Discover the unrankable: a curated list of the top 10 anime series, where genre-bending meets emotional depth and compelling characters.
The Best Anime Series: A Diverse and Exciting List
In the world of anime, you can find everything from cheap and forgettable shows to excellent and indispensable ones. If you’re new to watching anime, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. However, don’t stress – we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best anime series ever, with an eye towards both quality and variety.
Anime originated in Japan in the early 20th century, influenced by Western animation styles.
The first anime film, 'Katsudō Shashin,' was released in 1907.
In the post-WWII era, anime gained popularity with shows like 'Astro Boy' and 'Kimba the White Lion.' The 1980s saw a surge in anime's global recognition, thanks to titles such as 'Dragon Ball' and 'Akira.'
Today, anime is a multi-billion dollar industry, producing over 400 series annually.
Its diverse range of genres, from action to romance, appeals to audiences worldwide.
The Power of Genre-Bending
Many fans consider ‘Cowboy Bebop‘ to be one of the best anime series of all time. The show’s innovative combination of genres, emotional depth, and compelling characters make it truly exceptional. With a mix of noir, Western, sci-fi, and cyberpunk elements, this series has something for everyone.
Cowboy Bebop is a 1998 Japanese anime television series created by Shinichiro Watanabe.
Set in the year 2071, the show follows the adventures of Spike Spiegel and his crew on the spaceship Bebop.
The series combines elements of 'jazz music' , western themes, and science fiction to create a unique and captivating narrative.
With its blend of action, drama, and humor, Cowboy Bebop has become a beloved classic among anime fans worldwide.
The show's success can be attributed to its well-developed characters, engaging storylines, and memorable soundtrack.
High Fantasy in Japan
‘Demon Slayer: Kimestu no Yaiba‘ is set in the Japan of the early 20th century and follows Tanjiro on his quest to gain power and expertise as an elite member of the Demon Slayer Corps. The series’ rich lore, high fantasy elements, and familial loyalty make it a favorite among anime fans.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese anime series based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotoge.
The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons.
With his unique ability to breathe in and out of his mouth, Tanjiro sets out to avenge his family and protect humanity from the demonic threat.
The series combines stunning animation with engaging characters and storylines, making it a global phenomenon.
Faithfulness to the Source Material
‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood‘ is another genre-blending hit that has been praised for its faithfulness to the original manga. Set in an alternative world where alchemy is practiced alongside modern science, this series combines a steampunk aesthetic with intrigue and familial drama.
A Touchstone of Science Fiction
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion‘ is widely considered one of the greatest anime series ever, as well as possibly the definitive mecha anime series. The show centers on a science fiction world where humans pilot giant mechanical combat suits against supernatural enemies, sparking debates over the best episodes and versions of the story.
Horror and Fantasy in the Shadows
‘Castlevania‘ is based on the hit video game from Konami and focuses on Trevor Belmont’s quest to defend humanity against Count Dracula. The series combines elements of horror, fantasy, and adventure, showcasing a vampire anime style that’s both dark and captivating.
Rebellion and Power Struggles
In the alternative universe of ‘Code Geass‘, Prince Lelouch Lamperouge vows revenge on the rulers of his former homeland, leading to epic battles and high moral stakes. The show has been praised for its use of alternative history and spectacular sci-fi battles.
Fantasy and Magic in a Realm of Wonder
‘Fairy Tail‘ follows Natsu Dragneel as he searches the Kingdom of Fiore for his missing dragon father. With a mix of magic, mayhem, and side-quests, this series has become quite popular among anime fans, thanks to its successful manga roots.
The Dark Side of Power
‘Death Note‘ is a great introduction to the darker side of anime, telling the story of a young man whose possession of the ‘Death Note‘ notebook gives him immense power. Fans have praised the show for its complex characters and exploration of morality and the risks of great power.
A Sci-Fi/Fantasy Hybrid Saga
‘Dragon Ball Z‘ is set in an alternative universe where science fiction meets fantasy, following the saga of Son Goku and Bulma as they strive to collect all of the eponymous Dragon Balls. This series has become a staple of anime culture, despite debates among fans about its place on the greatest anime list.
A Pirate’s Quest for Power
Finally, no list of the best anime would be complete without mentioning ‘One Piece‘, the very long-running anime series that follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the mythical One Piece treasure. With a mix of fantasy, slapstick comedy, magic, and mayhem, this show has earned its place in the annals of anime history.
- howstuffworks.com | 10 of the Best Anime Series: An Incredibly Subjective List
