Best Top 100 Anime Series Of All Time
by Alexandrspyr | created - 04 Oct 2013 | updated - 28 Oct 2016 | PublicHere is a list of what I consider to be the top anime series that I have ever watched (out of 400 titles). This is strictly my personal opinion. You can find an anime from this for all tastes, all these titles are worth checking out. Remember that nothing is perfect and "taste" is a subjective matter, but you can find "intellectual" shows here as well as just pure "fun" shows(some have less "flaws" than others). Also I include mini-review/tags for all the shows. Don't focus on the order too much because I haven't given too much thought on what place every anime should be.
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1. Hunter x Hunter (2011–2014)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Gon Freecss aspires to become a Hunter, an exceptional being capable of greatness. With his friends and his potential, he seeks out his father, who left him when he was younger.
Stars: Issei Futamata, Megumi Han, Cristina Valenzuela, Mariya Ise
Votes: 132,748
A more realistic approach for a battle shounen anime that has an unpredictable storyline with jaw dropping moments and great characters. Also this has one of the most creative power systems that allows for intelligent and strategical fights. Childish appearance is an illusion, don't judge a book by its cover. Features some of the best and complex villains in battle shounen and anime in general. You might want to check out the original 1999 version too as it has the same storyline but is more atmospheric and has a more "mature" feel to it (but has less plot covered from the source material compared to 2011 one). Personally I prefer the 99 version more but it doesn't have the Chimera Ant arc, so...
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power,
2. The Rose of Versailles (1979–1980)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
The story of Lady Oscar, a female military commander who served during the time of the French Revolution.
Stars: Reiko Tajima, Tarô Shigaki, Hisashi Katsuta, Nachi Nozawa
Votes: 2,299
One of the best romances in the anime industry with great drama. It revolves around 2 fictional characters during the French Revolution. A multifaceted story where history has never been more interesting and accurate.
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Historical, Romance, Shoujo
3. Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal (1999)
TV-MA | 118 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In the era of Japan's Meiji Restoration, an assassin regains his humanity.
Stars: Mayo Suzukaze, Junko Iwao, Nozomu Sasaki, Masami Suzuki
Votes: 16,148
The tale about how Rurouni Kenshin( of the anime series with the same title) got his "X" mark on the cheek. I think you could watch this without even watching the original series. It's one of the best pieces of drama I've seen.
Genre:drama,action,samurai,romance.
4. Mushi-Shi (2005–2014)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy
Ginko is an expert travelling around to investigate a primeval life-form, the "Mushi," and helping people with Mushi-related supernatural problems.
Stars: Yûto Nakano, Travis Willingham, Kôjun Itô, Jennifer Seman
Votes: 14,556
An episodic anime has never been more captivating and tranquil than this show. Contains stunning visuals and incredible soundtrack that creates an atmosphere you will never forget. Each episode entails moral life lessons.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
5. Death Note (2006–2007)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Crime, Drama
An intelligent high school student goes on a secret crusade to eliminate criminals from the world after discovering a notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written into it.
Stars: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong, Ryô Naitô
Votes: 376,211
A unique anime, I could even say that this anime is a genre by it's own. Mind games and more mind games.
Genre:action,mystery,drama,psychological.
6. The Tatami Galaxy (2010)
TV-14 | 253 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
When a nameless student at Kyoto University encounters a demigod one night, he asks to relive the past three years in order to win the heart of Ms. Akashi, the object of his affection.
Stars: Shintarô Asanuma, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Rin Mizuhara, Maaya Sakamoto
Votes: 4,909
Unique art with great characters. It is a simple story but the storytelling is incredible combined with one of the most rewarding and educational endings ever.
Genres: Mystery, Romance, Psychological
7. Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
A tomboyish schoolgirl finds herself forced into repeated duels for another girl who has a role in a world revolution.
Stars: Tomoko Kawakami, Yuriko Fuchizaki, Rachael Lillis, Sharon Becker
Votes: 2,026
Very extensive use of symbolism.Not everyone's cup of tea.You could say it's very weird and that's true but that's why after every episode you want to watch the next one, also after the 2nd viewing you will get what the messages here are and appreciate this even more.
Genre: Fantasy, Shoujo, Drama, Psychological.
8. Maison Ikkoku (1986–1988)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
The misadventures of a young student and his landlady's romance.
Stars: Janyse Jaud, Shigeru Chiba, Ellen Kennedy, Ron Halder
Votes: 1,222
One of the best romance anime this medium has to offer. The characters are remarkably developed and the storytelling is amazing and emotionally impactful. Don't miss this out.
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
9. Trigun (1998)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Vash the Stampede is the most infamous outlaw on the planet Gunsmoke and with a 60 billion double dollar price on his head the most sought after.
Stars: Masaya Onosaka, Hiromi Tsuru, Satsuki Yukino, Johnny Yong Bosch
Votes: 24,093
It can be very funny and very serious all of a sudden. Great chars.
Genre:Action, Comedy, Sci-fi.
10. Clannad: After Story (2008–2009)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
A sequel to the anime based on the recently concluded Key Clannad franchise. After Story is a new path that opens in the original visual novel after all other options have been traversed.
Stars: Yûichi Nakamura, David Matranga, Luci Christian, Mai Nakahara
Votes: 12,305
One of the best pieces of drama I've seen. But you have to watch the first season first.
Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Slice of life.
11. Berserk (1997–1998)
TV-MA | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Guts, a wandering mercenary, joins the Band of the Hawk after being defeated in a duel by Griffith, the group's leader and founder. Together, they dominate every battle, but something menacing lurks in the shadows.
Stars: Marc Diraison, Nobutoshi Canna, Carrie Keranen, Kevin T. Collins
Votes: 52,484
A brilliant dark fantasy with complex characters and unpredictable endings. Features one of the best antagonists in anime.
Genre:action,adventure,demons,drama,fantasy,horror,seinen,romance.
12. Steins;Gate (2011–2015)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
After discovering time travel, a university student and his colleagues must use their knowledge of it to stop an evil organization and their diabolical plans.
Stars: Mamoru Miyano, Asami Imai, Kana Hanazawa, Ashly Burch
Votes: 72,954
The first episodes feel like slice of life but when it gets going it gets really good. The chars are fun and the story is captivating.
Genre:sci-fi,thriller
13. Monster (2004–2005)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Crime, Drama
Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy. The boy, now a charismatic young man, reappears 9 years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders.
Stars: Hidenobu Kiuchi, Liam O'Brien, Mamiko Noto, Karen Strassman
Votes: 44,024
The characters in this show are "WOW!!!". Has some illogical elements and unexplained things but it is the best thriller I've seen and those minor "flaws" don't hinder the experience overall. Features one of the best and complex villains in anime.
Genres: Mystery, Drama, Horror, Police, Psychological, Thriller, Seinen
14. Dennou Coil (2007)
TV-14 | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Eleven years after the introduction of internet-connected, augmented reality eyeglasses and visors, Yuuko Okonogi moves with her family to Daikoku City, the technological center of the emerging half-virtual world.
Stars: Hilary Haag, Monica Rial, Tiffany Grant, Brittney Karbowski
Votes: 994
The year is 2026, eleven years after the technology to turn the internet into augmented reality by the use of immersive "cyberglasses" was developed. Some kids in the "investigation agency" try to solve some mysteries...This is quite dark, despite of how it seems at the start. Great chars with a well written thrilling story.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction
15. Nana (2006–2007)
TV-MA | 21 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Two ostensibly opposite women, both named Nana, become roommates in Tokyo and grow inseparable. However, their relationship is jeopardized as the harsh realities of adult life take shape.
Stars: Romi Park, Kaori, Brian Drummond, Toshiyuki Morikawa
Votes: 5,650
One of the best and realistic shoujo romances. Great chars.
Genre:comedy,drama,romance,josei,music,shoujo,slice of life.
16. GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (1998)
60 min | Drama, Comedy, Action
Onizuka, a former delinquent finds himself in the role of a high school teacher, facing students who behave just as he used to. Using unusual methods, he manages to reach through to his students and help them with their problems.
Stars: Takashi Sorimachi, Nanako Matsushima, Yôsuke Kubozuka, Shun Oguri
Votes: 3,879
A great MC. He is one funny mofo, also a badass. Awesome comedy.
Genre: comedy,school,shounen,slice of life.
17. Spice and Wolf (2008–2009)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
Kraft Lawrence goes from town to town to make profits as a travelling merchant, with the help of a wolf deity by the name of Holo.
Stars: Jun Fukuyama, Ami Koshimizu, J. Michael Tatum, Brina Palencia
Votes: 4,984
As well as season 2. Awesome chemistry between the 2 leads. This one has one of my most favorite female chars. Good balance between adventure, romance, comedy and economics in a medieval setting.
Genre: comedy,romance,slice of life.
18. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003–2004)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
When a failed alchemical ritual leaves brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric with severely damaged bodies, they begin searching for the one thing that can save them: the fabled philosopher's stone.
Stars: Vic Mignogna, Aaron Dismuke, Romi Park, Rie Kugimiya
Votes: 77,331
I prefer this one more than Brotherhood because the atmosphere and the characters feel more "mature" to me, also I prefer this storyline more.
Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, Shounen, Military
19. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
A teenage boy finds himself recruited as a member of an elite team of pilots by his father.
Stars: Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara, Kotono Mitsuishi, Spike Spencer
Votes: 84,555
Watch with the "neon genesis evangelion: the end of evangelion" for the last 2 episodes. This is one of the biggest "mind *beep*" anime in the industry with some symbolism. Complex characters in a future dystopian society.
Genre:action,drama,mecha,psychological,sci-fi.
20. Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The futuristic misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners.
Stars: Kôichi Yamadera, Unshô Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Steve Blum
Votes: 138,061
Semi episodic anime with great characters about bounty hunters in space.
Genre: action,adventure,space,sci-fi,drama,comedy.
21. Black Lagoon (2006)
TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A Japanese businessman, captured by modern-day pirates, is written off and left for dead by his company. Tired of the corporate life, he opts to stick with the mercenaries that kidnapped him, becoming part of their gang.
Stars: Megumi Toyoguchi, Daisuke Namikawa, Brad Swaile, Maryke Hendrikse
Votes: 17,807
Great fun chars with awesome action. It is a standard Hollywood shoot 'em up show in an anime format done right. Lots of fun. Watch all the seasons and the OVA episodes.
Genre:action,seinen,drama.
22. One Outs (2008–2009)
Animation, Drama, Sport
Hiromichi Kojima, the star batter of the Lycaons, heads to the southern Japanese island of Okinawa to train and find a new pitcher for the team. There, he meets Toa Tokuchi, a 134-kmph ... See full summary »
Stars: Masato Hagiwara, Tsutomu Isobe, Kappei Yamaguchi, Kenji Utsumi
Votes: 1,880
It is baseball with the analytical thinking of death note anime. Mind games and stuff. Great main character.
Genre:sports,psychological,seinen.
23. School Rumble (2004–2010)
TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Comedy, Romance
A young high schooler is in love with an oblivious classmate; a delinquent classmate is in love with her. Both struggle to confess their feelings and their antics lead to crazy situations.
Stars: Luci Christian, Brandon Potter, Brina Palencia, Caitlin Glass
Votes: 2,163
As well as the second season of this.One of the best comedy anime I've seen. The story is nothing great but it works just fine for a romantic comedy. Funny characters with good characterization.
Genre:comedy,romance,school.
24. Anne of Green Gables (1979)
24 min | Animation, Drama, Family
Based on the books by Lucy Maud Montgomery, this 50 episode series tells the story of Anne Shirley, a young orphan living in 19th century Canada.
Stars: Eiko Yamada, Fumie Kitahara, Michio Hazama, Ryûji Saikachi
Votes: 2,076
What a wonderful story with great chars, especially Anne. This feels real. You have to check this out at some point of your life.
Genres: Drama, Historical, Shoujo, Slice of Life
25. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Two brothers search for a Philosopher's Stone after an attempt to revive their deceased mother goes awry and leaves them in damaged physical forms.
Stars: Kent Williams, Iemasa Kayumi, Matthew Leonhart, Vic Mignogna
Votes: 196,252
This one of the most well rounded and consistent battle shounen shows out there. Has a good battle system with a good story and characters. Even "elitists" and "casuals" both agree this to be good.
Genre: action,adventure,drama,fantasy,shounen.
26. Chihayafuru (2011–2020)
TV-14 | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Chihaya meets a boy named Arata, a talented karuta player who thinks that she has a potential to become a great player. Chihaya then takes on a new dream of becoming Japan's best karuta player.
Stars: Asami Seto, Mamoru Miyano, Ai Kayano, Tôru Nara
Votes: 1,545
Unique passionate/motivational anime(at least for me). Makes you care about a sport(karuta) you know nothing about.
Genre:game,sports,josei,drama.
27. Kaiba (2008)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
In a futuristic dystopian world where memories are literally stored, bought and sold and rich have all the privileges, a young amnesiac is trying to find out who he is.
Stars: Romi Park, Mamiko Noto, Houko Kuwashima, Taketora
Votes: 1,964
A weird and different kind of experience. A unique show with good mystery and a well developed romance.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Romance, Drama, Thriller
28. Kino's Journey (2003)
Not Rated | Animation, Adventure, Drama
Young world-weary sharpshooter girl Kino and her talking inquisitive motorcycle Hermes travel around her unusual world, visiting various city-states for three days each to learn about their culture, history and ruling philosophy.
Stars: Ai Maeda, Ryuji Aigase, Kelli Cousins, Cynthia Martinez
Votes: 3,231
Psychological/Philosophical. Good characters and themes.
Genre:adventure,drama,psychological,sci-fi.
29. Psycho-Pass (2012–2019)
TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Action, Crime
Believing in humanity and order, policewoman Akane Tsunemori obeys the ruling, computerized, precognitive Sibyl System. But when she faces a criminal mastermind who can elude this perfect system, she questions both Sibyl and herself.
Stars: Kana Hanazawa, Miyuki Sawashiro, Noriko Hidaka, Shizuka Itou
Votes: 22,200
Not perfect but it's hell lot of entertaining. Good concept and themes with good chars. Action is real good.Features a very good villain.
Genre: action,sci-fi.
30. Bunny Drop (2011–2012)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
A man adopts his six-year-old aunt and raises her as his own kid.
Stars: Hiroshi Tsuchida, Ayu Matsuura, Atsuko Mine, Noa Sakai
Votes: 3,823
A beautiful experience at this genre. Cute little girl is cute. It's mainly about a lighthearted beautiful relationship between a "stranger" that takes into guardian custody a little girl.
Genre: Josei, Slice of Life
31. Wolf's Rain (2003–2004)
TV-14 | 701 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In a post-apocalyptic future where humans live in domed cities surrounded by wasteland, wolves are assumed to be two hundred years extinct.
Stars: Sarah Hauser, Darren Pleavin, Kenta Miyake, Akio Suyama
Votes: 8,223
Use of symbolism. Good chars mixed with good drama in a dystopian future society. An entertaining watch.
Genre: action,adventure,drama,fantasy,mystery,sci-fi.
32. Baccano! (2007–2008)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A crazy fantasy caper involving alchemists, immortals, gangsters, outlaws and an elixir of immortality, spread over several decades.
Stars: Michael C. Pizzuto, J. Michael Tatum, Caitlin Glass, Akemi Kanda
Votes: 12,634
This is Pulp Fiction in an anime format :P. Quirky and interesting chars in a mafia setting of 1930 mixed with supernatural elements. Intertwined storytelling.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
33. Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1988–1997)
TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Action, Drama
Various people, especially two rising commanders, cope with a massive continual space conflict between two interstellar nations.
Stars: Yûsaku Yara, Ryô Horikawa, Katsuji Mori, Nozomu Sasaki
Votes: 4,693
The first half may seem a little dull and "heavy" but the second half is very captivating. Remarkable chars in an epic political drama. Be wary of too much infodumps.
Genre:Drama, Sci-Fi, Space, Military
34. Code Geass (2006–2008)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
After being given a mysterious power to control others, an outcast prince becomes the masked leader of the rebellion against an all-powerful empire.
Stars: Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai, Johnny Yong Bosch, Yukana
Votes: 79,702
Also the 2nd season of this. If you can ignore some of its "flaws" this is a fun and entertaining experience.
Genres: Action, Mecha, School, Sci-Fi, Super Power, Military
35. Darker Than Black (2007–2010)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
In Tokyo, an impenetrable field known as "Hell's Gate" appeared ten years ago. At the same time, psychics who wield paranormal powers at the cost of their conscience also emerged.
Stars: Jason Liebrecht, Kate Oxley, Christopher Sabat, Brina Palencia
Votes: 12,448
Shadowy organizations mixed with spy proctors and super powers. X-men but not quite the same. Good mc and a decent story, great entertainment overall but surely not perfect.
Genre:action,mystery,sci-fi,super power.
36. Treasure Island (1978–1987)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Jim Hawkins, a thirteen-year-old boy in the eighteenth century, runs the Admiral Benbow Inn with his mother since his father died. The plots starts when a drunken sailor decides to stay in the hotel.
Stars: Joe Thomas, Bobby Thong, Mari Shimizu, Iemasa Kayumi
Votes: 1,336
A great anime adaptation of a classic novel. Great story with great chars that balances well drama, mystery and supernatural elements.
Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Historical, Supernatural
37. Gungrave (2003–2004)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Crime
Gungrave follows the story of best friends Brandon Heat and Harry MacDowell as they join and rise in the ranks of Big Daddy's Millenion crime syndicate. The story begins in the future ... See full summary »
Stars: Kirk Thornton, Lex Lang, Steve Blum, Michelle Ruff
Votes: 5,324
Action mixed with drama, super powers and romance with a feel of a slice of life anime. Complex main char relationship.
Genre: action,drama,sci-fi,seinen,super power.
38. Golden Boy (1995–1996)
Not Rated | 165 min | Animation, Comedy
A University drop-out rides Japan on his bicycle, taking part-time jobs and trying not to take women.
Stars: Doug Smith, Matt Greenfield, Mitsuo Iwata, Gorô Naya
Votes: 7,125
This is incredibly funny both in its sub and dub versions. This is the attitude people should approach life with.
Genre: adventure,comedy,ecchi.
39. Bakuman. (2010–2013)
24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Mahiro and Takagi team up to pursue their dreams of making it in the manga industry while sharing experiences, successes and failures along the way.
Stars: Saori Hayami, Takehito Koyasu, Jun'ichi Suwabe, Dan Green
Votes: 2,695
This is about finding a dream and working hard to obtain it, with good characters set in the manga industry. One of the most satisfying journeys.
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School, Shounen
40. Eve no jikan (2008–2009)
15 min | Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi
In the not too distant future androids have come into common usage. Taking the androids for granted, humans treat them as if they were common everyday tools, while on the other hand, some ... See full summary »
Stars: Tomokazu Sugita, Miyuki Sawashiro, Jun Fukuyama, Rie Tanaka
Votes: 1,436
Rikuo, a high school student, has been taught from childhood that androids are not to be viewed as humans, and has always used them as convenient tools. One day Rikuo discovers some strange data in the behavior records of his family's household android, Sammy... Great chars and a good slice of life anime.
Genres: Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
41. Texhnolyze (2003)
TV-MA | Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi
In a man-made underground society, descendants of a banished generation vie for control of the crumbling city of Lux. Ichise, an orphan turned prize fighter, loses a leg and an arm to satisfy an enraged fight promoter.
Stars: Liam O'Brien, Michael Forest, Patrick Seitz, Shizuka Itou
Votes: 3,091
It's kinda slow but the philosophical aspects are worth it.
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Drama, Psychological
42. Fate/Zero (2011–2012)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Seven chosen mages and their summoned heroic spirits fight against each other to try and win the Holy Grail: a magical device that can grant any wish.
Stars: Ayako Kawasumi, Kari Wahlgren, Sayaka Ôhara, Jôji Nakata
Votes: 14,675
Good characterization with interesting interactions and dialog mixed with good fights and visuals.
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
43. Daily Lives of High School Boys (2012)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama
Join Tadakuni, Hidenori and Yoshitake as they undergo the trials and tribulations of life in high school!.
Stars: Tomokazu Sugita, Ken'ichi Suzumura, Daisuke Namikawa, Miyu Irino
Votes: 2,893
Incredibly funny!!! Resembles the comedy the anime Gintama has.
Genres: Comedy, School, Shounen, Slice of Life
44. Bakemonogatari (2009–2010)
TV-14 | 367 min | Animation, Action, Comedy