A Journey Through the Best of Japanese Animation
This article is the same as our top 10 anime list but it is just expanded with the already known most popular anime. For less basic articles visit our home page and scroll to the bottom
1. Naruto
Synopsis:
Naruto tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and leader of his village. His journey is filled with challenges, friends, and enemies, as he tries to gain respect and overcome the burden of a powerful fox demon sealed within him. Naruto is considered one of the best anime for its epic world-building and emotional character arcs.
2. Attack on Titan
Synopsis:
Set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the military to fight these monstrous beings. As secrets of the Titans unfold, the show explores themes of survival, betrayal, and the consequences of power, making it one of the best anime for its intense action and complex world.
3. One Piece
Synopsis:
One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of pirates as they search for the fabled treasure known as “One Piece” in order to become the Pirate King. The series is known for its imaginative world, complex characters, and long-running narrative. As one of the best anime of all time, it combines humor, adventure, and drama seamlessly.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Synopsis:
In a world where alchemy is a common practice, two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, commit the taboo of trying to bring their mother back to life, resulting in disastrous consequences. As they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies, they uncover dark secrets about the state and the true meaning of sacrifice. A perfect blend of action, philosophy, and emotional depth, this is one of the best anime for its impeccable storytelling.
5. Death Note
Synopsis:
A high school student named Light Yagami discovers a notebook that gives him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Determined to rid the world of criminals, Light’s actions draw the attention of the mysterious detective L, leading to a psychological battle between the two. Death Note is one of the best anime for its intellectual and moral dilemmas, with a brilliant cat-and-mouse dynamic.
6. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Synopsis:
Tanjiro Kamado’s life is turned upside down when his family is slaughtered by demons, and his sister Nezuko is transformed into one. Tanjiro embarks on a journey to find a cure for his sister and avenge his family’s deaths. Known for its breathtaking animation and heartfelt story, Demon Slayer has earned its spot as one of the best anime in recent years.
7. My Hero Academia
Synopsis:
In a world where nearly everyone has superpowers, known as Quirks, Izuku Midoriya is born without one but still dreams of becoming a hero. With determination and the help of the legendary hero All Might, Midoriya enrolls in U.A. High School to train to become a Pro Hero. The series explores themes of heroism, growth, and friendship, making it one of the best anime for fans of action and character development.
8. Dragon Ball Z
Synopsis:
Goku, a Saiyan warrior, defends Earth from powerful foes while constantly pushing his limits to achieve new levels of strength. Dragon Ball Z is one of the most iconic best anime series in history, known for its unforgettable battles, iconic characters like Vegeta and Goku, and its influence on anime culture worldwide.
9. Cowboy Bebop
Synopsis:
Cowboy Bebop follows a group of bounty hunters in a futuristic world as they travel through space hunting criminals. The series blends genres of noir, western, and science fiction with a jazz-inspired soundtrack and existential themes. Considered one of the best anime for its style, character depth, and storytelling, Cowboy Bebop has achieved legendary status.
10. Steins;Gate
Synopsis:
Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, and his friends accidentally create a device that allows them to send messages back in time, leading to unintended consequences. As they try to prevent disastrous events from unfolding, Steins;Gate delves deep into the consequences of time travel, making it one of the best anime for its mind-bending narrative and emotional impact.
11. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Synopsis:
Neon Genesis Evangelion follows a group of teenagers who pilot giant bio-mechanical robots to protect Earth from mysterious beings called Angels. The series explores psychological, philosophical, and existential themes, often deconstructing the typical mecha genre. It’s widely considered one of the best anime ever made for its depth, complexity, and cultural impact.
12. One Punch Man
Synopsis:
Saitama is a hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Despite his overwhelming strength, he finds his life incredibly boring and searches for a worthy opponent. One Punch Man combines satirical humor with breathtaking action, making it a standout in the world of superhero anime and one of the best anime for action fans.
13. Hunter x Hunter
Synopsis:
Gon Freecss dreams of becoming a Hunter, a special class of adventurer. As he goes on his journey to find his father, who is a legendary Hunter, he forms deep friendships and faces deadly challenges. Hunter x Hunter is celebrated for its intricate world-building, deep characters, and strategic battle sequences, solidifying its place as one of the best anime of all time.
14. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
Synopsis:
A young couple, Taki and Mitsuha, mysteriously swap bodies across time and space, leading them on an emotional journey to unravel the mystery behind their connection. Your Name is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that has become a modern classic and is often considered one of the best anime films of all time.
15. Sword Art Online
Synopsis:
In a virtual reality game where players get trapped, Kirito must fight to survive and find a way to escape. As he becomes entangled with other players, Sword Art Online blends the virtual world with real-world stakes, making it one of the best anime for fans of gaming, action, and romance.
16. Tokyo Ghoul
Synopsis:
Ken Kaneki, a college student, becomes a half-ghoul after a near-fatal encounter with a ghoul. As he struggles with his new identity, he is drawn into the world of ghouls, creatures who live among humans and feed on them. Tokyo Ghoul is a gripping psychological and action-packed series, often regarded as one of the best anime for horror and emotional depth.
17. Bleach
Synopsis:
Ichigo Kurosaki is a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. After gaining the powers of a Soul Reaper, he is tasked with protecting the living from evil spirits and guiding the souls of the deceased. With its vast world-building and action-heavy storyline, Bleach has long been regarded as one of the best anime in the shonen genre.
18. Akira
Synopsis:
In a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, two childhood friends, Kaneda and Tetsuo, are caught in a conflict involving psychic powers, government experiments, and the fate of the city. Akira is one of the most influential films in anime history, known for its groundbreaking animation and its exploration of power, corruption, and societal collapse.
19. Clannad: After Story
Synopsis:
The continuation of Clannad, this emotional drama focuses on Tomoya Okazaki’s life after high school, exploring themes of love, family, and loss. Clannad: After Story is often hailed as one of the best anime for its profound emotional storytelling and its ability to tackle real-life challenges with sensitivity and depth.
20. Fruits Basket
Synopsis:
Fruits Basket follows the life of Tohru Honda, a high school girl who becomes involved with the mysterious Soma family, who are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac. The series is beloved for its blend of heartwarming moments, romance, and drama, making it one of the best anime for fans of slice-of-life and supernatural elements.
21. Mob Psycho 100
Synopsis:
Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama is a powerful psychic who struggles with controlling his emotions. As his powers grow, he must learn to navigate the complexities of his abilities and his relationships with others. Mob Psycho 100 is known for its unique art style, emotional
depth, and themes of self-acceptance, making it one of the best anime of the modern era.
22. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Synopsis:
The Joestar family is cursed with an unusual destiny, where each generation must battle powerful and bizarre foes. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is famous for its over-the-top action, unique art style, and inventive use of supernatural abilities, earning it a spot as one of the best anime for fans of eccentric, high-energy battles.
23. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Synopsis:
In a post-apocalyptic world, Shinji Ikari is forced to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot to fight monstrous creatures called Angels. Neon Genesis Evangelion deconstructs the mecha genre while delving into the psychological trauma and existential crises of its characters, making it one of the best anime ever made.
24. The Promised Neverland
Synopsis:
After discovering the terrifying truth behind their seemingly perfect orphanage, Emma, Norman, and Ray must escape and find a way to survive. The Promised Neverland is a tense, psychological thriller, known for its smart storytelling and strong character development, cementing its place as one of the best anime for suspense.
25. Made in Abyss
Synopsis:
Riko, an orphaned girl, descends into the mysterious and dangerous Abyss to find her mother, accompanied by a robotic boy named Reg. Made in Abyss is known for its stunning animation, contrasting its cute art style with the dark, often tragic themes explored in the story, making it one of the best anime for its emotional depth and captivating world-building.
Ok so by now you have watched at least some of the basic anime so go and read our article on the history of anime if you are into that type of thing.
