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Anime Shows

From Dragon Ball Z to Demon Slayer, anime fans are sharing the series that turned them into anime fans

Molly Edwards

18 September 2025

Anime fans are discussing the shows that got them into anime

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(Image credit: ©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable)

It’s no secret that anime is blowing up big time right now, with the release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle breaking Japanese box office records and taking the US by storm, too.

On Reddit, fans are discussing the titles that first got them into anime, and the titles that are popping up are no surprise at all.
“Everyone has that first anime that completely hooked them and opened the door to the whole world of anime. For me, it was Death Note: the tension, the mind games, and the unique story just pulled me in and I couldn’t stop watching,” shares one person, kicking off the conversation.

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Unsurprisingly, Death Note comes up multiple times in the replies, too, along with heavy hitters like Demon Slayer, Dragon Ball Z, and, of course, Pokémon.

But, other names that pop up also include Naruto, Kill la Kill, One Piece, Attack on Titan, Evangelion, Sword Art Online, and Your Name.
Naturally, these are some of the best anime out there, so it’s no surprise that they hooked viewers for life.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is still in theaters, and its ongoing success is proving that anime is becoming increasingly mainstream.
Our own four-star Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle review verdict reads: “Despite a frustrating structure, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle storms past Mugen Train to become the series’ gold standard – all thanks to another animation masterclass by Ufotable and a gripping, peril-filled story simmering with personal resentment and touching backstories.”
If you’re up to date on Infinity Castle, fill out your watchlist with our guide to the most exciting new anime worth getting on your radar.

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Molly Edwards

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Deputy Entertainment Editor

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering all things film and TV for the site’s Total Film and SFX sections. I previously worked on the Disney magazines team at Immediate Media, and also wrote on the CBeebies, MEGA!, and Star Wars Galaxy titles after graduating with a BA in English.

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From InuYasha to Spirited Away, fans are discussing their favorite “gateway anime,” and it’s a perfect list of recommendations for beginners

Anime is officially mainstream after Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, but where does it go from here?

Dragon Ball and One Piece veteran director says “predictable Disney-style works” are to thank for anime’s increasing popularity outside Japan

Best anime for beginners: the 8 essential shows newcomers must watch first

Anime is more mainstream than ever, and Demon Slayer stands out as the franchise to beat

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has broken even more box office records than was originally projected and it might surpass Mugen Train as the highest-grossing anime movie ever

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