Anime has exploded in global popularity in recent years, with streaming services like Crunchyroll and Netflix introducing new audiences to some of the greatest anime series ever made. With so many incredible shows to choose from across all genres, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled this definitive ranking of the 32 best anime series of all time.
Whether you’re a complete anime novice or a seasoned otaku, you’re sure to find both classic favorites and hidden gems to add to your must-watch list. Our ranking takes into account critical acclaim, popularity, cultural impact, and overall quality to determine which series deserve the title of all-time greats.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and join us on a journey through the very best that anime has to offer, from groundbreaking originals to modern-day masterpieces. Let’s count down the top 32 anime series ever made.
32. Slam Dunk
Genre: Sports
Original run: 1993-1996
Number of episodes: 101
Slam Dunk is the quintessential basketball anime that kicked off an entire subgenre. It follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who joins his high school basketball team to impress a girl. He soon discovers a passion and aptitude for the sport.
With exhilarating game sequences, memorable characters, and a classic underdog story, Slam Dunk is a slam dunk pick for any sports anime fan. Its huge popularity led to a boom in high school basketball participation in Japan and inspired countless other sports series.
31. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Genre: Magical girl, psychological thriller
Original run: 2011
Number of episodes: 12
Don’t let the cute magical girl aesthetic fool you – Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a dark, twisted deconstruction of the genre that will keep you guessing. It starts out following a group of middle school girls offered the chance to gain magical powers by a mysterious creature. However, they soon learn that being a magical girl comes at a steep cost.
With jaw-dropping plot twists, existential themes, and dazzling, surreal visuals, Madoka Magica is a wholly unique series. It takes the magical girl template and transforms it into a haunting meditation on hope, despair, and sacrifice.
30. Mushishi
Genre: Supernatural, slice of life
Original run: 2005-2006, 2014, 2023
Number of episodes: 46
Mushishi is a breathtakingly beautiful and contemplative series unlike anything else in anime. It follows Ginko, a “mushishi” who travels feudal Japan studying supernatural creatures called mushi that are neither good nor evil, but simply a part of nature.
Each episodic story has a fairy tale-like quality as Ginko helps people whose lives have been affected by mushi. With its serene atmosphere, gorgeous art, and philosophical tone, Mushishi is a true work of art. It’s a quiet masterpiece that encourages you to ponder the mysteries of the natural world.
29. Gintama
Genre: Action, comedy, science fiction
Original run: 2006-2018
Number of episodes: 367
Gintama is a wild ride that brilliantly blends action, comedy, and heart. Set in an alternate Edo period Japan that has been conquered by aliens, it follows eccentric samurai Gintoki Sakata and his friends as they take on odd jobs to get by.
The series is known for its side-splitting gags, fourth-wall breaks, and pop culture parodies. But it also features some of the most epic and emotional story arcs in shonen. With its unforgettable cast and unique mix of historical and sci-fi elements, Gintama is an anime experience like no other.
28. Haikyuu!!
Genre: Sports
Original run: 2014-2020
Number of episodes: 85
Haikyuu!! is a volleyball anime that soars to exciting heights. It centers on Shoyo Hinata, an undersized but tenacious middle school student determined to become a great volleyball player. When he joins the Karasuno High School team, he forms a volatile partnership with genius setter Tobio Kageyama.
Haikyuu!! is an exhilarating, emotionally resonant sports story with a lovable ensemble cast. The volleyball matches are animated with heart-pounding intensity. But the series’ true strength is its focus on team dynamics, personal growth, and the bonds formed on the court.
27. Berserk
Genre: Dark fantasy, action
Original run: 1997-1998
Number of episodes: 25
Berserk is an unflinchingly brutal and tragic dark fantasy. It’s set in a medieval European-inspired world and follows the mercenary Guts, a skilled warrior with a tragic past. Guts finds companionship with the charismatic leader Griffith and his band of mercenaries, but a horrific betrayal sends him on a quest for revenge.
Berserk is infamous for its graphic violence and grim tone, but it’s also a powerful story about ambition, fate, and the human struggle. The 1997 anime adaptation is a classic, praised for its atmospheric visuals and gripping storytelling.
26. Mob Psycho 100
Genre: Action, comedy, supernatural
Original run: 2016-2022
Number of episodes: 25
From the creator of One-Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 is another unique take on the superhero genre. Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama is an average middle school boy, except for his powerful psychic abilities. He works for a con artist who claims to be a psychic, while trying to navigate school life and understand his own emotions.
Mob Psycho 100 combines over-the-top psychic battles with a surprising amount of heart. Its goofy sense of humor and vibrant art style are a joy to watch. But the series also offers a sincere look at Mob’s efforts to connect with others and find his place in the world.
25. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Genre: Adventure, fantasy, supernatural
Original run: 2012-present
Number of episodes: 190+
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is a one-of-a-kind experience. Based on the long-running manga, the series tells the multi-generational story of the Joestar family and their battles against supernatural foes. Each part features a new descendant of the Joestar line, from 19th century England to modern-day Japan.
Jojo is known for its flamboyant style, posing characters, and creative battles that often revolve around outsmarting the enemy. It’s an audacious, outlandish adventure with a passionate fan following. With its iconic moments and quotable lines (“Oh? You’re approaching me?”), Jojo is glorious entertainment.
24. Nana
Genre: Drama, romance, music
Original run: 2006-2007
Number of episodes: 47
Nana is a mature and moving drama about love, friendship, and chasing your dreams. It follows two young women who share the name Nana but are complete opposites. They meet by chance on a train to Tokyo, both searching for a new life, and become roommates and best friends.
Nana is a realistic and emotionally raw story about navigating adulthood and relationships. With its punk rock attitude, stylish art, and complex characters, it’s an absorbing watch. You’ll find yourself deeply invested in Nana K. and Nana O.’s struggles to find happiness.
23. Paranoia Agent
Genre: Mystery, psychological thriller, supernatural
Original run: 2004
Number of episodes: 13
Paranoia Agent is a surreal and unsettling trip from the legendary director Satoshi Kon. It starts with a series of attacks by a mysterious assailant known as Lil’ Slugger. But as the story unfolds across an interwoven cast of characters, it delves into the dark corners of the human psyche.
Dense with symbolism and social commentary, Paranoia Agent is a challenging and thought-provoking work. It’s a disturbing exploration of how fear, lies, and escapism can warp reality. With Kon’s distinctive style and mind-bending narrative, it’s a series that will stick with you long after it’s over.
22. Samurai Champloo
Genre: Action, adventure, historical
Original run: 2004-2005
Number of episodes: 26
From the director of Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo is a hip-hop-infused twist on the samurai genre. It follows the misadventures of an unlikely trio – wild swordsman Mugen, stoic ronin Jin, and spunky waitress Fuu – as they search for a mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers.
Samurai Champloo oozes style with its anachronistic blend of Edo-period Japan and modern music and attitudes. The dynamic sword fights are exhilarating to watch. But like Cowboy Bebop, it’s also a character-driven story about three misfits finding purpose and family in each other.
21. Clannad
Genre: Romance, drama, supernatural
Original run: 2007-2008
Number of episodes: 47
Clannad is a heartfelt and emotional roller coaster adapted from a popular visual novel. It centers on Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent who befriends a sickly girl named Nagisa and helps revive the school’s drama club. But the story soon takes a supernatural turn as it explores themes of family, loss, and miracles.
Clannad is beloved for its poignant storytelling that will leave you in tears. It starts out in familiar slice-of-life territory before delving into more serious and fantastical subject matter. The romance between Tomoya and Nagisa is sweet and heartbreaking, making for an unforgettable emotional experience.
20. Baccano!
Genre: Mystery, action, supernatural
Original run: 2007
Number of episodes: 13
Baccano! is a rip-roaring ride that defies easy description. Set primarily in Prohibition-era America, it weaves together seemingly unrelated plots involving gangsters, thieves, and immortals. The story jumps around in time and between characters, slowly revealing how everything connects.
Heavily influenced by Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie films, Baccano! is a stylish and fast-paced crime caper with a supernatural twist. With its non-linear storytelling, eccentric cast, and dark humor, it’s a wild and entertaining puzzle box of a series.
19. Gurren Lagann
Genre: Mecha, science fiction, action
Original run: 2007
Number of episodes: 27
Gurren Lagann is an exuberant, over-the-top mecha series that runs on pure hot-blooded enthusiasm. It’s set in a future where humanity lives underground, oppressed by the surface-dwelling Beastmen. The story follows Simon and Kamina, two boys who dream of seeing the surface world and end up piloting giant robots in an escalating battle for humanity’s freedom.
Gurren Lagann starts out as a straightforward underdog story before evolving into an epic space opera on a galactic scale. It’s a super robot series fueled by the power of fighting spirit, full of massive drills, hammy speeches, and impossible odds. You’ll find yourself shouting “Pierce the heavens!” along with its lovable band of misfits.
18. Psycho-Pass
Genre: Science fiction, crime thriller
Original run: 2012-2013
Number of episodes: 22
Psycho-Pass is a gripping cyberpunk thriller set in a dystopian future where people’s criminal potential is measured by the Sibyl System. It follows Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector in the Public Safety Bureau’s crime-fighting unit, as she grapples with the implications of this system.
Psycho-Pass is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, free will, and the consequences of relying on technology to judge morality. With its gritty atmosphere, intense action, and philosophical themes, it’s a smart and suspenseful sci-fi story in the vein of Minority Report.
17. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: Mecha, psychological drama, science fiction
Original run: 1995-1996
Number of episodes: 26
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a groundbreaking and deeply influential series that deconstructed the mecha genre. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic future where teenagers pilot giant robots called Evangelions to fight monstrous beings known as Angels. But the story is more concerned with the psychological states of its troubled characters.
Evangelion is a dense, complex work open to endless interpretation. It grapples with weighty themes like trauma, identity, and human instrumentality through surreal and disturbing imagery. Both hailed as a masterpiece and criticized for its controversial ending, Evangelion is a series that challenges and provokes its audience.
16. Code Geass
Genre: Mecha, science fiction, action
Original run: 2006-2007, 2008
Number of episodes: 50
Code Geass is a thrilling and morally ambiguous mecha series with a brilliant antihero at its center. It’s set in an alternate future where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered most of the world, including Japan. The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled Britannian prince who gains the power to compel others to obey him and launches a rebellion against the empire.
Code Geass is a riveting chess game of strategy and deception, as Lelouch outmaneuvers his enemies with his cunning plans. But it’s also a complex character study, as Lelouch grapples with the consequences of his actions and questions the righteousness of his cause. With shocking twists and an unforgettable ending, Code Geass is a wild ride.
15. Steins;Gate
Genre: Science fiction, thriller
Original run: 2011-2015
Number of episodes: 24
Steins;Gate is a mind-bending time travel thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. It follows Okabe Rintarou, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who accidentally invents a method of time travel. But his experiments soon spiral out of control, leading to a tense and emotional race to save his friends and undo his mistakes.
Steins;Gate is a masterfully crafted story full of surprising twists and heartbreaking turns. It takes its time to build up its world and characters before pulling the rug out from under you. With its smart writing, engaging sci-fi concepts, and endearing relationships, Steins;Gate is a modern classic.
14. Cowboy Bebop
Genre: Science fiction, neo-noir, space western
Original run: 1998-1999
Number of episodes: 26
Cowboy Bebop is a stone-cold cool series that blends sci-fi, noir, and western elements into a stylish package. It’s set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, and follows the misadventures of a ragtag group of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop.
With its jazzy soundtrack, memorable characters, and episodic storytelling, Cowboy Bebop oozes atmosphere and style. But it’s also a melancholy and philosophical series, exploring themes of loneliness, identity, and escaping the past. Its bittersweet ending is one of the most iconic in anime history.
13. Monster
Genre: Mystery, psychological thriller
Original run: 2004-2005
Number of episodes: 74
Monster is a gripping and tense psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon who saves the life of a young boy named Johan. But as a series of murders unfolds, Tenma realizes that Johan is a dangerous sociopath and sets out to stop him.
Based on the acclaimed manga by Naoki Urasawa, Monster is a slow-burn mystery with a complex web of characters and plot threads. It’s a dark and disturbing story that delves into the nature of evil and the consequences of one’s choices.
12. Nana
Genre: Drama, romance, music
Original run: 2006-2007
Number of episodes: 47
Nana is a mature and moving drama about love, friendship, and chasing your dreams. It follows two young women who share the name Nana but are complete opposites. They meet by chance on a train to Tokyo, both searching for a new life, and become roommates and best friends.
Nana is a realistic and emotionally raw story about navigating adulthood and relationships. With its punk rock attitude, stylish art, and complex characters, it’s an absorbing watch. You’ll find yourself deeply invested in Nana K. and Nana O.’s struggles to find happiness.
11. Paranoia Agent
Genre: Mystery, psychological thriller, supernatural
Original run: 2004
Number of episodes: 13
Paranoia Agent is a surreal and unsettling trip from the legendary director Satoshi Kon. It starts with a series of attacks by a mysterious assailant known as Lil’ Slugger. But as the story unfolds across an interwoven cast of characters, it delves into the dark corners of the human psyche.
Dense with symbolism and social commentary, Paranoia Agent is a challenging and thought-provoking work. It’s a disturbing exploration of how fear, lies, and escapism can warp reality. With Kon’s distinctive style and mind-bending narrative, it’s a series that will stick with you long after it’s over.
10. Samurai Champloo
Genre: Action, adventure, historical
Original run: 2004-2005
Number of episodes: 26
From the director of Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo is a hip-hop-infused twist on the samurai genre. It follows the misadventures of an unlikely trio – wild swordsman Mugen, stoic ronin Jin, and spunky waitress Fuu – as they search for a mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers.
Samurai Champloo oozes style with its anachronistic blend of Edo-period Japan and modern music and attitudes. The dynamic sword fights are exhilarating to watch. But like Cowboy Bebop, it’s also a character-driven story about three misfits finding purpose and family in each other.
9. Clannad
Genre: Romance, drama, supernatural
Original run: 2007-2008
Number of episodes: 47
Clannad is a heartfelt and emotional roller coaster adapted from a popular visual novel. It centers on Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent who befriends a sickly girl named Nagisa and helps revive the school’s drama club. But the story soon takes a supernatural turn as it explores themes of family, loss, and miracles.
Clannad is beloved for its poignant storytelling that will leave you in tears. It starts out in familiar slice-of-life territory before delving into more serious and fantastical subject matter. The romance between Tomoya and Nagisa is sweet and heartbreaking, making for an unforgettable emotional experience.
8. Baccano!
Genre: Mystery, action, supernatural
Original run: 2007
Number of episodes: 13
Baccano! is a rip-roaring ride that defies easy description. Set primarily in Prohibition-era America, it weaves together seemingly unrelated plots involving gangsters, thieves, and immortals. The story jumps around in time and between characters, slowly revealing how everything connects.
Heavily influenced by Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie films, Baccano! is a stylish and fast-paced crime caper with a supernatural twist. With its non-linear storytelling, eccentric cast, and dark humor, it’s a wild and entertaining puzzle box of a series.
7. Gurren Lagann
Genre: Mecha, science fiction, action
Original run: 2007
Number of episodes: 27
Gurren Lagann is an exuberant, over-the-top mecha series that runs on pure hot-blooded enthusiasm. It’s set in a future where humanity lives underground, oppressed by the surface-dwelling Beastmen. The story follows Simon and Kamina, two boys who dream of seeing the surface world and end up piloting giant robots in an escalating battle for humanity’s freedom.
Gurren Lagann starts out as a straightforward underdog story before evolving into an epic space opera on a galactic scale. It’s a super robot series fueled by the power of fighting spirit, full of massive drills, hammy speeches, and impossible odds. You’ll find yourself shouting “Pierce the heavens!” along with its lovable band of misfits.
6. Psycho-Pass
Genre: Science fiction, crime thriller
Original run: 2012-2013
Number of episodes: 22
Psycho-Pass is a gripping cyberpunk thriller set in a dystopian future where people’s criminal potential is measured by the Sibyl System. It follows Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector in the Public Safety Bureau’s crime-fighting unit, as she grapples with the implications of this system.
Psycho-Pass is a thought-provoking exploration of justice, free will, and the consequences of relying on technology to judge morality. With its gritty atmosphere, intense action, and philosophical themes, it’s a smart and suspenseful sci-fi story in the vein of Minority Report.
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Genre: Mecha, psychological drama, science fiction
Original run: 1995-1996
Number of episodes: 26
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a groundbreaking and deeply influential series that deconstructed the mecha genre. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic future where teenagers pilot giant robots called Evangelions to fight monstrous beings known as Angels. But the story is more concerned with the psychological states of its troubled characters.
Evangelion is a dense, complex work open to endless interpretation. It grapples with weighty themes like trauma, identity, and human instrumentality through surreal and disturbing imagery. Both hailed as a masterpiece and criticized for its controversial ending, Evangelion is a series that challenges and provokes its audience.
4. Code Geass
Genre: Mecha, science fiction, action
Original run: 2006-2007, 2008
Number of episodes: 50
Code Geass is a thrilling and morally ambiguous mecha series with a brilliant antihero at its center. It’s set in an alternate future where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered most of the world, including Japan. The story follows Lelouch Lamperouge, an exiled Britannian prince who gains the power to compel others to obey him and launches a rebellion against the empire.
Code Geass is a riveting chess game of strategy and deception, as Lelouch outmaneuvers his enemies with his cunning plans. But it’s also a complex character study, as Lelouch grapples with the consequences of his actions and questions the righteousness of his cause. With shocking twists and an unforgettable ending, Code Geass is a wild ride.
3. Steins;Gate
Genre: Science fiction, thriller
Original run: 2011-2015
Number of episodes: 24
Steins;Gate is a mind-bending time travel thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. It follows Okabe Rintarou, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who accidentally invents a method of time travel. But his experiments soon spiral out of control, leading to a tense and emotional race to save his friends and undo his mistakes.
Steins;Gate is a masterfully crafted story full of surprising twists and heartbreaking turns. It takes its time to build up its world and characters before pulling the rug out from under you. With its smart writing, engaging sci-fi concepts, and endearing relationships, Steins;Gate is a modern classic.
2. Cowboy Bebop
Genre: Science fiction, neo-noir, space western
Original run: 1998-1999
Number of episodes: 26
Cowboy Bebop is a stone-cold cool series that blends sci-fi, noir, and western elements into a stylish package. It’s set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, and follows the misadventures of a ragtag group of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop.
With its jazzy soundtrack, memorable characters, and episodic storytelling, Cowboy Bebop oozes atmosphere and style. But it’s also a melancholy and philosophical series, exploring themes of loneliness, identity, and escaping the past. Its bittersweet ending is one of the most iconic in anime history.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Genre: Action, adventure, fantasy
Original run: 2009-2010
Number of episodes: 64
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime series of all time, and for good reason. It’s set in a world where alchemy is a science, and follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric on their quest to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to resurrect their mother.
Brotherhood has it all – thrilling action, complex world-building, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth. It explores weighty themes like the cost of power, the value of human life, and the bonds of family. With its tight plotting, stunning animation, and satisfying conclusion, Brotherhood is a must-watch for any anime fan.
Conclusion
And there you have it – our ranking of the 32 best anime series of all time. Of course, with so many incredible shows out there, narrowing it down is no easy feat. Consider this list a starting point to dive into the rich and varied world of anime, from classic favorites to hidden gems.
Whether you’re into action-packed adventures, mind-bending sci-fi, or heartfelt character dramas, there’s an anime series out there for you. So grab some snacks, settle in, and get ready to binge-watch some of the greatest stories ever told through the medium of Japanese animation. Happy viewing!
