Top Anime Series
This is my list of my top 75 favorite anime series. This list is entirely my opinion. This list is also always changing I for as long as I watch anime I don't think the list order will ever be set in stone. I am also trying to watch enough anime to make a Top 100 so this list is nowhere near complete.
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- CreatorKazuki NakashimaStarsTetsuya KakiharaShizuka ItouYuri LowenthalTwo friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion against the powerful Spiral King, who forced mankind into subterranean villages.10/10
As it stands, Gurren Lagann is my favorite anime of all time and for good reason. It's hard too put into words why I love this show so much without saying something that someone else hasn't already said. This show is epic in every sense and has, in my opinion, the best characters in any anime. Simon is perfect as the protagonist and Kamina is the epitome of inspiring. Yoko is great as the kick-ass female companion and Viral is probably my favorite rival character of all time. The animation and soundtrack are breathtaking and the story is the most epic thing I have ever witnessed. Without a doubt, Gurren Lagann is my favorite anime of all time. - StarsVic MignognaAaron DismukeRomi ParkWhen 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.10/10
I am counting the original and Brotherhood as my second favorite anime. My number 2 is a shared spot between Fullmetal Alchemist (the original) and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. I just can't choose between them when deciding which one I like more. I did put the original above Brotherhood but that is only because I recommend that you watch the original first since if you only watch Brotherhood then it is hard to watch the original as well. If you watch the original first then you can watch Brotherhood with no pacing problems. Both stories that are told in these two anime are both equally amazing and flow so well when you marathon these shows. I say marathon because after you watch one episode you won't want to do anything else until you watch it all. These are two stories that you NEED to watch before you die because not only are they compelling and interesting they are also lots of fun as well. The comedy blends seamlessly with the action and serious moments. These shows are undoubtedly perfect and are both deserving of my number two spot. - CreatorDai SatôKazuhiko ShimamotoStarsYûko SanpeiKeiji FujiwaraKaori Nazuka14-year-old Renton joins the rebel GekkoState ship, co-pilots the TypeZero with the mysterious Eureka, and unknowingly becomes part of a grand scheme.10/10
Not only one of the best mech anime out there, it's one of the best anime to be created. The world is spectacular, the animation is amazing, the soundtrack is beautiful and the characters are interesting and well written. There's not a single thing I disliked in the whole show and the story was one of the most epic things I've ever witnessed. The definition of perfection. - CreatorGorô TaniguchiIchirô ÔkouchiStarsJun FukuyamaTakahiro SakuraiJohnny Yong BoschAfter being given a mysterious power to control others, an outcast prince becomes the masked leader of the rebellion against an all-powerful empire.10/10
Lelouch stands as one of the best protagonists I have seen in any show (anime or not) and Code Geass boasts one of the best stories I have ever seen told in animation. Amazing animation and mech designs mixed in with tactical battles and a MC that can use mind control on people. Along with one of the best endings in anime history, Code Geass is one story you do not want to miss. - CreatorYoshiyuki TominoHajime YatateStarsSam VincentMamoru MiyanoShin'ichirô MikiIn the distant future, mankind has used up all of its fossil fuels, forcing them to turn to Solar Power as an alternate energy source. As a result, this causes a rift to form between richer and poorer nations, eventually leading to war. In the midst of this conflict, a mysterious military group known as "Celestial Being" aims to use force to bring peace to the world, by using special humanoid weapons known as Gundams.10/10
As it stands, 00 is not only my favorite Gundam anime but also one of my favorite anime ever. It has beautiful animation and mech designs with a compelling and action packed narrative along with really great characters. What more could you want from a mech anime? A satisfying and complete ending as well. - CreatorKazuki NakashimaStarsAmi KoshimizuAya SuzakiToshihiko SekiA young girl arrives at a school of superhumans to find out the truth behind her father's murder.10/10
What starts off as a simple revenge story ends up being one of the most hype and crazy anime I have ever seen. While this is an anime where you will either love it or hate it, it is still a show that delivers in every single thing possible. It has great characters, a soundtrack that is pure epicness, great animation and a really good dub. The fan service is done ironically as well so that makes the show even more funny then it already is. - CreatorShinichi KimuraStarsCherami LeighAustin TindleJad SaxtonAyumu has no pulse and very little luck. Instead of dying (again), Ayumu became the world's first magical girl zombie.10/10
Literally my favorite comedy anime of all time, this show excels in every single part. The comedy is hilarious, the characters are memorable and funny and the animation is really great. While it does get a bit dark in some episodes in the first season which lets it down a bit the comedy makes up for it greatly and it also has one of the better English dubs you can watch. - CreatorMasashi KishimotoStarsJunko TakeuchiMaile FlanaganKate HigginsNaruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.10/10
This entry counts for Shippuden as well since I have only seen some of it. Out of every battle-shounen that exists Naruto is by far one of the best to have come out. While sometimes the animation can go from to average to AMAZING it was never ugly to look at and the backgrounds were incredibly detailed. The characters are likable and fun to watch as well and I found myself invested and liking every single character, including the ones that I didn't like at first. The story is epic and unlike a lot of long-running anime, the story feels like something that can ONLY be told with a large amount of episodes which is good since this anime has over 700. While it hasn't finished yet, Naruto still stands as my favorite battle-shounen that I have seen and one of the only ones that's worth watching the whole way. - StarsLaura BaileyChiaki OmigawaMicah SolusodSet 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.10/10
If you like your monster battling series with a big dose of insanity and crazy characters then you will love Soul Eater. The fight scenes are a joy to watch and the animation is excellent but this anime really shines with it's characters and writing. Every single character (whether good or bad) seems to have a screw loose which makes for some really entertaining banter and comedy scenarios. Even when the show gets kind of dark the jokes never feel out of place and they always land. Some of the most fun you can have while watching an anime. - StarsYui HorieAi KayanoAsami SetoTrue Calendar year 71-a new age where 70% of the human population lives in space thanks to the development of "Dyson Sphere", a city in space. The world is divided into two main powers: The Dorssia Military Pact Federation, a power which grew out of a military alliance, and the Atlantic Rim United States (ARUS), which grew in power as it expanded its trade agreements. The minor nation of JIOR has declared neutrality between these two forces and maintains its peace through economic prosperity. Within the JIOR's Sphere, Haruto Tokishima lived an ordinary life as a high school student in the division known as "Module 77"-until the Dorssian military begins their sudden invasion.10/10
A perfect example of a hidden gem. I went into this show with no expectations and it blew me away. A great story, great characters and a crazy mix of weird out of place humor with a very dark story and cool mechs. One of the few shows to make me cry more than once throughout it's run. This anime is sad and the ending just broke me. This needs to be more appreciated! - CreatorRei HiroeStarsDaiki YamashitaInori MinaseMikako KomatsuSota Mizushino is transported to his favorite anime. A strange villain appears, then Sota returns with the anime's heroine. More fictional characters appear in Tokyo. Why do these characters connect?By far, my pick for Anime of 2017. A very unique and interesting concept executed to perfection. A fantastic story told along with amazing animation and a badass soundtrack. This anime connected with me on a personal level. A must see.
- StarsNobuhiko OkamotoBryce PapenbrookJun FukuyamaAfter 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.9.5/10
While this anime may only be this high because it was the first anime I ever watched and I have a lot of great memories with it, after recently revisiting it I found that it was as good as I remembered it. It has some really likable characters, great action sequences and a complete story which makes it worth the watch. Season 2 is also pretty alright, and I am looking forward to seeing if this series will continue. - CreatorGen UrobuchiStarsKana HanazawaMiyuki SawashiroNoriko HidakaBelieving 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.9/10
This anime is amazing just on premise alone but mix that in with a great cast of characters, a dark and twist filled story line with amazing animation and an awesome soundtrack, it's a definite recipe for success. And from episode 1 to the finale it stays perfect in every single part. A good English dub as well. - StarsBryce PapenbrookErika HarlacherMax MittelmanThe story of the Seven Deadly Sins, a group of warriors who were wrongly accused of a crime they didn't commit and went on a quest to vindicate themselves.9.5/10
One of the best fantasy-adventure stories you can watch mixed in with an amazing soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano (He also did Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill, Aldnoah.Zero, Seraph of the End and Kabaneri), excellent animation and really enjoyable characters. If you love action, fantasy and comedy all seamlessly mixed into one show then this is one anime you do not want to miss. - StarsDaiki YamashitaJustin BrinerNobuhiko OkamotoA superhero-admiring boy enrolls in a prestigious hero academy and learns what it really means to be a hero, after the strongest superhero grants him his own powers.9/10
While this is above Bubuki Buranki, only the first season aired in 2016 and the show is still ongoing. The animation is spectacular and it has one of my favorite groups of characters I've ever seen in any anime. Midoriya's story is one of the most inspiring I've ever seen and I am pumped for whatever this show throws at us next. - CreatorKazuya TsurumakiStarsJun MizukiMayumi ShintaniIzumi KasagiMysterious things start happening when 12-year-old Naota meets a strange woman on a Vespa wielding a big guitar.9/10
Pure insanity along with a nice coming of age story makes for a great combination in FLCL's case. Some really great characters, especially Haruka who is a genius at random spastic action and a really great animation style. It's an anime that I loved every second of for all 6 episodes that it has. If your going to watch it though, the English dub is the only way to go. - CreatorYasuhiro NightowStarsDaisuke SakaguchiKazuya NakaiIan SinclairThe hit show from the creator of Trigun continues its crime-fighting, otherworldly adventure in the chaotic city of Hellsalem's Lot.9/10
Hilarious, wacky and one of the most entertaining shows I have ever seen. The characters are all great to watch and the OP and ED songs are amazing. Not only is it such a unique show but it's also one of the best recent anime. - StarsYûsuke KobayashiSôma SaitôMikako KomatsuAway from home for 10 years, Azuma Kazuki attacked by dozens of heavily armed people and taken as their prisoner. Fortunately, Azuma's stay in captivity is short. Wielding a strange sentient weapon-known as "Bubuki"-upon her right arm. After escaping, Azuma learns that he too has the power to control Bubuki. Together with his new companions, he must revive the Buranki titan named Oubu, that sleeps somewhere deep underground.9/10
My favorite show from 2016 is also unfortunately a show that almost nobody has seen. It might be because the show is done completely in CG but this is probably the best CG animated show I have ever seen (anime or cartoon). The CG looks really good, sometimes to the point where you forget you are watching a CG anime. The story is unlike anything I've ever seen and the characters, while the weakest part of the show are enjoyable to watch and have cool designs. It's a shame that an amazing anime like this is extremely underrated. - StarsKenichiro OhashiRisa TanedaMinori ChiharaHigh school student Mirai finds that her schoolmate Akihito is an immortal being and half a spirit. When Akihito learns that Mirai is a spirit world warrior their lives become intertwined.9/10
An amazing anime with great animation, a decent soundtrack and outstanding characters. The OP and ED are great, especially the ED and the show is always fun and enjoyable. This show just feels right in every possible way and it always delivers in the action and comedy. - StarsYûki KajiAi KayanoKana HanazawaAfter the outbreak of the unidentified virus "Lost Christmas" in 2029, Japan has been under the control of a multi-nation organization called GHQ. Ohma Shu is a 17 year old boy who has a psychic power in his right hand. He can use the power "Ability of King" to extract tools or weapons from his friends. He has been avoiding making trouble for others but his life changes when he meets a girl Yuzuriha Inori, a member of a resistance guerrilla group called "Funeral Parlor", whose members pilot mecha weapons to fight against the government.9/10
While this anime gets a fair amount of hate I found nothing to dislike at all when I watched it. It has literally perfect animation, a beautiful art style, an epic soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano, great voice acting in the dub and a really amazing story that has a good ending. It was great to watch from beginning to end and it deserves a lot more praise then it gets (mainly in the technical department). - StarsRoger Craig SmithRobbie DaymondKeith SilversteinA large group of survivors seek shelter while travelling on a train after their station was attacked by aggressive, undead creatures called Kabane.9/10
If you like zombies, feudal japan, samurais and violence then you will love this anime. Mix that in with memorable characters, an amazing soundtrack and some beautiful animation then this is one anime you do not want to miss. Deserves another season. - CreatorKazuki TakahashiStarsMatthew LabyorteauxWayne GraysonTony SalernoA semi-spinoff of the popular Yu-Gi-Oh anime series, focusing on a boy named Jaden and his misadventures as a student at an esteemed Duel Monsters academy.9.5/10
This was my childhood. It still holds up today but is mainly here because of major nostalgia. I still find it genuinely good. - CreatorTakahiroStarsSôma SaitôCorey HartzogSora AmamiyaA 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.8.5/10
Like Future Diary, Akame ga Kill is one of the more hated anime to come out recently but this show is so damn entertaining that it doesn't really matter. Whether your watching the dark and edgy story line, witnessing the epic fight scenes or the weird comedy moments that this show has it guarantees that you will never be bored. A really depressing finally though, in a good way. - StarsCaitlin GlassJoel McDonaldR. Bruce ElliottSet 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 human to have been raised by the Golden Tribe before they departed from the universe. The young princess of the humans, Dhianeila, and the crew of the Argonaut - an advanced spaceship able to travel between stars via lanes called Starways - find Age on the ruined planet Oron. After fending off an attack from a rival tribe, the Bronze Tribe, the human race sets off on a journey of salvation, led by Dhianeila and Age.8.5/10
Probably the most underrated entry one this list, Heroic Age stands as one of the best space shows I have seen. Great characters, amazing animation, a breathtaking soundtrack and some epic battle scenes. All of that amounts into one of the most satisfying experiences you can watch. A complete story that is a must watch for anime fans that deserves more attention. - CreatorDaisuke SatôStarsJun'ichi SuwabeEri KitamuraNobuyuki HiyamaHigh school students are overwhelmed with the start of the zombie apocalypse.8.5/10
You wouldn't really expect a zombie apocalypse survival story to mix so well with insane amounts of fan service. Spoiler: It doesn't really mix at all but it doesn't matter since this show is extremely fun, action packed and it doesn't take itself too seriously. This is one show that deserves a second season even though it has a pretty good ending anyway.