Top 10 Anime That Are 10 out of 10

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for 10 anime series that are nearly perfect.

The “Fate” franchise in general has an excellent level of quality, but “Fate/Zero” is arguably the best. Depicting a contest between disparate characters seeking the Holy Grail, as well as their summoned heroes, “Fate/Zero” has some absolutely spectacular animation. Animation studio Ufotable’s seemingly “unlimited budget works” help make each and every battle jaw droppingly gorgeous and exciting. But the series is more than just spectacle! The story has plenty of shocking developments. Additionally, it features poignant themes like the nature of leadership and the way one’s goals can be corrupted. “Fate/Zero” is as magnificent an anime as you could wish for!

On paper, “Code Geass” probably shouldn’t work. A mecha military thriller that also has school elements? And yet all these genres blend beautifully together into one of the most celebrated anime of the last few decades. Lelouch vi Britannia’s quest to avenge those dear to him and to overthrow the Britannian Empire is full of twists and turns, not to mention epic robot fights. From its morally gray hero to its outstanding supporting cast, “Code Geass” delves deep into its characters and their complexities, with all of them developing in nearly as fascinating ways as the plot. “Code Geass” is so enthralling, you’ll swear you’ve been hit by the titular mind-control power yourself, because you won’t be able to look away!

Vikings in general are a recipe for success, but “Vinland Saga” takes its semi-historical genre to new heights! The series follows Thorfinn, a young boy from Iceland, as he gets caught up in the Viking wars in England. “Vinland Saga” depicts not only the horrors of war, but also the caustic nature of revenge and the price of violent acts on victims, as well as those who commit them. And the series’ vibrant characters and themes are all brought to life with equally vibrant and beautiful animation. It may be a modern take on the Viking age, but it’s just as epic as the history and tales that inspired it.

Space operas are a familiar anime genre, but “Legend of the Galactic Heroes” stands out even among its peers. While it’s an older title, those looking for an epic story will be well-satisfied. While “Legend of the Galactic Heroes” is primarily about the rise of two rival military geniuses from opposing factions, the show also features a huge supporting cast from all walks of life. The degree of depth and characterization given to the cast, as well as the galaxy they inhabit, is rarely found in anime. It may not have the name recognition of some of our other picks, but “Legend of the Galactic Heroes” is still truly legendary!

If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, it’s hard to go wrong with “Steins;Gate.” This time travel anime has romance, comedy, thrills, drama, and plenty more going for it. Okabe Rintaro and his friends’ experiments with time continually have us busting a gut, when we aren’t crying our eyes out. While many time travel series can feel repetitive, “Steins;Gate” manages to keep things fresh, with constant character introspections and dramatic developments. By the time you’re through with it, you’re going to wish you could send your past self a message to watch it sooner!

While not the first anime adaptation of this story, this version of “Hunter x Hunter” is likely the most definitive we’ll get. The journey of Gon and his friends is an adventure that begins with deceptive simplicity and brightness. It gradually evolves into stranger and darker places though. The series has beautiful, detailed animation, fascinating locales, and one of the most well-realized power systems in any story. The characters are all exceptional, with even the villains possessing surprising charisma and dramatic arcs. “Hunter x Hunter” is a rich tapestry of shounen goodness that anime fans never tire of pursuing.

Widely acknowledged as one of the all-time greats, “Cowboy Bebop” is broadly speaking a sci-fi western, though it has influences from noir, horror, and plenty of other genres, depending on the episode. The crew of the Bebop are an iconic crew of misfits whose perennial bad luck makes for some fantastic stories, some of which stand alone and others that connect to a larger narrative. Featuring animation that holds up to this day and an eclectic, phenomenal soundtrack, “Cowboy Bebop” is a stunning work of art. This is absolutely an anime that any self-respecting space cowboy needs to see.

There’s mecha anime, and then there’s “Gurren Lagann!” The ultimate hotblooded mecha series, “Gurren Lagann” follows Simon the driller and his best bro Kamina as they pursue greater heights above ground and to the stars themselves. The scale of the battles are as ridiculous as they are awesome. The cast is lovable and each develops organically over time. The music is outstanding and incredibly catchy. Yet, for all it has going for it, it’s “Gurren Lagann”’s themes that help it really shine. The pursuit of one’s dreams is never easy, but persistence, audacity, and the support of others can help make them pierce the heavens and beyond! “Gurren Lagann” will make your heart soar and leave you wanting to reach for the stars.

Perhaps the biggest anime of the last decade, “Attack on Titan” is a dark fantasy masterpiece. The series, in case you’ve been living outside the walls, follows the apparent last of humanity and their struggles against the giants that have taken over their world. “Attack on Titan” truly fires on all cylinders, featuring epic battles, shocking twists, and complex characters. The animation and music are equally as perfect. It’s a beautiful and terrible spectacle that you have to see to believe. “Attack on Titan” has helped show the world how hype anime can get, winning over many skeptics.

Alchemy may work via equivalent exchange - but “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” delivers more than anyone bargains for! At its core, the series follows two brothers in their quest to restore their bodies. However, its expansive cast and fascinating world also bring up questions about the nature of humanity, war, and other weighty topics. The battles are epic and the comedy and tragedy both hit harder than techniques passed down through the Armstrong family for generations! Every single solitary character gets their moment in the sun! “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” is made fullmetal - and there’s no higher praise than that!

Is there a 10/10 anime we forgot? Does one of these anime go to 11 instead? Shoot us your picks in the comments!