Anime has grown from a niche hobby into a global cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with complex characters, immersive storytelling, and unique animation styles. From high-stakes adventures to heartwarming dramas, anime has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just beginning your anime journey, knowing which series are considered the best is essential.
This guide explores the Top 10 Best Anime Series of All Time, highlighting why each series has earned its place in the anime hall of fame. We will discuss storylines, characters, animation quality, and cultural impact to help fans understand what makes these series truly exceptional.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Overview:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime series ever created. Based on Hiromu Arakawa’s manga, it follows the journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers searching for the Philosopher’s Stone after a failed alchemical experiment.
Why It’s Great:
- Intricate world-building with alchemy-based magic
- Deep exploration of morality, sacrifice, and brotherhood
- Consistently high-quality animation
- Memorable supporting characters and complex villains
Impact:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has influenced countless anime and manga series, becoming a benchmark for storytelling, pacing, and emotional depth.
2. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Overview:
Attack on Titan (2013) follows humanity’s struggle against gigantic humanoid creatures known as Titans. With high-stakes battles and shocking plot twists, it’s a thrilling blend of action and mystery.
Why It’s Great:
- Intense, edge-of-your-seat storytelling
- Philosophical themes about freedom, morality, and human nature
- Stunning animation and epic fight sequences
- Complex character arcs, including Eren, Mikasa, and Armin
Impact:
Attack on Titan redefined modern shonen anime, blending dark storytelling with blockbuster action, attracting global audiences and critical acclaim.
3. Death Note
Overview:
Death Note (2006) is a psychological thriller about Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook that can kill anyone whose name he writes. The series explores morality, justice, and intelligence battles against the mysterious detective L.
Why It’s Great:
- Gripping cat-and-mouse storyline
- Intellectual duels and strategic thinking
- Dark, mature themes and moral ambiguity
- Minimalist yet impactful animation
Impact:
Death Note remains a favorite for fans of psychological thrillers and is often cited as a gateway anime for newcomers.
4. Naruto / Naruto Shippuden
Overview:
Naruto (2002) and its sequel Naruto Shippuden (2007) follow Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja striving to become the leader of his village while overcoming personal and societal challenges.
Why It’s Great:
- Epic world-building with diverse ninja clans and abilities
- Themes of perseverance, friendship, and redemption
- Action-packed fight sequences
- Long-term character growth across hundreds of episodes
Impact:
Naruto helped popularize anime globally, inspiring a generation of fans and creators. Its legacy includes numerous spin-offs, movies, and cultural references.
5. One Piece
Overview:
One Piece (1999) chronicles Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in search of the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. Known for its longevity, it combines adventure, humor, and emotional storytelling.
Why It’s Great:
- Expansive, imaginative world
- Long-term plotlines with careful foreshadowing
- Heartwarming and emotional character development
- Iconic battles and camaraderie
Impact:
One Piece is one of the longest-running anime and manga series in history, setting records and maintaining a loyal global fanbase.
6. My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)
Overview:
My Hero Academia (2016) is set in a world where superpowers, called Quirks, are common, and follows Izuku Midoriya’s journey to become the greatest hero.
Why It’s Great:
- Modern superhero storytelling with deep character arcs
- Engaging fight sequences and creative Quirks
- Themes of courage, friendship, and heroism
- Strong balance of humor and drama
Impact:
My Hero Academia has become a cultural phenomenon, revitalizing shonen anime for a new generation with its superhero themes.
7. Dragon Ball Z
Overview:
Dragon Ball Z (1989) is a legendary anime following Goku and his allies as they protect Earth from powerful enemies. It’s known for its epic battles, transformations, and iconic villains.
Why It’s Great:
- Pioneered long-form, action-packed anime storytelling
- Iconic fight sequences and power-ups
- Memorable characters like Vegeta, Gohan, and Piccolo
- Strong emotional arcs alongside action
Impact:
Dragon Ball Z laid the foundation for modern shonen anime, inspiring countless series and global fandoms. Its influence on anime culture is immeasurable.
8. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Overview:
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) is a psychological mecha anime that explores teen pilots fighting mysterious creatures called Angels. It’s celebrated for its deep psychological themes and philosophical undertones.
Why It’s Great:
- Complex character psychology and relationships
- Dark, thought-provoking narrative
- Groundbreaking mecha animation
- Themes of identity, depression, and existentialism
Impact:
Evangelion influenced both anime and pop culture, changing how audiences perceive mecha anime and psychological storytelling.
9. Cowboy Bebop
Overview:
Cowboy Bebop (1998) follows a group of bounty hunters traveling through space, blending sci-fi, action, and jazz-inspired storytelling.
Why It’s Great:
- Unique blend of genres: sci-fi, noir, and western
- Deep character development and emotional storytelling
- Iconic soundtrack by Yoko Kanno
- Stylish animation and world-building
Impact:
Cowboy Bebop remains a classic for anime fans and newcomers, influencing countless creators in animation and live-action adaptations.
10. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Overview:
Demon Slayer (2019) follows Tanjiro Kamado as he becomes a demon slayer to save his sister Nezuko and avenge his family.
Why It’s Great:
- Stunning animation and fight choreography
- Emotional storytelling with strong family themes
- Memorable characters and demon designs
- Engaging world-building
Impact:
Demon Slayer has quickly become a modern anime classic, breaking box office records with its movie “Mugen Train” and garnering worldwide recognition.
Criteria for Choosing These Anime
The top 10 anime series were chosen based on:
- Storytelling: Originality, plot complexity, and emotional impact
- Character Development: Depth, growth, and relatability
- Animation Quality: Art style, fight choreography, and consistency
- Cultural Impact: Influence on anime, fandom, and pop culture
- Longevity and Popularity: How well the series stood the test of time
Why These Anime Are Must-Watch
- They defined genres (shonen, mecha, psychological, etc.)
- They pushed boundaries in storytelling and animation
- They inspired millions of fans globally
- They introduced themes of friendship, perseverance, morality, and self-discovery
Whether you prefer action, drama, sci-fi, or psychological narratives, these anime offer something for everyone.
Tips for Watching Anime as a Beginner
- Start with highly-rated series like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood or Death Note.
- Balance genres – mix action, adventure, and drama to appreciate variety.
- Use streaming platforms with official translations for the best experience.
- Take your time – long-running series like One Piece or Naruto can take months to complete.
- Engage with the community – online discussions and fan theories can enhance your experience.
Conclusion
Anime is a diverse medium with series that range from epic adventures and emotional dramas to psychological thrillers and sci-fi masterpieces. The Top 10 Best Anime Series of All Time listed here represent the pinnacle of storytelling, animation, and cultural impact.
From the philosophical depth of Neon Genesis Evangelion to the thrilling adventures of Attack on Titan and the emotional resonance of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, these series offer something for every fan.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a starting point or a seasoned fan revisiting classics, watching these anime will deepen your appreciation for the art, creativity, and global impact of this incredible medium.
Anime is more than just entertainment—it’s a journey into imagination, emotion, and human experience. Dive in and discover the stories that have defined generations of fans worldwide.
FAQs About Anime Series
Q1: Which anime is considered the best of all time?
A1: Many fans consider Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as the best due to its storytelling, character development, and emotional depth.
Q2: Are these anime suitable for beginners?
A2: Yes, most series on this list are beginner-friendly, though some, like Neon Genesis Evangelion, have complex themes.
Q3: Do I need to watch the original manga first?
A3: No, watching the anime is sufficient, though reading manga can provide extra depth.
Q4: Are these anime available worldwide?
A4: Yes, most are available on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and Funimation.
Q5: Can anime be enjoyed by all ages?
A5: While some anime are family-friendly, others have mature themes, violence, or psychological content. Always check ratings before watching.