At the beginning of March, everything was going fine. However, on March 12, the school announced its closure due to COVID-19. Everyone was shocked; it changed school and our daily lives. A lot of time for hobbies like Netflix, Hulu, etc., opened up. Many people also started watching anime. Since then, anime has become a popular part of quarantine. So, I got curious and did some research to find out what everyone is watching. Here’s my take on the top five anime shows that may be a gratifying diversion in quarantine.

Coming in at number five is Rascal Does Not Dream Bunny Girl Senpai, with a story about a boy in high school named Sakuta Azusagawa. One day, while wandering around the library, he meets a girl in a bunny outfit. The girl turns out to be Mai Sakurajima, a famous actress; however, Sakuta is the only one who can see her, even when Mai dresses normally or tries to stay away from her celebrity life. Sakuta learns that he has Adolescence Syndrome, also known as Puberty Syndrome, an abnormal vision that happens when an individual is going through distress or wracking events. Sakuta tries to solve this dilemma while getting closer to Mai and meeting other students with his affliction.

Luis Javier, who loves Rascal Does Not Dream Bunny Girl Senpai, explains what makes the show great: “Brilliantly written characters, values, and concepts. Nowadays, it’s hard to find a story… where you can get so easily invested in the lives of the characters in a show.” This show is feel-good and gradually develops a romance. 7.5/10

The next show, at number four, is My Hero Academia, which takes place in a world where 80% of the population has special powers. Izuku Midoriya is a boy in middle school who doesn’t have any powers but still dreams of becoming a hero. One day, Midoriya unexpectedly bumps into legendary superhero All Might, who changes his future. Finally equipped with a power, the protagonist must pass the entrance exam for U.A., the top hero academy in Japan. Will his dreams come true?

Currently, My Hero Academia has four seasons out, and it has been said that season five will come out in the spring of 2021, so stay tuned for it. My Hero Academia leaves you with a cliffhanger at the end of every season, which keeps you wanting to watch more. It is also well-written, because whenever there are new characters mentioned, an explanation about them is immediately provided. The characters are especially relatable because they are high school students, and many of them go through hardships that viewers have likely experienced. 8/10

Now, this next show has a lot of people talking on TikTok, but trust me: no amount of social media speculation could ruin this anime! At number three is Banana Fish, but do not be fooled by the strange title. The story takes place in 2006, when a U.S. soldier in Iraq starts firing at his own squad. Alarmed, his squad fires back. The soldier becomes paralyzed, but not before uttering the fateful words: “banana fish.” Many years later, in New York City, a young boy named Ash Lynx, a gang leader, stumbles upon a dying man whose last words are also “banana fish.” Ash then meets a Japanese photographer, Eiji Okumura, and they try to find the mysterious truth about Banana Fish, a drug that threatens to destroy the whole world.

I’m going to disclose a warning, because this show talks about sexual harassment. If you don’t feel comfortable with this topic, I don’t recommend watching it. I went on Instagram to find someone who would share their thoughts on Banana Fish. Zoe Liong, a friend of mine, says, “It’s pretty good; it’s not something I would [normally] watch.” Liong started watching Banana Fish because her friends suggested it. Banana Fish is memorable because it talks about deep life lessons, and viewers come to really care about the characters. 8.5/10

Moving to a happier anime that has also garnered much attention on social media: coming in at number two is Haikyuu!! This anime is about Hinata Shouyou, a short middle school student who suddenly becomes interested in volleyball after watching the national championships on TV. Hinata then joins the middle school team. There is no place where they can practice, but that doesn't stop them. The team enters a competition, but they are unlucky; they face Kageyama Tobio, who is known as “king of the court.” Kageyama crushes Hinata’s team, but Hinata is determined that in the future, he will defeat Kageyama. The show flash-forwards to Hinata as a high school student trying out for the volleyball team. Little does he know that Kageyama is also on the team. The show follows the members’ struggle to get along with each other, improve their skills, and strive to become the greatest team.

A Kamiak student said that at first, it might not be interesting, but the show begins to draw you in. Even though the plot might be repetitive, the cliff hangers keep you watching it. She also liked that the episodes were short, because, “I was able to rewatch everything countless times!” Another student shared that “Along with their volleyball skills improving, I also love how the main character isn’t immediately good at everything. We see his improvement.” You might initially feel reluctant about the show, but keep watching; trust me, it gets better. Season four is being aired now, so make sure to check that out as well. 9.5/10