Anime is no longer just a genre of television—it has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon. What began as VHS copies of grainy rentals shared among hardcore enthusiasts has grown into a streaming empire with fans all over the planet. But which shows redefined the playing field and became forever etched in anime history? Let’s jump into a fan-powered list of the 10 most revolutionary anime shows ever produced—counting down, naturally, because drama makes everything more exciting.
10. Sword Art Online (2012)
Roll your eyes as much as you like, but Sword Art Online put the isekai genre into overdrive. Trapped in a virtual reality game where dying in combat results in dying in the real world, its hook held millions. It didn’t invent the “trapped in another world” idea, but it propelled it to the mainstream consciousness, fueling wave after wave of imitators that still reign supreme today.
9. Demon Slayer (2019)
Few programs have taken off as quickly or as intensely as Demon Slayer. With animation so smooth it could cut off traffic and battles so intense you can feel them in your chest, it caught a new generation of viewers overnight. But at its base, it’s simply a tender tale of a brother protecting his sister—a testament to the fact that simple plus heart can go worldwide.
8. Urusei Yatsura (1981)
Before harems and “best girl” debates were staples of anime fandom, there was Urusei Yatsura. When alien princess Lum crashes into Ataru’s life, chaos—and a whole genre—are born. Its zany romance and character dynamics set the tone for countless series to come. If you’ve ever argued about waifus, you’ve got Lum to thank.
7. Cowboy Bebop (1998)
No anime mixed style and spirit like Cowboy Bebop. Combining noir, Westerns, sci-fi, and jazz, it made anime-watching look cool and effortless. Spike Spiegel’s brooding space travels didn’t merely win fans in Japan; they struck a chord around the globe, affecting everything from American television shows to animation in the West. “See you, Space Cowboy” is more than a quote—it’s a mood.
6. One Piece (1999)
With well over a thousand episodes, One Piece is not merely a show—it’s a saga. Monkey D. Luffy’s pirate adventure isn’t only about pursuing treasure; it’s about friends, ambitions, and a world so vibrant that it seems infinite. It’s a shōnen marathon that only gets longer, and nobody would have it otherwise.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
Mecha anime was around before Gundam, but it was Gundam that made giant robots significant. By depicting war as morally ambiguous and highly human, it transformed dazzling battles into compelling drama. Aside from the iconic Gunpla model kits, it solidified mecha as a cornerstone of Japanese culture and encouraged generations of writers and creators to approach sci-fi with substance.
4. Sailor Moon (1992)
Yes, magical girls existed before Sailor Moon, but the latter cemented their legend. Usagi Tsukino’s nighttime fights and team of heavenly heroines rewrote the rules for what could be done in shoujo anime. Millions of children everywhere needed to grow up to be able to transform, shine, and rescue the day, while dealing with school.
3. Doraemon (1979)
To Japanese children, Doraemon was not merely a television series—it was a childhood friend. This robotic cat of future technology enchanted viewers with his devices and kindly teachings. Today, decades after its original release, Doraemon remains an icon, a cultural ambassador shoulder to shoulder with Mickey Mouse as a testament to timeless imagination.
2. Astro Boy (1963)
This is where it started. Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy was not simply an anime—it was the anime that inaugurated television animation in Japan. With its humanity, technology, and identity themes, Astro Boy established the narrative DNA for many series thereafter. Atom was not simply a character—he was the template.
1. Dragon Ball Z (1989)
The shōnen king, the entry point anime for millions, the series that made screaming until your hair is gold a global phenomenon—Dragon Ball Z is supreme. Goku’s battles against Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Buu not only entertained but also became worldwide events. It’s the series that propelled anime into mainstream pop culture and demonstrated that this medium could hold its own against any blockbuster.
And there it is—the 10 anime series that didn’t just entertain fans but changed the very shape of the industry. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been around since the Toonami days, these shows are required viewing. And hey—feel free to debate the order in the comments, but let’s keep it civil. Otherwise, I’m sending Lum and Doraemon after you.