5 Quintessential Animes You Must Watch

Anime has become an international phenomenon thanks to its lively visuals and captivating narratives. Though it is animated, it's for everyone and anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race. If you're unfamiliar with anime and are unsure of where to begin, here are five classic anime series to start you off.

1709701376130 Aiqoz | Deviant Art

Naruto

Join Naruto Uzumaki on a journey to become the strongest ninja in his clan. The series "Naruto" teaches valuable lessons about friendships, perseverance, and self-confidence in a mix of action, humor, and touching scenes. This epic saga, spanning over 700 episodes, will keep you engaged from start to finish.

1709701423816 Therealkanekiart | Deviant Art

My Hero Academia

In "My Hero Academia," protagonist Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero in a society where almost everyone possesses unique abilities called "quirks," despite being quirkless at birth. This anime, which combines thrilling superhero action with messages of friendship, courage, and self-improvement, is an essential watch for anime fans,

1709701487391 Amal FM | Flickr

Spirited Away

"Spirited Away" is one of many masterpieces from the renowned Studio Ghibli. It depicts Chihiro, a child trapped in a mysterious spirit realm seeking answers. The movie conveys important themes of kindness, bravery, and perseverance and has captivated audiences with its beautiful animation and creative narrative.

1709701530461 Net Sama | Flickr

Attack on Titan

"Attack on Titan" is a gripping television series that takes place in a universe where huge humanoid creatures known as Titans are threatening to wipe out civilization. For anyone looking for an exciting and thought-provoking experience, this anime is a must-watch because of its captivating story, nuanced characters, and breathtaking action scenes.

1709701577631 Dragonball Z

Dragonball Z

"Dragon Ball Z" is one of the rare animes that has had a truly significant impact on pop culture. It follows Goku and his friends as they embark on missions to protect the universe and Earth from strong enemies. Known for its epic battles, memorable characters, and messages of strength and determination, "Dragon Ball Z" remains a beloved favorite among anime enthusiasts worldwide.

Young Joey Bishop looking shocked, dressed in formal wear

VIDEO

July 11, 2026 Miles Rook

Joey Bishop: The Exiled Member Of The Rat Pack

Joey Bishop was the comedian, actor, and TV show host who warmed up audiences before his fellow Rat Pack members crooned their way into their hearts. But a feud between Bishop and Frank Sinatra sent him packing from the pack. His exile from the infamous Rat Pack came with consequences.

Singer Denny Doherty of poses for a Dunhill Records portrait in circa 1968.

VIDEO

July 10, 2026 J.D. Blackwell

Denny Doherty only spent a few years in the limelight with the Mamas & the Papas, but it took him the rest of his life to recover from it.

The folk quartet The Mamas & the Papas became hugely famous for their sweet vocal harmonies. Unfortunately, things behind the scenes were as unharmonious as you could get. Somehow, the California dreamers and their dysfunctional ways pulled Denny Doherty, a nice guy from eastern Canada, into their chaos. The Mamas & the Papas only spent a couple of years in the limelight, but it would take Doherty the rest of his life to recover from the trauma.

American actress, political activist, and former fashion model, Jane Fonda, poses for a portrait, circa 1968 in Los Angeles, CA.

VIDEO

July 9, 2026 Sasha Wren

Jane Fonda has gone from ingenue to counterculture firebrand to fitness tycoon to Hollywood icon—but she’s paid the price for speaking out.

Jane Fonda has shapeshifted so dramatically over nearly nine decades that even her own daughter once called her a chameleon. Think about it: Who else has gone from screen siren to Oscar-winning icon to fitness tycoon to women’s rights warrior to counterculture firebrand? Thank goodness her famously envied body is strong, because only someone that tough could weather more betrayals, heartbreaks, and scandals than any one person should ever face.

American actor and dancer Patrick Swayze (1952 - 2009) getting into a car, circa 1996.

VIDEO

July 8, 2026 Quinn Mercer

Patrick Swayze’s Life Was More Tragic Than You Think

Patrick Swayze oozed the kind of charm that puts bums in seats at the multiplex. He was a triple threat, as he was able to do action movies, romance, and could even dance like a pro. Of course, a perfectionist like Swayze was not about to sit back and be comfortable with box office appeal. What had always eluded him was the respect of critics. As it became clear that his life would come to an abrupt and early end, he had one final shot at critical acclaim.

Promotional portrait of American actor Jeff Chandler

VIDEO

July 7, 2026 Miles Brucker

Jeff Chandler was one of the toughest men in Hollywood, but a terrible tragedy took his life far too early.

Plenty of today’s Hollywood action stars seem a little below average when it comes to height—hello, Tom Cruise. Jeff Chandler was something different entirely. With his broad frame, he towered over most of his costars. The wavy silver hair, dark complexion, and deep, resonant voice certainly didn’t hurt either. When a terrible tragedy took his life far too early, Hollywood lost one of its true leading men. But years later, a shocking accusation would force people to see Chandler in a completely different light.

Members of the Grateful Dead were busted at 710 Ashbury in San Francisco in October of 1967. In this photo is Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Grateful Dead band member. Photo taken October 2, 1967.

VIDEO

July 6, 2026 Carl Wyndham

The Grateful Dead’s “Pigpen” lived like an outsider, but he understood something no one else wanted to admit—he wasn’t built to last.

Sure, the Grateful Dead were synonymous with psychedelics, free love, and 47-minute guitar noodles, but they were not synonymous with personal hygiene. Even so, only one guy earned the nickname “Pigpen,” and he was a walking contradiction. Pigpen McKernan just said no to acid and “Yes, please” to rotgut booze. And while the rest of the band drifted into cosmic improvisation, he stayed rooted in the blues.

5 Quintessential Animes You Must Watch

5 Quintessential Animes You Must Watch

Naruto

My Hero Academia

Spirited Away

Attack on Titan

Dragonball Z

READ MORE

Joey Bishop: The Exiled Member Of The Rat Pack

Denny Doherty only spent a few years in the limelight with the Mamas & the Papas, but it took him the rest of his life to recover from it.

Jane Fonda has gone from ingenue to counterculture firebrand to fitness tycoon to Hollywood icon—but she’s paid the price for speaking out.

Patrick Swayze’s Life Was More Tragic Than You Think

Jeff Chandler was one of the toughest men in Hollywood, but a terrible tragedy took his life far too early.

The Grateful Dead’s “Pigpen” lived like an outsider, but he understood something no one else wanted to admit—he wasn’t built to last.

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5 Quintessential Animes You Must Watch

5 Quintessential Animes You Must Watch

Naruto

My Hero Academia

Spirited Away

Attack on Titan

Dragonball Z

READ MORE

Joey Bishop: The Exiled Member Of The Rat Pack

Denny Doherty only spent a few years in the limelight with the Mamas & the Papas, but it took him the rest of his life to recover from it.

Jane Fonda has gone from ingenue to counterculture firebrand to fitness tycoon to Hollywood icon—but she’s paid the price for speaking out.

Patrick Swayze’s Life Was More Tragic Than You Think

Jeff Chandler was one of the toughest men in Hollywood, but a terrible tragedy took his life far too early.

The Grateful Dead’s “Pigpen” lived like an outsider, but he understood something no one else wanted to admit—he wasn’t built to last.

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