Durarara!!

Mikado Ryugamine leaves his quiet hometown after a childhood friend invites him to Ikebukuro, hoping the city will bring excitement. He soon encounters rumors about anonymous gangs, internet-fueled chaos, and the mysterious headless Black Rider who zips through the streets. The show follows Mikado and a wide cast of residents, from a silent courier on a motorcycle to an information broker and a guarded student, as small rumors grow into dangerous schemes. Episodes jump between viewpoints, showing how gossip, hidden motives and the odd supernatural element tangle ordinary lives in ways that are unsettling, often funny, and never predictable.

Premiering in 2010, Durarara!! was directed by Takahiro Omori at studio Brain's Base, adapted from Ryohgo Narita's light novels with series composition by Noboru Takagi, and features voices by Miyuki Sawashiro, Hiroshi Kamiya and Mamoru Miyano.

Critics tended to praise the series' mosaic structure, energetic voice acting, and neon-soaked urban vibe. It holds a 7.7/10 user average from 215 votes. Recurring themes include anonymity, the power of rumor, fractured identity, and how online communities amplify real-world consequences, all tied together by crime, mystery and occasional supernatural hints.

Celty's headless silhouette and Izaya's scheming presence became instantly recognizable, spawning cosplay, fan art and memes. The show's dense ensemble and its depiction of Ikebukuro as a living setting influenced other urban anime, and its scenes involving online message boards and anonymous groups kept fans discussing theories long after episodes aired.

Although Durarara!! didn't sweep major international awards, it earned solid industry and fan recognition in Japan, boosted the profiles of several cast members, and led to followup seasons and related media. Its enduring popularity shows up in steady soundtrack interest, convention panels, and an active fanbase that revisits the show's tangled mysteries.