18 Best Anime On HBO Max That You Should Watching Update 03/2024

Best Anime On HBO Max

HBO Max has a wide selection of anime to choose from, making it a perfect option for aficionados of the genre. On the platform, these are the best animes you can watch.

HBO’s streaming service, HBO Max, started in May 2020. It currently has more than 40 million members as of April 2021. As a competitor to Netflix, HBO Max offers a wide variety of television shows and movies, including anime, as well as original programming.

HBO Max and Netflix, two non-anime streaming providers, have taken it upon themselves to extend their collection of Japanese animation as anime becomes more popular around the world. Some of HBO Max’s best anime series are available on the streaming service, but which ones are the best?

Mark Sammut updated the article on January 1, 2021: HBO Max doesn’t have a large selection of anime programs, but what it does have is of high quality. Kabaneri of Iron Fortress and Kiznaiver are exceptions, but nearly every show on the platform has potential for greatness. HBO Max’s anime selection is minimal, thus most viewers are likely to be unfamiliar with Japanese animation before they even start watching these series. As a result, a few more of HBO Max’s most popular anime programs have been added to this post to help you get started.

1. Inuyasha

InuYasha

193 episodes of the shonen classic Inuyasha were produced in the 2000s, making it one of the most popular shows of the decade. Mismatched duo Kagome Higurashi and the devil, the protagonists of the show’s plot, set out to rescue the shattered Shiko Jewel.

Iconic characters, decent comedy, and even some effective romance can be found in Inuyasha. Just 54 episodes on HBO Max explains why the anime isn’t as highly regarded as other shonen series.

2. Dr. Stone

HBO Max has both seasons of Dr. Stone, making it one of the best modern shonen anime series available on the streaming channel. Senku Ishigami, a teenage genius who can think his way out of any problem, is turned to stone by an unexpected event. It takes Senku a few thousand years to get out of his stone prison, but he sets out to re-establish human civilization from scratch.

Dr. Stone has the feel of a normal shonen anime combat, but with an emphasis on intelligence rather than raw might. Senku and his ragged collection of helpers make for a likable lot, and the anime understands how to develop a memorable adversary.

3. KonoSuba

If you’re looking for an isekai anime that takes itself seriously, you’ll find some that don’t. When it comes to the third category, KonoSuba lies somewhere in the middle, and it’s a joy to watch. Aqua, a snarky goddess, sends Kazuma to another planet when he dies in comic fashion. Kazuma decides to take the divinity with him as his only personal possession, a decision that proves to be life-altering for both of them.

One of HBO Max’s funniest shows, KonoSuba takes a satirical stab at isekai stereotypes by putting together the most dysfunctional cast imaginable. On HBO Max, you may watch both seasons of the show.

4. Bungo Stray Dogs

Bungo Stray Dogs (2016)

At first glance, Bungo Stray Dogs doesn’t appear to be any different from any other anime about superheroes banding together to safeguard a city. Even though the first season isn’t amazing, the show gets much better from there on out.

Osamu Dazai and Rynosuke Akutagawa are two of Bungo Stray Dogs’ most memorable characters, thanks to the film’s investigation of their backstories. A gangster manga with characters who can transform into tigers or conjure illusions, if that’s possible to call it that.

5. Erased

Erased, a film based on a manga by Kei Sanbe and adapted by A-1 Pictures, features a compelling premise. To make amends for a personal tragedy, Satoru Fujinuma is sent nearly two decades back in time to when he was a kid.

Time travel is used to tell the story of Erased, a film that deals with abuse. Erased isn’t for the squeamish, but it’s a wonderful film for the vast most of its run.

6. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin, a famous anime about a wandering warrior trying to put his bloody past behind him, is still a compelling watch more than two decades after it first aired. As a talented swordsman and a sympathetic hero, Kenshin stands head and shoulders above the competition. Shishio Makoto, the film’s great villain, is one of the show’s many memorable supporting players.

7. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen

It was developed by MAPPA and released in the fall of 2020. Yuuji Itadori, a high school student in the Occult Club, is the focus of this anime. They discover a cursed object that sets off a paranormal occurrence. From from point on, he’ll have to deal with demonic entities born of unpleasant feelings.

As a result of ingesting the finger of Sukuna Ryoumen, the King of Curses, Itadori enrolls in the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujustsu Technical High School in the hopes of becoming a Jujustu sorcerer.

8. Your Lie In April

A-1 Pictures developed Your Lie in April, which was released in the fall of 2014. Kousei Arima and Kaori Miyazono’s love tale is shown in this anime. After his mother dies, pianist Kousei loses his tone, but violist Kaori helps him rediscover his love of music.

Tsubaki Sawabe and Ryouta Watari accompany him on this adventure, which takes place at and around their high school. This is the best anime on HBO Max for anyone who needs a good cry, Your Lie in April.

9. Food Wars

The Anime You Need to See Twice to Fully Understand It

Souma Yukihira, a 15-year-old culinary genius who enjoys taking chances with his concoctions, is the focus of this anime. Despite the fact that he owns a modest but well-liked restaurant, the talented chef who trains Souma attends the prestigious Toosuki Culinary Academy in Tokyo. In this school, “meal conflicts” are common because just 10% of the pupils will graduate from the entire institution.

10. To Your Eternity

To Your Eternity

To Your Eternity, which premieres in the Spring 2021 anime season, is a heartwarming story of friendship, progress, and self-discovery. An odd Orb, which can take the appearance of inanimate items like a rock or even living entities like a dog or person, directs the chase.

As the Orb changes form, it gains a broader perspective on the world and the ability to experience new emotions and viewpoints. It’s all about this person’s (immortal) existence.

11. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-

When it comes to isekai anime, Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- quickly establishes itself as one of the best. It’s not long until Subaru is unexpectedly whisked away to another realm, where his heart’s desire is sparked by a beautiful young woman. He too succumbs to his injuries soon after, though he eventually recovers.

Instead of an action or adventure series, Re:Zero is more on Subaru’s development as a character and how he adapts to a harsh environment. Throughout the series, psychological trauma is also a common subject.

12. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

The popularity of Puella Magi Madoka Magica has waned in certain areas. The show’s twist is so well-known that everyone who is even marginally familiar with anime will know what to expect when they watch it. In spite of this, the characters in Puella Magi Madoka Magica are able to withstand repeated viewings because of their eagerness to be annihilated ad infinitum.

Princess of the Puppets In the best conceivable manner, Madoka Magica is challenging to watch. This anime about magical girls is a masterpiece.

13. Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100

Bones created Mob Psycho 100, which was released in the spring of 2016. He goes by the alias “Mob,” an eighth-grader named Shigeo Kageyama who tries to manage his psychic abilities.

Con artist Arataka Eigen instructs Mob on how to utilize them to impress his crush, Tsubomi Takane. Exorcising wicked spirits and avoiding a demonic energy disaster are his only options at this point. In addition to the stunning visuals, Mob Psycho 100 has a heartfelt and poignant plot.

14. Kill La Kill

Released in Fall 2013, Trigger produced Kill La Kill. Ryuuko Matoi’s struggle to uncover the killer of her father is the focus of this show. There is an investigation that takes her to the Honnouji Academy.

Satsuki Kiryuuin, the president of the student council, and the “Elite Four,” who wear “Goku Uniforms,” govern this high school. However, Senketsu, a “Kamui,” provides Ryuuko with her own outfit. With the help of the Scissor Blade and Senketsu, she defeats them.

15. Hunter x Hunter

When criminals are defeated, the Hunters of this anime go on a treasure hunt to find long-lost artifacts. Rather than hunting for his mother, Gon Freecss, one of the Hunters, is searching for his father (also a Hunter). He becomes close with Leorio, Kurapika, and Killua. They all take the Hunter Exam, but as they journey to become Hunters, they encounter a variety of creatures and other characters.

16. Death Note

Death Note

Madhouse created Death Note, which was released in the fall of 2006. The first 25 episodes, in particular, are regarded as some of the best introduction anime ever made.

Anyone who has their name inscribed in the Death Note will be killed. The gods of death, known as shinigami, are the ones who really carry out the deed. One of them is Ryuk, who is the victim of Light Yagami’s Death Note heist. Even though his initial “good” intents are tested by the alluring power of the book, he uses this Death Note to bring criminals to justice using it. One of the enigmatic L’s investigations is prompted by the murders of Light.

17. The Promised Neverland

Winter 2019 saw the release of The Promised Neverland, which was developed by CloverWorks. The Grace Field House is the home of a bunch of orphans who live in a messed-up world. Isabella, the “Mama” of these orphans, states that they are not allowed to leave the institution. Adopted children are sometimes never seen again.

After a while, the three oldest orphans get skeptical of what is really going on and find out where the adopted kids are going and what exists in the real world outside of Grace Field House. HBO Max does not have The Promised Neverland: Season 2.

18. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Bones produced the Spring 2009 release of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Edward and Alphonse Elric are the central characters of this anime. Forbidden human transmutation was used by alchemists to resuscitate their mother. As a result, Edward loses his left leg and right arm, while Alphonse loses his entire body. When Alphonse’s soul was put into a suit of armor, the two of them went on a trip to retrieve his body (and Edward’s) as well as his limbs.

They’ll need the Philosopher’s Stone to do this, of course. One of the greatest shonen animes ever made, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a must-see for fans of action, character development, and zany humor. However, in a vacuum, the latter is still fairly funny.