50 Best Anime Series of All Time, Ranked

For a medium as diverse and wide-ranging as Anime, it can be difficult to classify the best anime series of all time. Looking at the wide range of metrics fans use to judge the quality of any individual anime makes ranking even more difficult.

While no metric is necessarily wrong, ultimately things like animation quality, industry impact, direction, atmosphere, and consistency can quantify how to rank each anime. Unfortunately, that last point disqualifies some notable fan favorites. However naruto and Bleach are two incredible series, their abundance of bad padding knocks them out of the rankings. It also wouldn't be fair to count any ongoing series. While One Piece, Spy x Family, Classification of Kingsand Kaguya Sama They are all masterpieces in their own right, it is impossible to classify them without knowing their endings.

50

Daylight saving time rendering

Animated by OLM, based on the manga by Yasuki Tanaka

There are many incredible series that go unnoticed, but it's criminal how underrated Summer rendering That's when it aired. With many series tackling the time travel plot, this series does it extremely well and with a unique twist. Shinpei Ajiro returns to his home island to attend the funeral of his childhood friend Ushio, and what should be a peaceful burial turns out to be a conspiracy of centuries-old supernatural creatures after Ajiro senses something is wrong with Ushio's death.

While the plot was so incredible that even Hideo Kojima praised it countless times, it wouldn't have been possible without the incredible visuals, action sequences, excellent animation from the studio behind Berserk and more. This 24-episode series is sure to captivate viewers, not only because it has one of the best and most shocking first episodes, but also because it has a wholesome ending that wraps everything up beautifully.

49

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

Animated by Brain's Base, based on the light novel by Watari Wataru and Ponkan

What started as a hilarious comedy series gradually turned into a fantastic story of high school seniors intertwining life, family, college, and relationships. More commonly known as Oregairuthe narcissistic Hikigaya Hachiman is coerced into joining the Service Club by his worried teacher, a club that responds to student requests and helps them. There, he meets the only other member, the equally narcissistic and arrogant Yukonishita Yukinon, and the two come into ideological conflict and differ in their methods of helping others. Thus, they begin their journey of helping others and at the same time discovering and improving themselves as a person.

Although the art style and visuals change drastically after the first season, the heart of the series is always present, keeping its dialogue warm and funny while following a mature storytelling path. The story also addresses everyday high school themes, such as bullying, love, the dilemma of university, family and much more, being a great representation of youth that will, without a doubt, take the viewer back to school times.

48

Gintama

Animated by Sunrise, based on the manga by Hideaki Sorachi

Is it a samurai series, a science fiction tale, a comedy or a battle shonen? Gintama takes all of these elements and blends them into one, delivering a hilarious and intense series that stands as one of Japan's most beloved series. The series follows Gintoki, a former samurai in an Edo Japan invaded and ruled by aliens known as Amanto . Along with Kagura and Shinpachi, the trio performs various odd jobs to survive, taking them on hilarious adventures that are as wild as one can imagine. From being involved in a terrorist conspiracy to helping convicts, Gintama is one of the funniest anime of all time.

This series has a light-hearted tone, but can quickly transition into intense battles, especially in story arcs like Farewell Shinsengumi and Shogun Assassination, which are top-tier in the battle shonen genre. Fans should pay close attention to the comedy episodes, as the creator, Sorachi, frequently references and incorporates interesting scenes from these episodes into the overall story arcs. While Gintama It loses its incredible humor as the series progresses, the series maintains a high level of humor in the jokes, and combined with the excellent cast and action, it is a basic shonen series that has earned its status.

47

Geass Code

Original anime series created by Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi, animated by Sunrise

One of the most popular mecha series, this hit from Studio Sunrise was an incredible journey from start to finish, not only having one of the best first episodes, but also one of the best and most unforgettable endings. Lelouch Lamperouge, a high school student, is drawn into a terrorist plot by Japanese freedom fighters to liberate his home from Britannia, the global superpower. On the verge of death, the brilliant strategist receives the divine visual power known as Geass and thus begins his fight to take revenge on Britannia, the country of which he was once prince, and destroyed his family.

The series presents an incredible display of war, genocide, oppression and imperialism, making Lelouch's intense battle even more engaging. The mecha aspect is also well done, with the varied Knightmare Frames being one of the best features of the series. Deception, politics and tactics of Geass Code do it a fantastic political thriller that takes advantage of its supernatural and battle shonen ratingmaking it an unforgettable anime.

46

Haikyu!!

Animated by Production IG, based on the manga by Haruichi Furudate

Although volleyball is a niche sport around the world, Haikyu!! it secured a huge fan base in Japan and around the world for its excellent cast that engaged people long enough to learn the rules of a new sport. The character development and dynamics are excellent, to say the least, and even characters who would otherwise have been sidelined get significant arcs to ensure a fan base. The series is so dedicated to its characters that it shows the professional trajectories of the players' lives, something rare in sports manga.

The sporting aspect Haikyu!! It is stimulating too, not only making the volleyball game as exciting as possible, but also facilitating understanding and conveying what is at stake through the athletes' emotions. With exciting games, an incredible cast and amazing animation, Haikyu!! is a phenomenon in the world of sports series and deserves praise for its influence in popularizing the sport.

45

Azumanga Daioh

Animated by JC Staff, based on the manga by Kiyohiko Azuma

Slice-of-life is an important genre in anime, and few have captured the genre's appeal as much as Azumanga Daioh. Ostensibly a comedy, the series follows six high school students over the course of three years. Although pranks and mischief are an important part of the series what it really does Azumanga Daioh so fundamental is how cozy it is. The main cast is made up of distinct characters who interact in fun ways. The result is a series that makes viewers feel like they're hanging out with friends.

Unfortunately, if Azumanga Daioh has a central flaw: it is the only male character, the teacher Mr. Kimura. The jokes about him being attracted to high school girls were already bad when the anime and manga came out, but they've only gotten more uncomfortable over the years. Still, speak Azumanga Daioh's quality that Mr. Kimura's presence is a flaw that many fans are more than willing to overlook.

44

Attack on Titan

Animated by WIT & MAPPA, based on the manga created by Hajime Isayama

After a decade, Attack on Titan the anime ended and cemented the series' status as the best of all time. The anime series begins with an undeniable sense of mystery, as the wild premise automatically invites many questions.. While anime starting with a series of big overarching questions is quite common, it's rare to see all of these mysteries answered as completely and satisfyingly as they are in Attack on Titan. This may well be the basis of the Attack on Titan manga, but the anime also helps clarify some points that really improve the overall experience.

Attack on Titan It may also be among the most influential anime of 2010. Shonen has always had a darker bent, especially with creators like Go Nagai. However, Dark Shonen has definitely seen a renaissance after the huge success of Attack on Titan. Highly successful mangas and animes such as Jujutsu Kaisen and chainsaw man I certainly owe a debt of gratitude to Attack on Titan.

43

Violet Evergarden

Animated by Kyoto Animation, based on the light novel by Kana Akatsuki and Akiko Takase

Kyoto Animation is one of the world's most beloved anime studios, and with visual masterpieces like Violet EvergardenIt's easy to see why. Violet Evergarden tells a fairly simple story about a child soldier trying to reclaim her identity after the end of the war and the loss of the only person who cared about her. The titular heroine ends up working as an Automatic Memory Doll, someone who transcribes letters. Through this simple premise, the series touches on a variety of emotional topics with its mostly episodic structure.

For all the strengths of Violet Evergarden story, however, it's the look and sound of the series that earns it such high marks. Despite the reasoned premise, Violet Evergarden is nothing short of decadent with its art and music style. The animation is fluid and captures small movements well as the score builds, perfectly capturing the emotions of each scene. The result is one of the best animated anime series of all time.

42

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Animated by Kyoto Animation, based on the Light Novel series by Nagaru Tanigawa and Noizi Ito

Exactly on the opposite end of the spectrum from Kyoto Animation Violet Evergarden and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi became famous in the late 2000s and early 2010s for completely dominating anime fandom.and although some fans may have exaggerated it, the series and its titular star live up to the hype. One of the most powerful anime characters of all time, Haruhi is an incredibly compelling character.

More than just an interesting clue, Haruhi is a bold and ambitious show. The events are told out of order, there are 8 episodes that basically repeat themselves, and the overall tone is just wild. While fans may complain about the infamous Endless Eight, it's still a move that seems fitting for Haruhi.

41

Fist of the North Star

Animated by Toei Animation, based on the manga created by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara

Running from 1984 to 1987, the Toei Animation film Fist of the North Star is a series whose influence is far-reaching. Fist of the North Star is about a martial artist named Kenshiro who fights the warlords and bandits who have emerged in the wake of a nuclear apocalypse.

Perhaps the definitive anime of the 1980s, Fist of the North Star ushered in a new era of gritty and violent anime that defined the medium for more than a decade. The legacy of the series can still be felt today, as in addition to being referenced by countless other anime and manga, it served as inspiration for masterpieces such as Furious and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. As if your legacy wasn't enough, Fist of the North Star it's just a fun moment, even outside of its historical context.

40

Death Note

Animated by Madhouse, based on the manga created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

Death Note completely rewrote the book on what was possible in a shonen series. Far from the high-octane battles of a series like naruto or Dragon Ball Z, Death Note the 'battles' are much more cerebral. Few other series make a psychological game of cat and mouse as fascinating as Death Note.

The art design and direction are what make this anime series really stand out. Anime fans may have turned Light's infamous french fry scene into a meme, but it's a brilliant little moment that uses strong direction and sound design to draw viewers into Light's twisted perspective. Yes, the series' commitment to being bold can sometimes feel a little silly, but that often adds to its charm in a way that many lesser series have failed to replicate.. Although its controversial second part takes it down a few notches, Death Note is essential viewing for any anime fan.

39

Steins: Gate

Animated by White Fox, based on the 5bp visual novel

Based on the popular science fiction visual novel series, Steins;Gate is an anime series that follows a scientist named Okabe who accidentally invents time travel after witnessing the murder of a girl named Makise Kurisu. Okabe then attempts to use time travel to prevent Kurisu's death while improving the lives of his circle of friends. What follows is a mind-bending journey through alternate timelines, as Okabe's time-traveling antics inevitably lead to increasingly worse outcomes for everyone involved.

While anime adaptations of visual novels are quite common, one thing that makes Steins;Gate just as unique is how it adapts its source material. Instead of choosing a game route and making it canon, Steins;Gate uses its time travel premise to explore in depth each of the game's routes. The result is a series that keeps fans guessing what will happen next, as Okabe, as well as the game's players, try to find the path that can lead to a genuinely good ending.

38

Anohana: the flower we saw that day

Original anime series created by Tatsuyuki Nagai, Mari Okada, and Masayoshi Tanaka

Anohana: the flower we saw that day follows a young hikikimori named Jinta who suddenly begins seeing the ghost of his former best friend, Menma. What follows is a heartbreaking yet life-affirming journey that finds Jinta reconnecting with his old group of friends so that everyone can fully process Menma's death. Although this premise carries an undeniable emotional charge, Anohana is one of the most exciting anime of all time.

With an anime industry so focused on an idealized vision of high school AnohanaThe more grounded approach to trauma and growth will resonate with anime fans who want something a little more mature outside of his coming-of-age anime. While it may rank low compared to some anime, this speaks more to the strength of the other entries than any inherent flaws in Anohana beautiful and moving story.

37

Gankutsuo

Animated by Gonzo, based on The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas

While anime adaptations of classic literature aren't exactly uncommon, they're rarely done with as much style as the Count of Monte Cristo anime, Gankutsuo. Largely following the plot of the novel with additional science fiction elements, Gankutsuo is about a young man named Albert who becomes fascinated by a man known only as the Count of Monte Cristo. Although Albert is interested in introducing the count to Parisian high society, it is clear that the count is largely seeking revenge against the same system of nobles who are now fascinated by him.

Despite the inherent folly of taking The Count of Monte Cristo setting itself in the distant future, Gankutsuo is actually a respectful adaptation of Alexandre Dumas's literary classic. The complexity and social manipulations at play make each episode absolutely gripping. In addition to the great plot, what makes Gankutsuo the highlight is its animation style. Gonzo worked hard to give Gankutsuo a unique visual identity and the result is an absolute visual delight.

36

Dunk

Animated by Toei Animation, based on the manga by Takehiko Inoue

Takehiko Inoue is one of the most acclaimed manga artists of all time, and despite his masterpiece Tramp will likely never be adapted into an anime, fans can still feel comfortable knowing that Slam Dunk's anime exists. Although in many ways it is a prototypical sports story about a young delinquent learning the value of teamwork, Dunk stands out from the competition with impeccable animation and an absolutely infectious cast.

In your heart, Dunk it's like most great shonen, about self-improvement. Sakuragi's growth from a girl-obsessed idiot to a legitimate basketball player is consistently rewarding to watch, as is the camaraderie he forms with his team. While the manga is still the best way to see the story, Toei's adaptation is no slouch. Fans also owe it to themselves to watch the series' closing film The first dunk, which was directed by Inoue himself.

35

Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in Your Pocket

Animated by Sunrise, based on the franchise created by Yoshiyuki Tomino & Sunrise

Gundam is one of the most important anime franchises ever created, with countless incredible series. Although Western fans may prefer the incredibly popular Gundam Wing or Gundam SEEDthat's it It's hard to deny that one of the most effective entries in the franchise is Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in Your Pocket.

Taking place in the series' main continuity War in your pocket follows a rookie pilot named Bernie, tasked with destroying a Gundam prototype. While Bernie waits for his own mech to be fixed, he befriends a boy named Al, who sees war as something exciting and cool.. Bernie also falls in love with a woman his age named Chris, who, unbeknownst to him, is the prototype Gundam test pilot. What follows is a moving story about the emotional cost of war.

If there is something consistent in the majority Gundam series beyond the iconic mechs themselves, is the prevalence of anti-war themes. NI already had Gundam anti-war themes more apparent than they are in War in your pocket. There's an almost tragic sense of inevitability to the series, as viewers dread the moment when Bernie and Chris finally fight. All of this is based on Al, a character who is far from the annoying boy he could have been.

Bernie is not the next evolution for humanity like many of the newtype heroes from other Gundam series, he is one of thousands of faceless idiots who would die a normal death in any other Gundam series

Gundamlike many other anime franchises, it is filled with stories of special individuals with unique talents. In contrast, War in your pocket flips the script by just focusing on normal people just trying to survive. Bernie is not the next evolution for humanity like many of the newtype heroes from other Gundam series, he is one of thousands of faceless idiots who would die a normal death in any other Gundam series. Full of many twists and turns, War in your pocket remains the absolute peak of Gundam.

34

Nichijou – My Ordinary Life

Animated by Kyoto Animation, based on the manga created by Keiichi Arawi

Nichijou – My Ordinary Life is a 2011 anime by Kyoto Animation. This humorous slice-of-life story follows high school students Yūko, Mio, Mai, and Nano and the increasingly absurd events of their everyday lives.. Comedy is often difficult to translate across cultural lines, but that barrier never stops. Nichijou to be extremely funny.

Nichijou is a series that always tries hard to make its jokes land, often using animation and art direction to enhance the jokes rather than just relying on clever dialogue. Even beyond the incredible animation, Nichijou's characters are some of the most endearing bunch of weirdos to ever appear in a comedy anime. Any one of these aspects alone would Nichijou great, but together they make the series a certified classic. Adapting gag manga is notoriously hit or miss, but with Nichijouthey are all successes.

33

Samurai Champloo

Original anime series created by Manglobe

Made by a large part of the team behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo is the closest thing to a true spiritual successor Bebop he has. The series follows swordsmen Mugen and Jin who, after nearly killing each other, form a tenuous truce to help a young girl named Fuu find a samurai who smells like sunflowers. While the main plot fades in and out of relevance throughout the series, the focus is much more on telling episodic stories set in an anachronistic version of Edo-era Japan.

With a hip-hop inspired soundtrack from luminaries Tsutchie, Fat Jon, Nujabes and Force of Nature, Samurai Champloo masterfully builds an atmosphere to make its ancient Japan unlike anything fans of Japanese media would be familiar with. Far from just being an aesthetic choice, the influence of rap and hip-hop is important in the series' themes. In Samurai Champloosamurai are far from the noble warriors often portrayed in the media, often using their power for corrupt purposes. It's a fascinating look at the samurai genre, one that makes it stand out and will no doubt help Samurai Champloo stand the test of time.

32

Trigun

Animated by Madhouse, based on the manga by Yasuhiro Nightow

Trigun It's a classic case of anime being much bigger in America than in Japan. Given the Wild West theme and reliance on Judeo-Christian themes, this isn't too surprising. What is surprising is how well Trigun remains long after its original release. The series follows Vash the Stampede, a talented gunslinger whose big bounty means the hunters are after him. As a result of the wanton destruction left by Vash's fights, insurance agents Meryl and Milly are sent to follow him and report the damage he leaves behind.

It's not uncommon for anime heroes to avoid killing their enemies. Characters like Naruto, for example, prefer to talk to their opponents whenever possible. What makes Vash so remarkable is how he makes a commitment to nonviolence as his guiding life philosophy. For Vash, choosing peace is not an excuse or a sign of weakness, it is a sign of his determination. Vash may be the first anime hero to make pacifism seem genuinely badass.

Even beyond Vash, the characters in Trigun they are incredibly friendly. Meryl and Milly balance each other out well and have a fun dynamic, while Wolfwood is an excellent counterpoint to Vash's pacifism. These characters combined with the fascinating world of the series to do Trigun more than deserving of a high position among the best anime series of all time.

31

Wolf Rain

Original anime series created by Keiko Nobumoto and Studio Bones

Few anime are as emotional as Wolf Rain. The anime takes place in a dystopian future on the brink of collapse. At the end of the world, four wolves with the ability to take human form seek out the Flower Maiden so she can take them to paradise. Wolf Rain was ahead of its time as its plot had a heavy focus on the emotional consequences of living in a world doomed by climate change. Each character's response to the impending apocalypse shows the psychological cost of being burdened with saving a doomed world.

As if the deep themes weren't enough, Wolf Rain It's also beautiful with beautiful visuals and an absolutely haunting soundtrack from the legend herself, Yoko Kanno. Wolf Rain It has its mistakes, but none of them are enough to detract from this profound anime.