Anime is an art form that originally released in Japan. So, Anime mainly refers to animations produced in Japan. However, over the years animations are being produced and released worldwide after using the Japanese Anime as an inspiration.
In this article, I have given my take on the 30 best anime series which is a compilation classic anime as well as newly released anime. For those of you who have just started watching anime this list of the greatest anime series of all time will give you an idea of what a big treat you are in for. And for all those anime freaks out there do let us know if all the anime mentioned are worthy of being on the list of the best Anime.
Note: I have formed this compilation after watching all these anime and with the help of my fellow anime lovers from different anime forums and fan pages.
Which is the world’s first anime?
Astro Boy (a.k.a. Mighty Atom) is the world’s first anime series to air on TV. It was produced and released in Japan in the year, 1963.
When was the world’s first anime made?
Originally known as animation, the world’s first anime was made in Japan and can be traced back to 1917.
Japan has arguably become the headquarters for the best Anime as many Japanese producers use the popular Japanese manga, light novels, and video games and produce them into hit anime series and movies. Anime has become a huge billion-dollar industry globally thanks to some of the best Anime streaming websites where you can find Japanese animations with English dubs and subtitles.
With each coming year, Anime keeps on growing in popularity with many popular movie streaming platforms purchasing the rights to air some of the best Anime series and movies.
Anime has also made its way to the big screen worldwide as movies like Dragon Ball Super: Broly 2 and One Piece Red are set to be released in theatres in several countries.
This is a list that is limited to the best TV anime series of all time, hence anime movies like Makoto Shinkai’s animations and Studio Ghibli films are not mentioned.
Contents
The best Anime series of all time
Where to Watch Anime? ▶︎Best Legal Anime Streaming Sites
30. Fate
Released back in 2006, Fate/stay night is an anime series that is inspired by the game for Windows. Its supporting series showing the past story Fate/Zero was released back in 2011-2012.
Fate is an action-based anime where the protagonist Shiro Emiya survives the Holy Grail War along with his servant Saber. The latest Fate/Grand Order – Absolute Demonic Battlefront: Babylonia has been released in 2019 and airs on TV.
Air Dates: from 2006
Genre: Action, Fantasy.
Anime Fans rating 4/5
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Watch Anime Fate for free on these anime streaming sites
29. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Based on the light novel written by Natsume Akatsuki, KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World! (この素晴らしい世界に祝福を!) is a popular anime that comes under the comedy Isekai category. Season 1 of KonoSuba was released in 2016 followed by KunoSuba: Season 2 in 2017.
This anime portrays the journey of a teenager Kazuma who died in an accident and in the afterlife he gets sent to another world with the goddess Aqua.
Seeing the popularity of this anime its latest episode was made into a movie titled KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World! Legend of Crimson (この素晴らしい世界に祝福を！紅伝説).
Air Dates: 2016 onwards
Genre: Comedy, Isekai
Anime Fans/Anime Freaks ratings 3.8/5
▶︎Watch on Amazon Prime Video (Japan)!
28. Inuyasha
Published and released by Weekly Shonen Sunday as a 56-volume Manga, Inuyasha (犬夜叉) is another manga that has been produced as an anime.
The anime series of Inuyasha is made into two seasons, where the first season is focussed on the manga vol.1-36, and season 2 called Inuyasha: The Final Act is based on volumes 36-56 of the original Inuyasha manga story.
The anime begins with Kagome, a 15 years old girl who is transported to another world in the past where she befriends Inuyasha who is a half dog-demon. Kagome and Inuyasha then form their travel party to go on a mission to find the Shikon Jewel, which can make anyone’s wish come true.
Air Dates: 2000 onwards
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
Anime Fans/Anime Freaks Ratings 4.2/5
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Watch all English subbed and dubbed episodes of Inuyasha on these free anime streaming sites.
27. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop (カウボーイビバップ), was first aired in Japan back in 1998 with just 26 episodes. Since then it has gone on to become one of the most popular Japanese anime all over the world. The storyline of Cowboy Bebop is set in the year 2071 where Spike Spiegel and his partner Jet Black are top bounty hunters who chase criminals in space. Cowboy Bebop also has an anime movie called Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (カウボーイビバップ 天国の扉) was released back in 2001.
Air Dates: 1998-1999
Genre: Fiction, Sci-fi Action
Anime Fans’ ratings 4.5/5
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Watch all Subbed and dubbed episodes of Cowboy Bebop on these legal anime streaming websites
26. Yu-Gi-Oh!
This next one will get all you 90’s kids excited. Released back in Yu-Gi-Oh! (遊☆戯☆王) is an anime series that is inspired by the Weekly Shonen Jump manga. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is an anime based on trading cards where two opponents battle each other using their cards. Season 2 of the anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters (遊☆戯☆王デュエルモンスターズ) was released back in 2000. The latest season of Yu-Gi-Oh! Is still going and is just as interesting and exciting as the first episode. As an anime fan every time I see people playing with Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading cards it makes me happy seeing how far the anime has come.
Air Dates: 1998 onwards
Genre: Fantasy
Anime Fans ratings 4/5
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Watch all episodes of Yu-Gi-Oh! On these free anime streaming sites.
25. Code Geass
Code Geass Series has a massive fanbase and is very popular among anime fans all across the world. This anime started with the first season Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ) which was released back in 2006-2007. The anime series focuses on the journey of the protagonist named Lelouch vi Britannia who has been granted a supernatural power called Geass. Britannia then uses Geass to revolt against the gigantic Holy Britannian Empire. This anime is so popular that its new story Code Geass Lelouchi of the Resurrection (コードギアス 復活のルルーシュ) was made into a movie that was featured on the big screen back in 2019.
Air Dates: 2006 Onwards
Genre: Mecha, Dark Fantasy.
Anime Fans ratings 4.8/5
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24. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア) is another popular manga from the Weekly Shonen Jump that has been produced as a most-watched anime.
My Hero Academia Manga series was launched in 2014 and its anime series is an ongoing show.
Inspired by the manga chapters, My Hero Academia anime portrays the story of a young boy Izuku Midoriya who assembles a team of heroes who use their superpowers Quirks to fight the League of Villains.
My Hero Academia is one of the most watched anime all over the world because the anime series has a very American superhero animation vibe rather than Japanese anime.
Air Dates: 2016 onwards
Genre: Fantasy, Action
Anime fans ratings: 4.6/5
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Watch full episodes of My Hero Academia on this safe anime streaming sites
23. Steins; Gate
Many Anime fans say rate Steins; Gate (シュタインズ・ゲート) as the best anime of the past decade. Any lover is sure to fall in love with the anime’s first 24 episodes that were aired on TV back in 2011. The second season of Steins; Gate (シュタインズ・ゲート ゼロ) was released back in 2018 as the continuation of the story of the first season (with a timeline of the past).
Rintaro Okabe is the main character of Steins; Gate. Along with the other Future Gadget Laboratory members, Okabe attempts to build a time machine in this anime that is popular for its time loop plot. In recent years Akihabara, Tokyo has become a very popular tourist destination mainly because Steins; Gate is based in that town.
Air Dates: 2011-2018
Genre: Time Loop, Sci-fi, Science Fiction.
Anime Fans/Anime Freaks rating: 4.3/5
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Watch Stiens; Gate for free on this anime streaming website
22. Tokyo Ghoul
Published by the Weekly Young Jump between 2011-2014, Tokyo Ghoul (東京喰種トーキョーグール), is a top dark fantasy manga novel that has been adapted into an anime series back in 2014. The anime was released in two parts with Season 2 of Tokyo Ghoul: re (東京喰種トーキョーグール：re) being released back in 2018.
Tokyo Ghoul is a classic dark anime for true anime freaks as it is based upon the mysteries of Ghouls, who live among human society in the disguise of normal humans. In order to survive the Ghouls have to feed on human flesh as food.
Air Dates: 2014-2018
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy
Anime Fans/Anime Freaks rating: 3.9/5
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Watch full episodes of Season 1 and Season 2 of Tokyo Ghoul on these free anime streaming sites
21. OreGairu: My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU (やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。) is one of the first anime in the daily life genre. Also known as My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected or OreGairu, this slice-of-life anime is inspired by its light novel that completed with the 17th volume back in 2019.
The storyline of the anime depicts the stories of Hachiman Hikigaya who is a cynical and pessimistic character who volunteers to give free advice and help to other students in the school service club along with two heroines: Yui Yuigahama and Yukino Yukinoshita.
The latest and final season of My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Fin (やはり俺の青春ラブコメはまちがっている。完) was released in April 2020 and is currently ongoing.
Air Dates: 2013 onwards
Genre: Romantic, Slice of life, Rom-Com
Anime Fans/Anime Freaks ratings 3.5/5
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20. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
The next one on this list is another slice-of-life anime called The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱). Distinguished as one of the best anime of the 2000s era, this anime is inspired by the light novel released in 2003, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, which was released as an anime back in 2006. The light novel already had a fair share of fans so there was excitement as well as pressure to deliver an anime series as per the level of the light novel. The first season of the anime was broadcasted as stories out of order, which was not chronological, although the anime graphics lived up to expectations.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya shows stories of SOS Brigade, a school club founded by the main heroine Haruhi Suzumiya. Plot twist! she is not just a human…
Air Dates: 2006-2009
Genre: Slice of life, Sekaikei, Science, Sci-fi, Comedy, Time loop.
Anime Fans ratings: 3.6/5
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Watch for free on these legal anime streaming sites
19. Detective Conan
The Weekly Shonen Sunday published Detective Conan (名探偵コナン) as a manga novel in 1994 and it continues to publish thrilling new chapters. Seeing how popular this manga was, Detective Conan also known as Case Closed was eventually made as a detective anime. Currently, Detective Conan is one of the most-watched Anime in the whole world.
The protagonist is a high school detective Shinichi Kudo who gets transformed into a kid by a poison named APTX-4869, and he forms an alias by the name of Conan Edogawa in order to hide his true identity for the opposite Black Organization.
Detective Conan is one of the anime that has brought tremendous attention to the anime industry as it is an exciting and mysterious anime that can be watched by children and adults. Right from the animation to the storyline Gosho Aoyama blew the roof off with this epic anime series.
Air Dates: 1996 onwards
Genre: Mystery
Anime fans ratings: 4.7/5
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Watch Subbed and Dubbed episodes of Detective Conan on these free anime streaming sites
18. Laid-Back Camp
Laid-Back Camp (ゆるきゃん△) was released in Japan as a TV series called Yurukyan back in 2018, Laid-Back Camp has since established itself as one of the most popular modern anime of all time. It is an ongoing anime and manga series in which new episodes and chapters are released every week.
The Popular anime series also has a spin-off by the name of Room Camp (へやキャン△) which are short stories or filler stories of the original anime. This anime is based on the lives of five high school girls including Nadeshiko and Rin. Each character has a unique personality which is portrayed in their ongoing camping journey around Mt.Fuji.
The places where the characters in Laid-Back Camp set up base are inspired by actual monuments in Japan. After the release of the anime, these monumental places in Japan has become quite attractive spot for anime fans.
Air Dates: 2018 onwards
Genre: Comedy, Slice of life
Anime Fans ratings: 3.6/5
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Watch Laid-Back Camp for free on these anime streaming sites
17. Violet Evergarden
As an anime freak you know it is going to be a high-quality anime when a top Japanese animation studio like Kyoto Animation announces a new series. Violet Evergarden (ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン) was released back in 2018 and is inspired by the first 3 volumes of its manga.
Late in 2019, Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll (ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン 外伝 – 永遠と自動手記人形 -) a top-grossing anime movie was also released which continued to narrate the story of the TV anime series, the latest season of Violet Evergarden the Movie (劇場版 ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン) is set to release as a continuation of the worries in April 2020.
The artistically perfect pictures of the anime narrate the life story of a girl Violet who works at Auto Memory Dolls and is a writer for others.
Air Dates: 2018 onwards
Genre: Drama
Anime Fans ratings 4.2/5
16. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人) has been streamed millions of times all over the world and will definitely go down as one of the best action anime of all time. Attack of Titan is a popular manga that was released back in 2009 and was later adapted into an anime that aired on TV back in 2013.
Attack of the Titans is an action anime in which the main characters Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman along with the other Survey Corps members battle against the Titans to save humanity from the brink of extinction.
The whole story has a good mystery factor to it. The most awaited season 4 of Attack of Titan is finally set to release in the fall of 2020 which has created quite a buzz in the anime town.
Air Dates: 2013 onwards
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Mystery, Action.
Anime Fans rating: 4.8/5
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15. Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師) is one of the few sci-fi anime that has been abbreviated to Hagaren in Japanese.
This anime is produced as two different animes, the first being Fullmetal Alchemist and the second being Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
Season one of Fullmetal Alchemist follows its own story as it was broadcasted before the manga series could finish. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is an anime that stays true to the manga’s story. Both stories have a unique endings and as anime fans we just love to see more and more of our favorite anime characters.
Full Metal begins with two brothers Edward and Alphonse violating a taboo and facing the penalty of losing a part or their entire body. Both brothers then go on a journey in an attempt to retrieve their bodies.
Air Dates: 2003-2010
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Sci-fi.
Anime Fans rating: 4.5/5
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Watch all episodes of Full Metal and Full Metal alchemist on these free anime streaming websites
14. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
In Japan, Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。) Is regarded as one of the most emotional anime of all time. The Japanese like to call this anime Anohanawhich is also called just Anohana. The story of this anime is based on the character Jinta Yadomi, whose famously known as Jintan, the student who is obsessed with playing video games rather than attending high school.
On one fine summer day, Jintan meets the ghost of his childhood friend Meiko Homma (Menma) who passed away in a tragic accident several years ago. This heartwarming anime has only 11 episodes but the storyline and the graphics match the standards of any all-time top anime series.
Air Dates: 2011
Genre: Emotional, Drama
Anime Fans ratings: 4.6/5
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Watch full 11 eng subbed and dubbed episodes Anohana on these legal anime streaming sites
13. Love Live!
Love Live! (ラブライブ!) will go down in history as the first anime to introduce a new genre in the animation industry.
Long Live! Is the first anime in the Idol genre, which is referred to as the Japanese pop singer group in Japan.
Long Live! has two seasons that were aired on TV from 2013-2014. Season 2 is titled Love Live! Sunshine!! (ラブライブ! サンシャイン!!) That came out in 2016-2017.
The storyline of this anime shows the adventures of a high school idol group called μ’s (pronounced “muse”), and the much-awaited arrival of Aqours finally comes in Love Live! Sunshine!!.
The producers of Love Life! Have already revealed that its latest series will have a futuristic theme. Love Live! Anime shows the sceneries of Akihabara, A town in Tokyo that is known as the mecca of Japanese anime.
Air Dates: 2013 onwards
Genre: Comedy, Slice of life.
Anime fans rating:4/5
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Watch the anime Love Life! For free on these legal anime streaming websites
12. Ghost in the Shell
Initially released back in 1995 as an anime film Ghost in the Shell (攻殻機動隊) is a legendary cyberpunk anime directed by Mamoru Oshii. Following the success of the movie, Oshii released the famous Tv series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (攻殻機動隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX) under the direction of legendary director Kenji Kamiyama. The anime series quickly went on the become one of the best anime of all time as it has all the elements to get you anime freaks excited.
Ghost In The Shell is based in Japan with a futuristic timeline of 2030 where the world runs on high technology.
Ghost in the Shell shows the adventures of Public Security Section 9’s main member Major Motoko Kusanagi who is assigned the task to prevent crimes.
Netflix has announced that it will release the new title of the hit anime series Ghost in the Shell: SAC 2045 (攻殻機動隊 SAC_2045) with full 3DCG all over the world in 2020.
Air Dates: 2002 onwards
Genre: Cyberpunk, Science Fiction
Anime Freaks and Anime Fans rating:4.5/5
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Watch the latest episodes of Ghost in a Shell free on these anime streaming websites
11. Re: Zero -Starting Life in Another World-
Hardcore anime critics say that Re: Zero -Starting Life in Another World- (Re：ゼロから始める異世界生活), which is also called (Re: Zero), is the best Japanese anime and light novels titles of the 2010 era. In a short span of time Re: Zero has received heaps of praise from all over the world making it a top 10 anime of all time.
Season 1 of Re: Zero -Starting Life in Another World was released back in 2016 with 25 episodes. The latest season of the hit anime series released in the first month of 2020.
Subaru is the protagonist in Re: Zero who is sent to Isekai (another world). Subaru has to survive with his abilities because he has no superpowers. Along his journey, he meets the heroine Emilia and from there on their journey collide.
Air Dates: 2016 onwards
Genre: Time loop, Dark Fantasy, Isekai, Adventure
Anime Fans/Anime Freaks rating: 4.7/5
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Watch all seasons of Re: Zero on these free anime streaming sites
Top 10 anime of all time
Finally here is the holy Grail of all anime, these are the top 10 anime of all time based on fan reviews, graphics, and storyline.
10. Death Note
Death Note (デスノート) is a hit manga series published by Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2006, that has been produced as a highly rated dark anime series by anime fans from all across the globe.
Death note has such an engrossing storyline that is elegantly portrayed in a total of 37 anime episodes. You do not have to be a true anime fan to connect with this one, it has a natural pull to it and will go down as one of the best anime of all time.
A Death note is discovered by protagonist Light Yagami only to discover later that anybody whose name is written on the death note will die. This anime has a very modern Sherlock Holmes vibe that you can enjoy.
Air Dates: 2006-2007
Genre: Dark, Mystery
Anime fan rating: 4.8/6
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Watch all episodes of Death Note for free on these free anime streaming sites
9. Pokémon
Originally released as a Japanese TV programPocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター) back in 1997, Pokémon (ポケモン) has grown into one of the best anime of all time all over the world. The hit anime show has been made into a video game as well and every time a new Pokemon game is released a new anime series is launched right after. The latest anime series of the Pokemon series is Sun & Moon (ポケットモンスター サン&ムーン).
Pokemon shows you the journey of a young boy Satoshi,( you may know him as Ash Ketchum) who goes on a worldwide adventure along with his friend Pikachu to catch all Pokemons and become the best Pokemon master.
Air Dates: 1997 onwards
Genre: Family, Adventure, Kids.
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Watch all episodes of Pokemon for free on these anime streaming websites
8. Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball (ドラゴンボール) was aired back in 1984 and is arguably what put anime on the map. Akira Toriyama’s megahit creation, Dragon Ball was first launched as the Weekly Shonen Jump. Seeking inspiration from its manga chapters the Dragon Ball franchise has delivered numerous hir series and movies like Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and Golden Freiza to name a few. The latest anime series from the popular franchise is Dragon Ball Super (ドラゴンボール超) which broadcasted back in 2015. Its latest movie Dragon Ball Super: Broly 2 is set to hit the big screen in 2020 so get ready to see Goku battle in his legendary orange uniform with his power pole.
Almost every battle in the Dragon Ball universe promises to be epic and most anime fans would say Ultra Instinct Goku vs Jiren should be the number one fight in DBZ, however, as a personal favorite the battle between young Gohan and Cell will always be number one for me.
Air Dates: 1999 onwards
Genre: Adventure, action, emotional
Anime fan rating: 4.9/5
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Watch full episodes of Dragon Ball In HD on these free anime streaming sites
7. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険) is a classic anime and manga series that was first published in 1987.
This anime series is produced in 8 parts starting from Phantom Blood (ファントムブラッド) to Jojolion (ジョジョリオン) so far (in 2020).
The latest anime adaption depicts the story of the 5th part of Golden Wind (黄金の風) which was released in 2018-2019.
Golden Wind is an anime that portrays the mysterious adventures of the Joestar family. There is no hero as such as the focus is on the entire Joestar family. The anime is filled with intense battle scenes and unique character attributes.
Air Dates: 2012 onwards
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Anime Fans/Anime Freaks rating: 4.6/5
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Watch all episodes of Golden Wind for free on these free anime streaming sites
6.Neon Genesis Evangelion
Directed by Hideaki Anno, Neon Genesis EVANGELION (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン) is globally regarded as a pioneer of Japanese anime of the 1990s era. The popular anime in the mecha niche narrates the story of 4 teenagers: Rei, Ayanami Shinji Ikari, Asuka Langley Soryu, and Kaworu Nagisa. The four teenagers vow to defeat the enemies called Angels with the help of the humanoid robot Evangelions.
The trilogy of the hit anime movies was released with Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:序) released first in 2007, followed by Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:破) in 2009 and finally Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:Q) in 2012.
Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 (シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版:||) is the latest anime series of the hit franchise than has already claimed a spot as a top 10 anime of all time.
Air Dates: 1995-1996
Genre: Fantasy, Mecha, Action
Anime Fans Rating: 4.7/5
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Top 5 Anime of all time
5. Clannad
Clannad (クラナド) is relatively unknown throughout the world in comparison to some of the other anime on this list. However, when it comes to great Japanese anime Clannad will go down in history as a top anime of all time. This is a truly elegant anime delivered by Kyoto Animation and if you are a beginner of an anime geek you just have to watch Clannad.
Clannad is not your regular action, fantasy, or mystery anime it is a simple human drama anime but if there was an Oscar for the best anime Clannad would give a thought fight to any top anime.
Clannad is produced in two parts the first season released in 2007-2008 and Season 2 called Clannad After Story released in 2008-2009.
Tomoya and the heroine Nagisa are high schools love birds in Clannad. The first season of the anime has 44 episodes which reaches a major twist in the second half of the season. This anime is a roller coaster of emotions that shows the essence of a top anime.
Air Dates: 2007-2009
Genre: Slice of Life, Drama
Anime Fans/Anime Freaks Rating: 4.8/5
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Watch all episodes of Clannad on these free anime streaming websites
4. Monogatari Series
Directed by Akiyuki Shinbi and produced by animation studio Shaft, Monogatari Series (物語シリーズ) is an anime series that was released in 2009. Right from episode 1 this anime, which is an adaption of the novels written by Nisioisin (Nishio Ishin) was bound to be a top 5 anime of all time.
Season 1 of the hit anime series began as Bakemonogatari (化物語), Nisemonogatari (偽物語), and Nisemonogatari Black (偽物語 黒) between 2009-2012. The Monogatari translates to story or tale in English which is the perfect name for this anime as it narrates several bizarre stories unique with a high school boy Koyomi Araragi and several heroines being the central focus of these tales.
Apparitions called Kaii in Japanese caused chaos in the life of Koyomi Araragi. The apparitions (similar to supernatural ghosts) enter the lives of the anime characters, and Koyomi is the only one who can save them.
The novel Monogatari consists of 5 seasons out of which the first 3 seasons have been adapted into a hit anime series. The director, Akiyuki Shinbo, recently said that he would love to continue producing Monogatari into an anime series provided the stories from the original novel are published.
Air Dates: 2009 onwards
Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life, Fantasy
Anime fans/ Anime Freaks rating: 4.7/5
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Watch Monogatari for free on these legal anime streaming websites
3. One Piece
One Piece (ワンピース) is a top-selling manga series of all time. One Piece Volume 1 manga was published in 1997 and is still going strong with over 90 volumes being sold worldwide. The anime series One Piece began in 1999 and went on to make a quick impact. Luffy’s journey of becoming the king of Pirates is still going but the journey of One Piece becoming the best anime of all time has already been accomplished.
The manga is some 100 chapters ahead of the anime series which has aired 900 episodes since 1999.
One Piece is an anime that is divided into 10 parts, each arc is arguably an individual anime series on its own. Marine ford arc so far has been the most impactful, however, Eiichiro Oda has said that the Wano arc will be 10 times more impactful than Marine Ford.
One Piece starts with young Monkey D. Luffy assembling a crew with the goal to set sail in search of the ultimate treasure called “One Piece” which will make him the king of pirates. Luffy’s first mate is Roronoa Zoro.
The storyline, the graphics, the unique characters, the emotions, the scenery, the battles, just name it, and this anime has every single element. One Piece is without a doubt the best anime of all time, you do not want to miss out on this one.
Air Dates: 1999 onwards
Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Drama
Anime Fans/ Anime Freaks rating: 5/5
▶︎Watch on Amazon Prime Video (United States)!
▶︎Watch on Amazon Prime Video (Japan)!
2. Naruto
The expectations of any anime fan go to the roof when you hear ninja and anime in the same sentence. Naruto (ナルト), is an anime that depicts the life of a Ninja with the best quality animation.
Naruto was originally published in Weekly Shonen Jump manga by Masashi Kishimoto back in 1999 in 2014. Fans went crazy when Naruto was made into an anime series soon after its global release Naruto claimed its place as one of the best anime of all time.
The popular series came to an end in 2017, with Naruto (NARUTO -ナルト-) season 1 released in 2002-2007, and Naruto: Shippuden (NARUTO -ナルト- 疾風伝) was broadcasted from 2007-2017.
Naruto showcases the fictional world of Shinobi (Ninja), where Naruto is an underdog who defies all odds after rigorous training with the help of his friends and masters to become one of the most legendary characters in the anime universe.
Naruto is a very impactful anime as it teaches you the meaning of strong bonds with friends and family, meaningful relations and betrayal, and much more. Naruto has a loyal fan following all over the world something which very few anime have been able to achieve. Thanks to its loyal fan base Naruto has grown into a global franchise but missed out by a very fine margin as the top anime of all time.
Air Dates: 2002-2017
Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy
Anime Fans/Anime freaks rating: 5/5
▶︎Watch on Amazon Prime Video (United States)!
▶︎Watch on Amazon Prime Video (Japan)!
Watch free Naruto episodes on these free anime streaming sites
1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
The year 2019 was a very fruitful year for all anime lovers. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (鬼滅の刃) was released back in 2019. The eagerly awaited adaption of the top-grossing manga by Koyoharu Gotoge, which was serialized on the Weekly Shonen Jump in 2016 was a jaw-dropping success.
There was a lot of nervous energy among the loyal manga fans, however, once the first season of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba was released it went beyond expectations. Each of the 26 episodes does justice to the amazing storyline of its manga and it does more than enough to cement its place as a top anime of all time.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba anime is based in the Taisho period (1912-1926) in Japan when demons and human beings co-existed. Tanjiro Kamado is the protagonist who sets out on a journey as a demon Slayer after he finds out that his family is murdered by the attack of demons and they transform his sister Nezuko into a demon. Kamado vows to make Nezuko a human being from a Demon
Demon Slayer effortlessly portrays some very intense battle scenes between demon slayers with swords and unique demon characters. The anime brings meaning to every character’s actions by narrating their past and background including even demons’ actions.
The sequel story Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (劇場版 鬼滅の刃 無限列車編) is set to be released in the last month of 2020. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an ongoing anime series that has laid the foundation for itself as the anime that will represent the best anime in Japan and around the world for years to come.
Air Dates: 2019 onwards
Genre: Drama, Dark Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Anime Fans/ Anime freaks rating:5/5
▶︎Watch on Amazon Prime Video (Japan)!
Watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba for free on these legal anime streaming sites
This best anime list is a combination of legendary series and ongoing anime series. After researching all anime throughout the years I have compiled this list to help you begin your journey in the anime world or find your next favorite anime to binge-watch. I have mentioned the quality, storyline, and platforms where you can watch these anime. Let me know in the comment section below if your favorite anime made the cut.
Note: The position of each anime is bound to change and will be updated accordingly.
