Anime has become an incredibly popular form of entertainment around the world, with hundreds of captivating series spanning every genre. With so much great anime out there, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you dive into the amazing world of anime, we’ve compiled our ranking of the 28 best anime series of all time.
Whether you’re a complete anime newbie or a hardcore otaku, you’re sure to find some new favorites on this list. We’ve included beloved classics as well as some of the most exciting recent hits. Get ready to laugh, cry, and be blown away by incredible animation, unforgettable characters, and powerful storytelling as we count down the top anime you absolutely need to watch.
28. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop seamlessly blends sci-fi, westerns, and jazz music into a stylish, neo-noir adventure. The series follows a ragtag group of bounty hunters traveling the solar system on their spaceship, the Bebop, in the year 2071. Each character has a mysterious and troubled past they are running from.
The episodic stories range from silly and comedic to heartbreaking and philosophical as the crew chases down criminals and confronts the demons of their pasts. Cowboy Bebop is a true anime classic and a great introduction to the medium for newcomers.
27. My Hero Academia
What if nearly everyone in the world had superpowers? That’s the premise of the hit shonen anime My Hero Academia. In a world where 80% of people have a unique ability known as a “quirk”, Izuku Midoriya is a rare exception born completely ordinary. But Midoriya still dreams of becoming a hero and attending the prestigious hero academy U.A. High School.
When the world’s greatest hero All Might sees Midoriya’s potential and gives him his quirk, Midoriya gets the chance to live out his dream and learn what it truly means to be a hero. My Hero Academia is a fun, action-packed adventure with a colorful cast of characters that puts a fresh spin on the classic superhero story.
26. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion starts out like a fairly standard “teenagers piloting giant robots” anime, but it quickly evolves into a dark, complex, and philosophical character study. The series is set in a futuristic Tokyo years after a global cataclysm. Teenager Shinji Ikari is recruited by his estranged father to pilot a giant mech known as an “Evangelion” to fight monstrous beings called “Angels”.
Shinji is joined by two other young pilots, Asuka and Rei, as the fate of the world rests on their shoulders. But Evangelion is much more interested in exploring the inner lives and mental states of its characters than robot fights. It touches on heavy themes of depression, trauma, and existential dread, all building up to a surreal and ambiguous ending that is still hotly debated decades later. Neon Genesis Evangelion is a true one-of-a-kind anime experience.
25. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer has quickly become one of the most popular anime of recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The story is set in Taisho era Japan and follows kind-hearted teenager Tanjiro Kamado. After his family is brutally murdered by demons and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps to find a way to turn Nezuko back into a human.
What follows is a thrilling, emotionally resonant adventure as Tanjiro trains to become a skilled demon slayer and battles powerful demons alongside his fellow slayers. The series is elevated by absolutely gorgeous animation and memorable characters you can’t help but root for. Demon Slayer‘s massive popularity is sure to continue with a third season and new movie on the way.
24. One Punch Man
Have you ever felt like most shonen anime protagonists become way too overpowered? One Punch Man takes that concept to the extreme for a hilarious superhero parody. Saitama is a hero who can defeat any foe with a single punch, but he’s become bored and depressed by the complete lack of challenge.
The series satirizes shonen action tropes as Saitama struggles to find a worthy opponent and gains a cyborg disciple named Genos who is desperate to learn the secret behind his strength. One Punch Man features some spectacularly animated and ridiculously over-the-top action scenes in between all the laughs.
23. Jujutsu Kaisen
In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, cursed spirits and demonic creatures lurk in the shadows and threaten humanity. Jujutsu sorcerers are trained to combat these cursed spirits using special abilities. High schooler Yuji Itadori doesn’t seem to have a care in the world, but his life changes when he encounters a cursed object.
Yuji makes the fateful choice to become the vessel for the powerful Curse Sukuna in order to protect his friends. He begins attending Tokyo Jujutsu High to learn to control his newfound powers and become a sorcerer. Jujutsu Kaisen has become a breakout hit thanks to its dark supernatural world, lovable characters, and flashy action scenes. A second season is highly anticipated.
22. Haikyuu!!
Who knew an anime about a high school volleyball team could be so hype? Haikyuu!! makes the sport of volleyball as exciting as any superpowered battle. Short but tenacious middle school student Shoyo Hinata falls in love with volleyball after seeing a championship match on TV. In high school, he joins the volleyball team and forms a rivalry and friendship with prodigy setter Tobio Kageyama.
Together, Hinata and Kageyama aim to lead the Kurasuno High team to victory and battle powerhouse schools. Haikyuu!! is an inspiring underdog story filled with lovable dorks that will make you cheer like you’re watching a real sports match. Even if you’ve never watched or played volleyball, this anime will suck you in.
21. Death Note
Death Note is a riveting cat-and-mouse thriller with a supernatural twist. When brilliant but bored high school student Light Yagami finds a mysterious notebook that allows the user to kill anyone whose name is written inside, he decides to use its power to rid the world of criminals and become a god.
But Light’s actions attract the attention of a reclusive super-detective known only as L, who becomes determined to track down the killer. Death Note is an intense psychological battle of wits between Light and L, with the notebook’s shinigami owner Ryuk watching in twisted amusement. The series explores complex themes of morality, justice, and corruption that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
20. Naruto
One of the most well-known and long-running shonen anime, Naruto follows the ninja adventures of the orphaned prankster Naruto Uzumaki. As a baby, Naruto became the vessel for the dangerous nine-tailed fox, causing him to be ostracized by his village. But Naruto is determined to become the strongest ninja and the Hokage who leads his village.
Together with his rivals and friends Sasuke and Sakura, Naruto goes on missions, battles enemy ninja, and works to control the powers of the nine-tailed fox inside him. Naruto is an epic coming-of-age story with themes of friendship, perseverance, and the cycle of hatred. While intimidatingly long, the original series and its sequel Naruto Shippuden are jam-packed with memorable characters, exciting battles, and emotional moments that make it worth the watch.
19. Mob Psycho 100
From the creator of One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 is another hilarious take on the overpowered protagonist. Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama is a middle school boy who possesses powerful psychic abilities. He works part-time as an assistant for a con-man who claims to be a psychic. Mob wants to live a normal life, but suppressing his emotions risks his powers going berserk.
Mob Psycho 100 is a silly slice-of-life comedy mixed with some truly spectacular psychic action scenes. But it also has a ton of heart as Mob learns to express himself and understand his emotions. With a unique art style and an endearing protagonist you can’t help but root for, Mob Psycho 100 is a feel-good hit.
18. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica may look like a cute, colorful magical girl anime on the surface, but it’s actually a dark subversion of the genre full of shocking twists. Middle school student Madoka Kaname and her friends are approached by a mysterious creature called Kyubey who offers to grant them a wish in exchange for becoming magical girls to fight witches.
But as Madoka hesitates to accept the deal, she begins to learn the truth about the cruel and tragic cycle of magical girls and witches. Madoka Magica starts out light but quickly takes a dark turn as the girls uncover secrets and face the consequences of their wishes. It’s a gripping psychological thriller wrapped up in a magical girl bow.
17. Code Geass
Code Geass is an epic sci-fi saga of giant robot battles and supernatural powers in an alternate universe where the Holy Britannian Empire rules over Japan with an iron fist. Lelouch Lamperouge seems like an ordinary high school student, but he is actually a Britannian prince in hiding, seeking revenge for his mother’s death.
When a mysterious girl grants Lelouch the power of absolute obedience known as Geass, he embarks on a quest to destroy Britannia under the masked alter ego Zero. Code Geass is an exhilarating mix of mech action and tense political mind games as Lelouch executes his master plans. It also explores the cycle of hatred and the question of whether the ends justify the means.
16. Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller about time travel and the consequences of messing with the past. Self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe Rintarou accidentally invents a time machine with his friends and stumbles upon a conspiracy involving SERN, the organization behind the Large Hadron Collider.
As Okabe experiments with time travel to try to thwart SERN’s plans, he inadvertently causes major changes to the timeline that have devastating effects on the people he cares about. Steins;Gate starts out a little slow, but once the time travel consequences start kicking in, it’s an intense and emotional rollercoaster with one of the most satisfying endings in anime.
15. Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is the ultimate hype machine, a super robot anime all about the power of never giving up. In a distant future where humanity lives underground, teenager Simon spends his days digging tunnels. When he and his “big bro” Kamina find an abandoned mech, they use it to break free to the surface and embark on an epic quest to reclaim the world for humanity by fighting the tyrannical Spiral King.
Gurren Lagann is pure hot-blooded, over-the-top action with giant robots that power up by running on fighting spirit and manly passion. It’s a super fun ride that will leave you pumped up and inspired to kick reason to the curb and do the impossible. Prepare to have “ROW ROW FIGHT THE POWER” stuck in your head for days.
14. Clannad
Get your tissues ready, because Clannad is an emotional rollercoaster of a romance anime. The story follows delinquent high school student Tomoya Okazaki, who feels like he’s just drifting through a meaningless life. But his life starts to change when he befriends a group of girls at his school, including the shy and mysterious Nagisa Furukawa.
Clannad‘s first season is a lighthearted romantic comedy as Tomoya helps the girls revive the school’s drama club. But the real tearjerker is Clannad: After Story, which follows Tomoya and Nagisa’s relationship after high school as they face the harsh realities and tragedies of adult life. It’s a powerful story about family, loss, and learning to keep living after your world falls apart.
13. Mushishi
Mushishi is a breathtakingly beautiful and thought-provoking supernatural series. In a world where life is influenced by strange, ethereal creatures called Mushi, Ginko is a Mushishi who travels the country studying the Mushi and helping people troubled by them.
Each episode of Mushishi is a self-contained story about the relationship between humans and Mushi, ranging from dark and tragic to warm and hopeful. Mushishi has a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that draws you into its mysterious world. It explores themes of man vs. nature, the impermanence of life, and finding beauty in the unknown. If you’re looking for a relaxing and meditative anime experience, Mushishi is an excellent choice.
12. Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping anime about the power of words and human connection. In an alternate universe reminiscent of post-WWI Europe, a young girl named Violet is raised as a child soldier. After the war ends, an injured and emotionally distant Violet starts a new job as an “Auto Memory Doll”, a ghostwriter who composes letters for people to express their feelings.
As Violet travels the country and writes for her clients, she begins to understand the complexity of human emotions and searches for the meaning of the words “I love you”, which were spoken to her by the person she holds most dear. Violet Evergarden is a beautiful story about learning empathy, processing trauma, and making emotional connections. It will hit you right in the feels with its powerful character arc and gorgeous animation by Kyoto Animation.
11. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter x Hunter is a shonen battle anime that goes beyond typical action tropes to deliver a nuanced story and complex world. 12-year-old Gon Freecss dreams of becoming a Hunter, an elite member of humanity who specializes in finding rare treasures, exploring uncharted lands, and hunting down dangerous individuals. Gon sets out to find his father, a legendary Hunter who abandoned him as a baby.
Along the way, he makes friends with other Hunter hopefuls and embarks on a perilous journey. Hunter x Hunter starts out light-hearted but becomes progressively darker as the characters face moral dilemmas, uncover conspiracies, and encounter ever more powerful threats. The 2011 adaptation expands the world and develops the characters with stellar animation and emotional depth. It’s an epic adventure that will keep you hooked.
10. March Comes in Like a Lion
March Comes in Like a Lion is a beautifully melancholic slice-of-life series about depression, found family, and the healing power of human connection. 17-year-old Rei Kiriyama is a professional shogi player who lives alone, having been estranged from his adoptive family after the death of his parents and sister. Rei is withdrawn and depressed, seeing his life as grey and empty.
But his world starts to gain color when he meets the three Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—who draw him out of his shell with their cheerful warmth. March Comes in Like a Lion movingly portrays Rei’s struggles with his mental health and trauma as he slowly learns to open up to others and find his place in the world. It’s a powerful and empathetic exploration of the pain of loneliness and the importance of bonds, set against the backdrop of the competitive shogi world.
9. Made in Abyss
Don’t let the cute art style fool you—Made in Abyss is a harrowing adventure story that goes to some truly dark places. The Abyss is a massive, unexplored pit filled with mysterious treasures and deadly creatures. Riko is an orphan who dreams of becoming a Cave Raider like her mother and exploring the Abyss.
When Riko meets a robot boy named Reg, the two decide to descend into the Abyss to find Riko’s mother, facing the dangerous creatures and harsh conditions of each layer. Made in Abyss lures you in with a Studio Ghibli-esque whimsical fantasy tone but slowly reveals the disturbing secrets of the Abyss and the true cost of adventure. The worldbuilding is incredibly immersive, and the sense of adventure and discovery will keep you on the edge of your seat.
8. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy epic that took the world by storm with its high-stakes action and mystery. In a world where humanity lives in cities surrounded by three massive walls, a boy named Eren Jaeger witnesses the shocking appearance of a Colossal Titan that breaches the outer wall, leading to a devastating attack by the monstrous, man-eating Titans.
When Eren’s mother is killed in the attack, he vows to destroy every last Titan and joins the military along with his adoptive sister Mikasa and their friend Armin. But as Eren and his companions fight to protect their city, they begin to uncover the secret history of their walled world and the true nature of the Titans. Attack on Titan is a thrilling, action-packed story of survival at any cost, with jaw-dropping plot twists and complex characters that blur the line between good and evil.
7. Monogatari Series
The Monogatari Series is a wildly creative and unconventional supernatural mystery that plays with the very form of storytelling. The series follows Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who survived a vampire attack and now seems to attract all sorts of supernatural oddities. He meets a colorful cast of girls who are each afflicted by a different paranormal condition, from a weightless classmate to a ghost who can’t pass on.
Koyomi works to help each girl resolve her otherworldly problem, but the solutions are never as simple as they seem. The Monogatari Series is known for its unique visual style, witty dialogue, and self-aware deconstruction of harem and supernatural tropes. It rewards active viewing as it jumps around in time and switches perspectives to slowly unravel the mystery in a disorienting but captivating way.
6. Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 is a hilarious and heartfelt take on the overpowered protagonist trope. Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama is a middle school boy with powerful psychic abilities who wants nothing more than to be normal. He works part-time as an assistant to a con-man who claims to be a psychic, all while trying to keep his own powers in check by suppressing his emotions.
But when Mob’s emotions reach 100%, his true power is unleashed in spectacular fashion. Mob Psycho 100 is a delightful mix of slice-of-life comedy and explosive psychic action, with a unique art style that sets it apart. But it’s also a surprisingly poignant coming-of-age story as Mob learns to express himself and understand his emotions. With an endearing protagonist and a strong message of self-acceptance, Mob Psycho 100 is an uplifting gem.
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a groundbreaking mecha anime that deconstructs the “teenagers piloting giant robots” trope to deliver a psychological character study. In a post-apocalyptic future, humanity is under attack by mysterious beings known as Angels. The only hope for survival is the Evangelions, giant mechs piloted by a select few teenagers.
Shinji Ikari is recruited by his estranged father to pilot an Evangelion, but he struggles with the weight of the responsibility and his own deep-seated trauma. As the fight against the Angels escalates, the series delves into the psyches of its characters and the existential questions of human instrumentality. Evangelion is a dense, complex work that tackles heavy themes of depression, identity, and the hedgehog’s dilemma. It’s a true anime classic that has inspired endless analysis and discussion.
4. Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that explores the consequences of time travel. Self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe Rintarou accidentally invents a time machine with his friends and becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving SERN, the organization behind the Large Hadron Collider. As Okabe experiments with time travel to try to thwart SERN’s plans, he inadvertently causes major changes to the timeline that have devastating effects on the people he cares about.
Steins;Gate is a slow burn that takes its time to establish its world and characters before the time travel elements kick into high gear. But once the butterfly effect starts to take hold, it’s an intense and emotional rollercoaster with high stakes and heart-wrenching twists. The series also raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of time and the ethics of changing the past. With one of the most satisfying and well-earned endings in anime, Steins;Gate is a must-watch for any sci-fi fan.
3. March Comes in Like a Lion
March Comes in Like a Lion is a beautifully melancholic slice-of-life series that explores depression, found family, and the healing power of human connection. 17-year-old Rei Kiriyama is a professional shogi player who lives alone, having been estranged from his adoptive family after the death of his parents and sister. Rei is withdrawn and depressed, seeing his life as grey and empty.
But his world starts to gain color when he meets the three Kawamoto sisters—Akari, Hinata, and Momo—who draw him out of his shell with their cheerful warmth. March Comes in Like a Lion movingly portrays Rei’s struggles with his mental health and trauma as he slowly learns to open up to others and find his place in the world. It’s a powerful and empathetic exploration of the pain of loneliness and the importance of bonds, set against the backdrop of the competitive shogi world.
2. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter x Hunter is a shonen battle anime that goes beyond typical action tropes to deliver a nuanced story and complex world. 12-year-old Gon Freecss dreams of becoming a Hunter, an elite member of humanity who specializes in finding rare treasures, exploring uncharted lands, and hunting down dangerous individuals. Gon sets out to find his father, a legendary Hunter who abandoned him as a baby.
Along the way, he makes friends with other Hunter hopefuls and embarks on a perilous journey. Hunter x Hunter starts out light-hearted but becomes progressively darker as the characters face moral dilemmas, uncover conspiracies, and encounter ever more powerful threats. The 2011 adaptation expands the world and develops the characters with stellar animation and emotional depth. It’s an epic adventure that will keep you hooked with its intricate power system, strategic battles, and themes of friendship and humanity.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece of storytelling that has something for everyone—action, humor, heartbreak, and profound themes. In a world where alchemy is a science, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt the forbidden act of human transmutation to bring their dead mother back to life. The ritual goes horribly wrong, leaving Edward with a metal arm and leg and Alphonse’s soul bound to a suit of armor.
The brothers set out on a quest for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies, but they soon become entangled in a vast conspiracy that threatens the entire nation. Brotherhood is a faithful adaptation of the original manga, with tight pacing and masterful plot twists. It boasts memorable characters, thrilling action scenes, and a rich world with its own history and lore. But above all, it’s a powerful story about the bonds of family, the cost of ambition, and the meaning of being human. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an unforgettable journey that deserves its place at the top of any best anime list.
And there you have it, our ranking of the 28 best anime series of all time! Of course, this is just our opinion—there are so many incredible anime out there, and everyone has their own favorites. But whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or just getting started, we hope this list has given you some new series to check out and fall in love with.
