Let’s be real—trying to list the best anime of all time is akin to choosing a favorite sibling in a family of epic overachievers. It gets ugly, it’s personal, and it’s guaranteed to create some heated debates. But that’s all part of the fun. Anime has evolved from its humble beginnings to a worldwide phenomenon with unforgettable tales, memorable characters, and genres as varied as the fans themselves. So if you’re wondering which titles have truly earned their place in anime history, here’s our take on the top 10 anime of all time, starting from #10 to build that sweet, sweet suspense.
10. Samurai Champloo
Imagine samurai drama crossed with hip-hop attitude. Samurai Champloo is one of those series that refuses to be categorized. Combining Edo-era sword fighting with record-scratching rhythms and smooth storytelling, it’s a brash mixture that somehow benefits incredibly. Sleek, soulful, and packed with unforeseen depth, this cult hit redefined what anime could look and sound like.
9. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Yes, it’s another isekai—but Shield Hero flips the script in all the right ways. Thrust into a fantasy world and framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Naofumi’s journey is more about resilience and redemption than power-ups and fan service. With strong world-building and a darker edge than your average “other world” story, it’s proof that the genre still has plenty of fresh stories to tell.
8. My Hero Academia
In a world where nearly everyone possesses powers, what is a true hero? My Hero Academia responds with buckets of heart and boom-tastic battles. Midoriya and his peers at U.A. High are now household names, and the show’s emotional center—coupled with industry-leading animation—has ushered it into the shonen hall of fame. It’s no wonder this anime is a fan favorite recommendation for new viewers.
7. Jujutsu Kaisen
Slick, violent, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, Jujutsu Kaisen is an action-packed fight anime that’s set a new benchmark for the entire genre. It drops you into a world of curses and magicians, with heart-thumping fight choreo and a hero who’s as lovable as he is deadly. It’s quick, flashy, and completely binge-worthy—if only because it combines your shonen of choice with a healthy dose of the supernatural.
6. Cowboy Bebop
Welcome to the space-western that turned anime into art. Cowboy Bebop isn’t just a classic—it’s the classic. With its jazz-infused soundtrack, moody visuals, and existential themes, it’s a gateway anime for many and a cultural touchstone that still feels fresh decades later. Whether you’re in it for the action, the characters, or the vibes, Bebop always hits.
5. Vinland Saga
Not many anime go as hard on historical realism and emotional depth as Vinland Saga. This Viking epic follows Thorfinn’s journey through revenge, war, and the search for meaning in a brutal world. It’s beautifully animated, brutally honest, and surprisingly reflective. If you’re into anime that digs into the human condition, this is your battlefield.
4. Naruto: Shippuden
You know it. You’ve seen the headbands. Naruto: Shippuden is a cornerstone of modern anime, chronicling the growth of a lonely outcast into a global hero. With its massive story arcs, iconic rivalries, and emotional payoffs, it shaped a generation of anime fans and inspired a wave of new series. Love it or roll your eyes at the fillers, there’s no denying its legacy.
3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
This program broke the internet, not just in terms of viewership record, but broke it by sparking fandoms like never before. Demon Slayer shocked audiences with its stunning visuals and emotional gut punches. Tanjiro’s journey to rescue his sister mixes heartwarming storytelling with some of anime’s slickest fight choreography. It’s no wonder that it became a cultural phenomenon—and an ideal gateway for new fans.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
A virtually perfect retelling of one of the greatest manga ever written, Brotherhood has it all: an emotionally rich story, complex characters, philosophical undertones, and a good conclusion (gazing at you, other series). It’s cherished by both hobbyist fans and anime snobs for a reason. If you have someone to whom you want to introduce anime, begin here.
1. Attack on Titan
No other show has rocked the genre quite so hard. Attack on Titan turned heads right from episode one and never released their grip. With its unrelenting action pace, gruesome world-building, and richly layered explorations of power, freedom, and fear, it became an international phenomenon. Whether you tuned in for the massive action or the dense storytelling, AOT delivered—and then some. It’s not a series; it’s a cultural touchstone.
And there you have it—10 anime shows that not only entertained, but made a lasting impact on the genre. Whether you’re in the mood to revisit familiar favorites or check out titles you missed the first time around, these are must-sees. Just don’t blame us if your watchlist just got a whole lot longer.