Top 100 Anime Of All Time

Top 100 Anime of All Time

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Top 10 Best Anime Series of ALL TIME

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for Top 100 Anime of All Time. For this list, we’re tackling the big one. Diving right into the heart of otaku culture and ascertaining what we believe to be the best of the best when it comes to the definitive anime that stand as testament to the artistry of the medium. We’re taking into consideration their impact on the industry, the strength of their storytelling, unique visual flare, and naturally, just how many premium waifus they’ve got under their banner. Keep in mind, in certain cases, we’ll be counting whole franchises as one entry. Be on the lookout for any minor spoilers, and if you think we skipped over a contender for the top spot, let us know in the Shadow Realm that is our comment section!

It was supposed to be a regular camping trip, and then it turned into a mission of interstellar survival. After inexplicably being sent halfway across the galaxy, six young strangers from all walks of life find their fates bound as they seek refuge on the lone spaceship Astra, where their only hope of returning home involves charting a potentially lethal course from planet to planet. While there’s certainly a sense of foreboding, especially as the grander narrative slowly reveals itself, where this star-jumper of a series really excelled was in the sense of exploration and the camaraderie of its misfit crew. Newcomers and Trekkies alike, eat your hearts out.

As suggested, this anime adopts a much more visceral take when it comes to random individuals being imbued with godlike power. Following a spatial anomaly that leaves the world’s governmental structures in shambles, a new clandestine organization known as the Syndicate assumes control, unleashing their various Contractors to commit espionage and assassination for the sake of their new peace. It’s all about style with this one, especially with a merciless character like The Black Reaper leading the charge, so much so it even makes the villain of the week format feel fresh. We just wish we could forget about season two and the adventures of Hobo Hei.

#98: “Death Parade” (2015)

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What if securing a happily ever after in the next life demanded you play a series of challenges with your soul on the line? Where every victory and every loss revealed just what kind of person you truly were? Welcome to the Quindecim Bar, where painful memories and existential crises are on the house. While the immortal arbiters that operate the drinking establishment sitting on the edge of limbo have their own quirks, the real draw here is how every pocket of human regret is explored and brought to the surface via the death games. Hindsight truly is the most bitter of cocktails, and Decim and company are more than eager to serve it up.

#97: “The Big O” (1999-2000)

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Aesthetics inspired by 90s western animation such as Batman. A leading man who carries himself with the swagger and inner turmoil you’d expect out of 007. A giant robot that allows him to defend a city shrouded in mystery, corruption…and other, equally massive, robots. Put all that together and what have you got? One of the most unique mecha series to date. It may wear its influences on its sleeves, but it does so with such panache that it’s impossible to find Roger Smith or the Big O derivative, especially when they’re this good at punching down other robos in city-wide slugfests.

#96: “My Dress Up Darling” (2022)

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Romance isn’t dead – it’s nerdier (and sexier) than ever. Introverted golden boy Gojo finds his simple life of painting Hina dolls spun on its head when he encounters the high-spirited Marin as well as her obsession for all things cosplay. And just like that we have our tag team partnership, with Gojo’s tailoring skill paired against Marin’s photogenic features, allowing them to perfectly replicate characters and their costume from all otaku walks of life. Of course, their newfound hobby is just the tipping point as their relationship quickly starts to build into something far more potent than either expected. How can something be so lewd yet so wholesome at the same time?!

Prepare yourselves, because this muscle-bound, martial artist doesn’t do anything by half measure, whether it be training his body to unparalleled degrees, or wasting the wackiest of foes in the weirdest of ways. Baki may seem like just another typical, testosterone fuelled brawler, but its extreme narrative exaggeration partnered with real-life characters makes it anything but. Despite being supposedly human, these guys can stop earthquakes with their bare hands, tear apart prehistoric elephants, and wipe out death row convicts with nothing but pure muscle. Also, Muhammad Ali is in it too. Because of course he is.

As far as retro sci-fi anime goes, this is up there as one of the best. Why? Because much like it’s smooth-talking, caster shell wielding commander, Outlaw Star oozes charm. On the hunt for a treasure located in the void of space, Gene Starwind and his motley crew of mismatched basket cases find themselves getting into all sorts of trouble along the way, both the comedic and tragic kind. Honestly, the series has aged like fine wine. Not only due to having quite possibly the best hot springs episode of all time, but for capturing that earnest sense of adventure that you can only find in a good old fashioned space opera.

From the moment the cynical Naota got his cranium bashed in via guitar by a hyperactive hotshot driving a vespa, this anime refuses to slow down. But that’s part and parcel when it comes to Haruko – a galactic patrolman seeking out a famed space pirate, who isn’t afraid to break a few rules and mess up a few lives to get what she wants. Her rodeo of chaos may be brief, but makes for a great watch, especially as all hell breaks loose towards the end of her little quest. Guitar bazookas will never not be awesome!

It wholly resonated with Japanese masses at a time where the country was finally recuperating following the pains of the second world war. It served as inspiration for a multitude of incredible sports anime. And even when left to stand on its own legs, Joe’s bout as a boxer still holds up incredibly well. Going from a runt with nothing to his name, all the way to a contender for the title of champion, Joe may not have the best visuals by modern standards, as expected, but his bottomless fighting spirit can still be felt with every punch thrown, and that’s always captivating. Got a sports anime you adore? Chances are Joe had a hand in making it happen.

#75: “Black Lagoon” (2006)

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There are no heroes here, just a gaggle of criminals trying to make a living. More often than not by shooting up other criminals, stealing their stuff and making a profit of their own. This is where Revy thrives. As an eagle-eyed marksman and overall beast of a woman, she’s very much the muscle for Lagoon company, ensuring bodies get dropped while her people get in and out. From there, the series goes from one violent caper to the next - grenade wielding maid and vampire murder twins included. If you’re in the mood for a maelstrom of gunfire and a badass leading lady who swears like a sailor, head on over to Roanapur.

#70: “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (2019-21)

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Ask any fan what the most oversaturated anime genre of the last few years was, and without a doubt they’ll say isekai. Everywhere you looked, there was some new idiot getting hit by a Truck-kun and ending up in a fantasy world. And yet, there were a few that managed to rise up as the crème de la crème, including this happy go lucky ball of slime. Going from salary man to sentient slime, Rimuru’s life quickly shifts to that of an apex predator, as his new body allows him to absorb and replicate whatever enters his squishy domain. It doesn’t take long for him to become the ruler of his own nation with an ever-increasing list of killer abilities to his name. Building up an empire has never been so delightful to watch!

Whether you’re a diehard fan of the sport or don’t even know what an alley-oop is, Kuroko’s got you covered – because his anime takes the thrill of the game, whilst injecting a fresh batch of shonen goodness straight to its core. The result? Crazy basketball matches with athleticism that borders on the superheroic. As Kuroko and his new team set out to prove their mettle, their skills are put to the test as they go up against the godly skills of the Generation of Miracles aka Kuroko’s former team-mates. It’s certainly not without moments of levity, but when you see one of those boys enter the Zone, you know it’s about to go down!

Forced into the Classics Club, Oreki’s dashed dreams of spending his high school years in anonymity turns out to be a begrudging blessing in disguise when he encounters the symbol of purity that is Chitanda. Through her endless curiosity and the plethora of small- scale mysteries the club finds itself tackling, Oreki’s worldview slowly starts to shift – especially when the prospect of a potential romance starts to bloom. While certainly not afraid to lean towards the cheesy side of adolescent drama, the self-contained stories are still as sweet as can be. Did we mention the visuals are ambrosial?

#55: “Great Teacher Onizuka” (1999-2000)

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Got a class of unruly kids that are directionless in life and in dire need of guidance? Then there’s only one teacher for the job – a former gangster who’s only in it to get himself laid. While at first glance Onizuka seems like the last person qualified to be given any kind of authority, it turns out his wacky and often extreme methods are exactly what his class needs in order to pull themselves out of their respective slumps. A tad vulgar, hysterically funny, and oddly cathartic, Onizuka’s term as an educator is not one to be dropped.

#50: “Bleach” (2004-12)

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It may not have broken new ground with its take on a young punk facing the threats of the afterlife with nothing but a sword and a cocky attitude, but Bleach’s time as one of the Big Three remains special for so many fans for a variety of reasons. It gave us a now beloved lead in the form of Ichigo, whose trials as a Substitute Shinigami led him to face down a multitude of fearsome foes that have each become iconic in their own way. Not to mention, the Soul Society Rescue Arc is considered one of the most satisfyingly constructed and executed pieces of shonen anime to this day! You can see why the hype for the inevitable sequel has continued to thrive even after all these years.

#45: “Welcome to the N.H.K” (2006)

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There’s no getting around just how tough life can be, and in our lowest moments, it's easier to shift the blame onto something else for all that’s gone wrong. Enter Sato; a hardcore recluse who has convinced himself the trappings of his life all stem from a sinister corporation named the N.H.K, only to find himself entering a contract with the well-intentioned yet equally damaged Nakahara, who promises to help alleviate his shut-in psyche. While raw subjects such as anxiety, depression, isolation, and the dark side of Japanese subcultures are frequently touched upon, there’s just enough intrigue and humor, especially when it comes to Sato’s endless conspiracy theories, to keep this series from completely becoming a black hole of misery.

A desperate attempt to prevent his mother’s murder suddenly becomes a second chance to save the lives of numerous children, when Satoru finds himself travelling back into the body of his younger self years prior. A brilliant mystery thriller, Satoru’s dogged pursuit of the true culprit combined with the tragic circumstances surrounding his friend/future love interest Kayo makes for some truly uncomfortable viewing, yet it’s handled in such an earnest way it's impossible to look away from. It’s the best whodunit to enter the anime scene in years, and as of now – has yet to be topped.

How does one go about stopping crazy Catholics, Nazi vampires and everything else that goes bump in the night? Call in a gun-wielding Dracula, send him on his way, and watch the body count start to pile up. A much pulpier rendition of the gothic bloodsuckers we’ve come to know and love, Hellsing is nonetheless a savage depiction of just how violent both mortals and beasts can be when let off the leash. In service to a secret organization that combats the supernatural for queen and country, OG vampire Alucard is all too happy to satisfy his thirst in the name of a noble cause – turning his sadistic tendencies towards evils greater than himself. What else can we say other than it’s a bloody good time!

#30: “Naruto” Franchise (2002-)

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He may not exactly be stealthy, but this knuckle-headed ninja more than earned his accolades as one of shonen’s Big Three for a time – all thanks to its central shinobi, who, despite being dealt the shortest of hands, found a way to rise up above all manner of obstacles and enemies to prove his worth. Say what you will about the filler, shipping wars and occasional narrative dips, Naruto’s growth from brat to hero of the Leaf remains a standout. Though it certainly helps that he’s held up by a truly incredible cast of supporting characters, who in turn deliver some mind-boggling jutsu-filled showdowns, a trait that has long continued even as his son Boruto has taken over as the lead.

Quite possibly the Urobutcher’s greatest accomplishment, this beautiful yet harrowing subversion of the magical girl genre taught us never to trust an anime by it’s frilly cover. What starts as a light-hearted, yet action-packed romp practically glazed with the typical moe trimmings takes the sharpest of turns when Madoka and her fellow magical girl hopefuls are faced with the grim reality that life is not all sparkles, and even adorable superpowered cinnamon rolls must make sacrifices in order to make their wishes come true. Wishes that may or not be all their shaped up to be. Cute anime girls committing vicious acts may be more commonplace nowadays, but among them, Madoka is the unequivocal queen. Or should we say God?

Gambling anime are a dime a dozen these days, but none have been able to overshadow the antics of this eternally unlucky loser. After a few bad choices, hapless Kaiji finds himself plunged into astronomical debt, and the only way out seems to be by risking life and limb in death games for the entertainment of the wealthy and the twisted. Kaiji may be a walking cautionary tale when it comes to handling finances but seeing him think his way out of one horrific gamble after another is compelling all the same. Just don’t expect to look at a pachinko machine the same way again.

#19: “Monster” (2004-05)

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For every creature, demon and demigod that has occupied the mantle of villain across the anime mainstream, few can hope to top the sheer malevolence that is Johan Liebert. Following a doctor’s life-altering decision to save a young boy instead of a public figure, he unknowingly unleashes Johan onto the world – a man so charismatic yet so absent of empathy that all it takes is a single conversation for him to convince a person to end their own life. Thus, we have a character-driven psychological thriller, one that excruciatingly explores human nature, and what a good man is willing to do to stop a monster that he unwittingly created.

Granted, should you choose to enter this wildest of labyrinth, prepare to be bombarded with an ever-increasing number of spin-offs, alternative tales, prequels and just about every kind of branching story you can imagine. But we’d say it’s still worth it. Whether it’s Fate/Zero, Unlimited Blade Works or the Heaven’s Feel movies, the portrayals of the Holy Grail War are always thrilling to behold, especially with UFOTable’s next level animation. Even if the narrative ties itself into knots every now and again, watching Saber brandish her blade and head into battle against other historical warriors never gets old.

#17: “Death Note” (2006-07)

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Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and nowhere is that better demonstrated than in the case of Kira. When the titular Death Note falls into his hands, genius student Light Yagami decides it’s his responsibility to purge the world of evil…and in doing so will become the God of the New World. From that point on, what once may have been a noble intention becomes a spiral into obsession and hubris, all framed within a deadly contest of cat and mouse, as Light attempts to outwit his newfound nemesis and intellectual equal in the form of the eccentric detective L.

Ready to go down the rabbit hole? Because once you take a glimpse of Araragi and his vampiric pursuits, there’s no coming back. How best to quantify this fever dream of a franchise? Well, on the one side you’ve got an incredibly horny vampire lad dealing with the social and emotional turmoil of his harem while they also suffer under supernatural afflictions. And on the other side, you’ve got a complete deconstruction of various anime tropes, complete with utterly gorgeous visuals that can elevate even the most…awkward of scenes. It’s safe to say that Monogatari and all its facets are truly one of a kind.

If there’s a particular sub-genre that anime has truly made its own – it’s military sci-fi. But even among the annals of those gems, Legend of the Galactic Heroes stands tall. Shifting its focus towards strategy over explosions, the ongoing war between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance plays out more like a game of chess, with millions of lives riding on each movement made. In-between the interstellar firefights, the series brilliantly explores the various officers on both sides, delving into their beliefs, personal gripes with the war effort, as well as the contrasting cultures of the monarchic Empire and democratic Alliance. Needless to say, this is a thinking man’s war, not one fought from the cockpit of a giant robot.

Romantic comedies don’t come more hilarious than this. What happens when two geniuses, who are both absurdly in love with the other, go head to head? The best kind of calamity. Alongside an equally adorable cast, the series follows Kaguya and Miyuki as they consistently endeavor and fail to get the other to confess their obvious crush first. It’s a clash of wit, ego, and hapless innocence, with their ploys becoming increasingly bombastic. Though, much like its two leads, the series has an elegance to it, knowing when to give the characters time to grow, and even tackle painful issues in regards to loneliness and peer pressure. We honestly hope this lovely dovey conflict never ends.

How can one anime excel at being an outrageous, vulgar parody, and also a visceral action-fest at the exact same time? Well, when it comes to Odd Jobs Gin, all things are possible. Set in a world where feudal Japan has since been overtaken by aliens, a former samurai and his rag-tag group of equally dynamic weirdos take on whatever jobs they can get to scrap on by. It’s honestly impressive how an anime can juggle hard-hitting, character-driven drama drenched in brutal battle scenes, along with humor so crass its borderline beautiful.

#12: “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” Franchise (2012-)

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The meme. The phenomenon. The culture-spanning adaptation that proved once and for all that not only is everything a JoJo reference, but JoJo fever is never going to go away. For those that somehow avoided this phenomenon for the last decade – Jojo focuses on a dynasty of the colorful, captivating and outrageously awesome Joestar family, who, with each iteration, take on some manner of new wickedness eager to snuff out their bloodline. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a fashionista use a psychic protection ghost to beat the stuffing out of a villain named after a western rock band. Araki you mad lad.

#11: “Mobile Suit Gundam” Franchise (1979-)

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The monumental debut of the RX-78 not only kicked off the Universal Century and the golden age of mecha anime, but it also showed that, yes, you can indeed tell an unrelenting tale about war and its consequences, whilst also leaning into the sci-fi side of things. Ever since, Gundam has continued to branch out, exploring multiple genres and expanding the gospel of giant robots. The original still stands tall as the GOAT, with the likes of Zeta and Unicorn serving as exquisite sequels. Iron-Blooded Orphans is unrelenting with its darker tone, whereas Build Fighters is delightful even with its family-friendly attire. There truly is a mobile suit for every occasion.

Time travel has never been so mesmerizing. Upon inexplicably discovering a way to leap between timelines via the best kind of pseudoscience, self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe finds himself under threat by the shadiest of agencies, not to mention the risk of a possible future where World War III wipes out everything. As thrilling as the time jumps are, what truly caused the escapades of this genius chunibyo to soar was the interpersonal play between himself and the compelling, down to earth Kurisu. Love can indeed bloom in a battlefield…or in this case a run-down lab between the most adorkable of scientists.

#9: “Dragon Ball” Franchise (1986-)

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From its humble origins of a boy with a tail searching the globe for seven magic spheres that can bring about a wish-granting dragon, all the way to tournaments filled with gods and monsters set to decide the fate of the multiverse, Goku’s journey has truly shaped an entire generation of fans. Whether you prefer the original Dragon Ball for it’s smaller-scale charm, the iconic battles and moments from Z’s classic sagas, or you’re all about Super and its bigger than life brawls, this franchise has something for every shonen fan, even decades on. Don’t bother pretending Super Saiyans still don’t get you hyped.

#8: “Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96)

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Transcendent storytelling or philosophical garbage? No matter your stance on Shinji’s inability to get in the robot, there’s no denying this symbolic trip of a sci-fi has made quite a splash. Naturally, we’re inclined to go with the former. While on the surface, you’ve got anime’s ultimate wimp stepping up to the plate, tackling his own traumas as well as the threat of invading, so-called angels. But beneath it all, it’s an examination of how humanity is both beautiful, terrible, and ultimately doomed. Even if aliens that bring about Abrahamic apocalypses aren’t your thing, Shinji, Asuka and Rei’s individual struggles will doubtlessly keep you invested right up to that mind-mash of an ending!

#7: “One Piece” (1999-)

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Raise the flag, sing a round of Bink’s Sake, and prepare to enter the New World, because this high-seas sensation has remained consistently exceptional since its inception. With the goal of becoming the King of the Pirates, the adventures of Luffy and his Straw Hat crew has since become all-encompassing – with exceptional world-building, the craziest of action scenes, and interwoven with profound questions regarding the arguments on justice vs freedom. From Romance Dawn all the way to the clash with Kaido, anime’s greatest shanty has truly become the stuff of legends.

#6: “Code Geass” (2006-08)

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Witness the birth of anime’s ultimate anti-hero. Determined to overthrow his own family’ s brutal regime, Lelouch plots his own revolution under the guise of a masked anarchist, now imbued with the mind-altering power of the Geass. However, the path to peace is a slippery one, and before long Lelouch’s desire to amend the wrongs of the Britannian Empire becomes a bloody crusade that pushes him ever closer to becoming the very thing he despises. Throw in a solid supporting cast, unique incorporation of mecha, and an unblinking look at social divisions, and you’ve got yourself a riveting sci-fi symphony!

#5: “Attack on Titan” (2013-)

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In a single bound, this anime went from an intriguing dark fantasy filled with steampunk soldiers fighting against giant, cannibalistic humanoids – all the way to one of the most intrinsic, layered and beautifully realized narratives in the medium. Holed up in what appears to be humanity’s last bastion, Eren and the Survey Corp risk everything against the innumerable Titans for both survival and revenge…only to discover there’s a lot more to their foes than meets the eye, and both within and beyond the walls – their true enemies lie in wait. A true modern masterpiece, watching its plot unfurl is a joy to behold, even if each new revelation is more horrifying than the last.

Both a trendsetter and transformer of the tropes we’ve all come to love, Gon’s decision to become a hunter in order to seek out his wayward father catapults himself and his newfound comrades into one vicious predicament after the next. With an ingenious power system, villains that continually subvert expectations, as well as a myriad of incredible battle sequences, this anime raised the bar for what a shonen should strive to be, with each arc serving as a golden example for all that followed. There are very few things that can top the culmination of the war with the Chimera Ants.

Piercing heaven with its drill and delivering onto us the most grandiose bombardment of sci-fi richness, Studio Trigger’s magnum opus is the wildest of rides. It is completely without restraint - and that includes the willpower of its characters, the scale of its showdowns between galaxy-sized robots, and the size of Kamina’s gonads, but that’s what makes it so much fun. When you’ve got a feeble human resistance taking on a bestial armada as well as the living embodiment of universal stagnation, you either go big or go home, and what could be bigger than Simon piloting the Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagaan in a robotic bout of fisticuffs for the sake of existence itself?

#2: “Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)

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Well, hello again, space cowboy. As much of a slick sci-fi as is a neo noir, the space-fairing adventures of bounty hunter Spike Spiegel pretty much invented the rule of cool. The series plays out almost as a quasi-anthology, all held together by the contrasting yet equally endearing occupants of the Bebop crew, as they tackle everything from interstellar criminals to their own personal demons. Helmed by an exquisite soundtrack, the journey shared by Spike and his circle of misfits is, and remains, well and truly timeless.

#1: “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)

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A single mistake robbed the Elric brothers of their bodies, and in their ensuing mission to reclaim what they lost, crafted a fantastical series that for many, defined itself as the pinnacle of what anime could be. From its lore, commentary on war and the cycle of revenge, right down to the titular bond shared between Edward and Alphonse, the series truly excels. Whether you’re looking for a slow-burn of a shonen filled with epic action, or a meditative story that reflects on all aspects of human failure, the Fullmetal Alchemist delivers on both in spades.