Hunters are all about tackling dangerous missions, whether it's exploring uncharted lands or hunting down rare creatures and treasures. But becoming a Hunter in "Hunter x Hunter" - one of the best anime by Madhouse studio - is no walk in the park: a person has got to pass the infamous Hunter Examination, a risky ordeal that has left many applicants seriously injured or worse, not making it out alive.

And for the 12-year-old Gon Freecss - our protagonist in "Hunter x Hunter," the Hunter Exam is more than just a challenge; it's a chance to find his long-lost father, Ging, who happens to be a legendary Hunter himself. Gon is determined to follow in his dad's footsteps and believes that becoming a Hunter is the key to finally meeting him.

As the grueling exam kicks off, Gon forms unexpected bonds with his fellow participants. There's Leorio Paladiknight, a med student with his own dreams, Kurapika, fueled by a desire for vengeance, and Killua Zoldyck, a former assassin with a mysterious past. Despite their diverse motivations, they unite for a common purpose and set out on an exciting journey into a world fraught with danger and thrills.

Release: 2011

MyAnimeList Score: 9.04/10

"Monster," one of the best anime by Madhouse studio, introduces us to Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a top-notch neurosurgeon with a bright future ahead. Life seems to be going his way, especially with his engagement to the hospital director's daughter. But all that changes one fateful night when a seemingly small decision turns his world upside down.

During a critical surgery, he gets an unexpected call from the hospital director, urging him to switch patients and save a famous performer instead. Dr. Tenma follows orders, but this choice comes at a high cost - a poor immigrant worker loses his life. Guilt-ridden and torn, Tenma faces an internal battle between his career and his conscience.

When faced with a similar situation later on, Dr. Tenma takes a stand and chooses to save a young boy, Johan Liebert, over a powerful politician. Little does he know that this decision will lead to even greater challenges, costing him his reputation and social standing. Now, on a quest for redemption, Dr. Tenma embarks on a journey to right the wrongs caused by Johan Liebert - the "monster", the very person he once rescued.

Release: 2004

MyAnimeList Score: 8.87/10

"Hajime no Ipo" tells the story of teenager Ippo Makunouchi - who, in the absence of his father, pitches in to help his mom run their fishing boat rental biz. But life isn't all smooth sailing for him. He's got a timid nature, hardly any sleep, and that lingering smell of the sea, which makes him an easy target for bullies who won't let up. The poor guy ends up getting battered and bruised every single day.

But fate takes a turn when Mamoru Takamura, a rising boxing star, swoops in to save Ippo from an after-school brawl. Takamura takes the kid under his wing and brings him to the Kamogawa Boxing Gym to recover. Turns out, Ippo's got a killer punch, thanks to all those years of working hard in his family's physically demanding business.

Impressed by Ippo's natural talent, the other boxers at the gym encourage him to step into the ring and take on prodigy Ichirou Miyata in a practice match. This sparks a friendly rivalry between them. Soon enough, Ippo finds himself with a new coach, Genji Kamogawa, the gym's owner and a former boxer.

With Genji's guidance, Ippo begins his official boxing journey, ready to face off against tougher and stronger opponents with each match. It's a rollercoaster of victories and losses, but Ippo's unyielding determination keeps him going. With a rock-solid body and a fighting spirit that won't quit, our protagonist in "Hajime no Ipo" is ready to take on the world and prove that he's got the talent to become the best champ.

Release: 2000

MyAnimeList Score: 8.76/10

In the messed-up world of humans, there's no shortage of brutal murders, petty thefts, and just plain senseless violence. Meanwhile, the death gods have their own dull realm - a never-changing gambling den. Life is, therefore, pretty boring - or at least, that's what the genius 17-year-old Japanese student Light Yagami and the twisted death god Ryuk both think.

To spice things up, Ryuk decides to drop his Death Note right into the human world, just for kicks. And Light stumbles upon this deadly notebook, with a real doozy rule: write someone's name in the note, and they're as good as gone. While that sounds crazy, temptation gets the better of Light, and he tries it out on a criminal. In a second, the dude's gone in a flash.

Now, with this godlike power of Death Note in his hands, Light takes on the name "Kira" to turn himself into a judge, jury, and executioner. He's all about cleansing the world of evil-doers, believing he's the hero the world needs.

But soon, the super-smart detective L is hot on Kira's trail. It's like a wild game of cat and mouse, where each move is a battle of wits between the two. The stakes are high, and there can only be one winner: dead or alive.

Release: 2006

MyAnimeList Score: 8.62/10

"Wolf Children" centers on Hana, a college student who's juggling it all - books, classes, and... a mysterious guy who catches her eye in one of her lectures.

But here's the twist: turns out, Mr. Mysterious is actually the last living werewolf in the world. On full moon nights, he goes all furry and transforms right before Hana's eyes. But love knows no bounds, and Hana's still smitten. So, against all odds, they decide to start a family together.

Fast forward a bit, and Hana gives birth to two adorable wolf children - Ame and Yuki. When tragedy strikes, she finds herself raising her unique little family all on her own. Takeing care of wild-natured wolf kids in a busy city is not easy, so Hana packs her bags and takes her pack to the countryside, where she hopes Ame and Yuki can live to their hearts' content without society giving them the side-eye.

Release: 2012

MyAnimeList Score: 8.58/10

"Perfect Blue" starts with CHAM! - a J-pop idol group that has been on stage for a solid two years. But all good things must eventually come to an end: Mima Kirigoe, one of CHAM!'s members, decides it's time to chase her acting dreams and says farewell to the group. It's a big step, and she hopes her fans will support her new journey.

Now, life after CHAM! isn't exactly a cakewalk for Mima. She's determined to ditch her pop-idol image, so she takes up acting in a crime drama series. However, acting is serious business; the pressure starts piling up, leaving Mima and her manager, Rumi Hidaka, with a lot on their plates.

But that's not all. An obsessed fan just can't accept that Mima is moving on, and things take a creepy turn. On top of that, there's a mysterious website that's popping up, spilling all kinds of private stuff about Mima's life.

With every unsettling twist that comes her way, Mima starts questioning what's real and what's just a wild illusion. It's a rollercoaster ride of suspense, and you can't help but get pulled into her mind-bending journey in "Perfect Blue."

Release: 1998

MyAnimeList Score: 8.54/10