The following article takes a look at the most incredible anime shows of all time. Anime can be a highly subjective experience. What I consider good may not be what you consider good, so take everything with a grain of salt. This list is based on many different factors, including but not limited to character design, storyline, and music/voice acting/sound effects, addictiveness, and rewatchability.
Without further ado…
1. One Punch Man
One Punch Man is refreshingly unique from most of the anime on this list as it possesses a level of self-awareness that is almost unheard of in the genre. It’s about a hero named Saitama who can defeat any opponent with, you guessed it, one punch.
2. Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied takes the number nine spot in part due to its infamous ending that polarized fans. It is otherwise highly regarded for its story, characters, and soundtrack.
4. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan has captured the hearts of many with its use of fast-paced action accompanied by a gripping storyline.
4. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is widely considered one of the greatest anime shows of all time. It’s a show about bounty hunters in space and, while that may not sound interesting to you, it’ll keep you hooked from episode one onwards.
5. Death Note
Death Note is another self-aware anime that toys with its audience and how they perceive the story. It’s about a boy who possesses a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written into it.
6. Clannad: After Story
Clannad: After Story, much like One Punch Man, utilizes self-awareness to an almost unprecedented degree in the medium of anime. A sequel to Clannad, it is one of the best romantic comedies ever released.
7. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the most highly regarded anime on MAL; it’s no surprise that it made this list as well. It tells the story of two brothers on a journey to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone and, if they do, what will they use it for?
8. Death Parade
Death Parade is a show about people who come to an after-life bar where bartenders determine whether or not the person deserves to live on (to heaven) or die (to hell). It’s full of mystery and suspense with a surprising lack of horror, which is surprising considering the premise.
9. Attack on Titan Season 2
Attack on Titan Season 2 was considered by many to be a massive disappointment due to its lackluster animation and apparent refusal to advance the plot in any way, shape, or form. This is forgivable for this list as it was still entertaining enough to gain massive popularity. Still, at the same time, its lower quality compared to the first season is noteworthy.
10. Steins; Gate
Steins; Gate has everything you could ever want in an anime: compelling characters, a gripping story, excellent animation and direction, and phenomenal music/voice acting/sound effects. It takes one of the simplest concepts (time travel) and turns it into one of the most complex stories ever told.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never seen an anime before, Steins; Gate is the perfect place to start. It features just enough self-awareness to allow new fans to understand what’s going on without overdoing it, but it also takes itself seriously enough that it is far from a comedy; it’s an anime for people who appreciate anime.