- **"Demon Slayer"**: Surging in popularity with stunning animation and poignant themes.
- **"Death Note"**: Revolves around a high school student, Light Yagami, who uses a powerful notebook to rid the world of criminals, leading to a warped sense of justice and the public dubbing him "Kira."
- **"Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World"**: A series based on time loops, character development, and unique villains, with a non-linear adventure that doesn't always follow expected paths.
From heart-wrenching tales of love and loss to adrenaline-pumping action adventures that redefine the laws of physics, here is Fortress of Solitude’s 30 best anime series of all time.
An Introduction to Anime
For many people who have become anime fans, the journey may have started quite accidentally, possibly watching shows like Dragon Ball Z, as an example. The show was wildly popular throughout the ’90s, quickly building up a loyal and sometimes overly fervent fanbase. However, a lot of those initially dedicated viewers may not have gone on to become long-term fans of the genre. This, too, was almost my story. It took me a long time to become a true fan, and it wasn’t until over a decade later that I got back into anime through a series of circumstances. After that happened, I quickly went from being a casual watcher to an avid fan who was in quite deep. As I now revisit some of my all-time favourites, I feel I’m perfectly placed to curate a personal selection of anime (for your benefit, of course) that resonated deeply with me, and connected me on quite an intense level.
Of course, I’m also aware that any time someone writes up a list of the ‘best’ or ‘top’ or ‘greatest’ of anything, it’s an incredibly subjective thing. Really, it’s just about having fun with our fandom and opening up avenues for ourselves to have lively conversations and debates. So, if you’re an anime fan, I’m sure you’ll disagree with what we’ll list here, but that’s okay. Join us in the comments section.
When we talk about anime, we’re referring to animated productions made in Japan, and the artform is said to have first come about more than 100 years ago, round about 1917. It wasn’t until the 1960s, though, that its global appeal exploded with the coming of Astro Boy (also known as Mighty Atom). Today, hundreds of new series are produced, adding to the genre’s incredibly rich and evolving tapestry.
So then, what makes my selection so unique, given how large and expansive the anime landscape is? Well, it would have to be that each one has found a way of accessing a very special place in my imagination, transporting me to fantastical realms with masterful combinations of art styles, voice acting, music and score, as well as through storylines that are both complex and thought-provoking. Honestly, I could watch every one of these shows many more times, and I know each viewing would deepen my appreciation even more.
So, if you’re looking for great anime to watch, here’s our list of the 30 best anime series every fan needs to watch.
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30. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer, shattering records, has seen its popularity skyrocket in recent times. This surge in acclaim comes as no surprise to ardent followers. Each episode (which can currently be watched on Crunchyroll) is a testament to excellence, showcasing animation that melds fluidity with striking artistry. The visual effects are a marvel, breathing life into the dynamic combat scenes, while the evocative soundtrack accentuates the series’ poignant moments. The show’s charm extends beyond its aesthetics, with characters like Zentisu and Inosuke injecting a dose of uproarious absurdity. Yet, it’s the profound exploration of themes like loss and family that resonate deeply, stirring a gamut of emotions in its audience.
29. One Piece
The series (which now has live-action adaptations thanks to Netflix) follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy (commonly known as Straw Hat Luffy or just Straw Hat), along with his pirate crew. They attempt to find the greatest treasure left by the legendary pirate, Gold Roger. The show’s title is derived from this treasure, known as “One Piece.” He is, of course, the captain and founder of his powerful group known as the Straw Hat Pirates and is on a mission to become the Pirate King, granting him the most freedom in the world. Interestingly, it seems that being an incredible leader is hereditary, as he takes after his father, Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army.
The anime show is beloved by many and, for most fans, deserves its spot in the top 10. This is true, and I fully agree. But personally, it doesn’t match the connection and personal preference from the shows on my list. Where it loses me most is the continued run, still running after two decades. That’s a long time for an animated series. That shows its staying power, but that’s where it loses me.
28. Erased
Having been sent back in time some 18 years, 29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma attempts to prevent his mom’s death in his teens, a story that began after a series of kidnappings when he was in the 5th grade. He possesses an incredible ability, which he calls “Revival”, one that can bring him back to a time before a life-threatening incident occurred, giving him the opportunity to prevent it. Unfortunately, this doesn’t prevent him from being framed for his own mother’s murder.
The show is a slow grind but worth it. The premise may not be real, but the struggles and emotions Satoru displays are very realistic, dealing with themes about society and real-world struggles.
27. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a story about Spike Spiegel, a futuristic bounty hunter with a laid-back lifestyle, often referred to as a cowboy, despite his deadly skills in martial arts. Alongside his partners, Jet Black and Faye Valentine (later in the series), they roam across the galaxy searching for a high-priced bounty for fugitives.
Despite being a skilled martial artist, Spike is also incredibly lazy and a heavy smoker, often seen with a cigarette dangling from his lips. Not all of it is out of laziness, as he is terribly tormented by the ghosts of his past, frequently suffering from nightmares, and has no fear of death.
The show has an authenticity about it despite its futuristic themes. Realism draws you in and keeps you entertained with action, comedy and a killer score to round things off.
26. Ergo Proxy
The story is viewed through the lens of a post-apocalyptic future. Here, humans live in peace with AI-powered androids. But things quickly take a turn for the lead, Inspector Re-L Mayer, after a series of murders, which cause tensions and threaten to dismantle the state of peace. Re-L is an investigator for the Intelligence Bureau in Romdeau, an oddball in the otherwise orderly society. Jokingly referred to as the “Princess” of Romdeau, or more seriously as “your excellency”, she is an important character in the society, which becomes even more apparent when she has a life-changing encounter with the Proxies, a mystery at the core of the anime.
The story is vivid and feels too real. With quite a lot of focus on philosophical and moral questions we face in the real world, the show deserves to be watched at least twice to grasp all the nuances and concepts it brings to the fore.
25. One Punch Man
One-Punch Man revolves around a seemingly oblivious titular hero, Saitama, who does it just for the fun of it. He is incredibly powerful. As the title suggests, he is able to defeat his enemies with a single punch. Since he is so powerful, he has landed himself in somewhat of a self-imposed existential crisis, being too powerful to gain any enjoyment out of fighting as a hero. He is named the Caped Baldy by the Hero Association, having lost his hair from becoming too strong. Saitama seems pretty average at first glance, but he is virtually indestructible and seems incredibly indifferent.
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24. Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon
Visually stunning and critically acclaimed, Sailor Moon revolutionised anime by creating or introducing the Magical Girl Warrior genre (at least to Western audiences). Unlike most magical girls, Usagi Tsukino (the titular Sailor Moon) and her Sailor Senshi are considered anti-Disney princess characters who use their powers to kick ass and fight for justice. Together, they have the ability to save their planets from the evils of the Negaverse. Usagi is the reincarnation of Princess Serenity, although she seems anything but in the beginning. She starts out as a cheerful yet immature young girl who often overreacts and cries. Despite her minor faults, she has unwavering hope and sees the best in everyone she meets, even her enemies.
Even people who have never watched the anime can identify with and know the characters.
23. Tokyo Ghoul
Written and illustrated by Sui Ishida, Tokyo Ghoul is a massive favourite of anime fans. It tells the tragic tale of the young and innocent Ken Kaneki. Ken was a Japanese literature student at Kamii University, living a relatively normal life before he was attacked by a ghoul and his life was changed forever. The character manages to pull at the heartstrings of audiences who can connect with his identity war. Of course, the promise of violent and bloody battles attracted many more viewers. This one is probably not for younger viewers.
22. Sonny Boy
One fan perfectly described Sonny Boy as “an experience. A philosophical, poignant, and inventive experience.” That’s probably the best way to explain it. It’s not like other anime. There’s no slapstick comedy. There are no cheap tricks. Instead of the usual action-packed blockbusters, the show (which is not based on a previous manga, book or video game) takes a number of unconventional twists. It follows the story of a group of students who are transported to an alternate dimension. When they arrive, they discover that they have new abilities — superpowers to help them survive the dimension. Think of it as a sci-fi take on Lord of the Flies.
21. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, produced by the Japanese animation studio Kyoto Animation and directed by Tatsuya Ishihara, is a milestone in anime history. The anime series follows a snarky and cynical high school boy, Kyon, who has a habit of hiding his real emotions, rarely admitting his fondness for anyone. Kyon encounters Haruhi Suzumiya, an erratic girl with abilities that can alter the very universe and the titular heroine of the anime. She enlists him to join the SOS Brigade, a club of her making that was made with the intention of finding aliens, time travellers, and espers. Many might argue that this is definitely one of the best anime series of all time. It’s full of memorable characters.
20. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
As an anime fanatic who has seen more shows than I can count, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure stands out as one of the most unique and entertaining series I’ve ever watched. Spanning generations of the iconic Joestar family, this multi-part intergenerational epic follows the Jojos as they face off against the manipulative and charismatic vampire Dio Brando and his equally theatrical descendants.
What makes Dio such a great villain is his sheer ruthlessness and dramatics – he revels in cruelty while striking exaggerated poses. Oh, and we can’t talk about JoJo without mentioning the posing – it’s part of what gives JoJo its singular flair. All the characters strike flamboyant poses during tense standoffs, making every confrontation totally captivating.
With its dramatic energy, compelling villains, and completely over-the-top attitude, JoJo sucks you into its bizarre world in a way few other anime can. Each part brings something new to the table, be it the Ripple energy of early instalments or the psychic Stand powers featured later on.
The series reinvents itself as it expands in scope across the globe and through time. I’ve never seen another anime with the style, action, and captivating weirdness that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure delivers episode after episode.
19. Vinland Saga
For those looking for a complex historical drama, Vinland Saga will blow you away. Following Thorfinn’s intense journey in his quest for vengeance against his father’s killer, this epic Viking saga quickly moves beyond simple notions of revenge into a profoundly human exploration of violence and purpose.
As Thorfinn reckons with the pain and destruction seeded by his life as a warrior, Vinland Saga grapples with weighty philosophical questions in refreshingly nuanced ways.
And the execution – from production values to voice acting – is simply masterful. Thorfinn is one of the most complex and captivating protagonists I’ve encountered in anime. The show features an outstanding ensemble cast of realistically portrayed Vikings struggling to survive in a chaotic age.
With its combination of hard-hitting drama, outstanding music, fantastic dialogue, and a well-researched look into Viking culture, Vinland Saga keeps you hooked all the way through. This is an anime aimed at mature audiences who are unafraid to show war’s ugly face.
18. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
Long-time Bleach fans will be thrilled to know the anime finally returned to adapt the epic Thousand-Year Blood War arc. This new series is a triumphant continuation of Ichigo Kurosaki’s journey as a Soul Reaper. The animation and pacing have been elevated well beyond the original series, bringing Tite Kubo’s climactic saga to life better than ever before.
As Ichigo confronts dangerously powerful Quincies threatening the Soul Society, the scale of the battles reaches exponentially greater heights. And with stakes raised so high, Ichigo’s exponential growth in power feels properly earned.
The Thousand-Year Blood War rewards fans who stuck through the original’s abrupt ending while also serving as a great finale for die-hard fans. From the emotional reunion of beloved characters to the introduction of intimidating new villains, this sequel series retains Bleach‘s unique flair.
Yhwach is one of Bleach‘s most compelling villains to date. His “justified” morals as the creator of the Quincy race add an extra layer of moral conundrum to Bleach‘s originally straightforward narrative. Simply put, The Thousand-Year Blood War makes it clear why Bleach deserves to be counted among the all-time great Shonen epics.
17. Pokémon
As one of the most iconic anime franchises in history, Pokémon has captured the hearts of viewers across generations with its delightful world-building and lovable characters. Having followed Ash Ketchum’s journey to become a Pokémon Master since 1997, I was beyond hyped to see him finally achieve his dream after 25 years.
Despite some formulaic arcs, the anime remains fresh by introducing new regions and Pokémon alongside fan favourites like Pikachu. Recent seasons have also upped the animation quality – even if some of the changes made to the character designs have been controversial, to say the least.
But what really makes the Pokémon anime special is how it brings people together. With new movies and shows released every year, Pokémon continues to evolve while keeping that nostalgic spark alive.
Whether you’ve been watching since the 90s or discovered it recently, joining Ash on his never-ending quest is always a blast. Few franchises can boast the cultural footprint and sheer staying power of this captivating, monster-catching adventure.
16. Trigun Stampede
When Trigun Stampede was announced, die-hard fans knew they had to keep their expectations properly in check. After all, the first adaptation was nearly perfect – could a reboot ever hope to recapture that magic? Turns out, there was no need to get worried.
While putting its own spin on the classic source material, Stampede remains thrillingly faithful where it truly counts. The absurd yet gripping adventures of Vash the Stampede feel as fresh and exhilarating as ever, bursting with stylish gunplay and offbeat humour.
The richer narrative offers a nice little upgrade over the 1998 original series. While Trigun was nearly perfect on its own, the upgraded animation quality in Stampede really lets the series shine – even if I’m still not a fan of Vash’s new design.
By retaining the heart of what made Trigun extraordinary while carefully modernizing elements that needed an update, Stampede stands tall alongside its legendary predecessor. The inspiring themes of mercy and redemption at Trigun’s core translate seamlessly to this reboot filled with visual flair.
15. Fruits Basket
Slice-of-life fans are sure to love Fruits Basket for its endearing characters and emotional storytelling. When orphan Tohru Honda stumbles upon the Sohma family and their Chinese Zodiac curse, transforming into animals when stressed, she makes it her quest to heal their emotional wounds.
There were two adaptations made of this manga – one in 2001 and another in 2019. The latest adaptation particularly captured my heart with its warm tone, sharper visuals, and much-improved character designs. Seeing Tohru support characters like brooding novelist Shigure or hot-tempered Kyo as they work to move beyond personal traumas is incredibly cathartic.
Beneath all the supernatural whimsy lies a grounded story about overcoming abuse and finding unconditional belonging. Both funny and tear-jerking, Fruits Basket remains one of my favourite anime for its message of hope – that even broken souls can bloom again with enough care.
14. Pluto
One of the most recent anime in our list, Netflix’s Pluto is a darker reimagining of the classic Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. Centred around a murder mystery among powerful robots, this Netflix-exclusive anime hooks you right away with its tense, noir-inspired atmosphere.
Naoki Urasawa puts his own spin on Osamu Tezuka’s classic “Greatest Robot on Earth” story arc while retaining the thought-provoking essence. Seeing hardened detective robot Gesicht piece together the puzzle behind who’s manipulating robots to turn murderous makes for an addictive cyberpunk thriller.
With its sleek animation, cerebral cat-and-mouse games between genius robots, and philosophical questions about the meaning of memories and identity, Pluto sinks its hooks in deep. Brooding and stylish, this anime rewards Astro Boy fans with a familiar but grittier story while welcoming newcomers into a rich sci-fi world.
13. Super Crooks
Netflix has pleasantly surprised anime fans these last few years with some of the best anime shows ever produced – and Super Crooks is no exception. Inspired by an American comic series, this stylish show puts a criminal spin on the classic hero formula by following a ragtag crew of superpowered thieves.
Their quest to pull off an epic heist against the world’s most ruthless supervillain makes for a hip, unpredictable romp accented by Towa Tei’s catchy opening theme.
While the latter half of the season suffers from pacing issues, the vibrant animation and charismatic antiheroes – like electric manipulator Johnny Bolt – keep things engaging. Super Crooks brings loads of flair, from flashy powers to high-stakes crimelording drama.
Those looking for a cool, rock-and-roll take on the cape genre through the lens of charming career criminals will find everything they desire in this slick, neon-bathed thrill ride.
12. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man slashed its way into modern anime legend for good reason – I haven’t had this much fun with an action series in years! Our down-on-his-luck protagonist, Denji, makes a Faustian bargain to fuse with his pet chainsaw dog, Pochita, to become the ruthless “Chainsaw Man” devil hunter.
What follows is a bloody romp bursting with vibrant style, wicked dark humour, and plenty of scantily-clad devil babes (Denji is a man of simple tastes). From the iconic opening theme to the bombastic fight scenes, studio MAPPA brings Tatsuki Fujimoto’s wild manga to vivid life. What could have been a shallow gore-fest has a surprising heart thanks to Denji’s infectious enthusiasm and moving backstory.
Come for Chainsaw Man‘s exhilarating battles against fiendish katana-headed yakuza and stay for the laughs…and tears.
11. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Video game fans know all about Cyberpunk 2077‘s disastrous launch and the surprising, redeeming arc the game has had since its release. However, a huge part of the game’s fanbase was introduced to Night City not through the game but thanks to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
Edgerunners stands on its own as a tragic sci-fi tale while also enhancing the Cyberpunk 2077 universe with its unique flair as an anime adaptation. Following street kid David Martinez and his netrunner partner Lucy as they chase fame as edgerunner mercenaries, the anime squeezes your heart as their ambition leads down ever darker paths.
Dripping with stylish action and a killer synth soundtrack, Night City has never looked lusher. Yet beyond the neon and flashes of combat, Edgerunners harbours a sombre message about holding onto your humanity when power tempts you to cast it aside.
Fair warning – have tissues ready for the breathtaking, devastating end to David and Lucy’s story.
10. Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World
Re:Zero starts off simple enough but quickly turns into a series based on time loops, character development and unique villains. The adventure isn’t linear, and the time loops don’t always follow the expected path once reset. Interestingly, the anime’s original source material was a light novel series written by Tappei Nagatsuki.
The lead character, Subaru Natsuki, is thrown into another world, the Kingdom of Lugnica in Isekai, with his adventures kicking off after a chance encounter with the heroine, Emilia. Subaru is what is known as a Hikikomori in Japan, an extreme loner, or someone who seeks extreme degrees of social isolation and confinement, quite the change for someone who barely leaves their house. It has quite a lot of comedic undertones, with Subaru, an anime fan, initially trying to predict all that will happen in his surroundings based on his experience watching anime. But things don’t turn out this way for him.
Without spoiling too much, when Subaru first arrives in Isekai, he is given the ability to Return by Death by the Witch of Envy, Satella. Satella seems to have an unexplainable connection to both Subaru and Emilia, who also seem connected as Subaru becomes Emilia’s personal Knight. Subaru’s Return by Death ability allows him to return to “save points”, unpredictable and unspecified moments in time that were set before his death, making him immortal in a way.
This isn’t the only ability that Subaru possesses in the series, but if you want to know more, you will have to watch the anime.
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9. Death Note
After discovering a notebook capable of killing people when their names are written into it, the series revolves around a highly intelligent, hardworking and talented high school student, Light Yagami.
Light, with a strong sense of moderately warped justice, decides that he is going to use the power of the powerful Death Note to rid the world of criminals and people he thinks are evil. He starts out with a strong sense of justice, but this, unfortunately, becomes warped by the power he finds in the book. Of course, his killings don’t go unnoticed for very long, and the public soon begins to call him “Kira”, referring to the entity that they think is making these deaths happen, although the name of the game is to figure out who Kira is.
Death Note is based on a manga of the same name, which ran between 2003 and 2006.
The show is popular largely in part thanks to its mystery and horror genre themes, also peeking its nose into a psychological thriller. It’s enjoyed by both Japanese and international audiences. The story is relatively short, spanning less than 40 episodes, making it concise and to the point without deviating too much, which can often happen with extended series.
8. Naruto
Naruto, the anime series, ran between 2002 and 2007, with Naruto: Shippuden airing between 2007 and 2017. The series is based on the Weekly Shonen Jump manga by Masashi Kishimoto released in 1999.
The series revolves around a fictional anime world of Shinobi, where Naruto Uzumaki learns to become a ninja master with the help of his friends and other masters. The Ninja techniques used in battles are derived from chakra energy. The first thing you will notice about Naruto is how different he looks from the rest of his classmates, and I don’t just mean the yellow hair. He has some very distinct markings, which are quickly revealed because a powerful demon is sealed within him. Naruto became a Jinchuriki, a human sacrifice, the day he was born to save the world from the Nine-Tails.
Naruto eventually becomes friends with his fellow Shinobi, Sasuke Uchiha (who has an equally tragic back story) and Sakura Haruno, basically a Ninja Hermione with pink hair. Sasuke is a prodigy among his peers, channelling all of his rage into his studies. He is on a path for revenge after his brother killed his entire village, all but him. The series follows his life and his journey to fulfilling his dream of becoming Hokage, the leader of his Ninja village. Sakura has a soft heart and hasn’t had to experience any of the hardships that the boys in her group have, however, she provides not only comic relief for the trio but a grounded point of view.
Dealing with topics on strong bonds with friends and family, betrayal and overcoming various situations, the show is an intriguing adventure for the ages. The show is easy to get into, especially for newcomers and is widely regarded by many fans as a top anime deserving its spot on all top 10 lists and, for many, even at number one.
Naruto probably has one of the biggest anime fan bases across the genre.
7. Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai
Rurouni Kenshin is an anime based on a wandering swordsman who attempts to put his tormented past behind him. Having once been an assassin known as a Hitokiri from the Bakumatsu, Hitokiri Battosai is trying to lay his old life to rest, now becoming a life protector rather than a life taker, now known as Himura Kenshin. Himura is now a Rurouni (where the title comes from), which is a derivative of the word ronin, a wandering and masterless samurai. Himura has vowed never to take another life. A vow tested when he had to fight to keep his country safe.
It takes place in Japan’s Meiji era and gives a glimpse into the life of people during that time. After stumbling upon a struggling martial arts school, he decides to help out, trying to live a simple life, but it turns out to be anything but.
The series takes on a wide range of topics, but there’s an underlying tone of remaining humble and giving of yourself to help those less fortunate and in need. Numerous adventures in the series are packed with great action and an anime style that pairs brilliantly. It’s just an all-around great story.
Rurouni Kenshin definitely deserves a place on everyone’s top 10 best anime series of all time list.
6. Ghost in the Shell
In the not-too-distant future, Major Motoko Kusanagi, or simply just Major, and her group of officers as part of the Public Security Section 9 fight high crime around Japan. Kusanagi isn’t just any officer, however, as she is a cyborg and an effective leader who uses her wits and cybernetic enhancements to bring criminals to justice. With her entire body having been replaced by cybernetics, she often contemplates whether her soul has retained any form of humanity, or if she is literally just a ghost in a cybernetic shell.
Little is known about Kusanagi’s childhood, leading her to believe that she was never human at all and that she was synthetically created to serve her purpose.
Ghost in the Shell is set in 2030, when science and technology have advanced, allowing humans to become cyborgs with varying abilities to help humanity progress. However, Japanese syndicates have started to use these to their advantage.
Ghost in the Shell has inspired a generation of other anime, TV series and movies thanks to its concepts and art style, directed by Mamoru Oshii. While its live-action movie may not have received similar praise, it remains one of the best anime series of all time and has many iterations to enjoy.
5. Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is in the top 10 highest-ranked anime series of all time across many of the rating platforms. This isn’t the only reason it deserves its spot on my list. Its sci-fi and time-travel themes are one of the best around. The show takes place in Akihabara, Tokyo, which is a location for many fans to visit.
Rintaro Okabe, a university student, discovers time travel and, along with his fellow co-workers at Future Gadget Laboratory, must try to prevent an evil corporation from fulfilling its plans. Often nicknamed Okarin or his preferred nickname Hououin Kyouma, Rintaro is a self-proclaimed mad scientist. He has all the melodramatics and eccentricities, as well as social ineptitude that makes a typical mad scientist but also never hesitates to lend a helping hand to complete strangers. Because of his genuineness, he is very easily deceived. There are several plot twists and surprise moments to keep you tuned in episode after episode.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist
The anime series is split into two series, Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The series is based on a manga series, which both shows follow pretty closely at the start. The former, however, proceeded to its end without the manga series having concluded, much the same as Game of Thrones. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is based on the entirety of the completed manga.
After an attempt to revive their deceased mother using alchemy, two brothers are badly inflicted when it goes horribly wrong. The older brother, Edward, loses his arm, while his younger brother, Alphonse, loses his entire body and takes the form of metal armour to save him from death.
The Elric brothers have their moments of hilarity as the two travel around, the legend of the Fullmetal Alchemist becoming famous quickly. Funny enough, Edward is the Fullmetal Alchemist, but because of Alphonse’s fully metal body, people often end up thinking that Alphonse is the alchemist of legend.
Reviving someone from the dead is a huge taboo in the world of alchemy, with serious consequences, as the results prove. They set out in search of the Philosopher’s Stone to attempt to right their wrongs.
But this is just the start of a wild adventure for the duo. As they leave their small home town, they’re thrust into a world much bigger than them, having to overcome quite a lot of challenges and also prevent an evil group from also finding the Philosopher’s Stone to achieve their goals.
3. Samurai Champloo
After a chance encounter, Fuu Kasami, a teenage waitress working in a teahouse, rescues two master swordsmen, Mugen and Jin, who have been arrested by the Japanese police after their battle inadvertently resulted in the death of the son of the local magistrate. At the time, the son was harassing Fuu, who saved the duo as a result of assisting her. She asks the two to accompany her across Japan in pursuit of the Samurai who smells of sunflowers, and this is where the adventure really begins.
Fuu Kasami is a bright and trusting young girl whose kindness is unmatched. She has a bit of a penchant for getting herself in trouble, lost, and having accidents, but she is also incredibly practical at the same time. Not wanting to seem inexperienced in front of her recently found bodyguards, the two end up treating her much like a little sister.
Mugen is a master swordsman whose fighting style is characterized by his reckless and erratic personality. Mugen is somewhat of an antihero, rude, temperamental and unhinged. He is fond of fighting and tends to cause trouble for his friends. One of the things that keeps him fighting alongside Jin is his competitive nature, causing him to have a consistent rivalry with Jin and partake in many instances of gambling.
Jin is much more serious than his counterpart and is a student of Kenjutsu. His reason for fleeing was that he killed his own master in self-defence. Almost the polar opposite of Mugen, Jin is calm and collected under nearly every circumstance, although he can come across as a bit stoic. One of Jin’s mottos is that there is no honour in serving a cruel tyrant, and this really follows him throughout the series as he fights against those who use their skills to oppress others.
The show takes place in Edo-era Japan. What’s great about that is that Samurai Champloo attempts to be historically accurate with the time period, not just in the lifestyles but also the events that take place, in which the characters happen to be indirectly involved.
It’s an easy-going anime series that’s funny and, sometimes, over-the-top. But its art style and comedic elements make it an easy watch for first-time anime watchers.
Samurai Champloo is also only one of three anime shows my fiancé has indevoured to watch through its entirety. The hip-hop music themes are also relatable, bringing a unique style to accompany the great sword battles throughout the series.
2. Darker Than Black
A decade ago, a mysterious anomaly known as Heaven’s Gate appeared over the majority of South America. Soon after, another of these appeared in Tokyo, known as Hell’s Gate, which altered the sky and wreaked havoc on the surrounding area. As a result of this, the stars in the sky disappeared, replaced with fake stars. Each of these fake stars is linked to people who possess special abilities, known as Contractors.
These contractors have been found and trained by various governments to be utilised as spies and assassins. However, whenever they use their abilities, they have to “pay the price”, which comes in various forms: eating excessively, doing self-harm, changing their bodies and the like. The powers come at the cost of their humanity, murdering through objectives and rationale and suppressing any emotional and other human hindrances to stop them from achieving their goals.
Darker Than Black is one of my all-time favourite anime series. It’s highly rated by many but doesn’t often appear on many lists, unfortunately. I love the show, and it requires at least two series of watches to appreciate all the details and meaning extracted from the show. It may be a relatively short span of episodes, but it isn’t an easy watch, especially for any new anime fans. Despite the Contractor’s lack of humanity, Hei, the lead character, is a slight contradiction of this, battling against other Contractors through a group known as the Syndicate, a group of assassins.
Hei has the ability to control electricity or molecules and regularly takes on false identities and personas for his many missions for the Syndicate and just for his everyday life. He can often be seen wearing his mask, is an incredibly calculating assassin, and is a surprisingly emotive person, unusual for a Contractor who usually loses touch with their human emotions. As he becomes more powerful, he also becomes more ruthless but never truly loses his caring nature.
1. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is the only series on the list that is still ongoing. The series is based on a manga released in 2009, with the first episode airing in 2013. After eight years, the show is in its final season, due to end within the next month or so. The story starts off on Paradis Island, where its inhabitants have built huge walls to protect themselves from attacks from mindless titans.
Things quickly take a turn for the worse when two titans break through the walls, sparking a war that spans almost 13 years from the start of the series. Eren Yeager quickly emerges as the main character, alongside his best friend Mikasa Ackerman, joins the Survey Corps, a team that goes beyond the wall to try to find out as much as they can about the Titan threat, seeking revenge on the Titans after destroying their home and eating Eren’s mother. But what starts off as a simple battle against the Titans, there is much to uncover beyond the walls.
Eren, although starting out relatively unskilled, is driven by his intense hatred towards Titans. Mikasa has an intensely dark past. After her parents were murdered by human traffickers, she only survived, thanks to being rescued by Eren as a young boy and being raised alongside him. Mikasa went on to become one of the top-ranking members of the Survey Corp, being one of the strongest and most skilled in her class of recruits, at the cost of being exceptionally quiet and arguably shy. The third part of their enigmatic trio, Armin Arlert, is an incredibly intelligent young man, although relatively soft in comparison to his two other childhood friends.
Having initially thought of themselves as the last humans, there’s even more to discover further across the oceans.
Even beyond the show, there is a lot to unpack. There’s rich lore that has the potential to be explored beyond the show’s episodes, with just as many questions. The plot twists are wild, with bombshells at almost every turn. The voice actors do an excellent job for both the Japanese and English dubs, making the emotional connection that brings me back for more.
Having watched the series again a second time around, there’s far more to understand. You realise that each action has a consequence on the history of the war, dating back to many generations before Eren and Mikasa were involved. Even with the show coming to its conclusion soon, with quite a lot of lore to unpack, one can only hope for a prequel series to bring fans back for more.
Attack on Titan remains incredibly popular and is considered one of the greatest anime shows ever.
10 Best Anime Series Of All Time According To Fans Around The World
Anime or Japanese animation has made its way to the mainstream market of Western media, expanding to video games, comics, movies and even fashion items. Shows like One Piece, Full Metal Alchemist, and Naruto have become staples of the industry. As anime becomes more and more popular (introducing the world to Japanese culture), fans have been arguing about who the most powerful anime characters are. But today, we’ll be looking at the 10 best anime of all time.
The results shown here are not just based on only one person’s opinion. Instead, we’ve headed over to My Anime List and compiled a list based on the votes of anime fans worldwide.
Here is the best anime of all time, as voted by you, the fans.
1. Code Geass
Code Geass follows the story of Lelouch Lamperouge, the black prince of The Holy Empire of Britannia, who uses the power of the Geass to build a world based on his ideals. Lelouch was once known as Lelouch vi Britannia but was exiled, taking on his new alias. With this power and leading The Black Knights, he liberates all of Japan and starts a rebellion under the alias “Zero”. Unfortunately for him, he soon finds out that Geass is not only a gift but a curse as well.
Every anime fan knows why Code Geass is known as a legendary series. With its intense fight scenes, captivating storyline, and amazing character designs, it’s no wonder so many fans love it. But what’s more intriguing about this series is its surprising ending.
Go watch the show and see for yourself why Code Geass offers the BEST ENDING in all of anime.
2. Naruto
If you thought that Naruto wouldn’t be making the list, you’re clearly not an anime fan. Naruto is one of the staples and an iconic series of the anime industry. It has shaped the childhood of so many fans and gone on to become legendary.
The series and the movies have some of the most relatable and yet diverse cast of characters. Even the villains in the franchise have captivating and emotional backstories.
While it is one of those longer-running series, Naruto is a surefire way to get that big dose of nostalgia.
3. The Monogatari Series
As confusing as the watch order of The Monogatari Series is, there’s no doubt that this anime series is one of the greats and the best of all time. With the deep themes present all throughout the series, it definitely is for the more dedicated anime fans. The series follows Koyomi Araragi, a third-year high school student who becomes inexplicably entangled with a vampire after she attacks him. After that, he isn’t quite human. The Monogatari Series is a masterpiece that’ll touch the heart and captivate the soul. The plot is the real selling point of this series. With a lot of mystery, romance, and even supernatural elements all mixed into one show, it is one to look out for.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a bit newer than others on this list, but there’s no doubt that it’s worthy of its spot. The anime series has some of the most memorable fight scenes and the best character designs. Speaking of which, the main protagonist of the series is Yuji Itadori, a relatively normal boy until he became Sukuna’s vessel, a cursed spirit known as the Disgraced One, or the King of Curses
Plus, Jujutsu Kaisen’s portrayal of female characters is also very on-point, and it’s a bit rare to see that in most anime.
The gritty and dark storyline also fits in perfectly. The writers are not afraid to kill off characters and shock the viewers to their core.
Jujutsu Kaisen is definitely one of the best anime series of all time.
5. Attack on Titan
Not only well-known for having one of the most popular anime openings of all time with Shinzou wo sasageyo, but this franchise has also been the talk of most anime fans, especially since studio MAPPA picked up the job for turning the anime to the big screens. Despite the dispute about the change in studio, Attack on Titan has been a hit week by week.
This series will put you on the edge of your chair with its jaw-clenching turn of events.
There’s no doubt that Attack on Titan is one of the best and most epic anime of all time.
6. One Piece
One Piece might be one of the longest-running anime series to this day. Hence, the top spot on this list. For a total of 20 years and counting since its launch in 1997, the franchise has been on top of the charts and garnered several awards along the way.
One thing that is commendable about the series is its well-written variety of characters.
7. Gintama
Gintama is an all-time favourite when it comes to brightening up the spectrum with its hilarious spills and shenanigans. Gintoki Sakata is the main protagonist of the series, a highly-skilled samurai. He became known as the Shiroyasha – White Yaksha, a demon in Buddhism and Hinduism, a name given to him as a result of his demonic skills and swordsmanship, white clothing, and silver hair. This seems in complete opposition to the silly expression he usually wears.
It’s a no-brainer that this anime takes the second-highest spot as one of the best anime of all time since this is one of the best episodic series there is.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Action, powers, philosophical themes, a rollercoaster ride on relatable human emotions, and the list goes on! Grasping the throne as the number 1 entry is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
The quest of the Elric brothers in order to reinstate their bodies is a front-seat ticket you won’t regret watching. Its play on fantasy worlds and dwelling in the many aspects of the human experience is what shapes the story.
9. Dragon Ball Z
A young warrior named Goku, along with his friends, are tasked with defending their planet from an onslaught of attacks from extraterrestrial enemies. But things aren’t as straightforward as it is on paper, with Goku learning that he, too, is from another planet and a huge number of twists through the show’s ’90s run.
Most kids growing up in the ’90s would have watched or come across Dragon Ball Z. In South Africa, this was a huge hit, as I recall all my friends rushing home between 4PM and 5PM when the show aired. Whether we were in the middle of a game of football or cricket, the streets would clear. This was the impact of the show, which many still remember fondly today.
10. Hunter x Hunter
For many, Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter is the best series of all time — even if it seems a lot like Dragon Ball. The show ties together themes of power, our connections to each other and our humanity in a story that could feel overwhelming for some.
It tells the story of Gon Freecss, a 12-year-old boy rookie hunter who seeks to reconnect with his long-lost father and discovers he is a world-renowned Hunter (a unique individual capable of tracking down secret treasures and rare beasts). Along the way, our young hero meets other hunters and encounters the paranormal. Gon is athletic, adventurous and not the smartest, but he seems to have a heart of gold. Having grown up in a rustic environment, he is great with animals and incredibly determined. But does Gon have what it takes to become a hunter himself?
Voted as the 16th best anime of 2000 in the Animage Anime Grand Prix, both the art and the animation of Hunter x Hunter has been praised by critics and fans.
And there you have it. That’s my list of the top 10 best anime series of all time. I can imagine that at least five of these shows would be on many lists, with quite a few being challenged.
The way folks use fowl slangs here seem like some people are trying to learning how write & use eng. language here…, If you don’t like a lists of what someone construe as best or not, you make your own list and counteract his if necessary. Simple as that than speaking abusively about one’s opinion…!
Naruto
You obviously haven’t watched the Demon slayer series. It would definitely be among the top 3.
this is cap
demon slayer
Where is Demon Slayer?
IKR!?
Fax
where tf is jojo
bruh this comments
Where is Pokémon
you suck
BLEACH! it should at least have got an honourable mention, lol…but other than that I’m happy that someone has recognised Darker Than Black as a Top 10 :) <3
tokyo ghoul?
Why isn’t one piece on this list !? It is one of the best añime
YO wtf wheres Bleach nah im out
bro come on ! One piece is the top 1 its been 2 decades now and it is still hot for millions of watchers and manga readers and waiting for new chapters/episodes every week.
ok i think HxH is not anime tho thats the only definition i could get :)
I’m slightly disappointed that demon slayer wasn’t on there. Despite there only being 26 episodes and a fairly fast paced action based anime I think it deserves a place on this list. It’s story line is quite impressive and the characters/animation had alot of work put into it
Really the story is that good? Seemed pretty simple to me.
how the fu*k did you forget Gintama
This is surely subjective smh. AoT degrades its third and fourth season due to reallocate budget to Yoshiki lmao
Ummm hello the promised neverland MY HERO ACADEMIA?!?!?!
“Top 10 best anime series of all time” includes fcking re:zero and the #1 is AoT. Bruh
I really like the show Seven Deadly Sins, i’m not sure if it’s been completed yet but it’s a netflix original and I think it deserves some credit! I also like the show Fairy Tale. It’s basic but it’s a really good show!
AOT…. ❣️
Wow, no mention of Inuyasha or Ranma.
What a sucky list, heavy disrespect to Rumiko.
Aot is no.1 in OG list.. “F”
a best anime list without one piece and dragon ball in the top 5 is trash, attack on titans is number 1 lmao
ermmm i disagree with this maybe add these ; naruto; attack on tittan; darling in the franxx ; baka and test summon the beasts; demon slayer; black clover;avatar ; bleach; sorry for the uppset but i dont like this list????
JJBA, OP and DBZ should be in there and Naruto needs higher, this list is a BIG MEGA L
Bro, Demon slayer is better than any of these in my opinion
agreed
Really the story is that good?
man u stoopid rengoku dying isnt even that sad u stans..even naruto tops demon slayer, have you even watched other anime
Yes
Attack on Titan is not even top 50. Mr. Evan Saunders needs to catch up and watch more than popular animes to make any list in the future.
You suck Goran aot is the best
aot definitely deserves at least top 10 and dont comment s**t if u cant appreciate what is good theres a reason y its popular
HOW COULD YOU?! YOU LITERALLY FORGOT KAKEGURUI, MY HERO ACADEMIA AND DARLING IN THE FRANXX
IKR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO TERRIBLE
Attack on Titan is a masterpiece, the way human emotions like hatred, love, having something to protect etc and the consequences they lead to, has been shown brilliantly in the anime, it easily ranks under top 3 best anime of all time. you’re just too dumb to appreciate it’s inherent genius, since u can’t understand the plot, u just talk shet about it.
kakegurui and darling in franxx are trash, MHA is average(all seasons combined) at best, you need to watch more shows.
where is jojo
dead
dead -_-
If you guys don’t like this list go make the f**kin list yourself. Then post it online. Look if people disagree or agree with you. Man, please don’t s**t talking about other people list. It does not ruin your life anyway
No
rezero suck, MC keeps dying, too many suffer
OVERLORD 10000000000x BETTER
THE BEST COMMENT I HAVE SEEN SO FAR
JoJo?
Respect earned Jojo no.1
SASAGEYOOOOOO!!!
Fick u bithc u smell like a rabbits ass, sasageyooooo yea fly away birdie, jean f’d the main girl. WHIOOPPS no spoliers ur mad cause bad
Yeahhhhhhhh baby aot 1st
where is baruto?
In the trash where it belongs
One Piece and Dragon ball Z honourable mentions hahahahahahahahaaaaa. These are probably top 2
nah its so long. 1000 episodes with fillers to no payoff
Get smoked, we smoking that ace pack bozo stay mad.
aggre
agree
drunk.mf? wth is this list
right this is an okay list
MY hero academia
cringe and cheesy
yes my hero is way better than jojo f**k jojo
chilllllllllllll naruto solos lo no im no gunna be one of those pl
man u dumb af dickhead, there’s no way a pussy anime like my hero will ever beat jojo, hah i bet quit at the first 9 episodes.
everyone knows they’re the worst of all the jojo seasons. also jojo characters would beat my hero ones anytimee
True Jojo
some of the honourable mentoins probably should have been on the list
ALLROA LA VOSTR MADRE E MORTA
bella bro