The 25 Best Anime Series of All Time, Ranked

Anime is one of the fastest-growing media in the world, with fans worldwide flocking to these shows for their creativity and animation. Some have even found mainstream appeal, becoming synonymous with the medium as a whole and carving a place for themselves in worldwide pop culture. However, with so many fantastic anime series, such as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Ashita no Joe, finding the best is a challenging task.

Fans have likely read numerous lists from various angles, but this one is the ultimate list, taking everything into account to deliver an extensive compilation of anime’s greatest hits. This list will rank the twenty best anime series of all time based on writing, story, animation, cultural impact, influence, legacy, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and how much it represents the medium. While there are many more than twenty phenomenal anime series, this selection encompasses a diverse range of the best and must-watch shows.

25

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

The 2000s were a defining year for anime, and the show that had every fan in a stranglehold was Death Note, becoming so popular that it transcended the medium. When Light Yagami finds a notebook that can kill anyone, he uses it to rid the world of criminals, ushering in a new dawn with him as god if he can escape the pursuit of the world’s greatest detective, L.

This may seem a bit low for many fans, but the truth is that after L died, the anime went downhill, and while it regained its footing late, it wasn’t enough to maintain a flawless legacy. Still, Death Note is a classic for a reason, with one of the most entertaining and captivating plots in anime. This historic anime series is an entry show for every fan, and this list wouldn’t be complete without it.

24

‘FLCL’ (2000)

Kicking off this list is one of the more underrated series due to its avant-garde nature. FLCL is a coming-of-age sci-fi anime that follows Naota, a young boy who burdens himself with more responsibility than necessary after his brother leaves. However, the sudden appearance of a guitar-wielding, vespa-riding woman flips his life upside down, as she uses him to summon her interdimensional lover in this grand trip of an anime.

Avant-garde anime aren’t the most popular due to their complex storytelling, but understanding these unconventional methods opens a gateway to some of the most imaginative anime fans will ever encounter. FLCL is a brilliant series that uses chaotic and surreal narratives to tell a relatable story of growing up. FLCL is an underrated masterpiece that brilliantly creates a vibrant atmosphere through expressive storytelling and creative techniques.

23

‘Nana’ (2006)

Anime is a predominantly male-dominated medium, meaning most shows are either shōnen or seinen, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any excellent shojo or josei series. Nana is about two characters with the same name and the same idea to move to Tokyo, despite having opposite personalities. They find themselves rooming together and longing for their dreams in the big city.

The manga is unfortunately on an indefinite hiatus with no plans to return, but fans can at least experience this anime as many times as they want. While anime is often characterized by unrealistic moments and over-the-top stories, Nana brings a breath of fresh air with its realistic style and themes, including romance, friendship, and ambition. While Nana is one of the best anime of the 2000s, it has also established itself among the greatest of all time.

22

‘Bleach’ (2004–)

It is only natural that all shows from the Big Three would make this list, but unfortunately for Bleach, it ranks the lowest. But at least it is on this list, an impressive feat proving it is one of the greatest anime shows of all time. When Ichigo encounters a Soul Reaper, he borrows her power and enters the world of the supernatural, fighting Hollows, Soul Reapers, Arrancars, and Quincies.

Fans might not like the placement of Bleach, with many thinking it is too low. However, there was a reason it was canceled: due to declining popularity, inconsistent quality, and poor filler content. But that doesn’t take away from how revolutionary and enjoyable this series is and the influence it has on new-gen anime. The fights are astonishing, the new animation is some of the best, and the entertainment value is among the best ever. So, no matter the past, Bleach deserves to be on this list.

21

‘Kaguya-Sama: Love is War’ (2019–2022)

Psychological anime are usually about thrillers or action stories, but Kaguya-Sama: Love is War pairs that genre with romance and comedy to deliver a unique series. Kaguya and Miyuki are deeply in love with each other, but they are too intelligent, proud, or shy to admit it. They will employ their intellect and psychological tactics to coax the other into confessing their feelings, creating an anime full of charm, wit, and hilarious situations.

There are plenty of entertaining romance and comedy anime, but none capture the same imaginative essence as Kaguya-Sama. The creative premise sets up endless possibilities of scenarios, while also utilizing its supporting cast excellently to spread the focus and intrigue. Fans will fall in love with this endearing world, whether it’s for the romance, comedy, or characters, but Kaguya-Sama is a must-watch anime and is deserving of this list.

20

‘Pokémon’ (1997–)

Video games are currently the most popular entertainment medium, and their success is seeping into all facets of entertainment, including anime, with Pokémon being one of the earliest examples. Everyone knows what this franchise is, and has most likely watched some of the anime or played the games. It takes fans on countless adventures through new areas to discover fascinating creatures and battle tough opponents.

Pokémon is an influential part of every kid’s childhood, and that significance is enough to land it on this list. While the anime may not be the best, it is enjoyable, and that’s all it tries to be. It fills viewers with wonder as they explore distinct locations and discover new Pokémon. It may be one of the longest-running anime series, but that only gives the fans more to appreciate, as each region and generation is something new to love.

19

‘Fruits Basket’ (2019–2021)

Anime is dominated by action series with gory fights and straightforward plots, but one of the most popular genres that doesn’t get as much critical acclaim is romance. Among the best is Fruits Basket, a classic series that got a much-needed remake, becoming one of the best love stories in anime.

The best anime have some sort of lesson, and Fruits Basket teaches fans something with every episode. But that is not to say this show lacks entertainment value, as it is an engaging love story with infectious character development and relationships that will swoon over the coldest of hearts. Fruits Basket is an essential romance anime, and therefore one of the best of all time.

18

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)

Remakes are becoming increasingly common, and the 2011 version of Hunter x Hunter proved why they are essential, as it significantly improved upon the original series. Gon is eager to find out why his father abandoned him and sets out into the dangerous world in order to become a registered Hunter. However, gruelling training and unprecedented danger await him, but his bonds and innocence will guide him through.

While it still incorporates many staple values common to most battle shonen, Hunter x Hunter dared to delve into darker material and more thematic storytelling. The anime showcases some of the best examples of character development, with multiple characters undergoing profound transformations that effectively convey the story’s message. Hunter x Hunter boasts some of the best modern anime arcs, captivating fans with its exceptional storytelling and thrilling action.

17

‘Nichijou’ (2011)

Every country has a unique sense of humor, which is why comedy anime isn’t the most popular in the West. However, some series transcend barriers through their jokes, including the slice-of-life comedy Nichijou. It follows three high school girls — a child genius, her robot, and a talking cat — who cause chaos everywhere they go, providing a daily life that is anything but normal.

Nichijou is the definitive anime comedy, using staple methods and unorthodox humor to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. No one can predict where Nichijou will go with the story or jokes, flipping from world-ending events to wholesome candy shopping. It expertly subverts expectations with its chaotic and surreal style of comedy, mixing wholesomeness with absurdism, making Nichijou a modern classic.

16

‘Legend of the Galactic Heroes’ (1988–1997)

The newer generation doesn’t appreciate the classics as much, which is tragic because they are missing out on some of the most magnificent stories ever told, such as Legend of the Galactic Heroes. This epic space opera follows two young opposing leaders who break a longstanding ceasefire, bringing the flames of war back to the galaxy to prove which of their philosophies reigns supreme.

Besides the aged quality, there isn’t much to complain about Legend of the Galactic Heroes, delivering a flawless story with a grand scale that will intrigue even the most picky of anime fans. It has philosophical weight, well-written characters, sprawling political drama, gorgeous visuals, and a story for the ages, making this timeless classic a must-watch for the new and older generations if they haven’t seen it already.