Thousands of anime in a variety of genres have been released since the medium’s inception. While Shonen tends to be a more popular choice among fans, there have been cases where other genres and demographic categories like fantasy, seinen, etc. have dethroned Shonen. So, here are our top 10 anime of all time if you are a newbie and want to start watching the best anime shows ever.
10. Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999)
- MAL Rating: 8.75
Let’s start with Shinichiro Watanabe’s masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop, a contemporary anime set in 2071. This futuristic anime centers around a group of intergalactic bounty hunters, namely Spike Spiegel and Jet Black, who earn a living by catching fugitives. However, their lives change when imminent dangers from Spike’s past going to hurt them.
Though this anime is just 26 episodes, it was more than enough for Watanabe to make history in the anime industry with Cowboy Bebop. This space-western saga features a great story with a wonderful main character and hits right on every emotion.
Cowboy Bebop was a massive hit when it was broadcast in the West, and to this day, it remains one of the best anime to ever be released.
9. Death Note
- MAL Rating: 8.62
Even if you have never heard about anime, you must have heard the name Death Note once in your life. That’s how insanely popular this anime is, and it has acted as the best starter anime for newbies stepping foot in the world of anime.
This name tells the tale of a brilliant student who finds a supernatural notebook, named Death Note, that allows him to kill anyone he chooses just by writing their name in the notebook.
That sounds like an interesting plot, eh? The anime’s story remains as riveting as ever until the last episode with mind-blowing twists and turns. The character dynamics between the two protagonists keep you hooked, and their voice-acting performance is just stellar. Death Note has always been one of the best gateways to anime and will continue to be one for decades to come.
8. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006-2008)
- MAL Rating: 8.70
A frequent catchphrase among anime fans is “All Hail Lelouch.” This catchphrase comes from Code Geass, and as per MAL, Lelouch, the main protagonist of this anime, remains the greatest anime character of all time. It tells the story of Lelouch’s life as he discovers a secret power that enables him to control people.
This anime showcases fascinating battles among the smartest minds. As a result, the narrative turns into a mental duel that never stops surprising you with its developments.
More importantly, Lelouch’s character comes full circle, and the story has a brilliant climax that you would never see coming. Code Geass is absolute God-tier and a new series based on the Code Geass franchise, called Code Geass: Roze of the Recapture, is streaming right now.
7. Attack on Titan (2013 – 2023)
- MAL Rating: 9.05
There have been times when I sat down and marveled at how Isayama sensei could conjure up such an incredible tale with the most remarkable characters; that too with intricate details.
For the unacquainted, Attack on Titan is the story of humanity holed up inside enormous walls to keep off man-eating Titans. However, the story transforms into a complex story tackling numerous philosophical themes.
It offers excellent animation, outstanding soundtracks, and well-developed characters, and ticks off everything you desire from an anime series. This series is highly recommended for its mind-blowing experience penned by Hajime Isayama. So, AOT is regarded as one of the greatest anime series.
6. Bleach Series (2004 – )
- MAL Rating: 9.01
Tite Kubo’s Bleach is part of the “Big 3 anime” club and is still ruling the hearts of anime fans with its newest seasons. Kubo’s masterwork inspired other authors to give birth to new-gen anime such as Demon Slayer, JJK, and more.
Bleach’s story revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki who can see ghosts. However, in a sudden turn of events, he becomes a Soul Reaper and is tasked to hunt down the hollows.
As a part of Shonen, Bleach has an incredible cast of characters and a distinctive world-building that will instantly win you over. The anime’s enthralling soundtracks elevate the battles to a greater level and make you glued to the screens. Kubo’s characters from Bleach will live on forever and will continue to influence the future of next-gen manga and anime.
5. Hunter x Hunter (2011 – 2014)
- MAL Rating: 9.03
Though the manga is still ongoing and on an extended hiatus, Togashi sensei’s Hunter x Hunter is widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time. It is a result of the anime featuring several incredible arcs that completely enthralled the fans during its 148-episode run.
HxH tells the story of Gon Freecs who aspires to become a Hunter to find and meet his father Ging. Moreover, it features the Chimera Ant arc, which is regarded as one of the greatest arcs in Hunter x Hunter and in history by the anime community.
In a nutshell, Hunter x Hunter is a feast for action lovers, and it has some of the best characters you will ever see in an anime. We never know if this anime will resume, but HxH has already carved out a legacy that will withstand the test of time.
4. Dragon Ball Series (1986 – )
- MAL Rating: 8.18
Late Akira Toriyama‘s Dragon Ball is often referred to as the most influential work that forever shaped the Shonen category. As a result, this series has been heralded as the father of Shonen by the fans. It has been a gateway to anime for numerous old-school fans like me, and it has been a part of our childhood and even now. It tells the life story of Goku, who sets out to find the dragon balls.
The craze for Shonen and anime, in general, started with the Dragon Ball series for many. As the franchise continued to expand, its popularity began to skyrocket around the world, resulting in it becoming a sensation. Thus, whenever we talk about the all-time great anime, Dragon Ball always has a place, especially for its influence on shonen titles.
3. Naruto Series (2002 – 2017)
- MAL Rating: 8.27
The inspirational journey of a young boy named Naruto to become a Hokage has transformed many people’s lives, including mine. The yellow-haired boy has been a source of motivation and instilled hope in every single fan. Kishimoto sensei’s work of art was brought to life by Studio Pierrot in a wonderful manner and, as a result, Naruto has become one of the iconic anime of all time.
The Naruto series has spanned over 15 years and is continuing with a sequel about his son, Boruto, with Hinata. Naruto has become a cultural icon as it was jam-packed with excellent characters, an incredible story, and acclaimed voice acting performances.
An all-time great anime list wouldn’t be complete without the Naruto series, and it is a motivational journey that shouldn’t be missed at any cost.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009 – 2010)
- MAL Rating: 9.09
Before the arrival of Frieren Beyond Journey’s End, there used to be only one anime that ruled the top of the My Anime List charts – the remake of the OG Fullmetal Alchemist anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
FMAB narrates the tale of the Elric brothers, who attempt to resurrect their mother and lose their bodies in the process. They wish to revert to their former selves by finding the philosopher’s stone.
Whether you want satisfying battles, brilliantly developed characters, or a captivating story, it has everything an anime fan dreams of. When it comes to debates about the greatest anime of all time, FMAB has always been at the top, and it always will be.
1. One Piece (1999 – Ongoing)
- MAL Rating: 8. 72
For the uninitiated, the journey to find the One Piece treasure started in 1999 and, even after 25 years, it remains at the top as one of the best anime titles of all time. One Piece tells the story of the legendary voyage that Monkey D. Luffy undertakes with the Straw Hat Pirates to become the Pirate King by finding the fabled One Piece treasure.
I’m not going to deny that the One Piece anime has several shortcomings due to its episode count (see One Piece filler list) and the technological changes it went through during its run. But all the flaws vanish and get overshadowed by the absolute highlights, such as its excellent world-building, brilliant plot, unique characters, and fascinating power system, among other things.
These make it the greatest adventure story you will embark on in any medium. One Piece has been providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience unlike anything else for more than two decades. So, you need to board this ship to experience the best anime of all time.
That said, we hope our list of top 10 anime of all time aligns with your favorite list as well. However, at the end of the day, anime experiences are subjective. So, let us know about your top anime in the comments below.
