the worldbuilding of monster physiology is actually interesting.鈥� 鈥� Naia, 22*.

22. (1997)

Genre: Action, Fantasy

Season: 1

Episodes: 25

A brutal dark fantasy following Guts, the Black Swordsman 鈥� a lone mercenary with a massive sword and a haunted past. His fate changes when he joins the Band of the Hawk, led by the charismatic Griffith. Their meteoric rise to power is legendary, but it all shatters during the Eclipse, an event that plunges everything into unimaginable horror.

鈥�Berserk is brutal, bloody, and beautiful, with some of the deepest themes about fate, ambition, and survival you鈥檒l find.鈥� 鈥� Iana, 23.

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21. (2009)

Genre: Adventure

Season: 1

Episodes: 64

Widely regarded as one of the best-written anime of all time, it follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric after a failed alchemy ritual to resurrect their mother, leaving Ed missing an arm and a leg, and Al鈥檚 soul bound to a suit of armour. Their quest to restore their bodies leads them into a tangled web of government conspiracies, dangerous homunculi, and heart-wrenching personal stories.

鈥淭he balance of humour, action, and heartbreak is perfect. Also, the ending? It鈥檚 actually satisfying.鈥� 鈥� Joshua 2, 24.

20. (2010)

Genre: Romance

Season: 1

Episodes: 26

A beloved rom-com classic, it follows Misaki Ayuzawa, the tough-as-nails student council president at a once all-boys school, who secretly works at a maid caf茅 to help her family. When the charming and popular Takumi Usui discovers her secret, he makes it his mission to tease her endlessly鈥攚hile gradually revealing his genuine feelings.

鈥淭he main characters made it a refreshing story. Misaki is strong and stubborn, Usui is charming and annoyingly perfect, and their chemistry is chef鈥檚 kiss.鈥� 鈥� Ayo, 27*.

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READ NEXT: 8 Nigerian Women on What It鈥檚 Really Like to Watch Anime

19. (2008)

Genre: Horror

Season: 2

Episodes: 20

At Cross Academy, students are divided into the Day Class and the mysterious Night Class鈥攃omposed entirely of elegant vampires. Yuki Cross, a guardian of the school, works to maintain peace between humans and vampires. Caught in a love triangle between the noble Kaname and her childhood friend Zero鈥攚ho despises vampires but is slowly becoming one鈥擸uki鈥檚 loyalties and heart are constantly tested.

鈥淭his show is dramatic, romantic, and full of dark twists.鈥� 鈥� Henry, 24*.

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18. 鈥� (2015)

Genre: Romance

Season: 2

Episodes: 24

If comfort anime were an official genre, this would be the poster child. Shirayuki, a skilled herbalist with striking red hair, draws the unwanted attention of a prince. To escape, she cuts her hair and flees, eventually meeting Zen, a kind-hearted prince from a neighbouring kingdom. What follows is a slow-burning romance filled with warmth, respect, and gentle moments.

鈥淚 love this show because there are no love triangles or pointless drama. Just wholesomeness, soft moments, and beautiful worldbuilding.鈥� 鈥� Daisy, 22.

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17. 鈥� (2017)

Genre: Romance

Season: 2

Episodes: 48

Magical, beautiful, and just a bit unsettling, this series follows Chise Hatori, a girl with a tragic past who is purchased at an auction by Elias Ainsworth鈥攁 tall, inhuman mage with an animal skull for a head. He declares she will be both his apprentice and his bride, drawing her into a world of fae, magic, and self-discovery.

鈥淭he show blends romance, folklore, and dark fantasy, with gorgeous visuals and emotional storytelling. It鈥檚 perfect for me.鈥� 鈥� Lauretta, 21.

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16. (2006)

Genre: Horror 

Season: 1

Episodes: 37

A high school genius stumbles upon a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. As he uses it to create his vision of a perfect world, he enters a tense, high-stakes mind game with a brilliant detective determined to stop him.

鈥淚t鈥檚 my favourite dark anime series.鈥� 鈥� Ebun, 22.

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15. 鈥� (2010)

Genre: Drama

Season: 3

Episodes: 40

A lighthearted workplace comedy set in a family restaurant, where the staff are as quirky as the customers. From a pint-sized waitress with a scary streak, to a manager who hides away to snack, to a server who punches every man she meets鈥攃haos is always on the menu.

鈥淚t鈥檚 silly, lighthearted, and perfect when you just want something to make you laugh.鈥� 鈥� Princess, 23*.

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14. (2005)

Genre: Drama

Season: 2

Episodes: 46

In a tranquil, rural Japan-inspired world, Ginko, a wandering Mushi Master, investigates 鈥渕ushi鈥濃�攎ysterious life forms invisible to most people. Neither good nor evil, mushi simply exist, yet their presence can cause eerie, beautiful, and sometimes tragic effects on the humans they cross paths with.

鈥淚 like how it鈥檚 about philosophy, and the fragile, often overlooked connections between humans and the natural world.鈥� 鈥� Daniel, 27.

13. (2020)

Genre: Adventure

Season: 2

Episodes: 47

Yuji Itadori, a high schooler, accidentally enters the dangerous world of jujutsu sorcery after swallowing a cursed object鈥攖he decayed finger of Ryomen Sukuna, the feared 鈥淜ing of Curses.鈥� Now sharing his body with this terrifying demon, Yuji trains under the laid-back yet deadly Gojo Satoru to exorcise curses, save lives, and collect Sukuna鈥檚 remaining fingers before the demon can fully return.

鈥淚f you鈥檝e seen JJK and you understand it, you won鈥檛 ask me why it鈥檚 my favourite anime. The writing is some of the most intense I鈥檝e ever seen. There鈥檚 this episode in Season 2 during the Shibuya arc when Sukuna took control of Itadori鈥檚 body鈥擮MG, even I could feel the fear coming off my laptop screen. Gojo is my favourite character. I mean, who else?鈥� 鈥� Favour, 23.

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12. (1995)

Genre: Action

Season: 1

Episodes: 26

An emotionally intense mecha series that redefined anime storytelling in the 1990s and still sparks debates today. It follows a teenage pilot forced to fight existential threats in a world on the brink, while grappling with questions of identity, purpose, and the crushing weight of responsibility.

鈥淚t’s a haunting and unsettling show. But deeply exhilarating.鈥� 鈥� Obinna, 25.

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11. (2009)

鈥嶨别苍谤别: Adventure

Season: 9

Episodes: 26

Set in the magical kingdom of Fiore, the story follows Natsu Dragneel, a fiery Dragon Slayer wizard with a literal flame for a temper, as he charges headfirst into danger. Alongside Lucy Heartfilia, an ambitious Celestial Spirit mage, Happy the flying blue cat, and their eccentric guild of powerful misfits, Natsu embarks on one thrilling 鈥� and often chaotic 鈥� mission after another.

鈥淚 love how it thrives on massive magic battles, emotional backstories and the unshakable power of friendship that somehow fuels even the deadliest attacks.鈥� 鈥� Emerald, 25.

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10. (1998)

Genre: Western

Season: 1

Episodes: 26

A stylish, genre-blending space western following a ragtag crew of bounty hunters 鈥� Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Ed, and Ein the genius corgi 鈥� as they drift through the galaxy chasing criminals, dodging debts, and confronting the ghosts of their pasts.

鈥淭his show is effortlessly cool.鈥� 鈥� Abraham, 22.

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9. (2015)

Genre: Action

Season: 2

Episodes: 36

Saitama looks like an ordinary guy, but after training to the extreme, he鈥檚 become absurdly powerful 鈥� able to defeat any opponent with a single punch. What should be a dream life quickly turns dull as every fight ends instantly, leaving him stuck in an existential loop, searching for purpose beyond effortless victories.

鈥淚 loved the idea of how he got his power and lived his life. His nonchalance to defeat his enemies gives me joy.鈥� 鈥� Iremhen, 25*.

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8. (2016)

Genre: Action

Season: 7

Episodes: 159

Izuku 鈥淒eku鈥� Midoriya starts out powerless in a world where almost everyone has superpowers, or 鈥渜uirks.鈥� Through sheer grit, clever strategy, and tireless training, he inherits the power of the world鈥檚 greatest hero and begins his journey to becoming a symbol of hope. Determined yet deeply empathetic, Deku fights to protect others while staying true to his humanity.

鈥淚t shines because Deku鈥檚 journey shows what heroism truly means in a world that鈥檚 forgotten it. In one powerful scene, he tells a former hero-turned-villain that being a hero isn鈥檛 about glory, but compassion, responsibility, and acting for others without expecting reward. It mirrors the real world, where genuine heroism 鈥� from doctors to activists 鈥� is often thankless, misunderstood, yet deeply necessary.鈥� 鈥� Solomon, 26.

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7. (2005)

Genre: Drama, Romance

Season: 1 

Episodes: 12

A stylish coming-of-age romance that fuses high fashion with the bittersweet realities of growing up. Yukari Hayasaka, a high school student stuck in a rut, is pulled into the vibrant world of eccentric fashion design students who run their own brand, Paradise Kiss. As she models for their final show, Yukari discovers love, independence, and the courage to chase a life that鈥檚 truly her own.

鈥�Slice of Life is a feel-good genre. Just watching young adults move through life without a false sense of moral superiority. Ai Yazawa, the author of Paradise Kiss, has this cool technique where the characters break the fourth wall, which provides great comedic relief. I love it.鈥� 鈥� Chinazam, 24.

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6. (1989)

Genre: Action, Adventure

Season: 9

Episodes: 291

One of the most influential anime ever, blending martial arts, sci-fi, and planet-shattering battles that shaped the sh艒nen genre worldwide. The story follows Goku鈥攏ow an adult and father鈥攁s he pushes his limits to defend Earth (and sometimes the universe) from an endless stream of increasingly powerful foes, each more impossible than the last.

鈥淚 mean, what’s there not to like? We all grew up on this. Everybody wanted to be like Goku. In fact, if there鈥檚 a trick out there to be a Saiyan, I’ll do anything to get it.鈥� 鈥� Joshua, 21.

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5. (2011)

Genre: Action

Season: 6

Episodes: 148

It follows Gon Freecss, a bright-eyed boy who learns that his absent father, Ging, is actually a legendary 鈥淗unter,鈥� an elite adventurer licensed to explore uncharted lands, hunt dangerous creatures, and chase mysterious treasures. Determined to find his father, Gon sets out to become a hunter himself.

鈥淥G right here bro, this is one of the best written anime out there, from the start, you knew you’d love this. The hunters’ exams, Tonpa-san being a silly old man trying to ruin everyone’s dreams. Gon is making friends with Leorio, Kuparika, and Killua. Actually, Gon is nice to everyone. Hunter x Hunter is my favourite anime because it resonates with my inner child, kind and never stops.鈥� 鈥� Seyi, 23.

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4. (2004)

Genre: Action, Adventure

Season: 16

Episodes: 366

A supernatural action classic that fuses sword-swinging combat with the mysteries of spirits and reapers. It follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high schooler who unexpectedly gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after a fateful meeting with Rukia Kuchiki. Thrust into a hidden world, he must guide souls to the afterlife while battling monstrous Hollows that prey on the living.

鈥淔or one, it has better thought-out villains鈥攖he Wandenreich representing the German Reichs, Hueco Mundo for the Spanish. But honestly, that鈥檚 just me trying to sound intellectual. I mostly just like it because of the zanpakutos.鈥� 鈥� Timi, 25.

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3. (2013)

Genre: Action

Season: 4

Episodes: 94

An epic that redefined modern anime with its blend of political intrigue, brutal action, and shocking twists. Humanity lives confined within massive walls to protect itself from giant, man-eating Titans. When the Colossal Titan shatters their defences, Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman, and best friend Armin Arlert rise to join the battle to reclaim their world.

鈥�Attack on Titan captivates me with its dark fantasy worlds, complex characters, and heart-pumping action. This show has redefined the boundaries of anime storytelling. Attack on Titan鈥檚 post-apocalyptic world is a haunting commentary on humanity’s existence.鈥� 鈥� Trojan, 21.

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2. (2002)

Genre: Adventure

Season: 5

Episodes: 220

Naruto is a classic coming-of-age ninja saga that captured the hearts of millions worldwide, including a devoted Nigerian fanbase. It鈥檚 a story of Naruto Uzumaki, a loud, determined and often misunderstood orphan who dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of his village, to earn the respect he鈥檚 been denied all his life.

鈥淚 love Naruto because the show got a great ending. It has a special place in my heart.鈥� 鈥� Fidelis, 30.

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1. (1999)

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy 

Seasons: 20

Episodes: 1,139

One Piece is the long-running adventure that has defined sh艒nen anime for over two decades. It follows the endlessly optimistic and rubber-powered pirate Monkey D. Luffy on his quest to find the legendary treasure known as the 鈥淥ne Piece鈥� and claim the title of Pirate King.

鈥淚t’s the greatest piece of fiction ever made.鈥� 鈥� Anthony, 27.

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ALSO READ: 40 of the Best K-Dramas, Ranked by Nigerian Fans

鈥淚 avoid the ecchi genre completely鈥� – Anita*, 24

I enjoy watching light-hearted, funny anime in the comfort of my home. My current favourite is 鈥淎ttack on Titan鈥�, mostly because I enjoy fight scenes just as much. Honestly, I鈥檒l watch any anime as long as it is interesting, but I avoid the genre completely. Not only have I heard really bad things about the fanatics of the genre, I can鈥檛 bring myself to sit through the way the Japanese writers depict women. It is very weird and predatory. Why are you and your fans sexualising children? 

鈥淚 love talking about anime with women鈥� – Comfort*, 23

I love watching anime with complex characters, but the moment I notice even the slightest hint of misogyny or a female character being objectified, I drop it. That鈥檚 why I stopped watching 鈥淪even Deadly Sins鈥�. There was just too much going on. When I first got into watching anime and started tweeting about it, men kept questioning my interest and insinuating that I wouldn鈥檛 enjoy it simply because I am a woman. I get so engrossed in conversations about anime that I really enjoy that I don鈥檛 always catch the issues in the moment, but once  I do, I address them then and there. They鈥檒l often backpedal and say it鈥檚 not what I think it is, but I know and understand these microaggressions when I see them.  

That said, I still tweet and talk about whatever anime I like. I don鈥檛 engage much with the wider community, but I love talking about anime with women. They understand the tropes that often go over the male viewers鈥� heads. 

鈥淚 wish they鈥檇 stopped sexualising cosplayers鈥� – Fatima*, 20

I like watching dark psychological anime with plot twists and animation that leave me thinking for days. But it鈥檚 rare to find anime that doesn鈥檛 objectify women. It鈥檚 almost a theme for them to portray women as naive and helpless. When I decide to watch anyway, I do my best to focus just on the plot. That鈥檚 why I like 鈥淎ttack on Titan鈥�. The plot is tight, everyone鈥檚 a badass, and no one鈥檚 being objectified for sexual relief. 

I hate the objectification of women so much. As someone who cosplays for a living, it is something I have had to deal with continuously. Men I鈥檝e never met send me explicit messages, telling me what they鈥檇 like to do with me in cosplay. I found out that as a goth girl and cosplayer, I鈥檓 a fantasy to them. They don鈥檛 see us as human beings but as experiences. I just wish they鈥檇 stop sexualising cosplayers. 

鈥淚 don鈥檛 want to deal with people questioning things I enjoy鈥� – Jane*, 23 

I really like anime. The whole idea of the protagonist with a grand goal, facing enemies, growing stronger, and the power of friendship? Inject it directly into my veins. Unfortunately, with some shonen, you鈥檙e deep into a show, and the next thing they鈥檒l drop is a bit or a gag that was intentionally added to please male fans. It adds nothing to the plot, just random sexualisation or nudity. There鈥檚 this anime called 鈥淔ire Force鈥�, it has a character whose clothes are always 鈥渁ccidentally鈥� falling or ripping. Why? Who asked for that? Honestly, I don鈥檛 expect morality from the media we consume, so there are some things I just roll my eyes and overlook, but it gets to a point. 

I try not to interact with the community online. I prefer staying in my bubble. The few times I鈥檝e tried, I鈥檝e had men quiz me on what anime I鈥檝e watched. Why? I don鈥檛 want to deal with people questioning the things I like. And the random mansplaining that follows? No, thanks. I鈥檇 rather talk anime with close friends. I have an anime-themed pouch, and men often come up to ask about it. But my first reaction is scepticism. The conversation always leads to a lecture or an impromptu quiz. 

鈥淵ou have to filter the rubbish in your search鈥� – Fola*, 25

I try hard to avoid misogynistic themes and tropes, but a lot of anime is geared towards the male audience, and they love pandering unnecessary sexual things like showing panties or huge bulbous breasts jiggling forever, or even little girl characters in revealing clothes. Once I see a show has any of these things, I log out. Despite the prevalence of this, however, there are shows that are animated amazingly and don鈥檛 rely on the rubbish. You just have to find them, and finding them is also not that difficult. You have to filter the rubbish in your search. There are articles, forums, and lists where people ask and give similar recommendations. Sometimes, you can even tell from the poster whether a show will be full of nonsense. 

I wish there were more women I could talk to about anime. Because with men? It’s like they鈥檙e vetting you or competing with you. 鈥淥h, you鈥檙e a babe, that鈥檚 why you鈥檙e saying that,鈥� 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 really like anime, which ones have you watched?鈥�  And then they proceed to name the most basic anime in all of existence. Or, they start asking you to list all the anime you鈥檝e watched so they can tell you how it is 鈥�.鈥� Sometimes, I hit back by listing anime even their dads have never heard of, not to prove anything, but to shut them up. Then I鈥檒l go, 鈥淥h, you don鈥檛 know it? Wow, I thought you said you watched a lot of anime.鈥� The look on their faces gives me joy. 

鈥淗im being male and misogynistic means we wouldn鈥檛 see certain anime the same way鈥� – Winifred*, 20

I wasn鈥檛 always a feminist, but I鈥檝e always had common sense. Even then, some anime spooked me. Since becoming  鈥渨oke,鈥� I can鈥檛 tolerate misogynistic anime anymore. In fact, I just dropped 鈥淔ire Force鈥� because of this.

I love anime a lot and was once very active in an anime community. And not to toot my own horn, but an educational post I made went viral and helped them gain over 100 new members. But one of the moderators turned out to be misogynistic. I blocked him, which meant I was automatically removed from the community. That鈥檚 when it hit me: him being male and misogynistic means we鈥檇 never see certain anime the same way. His view will always be clouded by his bias. 

鈥淧ersonal messages get very sexual quickly most times because of the characters I cosplay鈥� – Halima*, 20

I  cosplay a lot of big-breasted characters. Most of the time, people are respectful at cons and in the comment section of my posts. But in my DMs?  Different story. Personal messages get very sexual quickly.  Once, a guy offered me a million naira to have sex with him in one of my cosplays. He was a scammer, obviously, but omo. It would be nice to meet other female anime fans. Maybe then, my DMs would rest. 

鈥淚鈥檝e never tried to impress a man in my life鈥� – Yinka*, 23

I love anime because there is something for everyone. If you鈥檙e in the mood for romance or to watch small children beat up grown men, there鈥檚 something for you to watch and immerse yourself in. What I don鈥檛 like is when I talk about my love for anime, and there鈥檚 a man in my comment section asking, 鈥淲hat鈥檚 his name?鈥� Why are you insinuating that I am dedicating hours of my day, every day, to impress a man? I have never tried to impress a man in my life. Why would聽 I want to start now? And why would聽 I spend almost a whole year watching over a thousand episodes of 鈥淥ne Piece鈥� just to do that? Am I unemployed?聽

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From the music to networking, I鈥檓 still reeling from the time I had.  But just in case you want to get a clear picture of why you should mark your calendar for the next event, here’s a rundown of everything that happened.

Fun cosplay

When I got to OTAKU GROOVE, it was a high-fashion cosplay of Naruto, Spiderman, and other comic characters. A guy even had a katana. People showed up and out. I rate it like mad.

Lit music and DJ sets

There’s no party without a roof to raise. Laboomz, a DJ, kicked off OTAKU GROOVE and worked the audience to rhythm. took over the second set. These guys鈥� electro and techno fusion with Afropop is sick.

Video games

I didn’t stay in one place. I danced a bit, still babysitting my drink, and moved to the video games section. There were multiplayer game options like Naruto and Mortal Kombat.

Free drinks

After moving around for a few minutes to look for familiar faces, I went to the bar, got myself a drink and kept my throat moisturised. Drinks flowed.

Networking

The space was filled with many young creatives willing to meet others, interact, bant, and share prospects and fun hobbies. From game designers to writers and talent managers, OTAKU GROOVE buzzed.

Runway models

The dance stopped briefly, and a few models walked around鈥攙ery hot babes.

The Akuko shop

Inside the shop, one could find some of the coolest comic posters, books, shirts, hats, key holders, posters, rings, tote bags, emblems, etc. It’s like a pop-up for comic nerds.

Partied till early momo

As some people exited the party, some more people came in. We all partied until the early hours of the next day.

Zenitsu – Demon Slayer

Question: What鈥檚 the colour of your problem? 

Because imagine passing out and sleep-fighting during every fight in real life? The time he鈥檇 take to wake up is when they鈥檇 beat his ass. If you know him, tell him to answer my question. 

RELATED: QUIZ: Which Anime World Would You Survive In?

Brock – Pokemon

Question: When can we form an 鈥淚 love women鈥� club? 

I started (and failed to finish) rewatching the old Pokemon series with Ash and the gang, and so far, Brock is my favourite character because I, too, think women are queens. This guy is the original simp. He鈥檇 ditch his crew for a babe if she blinked at him. I get it sha; women should be worshipped. 

Denji – Chainsaw Man

Normal anime main characters are motivated to succeed so they can prove a point to their haters. Denji just wants to know the touch of a woman before he dies. 

My question is simple: Sir, have you considered being motivated by money? Money cures depression. I know because I’m happy as hell when I’m not broke. 

Yumeko Jabami – Kakegurui

Question: Aunty, please, is everything okay at home?

Do your parents know all you do is gamble your life away in the school they pay money for you to attend? From the first time I saw Yumeko on screen, I knew this unhinged gambler would give me a headache. I wish I was wrong. 

Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu Kaisen

Question: Did you maybe consider not eating the fingers of a demon? At any point, sir, did you take a step back or even try to poop or vomit the thing? I know it was for the plot o, but I鈥檓 just asking. 

What was going through Yuji鈥檚 mind when he swallowed Sukuna鈥檚 fingers? He probably wanted to save Megumi鈥檚 life, but he鈥檇 only met him seconds before then. God, abeg for real.

Dustiness Ford – KonoSuba

Lalatina Ford Dustiness, BKA Darkness, is a masochistic crusader. This is important information because ever since I saw her in Konosuba, I just wanted to ask: 鈥淲hy?鈥� 

This babe commits many failed 鈥渉eroic鈥� acts, not for the plot but because of her masochistic tendencies. She also lets the main character, Kazuma, verbally insult her because it 鈥渇eels good鈥�. 

Every freaking character in Komi can鈥檛 Communicate 

Question: Why are all of you like this? 

To every single character except Komi, I pose these questions: Who are your parents? How did they raise some of the most 鈥渄own bad鈥� characters I鈥檝e seen all in one anime? Why don’t you all have self-respect? Was it a prerequisite to get into the school?

READ ALSO: 10 Best Feel-good Anime for Beginners

Emmanuel

This is my first anime event. I love the experience so far. It鈥檚 really nice, and I know it鈥檚 going to get better, so I鈥檓 here for it. The world is advancing technologically, so I hope they have a VR experience next time. But besides that, I love anime, I love HunterXHunter, my number one is One Piece, and I really like Cowboy Bepop. I鈥檝e been watching anime since I was in junior school.

Mine

I鈥檝e been watching anime since I was six, and my first was Naruto. Yes, I鈥檓 one of them; Naruto is my favourite anime. I鈥檝e cosplayed about four times now. I cosplayed Carole from Carole & Tuesday and Yumeko from Kakegurui. I鈥檝e been to about four anime cosplay events, and my favourite thing is seeing other people as enthusiastic about what we love around me. I love the feeling of being around people who understand why we do what we do. It鈥檚 a small-ish community, but it makes me happy.

Femi

I鈥檝e cosplayed just once before this, and I did Itachi. My favourite anime is Naruto, but I like Akame Ga Kill. My big three are Naruto, Full Metal Alchemist and Akame Ga Kill. I鈥檝e been watching anime since 2004, when I saw Ronin Kenshin. This might be my first anime con, but I鈥檓 impressed by how people went all out. They took their time to cosplay their characters, and I see the effort. I also love how this small community helps me meet like-minded people who love anime. 

Kammie

I鈥檝e been watching anime for two years. My favourite anime is One Piece and Kuroko no Basket. This is the second anime con event I鈥檝e cosplayed at, and I love how happy everyone is. People come up to you to take pictures because they appreciate the effort you put into your cosplay. It鈥檚 amazing, and I love that we get to have this. For anyone trying to get into anime, it鈥檚 not too late. Watch Naruto, Food Wars, Demon Slayer and Black Clover as a starter. We鈥檒l all be here for you.

Saiki

I鈥檝e been watching anime for two years, since the pandemic. I鈥檇 heard about Naruto from primary school to uni, so it felt like a new starting point. I finally had time to try it because I was at home with nothing to do. I鈥檝e seen almost 100 episodes since then because I kept watching them back-to-back to catch up. I鈥檝e slowed down a lot, though. I love Saiki, it鈥檚 my comfort anime, but my favourites are Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Attack on Titan.听

This is my first time cosplaying, so I tried to do something not so risky but still significant. I did Saiki since he鈥欌�檚 my favourite character. It was fun to source the material to make it happen. I鈥檓 new here, but obviously, anime is going mainstream, so I love the sense of community we get to have. People on the road might wonder what we鈥檙e doing, but we get each other. It鈥檚 fun to see people excited about something others consider a niche. It鈥檚 just fun to be around people you can relate with.

Bolu

I鈥檝e been a big anime fan for five years now. Not to be cliche, but I love One Piece a lot. Then there鈥檚 One Piece, Haikyuu!! and Dororo. I love cosplaying. I cosplayed as No-Face for the first time last year and actually won the competition. I love seeing other people as weird as me, who share similar interests and love of anime, in the same place. It鈥檚 so cool. Where else will I see these many people looking like this in Lagos? 

Crys.chan.cosplay

I鈥檝e been watching anime since primary school; my first was Pokemon. My big three are My Hero Academia, Haikyuu!! and Fullmetal Alchemist. Anyone who wants to start off should try Demon Slayer or Noragami. For romance, try My Little Monster and Say I Love You. 

I鈥檓 a regular cosplayer. In 2022, I did about 26 cosplays in total, and I make almost all the costumes from scratch. I love coming to community events like these 鈥榗ause everyone else I know dismisses my interest, but here, everyone likes it as much as I do. And I love it.

RELATED: Now That Ash and Pikachu Are Jobless, Here鈥檚 What They Can Do Next

Now that they no longer have work, here are some things they can do to fill the void.  

Grow old聽

Now that he has time on his hands, he can consider looking like the 35-year-old man he鈥檚 supposed to be. I don鈥檛 know how Japan is o, but if he had a Nigerian mum, he鈥檇 have to drink anointing oil daily and go for deliverance.听

RELATED: All of You Are Right. Anime Is for Kids

Visit his family members 

I too, would go on a quest to avoid my family members, but this man child, who remains eternally ten might鈥檝e taken it too far. Does he occasionally see his mom and absent father? Yes, but now that he鈥檚 jobless, he can spend even more time helping out at her restaurant and paying tax like the rest of us. 

Start a business 

I mean, he鈥檚 already the best pokemon trainer. If he starts a gym, people will pay to be taught. He too dey vex, so I don鈥檛 know about him being a good teacher, but it鈥檚 better than loafing around. 

Get into tech 

Will catching pokemon put food on his table? No. Tech is in, and pokemon is out. All he needs to do is buy a MacBook, catch a python, invest in turtlenecks and start talking about seed funding for something. Boom, a million billion in his account.听

Rest

Even God rested on the seventh day. If he鈥檚 not fighting , he鈥檚 training one difficult pokemon or preparing for a battle 鈥� all for free. It鈥檚 okay, abeg. He should rest.

Become a travel blogger

He already has 25 years of experience travelling around. I鈥檇 watch his 鈥済et ready with me鈥�, 鈥渨hat I eat in a day鈥�, and 鈥渙utfit check鈥� videos any day. This job would fit him well. 

Realise the world is cold and dark, and friendship isn’t everything

Optimism is out; pessimism is in. In real life, you can鈥檛 even defeat a bad-mouthed three-year-old with the power of love and friendship, not to talk of real-life challenges like stretching your January salary. He would understand sha. All the very many times he lost a fight prepared him for this moment. 

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