For a time there, Angel Beats! was a main staple in weekly Top 100 Anime lists, but was kind of forgotten now. It is a story about love that still holds, even in the afterlife – if that's your cup of tea, go and give it a try.
© P.A. Works Co., Ltd.
This anime is the epitome of randomness. That is probably what it is known for the most. But, if you want to see a grown man stop an earthquake with only his naked fist, then this is the show for you. What's more to say, it's buff shirtless men fighting and doing random stuff.
© TMS Entertainment Co., Ltd.
This anime is not known among many anime fans, but is definitely worth a watch. It's basically a dungeon crawler anime with Greek gods and goddesses. This show is also full of awkward ecchi stuff, so if that's not your thing, you better steer clear from this show.
© J.C.STAFF Co., Ltd.
Food Wars!, aka Shokugeki no Souma, is filled to the brim with fan service and kind of flat characters, but what makes it so exciting is the cooking aspect. It actually makes you so hungry to watch this show, because the food that these students cook looks so delightful. Worth a watch, I'd say.
© J.C.STAFF Co., Ltd.
Bleach is one of the older classics and still holds up, but it's just not as good as the other ones on this list. A decent story with good action.
© Pierrot Co., Ltd.
I kind of feel the same about Sword Art Online, but it looks pretty at least. The fan service can get a bit annoying, but you get some good action along the way. The second season is pretty good in my opinion.
© A-1 Pictures Inc.
Tough men, hard punches? Hajime no Ippo has got it for you. What really surprised me is the level of impact the punches have. The animation on that is pretty good.
© MADHOUSE Inc.
Colorfoul characters and awesome abilities. It's only ranked this low because the animation, action and story take a dive at around the halfway point. Also, Ban is awesome.
© A-1 Pictures Inc.
Japan in the Sengoku era was a chaotic place. Inuyasha takes us on a historical journey with awesome fights and a lot of romantic tension. A classic that still holds up.
© SUNRISE Inc.
This anime looks awesome. It's got smooth action, awesome set pieces and slick character designs. It's much better than its live-action adaptation, and you should give it a try.
© Production I.G., Inc.
Maybe not the best anime, but definitely an influential one. Elfen Lied pretty much inspired Stranger Things. It's a great take on science fiction horror, with some harrowing moments to enjoy.
© Commonsense Inc., Studio Guts Co., Ltd.
If you want a simple action thrill ride, Black Lagoon might be for you. The premise of the show is kind of akin to Cowboy Bebop. A group of bounty hunters ride on a ship and kill for money, pretty simple. Cool action and colorful cast. Good show!
© MADHOUSE Inc.
Kuroko no Basuke is an awesome sports anime that didn't lose its touch. The obligatory slow-motion scenes make the show pretty entertaining and exciting. Otherwise, it's got a cool cast of characters and if you're into Basketball, then you got to give Kuroko no Basuke a try.
© Production I.G., Inc.
Devilman Crybaby is a loving homage to an older era of anime. A time when anime was more brutal and experimental. The unique visual style combined with its uncensored content makes for a bloody thrill ride that is most definitely worth your time.
© Science SARU Inc.
Yu-Gi-Oh! is another classic with a unique premise. The characters engage in card battles with tactical thinking and twists and turns in every match. The old school drawing style from this era is still very charming and reminds me of when I was a little kid.
© GALLOP Co., Ltd.
Kill la Kill is a guilty pleasure of mine, with its over the top and revealing action sequences. In a time when the market was oversaturated by Moe anime, Kill La Kill was a saving grace for many fans that missed this hyper speed style of anime action.
© Trigger Inc.
Ah, what is there to say about this show. It's a classic, it's iconic, and it still holds up. Cute monsters battling each other will never not be awesome.
© OLM, Inc.
Detective Conan was wild! I remember watching it with my mom on Sundays. We would always be so invested and get mad when the episode ended on a cliffhanger. That is how exciting it was to watch this show. Now that I'm older, it definitely kept most of its charm.
© TMS Entertainment Co., Ltd.
In the discussion about Pokémon vs Digimon, most people said Pokémon had the better games, while Digimon had the better show. They were right. Digimon is awesome.
© Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
No other anime oozes nostalgia for the 90s quite like Sailor Moon. With its cute outfits, awesome music and charming art style, this magical girl anime is to this day a great show.
© Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
Mobile Suit Gundam revolutionized the mecha anime genre. Up until that point, mecha anime were more mystical and the mechs were moving via remote control. Mobile Suit Gundam was one of the first mecha anime that introduced the concept of mechs being war machines piloted by military personnel. An important cornerstone in the history of anime.
© SUNRISE Inc.
KonoSuba is a whole lot of fun. I know that Isekai has become the modern bane of anime fans, but KonoSuba takes the Isekai tropes and turns them on their heads. This show is so funny that I actually audibly laughed every episode at least once. Definitely watch this, you won't regret it.
© Studio DEEN Co., Ltd.
Hellsing Ultimate is a great-looking action/horror anime that takes place in London in the 1940s. There are vampires, secret organizations and a lot of intrigue. It's not that deep of an anime, but it delivers in the action aspect pretty consistently.
© Satelight Inc., MADHOUSE Inc., Graphinica, Inc.
A heartfelt slice of life story with cute, quirky characters. Toradora! is heartwarming and also a tear-jerker for me. It's just so relaxing to watch this. With 25 episodes, you can really treat this as the cute entertainment snack that it is.
© J.C.STAFF Co., Ltd.
Everyone talked about this show at some point. The hype was immense, and it was not undeserved. The animation is intense and clean, the hero Deku is relatable, and the fights are breathtaking. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it is definitely a darn good wheel.
© BONES Inc.
Soul Eater has maybe one of the most unique animation styles out there. With its rough expressionist approach, the art style can convey so much without the show having to tell us. Maka and her friends are a lovable bunch and the action is splendid!
© BONES Inc.
Code Geass has mechs, monarchs and a galaxy brain main character. It's a story about political turmoil, filled with scheming and strategical thinking. If you're into that kind of stuff, then this show is a must-watch for you.
© SUNRISE Inc.
This anime really challenges KonoSuba for the title of being the funniest anime ever. Gintama is so absurd and awesome, it's hard to put into words. At the end of the Edo period, aliens invade Japan and ban the use of swords. This premise makes for a wacky adventure with witty characters and situational comedy that borders on the absurd.
© SUNRISE Inc.
A loving comedy about a Cold War spy who has to create a fake family, but finds a real one in them. This show nails the most mundane events in a way that you are completely invested in whatever is going on with the family. The family in itself makes for an exciting dynamic with the secret agent dad, assassin mom and the mind-reading daughter. The daughter is also the cutest child ever!
© WIT STUDIO, Inc., CloverWorks Inc.
One Punch Man is a funny and thought-provoking critique of superheroes, with a lot of awesome action scenes. The conflict of Saitama being just too strong to have a real challenge seems boring on paper, but this show manages to show this problem from a realistic angle. It's only natural that Saitama struggles to find meaning in his existence when his job is just so darn easy for him.
© MADHOUSE Inc.
Love it or hate it, the Fate series has earned the number 20 spot on this list. The reason for this is mostly the god tier animation that Ufotable is known for that conveys the action in such an exciting and gripping way, you can't help but feel mesmerized.
© ufotable, Inc.
Naruto is another classic within the western audience. It's just so emotional to see this young shinobi get knocked down over and over again, just to cheer him on when he stands up. There are countless iconic fight scenes, tragic deaths and an incredibly memorable soundtrack that all manage to elevate this show above other anime.
© Pierrot Co., Ltd.
Monster is a dark crime thriller that grips you from beginning to end. The twists and turns this story takes are surprising, exciting and thought-provoking. In the end, you're only left with the question: Who is the real monster?
© MADHOUSE Inc.
There are many sports anime out there, but no one quite gets me like Haikyuu!. Proving that a simple story about a highschool volleyball team can go a long way, Haikyuu! manages to pull you in with its compelling characters, slice of life moments and intense volleyball games. It's so much fun to watch these characters interact, play and grow throughout the series, everyone gets their time to shine and nothing will get you motivated to join a sports club more than this show will.
© Production I.G., Inc.
For many people, this is the first anime they ever came in contact with. It's the ultimate Saturday morning cartoon with a cast of characters that all have their distinct goals and personalities. The long fights and training arcs have so much charm, I can't even describe it. Also, I feel like the tournament arcs we know and love originated here.
© Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
I already talked about Ufotable's animation, which is on an even higher level in this show. Demon Slayer follows a simple story structure, but is just a feast for the eyes and ears. The art direction and sound design really shook me to my core, when I experienced it for the first time. Also, the characters are all cute and likable!
© ufotable, Inc.
I feel like Mob Psycho 100 is extremely underrated. The art style is so free that it can be over the top without feeling out of place at all. The comedy is incredibly funny and works both audibly and visually through the art style. The psychic battles these characters engage in are so rich in color and movement, you can't help but fall in love with this show.
© BONES Inc.
If you like cracking your brain, then this anime is just the one for you. Steins;Gate has a story rich in philosophical and psychologically challenging mysteries that will keep you guessing up until the reveal of the next twist. This a sophisticated and ambitious work of art that deserves all the attention it got and is getting currently.
© WHITE FOX Co., Ltd.
Chainsaw Man may be the opposite of an anime like Steins;Gate. It's visceral, brutal and unhinged. The main character has maybe the most realistic ambitions you have ever seen in an anime. The fights the characters engage in result in bloody slugfests that never leave room for imagination. It's a rollercoaster ride that is frightening, but incredibly fun at the same time.
© MAPPA Co., Ltd.
A story about a young viking, who seeks revenge on his leader for murdering his father is already a compelling premise. Couple that with the beautiful animation from WIT Studio, and you've got yourself a banger. Vinland Saga surprises you with an immaculate soundtrack and mesmerizing visuals. The action flows delicately across the screen, and your inevitable investment in the characters will do the rest.
© WIT Studio, Inc.
Berserk is another iconic anime. It influenced countless fantasy franchises across many mediums. Guts' journey will always be a unique piece of media that will be remembered by fans and artists for years to come. The soundtrack is perfect, by the way.
© OLM, Inc.
This show is so good, you might suspect that the creators had to use cursed energy themselves to make this anime. The characters and the action are peak, and the story is great as well. There's a particular death that you would never expect, which is always great for good TV. All in all, one of the greatest anime of all time.
© MAPPA Co., Ltd.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is, without a doubt, a cult classic. Following Shinji on his journey to pilot a giant mech, an Evangelion, will thrill you and not let you go. Starting out slow, this anime will have you in its grasp within a couple of episodes as the mystery about Shinji's father, the Angels and the NERV company unfolds.
© Gainax Co., Ltd., Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd.
What would you do if you found a notebook that could kill anyone by just writing their name in it? This happens to Light Yagami, a high schooler who soon begins to kill criminals to fulfill his idea of justice, thus creating a world where he can be God. Soon the police catch up on these mysterious deaths and a cat and mouse game between Light and the inspector L will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning your own idea of morality and justice.
© MADHOUSE Inc.
One Piece may be one of the longest shows out there, but it's no less awesome to watch. Seeing Luffy's pirate crew grow into a government level threat is a sight to behold. Every character has their own arcs and stakes, my favorite being Zoro's arc. A show of this quality that goes on for this long must have a huge number of heartbreaking moments, compelling characters and intense fight scenes. One Piece manages to deliver all that and more.
© Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
This show is phenomenal. It's dynamic visual style coupled with the hard-hitting emotional storytelling make this show a timeless piece of entertainment for everyone to enjoy. I don't say this lightly, I really think this series is meant for everyone. The profound themes this show explores elevate it to one of the best anime of all time.
© Gainax Co., Ltd.
Cowboy Bebop is the epitome of style. The rule of cool applies to the full extent with this group of bounty hunters that are the "Bebop" crew. Every character from the main cast has a rich and complex backstory that will get you invested in no time. Its anthology-like structure makes it easy to get into and gives you more freedom. This show unites 90s anime aesthetics with science fiction, noir and jazz, creating a unique blend of styles, which makes this show timeless.
© SUNRISE Inc.
Hunter x Hunter is my personal favorite shōnen anime. It has a great main cast of characters that are developed and have great chemistry with each other. Gon comes off as a standard anime protagonist, but as the story progresses, more and more things come to light about him that change your view on him forever. Its world building is so profound and versatile, that writer Togashi can use it for any kind of story he wants to write, be it an action adventure, a crime thriller or a story about political intrigue. The magic system is the most fleshed out power system I have ever seen in an anime. I can't explain it here, because we'd be here for days, but trust me: it basically has no holes in its logic. This is my favorite shōnen, and it earns the number 3 spot on this list.
© MADHOUSE Inc.
Fullmetal Alchemist is said to be the best shōnen anime in existence, and I have to agree. Although I personally prefer Hunter x Hunter, I have to admit, that as a shōnen, Fullmetal Alchemist delivers on every front. It's got compelling, well-written characters with great chemistry, it's got an exciting mystery, awesome villains and a soundtrack that is near perfect. Honestly, it shouldn't be allowed for a show to be this good. Edward and Alphonse's journey breaks your heart, glues it back together, and repeats the process countless times. The homunculi make for fantastic villains that are genuinely scary (in my opinion). Also, I want to shout out the best side character in all anime: Roy Mustang!
© BONES Inc.
Well, here we are at the top of this mountain. It had to be Attack on Titan. There is no anime like this one. It manages to tell a story that you can't find any holes in, with a cast of characters that are all equally unique and complex. Attack on Titan is about the cruelty of the human race, about morality, about war and about bonds. What is freedom? What will you do to achieve it? It's quite a simple question, but it is explored so profoundly with so much attention to detail, I couldn't help but fall in love with this show. WIT Studio, and later MAPPA, really gave it their all with the adaptation of the manga, recreating and elevating the peak moments of this incredible work of art. For me, nothing comes close to Attack on Titan, it is simply a masterpiece.
© WIT Studio, Inc., MAPPA Co., Ltd.
It's finally time for the ultimate ranking of the best anime of all time. So sit down, grab a snack and strap in for a journey!
If you want to check out our other anime galleries, here's a selection:
