Anime is not merely entertainment, but a global cultural phenomenon. From shaping childhoods to inventing whole genres, some series did not just succeed; they redefined the book. But with decades of classics under their belts, which indeed redefined anime on TV? Let’s analyze the 10 most influential titles that left an indelible stamp on the medium.
10. Sword Art Online (2012)
Few shows brought a trend as hard-hitting as Sword Art Online. Isekai novels were more of a niche before Kirito and Asuna embarked on that ill-fated dive into a deadly VR game. Now, post-SAO? Everyone was writing “trapped in another world” novels. Love it or hate it, the show brought about a boom of game-driven isekai anime and set the tone for the genre’s dominance in the 2010s.
9. Demon Slayer (2019)
When Demon Slayer first came out, it wasn’t a hit—It was a phenomenon. With eye-watering animation and emotionally charged storytelling, Tanjiro’s fight to save Nezuko captivated everyone worldwide. In a matter of years, it introduced millions of new viewers to anime and set itself as a contemporary classic.
8. Urusei Yatsura (1981)
Rumiko Takahashi’s Urusei Yatsura set the stage for harem anime, offbeat rom-coms, and the concept of the “waifu.” Alien princess Lum, with her cult following, contributed to shaping fan culture today. This was among the first anime to seriously indulge in wacky, romantic mayhem—and its impact is ubiquitous even today.
7. Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Sophisticated, moody, and timeless, Cowboy Bebop proved that anime was as hip as it was deeply smart. Its genre-melding mix of Western, noir, and sci-fi with Yoko Kanno’s legendary jazz soundtrack made it a gateway series for Western audiences. To this day, it’s utilized as the go-to gateway for newcomers.
6. One Piece (1999)
Running for well over two decades now, One Piece is a more-than-long anime—it’s a phenomenon. Eiichiro Oda’s pirate epic recasts epic storytelling in terms of vast worldbuilding, emotional journeys, and a memorable cast of characters. It raised the standard for shonen anime, influencing generations of creators in the process.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
Before Gundam, giant robots were flashy toys fighting aliens. Mobile Suit Gundam revolutionized that with the mecha genre undergoing an abrupt shift towards realism, describing robots as weapons used in human wars. A “real robot” shift made this series iconic, establishing an enduring franchise and changing anime’s portrayal of war, ethics, and politics.
4. Sailor Moon (1992)
The magical girl genre burst into global superstardom with Sailor Moon. Action, humor, romance, and friendship were mixed by Usagi and her Sailor Guardians into a formula that hooked a whole generation. Apart from its genre impact, it proved that anime could find young fans all over the world and fuel a cultural tidal wave.
3. Doraemon (1979)
To Japan, Doraemon is more than anime—it’s an institution. The future blue robot cat was a household name, sharing life lessons with children through crazy gadgets and heartwarming adventures. Its cultural power has been likened to Mickey Mouse, with Doraemon even employed in official campaigns and learning.
2. Astro Boy (1963)
Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy is the foundation of anime itself. One of the first television shows ever made, it formed the whole industry and laid the groundwork for all that came after. From technological and human, and moral issues, Astro Boy defined Japanese pop culture during the post-war era and set the standard for everything that came next.
1. Dragon Ball Z (1989)
No show had Dragon Ball Z’s worldwide appeal. With Goku’s legendary fights and constant power-ups, DBZ defined the shonen genre and brought millions of people across the globe to anime. It has a cultural impact like no other—it’s not merely a television series, it’s a global touchstone. Without Dragon Ball Z, anime’s global explosion simply wouldn’t have occurred.
These series aren’t just fan favorites—they’re milestones. Each one reshaped anime in its own way, proving the medium could inspire, innovate, and capture audiences everywhere. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just diving in, these shows explain exactly why anime became the worldwide powerhouse it is today.