Anime fans, gather ’round. Whether you’re a longtime otaku or just starting to explore the world of Japanese animation, one thing’s certain—picking the “best” anime is nearly impossible. It’s like choosing your favorite ramen topping: deeply personal and always up for debate.
Over the years, anime has developed from a niche interest to a worldwide phenomenon, and with streaming now making it simpler than ever to get caught up, there has never been a more appropriate time to become obsessed with a new show. So what has stood the test of time? Here’s a combination of highly rated titles and cult classics that have made their mark.
Attack on Titan
If you’ve been online at all over the last ten years, there’s a good bet you’ve encountered Attack on Titan. The series hooks you with its creepy premise—humans inside walls, stalked by frightening giants—and keeps you on your toes with its twists, world-building, and head-blowing animation. It’s intense, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This is a near-unanimous pick among both critics and fans. A potent combination of action, philosophy, tragedy, and sibling love, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood gets everything right. Tight storytelling and populated with a cast of multidimensional characters, it’s one of the most emotionally fulfilling anime experiences available.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer didn’t merely impress—it broke onto the scene. The animation is second to none, the music is earwormy, and Tanjiro’s quest to rescue his sister gives each fight a richly personal foundation. It’s a show that intertwines emotion and action in perfect balance.
Naruto: Shippuden
At its core, Naruto: Shippuden is a tale of perseverance and development. Following Naruto’s journey from pariah to savior across hundreds of episodes is one that many fans grew up with. Throw in rivalries, tear-inducing backstories, and some of the greatest fights in anime, and it’s no surprise this ninja story remains so close to our hearts.
Vinland Saga
Not your average anime, Vinland Saga merges historical drama with philosophical depth and gritty action. Set in Viking times, it’s a gritty exploration of revenge, loss, and the quest for meaning. It’s a dark, gorgeous animation, and one of the most riveting new additions to the world of anime.
Cowboy Bebop
Cool, hip, and infinitely repeat-viewable, Cowboy Bebop is a genre-bending space western that still resonates years after it aired. The jazz score is iconic, the writing is crisp, and Spike Spiegel is one of anime’s coolest characters with ease.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Another newer addition with all the vigor of a modern classic, Jujutsu Kaisen combines supernatural threats, high-octane battles, and an endearing cast of oddballs. With quality animation and well-written emotional beats, it’s already a rapid favorite among shonen fans.
My Hero Academia
A valentine to superhero fiction, My Hero Academia presents us with a world in which everyone has powers, but being an actual hero is more than being strong. With an enormous cast, huge stakes, and an unexpectedly emotional heart, it’s become the standard of contemporary anime fandom.
One Piece
The ultimate anime odyssey. One Piece is long—like, really long—but every episode adds something to its world of pirates, friendship, and freedom. It’s goofy, heartfelt, epic, and somehow keeps getting better. If you’re in it for the long haul, this is one of anime’s richest rewards.
Seven Deadly Sins
Seven Deadly Sins gives an old-fashioned fantasy adventure with magic, knights, and a good helping of romance. Meliodas and his dysfunctional group inject life and appeal into a story that mixes grand battles with surprisingly sweet moments.
One Punch Man
What happens when a hero is too powerful? One Punch Man takes that question and turns it into comedy gold. Saitama’s deadpan expressions and the over-the-top action make this one a hilarious and refreshing twist on superhero tropes.
Notable Mentions: Spy x Family, Chainsaw Man, and More
It’s hard to narrow a list like this to a dozen picks. Spy x Family balances espionage with wholesome family life and comedy that always hits the mark. Chainsaw Man is pure pandemonium—gory, unhinged, and strangely poignant.
And of course, a list isn’t complete without a nod to other classics such as Death Note, Hunter x Hunter, and Dragon Ball Z.
What makes these series so unforgettable? They provide breathtaking animation, lovable characters, and narratives that punch hard, whether that’s to laugh, to cry, or to burn the midnight oil “just one more episode.” Your list will be different, and that’s half the fun. The realm of anime is open wide, and something incredible is always waiting to be found.