Anime has grown a lot. From late TV shows & old tapes to big web hits & big world things. But it did not go big fast. A few top shows made anime a big deal. So, in true anime style, we list down the 15 shows that made a huge mark.
15. Blue Eye Samurai
One of the latest additions to this list, Blue Eye Samurai, has already generated legitimate buzz. With its smooth animation, grown-up storytelling, and fusion of East-meets-West influences, it’s a perfect example of the way anime-influenced stories are breaking into truly international productions. It’s not only a show—it’s an indication that the lines between Western and Japanese animation are officially dissolving.
14. Trigun
Vash the Stampede may appear to be a goofball, but Trigun offers an unexpected blend of depth, action, and wild-west sci-fi style. This 90s cult classic stood on its own with offbeat charm and gun-toting philosophy, serving as an entry point to anime for many fans worldwide. It proved that anime could be cool, offbeat, and emotionally impactful, simultaneously.
13. Samurai Champloo
Hip-hop samplers. Swordsmen of Edo-era Japan. Cowboy Bebop’s creators made huge creative gambles—and hit every one. It blended modern beats with old Japan like never before. It’s a visual and musical check-in that inspired an entire wave of creators to try new things and push boundaries.
12. Yu Yu Hakusho
Before tournament arcs were a dime a dozen, Yu Yu Hakusho set the playbook. Spirit Detective Yusuke Urameshi brought heart, grit, and refreshingly mature storytelling to the equation. Its DNA is ubiquitous—from Bleach to Jujutsu Kaisen. And for a lot of people, it was their first introduction to what anime could actually feel like.
11. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Isekai dominated the world of anime in the 2010s, but Shield Hero broke from the crowd. It abandoned wish-fulfillment overpowered goodness for the darker themes of betrayal, trauma, and redemption. This series didn’t simply surf the isekai wave; it reformed it, proving that there’s more to fantasy worlds than power leveling.
10. My Hero Academia
Suppose superheroes were trained as ninjas in high school. That’s My Hero Academia in a nutshell. Boasting a huge international fan base, merchandise everywhere, and an onslaught of fan art and cosplay, MHA brought anime even further into the mainstream. Its optimistic ideals and eclectic characters resonated with fans who identify with Deku’s quest.
9. Cowboy Bebop
The noir-esque space that needs no introduction. Cowboy Bebop wasn’t merely fashionable—it was hip. It’s a jazz soundtrack, grown-up storytelling, and catchphrase-tastic one-liners (“See you, space cowboy…”). It defied conventions to help bring anime to the West and inspire everything from The Matrix to Arcane.
8. Jujutsu Kaisen
When Jujutsu Kaisen fell, people responded as if struck by a tidal wave. Its smooth animation, interesting characters, and darker approach made it an overnight hit. And it delivered something the fans had been hungry for: female characters that were powerful, complex, and treated with respect. In essence, it redefined what a contemporary shonen could—and should—be.
7. One Piece
A thousand episodes in, and One Piece remains going strong. Luffy and the Straw Hats have constructed more than a fan base—bigger than that, they’ve created a global family. With its message of freedom, friendship, and justice, One Piece has become a cultural icon and testament to the fact that epic storytelling can endure.
6. Hunter x Hunter
Few series balance brains and heart like Hunter x Hunter. This isn’t merely a fight anime—it’s a game of chess, it’s a tragedy, and it’s a lesson in character development. From Nen systems to ethical questions, it’s the type of series that gets under your skin long after the credits roll. Each twist is well-deserved, and each battle is significant.
5. Naruto: Shippuden
Believe it! Naruto was not merely about ninja headbands and hand signs. It was the tale of a nobody child who did the impossible and proved the whole world wrong. The series addressed everything from isolation to legacy, and its emotional peaks and brutal battles made it a worldwide phenomenon. Naruto did not merely become popular—it became a way of life.
4. Vinland Saga
Most anime historicals blend into the background. Vinland Saga takes you by the throat. With its unforgiving realism, rooted characters, and philosophical complexity, it pushes the medium into greater heights. It’s not flashy powers—it’s the price of violence, the burden of revenge, and what it takes to pursue peace in a world constructed on war.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
A near-flawless series. FMA: Brotherhood is a taut, emotional story filled with alchemy, tragedy, and questions of existence. The Edward and Alphonse Elric experience has everything—action, humor, betrayal, redemption—and the reward is indelible. If anime were books, this would be a contemporary classic.
2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
It doesn’t often happen that a series looks this great and feels this intense. Demon Slayer impressed with its stunning animation and visceral emotional beats. The film Mugen Train broke records, earning more than $507 million worldwide in 2020—the first time that a non-Hollywood movie was the biggest box office hit. It demonstrated that anime was able to conquer everywhere.
1. Attack on Titan
No show has captured the world’s imagination like Attack on Titan. It began as a grim survival thriller and turned into a richly layered, morally ambiguous epic. With unprecedented popularity, worldwide discussions, and even college lectures analyzing its themes, AoT didn’t merely bring anime into the mainstream—it blew down walls and opened the doors to the world.
These iconic titles aren’t just fan favorites—they’re the foundation of anime’s rise from niche interest to global powerhouse. Thanks to streaming platforms and a booming merch industry, anime is everywhere now, influencing everything from fashion and food to music and gaming. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started, these series show how anime has grown into one of the most exciting forces in pop culture today.