Literary fiction, Psychological drama WARNING: Do not read if you are depressed. This manga deconstructs the coming-of-age story. Punpun is drawn as a simple cartoon bird, but the world around him is photorealistic and brutally sad. It follows his life from elementary school to early adulthood as he deals with abuse, nihilism, and loss. It is widely considered a masterpiece of art, but it is the heaviest thing on this list.

Why watch? The ultimate feel-good family comedy. A master spy, a deadly assassin, and a telepathic little girl must pretend to be a perfect family—each hiding their true identity from the others. Hilarious, action-packed, and heart-meltingly cute. Perfect for all ages.

Whether you're looking for heart-pounding action or a philosophical deep dive, the worlds of anime and manga offer stories for every kind of reader. From massive hits like to psychological thrillers like

Romantic comedy, Psychological (parody) Two genius student council presidents are in love with each other, but their pride is so massive that they refuse to confess. They wage psychological warfare, using elaborate schemes to force the other to admit their feelings first. The narrator treats a game of "who asks who to the dance" like a battle of Waterloo. Hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt.