My Anime Diary: Rankings and Reviews of the Shows I've Watched
by gourd1990 | created - 10 Jan 2016 | updated - 3 months ago | Public- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
- IMDb Rating
- In Theaters
- Release Year
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1. InuYasha: The Final Act (2009–2010)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
InuYasha's story draws to a close but not before finding Naraku and the Sacred Jewel, and facing new enemies and new dangers.
Stars: Kappei Yamaguchi, Satsuki Yukino, Kumiko Watanabe, Kôji Tsujitani
Votes: 3,499
Overall:S+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
2. 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: 196,997
Overall:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
3. 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: 77,504
Overall:A
*Anime Hall of Fame*
4. 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: 138,530
Overall:A
*Anime Hall of Fame*
5. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
After his hometown is destroyed and is traumatized, young Eren Jaeger vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction.
Stars: Jessie James Grelle, Bryce Papenbrook, Trina Nishimura, Yûki Kaji
Votes: 508,709
Overall:S+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
6. Claymore (2007)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In a world plagued by deadly creatures called "youma," a young silver-eyed girl, Clare, works on behalf of an organization that trains female youma half-breeds to become warriors.
Stars: Todd Haberkorn, Stephanie Young, Houko Kuwashima, Cherami Leigh
Votes: 15,133
Overall:A+
Action:S
Plot:B
Feel:S
Quality:A-
Character Design:A
Character Depth:C
World Setting:S
Music:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
Having revisited Claymore more than a decade after my initial watch, and re-watching it about 5 years ago, I find myself torn about this anime. This show is a gem that sparkles brightly in its early episodes, easily standing among the best anime I've ever seen. The action sequences are top-notch, the OST is fantastic, and the dark atmosphere is simply gripping.
However, the bitter truth is that Claymore, like many great shows, was prematurely discontinued. This led to an improvised ending that left me with mixed emotions. The second part of the anime, perhaps due to the rushed pacing and abrupt power-ups, didn't quite live up to the excellence set by its initial episodes. I'm not sure whether to blame the manga or the anime for this, but it's a flaw that can't be overlooked.
Additionally, the show's 'quality (not the animation, which was awesome feels a bit dated on modern TVs, reminiscent of other shows from the early digital era. Darker Than Black comes to mind in that regard.
In its peak, Claymore could have been among the greatest anime of all time, thanks to its action sequences, captivating OST, and intense atmosphere. Unfortunately, the makeshift ending left a bit of a sour taste. Despite its flaws, I'd still recommend Claymore to fellow anime action enthusiasts. It has its shining moments that make the journey worthwhile, even if the destination isn't as satisfying as one might hope.
7. Chrome Shelled Regios (2009)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The world of tomorrow is an arid wasteland. Humans must live in domed cities to escape the threat of mutant Contaminoid monsters.
Stars: Vic Mignogna, Brina Palencia, Kyle Hebert, Alexis Tipton
Votes: 576
Overall:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
8. 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: 84,964
Overall:C+
9. 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: 377,567
Overall:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
10. 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: 73,223
Overall:A+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
11. 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: 24,142
Overall:B+
12. Samurai Champloo (2004–2005)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Fuu, a waitress who works in a teahouse, rescues two master swordsmen, Mugen and Jin, from their execution to help her find the "samurai who smells of sunflowers."
Stars: Kazuya Nakai, Ginpei Sato, Ayako Kawasumi, Steve Blum
Votes: 55,268
Overall:A-
13. Hellsing (2001–2002)
TV-MA | 23 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
A British taskforce, lead by the daughter of the vampire hunter Prof. Van Helsing, battles the supernatural with the aid of two vampires.
Stars: Jôji Nakata, Yoshiko Sakakibara, Fumiko Orikasa, Steven Brand
Votes: 18,200
Overall:B
14. Elfen Lied (2004)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
Two university students come across a seemingly harmless girl named Lucy, unaware that she's actually a mutant serial killer with a split personality.
Stars: Sanae Kobayashi, Chihiro Suzuki, Mamiko Noto, Sam Saletta
Votes: 36,858
Overall:B+
15. Gurren Lagann (2007)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Two friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion against the powerful Spiral King, who forced mankind into subterranean villages.
Stars: Tetsuya Kakihara, Shizuka Itou, Yuri Lowenthal, Marina Inoue
Votes: 20,988
Overall:A+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
16. Hellsing Ultimate (2006–2012)
Not Rated | 50 min | Animation, Action, Fantasy
The vampire Alucard, his master Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, and his newly sired ward Seras Victoria, try to protect England from a war-crazed SS-Major who seeks to start an eternal war with his vampire army.
Stars: Katie Gray, Crispin Freeman, Victoria Harwood, Ralph Lister
Votes: 26,678
Overall:D
17. Heroic Age (2007)
TV-PG | Animation, Action, Adventure
Set in a distant future, Heroic Age tells the story of the quest of the human race to find the messianic individual that holds the power to save mankind. This savior, named Age, is the only... See full summary »
Stars: Caitlin Glass, Joel McDonald, R. Bruce Elliott, Luci Christian
Votes: 576
Overall:B
18. Utawarerumono (2006)
TV-14 | Animation, Action, Adventure
An injured man wakes up in a small village after being rescued by an apprentice physician. He has no memory of who he is and a mask he cannot take off, he then decides to live with the ... See full summary »
Stars: Rikiya Koyama, Ryôka Yuzuki, John Gremillion, Kira Vincent-Davis
Votes: 477
Overall:A-
19. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002–2005)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Crime
The futuristic adventures of a female cyborg counter intelligence agent and her support team.
Stars: Shirô Saitô, Atsuko Tanaka, Osamu Saka, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn
Votes: 20,922
Overall:A-
20. 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: 80,003
Overall:A+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
21. No Game, No Life (2014)
TV-14 | 23 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Siblings Sora and Shiro make up the most feared team of pro gamers in the world, The Blank. When they manage to beat God himself in a game of chess, they are sent to a world where all disputes are settled with games.
Stars: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Ai Kayano, Yôko Hikasa, Scott Gibbs
Votes: 18,376
Overall:C
Action:C
Plot:B
Character Design:A+
Character Depth:C
World Setting:S
Quality:S
Music:*
22. One Punch Man (2015– )
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
The story of Saitama, a hero that does it just for fun & can defeat his enemies with a single punch.
Stars: Makoto Furukawa, Kaito Ishikawa, Max Mittelman, Zach Aguilar
Votes: 185,443
Overall:S
Action:S
Plot:C
Character Design:A+
Character Depth:B
World Setting:A+
Music:A
Quality:S+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
23. 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: 52,880
Overall:A+
Action:A
Plot:B
Character Design:A
Character Depth:S
World Setting:A+
Music:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
24. 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: 5,332
Overall:A-
Action:C
Plot:A
Character Design:B
Character Depth:A
World Setting:B
Music:D
25. 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: 17,868
Overall:A
Action:A
Plot:C
Character Design:A
Character Depth:A
World Setting:B
Music:B
26. 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: 12,648
Overall:B-
Action:B
Plot:A+
Feel:B-
27. 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: 14,575
Overall:A-
Feel:A
Quality:S
28. Erased (2016)
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Crime, Drama
29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma is sent back in time 18 years to prevent the events leading to his mother's death, which began with a series of kidnappings while he was in 5th grade.
Stars: Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Tao Tsuchiya, Minami Takayama, Ben Diskin
Votes: 58,030
Overall:A
Plot:A+
Feel:A
Character Depth:A
*Anime Hall of Fame*
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: 22,266
Overall:A-
30. 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: 12,462
Overall :A
31. Parasyte: The Maxim (2014–2015)
TV-MA | 22 min | Animation, Action, Drama
17-year-old Shinichi Izumi is partially infected by a Parasyte, monsters that butcher and consume humans. He must learn to co-exist with the creature if he is to survive both the life of a Parasyte and a human as part monster, part person.
Stars: Aya Hirano, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Rinka H.B.B., Brittney Karbowski
Votes: 48,332
Overall :A
32. Noragami (2014–2015)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A minor god seeking to gain widespread worship teams up with a human girl he saved to gain fame, recognition and at least one shrine dedicated to him.
Stars: Hiroshi Kamiya, Maaya Uchida, Yûki Kaji, Jason Liebrecht
Votes: 18,907
Overall:A
Action:A
Feel:A-
Quality:A+
33. 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: 14,718
Overall:S
Action:S+
Plot:A
Feel:A-
Music:S+
Quality:S+
(Scores for all the Franchise not just Fate/Zero)
*Anime Hall of Fame*
34. Yu-Gi-Oh! (1998)
TV-Y7-FV | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Yugi Mutou is a shy young boy who has finally completed his grandfather's Thousand-Year puzzle. Little does he realize that this puzzle unleashes an alter ego who challenges anyone who hurts Yugi to a game. The losers often pay dearly.
Stars: Toshiyuki Morikawa, Megumi Ogata, Ryôtarô Okiayu, Yumi Kakazu
Votes: 2,090
Overall:A-
Feel:A-
Music:A+
Pros: Great Opening,Yami is Satan,Yugi Transformation to Yami is iconic,Kaiba is hilariously desperate, some games are interesting.
Cons: Childish, Lack of "big plot", No true sense of danger, Generic characters.
35. Shaman King (2001–2005)
TV-Y7 | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
SHAMAN KING follows the adventures of a 13-year-old shaman and his teammate a samurai warrior spirit, who traverse the world fighting evil spirits and misguided shamans on their journey to be the next Shaman King.
Stars: Oliver Wyman, Andrew Rannells, Michael Sinterniklaas, Tara Sands
Votes: 6,479
Overall:B+
Action:B+
Plot:B
Feel:A-
Music:A+
36. 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: 3,239
Overall:A-
Action:A-
Feel:A
Music:A
37. Berserk (2016–2017)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Guts is haunted by demons who are attracted to him because of a demonic mark on his neck.
Stars: Max Mittelman, Sarah Anne Williams, Erik Scott Kimerer, Hiroaki Iwanaga
Votes: 7,463
Overall:B-
Action:B
Plot:A-
Feel:C
Quality:F
38. Utawarerumono: The False Faces (2015– )
24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Anime based on the second game in the Utawarerumono series features the unnamed protagonist who wakes up awkwardly in the middle of a vast snowy plain that he doesn't recognize and can't ... See full summary »
Stars: Keiji Fujiwara, Kregg Dailey, Risa Taneda, Shanae'a Moore
Votes: 141
Overall:B
Action:A-
Plot:B-
Feel:B-
39. Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World - The Animated Series (2017)
23 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
Destination is a state of mind. A tale of one girl and her bike and the road ahead. Kino wanders around the world on the back of Hermes, her unusual, anthropomorphic motorcycle, only ... See full summary »
Stars: Aoi Yûki, Sôma Saitô, Lindsay Seidel, Derick Snow
Votes: 740
Overall:B
Action:B-
Feel:A-
40. 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: 5,013
Overall:A-
Feel:A-
41. Digimon Adventure tri. Part 1: Reunion (2015)
Not Rated | 96 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
After years of inactivity, the DigiDestined regroup with their Digimon to save their world, but have the years changed their characters too much?
Director: Keitarô Motonaga | Stars: Cherami Leigh, Cristina Valenzuela, Robbie Daymond, Johnny Yong Bosch
Votes: 1,927 | Gross: $0.19M
Overall:B+
Action:A-
Plot:B
Feel:B
42. 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: 44,362
Overall:B
Feel:B+
Plot:A-
Character Depth:S
World Setting:S
43. Akame ga Kill! (2014)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A countryside boy named Tatsumi sets out on a journey to The Capital to make a name for himself and met a seemingly dangerous group of Assassins known as Night Raid. Their journey begins.
Stars: Sôma Saitô, Corey Hartzog, Sora Amamiya, Molly Searcy
Votes: 29,831
Overall:A+
Action:S
Plot:B
Feel:A-
World Setting:A
Quality:S
44. KILL la KILL (2013–2014)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Comedy
A young girl arrives at a school of superhumans to find out the truth behind her father's murder.
Stars: Ami Koshimizu, Aya Suzaki, Toshihiko Seki, Shin'ichirô Miki
Votes: 16,770
Overall:A+
Action:S-
Plot:B+
Feel:S-
Comedy:S
Quality:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
45. Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Drama
A Tokyo college student is attacked by a ghoul, a superpowered human who feeds on human flesh. He survives, but has become part ghoul and becomes a fugitive on the run.
Stars: Natsuki Hanae, Austin Tindle, Brina Palencia, Sora Amamiya
Votes: 64,648
Overall:A-
Action:A
Plot:C
Feel:B
Quality:A+
World Setting:A+
46. Blue Exorcist (2011)
TV-14 | 30 min | Animation, Action, Drama
After discovering that he's the son of Satan, a young man must join the True Cross Academy in order to master his abilities and defeat Satan himself.
Stars: Nobuhiko Okamoto, Bryce Papenbrook, Jun Fukuyama, Johnny Yong Bosch
Votes: 15,048
Overall:B-
Action:B
Plot:C
Feel:C
Quality:A
World Setting:B
47. Soul Eater (2008–2009)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Set in the Shinigami technical school, the series revolves around a partnership between a weapon meisters and a human weapons. Trying to reach a ranking of "Death Scythe" they must collect the souls of 99 evil humans and 1 witch.
Stars: Laura Bailey, Chiaki Omigawa, Micah Solusod, Brittney Karbowski
Votes: 14,419
Overall:A+
Action:A+
Plot:A
Feel:A
Quality:S
World Setting:A
*Anime Hall of Fame*
48. Planetes (2003–2004)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi
Ai Tanabe joins the Debris Section of the Technora Corporation as they work to remove the debris left around Earth. As Ai tries to accommodate to space life, she learns more about her crew on the dilapidated 'Toy Box'.
Stars: Kazunari Tanaka, Satsuki Yukino, Ai Orikasa, Kirk Thornton
Votes: 3,920
Overall:A
Plot:A
Feel:A+
Character Depth:A
World Setting:S
Music:B
*Anime Hall of Fame*
49. Space Cobra (1982–1983)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
In the 24th Century, space pirate Cobra, a womanizing vagabond with a mysterious past and a powerful "psychogun" for a hand, fights the galaxy spanning crime syndicate, The Pirate Guild.
Stars: Nachi Nozawa, Yoshiko Sakakibara, Gara Takashima, Yûji Mikimoto
Votes: 873
Overall:A-
Action:B
Plot:B
Feel:A
Quality:A+
World Setting:S
Music:A
50. Space Battleship Yamato 2199 (2012–2013)
TV-14 | Animation, Action, Adventure
In the year 2199, the space battleship Yamato embarks on a voyage to the planet Iscandar, to retrieve a device that will rejuvenate a war-ravaged Earth.
Stars: Mallorie Rodak, Monica Rial, Jamie Marchi, Mike McFarland
Votes: 1,174
Overall:A
Action:A-
Plot:B
Feel:A-
Quality:S
World Setting:A
Music:S
51. Vinland Saga (2019–2023)
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Following a tragedy, Thorfinn embarks on a journey with the man responsible for it to take his life in a duel as a true and honorable warrior to pay homage.
Stars: Yûto Uemura, Mike Haimoto, Shin'ya Takahashi, Alejandro Saab
Votes: 71,109
Overall:A+
Action:S
Plot:A
Feel:A
Quality:S
World Setting:S
Music:A
52. Dororo (2019)
Not Rated | 30 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A father in pursuit of power gives parts of his new-born son to a host of demons. Years later, the son battles those demons to regain what is rightfully his.
Stars: Jason Douglas, Rio Suzuki, Mugihito, Chaney Moore
Votes: 19,939
Overall:A-
Action:S
Plot:B
Feel:B
Quality:A
World Setting:S
Music:B
53. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019– )
TV-MA | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A family is attacked by demons and only two members survive - Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko, who is turning into a demon slowly. Tanjiro sets out to become a demon slayer to avenge his family and cure his sister.
Stars: Natsuki Hanae, Zach Aguilar, Abby Trott, Akari Kitô
Votes: 147,017
Overall:S
Action:S
Plot:A
Feel:S
Quality:S
World Setting:A
Music:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
First and foremost, let me state that this show is undoubtedly one of the best modern anime series out there, and easily one of the top-tier shows currently running. And the best part? It only gets better as the show progresses (at least up until season 3). The action sequences are amazing, and the animation quality, despite being CGI, is superb (as is typical for most of Ufotable's creations). The pacing is great, and the world-building and character design are solid. However, while the show is undoubtedly excellent, it sometimes suffers from over-analysis and overthinking, reminiscent of the Naruto series. Additionally, certain plot points and character motivations can feel slightly arbitrary, leaving you with the feeling of "ok, whatever?" Nevertheless, this remains an exceptional anime that is well worth a watch.
54. Shaman King (2021–2022)
TV-PG | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Shaman King follows the adventures of a 13-year-old shaman and his teammate a samurai warrior spirit, who traverse the world fighting evil spirits and misguided shamans on their journey to be the next Shaman King.
Stars: Yôko Hikasa, Tara Sands, Masahiko Tanaka, Romi Park
Votes: 2,459
Overall:B-
Action:B
Plot:A
Feel:B
Quality:A
World Setting:A
For those who have either watched or are contemplating watching this anime, it's inevitable to draw comparisons with the original Shaman King, a prerequisite given its established legacy. While the infusion of a more mature tone added an interesting layer, I couldn't shake the feeling that this rendition falls short of the original. For instance, the original series reached its pinnacle during the confrontation with Tao Ren's father, a moment that felt truly special. In contrast, this time around, that particular highlight seemed to lack the same impact.
The saga involving the island showcased promising elements, featuring a multitude of characters with intricate motives. However, it concluded in a manner that struck me as somewhat peculiar. Moving on to the novel saga introduced in this adaptation, it held promise but suffered from a noticeable rush, a consequence of the series attempting to cover more plot with fewer episodes. While certain segments of the show managed to captivate, the overall experience left me with a sense of generic familiarity.
P.S.: It's important to highlight that the "Flashback Saga" deserves special recognition in this anime. This particular mini arc stands out as a pinnacle of excellence, offering a truly captivating and well-executed story. Amidst other aspects of the show, this saga shines brightly, showcasing the series at its arguable best point of the show.
55. Hikaru no Go (2001–2003)
TV-G | 23 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
A sixth-grader Hikaru Shindo accidentally awakens the spirit of a deceased Go prodigy Fujiwara no Sai who then accompanies Hikaru and helps him develop his Go skills.
Stars: Tomoko Kawakami, Susumu Chiba, Sanae Kobayashi, Yumi Kakazu
Votes: 1,409
Overall:S
Plot:S
Feel:S
Quality:A
Character Depth:S
World Setting:S
Music:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
At first glance, an anime centered around the intricate game of Go might seem like a tough sell, but let me assure you, it unfolds into an unparalleled masterpiece, making it, in my opinion, one of the greatest anime shows of all time. Pinpointing the exact elements that elevate this series to such heights is challenging, yet I attribute its brilliance to a harmonious blend of timeless animation, a captivating original soundtrack, and a meticulously crafted, true-to-life world setting.
What sets this anime apart are the moments of intense anticipation leading up to gripping battles, the palpable excitement surrounding the enigmatic figure of Sai, and the profound exploration of the concept of Sai itself. The characters' emotions and development are woven seamlessly into the narrative, contributing significantly to the show's appeal. Despite a somewhat extended arc in the middle, the overall pacing remains commendable, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the characters' growth over the course of the series.
Given the anime's substantial length, there's a tangible sense of witnessing the characters evolve, adding a unique dimension to the viewing experience. In conclusion, this anime stands as a truly exceptional and distinctive gem; I find it challenging to identify any other show that compares. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend it to any anime enthusiast, as it offers a captivating blend of strategic gameplay, emotional depth, and an unforgettable journey through the world of Go.
56. Dragon Ball (1986–1989)
TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Son Gokû, a fighter with a monkey tail, goes on a quest with an assortment of odd characters in search of the Dragon Balls, a set of crystals that can give its bearer anything they desire.
Stars: Masako Nozawa, Jôji Yanami, Brice Armstrong, Stephanie Nadolny
Votes: 65,958
Overall:A+
Action:S
Plot:A
Character Design:A
Character Depth:B
World Setting:A
Music:A+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
57. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009–2015)
TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Goku is settled with his family and is living in peace. Unfortunately, his peaceful time is momentary as a visitor crashes into the planet claiming to be his brother.
Stars: Masako Nozawa, Jôji Yanami, Sean Schemmel, Doc Morgan
Votes: 24,647
Overall:S+
Action:S+
Plot:S
Character Design:S+
Character Depth:A
World Setting:A
Music:S+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
58. Dragon Ball GT (1996–1997)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
After Goku is made a kid again by the Black Star Dragon Balls, he goes on a journey to get back to his old self.
Stars: Elise Baughman, Andrew Chandler, Masako Nozawa, Yûko Minaguchi
Votes: 28,887
Overall:A-
Action:B+
Plot:B-
Character Design:S
World Setting:A
Music:A
59. Dragon Ball Super (2015–2018)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Six months after the defeat of Majin Buu, The mighty Saiyan Son Goku continues his quest on becoming stronger.
Stars: Masako Nozawa, Naoki Tatsuta, Sean Schemmel, Ryô Horikawa
Votes: 35,745
60. 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: 134,055
Overall:A+
*Anime Hall of Fame*
61. Hunter x Hunter (1999–2001)
TV-PG | 23 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
The history of Gon Freecs, a boy who left home alone to become a Hunter. In the hard test, Gon meets Leorio, Kurapika and Killua.
Stars: Junko Takeuchi, Yuki Kaida, Hozumi Gôda, Annika Odegard
Votes: 9,585
62. Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files (1992–1995)
TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
After a teenage delinquent is killed while saving a child's life from an approaching car, the rulers of the underworld send him back to become an "Underworld Detective" investigating demons apparitions in the human world.
Stars: Nozomu Sasaki, Justin Cook, Christopher Sabat, Cynthia Cranz
Votes: 16,016
Overall:A+
Action:A+
Plot:B
Feel:S+
Character Design:S
Character Depth:S
World Setting:A
Music:S
*Anime Hall of Fame*
63. Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon (2020– )
TV-14 | Animation, Action, Adventure
An adventure following Sesshomaru's half-demon twin daughters, Towa and Setsuna, as they discover the mysteries of their past along with Moroha, the daughter of Inuyasha and Kagome.
Stars: Sara Matsumoto, Mikako Komatsu, Agostina Longo, Azusa Tadokoro
Votes: 1,251
Overall:B
Action:C
Plot:B
Feel:C
Quality:B
Character Design:S
Character Depth:C
World Setting:A
Music:S-
Yashahime, viewed independently, falls short of delivering a captivating anime experience. Without the connection and nostalgic elements tied to Inuyasha, one of my all-time favorites, it would lack the appeal to make it a worthwhile watch. Fortunately, for fans of the Inuyasha series, Yashahime offers a generous dose of "nostalgia fan service," providing moments that tug at the heartstrings and induce laughter. However, on a broader scale, the anime remains fairly average. The plot takes some peculiar turns, and the pacing leaves much to be desired.
While the animation quality is decent, it fails to leave a lasting impression, especially during the action sequences, which I find to be the weakest aspect of the show. Not a single action moment manages to stand out as memorable throughout the series. The main protagonists come off as rather "generic," particularly when compared to the original Inuyasha crew. Kagome, for instance, surpasses Towa in terms of depth and appeal.
Despite the infusion of original Inuyasha vibes into the soundtrack, most of the opening and ending themes leave much to be desired. In summary, Yashahime may offer some emotional and humorous moments for Inuyasha enthusiasts, but as a standalone anime, it struggles to rise above mediocrity due to a peculiar plot, subpar pacing, and lackluster action scenes.
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