Anime isn’t “cartoons” – it’s a worldwide cultural phenomenon that redefined the art of storytelling, inspired generations, and pushed the boundaries of what can be done in animation. But which television show wrote the book? Here’s our top 10 countdown of the anime that revolutionized television, starting from number 10 to the undisputed icon.
10. Sword Art Online – The Isekai Explosion
Love it or loathe it, you can’t deny that Sword Art Online lit the isekai explosion. Trapped in a gaming world, having crazy fights, and leveling up with crazy powers—SAO brought this concept to the mainstream. It didn’t always hit all the right notes, but its influence dominates anime today.
9. Demon Slayer – The Modern Breakthrough
Demon Slayer didn’t just hit the headlines—it became a cultural phenomenon. With its amazing animation, emotionally shattering stories, and heart-stopping battles, it opened a tidal wave of new supporters to anime. It’s a massive hit, even modifying studios’ production schedules and global releases.
8. Urusei Yatsura – The Birth of Waifu Culture
Long before “harem anime” became a staple, there was Urusei Yatsura. Rumiko Takahashi’s hit introduced the unforgettable alien princess Lum, who became the prototype for countless anime heroines. Its mix of romance, chaos, and offbeat humor set the tone for decades of character-driven comedy.
7. Cowboy Bebop – The Jazz of Sci-Fi Anime
Cool. Fashionable. Classic. Cowboy Bebop took space bounty hunting, noir fiction, and a deadly jazz soundtrack and mixed them all together to create something utterly distinctive. It was more than a groundbreaking sci-fi film; it paved the way for anime to find a home with Western audiences, raising the bar for narrative filmmaking in the medium.
6. One Piece – The Endless Adventure
With more than a thousand episodes (and still going), One Piece is the epic blockbuster of shōnen anime. Monkey D. Luffy’s pirate adventure is full of creative world-building, touching character development, and limitless imagination. Yes, it’s long—but its sense of adventure is unbeatable, and each chapter contributes to its legend.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam – Realism in the Robot Wars
Giant robots are awesome. Gundam made them profound. Rather than alien facelessness as enemies, it inserted human warfare, politics, and ethical conflicts at the center of its conflicts. Its legacy goes on for decades, from inspiring a plethora of mecha shows to spawning an empire of Gunpla kits and spin-offs.
4. Sailor Moon – Magical Girl Powerhouse
Dragon Ball might have been the boys’ shōnen gateway, but Sailor Moon was the magical girl phenomenon. Sailor Guardians Usagi and friends put love, courage, and empowerment in the spotlight. Its transformation sequences and emotional arcs remain the beacons of the genre.
3. Doraemon – The National Treasure
Doraemon is not just an anime in Japan—it’s a lifestyle. This time-traveling blue robot cat has been reading us sentimental life lessons and gadget-packed adventures for generations. Its influence extends far beyond TV screens, from merchandise to cultural campaigns.
2. Astro Boy – The Foundation of Anime
Before contemporary anime, there was Astro Boy. Osamu Tezuka’s creation did not merely begin the company—it gave anime its emotional pulse. It has a sense of humanity, technology, and ethics throughout its run, which echoed in countless shows that followed it.
1. Dragon Ball / Dragon Ball Z – The Ultimate Shōnen Blueprint
From the first martial arts tournaments to galaxy-spanning wars, Dragon Ball defined the shōnen genre. Goku’s journey, iconic villains, and high-stakes combat have shaped anime’s style, pace, and storytelling for decades. Its genetic code is embedded in almost every action series now—and yes, millions of fans have tried the Kamehameha at least once.
These ten shows didn’t just entertain—they transformed anime into a global cultural language. Whether you’re revisiting them or discovering them for the first time, they’re not just part of anime history—they are anime history.