Let’s face it—talking about the top anime ever is a key step for fans. We each have our loved ones, and that makes the talk fun (and at times a bit wild). No matter if you’re a big fan or just starting to watch more in the world of subs, dubs, and “just one more show” nights, this list has stuff to fire up your love for great tales. So, what makes an anime “the best”? Big-name leads, top art, and plot shockers that hit you hard late at night? Yes—all that and more. Grab your Pocky, find a cozy spot, and let’s go through the top 10 best anime shows ever. And hey, if we missed your top pick, we’ll take it to the comments.
10. Spy x Family
Who would have thought that spying and feel-good family moments could mix so well? Spy x Family may be one of the more recent additions to the list, but it’s already found its place. It’s clever, funny, and manages to make global spying seem. homely? Bingeing on Loid’s attempts to juggle missions with parent-teacher conferences while Anya telepathically reads minds and Yor spends her nights working as an assassin? Utterly anarchic bliss. It’s a rare mix of wholesome and badass—and honestly, we’re here for it.
9. Haikyu!!
Yes, it’s about volleyball. And yes, it’s probably the most hyped, soul-lifting thing you’ll ever watch. Haikyu!! takes a simple sports setup and turns it into a rollercoaster of growth, grit, and jaw-dropping animation. Even if you’ve never cared about volleyball before, you’ll be screaming at your screen like your favorite team’s on match point. Every character, from star players to side characters, gets a moment to shine—and that’s part of its magic.
8. Ouran High School Host Club
Part satire, part romance, and fully iconic, Ouran High School Host Club is a shojo anime that breaks every mold. It flips gender norms on their heads, pokes fun at anime clichés, and somehow manages to be laugh-out-loud funny while still tugging at your heart. Haruhi’s unbothered energy paired with the Host Club’s over-the-top antics makes for a perfect watch, whether you’re into high drama or high comedy.
7. Mushi-Shi
Quiet, slow, and profoundly affecting—Mushi-Shi is more about mood than about action. It’s a series that follows the enigmatic traveler Ginko, who handles mushi—ghostly life forms that most people cannot even see. Every episode is like a contemplative short tale, enveloped in beautiful imagery and haunting atmospheres. It’s not a showy thing, but if you let it, it’ll sneak under your skin most wonderfully.
6. Hunter x Hunter
If what you want is an old-school coming-of-age saga with emotional depth and insane plot developments, you owe it to yourself to check out Hunter x Hunter. Don and his buddies begin a carefree adventure, but the series does not hesitate to pull the punches. It’s ruthless, smart, and laden with characters who evolve and mature in ways that linger with you years after the final credits. And yes, everyone has strong feelings about the Chimera Ant arc. You’ll understand why.
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
The animation that turned heads and broke records, Demon Slayer, is a feast for the senses. The visuals are stunningly gorgeous, the score sends shivers down your spine, and each fight sequence is an emotional build-up. Tanjiro’s quest to protect his sister and fight demons is fundamental at its core, but it’s presented with such heart, passion, and flair that it’s impossible not to be drawn into it. And let’s be honest: that Mugen Train arc? Iconic.
4. One Piece
A thousand-plus episodes and still going strong, One Piece is more than an anime—bigger than that, really—it’s a worldwide phenomenon. With its unparalleled world-building, boundless adventure, and misfit crew that becomes like family, this show has been hooking hearts for decades. Whether you’re an old-school fan or just starting your journey on the Going Merry, there’s no denying the longevity of Luffy’s pirate fantasy. It’s crazy, it’s bizarre, and it’s completely worth the ride.
3. Cowboy Bebop
Cool, hip, and impossibly suave, Cowboy Bebop is the epitome of timeless. Its jazzy score, noir atmosphere, and existential undertones make it a space western that’s far greater than bounty hunting in space. Every episode is a standalone narrative that gradually exposes its cast’s underlying struggles and regrets. Spike, Jet, Faye, and Ed are not merely characters—icons. This show demonstrated that anime could be filmic, emotional, and oh-so-slick.
2. Attack on Titan
If you assume Attack on Titan is all about giant monsters devouring humans, don’t. What starts as a gruesome survival series evolves into so much more: a multilayered, intense story about war, liberty, and the spaces in between. It’s chilling, relentless, and full of mind-blowing plot twists. Each season ratchets up the tension, and just when you think you have an idea of what’s next, it turns everything on its head. This one lingers.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The gold standard. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is usually the first anime someone suggests—and for a reason. It’s got it all: interesting world-building, flawless balance of humor and tragedy, unforgettable characters, and a narrative that feels as streamlined as it does deep. The Elric brothers’ journey isn’t about alchemy—it’s about sacrifice, perseverance, and the price humanity pays for ambition. No filler, no dragging plotlines, just raw storytelling quality all the way through.
There you go—the definitive anime starter (or rewatch) list from someone who’s cried more than a few tears over characters. Disagree with the ranks? That’s the best part about anime—there’s always something new to find, obsess over, and fight over. Whether you’ve watched all ten or zero, these shows are proof that anime is more than just a genre—it’s a storytelling behemoth that refuses to slow down. So go ahead. Press play. Fall in love. And maybe add a few tissues to your watch setup. You’re gonna need them.