Winter can mean a few things: Taking a trip to the ski fields and zipping down the slopes, or cuddling up next to the heater and binge-watching anime. No judgement here.
Kotaku’s Brian Ashcraft wrote up our Winter 2016 Anime Guide last month with nearly 50 listings. Below, I’ve narrowed down this winter’s anime bounty into my top five recommendations, as well as a few honourable mentions. Happy watching!
Mob Psycho 100
Studio: BONES
Currently at: Episode 4
Plot Summary: Mob, an apparently unremarkable middle-school ESPer, explodes when his emotional level reaches 100. He works for the charlatan psychic Reigen Arataka, who purports to be his mentor.
Why You Should Watch It: Temarkable artistic ingenuity, hilarious, made by One-Punch Man‘s creator.
Orange
Studio: Telecom
Currently at: Episode 5
Plot Summary: High school girl Naho receives a foreboding letter from herself 10 years in the future, warning her about falling in love with transfer student Kakeru.
Why You Should Watch it: Tender vibes, nuanced character development, well-paced.
The Heroic Legend of Arslan: Dust Storm Dance
Studio: Liden Films
Currently at: Episode 5
Plot Summary: Arslan is a crown prince who seeks to liberate the nation Pars.
Why You Should Watch it: Based on Persian epic, gorgeous scenery, impeccable world-building, well-executed fantasy.
91 Days
Studio: Shuka
Currently at: Episode 5
Plot Summary: As a child, Avilio’s family is murdered by the mafia. Seven years later, during Prohibition, Avilio seeks revenge and enters the black market business after receiving a curious letter.
Why You Should Watch It: Dark intrigue, Italian-inspired, suspenseful.
Berserk
Studio: GEMBA
Currently at: Episode 6
Plot Summary: The mercenary Guts cuts down demons and men alike in his quest for revenge and redemption.
Why You Should Watch it: Classic anime franchise, cutting-edge animation, controversial.
Honourable mentions: Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Season 2, Amanchu!, Tales of Zestiria the X
Comments
11 responses to “Five Must-Watch Anime Of Winter 2016”
“The Heroic Legend of Arslan” has an excellent scenario, but I feel that the artwork and execution are lacking. I do enjoy the show though.
The animation picks up a bit in Season 2, much cleaner but the art style doesn’t change much.
Still worth checking out though.
Definitely my favorite. Unfortunately season 2 is only 8 episodes long (The next episode is ep6). Also the anime misses a lot of the backstory and finer details compared with the manga (Which is now quite far behind)
I’m sorry but Berserk just feels terrible. I personally cannot stand the awkwardly done animations and don’t think it shows just how good the manga was.
wow this is still in range of it! ( the winter releases, that is) because usually you guys do reviews on things that wont come out for the next 3 years.
Re: Zero is the best new series I’ve seen in a long time. What that if you can
I agree, gets very slow in the middle. Keep thinking something happen! But still good. Also I thought these articles has links to where you can watch the shows. I want to know where I can watch beserk.
Edit: never mind beserk is on crunchy roll but not available in aus due to licence limitations 🙁
How come Richard isn’t writing this? No offense to the Cecilia, but it’s easier to take advice from people you trust as opposed to randoms – no matter how qualified.
Thunderbolt Fantasy is easily the show of the season (shut up, it’s anime) and probably of ever, whereas Berserk is an absolute fucking trainwreck that for some reason I can’t stop watching.
Honourable mentions to Mob Psycho and Food Wars S2.
Damn, how is there no mention of Alderamin on the Sky?
Easily my new breakout favourite not only of the season but for the last few seasons.