Anime often captivates audiences with its intricate storylines, complex characters, unexpected twists, and breathtaking animation. There are many that create a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience, making many wishes they could watch it for the first time again. However, there are plenty of anime that are designed to beappreciated more on a second or third viewing. These shows are filled with foreshadowing, hidden details, and nuanced themes that may be overlooked on a first watch.
Anime like these have to be rewatched to appreciate their brilliance fully.Rewatching shows can offer a fresh perspective on the plot, character motivations, and overall narrative depth. Many shows have multiple layers of storytelling that are impossible to catch completely with only one watch. Whether it’s through impressive foreshadowing or complex, interweaving storylines, there are anime series where a rewatch is necessary to understand the full genius of the series.
Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengersis built on a web of time travel, gang rivalries, and character-driven drama.On a first viewing, much attention is drawn to the high-stakes action and the main character, Takemichi Hanagaki’s goals of saving Hinata Tachibana and his friends.
“An Anime Rewatch” - Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai Review
Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai relives iconic moments and battles from the anime, but it’s too light on actual gameplay.
However,a rewatch allows fans to dive deeper into the intricacies of the time-travel mechanicsand how each timeline shift influences the characters’ decisions and relationships. Beyond the plot and time travel mechanics, a rewatch also highlights the growth of key characters throughout the anime.
For example,Takemichi’s story is initially one of self-redemption,but evolves with each shift in the timeline, slowly turning him into a more driven and determined character. Hisrelationships with the other characters become more refined, revealing how they influence his development as the story continues on.
Durarara!!is a series that thrives on its chaotic and interconnected narratives, where multiple storylines converge in unexpected ways.Upon first watch, it’s easy to get swept up in the fast pace and eccentric cast of characters, but its complexity can be difficult to grasp with so many plotlines happening all at once.
Revisiting the anime allows fans to appreciate the storytelling structure and the seemingly insignificant encounters, which eventually come back to play more prevalent role later on. Additionally,after the first watch, it becomes clear that the anime is not just a narrative collection of a large cast of characters,but rather a story about Ikebukuro, the city where the events occur.
Durarara!!is a spectacularly interwoven collection of tales that can be hard to keep track of.
From a headless rider to a war between colored gangs in the city’s underworld,Durarara!!is a spectacularly interwoven collection of tales that can be hard to keep track of. Fans who revisit this anime have a stronger understanding of the setting and the characters that inhabit it.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiyais an anime thatchallenges its viewers with nonlinear storytelling, twists, and metaphysical themes. The first watch will leave viewers trying to make sense of its jumbled narrative, whereas a rewatch transforms the experience into a puzzle that starts to come together more smoothly. Key moments throughout the anime that may have seemed random or confusing fall into place with a second viewing.
A rewatch also sheds light on Haruhi’s and Kyon’s dynamic.Haruhi’s god-like power to reshape reality and her obliviousness to it becomes much more intriguing when reexamined. In turn, Kyon’s role as the only “normal” character in Haruhi’s friend group gains more significance. The second time, throughThe Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiyaallows fans to have a deeper appreciation of how the series takes on existential themes while also balancing its humor and sci-fi elements.
Kaguya-sama: Love is Warshines as a lighthearted rom-com, but beneath its comedic battles lies a complex study of emotional growth between Kaguya and Shirogane. On the first watch, the anime’s main charm comes from its sharp wit, narrative commentary, andabsurd yet endearing “battles” between the two main protagonists. A rewatch ofKaguya-sama: Love is Warbrings out the show’s subtleties in the evolution of their relationship, as well as deeper insecurities and internal struggles that fuel their amusing mind games.
The main couple, while central to the story and endearing, is not the sole reason to rewatch this anime. Side characters like Ishigami and Chika also become interesting to revisit, and fans can enjoy their quirks and contributions to the overarching themes ofKaguya-sama. The humor is even more enjoyable when viewers understand the context behind each character’s emotional barriers, turning the show from a humorous and laughable watch to one that packs more of an emotional punch.
Higurashiis a psychological horror masterpiece that benefits immensely from a rewatch due to its nonlinear storytelling and complex mystery. During the first viewing, the anime overwhelms viewers with its shocking tonal shifts, gruesome scenes, and seemingly unconnected story arcs. However, after a rewatch, it becomes clear thatevery arc is part of a larger picture, made of cleverly constructed layers of foreshadowing and storytelling. Knowing the true nature of the time loops and the characters' fates transforms every episode into a suspenseful game of catching details that were missed before.
A rewatch ofHigurashideepens the appreciation for the characters’ relationships with each other and how they interact with one another. Initially seen as victims or perpetrators of horrific acts, the second time around allows fans to focus on their fears, traumas, and motivations. A second or third rewatch ofHigurashiunveils new insights into the characters' choicesand adds more weight to their attempt at breaking the cycle of violence.
Death Noteis a psychological thrillerthat invites viewers into a cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami and L. On the first watch, much of the excitement comes from the tension, morally grey choices, and the battle of wits between two geniuses.
RewatchingDeath Notemay take away the suspense, but itallows fans to understand how meticulously Light and L crafted their strategies. The second viewing also allows viewers to watch every moment that gradually shifts Light’s character from one who believes in an idealistic view of justice to a ruthless megalomaniac.
Death Noteis a thrilling watch on the first viewing, but on the second viewing, it becomes a case study of Light Yagami’s character.
A rewatch highlights Light Yagami’s descent into madness and the increasing parallels between himself and the criminals he despises.Death Noteis a thrilling watch on the first viewing, but on the second viewing, it becomesa case study of Light Yagami’s character.
Perhaps the most talked about anime in need of a rewatch,Attack on Titanbecame a groundbreaking series andrevolutionized what anime is capable of. During the first viewing, fans are caught up in intense, high-stakes battles and shocking plot twists.A rewatch unveils the intricate world-building and foreshadowing that permeate the story, allowing fans to fully appreciate how the narrative builds upon itself.
Attack on Titanis an anime that can be watched a third and fourth time before every bit of foreshadowing is caught. Upon knowing the truth behind the events that unfold in the series, audiences can go back and rewatch the complex string of events that unfold in real time and understand why and how each decision was made.Understanding the larger context behindAttack on Titanadds a profound depth to the anime,making it a rewarding experience to rewatch.
Puella Magi Madoka Magicadisrupts the magical girl genre with a dark and complex narrativethat reveals its true brilliance on a second watch. Initially, the anime comes off as a whimsical and vibrant series, but it quickly transforms into a haunting and twisted turn of events. The first viewing is certain to shock fans with the darker elements in the show, but upon revisiting, audiences can appreciate the carefully crafted dynamics between the characters.
For example, Homura comes across as cold and even cruel, but by the end of the series, perceptions change drastically. RewatchingMadoka Magicaprovides a deeper understanding of the character’s motivations. The personal struggles and skewed dynamics become more impactful when viewers have the full picture. Upon watching a second time,the choices and actions taken by the characters become more explicableand add to the layers of the storyline.
Re:Zero: Starting Life in Another Worldcaught the interest of audiences through its unique take on the isekai genre and the heavy emotional toll it takes on the protagonist, Subaru Natsuki. At first glance, the anime may seem to focus on fantasy and adventure, perhaps it even seemed as though it’d be repetitive, but upon revisiting the anime, it becomes clear thatevery one of Subaru’s redos adds to the story and his character development. Recognizing the significance of what seemed like minor interactions and events enhances the understanding of how it shaped the narrative going forward.
Subaru’s growth and backstoryare particularly touching upon rewatching. Initially perceived as a naive and impulsive character, his journey helps him grow to be more resilient and confident in himself. The heavy burden of his Return by Death ability may take a toll on him, understandably, but he develops a drive and bravery that pushes him through.Watching his journey for a second time, knowing where Subaru comes from adds to the emotional weight of the story.
Steins;Gateis a masterfulblend of science fiction and high emotional stakesin a narrative that deals with time travel. On the first watch, the series captivates fans with fun characters and plot twists, but a rewatch reveals the construction that built up the anime to what it is. Knowing the outcomes of pivotal events allows audiences toappreciate the groundwork and foreshadowing that are laid out early on.
Additionally, the emotional heart ofSteins;Gatebecomes more pronounced upon rewatching. The humor and eccentricity of the characters may occasionally overshadow the underlying themes of sacrifice and chosen family, as well as the consequences of time travel. A second watch allows for a deeper understanding of the weight of the cast’s actions and gives viewers a greater appreciation for the anime.
