10 best anime to watch with friends

Watching anime has evolved into a shared hobby that brings people together. More than just entertainment, many series end up forging profound connections. Laughing together at amusing moments, holding collective breath during epic fight scenes, and bonding over favorite characters build lasting memories.

Certain special anime stand out for amplifying enjoyment when experienced as a group. The stories suck viewers in deeply through adrenaline-fueled adventures, inspirational themes of perseverance, and loud belly laughs.

We’ve spotlighted 10 anime gems ideal for watching with friends both old and new. Read on to discover or revisit titles sure to take gatherings to the next level of camaraderie and fun.

10 must-watch anime to enjoy with friends

1) Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan (Image via MAPPA/Wit Studio)

Humanity cowers behind fortified walls, fearful of the man-eating Titans roaming outside. Burdened by tragic pasts, protagonists Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlelt join a scout regiment that ventures beyond the safety of walls to battle the mysterious Titans after completing their training.

As the scouts uncover startling revelations about the true nature of their walled world and the larger forces at play, the story expands into political conspiracies and the lost history of the Titans, with continually ramping stakes. Every episode leaves hearts pounding and jaws agape with new shocks.

Friends will be left constantly theorizing over the latest reveals, and meaningful discussions will abound about the cycles of hatred in humanity.

2) One Punch Man

One Punch Man (Image via Madhouse/JC Staff)

Madcap satire fuses with over-the-top superhero action in the comedy smash hit One Punch Man. Unassuming protagonist Saitama realized one day that his ordinary life felt unfulfilling.

While training to become a hero just for fun, he discovers he has become so powerful that he can defeat any foe with a single punch! Now bored from easy victories, Saitama joins the Hero Association in hopes of finding worthy opponents and gaining some recognition as a hero for his efforts.

But despite his Plain Jane looks, everyone persists in dramatically underestimating Saitama's strength. Friends will laugh raucously at Saitama nonchalantly crushing giant monsters as flamboyant heroes stare stunned. The upended tropes create delightful entertainment.

3) My Hero Academia

Few anime juggle Western superhero influences and explosive shonen action as masterfully as My Hero Academia. In an alternative world, about 80% of people have developed superpowers called “Quirks.” But kindhearted fanboy Izuku Midoriya was born without a Quirk, crushing his heroic dreams.

After proving his dedication, the world’s greatest champion, All Might, bestows his spectacular Quirk upon Izuku, giving him the chance to join UA High School, which trains the next generation of heroes.

Izuku soon befriends and rivals an eclectic cast of classmates, including Bakugo, with amazing abilities. The series balances pulse-pounding battles with emotional drama, bringing friends together to cheer Izuku into realizing his full potential.

4) Death Note

Psychological thrillers don’t get more intense than the battle of wits in Death Note between genius high school student Light Yagami and enigmatic detective “L.”

When Light obtains a supernatural notebook allowing him to kill anyone by writing their name (and knowing their face), he aims to purge the world of evil. But genius mastermind L is hot on his trail, leading to a mesmerizing game of cat-and-mouse.

The series will have friends constantly theorizing about the bizarre plans and strategies of Light and L. The moral quandaries around Light’s intentions to create a “perfect world” by killing criminals spark endless debate. With plot twists that regularly shock viewers, Death Note will glue groups of friends to the screen.

5) Haikyuu!!

For friends seeking upbeat, inspirational stories, the sports anime series Haikyuu!! delivers in spades. It follows passionate volleyball player Shoyo Hinata and his scrappy high school team striving for competitive greatness by taking on powerhouse squads.

Even viewers with zero background in volleyball will be pounding their fists and feeling the motivating emotions of Hinata’s journey with teammate Kageyama as they support and challenge each other. The series builds intimate connections between friends through the teammates’ emotional reliance on each other.

Nail-biting games with clutch plays will have friends leaping up in unison to cheer. Seeing the earnest, hard-working characters grow together is a uniquely heartwarming joy. Haikyuu!! fires up an infectious team spirit perfect for groups.

6) Kaguya-sama: Love is War

Kaguya-sama: Love is War (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Few anime can match the smile-inducing charm and humor of the romantic comedy Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.

The intricate mind games between elite student council members Miyuki Shirogane and the proud Kaguya Shinomiya, each trying to get the other to confess first, will leave friends laughing at their over-the-top scheming and refusal to admit their obvious affection.

As their classmates, like the blunt Chika Fujiwara, get looped into the antics, the escalating hijinks and social satire are comedy gold. Underneath the laughter lies a touching story of learning to be vulnerable that resonates. it delivers a feel-good group viewing experience guaranteed to make friends buckle over giggling.

7) Jujutsu Kaisen

With its captivating blend of occult horror, slick action sequences, and funny downtime banter between characters, Jujutsu Kaisen checks every box for enjoyable group anime.

The premise follows Yuji Itadori, who deliberately consumes a cursed object to save his friends, gaining the strength of the powerful demon Sukuna while enrolling in a school that trains students to exorcise deadly demons. The terrifying demon Sukuna residing within Yuji keeps the suspense high.

But it’s the lively cast, like the powerful skilled sorcerer Megumi Fushiguro, that makes the demon-buster adventures of Jujutsu Kaisen shine. Friends will constantly hype each other up with stylish battles while debating everything from character motivations to lore secrets.

8) Mob Psycho 100

With its vibrant visuals and irreverent humor, Mob Psycho 100 proves massively fun to experience with friends.

Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama appears as an unassuming boy but hides potent psychic powers, which he unleashes on evil spirits that cross his path. Though seeking only to impress his childhood crush, Mob regularly enters spectacular battles that sometimes get nudged along by his con artist mentor.

The sharp contrasts between Mob’s understated personality with his wild power outbursts make for gut-busting comedy. But the series also packs an emotional punch as Mob navigates friendship and finding self-confidence. Few anime mix fun and heart like Mob Psycho 100, perfect for shared laughs and tears.

9) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood centers on gifted alchemists Edward and Alphonse Elric searching for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their damaged bodies after a failed transmutation meant to bring their mother back to life.

Along the way, they unravel conspiracies that shake their world and lead to even deeper motivations beyond restoring their own bodies. The rich world-building and complex themes around science vs. faith keep the discussion lively.

The series’ juggernaut combination of magic-fueled battles, political intrigue, and poignant characterization has immense cross-over appeal for all tastes. Emotionally charged moments will have friends bonding intensely. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is anime storytelling at its finest to get lost together.

10) Cowboy Bebop

The one word to best describe the acclaimed sci-fi masterpiece Cowboy Bebop is “cool.” The jazz-soaked interstellar adventures of spaceship crew Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and Edward Wong deftly blend action, comedy, romance, and style into an irresistible package.

Whether it’s participating in bounty hunts across colonized planets, learning the tragic pasts of characters, or witnessing the crew bicker like family, Cowboy Bebop oozes an effortless fun factor.

The episodic stories allow friends to jump in almost anywhere, though watching key episodes in order reveals Spike’s intense backstory. With possibly one of anime’s catchiest musical soundtracks and some of the most memorable character moments, Cowboy Bebop is universally beloved for group viewing.

Conclusion

Anime offers something for all tastes, but series that balance laughs, adrenaline, and emotional connections raise the shared experience.

Any of these 10 incredible titles will amplify the enjoyment, conversation, and bonding between friends’ anime watch parties exponentially. From gushing over epic fight scenes to crying together at poignant moments, these shows guarantee unforgettable communal memories built to last.

So gather some snacks, call over the crew, and dive into the captivating worlds of these anime gems perfect for watching alongside friends both new and old. The inclusive magic of anime continues bringing people together.