10 best Gen Z anime to watch

Gen Z anime, or anime aimed at Gen Z (often referred to as zoomers), has seen a noticeable shift in recent years. While classics like Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon continue to resonate, a new wave of anime has captured the attention and imagination of today's youth.

These series showcase edgier stories, dynamic characters, and high-quality animation that zoomers can't get enough of. From action-packed demon battles to comedic high school hijinks, young audiences are drawn to anime that pushes boundaries and explores complex themes not found in children's cartoons.

Anime aimed at today's teens and young adults also stands out through creative visual styles and refined animation techniques that were rare when earlier anime first went global. Here are 10 must-watch Gen Z anime that have shaped anime's new era and surging popularity worldwide.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions.

10 must-watch Gen Z anime

1) Bocchi the Rock!

Bocchi the Rock! (Image via CloverWorks)

This 2022 Gen Z anime follows introverted high schooler Hitori "Bocchi" Gotou on her quest to become a rock star guitarist. Though shy and socially awkward, Bocchi decides to start a band to make new friends.

Despite already having strong guitar skills from practicing alone, Bocchi learns about performing with help from her new bandmates. She is soon recruited into a band with some oddball musicians. Together they perform at their school's cultural festival.

With its upbeat tone and themes of friendship and self-confidence, Bocchi the Rock! is an inspirational watch for zoomers. Its colorful visuals and catchy intro song also showcase the creative talents of today's young creators.

2) Oshi no Ko

This uniquely dark drama explores the complex relationships between entertainers and their fans. The story follows pediatrician Gorou Amemiya, who becomes involved in a tragedy involving popular idol Ai.

Gorou’s life takes a strange turn when he is reincarnated as Ai’s son, Aqua, alongside another reincarnated soul, Ruby. As Aqua enters the entertainment industry to uncover the truth about Ai's death, he struggles with his own obsession and trauma.

Oshi no Ko subverts expectations by spotlighting uncomfortable sides of the entertainment industry. Despite some intense scenes, its gripping plot offers thought-provoking commentary for mature viewers.

3) Blue Lock

Japan struggles in global soccer until a mysterious coach confines 300 strikers in an isolated facility called Blue Lock. Promising a spot on the national team only for the sole striker who emerges to lead them to World Cup glory, their training regimen is an extreme survival competition between teammates.

The hyper-competitive goal pressures protagonist Yoichi Isagi to develop his selfish instincts if he ever wants to play for the national team. This gritty Gen Z anime outpaces the conventional underdog team story.

Blue Lock's simulation of cutthroat player selection systems critiques real-world dynamics in soccer governance. Zoomers feel the urgency and cruelty of Yoichi’s high-stakes trajectory to conquer his fears, find purpose through competition, and emerge from Blue Lock at any cost.

4) Tokyo Revengers

Watching his ex-girlfriend die motivates aimless 26-year-old Takemichi Hanagaki to travel 12 years into the past, starting in his middle school days. He aims to ascend the delinquent hierarchy of the Tokyo Manji Gang to change the future and save her life, using time leaps triggered by her brother.

Despite challenges from experienced delinquents, Takemichi’s courageous time-leaping creates suspense around his personal growth potential and ability to right the future’s wrongs. Tokyo Revengers is a rollercoaster journey that keeps zoomers on edge.

Its time travel plot device allows Gen Z viewers to experience high school adventures from an adult perspective.

5) My Hero Academia

In an alternate world where 80% of people have superpowers called “quirks,” nice but quirkless Izuku “Deku” Midoriya dreams of becoming a superhero. He idolizes the world’s greatest hero, All Might. When fate brings Deku and All Might together, his life is changed forever.

My Hero Academia quickly hooked zoomers with its dazzling animation and lovable coming-of-age story. While underdog narratives are common in this medium, this series excels through rich world-building.

Despite bullying and discrimination, Deku’s journey from zero to hero in UA High School’s prestigious hero program inspires viewers to overcome self-doubt. Gen Z can’t resist rooting for Deku unlocking One For All’s full power to save people with a fearless smile.

6) Spy x Family

Spy x Family (Image via Wit Studio / CloverWorks)

Super-spy “Twilight” must create a fake family in this stylish Gen Z anime to complete an undercover mission at a prestigious school. He unknowingly adopts an esper girl named Anya while forming a marriage arrangement with assassin Yor, who poses as his family without knowing each other’s real professions.

Spy x Family crosses action-comedy with wholesome family warmth. Zoomers adore the eccentric visuals and personalities, alongside Twilight balancing hilarious secrecy mishaps with teaching Anya compassion.

Despite deceiving origins, their loving “family” dynamics teach Gen Z about acceptance regardless of appearances or background. Spy x Family’s exciting adventures show how life works mysteriously but beautifully when welcoming humanity’s diversity.

7) Chainsaw Man

Denji is an impoverished teen battling devils to repay his late father’s debt to the yakuza. While fighting for survival, he befriends his chainsaw dog Pochita. One day, when betrayed, mortally wounded, and hopeless, he merges with Pochita to become the devil-human hybrid Chainsaw Man.

Now able to transform his body parts into chainsaws, this turbulent hero eliminates devils for the Public Safety Devil Hunters. Chainsaw Man immediately dominated discussion among zoomers due to its visual chaos and emotional storytelling.

Creator Tatsuki Fujimoto is a generational talent praised for stylish gore, complex characters like Denji’s eccentric allies, comedic touches, and ongoing themes questioning morality. Despite traumatic battling, Denji inspires Gen Z by seeking simple pleasures.

8) Jujutsu Kaisen

Yuji Itadori is an athletically gifted high school student whose after-school Occult Club attracts trouble. When cursed attractions threaten people’s lives, Yuji heroically swallows the rotting finger of Ryomen Sukuna – an ancient evil spirit called the “King of Curses.”

Yuji thus hosts Sukuna’s immense power while joining skilled sorcerers in training to destroy curses plaguing humanity. However, Sukuna endangers Yuji’s soul and nation if their tenuous balance shatters.

Jujutsu Kaisen instantly enthralled young audiences with its ghostly horrors, spellbinding fight choreography, and lofty themes questioning morality. Yuji’s inner battle against Sukuna intrigues Gen Z viewers alongside its mature exploration of death.

9) Demon Slayer

Kindhearted teenager Tanjiro takes on the mantle of “demon slayer” after tragedy strikes, turning his sister Nezuko into a demon who surprisingly retains her humanity. To become strong enough to find a cure, they join the Demon Slayer Corps – an organization tracking down demons that devour humans.

Demon Slayer tapped into historical adventure shonen tropes but modernized them to pioneer today’s anime explosion worldwide. Its family bonds keep zoomers emotionally invested alongside thrilling sword fights against creatively designed demons.

Eye-popping Ufotable animation also wowed Gen Z, going wildly viral on TikTok and winning awards.

10) Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan (Image via Wit Studio, MAPPA)

Humanity hides behind concentric walls protecting them from man-eating giants called Titans. Protagonist Eren Yeager vows revenge when Titans breach the walls and kill his mother. He joins the military’s Scout Regiment on daring expeditions outside to retake territory.

This quintessential anime completes the hero’s journey by alluding to classic myths and philosophies while subverting expectations. Dynamic action, resonant characters like Eren’s complex arc, and the show’s gradual mystery reveal through four seasons transfixed Gen Z viewers.

Attack on Titan's commentary on moral ambiguity in cycles of oppression, militarism, and retribution enthralled young thinkers. Though renowned for gory scenes, its masterful plot kept zoomers theorizing for a decade. Gen Z perceives Eren as an iconic antihero challenging notions of freedom and justice.

Conclusion

While nostalgic classics still enjoy popularity, these Gen Z anime aimed at zoomers have undeniably cemented Japan’s cultural influence on young digital natives worldwide. Through exploring resonant themes about morality, humanity, and growing up, this new wave of anime teaches as much as it entertains.

Gen Z feels represented by genuine stories appreciating nuances around vulnerability, marginalization, and activism. This medium now sits at the cusp of mainstream entertainment. And zoomers can’t wait to see how this accessible medium continues to evolve global perspectives.

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About the author

I am an expert article writer and data analyst with two years of experience in the field. In my free time, I enjoy watching a lot of anime, movies, and web series. Currently, my favorite anime is Naruto.

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Edited by Riya Peter