Forget Shoujo: 5 Anime Picks for Your Unexpected Weekend Binge

Noragami

A 'stray god' trying to make ends meet? Sounds like the plot of my last Tuesday. Noragami, however, actually manages to make this ridiculous premise somewhat charming. Yato's antics are surprisingly endearing, and the character dynamics aren't entirely brain-dead. The score of 7.94 isn't groundbreaking, but it's certainly respectable for what it offers.

Twelve episodes? Please. You could probably finish this before your morning coffee cools. It's compact, it’s got a decent story, and it won't demand your entire weekend, leaving you time to... I don't know, complain about other anime.

Mirai Nikki (TV)

Ah, Future Diary. Or, as I like to call it, 'How to make a high schooler's life infinitely worse with a cell phone.' Don't tell me you *haven't* thought about it. The concept of future-predicting diaries leading to a battle royale is *supposed* to be thrilling, and sometimes it actually is. Though, if you're looking for stable relationships, maybe look elsewhere. Yuno makes 'red flag' look like a mild suggestion.

With 26 episodes, it's a solid, if slightly unhinged, weekend project. Just be prepared for the emotional whiplash. It's the kind of show you claim to hate, but secretly devour because the chaos is just too compelling to ignore.

Haikyuu!!

Volleyball. Riveting. Look, I get it, sports anime are supposed to be inspiring, but sometimes they just feel like glorified PE classes. Haikyuu!!, though, somehow manages to inject genuine excitement into what's essentially a game of repeatedly hitting a ball over a net. The characters are surprisingly well-developed, and even I found myself, *ahem*, mildly invested. An 8.43 score is pretty high for a show about uniforms and squeaky shoes.

Twenty-five episodes of pure, unadulterated adrenaline. If you're going to waste your weekend, you might as well get some vicarious exercise. It’s a perfect length to get completely hooked and then immediately regret that there aren't more seasons *right now*.

Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Now, this one. *This* one is where they really started testing my patience with their 'short binge' directive. Hunter x Hunter, at a whopping 148 episodes, is about as 'short' as my never-ending to-do list. But, I'll be honest, if you *do* decide to embark on this journey, you're in for something truly exceptional. Forget your usual shounen tropes; this series actually dares to be smart, dark, and complex. It’s almost infuriating how good it is, despite its blatant disregard for my initial assignment.

Can you 'binge' 148 episodes in a weekend? No, unless you're a creature of pure caffeine and existential dread. But you can certainly *start* it. Consider it an investment. A significant one. And don't come crying to me when you're still watching it next month, because I warned you it wasn't a quick fix.

So there you have it. My 'expert' take on a list that absolutely refused to conform to expectations. Maybe next time they'll actually *listen* when I say 'shoujo.' Regardless, if you've got a weekend to spare, or perhaps a month for *certain* recommendations, these picks will at least keep you from staring blankly at your screen. Go on, argue with me in the comments. I dare you.

For those of you who actually *do* want some proper romance, keep an eye out for our upcoming deep dive into truly underrated romantic comedies.