Let’s be real: narrowing down the best anime series of all time is like trying to pick your favorite snack at a Japanese convenience store—there’s just too much good stuff. But hey, someone’s gotta do it. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or just anime-curious, here’s a countdown of the 10 best anime series ever made, packed with action, heart, and a whole lot of unforgettable moments.
10. Haikyuu!!
Who knew high school volleyball was this exciting? Haikyuu!! makes every game a nail-biting contest, courtesy of its top-notch animation and a cast you can’t help but root for. The cast is massive, yet every character has their chance to shine, making you invest in even the benchwarmers. As pointed out by IGN, Haikyuu!! “succeeds in creating an amazing sports team formula that other similar series should strive for” (IGN). If you’ve ever wanted to feel the thrill of a championship game without leaving your couch, this is your ticket.
9. Fruits Basket
Romance, family curses, and a whole lot of feels—Fruits Basket is the shoujo anime that redefined the genre. Tohru Honda’s adventure with the quirky Sohma family is heartwarming and heartbreaking, exploring trauma, healing, and love. The 2019 remake is the ultimate way to enjoy this classic, mixing gorgeous animation with a narrative that’s as enchanting as it is emotional. Fruits Basket is “one of the best Shojo anime of all time and a must-watch for fans of romance anime.”
8. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
If you enjoy your anime strange, fashionable, and filled with more memes than you know what to do with, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is the show for you. Multi-generational family saga of the Joestars, JoJo’s is a crazy adventure in style, music, pop culture references, and some of the most innovative fights ever cartooned. Each installment redoes itself, keeping things new and, you know, bizarre. As GameRant so sums it up, “they’re all pretty damn good”.
7. Death Note
What would be the result of granting a bored genius a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name he puts in it? You get Death Note, the best cat-and-mouse thriller ever. Light Yagami’s slide into god-complex insanity and his duel of wits with the mysterious L is the stuff of myth. It’s dark, it’s addictive, and it’s unexpectedly accessible—no wonder it’s the gateway anime for so many.” As The Cosmic Circus states, Death Note is “mind-game central” and “completely deserving of being your first anime”.
6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer burst onto the scene with breathtaking animation and a narrative that checks all the emotional boxes. Tanjiro’s journey to rescue his sister and avenge his clan is filled with epic combat, beautiful visuals, and a score that’ll send shivers down your spine. It’s not only a pretty face—Demon Slayer’s combination of humor, heartache, and action has turned it into a classic. GameRant states that Demon Slayer has raked in “about $10 billion in revenue” and doesn’t look to be quitting anytime soon.
5. Hunter x Hunter
Don’t be fooled by the upbeat opening—Hunter x Hunter is a character-building and emotionally charged masterclass. Gon’s search for his father begins straightforward but soon descends into some of the most convoluted arcs in shonen anime. The energy system is complicated, the bad guys are memorable, and the emotional ups and downs will linger long after the credits finish rolling. As IGN writes, the series serves up “some of the best” arcs for both heroes and villains.
4. Naruto: Shippuden
The ninja who never quits—Naruto’s path from pariah to hero is the stuff of anime legend. Shippuden raises the stakes with edgier themes, epic showdowns, and some of the most iconic characters in the medium. It’s a pillar of the shonen genre, inspiring a generation (and a few thousand headbands). GameRant points out that Naruto “explores a variety of themes while also incorporating elements from Asian mythology”.
3. One Piece
Pirates, adventure, and a world so vast you’ll never want to leave—One Piece is the king of long-running anime for a reason. Monkey D. Luffy’s quest for the ultimate treasure is packed with wild characters, emotional backstories, and world-building that puts most fantasy epics to shame. With over 1,000 episodes and counting, it’s a commitment, but trust me, it’s worth every minute. As CBR explains, One Piece continues to break set world records and is among the largest anime ever produced.
2. Cowboy Bebop
Space bounty hunters, jazz, and existential boredom—Cowboy Bebop is as hip as anime gets. Each episode is a mini-masterpiece that mixes genres and moods with ease. The music is iconic, the characters are indelible, and the narrative is as razor-sharp today as it was in 1998. In IGN’s opinion, “Cowboy Bebop has had an indelible impact that reaches far beyond anime”.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Alchemy, brotherhood, and redemption—Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the pinnacle of anime storytelling. The journey of the Elric brothers is filled with action, philosophy, and some of the most gut-wrenching moments in anime history. It balances world-building, character development, and epic fights like nothing else. IGN gets it spot on: “The challenge of most anime is presenting detailed world-building while juggling a supporting cast of memorable characters, iconic scenes, and action-packed battles. And that is what makes Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood special”.
And there you have it—the ultimate list of anime binge-worthy shows. Whether you’re into the feels, the battles, or the pure enjoyment, these shows are the best of the best. Enjoy watching!