10 must-see anime shows and films before the Winter season ends

What are the latest trending sensations in the anime world, you ask? Here are the top spectacles you shouldn't be missing out on

Anime is one of the many Japanese creations that Filipinos of all ages have grown firmly attached to; those top-notch storylines, riveting artworks, and exceptional music scores; Japan and its animations have tugged into our hearts in so many ways. But with the thousands of movies and series released every season, there will inevitably be a lot of times when it gets hard to keep up. We might not always have the luxury to keep the ones we'd want to binge over the weekend in check or on the busiest of days; we may not even have the slightest idea what to watch nowadays, to begin with.

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Nevertheless, you don't have to feel bad. Here's a roundup of the best enjoyed, most anticipated, and highly applauded animes (in no particular order) to catch up on—or start anew—just in time before the anime Spring season begins and we're yet again blessed with a new wave. Some are already months old, most are to prepare you for their upcoming releases, and others may be your next favourite or what cannot be missed. So, if you have time to spare, go ahead and discover or rediscover what's trending in the anime space.

1. "The First Slam Dunk"

Before Blue Lock, Haikyu!!, and Kuroko no Basket, Slam Dunk is the title that comes to mind in the sports anime topic. It's a safe bet that the names Sakuragi, Rukawa, Ayako, Haruko, and coach Anzai are still remembered by the generations today, with some of the men having carved their love for basketball through watching the series. Thus, it wasn't surprising that The First Slam Dunk movie took over the web and picked on the childhood memories of now-adult Filipinos.

The film is said to take after the last plot of the Slam Dunk series in the form of an additional 'boss battle arc', complete with all the familiar faces and nostalgic feeling you've longed for.

2. "Bocchi the Rock!"

When you've always been a musically-inclined person or dreamed of being in a band in your younger years, Bocchi the Rock! hits the right notes and your sweet spots altogether. This lighthearted and funny anime gave birth to a multitude of memes. It features the irresistible personality of Bocchi, a young teenage girl who perfectly encapsulates what's it like to be an introvert amongst extrovert bandmates in a high school setting, on top of being in the entertainment industry.

All the fun and beautiful music from the show called for Bocchi the Rock! to win the Anime of the Year award in the 2022 Anime Trending Awards.

3. "Chainsaw Man"

In one way or another, you've probably seen an orange-coloured stuffed toy-looking dog character with a chainsaw protruding from the centre of its head. If you're familiar with Chainsaw Man, you would know by now you're staring at Pochita.

Apart from the adorable Pochita, the main character Denji's story made the series viral daily, thanks to Studio MAPPA. Whether you're not following Chainsaw Man through manga, jump into its first anime season filled with devils, fiends, and devil hunters in outstanding visuals.

4. "Demon Slayer"

Demon Slayer's third season, the Swordsmith Village Arc, comes out in April—and you'll be left out if you still haven't watched Demon Slayer's first two seasons that almost the majority of the population can't get enough of.

5. "Jujutsu Kaisen 0"

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 takes us back to when Maki Zeni'n, Toge Inumaki, and Panda were first-year students. Though our sophomore fancies have more screen time, the movie introduces Yuta and his cursed spirit that seconds as a lover, Rika. But there's more to get you excited that can be summed up in two words: Satoru Gojo. Yes, you'll witness more of the greatest jujutsu sorcerer ever.

6. "Attack On Titan"

"Shinzou wo Sasageyo!" As expected, we were all hungover from the finale of Part 2. To all devotees of Attack on Titan, you don't have to wait any longer with Part 3 of the last season coming out this month. So be sure to catch up with all the past seasons before the golden moment comes.

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7. "Tokyo Revengers"

In case you missed it, Tokyo Revengers' second season was released early this year. Commencing the Christmas Showdown arc, you'll see more of Takemichi's life events through the past, present, and future since the Bloody Halloween arc.

8. "Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre"

Not everyone adores Junji Ito's art—its depth, darkness, twisted, and bizarrely distinct style. But for the fans of the artist and horror enthusiasts, a new Ito launch which features his gripping masterpieces is an absolute treat. Get stunned and be awed in the frames of Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, streaming on Netflix.

9. "Case Closed: The Culprit Hanzawa"

Nostalgia will hit you hard like a ton of bricks when you come across Case Closed: The Culprit Hanzawa. It is a spinoff derived from the Filipinos' classic childhood favourite, Detective Conan. Even though every episode only runs for about 10 minutes, it is filled with comedy and is well done. The series has a hint of satire. But ultimately, it provides fans with the satisfaction of seeing the famous detective in a kid's body again.

10. "One Piece Film Red"

One Piece is undoubtedly one of the longest-running animes of all time, alongside the timeless Naruto. But despite its duration, it is one of the animes with the widest fanbases. In celebration of One Piece's Episode 1000, here comes One Piece Film Red. It is the 15th movie out of a lengthy number of manga chapters by the same Eiichiro Oda, a musical fantasy packed with action revolving around the adventure of The Straw Hat Pirates.

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Kristina Isabel Oviedo

Features Writer, Tatler Philippines

Kristina's passion to write came from her love for books. If her nose isn't buried in one nor her fingers are tapping away on a keyboard working on a write-up, you'll find her having a feast at a new restaurant or savouring coffee in the nearest shop listening to rock music. Also interested in computer games and all things Japan, she spends her free time playing Dota 2, watching anime, as well as reading manga.