Navigating each anime season can be quite daunting. This summer is packed with numerous series across various streaming platforms, making it hard for even the most enthusiastic fans to keep track. The summer anime season, spanning from July to the end of September, is in full swing. This is an ideal time to start watching, as several episodes of each series are already available, along with numerous dubbed versions.

Here’s a rundown of some series you might want to catch before the season concludes.

(Editor’s note: Klaudia Amenábar, who works freelance for an anime market research agency, offers these personal suggestions. They do not represent the interests of any clients.)

Some have dubbed this season the Feel-Bad-Anime Summer due to a plethora of horror-themed shows. A standout is Kadokawa’s The Summer Hikaru Died (available weekly on Netflix), a profound series that captures the eerie realization of being queer in a small, close-knit town. The series features dynamic animation, meticulous shot composition, impressive voice acting—including a careful depiction of the local dialect—and a compelling narrative. It authentically portrays the stifling atmosphere of a humid summer in a small Japanese town, where personal secrets are scarce and the true monsters might be closer than they appear.

While major horror-action series like Tougen Anki are making waves, don’t overlook the limited series Takopi’s Original Sin (available on Crunchyroll). It’s a deep dive into serious themes such as suicide, abuse, and intense bullying, packed into a brief series that leaves a lasting impact. It’s a heart-wrenching watch that may require a few tissues.

Another under-the-radar horror this summer is Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube, a fresh anime adaptation of a beloved Shonen Jump manga. This version focuses more on the horror aspects, skillfully blended with top-notch action sequences and solid episodic storytelling. It’s set in the 2020s, where a socially awkward Gen Z elementary school teacher faces classic monsters and urban legends to protect his students. The show, which critiques elements of modern culture like YouTube true-crime fandom, streams weekly for free on anime distributor REMOW’s YouTube channel.

On a lighter note, Anne Shirley (streaming weekly on Crunchyroll) offers a refreshing take this summer. The Anne Of Green Gables novels, long celebrated in Japan and previously adapted by anime legends, influence a new generation with this series. It’s beautifully animated and provides a comforting, picturesque experience each week.

For those seeking a soothing, escapist series, With You And The Rain (also on Crunchyroll) is perfect. It centers on a woman with social anxiety who adopts a tanuki, leading to heartwarming adventures. Amidst the action-packed and horror-filled offerings this season, this series offers a gentle reprieve with its charming and humorous storytelling.

For a dose of humor, check out City: The Animation (streaming on Prime Video). Produced by the acclaimed Kyoto Animation, this series delights with its blend of surrealism and heartfelt urban tales, all beautifully animated. It’s a quirky yet intelligent show that captures the ordinary in extraordinary ways.

Then there’s Secrets Of The Silent Witch (streaming on Crunchyroll), which melds tranquil slice-of-life with adventurous storytelling. The series follows a young, powerful mage with selective mutism who goes undercover in a prestigious school. It’s a charming mix of personal growth, friendship, and intrigue.

After a significant pause, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is back on Crunchyroll and Hulu to complete its second season. The series, known for its unique style and engaging narrative, turns a classic Japanese ghost story into a heartwarming horror-comedy.

But don’t miss There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover, Unless…, a standout romantic comedy about the challenges of a girl navigating her feelings and friendships. It’s streaming free on YouTube and offers a refreshing perspective with its engaging and humorous storytelling.

For action enthusiasts, To Be Hero X (Crunchyroll) continues from last season, offering a unique blend of Chinese and Japanese animation styles. It’s a fresh take on the superhero genre, with stunning visuals and a compelling narrative that keeps viewers hooked.

Lastly, don’t overlook Leviathan (on Netflix), a visually stunning series that reimagines World War I with a mix of bio-engineered creatures and steampunk technology. It offers a rich narrative and a hopeful message, reminiscent of classic Studio Ghibli films.