Animeisn’t just animation. It is a medium of storytelling that has defied convention, reinvented genres, and influenced media across the globe. It has captured the hearts and minds of audiences everywhere, transcended the niche label, and evolved into a defining art form with endless possibilities. If you’re reading this, chances are that you have already had your moment – the one where an anime series gripped you so entirely that it felt more real than reality itself.
Maybe it was a late-night binge session where the jazz-infused allure ofCowboy Bebopmade everything else fade away. Or the philosophical unraveling ofNeon Genesis Evangelionthatforced you to reassess existential dreadin ways you weren’t prepared for. After all, anime thrives on moments like these. Moments of raw emotion and bold creativity.
And, of course, declaring the greatest anime series of all time is the kind of discussion that sparks endless debates. Some swear by genre-defining epics, others argue that character-driven narratives are relatively better, and somewhere in between lie the personal favorites that shape a fan’s individual anime journey.
The 20 anime listed here are not just fan favorites or industry titans; they represent everything that’s great about the anime medium.
20’Fruits Basket' (2019)
Fruits Basket
InFruits Basket, a kind-hearted orphan named Tohru Honda stumbles upon the Sohma family and learns that they harbor a supernatural secret – thirteen members of the family are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite gender. Tohru becomes entwined in their lives, particularly the passionate Kyo and bashful Yuki, and tries to earn them a chance at redemption.
Story of Curses and Healing
Few anime have the ability to balance warmth, heartbreak, and catharsis as effortlessly asFruits Basket. Its delicate character arcs, from Akito’s tragic fate to Kyu’s battle with himself, make every episode a deeply personal experience and a profound tale of transformation. The soft, watercolor-like aesthetic and the bittersweet soundtrack also enhance its emotional depth.
19’Mushi-Shi' (2005)
Set in a world where ethereal creatures known as “Mushi” exist beyond human understanding of why, the anime follows Ginko, a wandering researcher who investigates their presence and their influence on nature and people. Each episode unfolds like a standalone story as Ginko encounters individuals affected by the Mushi and dives deeper into the supernatural.
Journey Through the Unseen
With no grand battles or overarching plot,Mushi-shiis a rare gem thatembraces the art of quiet storytelling. Its muted palette and dream-like animation create a delicate balance between the strange and enchanting stories. The series has a meditative pacing, and it almost feels like you’re losing yourself in reflections of life, nature, and existence itself. That said,Mushi-shiis more of an experience than a series.
18’Chainsaw Man' (2022)
Chainsaw Man
Denji is a debt-ridden teenager who survives by hunting devils with his chainsaw-wielding demon dog named Pochita. But after an unexpected betrayal, the dog sacrifices itself to help Denji come back to life. Only this time, he’s Chainsaw Man, a devil-human hybrid with the ability to shred enemies apart with ease. Denji becomes part of the Public Safety Devil Hunters, and he devotes himself to the cause while clinging to his simple dreams – good food, a warm bed, and no debt.
Blood, Chaos, and Heartache
Chainsaw Manis a bold and unapologetic anime that pulls no punches in its depiction of a dark and chaotic world ripe with horror, action, and raw emotion. Its gritty animation, helmed by MAPPA, delivers some of the most fluid, frenetic, and brutal action sequences in anime history. The series also thrives on its unpredictability, with shocking twists and deeply flawed characters adding layers of complexity.
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17’Monster' (2004)
An underrated masterpiece of the psychological thriller genre,Monsterfollows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon, who makes a fateful decision to save the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert over that of a politically influential patient. Years later, Tenma discovers that Johan has grown into a terrifyingly intelligent serial killer, and he takes it upon himself to stop the monster he once saved.
A Masterclass in Suspense
Monsterunfolds like a gripping crime novel, weaving a complex web of psychological intrigue, deception, and existential dread as Tenma navigates the darkest depths of human nature and grapples with his own morality and the consequences of his choices.Slow-burning and cerebral from start to finish, it boasts a tense atmosphere, realistic action, and noir-inspired animation that only amplifies its weight.
16’Sailor Moon' (1992)
Sailor Moon
BeforeSailor Moon, the magical girl genre was charming but simple. Then arrives Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy, kind-hearted schoolgirl whose life turns upside down when she saves a cat from danger and transforms into the legendary Sailor Moon. Her task, along with fellow Sailor Guardians, is to protect Earth from dark forces, brave cosmic battles, and forge lifelong friendships.
The Magical Girl Revolution
Sailor Moondid not just popularize the magical girl genre, it revolutionized it. The vibrant, pastel-colored hues, iconic transformation scenes, and touching narrative made it a global sensation. At its core, the anime celebrates the power of female friendship and self-acceptance. It has also inspired countless adaptations and reboots thanks to its influence on pop culture and the immense amount of love it’s received from fans.
15’One Piece' (1999)
One Pieceis undoubtedly the grandest adventure in anime history, which also makes it the greatest anime in history. Inspired by Eiichiro Oda’s manga series of the same name, it follows Monkey D. Luffy, a dreamer who wishes to become the King of all pirates. He sets sail with his ragtag crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, in search of the titular treasure, but faces ruthless warlords, corrupt governments, and rival pirates along the way.
Of Dreams and Brotherhood
Withover a thousand episodes and counting,One Piecehas secured its spot at the top. It is a sprawling epic that blends action and comedy while also delivering genuinely moving character arcs. Its world-building is unparalleled, crafting a universe teeming with lore and adventure. From the tragedy of Nico Robin’s past to the breathtaking battles of Marineford, from the classic soundtrack featuring “We Are!” and “Binks’ Sake” to the epic showdown between Luffy and Kaido, there are so many memorable moments in One Piece.
14’FLCL' (2000)
Capturing the sheer absurdity of having to grow up when all you want in life is some peace and quiet,FLCLtells the story of a seemingly ordinary 12-year-old named Naota Nandaba, whose life takes a sharp turn when Haruko Haruhara, a Vespa-riding, bass-wielding whirlwind, literally crashes into him. What follows is a bizarre coming-of-age story where robots emerge from Naota’s forehead and reality bends in ways that defy explanation.
A Fever Dream of an Anime
Haruka transforms Naota’s world and his understanding of it by setting off a chain of mind-bending events, andFLCLdraws much of its humor from it.A masterpiece of the medium, it gives the viewer a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. Gainax and Production I.G. are responsible for that sick animation, which shifts style on a whim, blending traditional anime with a comic book aesthetic and exaggerated slapstick. Needless to say,FLCLis one of anime’s most daring and peculiar experiments.
13’Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995)
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Skimming over its premise,Neon Genesis Evangelionappears to be just another standard mecha anime – when monstrous beings known as Angels take over, humanity’s last hope lies in the hands of teenage pilots controlling biochemical giants known as Evangelions. But beneath its action-packed exterior, the series takes viewers on a psychological and philosophical odyssey because Shinji Ikari, the main character, has to grapple with trauma, isolation, and mysteries.
A Haunting Mecha Anime
A seminal work in the anime canon,this popular ‘90s seriestakes a nosedive into the human condition with rawness and complexity. Shinji’s journey is a powerful and harrowing one; it explores themes of identity, depression, and the nature of human existence. And woven around this deeply introspective narrative are the most epic, innovative, and visually stunning mecha battles. Whether admired for its themes or for shaping discourse even decades after its release,Neon Genesis Evangelionis a must-watch.
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12’Nichijou' (2011)
Nichijou - My Ordinary Life
Nichijouis a slice-of-life comedy that blends the mundane with the bizarre and turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Following the daily lives of high school friends Yuuko, Mio, and Mai, along with a young scientist, her robot caretaker, and a talking cat, the series is always dramatic and unpredictable, but guarantees laughter.
The Art of Everyday Absurdity
A breath of fresh air in the anime landscape, this one finds a spot on the list of the greatest anime series of all time because of the way it transformssimple moments into comedic goldand proves that life’s randomness is its biggest charm. Kyoto Animation’s stunning craftsmanship elevates it beyond a typical gag anime, delivering fluid movements and expressive character design. It has a cult status and for good reason.
11’Vinland Saga' (2019)
Vinland Saga
Vinland Sagabrings the Viking era to life with impressive ease. It follows Thorfinn, a young warrior raised on stories of the legendary Vinland, a place far removed from the blood-soaked battlefields of Europe, where peace is prevalent. But his dreams of getting there one day are dragged through the mud when his father, Thors, is brutally murdered by Askeladd. Fueled by vengeance, Thorfinn dedicates his life to defeating the mercenary.
Revenge and Redemption
Another addition to the list,Vinland Sagais a rare historical anime that balances visceral action with philosophical themes of morality and the cost of violence. The animation is so realistic that it brings the harsh landscapes of Europe and brutal combat between the two main characters to life in the most haunting and mesmerizing ways. The series has some standout arcs, such as Askeladd’s tragic backstory. Overall, it is worth watching for fans of character-driven storytelling.
