Anime has evolved from a niche Japanese art form into a global cultural phenomenon that captivates millions of viewers worldwide. With thousands of series and films produced over the decades, determining the “best” anime can be subjective, but certain titles have consistently earned critical acclaim, commercial success, and devoted fandoms that transcend cultural boundaries. This comprehensive guide explores the most influential, innovative, and beloved anime productions that have shaped the medium and continue to inspire new generations of fans and creators.
The Golden Age Foundations
The foundation of modern anime excellence was laid during what many consider the golden age of the medium, spanning from the 1980s through the early 2000s. During this period, several groundbreaking works established the artistic and narrative standards that continue to influence anime today.
Akira (1988) stands as perhaps the most influential anime film ever created. Katsuhiro Otomo’s cyberpunk masterpiece not only showcased unprecedented animation quality but also introduced Western audiences to the sophisticated storytelling possibilities of anime. Set in post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, the film’s exploration of power, corruption, and human evolution resonated globally, proving that anime could tackle mature themes with artistic sophistication. The film’s hand-drawn animation, consisting of over 160,000 individual cels, set a new standard for visual excellence that influenced countless subsequent productions.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996) revolutionized the mecha genre by infusing it with deep psychological exploration and religious symbolism. Hideaki Anno’s deconstruction of traditional giant robot narratives created a complex meditation on depression, identity, and human connection. The series’ influence extends far beyond anime, affecting pop culture, philosophy, and discussions about mental health representation in media. Its controversial ending sparked debates that continue today, cementing its status as one of anime’s most thought-provoking works.
Cowboy Bebop (1998) demonstrated anime’s potential for genre-blending excellence. Shinichiro Watanabe’s space western combined film noir aesthetics, jazz music, and existential themes to create a series that appealed to both anime newcomers and veterans. The show’s episodic structure, mature themes, and incredible soundtrack by Yoko Kanno made it a gateway series for many Western viewers, proving that anime could successfully adapt diverse storytelling approaches.
Studio Ghibli’s Animated Poetry
No discussion of the best anime is complete without acknowledging Studio Ghibli’s unparalleled contribution to animated cinema. Under the guidance of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio has created some of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant films in animation history.
Spirited Away (2001) represents the pinnacle of Miyazaki’s artistic vision. This Academy Award-winning film tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl trapped in a supernatural bathhouse who must overcome her fears to save her parents. The film’s environmental themes, rich character development, and stunning hand-drawn animation created a universal story that resonates across cultures. Its success at the box office and with critics worldwide demonstrated anime’s potential for mainstream appeal without compromising artistic integrity.
Princess Mononoke (1997) tackled environmental destruction and the conflict between industrial progress and natural preservation with nuanced storytelling that avoided simple moral judgments. The film’s complex characters, including the wolf-raised San and the curse-afflicted Ashitaka, embodied the gray areas of environmental conflict, making it one of anime’s most sophisticated explorations of humanity’s relationship with nature.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) showcased Miyazaki’s ability to create wonder from everyday experiences. These films demonstrated that anime could find profound meaning in simple stories about childhood, family, and growing up, establishing templates for slice-of-life storytelling that continue to influence creators today.
Modern Masterpieces and Evolution
The 2000s and beyond have seen anime evolve with changing technology and global audiences, producing works that build upon classical foundations while exploring new narrative territories.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010) is frequently cited as one of the best anime series ever created. Hiromu Arakawa’s story of two brothers seeking to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment combines adventure, philosophy, and political intrigue with masterful character development. The series’ exploration of war, sacrifice, and moral responsibility, combined with its satisfying conclusion, has earned it consistently high ratings among fans and critics alike.
Attack on Titan (2013-2023) redefined what anime could achieve in terms of suspense and plot complexity. Hajime Isayama’s story of humanity’s struggle against giant titans evolved from a simple survival narrative into a complex exploration of war, propaganda, and the cycle of hatred. The series’ ability to continuously subvert expectations while maintaining emotional investment in its characters demonstrated anime’s capacity for long-form storytelling that rivals the best television dramas.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019-present) has showcased how modern animation technology can enhance traditional storytelling. Studio Ufotable’s innovative blend of 2D and 3D animation techniques created some of the most visually spectacular action sequences in anime history, while the story’s focus on family bonds and perseverance in the face of tragedy resonated with global audiences, making it one of the highest-grossing anime franchises ever.
Genre-Defining Excellence
Certain anime have become synonymous with their respective genres, setting standards that subsequent works aspire to match.
Death Note (2006-2007) elevated the psychological thriller genre through its cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami and the detective L. The series’ exploration of justice, morality, and the corrupting nature of power created a compelling narrative that maintained tension throughout its run. Its influence can be seen in numerous subsequent anime that attempt to replicate its psychological complexity and moral ambiguity.
One Piece (1999-present) has redefined what a long-running adventure series can accomplish. Eiichiro Oda’s pirate epic has maintained quality and creativity across over 1000 episodes, creating one of the most expansive fictional worlds in any medium. The series’ themes of friendship, dreams, and freedom, combined with its imaginative world-building and character design, have made it one of the best-selling manga and most beloved anime series of all time.
Monster (2004-2005) demonstrated anime’s capacity for mature, realistic storytelling. Naoki Urasawa’s psychological thriller about a doctor pursuing a serial killer showcased the medium’s ability to tackle serious themes without relying on fantastical elements. The series’ European setting and focus on human psychology proved that anime could successfully adapt to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining its essential character.
Contemporary Innovation and Global Impact
Recent years have seen anime continue to innovate while gaining unprecedented global recognition and influence.
Your Name (2016) and Weathering with You (2019) by Makoto Shinkai have demonstrated anime’s continued relevance in exploring universal themes of love, connection, and environmental concern. These films’ stunning visual presentation and emotional resonance have made them global phenomena, proving that anime cinema remains vibrant and influential.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020-present) has shown how modern anime can blend traditional shounen elements with contemporary animation techniques and storytelling approaches. The series’ dynamic action sequences, complex magic system, and well-developed character relationships represent the current evolution of battle anime.
Violet Evergarden (2018) by Kyoto Animation exemplified the studio’s commitment to emotional storytelling and visual excellence. The series’ exploration of trauma, healing, and human connection through the story of a former child soldier learning to understand emotions showcased anime’s capacity for profound character development and social commentary.
The Slice-of-Life Revolution
Anime’s exploration of everyday life has produced some of its most beloved and influential works, proving that extraordinary storytelling can emerge from ordinary circumstances.
March Comes in Like a Lion (2016-2018) tackled depression and social isolation with remarkable sensitivity, using the game of shogi as a metaphor for life’s strategic challenges. The series’ honest portrayal of mental health struggles and the healing power of human connection established new standards for psychological realism in anime.
K-On! (2009-2012) transformed the cute-girls-doing-cute-things genre into something meaningful by focusing on the genuine friendships and personal growth of its characters. The series’ influence on subsequent slice-of-life anime cannot be overstated, as it demonstrated how seemingly simple premises could generate profound emotional investment.
The Enduring Legacy of Excellence
The best anime transcends cultural boundaries, language barriers, and medium limitations to create universal stories that resonate with human experience. From the groundbreaking animation of Akira to the emotional depth of Studio Ghibli films, from the genre-defining excellence of series like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to the contemporary innovations of modern productions, anime has consistently proven its capacity for artistic achievement and cultural impact.
What unites these diverse works is their commitment to storytelling excellence, visual innovation, and emotional authenticity. They demonstrate that animation is not merely entertainment but a legitimate art form capable of exploring the full spectrum of human experience. As anime continues to evolve and gain global recognition, these foundational works remain essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the medium’s artistic potential and cultural significance.
The best anime challenges viewers to expand their perspectives, question their assumptions, and connect with stories that might otherwise remain foreign to their experience. In doing so, these works fulfill art’s highest purpose: to illuminate the shared humanity that connects us all, regardless of the cultural context from which they emerge. Whether through the environmental allegories of Princess Mononoke, the psychological complexity of Evangelion, or the adventurous spirit of One Piece, the greatest anime productions continue to inspire, challenge, and entertain audiences worldwide, ensuring the medium’s continued relevance and artistic evolution.