So, are you a big anime lover? You've probably seen most of the anime series and movies below, but can you name at least a few of your favorites?
Since the 80s of the last century, when the popularity of anime began to spread widely outside Japan, we have enjoyed watching countless new TV series, computer games based on anime stories, and got to know this genre closer, penetrating and admiring it.
Finally, after decades of fascinating research into Japanese animation and scrutinizing the rankings of several well-known anime sites, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best TV anime series, ranking them in ascending order from 1st to 25th.
1. Death Note
Death Note tops our list for many reasons. Firstly, the lead position is given to the show by a large number of Japanese fans. It was also ranked number one of the Most Popular Anime Series by MyanimeList.
Death Note is an anime imbued with a dark spirit, because its main character is not your typical good-boy, like in many other series. This film excites the imagination, challenging the anime canon and presenting the viewer with a completely different plot.
- Shinigami (also Shinigami) is the god of death, capable of killing anyone just by looking into his face and writing down his name in the death note.
- Ryuk, the god of death, bored with his usual life, throws one of these notebooks into the world of people to see how they will use it.
- Light Yagami - the best student of the school - finds the Death Note and tries it in action, writing down the name of the culprit on its page. The instant death of the latter makes Light understand what destructive power the notebook, which fell into his hands, possesses.
Light decides to cleanse the world of crime with the help of this notebook, and people begin to worship him. The police, however, suspect a serial killer is on the hunt for the criminals and try to track him down with the help of an eccentric detective named "L."
The manga that served as the script for the series was published in 2003-2006 and included 12 episodes containing 108 chapters.
The anime series, produced by animation studio Madhouse under the direction of Tetsuro Araki, consists of 37 episodes. It was shown on Japanese television and aired from October 2006 to June 2007.
In 2006, a light novel (or light novel, "light novel" or "simplified novel" - a type of Japanese literature, which is a short illustrated novel aimed at adolescents and young people), based on the plot of this anime series, was released, followed by it was followed by a series of video games from Nintendo and 3 feature films, a television drama and mini-series in Japanese, and an American-made film aired on Netflix in August 2017.
The series became so popular that a musical was staged on Broadway based on it.
If you want to experience the best of anime, Death Note is definitely the show to start with. You will be amazed at the experience of this dark, stunning series.
2. Attack on Titans - Shingeki no Kyojin
Recognized as an anime fiction by the Ranker poll, Attack on Titans is definitely a fantastic and revolutionary anime.
The series tells the story of a young man named Eren Yeager, who vowed to destroy huge humanoid creatures - "titans" - after they destroyed his hometown and killed his mother.
Vivid imagery, an incredible storyline and a special atmosphere have given this series a unique character and won the love of many anime fans.
With its gripping storytelling and full on-screen fiction, Attack on Titans has become known as the longest running anime series, although its original version only spans 25 episodes.
The series is based on the award-winning manga by Hajime Isayama. It tells the story of the adventures of Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Alert and their struggle against the titans. The heroes do their best to save the three walls that surround what is left of the human world from the terrible attacks of the titans.
There are also three different military organizations involved in protecting humanity. The soldiers use special wrestling equipment known as the SPM - Spatial Maneuvering Device, used to move through trees, walls, and buildings to launch attacks on titans.
The original film was shown on television in 2013, and following its success, a spin-off light novel was created and manga comics were released. The second season of the series was released in 2017, and the third was scheduled for release in July 2018.
In 2018, Attack on Titans sold 74 million prints, making it one of the best-selling manga in history.
So, if you want to see inspiring, well-drawn anime with a fast-paced plot, be sure to check out Attack on Titans. We are sure that the series will captivate you so much that you will watch all the episodes in one go!
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
If you think anime is just for kids, you should probably think again. If you're an adult but still yearning to explore the stunning world of anime, then Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a show to start with.
Unlike the first Fullmetal Alchemist, which was only partially based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa, this series was made after the completion of the comics' release and carefully followed their storyline.
The series includes 65 engaging episodes, constantly stirring up interest and making you want more. The series premiered in 2009 and was written by Hiroshi Onogi and directed by Yasuhiro Irie. Episodes were released until 2010.
Almost immediately after its release, the series was supplied with English subtitles, which made it popular not only among Japanese-speaking audiences.
We have already told you about the two mutilated brothers Edward and Alphonse, who continue to seek a way of alchemical transformation in order to resurrect their dead mother and restore their bodies to strong and healthy form. Edward loses his leg and sacrifices his hand to save his brother's soul during an out-of-control alchemical experiment. The soul of Alphonse was imprisoned in armor, and Edward, putting it on himself, together with his other brothers goes to the capital in order to become the Fullmetal Alchemist of the state of Amestris, which is under martial law. He embarks on a search for a philosopher's stone, capable of granting him unlimited alchemical abilities. In the course of events, Edward learns several classified government secrets related to his father's past.
DVD and Blu-ray editions were sold worldwide, and the series was broadcast on American, British, Australian and other channels around the world, gaining millions of fans every corner of the globe.
The universe of the series "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" will not make you bored and rewind the series. Every minute of this brilliant anime is a breathtaking sight worthy of your time and attention.
4. Naruto: Hurricane Chronicles (Naruto Shippuden)
Naruto has been a huge franchise since the first series appeared many years ago. Since then, countless comics, films, games, TV series and related products have been released, sold to the growing army of Naruto fans.
"Naruto: Hurricane Chronicles" tells the story of the life and adventures of Naruto Uzumaki - a young, energetic and noisy ninja, striving to become "Hogake" - the strongest ninja in his village. The plot of the series unfolds two years after Naruto left Konohagakure to begin intense training.
The Akatsuki elite ninja clan plans to establish dominance over the entire ninja world. Even as he grew up, Naruto did not change much, except that he became more confident in himself. In his former aspiration to become Hogake, he puts all his heart and soul into each of his battles.
All the characters on the show, even the antagonists, are great - which is why so many people around the world adore it.
The plot twists constantly excite viewers and whet their interest, thanks to which this series remains one of the leaders in terms of watch length.
It includes as many as 500 episodes that aired from 2007 to 2017. All these long years, Naruto fans have tirelessly followed the release of new episodes and the fate of their beloved hero. "Naruto: Hurricane Chronicles", unlike the first part of "Naruto", is more fond of a mature audience. Outstanding animation and music, as well as selected scenes will keep you watching this series over and over again.
If you're new to the Naruto: Hurricane Chronicles manga and anime series, this is where you should start!
5. Naruto
If you've ever heard of manga and anime, you've probably heard of Naruto as well. It closes the top three in the ranking of the best-selling manga in the entire history of the existence of Japanese comics, having sold a huge circulation of 235 million copies in 35 countries around the world.
The original manga was written by Masashi Kishimto. It told about the beginning of the path of the young Naruto Uzumaki - a child-ninja, yearning for recognition and dreaming of becoming Hogake - the head of his village. Just before his birth, the powerful demon Kyuubi possessed his body. This caused problems for the guy, who was desperately trying to take his place in the village.
The story is divided into 2 parts: the first tells about the youthful years of the hero, and during the second he is already a teenager. Based on the famous manga, the most popular anime series was filmed, which included 220 episodes, which originally appeared in Japan and aired in 2002-2007, and was also broadcast by the American TV channel "Cartoon Network" from 2005 to 2009.
The sequel to the series - "Naruto: Chronicles Hurricane" was released from 2009 to 2011 and consisted of 500 episodes. The story did not end with Naruto - it continued with the adventures of Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto's son in the manga Boruto: The Next Generations of Naruto.
In addition to the series, Naruto fans can watch one of 11 films and 11 original animated videos, play video games, read a light novel, and exchange cards with images of Naruto characters.
Naruto has won numerous awards and remains one of the most immersive anime series ever, combining action, adventure, martial arts, comedy and shounen in every 23-minute episode.
So, make sure you watch this growing up story filled with adventure, excitement, dramatic events and all that awaits from a stunning anime series.
6. Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z, or DBZ, is one of the most popular anime series known around the world. It is a sequel to Dragon Ball and an adaptation of subsequent manga chapters written and illustrated by Akira Toriyama.
The story begins with a plot about Goku living peacefully with his wife and son a couple of years after the main character won a martial arts tournament. Everything changes with the arrival of Raditz, who proclaims that he is Goku's long-lost brother. He tells Goku that he is a warrior of a now extinct race from another planet. Goku was sent to Earth in infancy to conquer and destroy this planet, but after a serious head injury, he lost his memory and became a kind protector of the weak.
Following this revelation, Goku and his friends face numerous attacks from alien enemies.
As a fan of the show, it's fun to watch the characters grow and mature since the Dragon Ball prequel. Dragon Ball Z ran from 1989 to 1996 and included 261 episodes. Thanks to the dramatic popularity of the series in the United States and Japan, 17 feature films and 148 video games based on Dragon Ball have been released.
There are two sequels to Dragon Ball: Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball Super.
Watching Dragon Ball Z is a must-see for any anime fan, naturally after seeing the first Dragon Ball movie even higher on our list.
7. Fairy Tail
This beautiful anime serial has earned a place in the top 10 because it combines great animation, interesting characters and a special arc-shaped plot structure. Some moments of Fairy Tail may seem rather boring to some viewers, but for true connoisseurs of anime in the Shonen genre, this series is a gift from heaven.
Lucy Heartfilia dreams of becoming an omnipotent Magician and for this she embarks on a quest for the Keys of Celestial Spirits. During her travels, she meets Natsu Dragneel and Happy, who, in turn, are looking for the dragon Igneel, Natsu's adoptive father. Natsu, a Mage and a member of the Fairy Tail Guild, rescues Lucy during an attempted kidnapping attempt. He invites her to join him.
Somewhere along the way, the group encounters S-Class Mage Erza Scarlet and Ice-Make Mage Gray Fullbuster, who join them in their quest. Together they fight evil and embark on countless adventures that make watching this series so exciting.
The series ran from 2009 to 2013 and won numerous awards in the anime industry during that period, including winning Best Japanese Anime at the 19th Anime and Manga Grand Prix in 2012. This series was based on the famous manga of the same name by Hiro Mashima.
The second season of the series premiered in Japan in 2014-2016, and the third season was slated for release in the fall of 2018. Make sure you're ready to watch the new Fairy Tail episodes and enjoy the 175 fantastic episodes of the show.
8. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online, also known as S.A.O., has a huge fandom. This is a beautifully drawn animated series with incredible musical accompaniment. Fans of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) will fall in love with this series without memory.
The plot unfolds in 2022 around several gamers who are part of a large gaming community involved in the launch of Sword Art Online, an MMORPG-like game that takes players into the world of virtual reality using special helmets.
Kirito is a passionate gamer who was one of the first to join the game and quickly became friends with the novice player Klein. With the help of the power of thought, the Iroks control their incarnations in the virtual world - the Aikrad fortress, where they gain access to various types of medieval weapons, face terrible monsters and fight monsters of higher levels - bosses.
Soon the players realize that they cannot leave the game: its creator has programmed them to be in the game until they have passed all its levels. The worst news was that death in the game was followed by death in real life.
Well, now you can imagine the exciting adventures that you will plunge into with this series. 25 of its episodes were based on the light novel Reki Kawahara and appeared in 2012. The books have also gained worldwide popularity, and some anime fans prefer them, because in some parts of the series key plot points, described in detail in the books, are missing.
MMORPG and anime fans will definitely enjoy Sword Art Online!
9. One Piece
Our favorite Luffy understood: if you really want to achieve something, you must put all your heart and soul into it, even if it costs you your life. For the inspiration that "Big Jackpot" gives, he is so loved by the fans. L
Luffy is a kind and adventurous pirate who embarked on a quest for a great mysterious treasure called "Big Score". This artifact is the legacy of the Great Age of pirates, each of whom pursued the dream of being the first to find the treasure and receive the title of Pirate King.
The series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a 17-year-old boy who overcomes countless obstacles, reveals dark mysteries and battles various enemies on his way in order to get the coveted prize and title.
The series, produced by Toei Animation, premiered on October 20, 1999 and aired on Fuji Television. Since then, over 800 episodes of the series have been aired on various network channels around the world.
In 2011, several crossovers were released with characters from "Toriko", and in 2013 - from "Dragon Ball".
In June 2004, 4Kids Entertainment acquired the rights to broadcast Big Jackpot in North America. The "Pirate Rap" soundtrack was specially composed for an American audience. The English version of the series premiered on Fox in September 2004, and later launched on Cartoon Network.
The show was interrupted on episode 143, as was its cassette release, as 4Kids deemed it unsuitable for its target audience. Since then, the production studio has developed more stringent guidelines and controls over the selection of anime series for purchase.
Funimation acquired the license for The Big Jackpot and translated it into English in 2007. The series has been subject to less censorship and has not undergone significant broadcast restrictions. The full 13-episode series has been released as a Collector's Edition on DVD in Japanese and English. After that, 14 more editions were released.
The full version of the series was broadcast on the evening episodes of the Toonami television channel. The Big Jackpot screening continued until the episode was removed in March 2017.
In 2013, a dubbed translation of Big Jackpot was released by Manga Entertainment on DVDs in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Latin America, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. On February 12, 2013, Manga Entertainment announced the release of Funimation's dubbed translation of Big Jackpot DVDs. Crunchroll launched the series in parallel on November 2, 2015 in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America.
By October 2017, the series had sold 430 million copies, and Big Jackpot topped the top-selling anime series in history.
The estimated cost of each episode of the series was about $ 88,750. "Big Jack" to this day has a loyal fan base all over the world.
10. Bleach
It is one of the longest running anime series, with 366 stunning episodes. He was on screens from 2004 to 2012 and acquired an army of fans who have followed him for years.
The story revolves around a schoolboy named Ichigo Kurosaki, who has the ability to see ghosts. He received this gift after an incident with a tree spirit. When he and his family are attacked by a "hollow" - a strong evil spirit, a soul guide (Shinigami) named Rukia Kuchiki rushes to save Ichigo and his family and receives serious wounds while protecting him.
To save his family, Ichigo promises to accept the powers of Rukia. As a result, the young man begins to undergo training to become a guide of souls (Shinigami). The plot of this series has a lot in common with the plot of "The Sixth Sense", so if you like this movie, then "Bleach" will also appeal to you.
Ichigo begins to hunt down all the Hollows attacking humans. He is joined by his classmates Yasutora Sado, Orihime Inoue, and Uryu Ishida, who also have supernatural powers.
The television series Bleach is an adaptation of the manga of the same name by Taito Kubo. The series was directed by Noriyuki Abe.
This marvelous anime adventure series will make you want a sequel, even though many anime fans start to get bored after the first 60 episodes. However, true fans will appreciate every single episode - from the first to 366 inclusive.
11. Code Geass
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch is an anime series set in 2010 during the war of conquest launched by the Holy British Empire against Japan. The Empire is using its powerful robotic weapon, Nightmare Frames (Nightmare Stills), to take everything from the Japanese, including the name of the country, which the occupying forces are renaming Zone 11.
The protagonist Lelouch Lamperouge is a born prince of the British Empire, who renounced the right to the throne after the brutal murder of his mother and vowed to destroy his father, the emperor.
He, caught in a shootout between the two armies, is rescued by a mysterious girl named S.S. From that moment on, Lelouch, hiding his face with a mask, embarks on an incredible journey under the name "Zero" to fight the British Empire in all possible ways.
This beautiful anime series was created by an all-female manga team called Clamp. Since the launch of 26 episodes of the series in 2006 and 2007, Code Geass's popularity has spread far beyond Japan.
Following the award-winning success of Code Geass, several light novels and manga have emerged based on the series' plot. The Blue-Ray and DVD editions have also sold millions of copies worldwide.
With gorgeous animation, a twisty plot and unexpected twists, and an incredible ending, this anime series is rightfully called the best anime series ever released.
12. Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is another stunning 148-episode anime series that aired on Nippon Television in Japan from October 2011 to 2014. It was released by Madhouse and is copyrighted by Viz Media. Each episode is 23 minutes long and includes action, shounen, adventure, super stories and fantasy.
You will not be left indifferent by the story of a teenager named Gon Freecs, who learns that his once deceased father is in fact alive and is a legendary hunter named Jean. Having made the decision to follow in his footsteps, Ghosn seeks to obtain the elite title "Hunter". The story follows Ghosn's preparation for the exam and his travels in search of his long-lost father. In his wanderings, Ghosn leads the search for treasures, captures enemies, makes friends and discovers unknown territories.
The series was directed by Hiroshi Kojina, written by Jan Maekwa and the character designer by Yoshimatsu Takahiro. The series "Hunter x Hunter" is a relaunch of the 1999 anime series.
The series instantly became popular in the USA, Canada, Australia, Great Britain and other countries. The captioned broadcast took place one hour after the original episode aired on the Crunchroll website. Today, Viz Media is licensed and is releasing an English dubbing series on Blue-ray and DVD in the US and Canada.
The series was launched on North American television in April 2016 through Adult Swim's Toonami.
"Hunter x Hunter" is a worthy anime series, during which you will enjoy the adventures of Gon during his becoming a real Hunter, as well as his friends - Leorio, Killua and Kurapiki, who meet all kinds of characters, monsters and strange creatures on their way.
Do not worry about the large number of episodes of this series: while watching it, you will be completely absorbed in the history of these characters, who have a myriad of strange abilities, amazing physical strength and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.
In fact, after Episode 148, you'll want some more!
Read next: 30 best anime series of all time. Part 2
