20 Most Popular Next-Gen Anime
20 Most Popular Next-Gen Anime: Impact on Global Pop Culture
In recent years, anime has managed to captivate the world with its distinctive art style and many intriguing premises. More and more people are attracted to anime and thanks to this, it has undoubtedly made an impact on pop culture. And on that note, today we will be the hottest next-gen anime that have not only made an impact on global pop culture, but also have plots centered around this premise.
Contents
20 Hottest Next-Gen Anime
20) Girl number
| IMDb ratings | 6.5 |
| Number of episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Slice of life |
| Studio | Diomedee |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, HIDIVE |
The anime would be incomplete with seiyuu or voice actors. Girlish Number depicts the seiyuu industry through the eyes of the protagonist, Chitose Karasuma, a student who joins her brother's seiyuu agency, Number One Produce.
Yet another bright-eyed rookie, Chitose will have to navigate the competitive world of seiyuu while facing its various challenges.
19) Yes, no or maybe?
| IMDb ratings | 6.8 |
| Number of episodes | 1 movie |
| Genres | Boys' Romance, Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| Studio | spirit |
| Where to watch | Crunchy roll |
Successful news anchor Kei Kunieda may seem like a nice guy at work, but he's not at all. Inside, he curses everyone around him for one reason or another. While maintaining this dual personality, he meets an independent stop-motion animator named Ushio Tsuzuki, on two occasions and in two different atmospheres.
It turns out that Ushio thinks there are two guys when it's just Kei who behaves in different ways during their two encounters. As they begin to fall for each other, Kei wonders if Ushio only wants one side of him or both.
18) Words bubble like soda
| IMDb ratings | 6.8 |
| Number of episodes | 1 movie |
| Genres | Romance |
| Studio | Signal.MD, Sublimation |
| Where to watch | Netflix |
The next addition to the hottest new generation anime on pop culture is Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop. This is the story of two young people who express themselves better on social media, but who nevertheless understand the power of bonds and connections in real life.
It focuses on the two protagonists, Yui Sakura or Cherry who expresses herself by writing haiku, and Yuki Hoshino aka Smile who is a social media influencer who wants to make everyone smile despite her embarrassment towards her own.
17) Smile on the track
| IMDb ratings | 6.9 |
| Number of episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Drama |
| Studio | As |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix |
There aren't many anime about runway modeling, so Smile Down the Runway is rare in that regard. It centers on Chiyuki Fujito, the daughter of a modeling agency president, who wants to become a model herself and participate in Paris Fashion Week.
However, although she is stunning, Chiyuki is only 158 cm tall, making her dream of becoming an international model impossible. But when she meets Ikuto Tsumura, a talented beginning designer, her dreams seem within her reach.
16) Signal, listen to me!
| IMDb ratings | 7.0 |
| Number of episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Drama |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
Despite poor execution, the concept of Wave, Listen to Me! is quite interesting. It begins with Minare Koda, an energetic woman who works at a restaurant and has just gone through a difficult breakup. While ranting about her sad state to a stranger after getting drunk, Minare is shocked to hear herself on the radio the next day.
Turns out the man she was ranting to was a radio station manager, and he just found his new radio talk show host in Minare.
15) Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend
| IMDb ratings | 7.0 |
| Number of episodes | 23 (2 seasons) + 1 film |
| Genres | Comedy, Romance, Ecchi |
| Studio | Photos A-1 |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix |
This next-gen anime focuses on a group of high school students who create a dating sim game. It begins with an otaku, Tomoyo Aki, who wants to make his own game, but doesn't know how to do it. He therefore recruits four girls, each taking care of a specific part of the game.
As these young people work to complete the game, the equations of their relationships begin to change.
14) The Zombieland saga
| IMDb ratings | 7.1 |
| Number of episodes | 24 (2 seasons) + 1 movie |
| Genres | Comedy, supernatural |
| Studio | MAP |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
Zombieland Saga brings a unique twist to idol and subgenres by combining them. It tells the story of Sakura Minamoto who dreamed of becoming an idol before her untimely death. Ten years later, she is resurrected as a zombie in Saga Prefecture by a man named Koutarou Tatsumi.
Tatsumi tells him that he resurrected six girls from six different time periods as zombies to form an idol group to boost Saga Prefecture's economy. Thus begins the journey of this unique idol group.
13) Love scene!!
| IMDb ratings | 7.3 |
| Number of episodes | 10 + 1 OVA |
| Genres | Boys Love, Comedy, Romance |
| Studio | JC Staff |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, HIDIVE |
Izumi Sena has always been surrounded by celebrities, with a father who was a musician and owner of a talent agency, her mother an actress and a rockstar brother. But his dream is to become a manga artist. When he is asked for a 10th anniversary advertisement for a magazine in which he appears as a child actor, he reunites with his former co-star Ryouma Ichijo.
It turns out that Ryouma has been in love with Izumi since they were children, believing him to be a girl. When he finally learns the truth, will he move on or will his feelings prove greater than anything else?
12) Life Lessons with Uramichi-Oniisan
| IMDb ratings | 7.3 |
| Number of episodes | 13 |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Studio | White Studio. |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Wakanim |
Adapted from the popular manga Uramichi Oniisan, this anime shows the dark work culture behind the television screen. The action takes place in the studio of a popular children's show Together with Mama, where actors interact with preschoolers and teach them simple lessons with light good humor.
However, the reality is that actors are unhappy with their jobs and their adult lives. It's very funny and relatable to see a group of adults pretending to be happy when they're not at all. It’s also a great next-gen anime about pop culture.
11) Dakaichi: I'm being stalked by the sexiest man alive
| IMDb ratings | 7.3 |
| Number of episodes | 13 + 1 movie |
| Genres | Boys' Romance, Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| Studio | Clover works |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Wakanim |
Dakaichi is another anime focused on the film industry. This time the protagonist is Takato Saijou, a successful actor who has been named "Sexiest Man of the Year" for several years in a row. His track record is beaten when a new debutant actor enters the scene.
Junta Azumaya is relatively new to the industry, having debuted only three years ago. But in a short time, he managed to become "the sexiest man of the year" and also steal the role of the main character from Takato.
Spoiler alert, these rival actors soon find themselves in love.
10) Free! – Iwatobi Swimming Club
| IMDb ratings | 7.4 |
| Number of episodes | 37 (3 seasons) + 2 films |
| Genres | Sports |
| Studio | Kyoto Animation, Animation Faire |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix |
This anime dips its toes into the world of competitive swimming, revolving around Haruka Nanase, or Haru, a teenager who loves water and swimming. Slowly, Haru goes through an internal journey to discover his passion for competitive swimming with the help of his friends, eventually reaching the world stage where he represents his country at the world championships.
With dazzlingly beautiful art and a horde of gorgeous anime boys, this is a must-watch anime for sports fans.
9) Ya boy Kongming!
| IMDb ratings | 7.6 |
| Number of episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Comedy |
| Studio | Sound work |
| Where to watch | HIDE |
At the time of his death, the great tactician Zhuge Kongming of third-century China wishes to be reincarnated in a peaceful world rather than the war-ravaged world in which he lived. His wish comes true when he finds himself in a younger body in modern times. Tokyo.
Confused by everything around him, he enters a nightclub and sees a young woman performing brilliantly. Moved by her singing, he befriended the girl, Eito Tsukimi, and eventually became her manager to help her in her musical career. But the music industry is tough enough for Kongming to bring out his inner tactician again.
8) No play, no life
| IMDb ratings | 7.6 |
| Number of episodes | 12 + 1 movie |
| Genres | Comedy, Fantasy, Ecchi |
| Studio | Crazy's house |
| Where to watch | HIDE, Netflix |
Sora and Shiro are two completely codependent half-siblings and spend their days ruling the gaming world as the top player, One. One day, they are summoned to a fantasy world where every decision is decided by the outcome of the games. Soon, the siblings find themselves embroiled in the politics of this world.
Famous for its extremely colorful art and clever plot twists, it's easily one of the best anime of recent times, and also one of the hottest new generation anime.
7) My darling costume
| IMDb ratings | 8.0 |
| Number of episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Romance |
| Studio | Clover works |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Wakanim |
is not only one of the hottest new generation anime, but also one of the cutest love stories in recent times. Starting with Wakana Gojo, a reserved but dedicated boy who makes Hina dolls, and his beautiful and popular classmate, Marin Kitagawa.
After spending his entire school career without friends, Gojo is one day approached by Marin to make him a costume for his cosplay. Thus begins their healthy friendship. Filled with lots of otaku culture and steamy moments, this anime is a must-see for pop culture lovers.
6) IDOLiSH7
| IMDb ratings | 8.1 |
| Number of episodes | 62 (3 seasons) |
| Genres | Drama |
| Studio | TROYCH |
| Where to watch | Crunchy roll |
There's no shortage of idol anime out there, but IDOLiSH7 certainly does it better than others. It begins with a rookie manager, Tsumugu Takanashi, facing off against the new idol group consisting of seven boys. But instead of removing four boys from the group per her father's instructions, she helps them stay as a group and create IDOLiSH7.
Full of dazzling art, this anime shows the trials and tribulations of the idol industry, but in an entertaining way.
5) Yuri!!! On the ice
| IMDb ratings | 8.3 |
| Number of episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Sports |
| Studio | MAP |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
Gaining massive critical appreciation for its portrait of thoughtful representation, Yuri!!! On Ice became a darling of anime fans upon its release. The anime has beautiful art and impeccable animation, as well as a sweet love story at its heart, making it one of the most popular next-gen anime.
Featuring the world champion, Victor, and a novice figure skater, Yuri as the main characters, this anime has Yuri competing in the Grand Prix competition under Victor's mentorship.
4) My Hero Academia
| IMDb ratings | 8.3 |
| Number of episodes | 138 (6 seasons) |
| Genres | Action |
| Studio | Bone |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix |
In the world of My Hero Academia, where 80% of the population has superpowers called , heroes dedicate their lives to protecting society from villains. Heroes are very famous among people and are treated like celebrities.
The most striking example is that of the former number 1 hero who was the biggest celebrity in the country.
The story of this anime is about , a boy without a Quirk who dreams of becoming a hero.
3) Given
| IMDb ratings | 8.3 |
| Number of episodes | 11 + 1 movie + 1 OVA |
| Genres | Boys Love, Drama, Romance |
| Studio | Lerché |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Netflix |
A heartbreaking story about love, loss and healing, Given begins with Mafuyu, a reserved boy whose boyfriend commits suicide after an argument. Struggling with grief and guilt, he meets Uenoyama who is repairing his ex-boyfriend's broken guitar.
After witnessing Uenoyama's passion for music and understanding his ex's feelings, Mafuyu joins Uenoyama's band. As Mafuyu begins to discover his own passion for music, he begins to deal with his grief and heal, all while falling in love with Uenoyama.
2) Jujutsu Kaisen
| IMDb ratings | 8.5 |
| Number of episodes | 47 (2 seasons, ongoing) + 1 film |
| Genres | Action, Fantasy |
| Studio | MAP |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
Although Jujutsu Kaisen isn't really about showbiz and pop culture, its characters are surprisingly well-versed in pop culture. From 'crush on Jennifer Lawrence to 'obsession with Sebastian Stan, it contains many little pop culture moments. Not to mention Itadori's hope of learning a technique similar to Rasengan or bankai.
The plot of Jujutsu Kaisen revolves around Yuji Itadori who finds himself thrust into the world of jujutsu wizards and cursed spirits after eating the cursed finger of , the king of curses.
1) Oshi no Ko
| IMDb ratings | 8.6 |
| Number of episodes | 11 |
| Genres | Drama, supernatural |
| Studio | Doga Kobo |
| Where to watch | HIDE |
This anime was a pleasant surprise from last season and managed to capture viewers' attention right from the start with its fantastic first episode. Oshi no Ko depicts the lives of showbiz celebrities, starting with popular teen idol Ai Hoshino.
Gorou Amemiya, a gynecologist and big fan of Ai, is shocked when the teen idol shows up at his hospital while pregnant. Not only does Ai not want to reveal the father, but she is ultimately murdered by a fan, leaving her twins alone in the world.
Here ends the 20 most popular next-gen anime that introduce and impact pop culture. Check out these great anime and once finished, visit the Otakus notes for more suggestions.
