Anime has never been more popular than it is today. What used to be a subculture is now a leading trend in the entertainment industry. Anime shows captivate millions through their plot, character, and dialogue.
Below are the greatest anime TV shows of all time, picked based on animation quality, richness of story, characters, and themes that linger long after the credits have finished rolling. Here are shows worth watching and re-watching.
The Best Anime Shows: Our Top Picks
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
No compilation of the greatest anime shows would be complete without Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The plot revolves around Edward and Alphonse Elric, and their frantic attempt to restore their bodies after an alchemic body-transmutation. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood contains action sequences and characters that viewers simply can’t forget.
Why Watch It:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a great anime series that intertwines themes of sacrifice, family, and moral ambiguity. It has great animation and a satisfactory story arc right from season one.
2. Demon Slayer
This is one of the most-watched anime series of the past decade. Even today, Demon Slayer still manages to mesmerize us with each season. It tells the tale of Tanjiro Kamado, a gentle boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon.
Each sword in Demon Slayer is attuned to a particular breathing style, making it as unique as the Hashira wielding it. Our official replica of the Tanjiro Katana from our Demon Slayer swords collection is a homage to Tanjiro's sword, a black Nichirin blade that draws power from channeling his Sun and Water Breathing style. Learn more about the best samurai swords here.
Why Watch It:
With sister Nezuko's ability and Tanjiro's unshakeable sense of duty, Demon Slayer comes across as a folk story with lots of flashy action. It’s a great watch if you’re looking for a thrilling anime.
3. Death Note
This is one of those anime shows that’s full of controversial arcs and characters. Genius high school student Light Yagami finds a notebook that kills anyone whose name he inscribes in it. A battle of wits then ensues between him and the enigmatic detective, L.
Why Watch It:
Death Note thrives on suspense and psychological showdowns. It's a masterpiece that uses complex characters to take its story to the breaking point.
4. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is set in a harsh world where humans struggle to survive from man-devouring titans. This anime is filled with epic battles, themes of propaganda, identity issues, and betrayal. At the heart of this story is a young man named Eren Yeager, who transforms from soldier to legend.
Why Watch It:
This anime continually subverts expectations and refuses to treat its audience with kid gloves. The militaristic group dedicated to fighting titans, the Survey Corps, delivers some of anime's most emotional storytelling.
5. Cowboy Bebop
A contemporary classic, Cowboy Bebop gives you sci-fi, Western, noir, and action in incredible animated action sequences. The series follows Spike Spiegel, a former killer turned bounty hunter, and encapsulates themes of regret, solitude, and existential uncertainty.
Why Watch It:
Cowboy Bebop is such a cool anime. The show is episodic, yet each one builds an emotional tension that makes you want to keep watching. You’ll also love the Western and sci-fi themes.
6. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass contains drama, strategic mind games, and is very emotionally intense. It revolves around Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled prince who is given the power of "Geass." This allows him to control people against their will. With this power, he starts a violent revolution against the empire that betrayed him.
Why Watch It:
Code Geass is a top anime show that focuses on strategic brilliance and character development. Every plot turn is deserved, and every decision is a hard call.
7. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime that explores psychological trauma, isolation, and horror. Teenager Shinji Ikari is tasked with piloting a massive biomechanical machine to rescue a dying world while grappling with his own demons.
Why Watch It:
This show changed anime forever. Evangelion has incredible, emotionally charged sequences, philosophical subject matters, and a celebrated TV-MA rating.
8. Hunter x Hunter
Typically abbreviated as HxH, the show follows Gon Freecss, a boy who aims to become a hunter and find his missing father. In the process, he makes new friends, encounters insurmountable obstacles, and unearths sinister secrets.
Why Watch It:
Hunter x Hunter is surprisingly interesting. What starts off as a typical shonen anime later turns into a philosophical and emotionally tense show.
9. One Piece
This anime boasts over a thousand episodes and still doesn’t show any signs of coming to an end. One Piece follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they seek out the greatest treasure and fight for their aspirations.
Among the characters that really stand out is Roronoa Zoro, a swordsman with a code of honor as sharp as the blades he wields. Zoro’s swords reflect his ambition, will, and the challenges he overcomes on his path to becoming the greatest swordsman. Check out authentic Zoro swords here, or see a full list of Zoro’s Sword Names and what they mean.
Why Watch It:
One Piece is all about overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams with your friends by your side. It’s the type of anime show with characters and stories that never get boring.
10. Naruto/Naruto: Shippuden
This is one of the best anime shows ever. It follows Naruto Uzumaki's path from an outcast orphan to a ninja world hero. Naruto is all about life, maturing, chakra, and shuriken. It also shows Naruto and Sasuke's friendship and how it develops from rivalry to mutual understanding.
Check out our authentic replica of Sasuke's sword.
Why Watch It:
Naruto has uplifting character mentors, tragic villains, and profound human moments. It delivers the full emotional range of shonen anime, from sarcasm to rage, and everything in between.
11. Chainsaw Man
Gory, violent, and strangely sentimental, this anime presents a savage world of desperation and devils. Denji, a young man who’s down on his luck, merges with his devil pet Pochita and becomes a chainsaw devil hunter.
Why Watch It:
It's gruesome, yes, but it's also very heartfelt. Underneath the bloodshed and brutality lie themes of ambition, life, and loneliness.
12. Bleach
Bleach is a fast-paced action anime. It’s about Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who becomes a soul reaper by accident. He is required to protect the world of the living from evil spirits while learning forgotten secrets in the Soul Society. One of the top highlights from this anime is Ichigo's first fight with the Bankai Katana against Byakuya Kuchiki.
Why Watch It:
It’s packed with rapid-fire sword fighting and great animated sequences. Bleach is still a must-see, particularly for big fans of action anime. You can even get authentic replicas of Bleach Swords for anime conventions to connect with other fans and to show off your love for the series.
13. My Hero Academia
This anime is based in a world in which almost every individual possesses a superpower. My Hero Academia follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, a boy granted the most powerful quirk that comes with stockpile power and the ability to use the individual gifts (or quirks) of its previous owners.
Why Watch It:
It combines thrilling action with humor and genuine emotion. It’s one of the most accessible and uplifting anime series available.
14. Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers is a time-travel gang drama and thriller. It's a tale about a boy, Takemichi, who gets a chance to travel back in time and rescue his ex-girlfriend from death by joining a gang. When he does this, he alters the fate of Tokyo's most violent young gang.
Why Watch It:
It introduces street-level grit to an anime genre that normally focuses on the fantastical. Tokyo Revengers is thrilling and very futuristic.
15. Assassination Classroom
An apparently unstoppable alien is on his way to annihilate the planet, but he offers the world one opportunity. He wishes for humanity to allow him to instruct a class of outcasts on how to assassinate him. What ensues is Assassination Classroom, a moving and humorous anime on development, self-discovery, and fate.
Why Watch It:
It features dark comedy and life lessons in redemption and confidence. The final assassination attempt on Koro-sensei is emotional and challenging as the students carry out the mission they've been training for, for the first time.
16. Vinland Saga
A historically influenced anime drawn from Viking mythology, Vinland Saga is the story of Thorfinn, a young man fueled by vengeance after his father is murdered. What starts as a revenge story becomes one of honor, direction, and peace in the middle of war.
Why Watch It:
It has excellent animation and compelling storytelling. Vinland Saga is a philosophical anime that takes place in a brutal world with intense conflicts that represent loss and the search for meaning.
17. Black Clover
Asta, a boy born with no magic in a world where magic is the answer to all things, aspires to be the Wizard King. Along with his rival Yuno, he defies fate by pure determination and brute physical power.
Why Watch It:
Black Clover is a classic underdog story with fast battles and intense character development. It's ideal for those who enjoy bold and passionate protagonists.
18. Solo Leveling (Full Anime Adaptation Scheduled For 2025)
Based on a hit Korean webtoon, Solo Leveling follows Sung Jin-Woo, the world's weakest hunter, who gains a mysterious leveling system after a near-death experience. With every increase in strength, his skills evolve into something godly.
Why Watch It:
Beautiful animation and non-stop pacing. Solo Leveling is a must-see anime for fans of dark action and gaming-themed progression.
19. Monster
This psychological thriller is a slow-burn narrative about Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese brain surgeon in Germany, who saves the life of a young boy. The boy later turns out to be a sociopathic killer. Monster is a tale of morality retold through suspense.
Why Watch It:
Monster is a character-driven show that trades action for chilling suspense and haunting introspection. It’s slow, but it builds up nicely and locks you into binge-watching.
20. Dragon Ball (Z/Super)
This is the classic series that has introduced millions to the world of anime. From a young boy with a monkey tail to a god-level warrior capable of destroying worlds, Goku's journey in Dragon Ball, Z, and Super has become the reference for epic anime battles.
Why Watch It:
Incredible lasting battles, unforgettable transformations, and the characters’ perseverance render this show a classic for the ages.
21. Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is the tale of Usagi Tsukino, an accident-prone teenage girl who becomes a planet warrior to battle evil and save the world. In Usagi's final battle, she fights Chaos and restores her friends to life using nothing but emotional strength.
Why Watch It:
Sailor Moon changed what was possible in anime for girls. It's strong, emotive, and stunningly animated. Its influence can still be felt in cosplay, fashion, and anime that came after.
22. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Rom-com collides with psychological warfare in Kaguya-sama. Two high-achieving students in an elite high school refuse to be the first to admit their feelings, making love a multi-layered mind game.
Why Watch It:
The clever repartee, humorous situations, and intelligent pacing give it the feel of a modern classic in a way that balances emotion and comedy.
23. One Punch Man
In a planet filled with strong heroes and beasts, Saitama towers above the rest. Despite having the power to knock out any enemy with just a punch, his invincibility has a price: boredom.
Why Watch It:
One Punch Man parodies the conventional shonen anime formula yet still includes exhilarating action and laugh-out-loud humor.
24. Steins;Gate
When a group of students discovers a way of sending text messages to the past, reality begins to unravel. Steins;Gate offers you sci-fi with emotional storytelling in a time-travel tale filled with suspense and consequences.
Why Watch It:
It's slow-moving at the beginning, but the payoff is powerful and rewarding. The plot twists and character arcs are unforgettable.
25. Jujutsu Kaisen
A cursed finger, an exorcist high school, and a young man get sucked into a war against supernatural threats. Jujutsu Kaisen takes all the best elements of modern anime and turns the dial up.
Why Watch It:
Sharp animation, fierce fight scenes, and heart-wrenching storytelling. It's turned out to be one of the greatest anime programs to come out in years.
Honorable Mentions
Though the top 25 anime shows have an amazing variety of themes and conflicts, there are a few more titles that are worthy of note.
- Erased: A fascinating mix of time travel and murder thriller. When a failed manga artist travels back in time to avert the death of a classmate, the outcome is a thrilling and touching story about regret and second chances.
- Trigun: Part sci-fi, part gunslinger western, Trigun tracks Vash the Stampede, a pacifistic gunfighter with a dark history.
- Toradora: A sweet, coming-of-age romance that features comedy and emotion. This is one of the greatest anime shows about the awkwardness of adolescence and unrequited love.
- Claymore: A dark fantasy series based on a stoic female warrior who battles monstrous demons. It's an underappreciated gem with beautiful animation and intense fight sequences.
- Mob Psycho 100: The same creator of One Punch Man brings you this anime, which uses psychic powers, character growth, and emotional vulnerability to build a deceptively touching story.
- Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World: A dark spin on the isekai genre, this show focuses on trauma, failure, and resolve through its protagonist.
While the above shows are not the most well-known, each of them offers something interesting for anime fans who want unique stories.
What Constitutes a Great Anime Show?
The greatest anime shows are unique because they possess something exceptional that reaches the heart of the viewer in a single instance. They possess emotional depth with amazing animation, plot twists, and charming characters. The best anime shows have:
- Complex Characters: The most powerful anime characters are never one-dimensional. They develop, fail, evolve, and possess an emotion that moves the plot.
- Epic Battles: It’s not merely the choreography of the fights that makes Attack on Titan or Demon Slayer so memorable, but rather, more crucially, why those battles happen. They are motivated by survival, loyalty, or the need to bear the weight of hard choices.
- Deep Themes: The best anime shows touch on morality, loss, identity, the nature of justice, and what it means to be human.
- Genre Versatility: Great anime suits all moods and states of mind. It may be gory, thrilling, romantic, or just outrageously funny.
- Animation and Soundtrack: Good visual and audio designs establish mood, tension, and impart personality to the show.
- Fan Impact: Top anime series create a fan base. They influence culture, drive merchandise, memes, cosplay trends, and even philosophical arguments.
How to Select the Best Anime for Yourself
With so many anime programs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find one that speaks to you. Here is how you can make your search easier:
- Action and Epic Fights: Try Attack on Titan, Bleach, One Piece, or Jujutsu Kaisen. These shows contain quick-paced action.
- Something Heartfelt and Personal: Try Erased, Toradora, or Naruto. They focus on character growth, the hardships of life, family, and coming of age.
- Comedy and Witty One-Liners: You would love Kaguya-sama: Love is War, Bleach, or One Punch Man.
- Dark and Thought-Provoking: Watch Monster, Code Geass, Hunter x Hunter, or Death Note. They touch on morality, power, and the complexity of human nature.
- Supernatural: Neon Genesis Evangelion and Chainsaw Man combine gory action with surreal subjects and beautiful animation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Number 1 Ranked Anime Show?
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was the #1 anime series of all time for more than a decade on sites such as MyAnimeList. It has recently been overtaken by Frieren: Beyond Journey's End in 2024.
What are the Top 10 Most-Watched Anime Shows?
While there may be variation by medium and region, some of the most widely watched anime shows include:
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- One Piece
- Naruto
- Demon Slayer
- Attack on Titan
- Dragon Ball Z
- My Hero Academia
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Bleach
- Sword Art Online
Which Anime Show Broke the Internet?
Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan both generated gigantic traffic spikes for their most-streamed episodes, namely Demon Slayer's "Mugen Train" arc and Attack on Titan's concluding season episode stretch.
Who is the Father of All Anime?
Osamu Tezuka is usually referred to as the "father of anime." His groundbreaking work in manga and anime formed the building blocks of the anime industry. His shows, such as Astro Boy, defined the style of contemporary anime.
What is the Longest Anime Series?
One Piece is currently the longest-running mainstream anime both in terms of episodes and running story. One Piece started in 1999 and continues up to this day with more than 1,000 episodes and counting.
What is the Greatest Anime Series of All Time?
Regardless of the divergence of views, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is generally considered to be the greatest anime series of all time because of its narrative, animation, theme, and characterization.
Which Anime Do I Begin With As A Newbie?
Good starting anime are:
- Naruto: Classic hero's journey
- Bleach: Thrilling action
- Death Note: A smart thriller
- Code Geass: A dark, suspenseful thriller
-
Demon Slayer: Great graphics and powerful emotions.
Where Can I Legally Watch Anime?
The following are the top websites to legally stream anime shows and movies:
- Crunchyroll: Largest anime streaming library
- Netflix: Great selection of anime hits and exclusives
- Funimation: Excellent for dubbed anime videos
- Hulu: Provides both popular and cult classics
Get the Best Anime Sword Replicas at Samurai Sword Store
From the soul-shattering plotlines of One Piece to the heart-stopping thrill of Bleach, anime is a vast and limitlessly creative world. The best anime shows remind us of our strength, challenge our assumptions, and stir something in us that's hard to describe.
Should you be in the mood to bring a slice of that reality into your own, check out our collection of hand-forged anime swords and katanas at Samurai Sword Store.
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