Anime has become super popular in the West lately. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix played a big part in bringing awesome anime to viewers. They've uncovered tons of hidden gems in the medium, from new stuff to classic series. Some of these classics were huge hits in Japan but never made it to Western screens until now.
Right now, there's just so much anime out there, it can be a bit overwhelming. Every new anime season brings even more series to dive into. But amid the flood, the timeless classics stand out. These are the best of the best, always worth watching. They've influenced countless others over the years since they first hit the scene.
Being an anime fan right now is amazing. There's so much to watch, just a few clicks away. But with all this choice comes a downside. Finding the absolute best anime ever can be tricky. There are endless "Top 10 Best Anime" lists online, but they're all subjective. What's great to one person might not be to another. Still, some anime are universally recognized as excellent. They've shaped the whole medium, inspiring other creators and drawing new fans into the anime world. It's a diverse landscape out there, and the classics keep proving their worth.
15
Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket, one of the greatest anime series ever, started as a manga back in 1998. It got its first anime version in 2001, but many fans swear by the 2019 adaptation as the ultimate way to experience this incredible mix of genres.
The story revolves around Tohru, a young orphan taken in by the Sohma family. Everything seems normal at first glance, but the Sohmas hold a stunning secret that only comes out in certain situations. It's a top-tier Shojo anime and a must-see for anyone who loves romance in their anime.
14
Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga, based on the popular manga, dives into the story of Thorfinn Karlsefni, an Icelandic explorer on a quest to find Vinland, a legendary coastal region. Along the way, the anime delves deep into themes like slavery, war, and betrayal, painting a gritty picture of Thorfinn's journey.
While many great anime shine thanks to their ensemble casts, Vinland Saga focuses intensely on Thorfinn himself. There are other memorable characters in the series, but it's Thorfinn's personal growth that really drives the compelling nature of the anime.
13
Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate, one of the most beloved visual novels ever, was a natural pick for adaptation into manga and later anime by 5pb. The anime launched about two years after the game's release, introducing Rintaro and Kurisu to a whole new audience of psychological thriller fans.
While the anime faithfully follows the game's storyline, it's widely regarded as the ultimate way to experience this sci-fi tale, boasting nearly perfect user ratings across the board. For die-hard fans craving more, Steins;Gate 0 continues the saga with its own anime adaptation released in 2018, carrying on from where the original series leftoff.
12
Attack on Titan
MyAnimeList Score: 9.05 (Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2)
Attack on Titan, despite its complex plot over time, remains a standout anime with a captivating cast and compelling storylines. The visuals are stunning, but it's definitely not for the faint-hearted due to its intense violence and graphic scenes right from the start.
The narrative follows Eren Jaeger in a world where humanity faces extinction from giant, man-eating creatures called Titans. After witnessing his hometown's destruction and his mother's tragic fate, Eren joins the Survey Corps to fight back against the Titans. However, as the story unfolds, new layers of complexity emerge, challenging Eren and his comrades in unexpected ways.
11
Slam Dunk
MyAnimeList Score: 8.55
Slam Dunk, though it never quite matched the manga's massive success, remains a brilliantly crafted series that any serious sports anime fan shouldn't miss. It follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school troublemaker who joins the basketball team to impress a girl.
Surprisingly, Sakuragi turns out to be a natural athlete with impressive basketball skills. Alongside other quirky teammates, he helps turn the underdog Shohoku team into one of Japan's finest. With Sakuragi as their unstoppable power forward, they dare to dream of winning the national championship.
10
Demon Slayer
MyAnimeList Score: 8.48
Demon Slayer may be relatively new to the scene, but that hasn't stopped it from being considered one of the greatest anime series of all time. In just six years, it has amassed a staggering $10 billion in revenue, putting it on par with iconic franchises like Thomas the Tank Engine and Sesame Street, which have been around for over fifty years.
The anime's success can be attributed to several factors: its gripping storyline, diverse characters, and stunning animation that brings the original material to vibrant life. Few Shonen anime series have matched its visual prowess.
As Demon Slayer continues to expand its universe, both commercially and critically, its future prospects seem boundless.
9
Death Note
MyAnimeList Score: 8.62
Death Note, much like Sword Art Online and the Fate series, serves as a gateway anime for many newcomers. Seasoned fans sometimes critique its plot or compare it unfavorably to other shows, but there's a solid reason why it's often recommended to anime beginners.
Death Note is remarkably accessible with a straightforward storyline and a captivating cast of characters. The psychological battle between Light and L in the first part of the anime is enthralling and keeps viewers guessing. Despite some anime conventions, it avoids excessive theatrics, making it appealing to a broader audience compared to many other anime of its time.
8Naruto: Shippuden
MyAnimeList Score: 8.26
Similar to Dragon Ball, Naruto first appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump. It debuted in 1999 and later became an anime in late 2002. The series ran for 220 episodes, with the initial 135 closely following the manga's first part and the remainder delving into original storylines using unused ideas from creator Masashi Kishimoto.
Naruto explores diverse themes and incorporates Asian mythology elements. At its core, it's about a young boy striving to lead his village and becoming one of history's greatest ninjas. For fans craving more, Boruto continues in the same world with Naruto's son, but many argue that the original series offers a more compelling watch
7
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
MyAnimeList Score: 7.88
I's difficult to single out a single volume of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure because they're all pretty damn good. For fans of the popular seinen manga, the decision to create an anime adaptation to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary was met with some trepidation, yet the resulting series has thus far proven to be every bit as good as the source material. What's more, it has helped to introduce the world of JoJo to a whole new generation in the process.
The first five seasons of the show cover the first six parts of the manga, meaning that there are likely at least two more seasons still to come. Following the conclusion of Stone Ocean, fans still have Steel Ball Run and Jojolion to look forward to. By that point, JOJOLANDS will likely have arrived and be nearing its climax too, potentially allowing both the show and the long-running manga to conclude at around the same time.
6
Pokemon
MyAnimeList Score: 7.38
Pokemon burst onto the scene in the late '90s, captivating the world with its trading card game, video games, and anime. Initially viewed as a marketing ploy for the broader franchise, the anime evolved over time to become one of the most beloved series ever.
While it may appear superficial at first glance, Pokemon has delved into a wide range of themes and concepts over its more than 25-year run. It delivers meaningful messages and positive life lessons to its viewers. The show's popularity spans across generations, with millions of fans growing up alongside the adventures of catching creatures
5
Cowboy Bebop
MyAnimeList Score: 8.75
PSome argue that Cowboy Bebop is often overhyped, and there may be some truth to that. It's not flawless by any means, but dismissing its influence on anime would be a mistake. The series has inspired numerous anime and manga creations over time, as well as several Western films and TV programs.
When it comes to anime adaptations, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is as faithful as they come. Across its 64 episodes, it stays remarkably true to the manga in both storyline and visual style. While there's some filler, it never disrupts the overall narrative flow typical of anime adaptations.
The bond between Edward and Alphonse stands out as the series' highlight, closely followed by its intricate plot and unexpected twists. Following mixed reactions to the original series, fans of Fullmetal Alchemist were thrilled with Brotherhood's adherence to the source material and the studio's responsiveness to earlier criticism.
3
Neon Genesis Evangelion
MyAnimeList Score: 8.35
MMecha anime has been around since the sixties and seventies, but it wasn't until the nineties that the genre truly exploded. Throughout the decade, there were numerous outstanding mecha series, but none have matched the enduring popularity of Hideaki Anno's Neon Genesis Evangelion and its spin-offs and big-screen adaptations.
With its gripping storylines and epic battles, Evangelion packed a lot into its original 26 episodes and remains relevant and compelling today. Subsequent entries have upheld this standard of excellence, though deciding the best viewing order has sparked intense debate among Evangelion fans over the years.
2
One Piece
MyAnimeList Score: 8.71
It took One Piece a bit longer to gain traction in the West compared to some other great Shonen anime series. However, once it did, it captivated Western audiences without fail. The same holds true in Japan, where multiple generations have grown up with the beloved manga and anime.
The manga holds a Guinness World Record for copies published by a single author and dominated as the best-selling manga for eleven consecutive years from 2008 to 2018. The anime adaptation has also been incredibly successful, staying mostly
1
Dragon Ball
MyAnimeList Score: 8.17 (Dragon Ball Z)
When it comes to longevity, few IPs can compete with Akira Toriyama's Dragon Ball. It's been a mainstay for nearly four decades now. Admittedly, there were some tough periods during that time. For instance, there was an 18-year gap between the end of Dragon Ball Z and the start of Dragon Ball Super. Also, it would be naive to claim that every arc or episode of Dragon Ball has been top-notch. Despite this, the franchise has remained incredibly popular both in Japan and the West.
