The word “anime” can cause a wide range of emotional responses. Some people may not even be aware of what anime is, while others may become uninterested in this medium at the mere mention of it, and then there are some who literally devote their entire life to being up to date on each new season of anime. Dragon Ball Z, Beyblade and Pokémon are examples of titles that frequently bear the brunt of this criticism because they began as after-school activities but have since developed into a lifelong obsession that spans a wide variety of niches and sub-genres.
Even the most dedicated anime fan is bound to miss a few shows from the tens of thousands currently available, many of which are adapted from video games. Whatever the case may be, these are the works that have won the hearts of the masses and stood out from the crowd, be it due to an original idea, a superb plot, or unforgettable characters. Best Anime of all time!
Table of Contents
One Piece
One of the longest and most popular stories ever told in anime had better be at the top of our list of the best of all time, right? When it comes to following your heart, no matter who you have to face or how it makes you look, One Piece is a narrative of adventure, independence, romance, and doing what you love.
Even after two decades and over a thousand chapters, Eiichiro Oda’s epic work maintains a very high standard of storytelling excellence. Looking at what’s happening now in the Wano Arc, it’s easy to realize how incredible the story remains even after so much time has passed. With the long-awaited live-action adaptation not looking promising, there isn’t much else to discuss regarding the manga/anime. Fans all over the world admire the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Usopp, Robin, Chopper, Franky, and Brooke (and perhaps Yamato soon).
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter X Hunter’s reputation as one of the best shonen shows ever is well-deserved. The show’s plot, pacing, and characters have been praised as among the best in the industry. The Chimera Ant Arc is one of the few shonen plots that manages to be both fast-paced and tense at the same time. The manga was first adapted into an anime in 1999, but the fandom was not pleased with the results. Thankfully, Madhouse tackled their own adaptation in 2011 that was met with far greater success.
Hunter X Hunter is an engrossing show for many reasons, including the quality of its music, animation, sound design, and combat choreography. Playing games that are comparable to it is a way for some people to satisfy a need for similar stimulation. Those games, though, aren’t without their own issues, too. And of course, Nen, one of the most adaptable and intriguing shonen power systems ever, cannot be forgotten. Absolutely without a shadow of a question, HxH is the best of the best.
Dragon Ball
For anime fans, few stories compare to the epic adventure of Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Z Warriors. Some even go so far as to say that DBZ was responsible for practically all of the success that anime has had in the West, from Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Z to Dragon Ball: Super.
People’s memories of the IP’s seemingly infinite supply of powerups and ever-increasing power ceiling as well as its lengthy battles and memorable characters stretch back decades. Plus, there’s no time to waste when you may be playing amazing video games like Dragon Ball FighterZ.
Naruto
The two and a half year gap in Naruto, It’s no surprise that Naruto: Shippuden is widely regarded as not only one of the best shonen of all time, but also as one of the top three anime of all time. Though there is a lot of fluff in the anime, Naruto Uzumaki’s story of desiring to become Hokage and reconnecting with his best friend still manages to win over many viewers.
What Naruto teaches us is the value of unbreakable ties and the necessity of standing up for what we believe in, no matter the cost. Naruto’s charismatic charm and his ability to rally support for himself in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles make him an easy hero to root for. On the other hand, Naruto’s humanity is strengthened by the show’s inclusion of a number of emotionally distressing and difficult events that allow viewers to empathize with his struggles and make him a likable protagonist throughout. The show is about more than just the strength of friendship, though. A story about establishing one’s value and defending one’s loved ones.
Fullmetal Alchemist
To be honest, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is the best thing ever. Considering that it has dominated the top slot on MyAnimeList for so long, I think that says everything that needs to be said. In case you are unaware, Fullmetal Alchemist tells the tale of two brilliant brothers named Edward and Alphonse Elric and their quest to reclaim everything they’ve lost while also discovering new motivations to keep living.
The series’ Alchemy system is so rich and well-developed that the world these brothers inhabit is just as believable as the brothers themselves. Despite some noticeable visual differences between FMA: Brotherhood and the 2003 series, the show’s unwavering commitment to the original manga and the high quality of its animation ensure that Brotherhood deserves a slot here.
Fullmetal Alchemist, the first (also animated by Studio Bones), is a great show that veers from the manga because it caught up a little too fast. In addition, while it is the best example of an anime adaptation that follows the source material quite well and provides a satisfying conclusion, it still falls short of Brotherhood. Either way, if you’re in the mood for some anime but haven’t seen Brotherhood from 2003, you should get on that bandwagon right away.
Demon Slayer
There was no escaping the 2019 adaptation of Demon Slayer once it began airing. Even after the first episode, it was clear that this series, animated by the prestigious studio Ufotable, was well-crafted and would go on to great success. And it did go places; the manga and anime adaptations of Demon Slayer enjoyed staggering success in both Japan and the West. With Mugen Train now streaming on Crunchyroll, the show’s popularity is bound to spike once more before season 2 airs.
And while the story itself may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the incredible animation by Ufotable, the immaculately well-written characters, the simple yet immediately gripping storyline, and the concept of fighting demons with elemental sword styles all come together to make Demon Slayer the worldwide phenomenon that it is today.
Gintama
Gintama, another Shonen series that has become incredibly popular. Adventure, comedy, shonen, mystery and science fiction are just few of the categories that Gintama can be placed in. But either the action or the humor takes precedence. The plot is as outlandish as it gets, taking place as it does in a version of Edo Japan where aliens have conquered and ruled.
As plot-heavy as Gintama might get, though, the show is really more about Gintama and his pals than anything else. It breaks the fourth wall, is juvenile, satirical, and amusing. If you’re searching for an endlessly funny series, go no further than Gintama.
Fairy Tail
Natsu Dragneel (a dragon slayer), Lucy Heartfilia (a constellationist), and Happy (an Exceed, blue cat that can be done appear wings, fly, and speak) are the main characters in the story of this ridiculously entertaining shonen anime. They are soon joined by Erza Scarlett (a knight mage) and Gray Fullbuster (an Ice mage and later an Ice demon hunter), two other members of the famous guild. The story focuses primarily on the missions carried
Black Clover
Black Clover tells the story of Asta, a young kid with a lot of drive who resides in an orphanage in Clover Kingdom with his best friend from infancy, Yuno. Asta’s early drive to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming the “Wizard King”, the title given to the most powerful magician in the realm, motivated Yuno to pursue a similar path later in life.
However, sadly for Asta, she did not inherit any magical abilities, whereas Yuno was born with extraordinary predispositions. Both Asta and Yuno make a solemn oath that they will compete for the role of Emperor Mage. Even if they are taking different routes on the Knight-Mage road, their ultimate objective is still the same: to succeed the current Emperor-Mage. On this particular list, this particular shonen anime is one of the newest and most exciting ones.
Blue Exorcist
The two realms of the science fiction world of Blue Exorcist are diametrically opposed to one another, much like the two sides of a mirror. The first is the world that Assiah inhabits, which is populated by people. The other is called Gehenna and it is the realm of the devils. Under normal circumstances, travel between the two locations as well as any type of contact is not possible.
Demons, on the other hand, have the ability to enter our realm and take possession of everything that already exists here. The following is how the tale unfolds: After killing Rin’s guardian father Fujimoto in an attempt that was supposed to let Rin return to the demon realm, he offers Rin a dream. The goal is to become an exorcist and vanquish the god of demons.
Even if the only science fiction notion that is featured is “dimensional travel,” aficionados of sci-fi anime could enjoy this work nonetheless.
Dr. Stone
Anime where world population is stranded in a post-apocalyptic world 3700 years in the future where everyone has been turned to stone? And that’s pretty much what Dr. Stone is, seeing as how young Senku appears to have as much scientific knowledge as all the world’s experts put together.
And his plan to bring back modern society by inventing new technologies is a blast to see unfold. The fact that this is one of the first anime in a long time that feels like it is actually instructing us while we watch it is remarkable. The stunning concepts by the famous Boichi are also brought to life thanks to TMS Entertainment’s excellent adaptation.
Hajime No Ippo
Hajime No Ippo is a top-notch sports series that follows Makunouchi Ippo’s entire career, from a peace loving youngster who was treated badly to a name recognised globally.
The anime is just as good as the manga it was based on, thanks to three amazing seasons that ran for more than a decade. The anime hasn’t adapted everything from the manga (yet), but if you’re even mildly interested in boxing, Hajime no Ippo is the perfect show for you.
Haikyuu!!
Following the trend of sports anime for a while, we have Haikyuu. When compared to the constantly shifting plot of Haikyuu, Hajime No Ippo’s formulaic nature is practically a drawback. In some episodes, the focus is squarely on the match at hand, while in others, it’s on the history of a different team, and in yet others, volleyball scarcely even makes an appearance.
It doesn’t matter what kind of episode you get, though; they’re all of the highest caliber. Every episode of Haikyuu features at least a few of tense moments and features a large cast of noteworthy characters. All over, it’s a great plot, and each episode is exceptionally well made.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure may be created by taking any other shonen series, replacing the characters with 6’5 abnormally muscular males, and giving each of them a ghost with superpowers. The original work, written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki over the course of decades, is a fantastic story chronicling the lives of numerous members of the Joestar family, including Jonathan, Joseph, Jotaro, Josuke, Giorno, Jolyne, Johnny, and even Jojolion. Each and every component is one of a kind and fascinating in its own right.
What began as a tale about a stone mask and vampires has evolved into a saga of one man’s use of his eerie ghost power to vanquish another, all while maintaining his sense of fashion. Undoubtedly one of the all-time greats, this series has influenced countless other franchises over its career. And for all of you who have been reading the manga, Chapter 8: Jojolion has concluded and Chapter 9 has been confirmed! Fans of the manga may look forward to Chapter 9 in the not-too-distant future, while those who prefer the anime can watch the Stone Ocean anime on Netflix.
Cowboy Bebop
The inclusion of this show on a compilation of the best anime ever produced was unavoidable. Cowboy Bebop is more than simply an anime; it’s a phenomenon that delves into many different aspects of society, culture, and philosophy. Oh, and the style practically seeps out of it. It has elements of both the Cyberpunk and space western genres, as well as a lot of flair.
In addition to this, there is a diverse and interesting ensemble of characters. Whether you’re brand new to anime or an old pro who somehow missed it, Cowboy Bebop is a must-watch. A large number of people may soon watch the original in order to use it as a point of comparison or for reference if the live-action version is good.
Fruits Basket
The program Fruits Basket is a great example of a show that knows exactly what it wants to accomplish and then goes out and does it. Even while many would label the anime as a slice of life, we think that’s underselling what it has to offer. Because of the obvious attention put into the writing, directing, voice acting, animation, music, and plot, it’s hard not to become emotionally invested in the main characters.
The supernatural drama Fruits Basket is is filled with heart and soul, making it clear that it is not a slice of reality. If you let yourself be sucked into this anime, you will feel every emotion the characters do and will want the best for them. If an emotional rollercoaster seems appealing, give Fruits Basket a try. There is nothing else like it.
Attack On Titan
Does the worldwide phenomenon that is Attack on Titan need any further introduction? It was obvious that each new episode of the most recent season would explode in popularity the night it aired, as seen by your social media feeds. Some games are comparable to it, and some adapt the plot directly into video games.
Of course, I’m referring to the plot in which Eren, Mikasa, and Armin appear. The successes and traumas that this intrepid group experiences make for a riveting story. Attack on Titan has one of the most outlandish settings of any anime, but despite this, it has become one of the most accessible to new viewers. Despite the controversy surrounding the series’ conclusion, “A Song of Ice and Fire” (AoT) is still widely considered a classic.
Vinland Saga
The 2019 anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga, produced by Wit Studio, is a behemoth among classic shows. If you’re looking for a story with a “Odysseyesque” plot, this is one of the few options that can hold its own against something like Berserk.
As the story progresses, a young man named Thorfinn learns the meaning of being a warrior in the year 1013 A.D., as well as what it means to be human and “good.” Vinland Saga, like Berserk, has an extremely violent beginning, but it diverges significantly later on. Now, that point hasn’t been reached yet in the anime adaptation’s one season, but if Wit Studio keeps up the same level of quality and accuracy they had in season one, the anime version of Vinland Saga will be on many “best of” lists in 2022.
The Fate Series
The Fate media property, which began with the Fate/Stay Night graphic novel series, has been extremely successful in recent years. Anime, video games, spin-offs, and even light novels have all been produced. Each Fate story, if not all of them, centers on the Holy Grail War, the Masters, and the historical heroes they call upon.
A large part of the series’ appeal comes from the fantastic designs and imaginative adaptations of well-known historical figures like Arthur Pendragon, Medusa, Gilgamesh, and many others. Fans of battle royale stories, brutal shonen action, and tournament plots will love this franchise. Considering that Fate/Grand Order (game) is one of Sony’s most profitable game ever, it is clear that the Fate franchise has much to offer both those with and without money.
Food Wars!
It’s strangely satisfying to watch animated people eat animated food. If you’re looking for an anime that will make your stomach growl every time, go no farther than “Food Wars! : Shokugeki no Soma.” The manga was a huge success in Japan thanks to recipes from the famous Japanese chef Yuki Morisaki, and the anime adaptation by J.C. Staff (the studio behind “A Certain Magical Index,” “Toradora!” and “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.”) was a huge success all over the world.
The protagonist, Soma Yukihira, is a high school student with aspirations of taking over the family business. The Totsuki Saryo Culinary Institute is the best culinary school in Japan, and he will need to attend there if he ever hopes to achieve the same level of success as his father. Some of the children of famous and wealthy chefs aren’t delighted to have the kid of a regular cook in their class. For Soma, this is just another opportunity to show everyone how incorrect they are in their assumptions; at Totsuki, students often compete in events known as “shokugeki,” in which they try to outdo one another by preparing the tastiest dinner possible under adverse conditions. And the program has a vast cast of fascinating characters, all of whom share Soma’s enthusiastic enthusiasm for eating. This anime is a five-season feast for anyone who loves to eat.
My Hero Academia
The protagonist of “My Hero Academia,” Izuku Midoriya, shares our modern world’s obsession with superheroes. Izuku is part of the unfortunate 20% of his world’s population that does not possess a Quirk (the in-universe phrase for a superpower). He had no superhuman abilities from birth, but that never stopped him from dreaming of a life as a hero. Due to his perseverance, the most well-known hero in Japan, All Might, chooses to mentor him and get him into U.A. High School, the country’s most prestigious school for aspiring heroes. Like Izuku, we soon discover that there is more to All Might than meets the eye.
Like of this writing, the manga adaptation of “My Hero Academia” is still going strong. Its creator, Kohei Horikoshi, is a big lover of American superheroes and has been known to dress up as Spider-Man to see “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” It climaxed the 2010s in spectacular fashion (All Might’s battle against the show’s main antagonist, All for One, has since become the stuff of legend), and it’s certain to be popular for years to come. The moment to hop on the MHA bandwagon is now.
Code Geass
Anyone who has watched several episodes of a high-quality anime series is familiar with the plot of Code Geass. The show is a roller coaster that will keep you guessing until the very last second since it features an engaging plotline in which the heir to the throne, Lelouch vi Britannia, receives the power of Geass, an ability that allows him to control the acts of someone just once. This ability allows him to control the actions of someone else. Even for those who aren’t interested in mecha shows, the storyline of Code Geass is so captivating that you’ll find yourself watching episodes in a row before you realize it.
One Punch Man
It’s difficult to create a compelling and interesting anime starring a flawed, overpowering protagonist. Many Isekai, including Sword Art Online, fall into this trap. Saitama from One-Punch Man, on the other hand, is such an outlandish and lovable character that following his adventures is still fun to watch. This, together with the fact that the other characters in the program aren’t all-powerful gods, makes for a great, action-packed show.
Usually, the protagonists have to go to extreme lengths to protect those close to them from the antagonists, and Saitama doesn’t appear until the very end of the story to one-shot the main bad guy and conclude the arc. Once again, this doesn’t sound like the makings of a great series, but “One” the mangaka’s great story, Yusuke Murata’s art, and Madhouse’s anime adaptation bring the characters to life and motion. Don’t take our word for it, watch One Punch Man and you’ll see for yourself how good it is.
Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100, like One Punch Man, features nonstop, exaggerated mayhem. On the other hand, Mob Psycho focuses on mental abilities rather than brute strength. Sometimes this involves punches and kicks while “cloaked” in psychic energy, but even then Bones ensures that the animation is unique enough so that it doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter shonen.
MP100’s unique visual style complements the show’s weirdly adult storyline, amusing characters, and bizarre events. MP100 has done the impossible by making us like Reigen.
Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo, one of the more unusual entries on this list, is a wonderful anime that you shouldn’t miss. The story of the two main samurai is definitely a sight to witness, especially in its hip-hop setting, which presents a different take on Japan’s Edo period.
It’s a must-watch not just because of the plot, but because of the fantastic art style, the incredible music, and several designs that truly innovate the anime genre.
Death Note
Ahhh, a classic anime that requires no introduction. People who don’t usually watch anime have probably heard of “Death Note,” if only because of the divisive reactions to Netflix’s live-action remake. Those new to anime who are interested in diving in can start with this series.
In order to become a new god, Light Yagami uses the Death Note and his Shinigami Ryuk to outwit L (a adolescent detective, because anime) and kill everyone whose name is recorded in the book. Death Note is an excellent work of media, and the excellent English dub is icing on the cake.
Steins;Gate
One of the longest-running and best-known anime series, Steins Gate was so well-received by fans and critics alike that a sequel was produced seven years after the original series finished.
The first few episodes may be slow, but the tale is intricate and involves time travel, which might be difficult to understand if you aren’t paying attention. But if you stick around, you’ll see some of the greatest anime episodes ever filmed.
Pokemon
“Pokemon” is the only Japanese export to influence pop culture. What started as a pair of Game Boy games swiftly developed into the highest-grossing media franchise of all time (it’s grossed over $100 billion U.S. dollars globally), spawning multiple video games, a popular trading card game, films, and a long-running anime series.
The first season of “Pokemon” may not be a masterpiece of writing or animation, but it’s special to ’90s and ’00s kids. Ash (or Satoshi in the Japanese edition, named after franchise founder Satoshi Tajiri) and Pikachu never fail to lift your spirits. The original 151 pokemon designs are less outrageous and built for certain functions. The border between Pokemon types blurred over time as creators ran out of ideas, leaving fans pining for 1997. The “Indigo League” series has the best theme song and characters.
Sailor Moon
Many people’s first experience with anime was with either Sailor Moon or Dragon Ball Z, and both series quickly became permanent favorites. Gorgeous animation, an uplifting story of friendship and love set against a rich mythology, and characters who felt real with flaws, goals, and emotional turmoil to portray them against a significantly bigger fantastical backdrop all contribute to make this series bigger than the sum of its already fantastic parts.
The chemistry between Usagi, Rei, Ami, Makoto, and Minako in all their adventures, from playing in the arcade to learning the secrets of their Moon Kingdom history, is what keeps viewers tuning in week after week, not the monster of the week and how the Sailor Scouts will defeat him. With its groundbreaking portrayal of multidimensional LGBT characters and its contribution to the mainstreaming of the mahou shoujo genre, Sailor Moon has proven itself to be an enduring masterpiece that has paved the way for many subsequent works.
Bleach
If you like shonen anime, you really must watch Bleach. The young man Ichigo Kurosaki possesses the extraordinary capacity to communicate with the dead. When he meets a Shinigami named Rukia Kuchiki, who is also on the hunt for a Hollow, everything in his life changes dramatically. Because of the damage she sustained during the fight with the ghost, Rukia is offering to transfer some of her powers to Ichigo, and the latter agrees to do so so that she can continue to protect her loved ones.
Something goes awry during the transfer, though, and Ichigo ends up with all of Rukia’s shinigami abilities. Meanwhile, Ichigo takes over for Rukia as the Shinigami, fighting the Hollows and guiding souls to the afterlife in the Soul Society. The characters in Bleach are some of the most memorable in the history of Japanese animation.
Tokyo Ghoul
The plot of the anime Tokyo Ghoul centres around the student Ken Kaneki, who falls in love with Rize Kamishiro. Ken is taken aback when she bites his shoulder in a dark alley after they meet, revealing that she is a ghoul.
Rizeis is about to eat Ken when she is suddenly smothered by a hail of enormous metal poles that have fallen from the roof of the building where they are being erected. This results in Roze’s death and Ken’s serious injury, both of which require emergency medical care. As soon as his health improves, he will be discharged from the hospital. The day he is set free, he discovers he is no longer human.
Fear courses through him as he stares at his “red eye” in the mirror. While in the hospital, he learns that organs from Rize were surgically implanted into him. By virtue of his newfound possession of Rize’s vital organs, he is now classified as a “half-ghoul,” a rare and unnatural hybrid between humans and zombies.
KonoSuba – God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World
Among the few comedies available, Konosuba may not be the one that viewers are anticipating. Many people probably expected Cromartie High or even Aggretsuko to win, but Konosuba ended up being the best. Why? Sure, there are times when the other series are funnier, and they may have had more of an impact overall, but ultimately, Konosuba strikes the best balance. It features one of the most original plot points of any comedy, has inspired a disproportionate number of subsequent works of “comedy Isekai,” and enjoys widespread acclaim.
Truly, seeing the exploits of Kazuma, Aqua, Darkness, Megumi, and others is a terrific way to spend a day binge-watching and laughing your guts out.
Clannad
Originally released as a PC visual novel, the Clannad series finally gained enough traction to merit not one but two anime adaptations, Clannad and Clannad After Story. Very positive reviews were given to both seasons, but After Story seemed to hit the mark with viewers. The series Clannad centers on the concept of “family,” with Tomoyo Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa as its protagonists.
Clannad is a masterwork of emotional narrative, especially considering how it accomplishes this with such a divisive visual style, and there’s a lot that happens between the two seasons. Clannad is one of the best dramatic works out there.
Angel Beats
Clearly, Jun Maeda has a talent for creating compelling protagonists who endure terrible circumstances. Angel Beats is a story of Otonashi, Yuri, Kanade, and a whole cast of other interesting characters as they struggle to figure out what is going on around them, and the effect of the story is greatly diminished if you know what is going on.
While Angel Beats is famous for many reasons, its opening theme is universally regarded as among the very finest of all time. It’s remarkable how much of a narrative arc Aniplex packs into only 13 episodes. Angel Beats is a great pick if you’re in the mood for something brief yet satisfying because it’s not nearly as long as some of the other anime on this list.
Final Thoughts
That’s it for the list of best anime shows of all time. We will try our best to keep this list up to date. Do not forget to share your feedback in the comments and let us know what you think which anime should be included in this list.
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