The world of Japanese animation and comics is bigger than ever. Whether you are a complete newcomer looking for a place to start or a veteran otaku searching for that next binge-worthy hit, the sheer volume of titles can be overwhelming. With thousands of anime series and manga available, where do you actually begin?

We have curated the definitive list of that have defined generations, broken the internet, and set sales records. From heart-pounding action to gut-wrenching drama, here are the must-read and must-watch titles ruling the industry right now. Section 1: The "Big Three" & Shonen Jump Giants (Action/Adventure) If you ask any fan for popular anime series and manga recommendations, they will almost always start with Shonen Jump. These are the series that put anime on the global map. 1. One Piece Genre: Adventure, Pirate Fantasy, Comedy Status: Anime (Ongoing), Manga (Ongoing)