Anime is more than just a type of entertainment—it’s an entire world unto itself. Whether you’ve been a fan since the VHS tape era or you’re just beginning to get your feet wet, there’s a good chance that you’ve already found at least one show that has stayed with you. But which shows stand out above the rest? Which of those remade the genre, inspired generations, or just made us feel something so intensely, we couldn’t turn away? That’s what we’re here to find out. From classics that stand the test of time to revolutionary newcomers, the following are the 15 greatest anime series ever made, counting from 15 down to the summit.
15. FLCL
This show is an experience. That’s the best way to sum up FLCL (or Fooly Cooly, depending on whom you ask). It’s six episodes of absolute madness, bizarre metaphors, teenage angst emotions, and insane guitar-swinging. Somehow, it gets away with teenager angst, sci-fi craziness, and phenomenal animation without ever actually explaining itself. And yeah? That’s its beauty. You’re not seeing FLCL to comprehend—it’s akin to allowing an item of artwork to punch you in the face in the best possible manner.
14. Monster
If you’ve ever wished for a crime thriller that unfolds with slow, haunting intensity, Monster is your pick. It’s not flashy. There are no big action sequences or otherworldly powers—just an unraveling mystery and one of the creepiest villains in anime history. Dr. Kenzo Tenma’s decision to save a young boy ends up spiraling into a dark, philosophical ride about morality, identity, and what it means to be human. Chilling, thoughtful, and unforgettable.
13. Mob Psycho 100
Developed by the same brain that brought us One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 is so much more than just an action formula. Yes, there are psychic battles that resemble color explosions, but fundamentally, this is a show about emotional development and learning to feel. Seeing Mob struggle to get to know himself—his ability, his role, his feelings—is just as engrossing as the action scenes. It’s a gorgeous fusion of raw power and actual heart.
12. Samurai Champloo
Mix one part samurai drama, one part hip-hop culture, and a dash of absurd humor, and you’ve got Samurai Champloo. Directed by the same genius behind Cowboy Bebop, this show is slick, stylish, and unique. The story follows three unlikely companions on a journey across Edo-era Japan, but don’t expect your typical historical tale—this one dances to its beat, literally and figuratively.
11. Toradora!
Rom-com anime doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but Toradora! is the gold standard. What starts as a lighthearted “opposites attract” high school story gradually morphs into something real, raw, and surprisingly deep. The chemistry between Taiga and Ryuuji is electric, and the emotional payoff is more satisfying than you’d expect from a show with this much slapstick. It’s funny, sweet, and—by the end—gut-wrenching in the best way.
10. Death Note
Few shows grab your attention in the first five minutes like Death Note does. A high school student finds a notebook that lets him kill anyone just by writing their name? That premise alone is wild, but the cat-and-mouse game between Light and L is what hooks you. It’s tense, morally murky, and always one step ahead of you. No matter how many times you’ve seen it, it still makes your brain do gymnastics.
9. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Don’t be fooled by the bright hues and upbeat atmosphere—Hunter x Hunter turns dark, philosophical, and brutally real when you least anticipate it. This reimagined retelling of the original anime retains all that makes it excellent: grueling combat, sharp tactics, multidimensional characters, and storylines that go beyond standard shonen cliches. It begins as an adventure tale, but eventually turns into one of the richest experiences anime has ever presented.
8. Neon Genesis Evangelion
There’s no getting around it—Evangelion is a cornerstone of anime history. At its surface level, it’s giant mechs battling monsters. Beneath that? It’s an exploration of the mind, dealing with depression, identity, and what it means to be human. It’s not always an easy ride, and the ending still ignites hot debates. But whether you adore it or leave you shaking your head, there’s no denying its influence on everything that followed.
7. My Hero Academia
Superhero fatigue may be a thing, but My Hero Academia infuses new energy into the genre. It’s heart, epic battles on high stakes, and a massive ensemble cast that manages to include everyone in getting their time to shine. Seeing Izuku Midoriya develop from powerless teenager to potential hero is truly inspiring, and the series knows just when to punch you in the feels—and when to blow its top in an action explosion. It’s great modern shonen.
6. One Piece
There’s a reason why One Piece has been keeping viewers engaged for decades—it never loses its heart. Monkey D. Luffy’s aspiration of becoming King of the Pirates is filled with crazy adventures, memorable crew members, and heart-wrenching gut-punches that land harder than any antagonist. It’s not just an anime—it’s an odyssey. And the longer you’re watching, the more you’ll find that every island, every flashback, and every arc culminates into something greater.
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer broke through the scene and caused not only a ripple, but a tsunami. Its stunning animation, deep atmosphere, and tear-jerking plot drew in old and new fans alike. Tanjiro’s odyssey is gruesome and lovely, with moments of muted agony and bursts of fury. It’s a tale of love, tragedy, and the strength it requires to continue marching on.
4. Cowboy Bebop
Few anime are as cool as Cowboy Bebop. A jazzy sci-fi ride about a disheveled group of bounty hunters, this show combines style and substance so seamlessly, you hardly notice how profound it is. Each episode feels like a little movie, and the characters—particularly Spike Spiegel—stay with you long after it’s finished. It’s smooth, soulful, and ageless.
3. Naruto: Shippuden
You grow up with Naruto, and Shippuden is when it gets real. The dangers are greater, the fights more brutal, and the emotional journeys more profound. Seeing Naruto transform from a mouthy loner into a genuine hero is one of the most rewarding journeys in anime. And the friendships, backstabbing, and sacrifices in between? Pure emotional gold.
2. Attack on Titan
When Attack on Titan dropped, it changed everything. It started with humanity fighting off man-eating giants—but quickly became something so much more: political, philosophical, and profoundly brutal. Each season upped the ante with twists, secrets, and questions that kept fans theorizing for years. Whatever your thoughts on the ending, the ride there was nothing short of extraordinary.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Perched atop the mountain is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. It’s not often you see a show that does so many things so well—story, character development, world-building, action, and feeling. The Elric brothers’ quest is both epic and intimate, with characters that stay with you and stakes that change your life. It’s a complete narrative from beginning to end, with a resolution that lands. If you only watch one anime in your lifetime, make it this one.
There you have it, the top 15 anime shows of all time. Some brought us tears, others brought us laughter, and a few just had us sit in shocked silence through the credits. Whether you need a starting point or need to revisit a favorite, these shows are always worth your time.