Top 10 Anime of all Time

Embark on a captivating odyssey through the vibrant world of Japanese animation with an exploration of the “Top 10 Anime.” These animated masterpieces transcend mere entertainment, weaving intricate narratives, compelling characters, and breathtaking visuals into the fabric of pop culture. From timeless classics that paved the way for the medium to groundbreaking modern epics pushing the boundaries of storytelling, each entry on this illustrious list represents a pinnacle of artistic expression. Whether you’re a seasoned anime aficionado or a curious newcomer, prepare to be enthralled by the rich tapestry of genres, themes, and emotions that define these beloved series.

1. "Attack on Titan" (Shingeki no Kyojin)

“Attack on Titan” (Shingeki no Kyojin) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. It is set in a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from the Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures that devour humans seemingly without reason. The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert as they join the military to fight against the Titans after their hometown is destroyed by one of them.

The series is known for its intense action, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, including freedom, survival, and the nature of humanity. “Attack on Titan” has received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and animation quality. It has also become a cultural phenomenon both in Japan and internationally, spawning multiple seasons of the anime adaptation, as well as spin-off manga, novels, and video games. So, it is in 1st position in the ranking of Top 10 Anime.

2. "Death Note"

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is an anime series based on the manga “Fullmetal Alchemist” written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. It is a reboot/remake of the original “Fullmetal Alchemist” anime series, following the manga’s storyline more closely.

The series is set in a fictional world where alchemy is a widely practiced form of science. It follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their deceased mother. However, their attempt goes horribly wrong, resulting in Edward losing his arm and leg, and Alphonse losing his entire body. Edward sacrifices his arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor, and the brothers embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful artifact that may restore their bodies. So, it is in 2nd position in the list of Top 10 Anime.

3. Stonehenge

“Death Note” is a Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. It was later adapted into an anime series, several live-action films, and a novel.

The story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called the “Death Note.” The notebook has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, as long as the writer has the person’s face in mind. Light decides to use the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and create a utopia where he reigns as a god-like figure known as “Kira.” However, his actions attract the attention of law enforcement agencies around the world, including the enigmatic detective known only as “L.”

“Death Note” is renowned for its psychological depth, moral ambiguity, and intense cat-and-mouse game between Light and L. It explores themes such as justice, power, and the nature of good and evil. The series is celebrated for its complex characters, gripping plot twists, and thought-provoking storytelling. It has garnered a large and dedicated fanbase worldwide and is considered one of the greatest anime and manga series of all time. So, it is in 3rd position among the Top 10 Anime.

4. "Naruto" (including "Naruto: Shippuden")

“Naruto” is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. It was later adapted into an anime series, with a sequel titled “Naruto: Shippuden.”

The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and leader of his village, known as the Hokage. However, Naruto carries a dark secret: he is the host of the Nine-Tailed Fox, a powerful and malevolent creature that attacked his village when he was a baby. Despite facing prejudice and loneliness, Naruto embarks on a journey to prove himself and earn the respect of his peers.

“Naruto: Shippuden” continues Naruto’s journey as he grows older and faces increasingly powerful enemies, including members of the Akatsuki organization and rogue ninja from other villages. Along the way, Naruto forms bonds with his friends and allies, confronts his inner demons, and discovers the true meaning of strength and friendship.

“Naruto” and “Naruto: Shippuden” are beloved for their engaging characters, epic battles, and themes of perseverance, friendship, and redemption. The series has garnered a massive fanbase worldwide and has become one of the most popular and influential anime and manga franchises of all time. So, it is in 4th position in the ranking of Top 10 Anime.

5. "One Piece"

“One Piece” is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has also been adapted into an anime series and various other media formats.

The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the ability to stretch his body like rubber after eating a Devil Fruit. Luffy sets out on a journey to find the legendary One Piece, the greatest treasure in the world, in order to become the Pirate King. Along the way, he forms a diverse crew of pirates known as the Straw Hat Pirates, and together they sail the Grand Line, encountering powerful foes, mysterious islands, and legendary treasures.

“One Piece” is renowned for its expansive world-building, intricate plotlines, and diverse cast of characters. It blends elements of adventure, action, comedy, and drama, while exploring themes such as friendship, freedom, and the pursuit of dreams. The series is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, epic battles, and emotional depth, and it has garnered a massive and dedicated fanbase worldwide.

With over 1,000 chapters serialized and counting, “One Piece” holds the Guinness World Record for the most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author. It is one of the best-selling manga series of all time and continues to captivate audiences around the world with its epic storytelling and enduring spirit of adventure. So, it is in 5th position in the list of Top 10 Anime.

6. "Dragon Ball Z"

“Dragon Ball Z” is a Japanese anime series based on the manga “Dragon Ball” written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. It is the sequel to the original “Dragon Ball” series and is known for its iconic characters, intense battles, and epic story arcs.

The story follows the adventures of Goku, a Saiyan warrior, as he defends Earth from powerful villains and seeks to become the strongest fighter in the universe. Along the way, Goku and his friends encounter various threats, including intergalactic tyrants, androids, and powerful aliens. The series explores themes of friendship, determination, and the pursuit of strength.

“Dragon Ball Z” is celebrated for its iconic moments, such as Goku’s battles against powerful foes like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu, as well as its memorable characters, including Vegeta, Piccolo, Gohan, and Bulma. The series has had a significant cultural impact and has influenced countless other anime and manga series.

“Dragon Ball Z” remains a beloved and enduring franchise, with numerous spin-offs, movies, video games, and merchandise continuing to captivate audiences around the world. Its legacy as one of the most iconic and influential anime series of all time continues to resonate with fans of all ages. So, it is in 6th position among the Top 10 Anime.

7. "My Hero Academia" (Boku no Hero Academia)

“My Hero Academia” (Boku no Hero Academia) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi. It has also been adapted into an anime series, as well as several movies and video games.

The story is set in a world where nearly everyone possesses superpowers known as “Quirks.” The protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, is one of the few individuals born without a Quirk but dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might. Despite his initial lack of powers, Izuku impresses All Might with his bravery and determination, leading All Might to pass on his Quirk, “One For All,” to Izuku.

“My Hero Academia” follows Izuku and his classmates at U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes. Together, they undergo rigorous training to develop their Quirks and become licensed heroes capable of protecting society from villains and other threats.

The series explores themes such as heroism, friendship, perseverance, and self-discovery. It features intense battles, emotional character development, and a diverse cast of characters with unique powers and personalities. “My Hero Academia” has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling, dynamic animation, and relatable characters.

With its popularity both in Japan and internationally, “My Hero Academia” has become one of the most successful and influential anime and manga series of recent years, inspiring a devoted fanbase and earning numerous awards and accolades.

8. "Steins;Gate"

“Steins;Gate” is a Japanese visual novel developed by 5pb. and Nitroplus, which was later adapted into an anime series. The story revolves around Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, and his friends as they accidentally discover a way to send text messages to the past, leading to a series of unforeseen consequences.

The series explores themes of time travel, cause and effect, and the consequences of meddling with the past. As Okabe and his friends delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding their invention, they become embroiled in a complex web of conspiracies and alternate timelines.

“Steins;Gate” is praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. It combines elements of science fiction, thriller, and drama, creating a gripping and suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The anime adaptation of “Steins;Gate” is particularly acclaimed for its faithful adaptation of the original visual novel, as well as its stunning animation and atmospheric soundtrack. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide and is considered one of the best anime series of its genre.

9. "Cowboy Bebop"

“Cowboy Bebop” is a Japanese anime series created by Shinichirō Watanabe. Set in the year 2071, the series follows the adventures of a group of bounty hunters, or “cowboys,” as they travel through space in their spaceship, the Bebop.

The main characters include Spike Spiegel, a laid-back and skilled martial artist with a mysterious past; Jet Black, the captain of the Bebop and a former police officer; Faye Valentine, a sassy and resourceful con artist with amnesia; Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV, a hyperactive and eccentric young hacker; and Ein, a genetically enhanced Welsh Corgi.

“Cowboy Bebop” is known for its unique blend of genres, including noir, Western, and science fiction, as well as its stylish animation, jazzy soundtrack, and mature themes. Each episode features standalone stories that explore the characters’ pasts and personalities while also advancing the overarching narrative.

The series has been widely praised for its complex characters, captivating storytelling, and stunning animation. It has garnered a cult following and is considered one of the greatest anime series of all time. “Cowboy Bebop” has also had a significant influence on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, spin-offs, and homages in various forms of media.

10. "Neon Genesis Evangelion"

“Neon Genesis Evangelion” is a Japanese anime series created by Hideaki Anno and produced by Gainax. It originally aired from 1995 to 1996 and has since become one of the most influential and critically acclaimed anime series of all time.

The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is under threat from mysterious beings known as Angels. The story follows Shinji Ikari, a reluctant teenager who is recruited by the organization NERV to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot called an Evangelion to combat the Angels. As Shinji and his fellow pilots battle the Angels, they grapple with their own personal struggles and traumas.

“Neon Genesis Evangelion” is celebrated for its complex characters, psychological depth, and thought-provoking themes, including existentialism, identity, and the nature of consciousness. The series combines elements of mecha action, psychological drama, and religious symbolism, creating a rich and immersive narrative that has captivated audiences for decades.

The original series was followed by several movies, including “The End of Evangelion,” which serves as an alternate ending to the series. “Neon Genesis Evangelion” has had a profound impact on the anime industry and has inspired numerous other works in the genre. It remains a cultural touchstone and continues to be celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and enduring legacy.