Top 10 Best Anime Series of All Time Anime is a type of animation that originated in Japan and is created through a combination of hand-drawn and computer-generated techniques.
For many anime fans, perhaps the entry point into this genre is Dragon Ball Z, which was very popular in the 90’s. Fans are curious about the 10 best anime series of all time. Start reading this article and get to know the 10 best anime series of all time in the next section.
What is Anime Series?
Anime is a type of animation that originated in Japan and is created through a combination of hand-drawn and computer-generated techniques. When used in English outside of Japan, the term anime refers specifically to animated works produced in Japan.
However, in Japanese, the term anime includes all animated works, regardless of their style or country of origin. When animation is produced outside of Japan but has a style similar to Japanese animation, it is usually referred to as anime-influenced animation.
To clarify, anime is a unique form of animation that has gained worldwide recognition and popularity. The term anime has also become a cultural phenomenon, encompassing various forms of media such as manga (Japanese comics), light novels and video games. Outside of Japan, anime has inspired countless creators and artists who have adopted and adapted its style and techniques into their own works, leading to the emergence of anime-influenced animation.
Top 10 Best Anime Series of all time
For many anime fans, perhaps the entry point into this genre is Dragon Ball Z, which was very popular in the 90’s. However, not all of these viewers became longtime fans. I almost had something similar happen to me but I became a huge fan after returning to anime due to some circumstances. After watching many anime series and re-watching some of my favorites, I feel confident to share my personal favourites.
However, I recognize that other people may have different preferences. Anime which refers to the animated production from Japan has been around for over 100 years since its introduction in 1917. It gained popularity in the 1960s when anime first aired on television and is growing in popularity every year with hundreds of new anime series being produced every year.
List of Top 10 Best Anime Series of all time
| Top Rank | Series Name |
| Top – 1 | Attack on Titan |
| Top – 2 | Darker Than Black |
| Top – 3 | Samurai Champloo |
| Top – 4 | Fullmetal Alchemist |
| Top – 5 | Steins;Gate |
| Top – 6 | Ghost in the Shell |
| Top – 7 | Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai |
| Top – 8 | Naruto |
| Top – 9 | Death Note |
| Top – 10 | Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World |
Top – 10 Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World
Re:Zero is an anime that started out simple but quickly turned into a series focused on time loops, character development, and quirky villains. It is based on a series of light novels by Tapei Nagatsuki. Protagonist Subaru Natsuki is transported to the Lugnika Kingdom in Isekai, where he meets Emilia, the heroine.
Subaru, an extreme loner, tries to predict his surroundings based on his knowledge of anime, but things don’t go according to plan. He was given the ability to return with death by the witch Envy, Satella, and became Emilia’s personal knight. The ability allows him to return to the unexpected moment before his death, making him immortal.
Top – 9 Death Note
The Death Note series follows a high school student named Light Yagami who finds a notebook that can kill people by writing their names in it. Light, with a strong sense of justice, decides to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil.
However, her actions did not go unnoticed and the public soon labeled her as “Kira”, the entity responsible for the murders. The anime is based on the manga of the same name and is loved by both Japanese and international audiences for its mystery, horror and psychological thriller themes. The story is short, less than 40 episodes, and not too off the mark.
Top – 8 Naruto
Naruto is an anime series based on the manga by Masashi Kishimoto published in 1999. The series ran in two parts, with Naruto running from 2002 to 2007 and Naruto: Shippuden airing from 2007 to 2017. The show is set in the fictional anime world of Shinobi, in where Naruto Uzumaki learns to become a ninja master with his friends.
Naruto is a jinchuriki, with a demon sealed within him from birth to save the world from destruction. The show explores themes of strong relationships, betrayal, and overcoming obstacles, and is widely considered to be a top anime with a large following in the genre.
Top – 7 Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai
Rurouni Kenshin is an anime about a former assassin named Hitokiri Battosai who tries to leave his past behind and become a guardian of life. She took the name Himura Kenshin and became rurouni, a wandering samurai, in Meiji era Japan.
Kenshin vows not to take another life but is forced to fight to protect his country. He finds a martial arts school and decides to help him by taking him on various adventures. Emphasizing the importance of humility and helping those in need, this anime is known for its action and great style.
Top – 6 Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic anime series set in 2030 in which humans can transform into cyborgs with various abilities. Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg and head of the 9th Public Security Division, and his team fight crime across Japan. He questions his own humanity as his entire body is replaced with cybernetics.
Anime deals with issues such as identity, technology and their impact on society. It has inspired other anime, TV series, and films with its unique art style and concept directed by Mamoru Oshii. Despite the mixed reception of its live-action adaptation, it remains a highly regarded anime series.
Top – 5 Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate One of the top rated anime series, Gate offers a unique sci-fi and time travel theme set in Akihabara, Tokyo. The story follows Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, and his friends as they discover time travel and commit evil endeavors.
Okabe’s eccentric personality combined with the plot twists and surprises make this watch interesting. Despite his gullibility, Okabe’s true nature makes him willing to help anyone in need. jug; Gate’s popularity has earned it a dedicated fan base and recognition as one of the best anime of all time.
Top – 4 Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist is a popular anime series based on the manga divided into two series: Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. After an alchemical attempt to revive their mother failed, two brothers were seriously injured.
Edward loses his arm and Alphonse’s body is gone, leaving him in metal armor form. They embark on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone to try to right their wrongs, but soon find themselves drawn into a bigger adventure, facing challenges and trying to stop an evil group from achieving their goal.
Top – 3 Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo follows the adventures of Fuu Kasami, a teenage maid who hires two swordsmen, Mugen and Jin, to join her on her quest to find a samurai who smells of sunflowers. Mugen is characterized by his volatile and fighting personality, while Jin is serious and proficient in kenjutsu.
Set in Edo-era Japan, the show tries to be historically accurate and features intense sword fights accompanied by a hip-hop musical theme. The series’ comedic elements make it easy for first-time anime viewers to tune in, and it is a personal favorite of the writer’s fiancé.
Top – 2 Darker Than Black
Heaven’s Gate and Hell’s Gate appear in South America and Tokyo respectively, causing stars to disappear and be replaced with fake ones associated with people with special abilities known as cast members. The government has trained these contractors to be spies and assassins, but using their skills comes at a cost, such as losing their humanity and suppressing their emotions.
However, the main character Hay fights other contractors through the Syndicate, using his ability to control electricity or molecules. She often assumes false identities and is surprisingly emotional, never really losing her caring nature, though she becomes increasingly violent as she grows in strength. Darker Than Black is a highly rated short anime series that needs to be watched at least twice to understand all the details and meaning.
Top – 1 Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a very popular ongoing anime series based on the manga released in 2009. Set on Paradise Island, the story follows Eren Jaeger, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert as they join the Recon Corps to seek revenge on the Titans who destroyed their home. and killed Eren’s mother.
As the series progresses, the three uncover more about the Titans and the mysteries behind the walls. With a rich story and plot twists, the show has a dedicated fan base, and the emotional connections are reinforced by voice acting in Japanese and English. Even though the series is coming to an end, there is still a lot of potential backstory.