Top 30 Anime Of The Century (So Far)

It’s the juggernaut that continues to deconstruct while paying homage to the clichés that make superheroes so beloved. Set in a world where the majority of the population are imbued with otherworldly abilities, it falls to the once Quirkless Midoriya to rise up to the challenge as the world’s next greatest hero. Between the hijinks of Class 1-A, commentary on hero society as a whole, the clashes with the League of Villains as well as the beautifully woven character development, there’s a reason why each new season of this show continues to be a seasonal event. Plus Ultra!

One of the most talked about horror anime of the last few decades, the “Higurashi” franchise follows Keiichi, a young boy who moves to a small village shortly before a festival. However, deaths are common around the time of this festival, and death strikes again this time. And the time after that. Over and over again. “Higurashi”’s take on time loops and horror helps it stand out among other horror anime. It may take several loops, and multiple anime series to unravel the mystery, but any fans of cute characters doing cute things (and unspeakable violence) are sure to enjoy the ride.

With its unpolished art style and goofy character designs, it can be easy to dismiss “Mob Psycho.” But if you do, you’re making a mistake! This series follows Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, a teenage boy who has difficulty with both his emotions and his psychic powers. Although the show often features him going up against spirits and other espers in mind blowing fight scenes, it’s just as much about Mob growing up and finding his place in the world. Additionally, the series features an extensive supporting cast, all of whom are fleshed out and hilarious in their own rights - looking at you Reigen! Full of not only humor and action, but also plenty of heart, “Mob Psycho 100” is an anime that’s 100% amazing!

Don’t let its adorable character designs fool you - “Made in Abyss” goes as dark and deep as its titular chasm. The series follows a pair of kids aiming to explore an abyss. From that simple premise, “Made in Abyss” takes its protagonists to some grim places, even if the animation is utterly gorgeous. The plot moves in unexpected ways and the worldbuilding is fantastic. This show will tug on your heartstrings and maybe pull them out, but if you’re willing to peer into it, “Made in Abyss” will give plenty back - for better or for worse.

One of the biggest shounen franchises of the 21st century, “Naruto” and its sequel series primarily follow the titular young ninja. The story of Naruto’s journey to become Hokage, his village’s leader, has captured the attention of generations of anime fans at this point. The world and characters are expansive and fire the imagination. The fights are epic and unforgettable, and the music is spectacular too! The franchise also deals with surprisingly serious subject matter as well, with heartbreaking backstories and themes like generational hatred. While the story of Naruto himself is largely over, the franchise endures and keeps growing and obtaining new fans.

Did the Endless Eight nearly drive us to the brink? Yes. Do we regret a second of watching the SOS Brigade engage in all manner of misadventures with the threat of reality shattering at every turn? Not a chance. There’s something so charming about watching a cynical bastard like Kyon get dragged around by the eternally optimistic force of nature that is Haruhi Suzumiya, who just happens to unknowingly hold the ability to twist time and space on a whim. Throw in time-travellers, data minds, and other anomalies and you have a recipe for a damn good time. Just not if you’re Kyon.

A true gem of the sports genre that quite frankly deserves way more attention than its gotten, considering it delivered a true underdog story interwoven with incredible fights, a whole host of endearing fighters, and such an overwhelming love for boxing its almost palpable. Witnessing the meek and kind-hearted Ippo go from victim to champion makes for quite the hero’s journey, one helmed by the question of “what does it truly mean to be strong?” Whether you’re here to see Ippo flatten his opponents or the endless training montages, this series is a feast that quite frankly should have gotten a fourth season by now!

There have been many who have tried to twist and subvert the magical girl genre, and while there have been a few valiant attempts, none have come close to measuring up to the hauntingly beautiful tale conjured up by the master of broken feels Gen Urobutchi. While a chance encounter with an adorable wish-maker sounds like the chance the shy Madoka and her friends have been looking for, they soon learn that there are consequences for living out a fantasy life, and that even the purest of intentions can be corrupted. It’s a true game-changer, one that isn’t afraid to shatter any and all preconceptions, no matter how much misery it brings our colorful heroines.

Something of a cultural phenomenon that managed to shake up the anime scene with its potent drama, bittersweet characterisation, and skilful narrative accessibility to the ancient art of Rakugo storytelling, we can’t do enough justice as to just how unique, fulfilling and wonderfully recognised this series is. After a former yakuza serves his time, he sets out into the world in order to become a Rakugo performer, now under the strained tutelage of a rather unwilling master practitioner. Fuelled by the conflict both on and off stage, this one truly is something special.

Idols are a popular subject for anime, but “Oshi no Ko,” like the real idol industry, hides darkness beneath its glamorous appearance. Featuring a complex plot involving reincarnation and murder, “Oshi no Ko” is an intriguing mystery, though it blends several other genres together as well. The cast is engaging, flawed, and they all grow over time, thanks to frequent time skips. The story is gripping throughout, and each new cliffhanger leaves us wanting more. With its distinctive animation, high stakes, and discussion of many taboo topics, “Oshi no Ko” is an anime we can’t help but idolize.

How does one even quantify this show? A half vampire going around saving the ladies in his life from supernatural oddities, accompanied by a stunning animation landscape, fourth wall breaks, striking visual metaphors and enough sexual awkwardness to make anyone’s high school experience seem tame by comparison. There’s something here for everyone, since Araragi seems to get into as many blistering battles as he does encounter top-tier ladies. This show is truly one of a kind and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Turns out debt can be scarier than the most horrific creatures to crawl out of the anime cesspool. Gliding through life as a hopeless loser, our man Kaiji finds himself in the unfortunate position of accruing an astronomical amount of debt, and in order to escape financial hell…he’s going to have to risk his life. With numerous and dangerous gambling gauntlets to overcome, watching Kaiji use his wits to claw his way out of the direst straits isn’t only exhilarating, but also makes us feel much, much better about our own life choices! Stay away from pachinko machines.

Say what you will about the rather lackluster reception of season two, the strongest hero’s original outing was pretty much hype incarnate. Focusing on the antics of a caped crusader with the strength to decimate any villain with but a single swipe of his fist, this series managed to balance crazy action sequences, absurd hilarity, as well as the tricky tightrope that is maintaining tension in spite of the fact we all know there’s nothing in the cosmos that can stop Saitama and his doomsday knuckle-sandwich. Take every anime convention you think you know and prepare for it to get smashed to pieces with just one punch!

The Urobutcher strikes again, only this time he’s taken the already savage nature of the Fate-verse and somehow managed to push it to the very apex of dark and depressing. Taking place during the Fourth Holy Grail War, this prequel once again illustrates the many fantastical battles between various human masters and their servants summoned from ages past. While the fight scenes are a true spectacle thanks to UFOtable’s god-tier animation, Zero’s relentless exploration into the worst that mankind has to offer will undoubtedly stain your soul by the end. Why must you make us suffer with your genius Urobuchi?!

One of shounen’s original Big Three, “Bleach” follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who becomes involved in battles between various spiritual factions. These include the monstrous Hollows, the samurai-like Shinigami, and the bow-wielding Quincies. Swords, transformations, and fights galore abound in this action-packed series. The original anime may have ended before the full story could be adapted, but “Thousand-Year Blood War” came back with top-tier animation and pacing tighter than the show’s smooth soundtrack! While it doesn’t delve as deeply as some other shounen shows, “Bleach” has an undeniable cool factor.

If we want to talk about pure monetary success, “Demon Slayer” might be the most successful on our list! One of its films became the highest grossing Japanese film ever made, and its manga has sold gangbusters too! And it owes that success to its engrossing story. Tanjiro Kamado’s quest to restore his sister Nezuko’s humanity after she’s turned into a demon tugs at the heartstrings. “Demon Slayer” is as emotional as its fights are epic and…well, just look at that animation! This series has us as out of breath as its characters!

You don’t know evil until you’ve met Johan Liebert. After a surgeon chooses to save the life of a young boy over that of a political figure, not only does he find his career in jeopardy…but he may have unwittingly unleashed a genius psychopath onto the world, one not even the remnants of Nazi Party can control, who can also easily convince you to slaughter your loved ones with just a casual conversation. Yep, that’s Johan for you. Along with Dr Tenma, this series thrusts us into a deadly game between these two polar opposites, as Johan’s continuous atrocities further push what is ultimately a decent man to consider crossing the unforgivable line of murder.

All’s fair in love and war right? And it’s fair to say that this rom-com blows many others in its genre away! The series follows the titular heiress and her mutual love with top student Miyuki. However, their mutual pride has them both trying to maneuver the other into confessing first. This lends the series a strangely strategic element that’s unlike anything else in the genre. The central romance is wildly entertaining enough, but their friends become involved too, leading to even more romantic and hysterical entertainment. “Kaguya-Sama” is a rom-com we’d gladly go to war for any day.

As far as sci-fi epics go, few have ever come close to matching this show’s calibre, wit and world-building. Upon the realization that he can send texts back to the past via a microwave, Okabe and his gaggle of colleagues, misfits and legendary best girl Kurisu think they’ve cracked the greatest scientific discovery of all time. And they have. And now they’re going to pay for it. Whether its mysterious corporations gunning for their lives or trying to find a way to beat death through time-jumps, the way the narratives spirals, contorts and ultimately resolves easily earned it the mantle of one of modern anime’s greatest.

From Phantom Blood to Stone Ocean, from Jonathan’s diamond chin all the way to Jolyne’s killer strings, JoJo-mania has managed to infiltrate every corner of the anime scene in the mere blink of an eye, and we couldn’t be happier. With each series chronicling the tragedies and triumphs of the Joestar bloodline, every iteration has brought its own unique flare, settling, and fabulous dress-sense. Whether you’re all about Joseph and his outlandish sense of comic timing, Jotaro and his penchant for punches or Josuke and his divine hair-do, there’s truly a JoJo experience out there for everyone.

This series’ name means “Sorcery Battle,” and there’s plenty of both to go around! “Jujutsu Kaisen” features sorcerer students and teachers facing curses and other villainous forces. Its dark, almost horror inspired tone gives it a darker edge than most other shounen series. With its blistering pace and incredible action, “Jujutsu Kaisen” has kept viewers on the edge of their seats since it began, with each new hype fight or heartbreaking death being hot topics around the internet watercooler. “Jujutsu Kaisen,” like the domains its sorcerers use, is expanding all the time - or at least its fanbase is!

You have shows that go out of there way to blend comedy and action, and then you have Gintama, which somehow managed to excel and layer the two together so seamlessly it became a beast all its own. Parodying everything under the sun, outrageous slapstick, never shying away from taking a stab at other anime, all the while giving us a gaggle of crazy samurai, aliens and other misfits who never fail to get themselves into trouble. And yet, it still succeeds in pulling off conflicts, emotional twists and intriguing narratives that put most other series out to pasture. Gintoki is just that good.

There are a lot of fantasy series out there, but “Frieren” is something special! The eponymous elf was once part of a group that defeated the demon king. Now as her companions have aged or died, she finds herself looking back with fondness on their journey as she sets out on a new one. Like its title implies, “Beyond Journey’s End” focuses on more than the destination, with Frieren and her companions’ everyday lives taking center stage. While there are plenty of action moments, the show’s bigger focus is on the subtle relationships between characters and their emotions, with regret being emphasized especially. “Frieren” is a beautiful series that has plenty to say about life - and a surprising number of gags about mimics.

The shining star of anime’s occult thriller scene, the battle of wits between the wannabe God of the New World and the eccentric detective was a masterclass in storytelling, giving us a psychological game of chess where every move potentially equalled death. After gaining the titular Death Note and discovering he can kill whoever he wishes by just writing down their name, ace student Light Yagami decides to purge the rotten world of those he views as evil, only to have his future utopia threatened by the mysterious L. The mental warfare, the ingenious twists, the shades of grey surrounding each character, this property truly raised the bar for the medium.

This incredible Viking anime follows the life of Thorfinn, a boy from Greenland who seeks revenge on a mercenary band. The series features stellar animation, incredible action, and a story that will grab you by the throat and never let go! The show is unflinching in its brutality, depicting the best and worst of human nature and portraying war and vengeance as futile and self-destructive. Thorfinn’s rage and gradual redemption make for one of the most compelling character arcs in all of anime. “Vinland Saga” is as epic a tale as you can find in any medium, and a modern masterpiece.

v#5: “Code Geass” (2006-08)