11 New Anime From 2023 That You Need To Put On Your To-Watch List

You know when an anime is so good that it feels like it's only two minutes long? These definitely do that.

1. Mashle: Magic and Muscles

Crunchyroll

What it's about: Born into a magical world without an ounce of magic in his blood, Mash Burnedead is forced to live in hiding with his adoptive father, Regro. When his lack of magical powers is revealed, Mash embarks on a quest to become a Divine Visionary — a title that is only given to exceptional students from the illustrious Easton Magic Academy — in order to live a peaceful life with his father. Despite having no magic whatsoever, Mash is determined to survive through his incredible physical abilities.

Why it's worth watching: This anime feels like a mishmash of Harry Potter and One Punch Man — and I freakin' love it. Mash is a simple guy, dedicated to cream puffs and weight lifting. Instead of being a typical jock though, he's likeable, loveable, and gives off a sort of deadpan, in-his-own-world attitude that add to the over-the-top humour of Mashle and the main character's attempts to succeed in a world of magic. Above all the jokes and gags though, Mash rises up against a biased magical societal system — showing that kindness, like always, can go a long way.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

2. My Love Story With Yamada-Kun At LV999

Crunchyroll

What it's about: After her boyfriend breaks up with her for another girl, Akana Kinoshita attempts to blow off steam in Forest Of Saviour (FOS), an online game they used to play together. While exploring the hunting grounds, she bumps into her guild-mate, Yamada, and ends up spilling everything about her failed relationship to him. His response? "I don't care." But when Akane attends an in-person event for FOS players in an attempt to get back at her ex, she ends up unexpectedly meeting Akito Yamada, a gaming legend who just so happens to be her rude guild-mate. The two strike up a conversation and their friendship levels up in ways that neither expects.

Why it's worth watching: As a fellow gamer, I was immediately drawn to the plot of this anime — and so far, it hasn't disappointed me in the slightest. It feels like a modern, fresh, and realistic take on the rom-com genre — especially with Akane trying to decide whether she's actually romantically interested in Yamada or if she's merely distracted by his good looks (and looking past his asocial personality). Let me just say, been there, done that. With Akane and Yamada, it was never going to be a love-at-first-sight thing, you know? Each episode builds on their romance — whether it's through them interacting as their video game characters or learning more about each other in the real world. I'm also loving the extended cast of characters who add an extra dose of humour into My Love Story, as well as propelling the character growth between the two leads.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

3. Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku

Crunchyroll

What it's about: Tired of a life filled with killing and betrayal, Gabimaru — a former shinobi (ninja) — is ready to die. But despite wishing for death, Gabimaru resists every attempt to kill him while on death row. Why? Because he does have a reason to live. He wants to return to his wife, who saw beyond his hollowness and dreamed of an ordinary life together. But the only way to receive a full pardon for his crimes involves him — alongside other death row criminals — searching for the elixir of life on a mysterious island known as Paradise. 

Why it's worth watching: Being the latest installment from Studio MAPPA, there was a lot of hype for Hell's Paradise — and after watching the first couple of episodes (check out my full review here), I can confirm that this anime absolutely delivered. Stunning animation, fascinating characters, action-packed fight scenes, and gruesome horror elements are all things that make this dark shonen so compelling. Gabimaru isn't just your typical assassin either — each new episode peels back the layers of his character, revealing how and why he became the man he is today. 

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

4. Suzume

Sony Pictures Releasing

What it's about: In a quiet town in Kyushu, high school student Suzume Iwato encounters a young man, Sōta Munakata, searching for abandoned areas with doors. After telling him about an old resort nearby, Suzume goes to check it out herself and discovers a door standing on its frame, revealing a starlit field through the opened doorway. Suzume learns that Sōta is a "Closer", who is in charge of locating and closing magic doors that lead to the other side in order to prevent terrible disasters from being released. Joining him on a journey that leads all over Japan, Suzume and Sota band together to stop a major catastrophe from happening.

Why it's worth watching: Written and directed by Majoto Shinkai, who is the master storyteller behind Your Name And Weathering With You, Suzume is an emotional rollercoaster. Like Shinkai's previous films, Suzume is visually stunning and has a brilliant soundtrack to amplify its emotionally charged story (inspired by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which resultantly led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster) that focuses on the themes of loss and overcoming grief and trauma. Suzume is bold and strong, while Sota as the three-legged chair (no spoilers) injects some much-needed laughter into the film. While it may not surpass the cultural impact of Your Name (will anything?), Suzume is still a beautiful film that deserves to be watched (and rewatched). 

Available to watch in your local cinema (and if you can't, I'm sure it'll land on a streaming service like Crunchyroll soon). 

5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc

Crunchyroll

What it's about: Following on from the events of the Entertainment District Arc, Tanjiro journeys to the Swordswith Village in order to have his sword repaired. While there, he meets the Mist Hashira (Muichiro Tokito), the Love Hashira (Mitsuri Kanroji), and reunites with a fellow Demon Slayer (Genya Shinazugawa, who is also the younger brother of the Wind Hashira). After Tanjiro waits for his sword to be repaired, two upper-rank demons ambush the village, resulting in yet another battle of life and death.

Why it's worth watching: First of all, if you've not already hopped on the Demon Slayer hype train, get on board. There's a reason why it's currently one of the most popular anime — and that boils down to its breathtaking visuals (the animation, especially during the fight scenes is next-level), compelling storyline, and because of human the themes and characters of this anime are. Even though we're only a couple of episodes into Season 3, Demon Slayer is already delivering the sort of high-stakes action that has you hooked until the very last second. No, for real, a 24-minute episode ends up feeling like two minutes because you're so engrossed in what's happening. I'm also really enjoying the character development with the other Hashiras, as well as learning more about Genya and the Swordsmith Village. The only downside is having to wait a week between new episodes (the struggle is so real). 

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

6. Heavenly Delusion

Disney+

What it's about: It's been 15 years since an unprecedented disaster completely destroyed modern civilisation. Now, dangerous man-eating monsters roam the ravaged lands, terrorising the remaining survivors. An isolated facility shelters a group of children, who grow more and more curious about the world beyond the walls that keep them safe. Meanwhile, on the outside two young survivors named Maru and Kiruko — each with their own secrets and burdens — band together to search for a special place called Heaven.

Why it's worth watching: The premise alone was enough to hook me in, but after watching a couple of episodes I think it's safe to say that Heavenly Delusion is one of the most interesting anime I've watched all year. Everything, from the setting to the dual storylines to the characters is full of mystery and intrigue. And because of that, you cling to each detail revealed to try and piece together exactly what is happening and why the world is the way it is in Heavenly Delusion. If you're a fan of The Last Of Us and The Promised Neverland (besides the anti-climatic Season 2), then this will be right up your alley.

Available to stream on Hulu or Disney+ (you'll have to search up the Japanese name, Tengoku Daimakyou, to find it).

7. A Galaxy Next Door

Crunchyroll

What it's about: After his father's death, Ichirou Kuga — a manga artist — is left to care for his two younger siblings. As the stress of his job and family responsibilities start to overwhelm him, helps arrives in the form of Shiori Goshiki, who becomes his new assistant. Things are looking up until a bizarre accident and supernatural experience between Ichirou and Shirou lead to their supposed engagement. 

Why it's worth watching: A Galaxy Next Door is one of those anime where you can simply turn off your brain, relax and bask in the wholesome storyline that you're watching. The main characters are sweet and kind, and the added twist involving Shirou sets it apart from other romance anime. While it may not win awards, if you're looking for a slice-of-life anime that gives you warm, fuzzy vibes while watching a cute love story unfold, then this is the one for you.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

8. My Home Hero

Crunchyroll

What it's about: After killing his daughter's abusive yakuza boyfriend to save her, ordinary salaryman Tetsuo Tosu enlists the help of his wife to dispose of the body. Getting away with murder won't be that simple though, with members of the yakuza beginning to question Nobuto's sudden disappearance. 

Why it's worth watching: The suspense and tension in each episode alone are reason enough to watch My Home Hero, but what sets this anime apart is how Tesuo's wife stumbles upon his crime and is immediately willing to help him. Although they're an ordinary couple, their desire to protect their daughter (and Tesuo's love for mystery novels) unites them into surprisingly capable murderers. That only lasts for so long though, as come Episode 3 there's a twist that adds another layer to this anime. No spoilers though, you'll have to watch to find out!

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

9. Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion

Crunchyroll

What it's about: After a mysterious death, Rinko Hanasaki awakens in the body of Raeliana McMillan, the eldest daughter of a wealthy baron. However, this is no ordinary world, it's the exact same one as a novel she once read. Although her new life seems like a fairytale, Rinko remembers the ending to this story: her murder at the hands of her fiancé. Aiming to change the original ending, she instigates a phony engagement with Noah Volstaire Wynknight, a duke who is hiding his own devilish secrets.

Why it's worth watching: Adapted from a popular manhwa (Korean comic), this anime had so many favorable reviews on Crunchyroll that I felt like I needed to give it a watch — and I'm so glad I did. The first two episodes were a bit slow, but by the third, I was well and truly hooked. The duel murder-mystery plot (remember, we don't know who killed Rinko in the real world) is exciting and I feel like there's some sort of enemies-to-lovers tension brewing between Raeliana and the Duke, who has secrets of his own. Then again, there's also Adam Taylor, who is part of the Duke's guard and has taken a liking to Raeliana too. If I had to compare it to a live-action show, I would say this anime gives off Bridgerton vibes, and I am very much here for it.

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

10. Dead Mount Death Play

Crunchyroll

What it's about: A fight to the death between a knight and a necromancer known as the Corpse God results in the latter's reincarnation into the body of a murdered teenager in modern-day Tokyo. While the Corpse God desires a peaceful life, he quickly finds out that there are people out there who still want his host body dead. With the balance between Earth and the Other World being disrupted, he'll have to go up against new foes and make friends along the way in order to achieve his goal.

Why it's worth watching: If you're a fan of isekai, then you'll definitely be into Dead Mount Death Play, which reverses the usual tropes of the sub-genre by having a character from another world come to Earth. What I like about this anime is that it does a good job of balancing some serious, heavy themes with dark humour to offset the violence. A lot of the characters in Dead Mount Death Play, including the Corpse God, are morally grey — and that just adds more interest to the storyline and who you're essentially rooting for. 

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

11. And lastly, To Every You I've Loved Before and To Me, The One Who Loved You

Crunchyroll

What it's about: Although these are two separate sci-fi romance movies, together they intertwine with one another across parallel worlds while also telling their own individual stories. Depending on which one you watch first, you'll get a different ending to the overarching story. Here's the synopsis for each film.

To Every You I've Loved Before:

While struggling to make friends after his parents’ divorce, Koyomi Takasaki meets Kazune Takigawa, but apparently, they already have. Kazune reveals that she’s from World Line 85, an alternate universe in which she and Koyomi are lovers. But in a reality where moving between dimensions is natural, could Koyomi be the one from another world?

To Me, The One Who Loved You 

Koyomi Hidaka and Shiori Sato meet at his father’s research center and begin to fall in love, but so do their parents, who eventually marry. To avoid becoming step-siblings, they decide to run away to a parallel universe. Traveling between dimensions is common in their world, but not without repercussions. Does a universe exist for the young couple, and what will it cost them to find it?

Why it's worth watching: For starters, the concept of these two separate, but intertwined films makes for such a unique storytelling experience. Plus, as mentioned before, depending on which one you start with — you're in control of how the story will ultimately end (and there's even a third bonus ending that can be unlocked by jumping back and forth between the "blue movie" and "red movie"). Without spoiling too much as I think it's best to go in blind, prepare yourself with a box of tissues and give it your undivided attention (as the science involved within the movies can be confusing to understand sometimes).

Available to stream on Crunchyroll.

What new anime have you been watching and which would you recommend? Let us know in the comments!

I still need to watch Buddy Daddies and Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill — and one day, I'll get around to finally watching Vinland Saga and Doctor Stone, as I know there are new seasons that have premiered. There aren't enough hours in the day to watch anime, tbh.

Need more TV show, movie, anime, and gaming recommendations? Check out Press Play, a new column dedicated to reviewing the latest releases, uncovering hidden gems and solving the age-old question of "What do I stream?" (before your food gets cold).