20 Best Anime Series of All Time

Anime is undoubtedly one of Japan's defining features, enabling this country to effortlessly showcase its culture to the world. Nevertheless, with the vast array of anime titles available, selecting the most worthwhile ones to watch can be a daunting task.

Fortunately, you no longer need to be confused about picking the top anime to enjoy on your busy schedule. Showpoiler has compiled a list of the top 20 must-watch anime of all time. Curious about which anime made the cut? Find out below!

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Although Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was released in the 2010s, specifically in 2009, it remains a must-watch for anime enthusiasts due to its unique and captivating storyline. This anime goes beyond mere fantasy and adventure; it also explores weighty conflicts, particularly in the world of politics.

The story centers around two main characters, Ed and Al, who are brothers with an ambition to resurrect their deceased mother. In pursuit of this ambition, they delve into alchemy experimentation. Unfortunately, their efforts result in failure, leaving Ed without a leg and Al on the brink of losing his entire body. To save Al, they bind his soul to an iron armor.

Following this tragic incident, their goals shift slightly, now centered on restoring their bodies entirely. They come across the legend of the Philosopher's Stone, which is believed to have the power to grant any wish, including bringing the dead back to life.

Driven by the belief that the Philosopher's Stone can fulfill their deepest desires, they start an adventurous journey to find it. However, during their journey, they encounter many enemies involving royal politics.

2. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

Bleach has managed to maintain its popularity over the years, solidifying its place among the best anime of all time. One of the main reasons for its enduring appeal is the stunning visual presentation, particularly in the installment Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War.

However, what truly sets Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War apart is its gripping and intense storyline. The war narrative captivates the audience, drawing them deeper into the conflict between Quincy and the Soul Reapers. Even from watching a short trailer, I can sense the epic nature of the battle.

The story continues to follow Ichigo, who has become accustomed to his role as a Soul Reaper. Yet, this time, he faces a more complex challenge as the conflict escalates with Yhwach, the leader of the Quincy.

Yhwach harbors a grand ambition of wiping out the entire human race, including the Soul Reapers, in order to establish Quincy's dominance over the world.

To put an end to Yhwach's mass atrocities, Ichigo and his friends must confront him and the formidable forces of Quincy.

Defeating Yhwach and his powerful troops is no easy task. They possess immense strength, making the mission to halt the Yhwach invasion incredibly daunting. Then, how can Ichigo and friends end the Yhawch invasion so that the world does not end?

3. Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season

Attack on Titan, also known as Shingeki no Kyojin, has gained attention and popularity among anime lovers, myself included. The first season already impressed me with its distinct storyline, along with the ever-evolving character development that never fail to captivate.

Now, let's focus on Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season, an anime that has earned an impressive 8.8 rating on MyAnimelist and promises even stronger tension than its predecessor. In this season, we continue to follow the adventures of Eren, whose character experiences rapid development.

At first, Eren harbored deep hatred and a strong desire to eliminate all Titans. However, he discovers a remarkable ability: the power to transform into a Titan. This newfound power allows him to communicate with and control several Titans. As a result, Eren alters his plans; instead of killing Titans, he decides to use them as instruments of revenge against the Marleys, who have oppressed his people, the Eldians.

As Eren sets out on this path of vengeance, conflicts arise not only with the Marleys but also within the Survey Corps, where some members have turned into Titans. Among them, a battle ensues between Eren and Captain Levi, adding to the intense and suspenseful narrative. Will Eren succeed in his mission to exterminate the Marleys and achieve his revenge?

4. Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man is undeniably an anime that offers a thrilling and enjoyable watching experience, but it is definitely not suitable for children due to its dark and gory content. The abundance of bloodshed and the intense storyline makes it more suitable for mature audiences.

Despite its dark nature, Chainsaw Man has managed to maintain its popularity. It received high ratings of 8.5 on both IMDb and MyAnimelist for its 2022 anime release.

The anime centers around Denji, a destitute young man burdened with paying off his late father's debts to the Yakuza, who, as it turns out, are incarnations of devils. Tragically, after Denji manages to settle the debt, the Yakuza betrays and kills him.

In a twist of fate, Denji is saved by Pochita, his pet dog, who is also a demon—a chainsaw demon to be precise. Witnessing Denji's demise, Pochita decides to merge his body with his, bringing him back to life.

The resurrection leaves Denji with extraordinary powers and a physically altered form. His head and both hands are transformed into chainsaws. Despite the drastic change, Denji embraces his new abilities and sets out to seek revenge on the Yakuza who betrayed him.

Later, Denji is recruited by a demon-hunting organization that promises him a better life and the fulfillment of all his wishes if he successfully completes various missions. The story follows his journey as he navigates through a world filled with demons and danger.

5. Jujutsu Kaisen 

Jujutsu Kaisen has earned its place among the highest-rated anime, boasting an impressive 8.7 on IMDb and an 8.6 on MyAnimelist. Many factors contribute to its popularity, and after watching the trailer, I noticed some of its unique characteristics.

The anime's drawing techniques are indeed eye-catching, but what truly sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart and draws viewers in is its engaging story centered around demon fighting. While the concept of battling demons may seem familiar, the way the conflicts are presented in the anime keeps the audience consistently curious and engaged.

The story revolves around the main character, Yuji Itadori, who starts as an ordinary high school student. One day, his life takes an unexpected turn when he consumes a cursed object—the finger of a powerful demon named Sukuna. It is believed that anyone who ingests Sukuna's finger will either die or gain great power.

Fortunately, Yuji survives the ordeal and gains strength from Sukuna's finger. However, this power comes at a cost, as he becomes part of the Jujutsu, an organization of demon hunters.

From this point on, Yuji embarks on an adventurous journey, tasked with the mission of eliminating demons and protecting his friends from demonic attacks. The path of a Jujutsu is not an easy one, and Yuji faces numerous challenges and dangers along the way.

6. Spy X Family

I really enjoy watching Spy X Family, an anime that, in my opinion, brings delightful humor and never gets boring. I find it so entertaining that I can rewatch it multiple times. And it seems I'm not alone in my admiration for Spy X Family, as MyAnimelist also rates it highly with a score of 8.6.

The anime's story revolves around a character named Twilight, who works as a spy for the country of Westalis and is assigned to monitor the activities of the country of Ostanian. To gather crucial information about Ostanian, he needs to get close to a high-ranking official there named Donovan Desmond.

However, approaching Donovan directly proves difficult, as he rarely makes public appearances. Nonetheless, Twilight finds an opportunity by connecting with Donovan's son, Damian Desmond, who attends Eden Academy. In order to get closer to Damian, Twilight decides to adopt a child named Anya.

The challenge arises because Eden Academy only accepts complete and harmonious families. To create a convincing facade, Twilight recruits Yor to pose as his fake wife. With their fabricated family in place, Twilight adopts the pseudonym Loid Forger when operating with them. The first mission is to get Anya accepted into Eden Academy.

Gaining admission to Eden Academy proves to be quite a task due to the school's absurd and challenging tests, which eliminate many prospective students. Surprisingly, the Forger family manages to pass all these silly tests, and Anya is finally accepted.

Now, the next mission is for Anya to become good friends with Damian. But this is where the hilarity unfolds as Anya and Damian frequently find themselves in quarrels instead.

These constant arguments lead Loid to almost give up, accepting that he might never form a close bond with the Desmond family. Will Loid abandon his mission and return Anya to the orphanage?

7. Gintama° (Season 4)

Don't underestimate the quality of Gintama's story, as, in my opinion, it is a legendary anime that deserves to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. The first season was unexpectedly filled with comedy despite not being entirely serious. Nevertheless, Gintama manages to weave action-packed elements and a touch of science fiction into its narrative.

Out of its numerous seasons, Gintama° (Season 4) stands out as one of the best for me. This particular season introduces a more profound conflict while retaining its signature comedic essence.

The plot of the fourth season revolves around the Rakuyou region's intense battle, where Kagura finds herself entangled. Following the successful overthrow of Shougun Nobunobu's dynasty by Gintama, they become the targets of Shogun Nobunodu, who holds a grudge against them.

Initially, Gintama plans to lay low, but this scheme takes a back seat upon discovering Yoshida's wicked plan. As a result, Gintama engages in a fierce fight against Yoshida, which demands extraordinary strength. Yet, even amidst these serious moments, the battle scenes remain laced with hilarious and absurd actions. Watching this season will not leave you tense, as Gintama cleverly preserves its main genre – comedy.

8. Cowboy Bebop

The mere synopsis from MyAnimelist and a few trailers have already piqued my curiosity about Cowboy Bebop. The anime promises an action-packed and thrilling experience with a dash of science-fiction.

Another reason why Cowboy Bebop stands out as one of the best anime of all time is its prestigious Anime Grand Prix award won in 1999. Despite being an old-school anime, Cowboy Bebop remains captivating and relevant, making it worth watching even today.

The core story of Cowboy Bebop unfolds on Earth, a planet rendered uninhabitable by a devastating natural disaster. Consequently, humanity embarks on a quest to find new homes on other planets. However, crime continues to plague each inhabited planet, with theft, robbery, and even murder rampant.

Amidst this chaos, three heroic figures emerge; Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, and Faye Valentine. Together, they take action to combat crime and uphold justice. Despite their noble intentions, they often find themselves compelled to break the rules, leading to frequent pursuits by the police.

Nonetheless, these challenges never deter them from their crusade against crime. On the contrary, they become even more determined to restore justice and create a peaceful and serene life for all.

9. Naruto: Shippuden

Naruto holds a legendary status in anime, and its presence has significantly elevated the prestige of anime in the world. Due to its immense popularity, the Naruto series boasts numerous seasons, consisting of hundreds of episodes.

For those seeking the best Naruto experience, I highly recommend watching Naruto: Shippuden. In this season, Naruto's character undergoes significant growth and maturity. The storyline also undergoes compelling development, with conflicts escalating to a more serious level.

The story revolves around Naruto's return to the Hidden Leaf Village after a two-and-a-half-year journey of training to boost his powers. However, his homecoming brings shocking news: Sasuke has joined the Akatsuki, a criminal organization that has caused harm to many people.

Led by the enigmatic Pain, the Akatsuki has an ominous agenda – capturing all the powerful creatures known as Bijuu. Interestingly, Naruto himself houses a Bijuu within him, specifically the Kyuubi, a fearsome nine-tailed monster that has been within him since his childhood.

Upon learning of Akatsuki's sinister plans, Naruto springs back into action, determined to put a stop to their malevolent schemes. Nevertheless, the task is anything but easy, as he finds himself not only pitted against Pain but also confronted with the challenge of facing his best friend, Sasuke. How can Naruto deal with this situation?

10. Kaguya-sama Love Is War: Ultra Romantic

If you're in the mood for a romantic anime that keeps you on edge, Kaguya-sama Love Is War: Ultra Romantic might be the perfect choice. It's no exaggeration to consider this anime as one of the best, given its impressive rating of 9.04 on MyAnimelist.

In this third season, the romantic tale between Kaguya and Miyuki continues, but with even deeper character development. Unlike the first season, where they both stubbornly denied their feelings, this season showcases dramatic changes in their relationship, making the story all the more exciting.

As Kaguya and Miyuki enter their third year of high school, the realization dawns upon them that their carefree high school days are drawing to a close. With graduation approaching, the urgency to express their feelings for each other grows.

Miyuki, in a rare moment of vulnerability, takes the initiative and asks Kaguya out on a date. Regrettably, Kaguya turns down the invitation, leaving Miyuki disheartened.

However, Kaguya decides to reciprocate the gesture by asking Miyuki out the following day. She plans to take him to observe a festival event at school, but her date proposal falters as her friends assign Ishigami to accompany Miyuki instead.

Despite the setbacks, Kaguya and Miyuki remain determined to make their relationship work before their time in high school comes to an end. Yet, as the school festival approaches, it seems unlikely that they will manage to confess their feelings to each other. Will they be forced to keep their emotions hidden forever?

11. One Piece

In 1999, an anime was released that has continued to amass a vast fanbase over the years, and that anime is none other than One Piece. Although I haven't watched every season of this long-running series, I believe that the 1999 version of One Piece stands as the best.

For me, the true strength of this anime lies in its captivating story. One Piece presents a highly intricate narrative revolving around pirates, where each character is carefully developed, allowing the audience to fully grasp the overarching plot.

At its core, One Piece follows the journey of a character named Luffy, who has harbored the dream of becoming a dependable and renowned pirate since his childhood. Moreover, he is determined to uncover the elusive and invaluable treasure known as the One Piece.

Yet, to reach One Piece, Luffy must embark on a perilous voyage through the treacherous Grand Line. This route is notorious for its dangers, with many claiming that none have successfully traversed it. Nevertheless, Luffy's unwavering ambition drives him to face this daunting challenge head-on.

To achieve his dream, Luffy assembles a crew of his own, forming the famed Straw Hat Pirates. With his crewmates by his side, Luffy sets out on his grand adventure to conquer the Grand Line and locate the One Piece.

However, their journey is not easy. Along the way, Luffy and his crew must confront numerous adversaries, including sea monsters and rival pirates. Despite the daunting obstacles, Luffy remains resolute in his pursuit of One Piece.

Amidst the trials and tribulations, Luffy's unwavering determination and enthusiasm to find the legendary treasure keep the audience engaged and eager to witness the outcome of his endeavors. Will his efforts lead him to the coveted One Piece?

12. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Part 2

I think one of the best anime that should not be missed is Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Part 2. There are many reasons that make this anime so exciting to watch, and the main reason is the story.

In this second season, Mushoku Tensei presents a more intricate narrative with significant character development, particularly for the main protagonist, Rudeus. As the story progresses, Rudeus and Eris appear physically more mature, reflecting their growth and experiences from the first season. Their journey is about to take on new and thrilling adventures.

Suddenly, Rudeus Greyrat and Eris Boreas find themselves teleported to the Demon Continent, far away from Fittoa. Stranded in this unfamiliar land, they must find a way to return home. During their travels across the continents, they encounter a new friend, Ruijerd Supardia, the leader of the Warrior Superd.

Pooling their strengths and abilities, the trio forms a formidable adventure group called Dead End, earning admiration from many. Their reputation as Dead End grows as they showcase their prowess and abilities.

In the course of their journey, Rudeus, Eris, and Ruijerd embark on a quest to save Kishirika Kishirisu, the Great Emperor of the Demon World. Their heroic act is rewarded when Rudeus gains extraordinary powers, granting him an advantage against potential enemies.

However, with newfound power and the daunting task of returning to Fittoa still ahead. And the question is, can he really return to Fittoa?

13. Bocchi the Rock!

This is one of my favorite anime. I really like slice-of-life anime, and Bocchi the Rock! brings the story of everyday life in a very light yet comedic way. Moreover, this anime tells the life of a high school student with a period of self-discovery, so I think it's a fun anime to watch when you're tired!

For the story, this anime tells the story of a high school student named Hitori Gotou 'Bocchi', who feels lonely and has social anxiety. However, he finds joy in playing the guitar. Bocchi even dreams of performing with his band on a huge stage.

One fateful day, Bocchi crosses paths with Nijika Ijichi, who is in search of a guitarist for her band, Kessoku Band. Intrigued by the opportunity, Nijika invites Bocchi to join the group. Soon after, Bocchi meets another band member, Ryou Yamada.

Although their initial performance falls short of their expectations, Bocchi and his newfound friends are filled with joy. As the story progresses, Kita, the previous guitarist of the Kessoku Band, returns, further enriching the dynamics within the group.

Through his experiences with the band, Bocchi, who initially struggled to socialize, begins to open up to his bandmates. The anime's charm lies in its portrayal of these endearing interactions and the growth of Bocchi's character as he finds his place among friends and follows his passion for music.

Unlike anime with complex conflicts, Bocchi the Rock! offers a delightful and straightforward storyline that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the joyous journey of its characters. So, if you're looking for a feel-good and entertaining watch after a tiring day, this anime is a perfect choice!

14. Oshi no Ko

This 2023 anime caught my attention. It brings an idol story flavored with a suspenseful mystery. And, what I like the most is the depiction of each character, coupled with visually appealing and colorful animations, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the audience. However, the anime's appeal is not limited to its visuals, as the story itself proves to be very interesting.

The narrative of Oshi no Ko begins with the life of Gorou Amemiya, an obstetrician at a village hospital who happens to be an avid fan of Ai Hoshino, a member of the idol group B-Komachi.

One day, Gorou receives a surprising revelation when Ai Hoshino becomes his patient. At just 16 years old, Ai is pregnant with twins and decides to take a hiatus from the entertainment world to conceal her pregnancy from the public eye.

In a state of confusion, Gorou pledges to support and care for Ai until she gives birth. Tragically, disaster strikes when, during Ai's labor, Gorou is killed by one of her fanatical followers.

In an unexpected twist, Gorou is reincarnated as Ai's son, named Aquamarine Hoshino, affectionately known as Aqua. Intriguingly, Aqua's twin sister, Ruby Hoshino, is also a reincarnation of one of Gorou's deceased friends, though Ruby is hesitant to reveal her true identity to Aqua.

As Aqua and Ruby grow up together over the next four years, tragedy strikes once again when Ai is killed by the same rabid fan who took Gorou's life, and the fan later commits suicide. Devastated by witnessing Ai's death firsthand, Aqua becomes resolute in uncovering the culprit behind this series of murders. Who is responsible for these heinous acts?

15. Summer Time Rendering

Summer Time Rendering also deserves to be called the best anime of all time. This anime is even recognized by MyAnimelist by getting a fairly high rating, which is 8.5. However, I do not recommend children to watch it, because for me this anime carries a very serious and violent story. Then, what is the story like?

It centers around a character named Ajiro Shinpei, who was an orphan until he was taken in by the Kofune family. This family comprises two daughters, Mio and Ushio.

Shinpei enjoys a good life with the Kofune family until he decides to move to Tokyo as an adult to pursue further education. However, he receives devastating news while in Tokyo – Ushio has passed away.

Upon returning to his hometown, Shinpei becomes suspicious of Ushio's death, finding her body showing signs of bruising and injury. Determined to uncover the truth behind her untimely demise, he embarks on an investigative journey.

Intriguingly, Shinpei's quest for answers leads him to Hitogashima Island, where he stumbles upon the island's dark secrets and a fateful destiny. The mysteries surrounding Ushio's death and the eerie discoveries on the island become the focal point of the story.

16. Vinland Saga Season 2

I think this anime can make me contemplate the true purpose of life. In the first season, we see Thorfinn's ambition to kill Askeladd. And, at the end of the first season, Thorfinn's wish was realized! Now, the second season is more exciting and the story is deeper.

Thorfinn now seems to have lost his direction and purpose in life because his main goal is to kill Askeladd who has taken his father's life.

In his state of confusion, Thorfinn is tragically sold into slavery. This grim turn of events leads him to cross paths with Einar, another individual who carries deep emotional wounds and bitter past experiences. As they bond, both characters find new meaning and purpose in their lives.

Thorfinn undergoes a transformation, shifting from a vengeful desire for violence to a more noble aspiration – to build a safe and peaceful world. However, realizing this vision proves to be an arduous task, especially when he faces the challenge of confronting the power-hungry King Canute. Can Thorfinn build the world he wants?

17. My Dress-Up Darling

This anime is a delightful romantic show set in a school-themed setting. While the storyline may not be entirely unique, My Dress-Up Darling's visual presentation truly impresses me. The detailed illustrations, along with the right color combinations, create a visually stunning experience.

It tells the story of two students, Wakana Gojou and Marin Kitagawa. Gojou is a young man with a passion for crafting traditional dolls called Hina, aspiring to follow in his grandfather's footsteps as a professional Hina maker. However, he keeps this ambition hidden from his friends, fearing potential teasing.

One day, as Gojou is diligently sewing Hina dolls, a beautiful and popular classmate, Kitagawa, happens upon him. Rather than mocking him, she praises his skill in doll-making. Following that, Kitagawa frequently seeks Gojou's assistance in creating cosplay costumes.

Initially reluctant, Gojou eventually relents and starts helping Kitagawa. This collaboration brings them closer together, and their feelings for each other begin to transcend friendship. Now, the question remains: Do they eventually start dating?

18. Horimiya

Horimiya is a heartwarming anime that revolves around the romantic story of high school students. While the plot may seem simple, it manages to attract the audience with its surprising twists and turns. The main reason behind this allure is the relaxed yet refreshing romantic relationship between Hori and Miyamura.

In this anime, we follow the lives of two high school students with contrasting personalities. At school, Hori is known as a popular and beautiful student, while her classmate Miyamura is perceived as quiet and difficult to approach.

However, fate intervenes when Hori and Miyamura accidentally reveal their true identities to each other outside of school. It turns out that Hori plays the role of a responsible parent to her younger brother, Shota, who recently had an accident while playing. Luckily, a young man with a piercing comes to Shota's aid and brings him home.

Upon reaching Shota's house, both Hori and Miyamura are taken aback by each other's vastly different appearances from their school personas. This surprising encounter leads them to agree to keep their true selves a secret. Ironically, this shared secret deepens their connection and brings them closer together. Is it possible that they might fall in love with each other?

19. Clannad: After Story

Clannad: After Story is, without a doubt, my all-time favorite anime. It holds a special place in my heart because it presents a profoundly touching and heartbreaking adult romantic story.

While the premise might seem ordinary, the execution is so masterful that it leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. It's no surprise that MyAnimelist also gave Clannad: After Story a high score of 8.9, highlighting its immense appeal. So, what makes it so attractive?

Continuing Tomoya's life journey, we witness his growth as he eventually marries Nagisa. Their married life is filled with happiness, especially when Nagisa becomes pregnant with their first child. However, this bliss is short-lived, as Nagisa tragically passes away after giving birth.

Devastated by the loss, Tomoya is unable to care for his son, Ushio, and decides to let Nagisa's parents take care of her. Five years later, Tomoya is invited to Nagisa's parents' home and is reluctantly tasked with looking after Ushio while they are away.

Initially hesitant, Tomoya eventually accepts the invitation. This newfound opportunity allows him to connect with Ushio, who had never known her father. The time they spend together becomes a turning point for Tomoya, as he opens up to Ushio more and more. As their bond strengthens, Tomoya realizes he wants Ushio to live with him.

Living together, Ushio finds immense joy and love in her father's presence. However, their happiness is shattered when Ushio is diagnosed with the same congenital disease as her late mother, Nagisa. Now faced with this heartbreaking reality, what will Tomoya do next?

20. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is undoubtedly a well-known anime that has received several seasons, with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc, or Demon Slayer Season 2, being widely regarded as one of the best. The anime has received a remarkable rating of 8.79 on MyAnimelist, reflecting its immense popularity.

In this second season, the journey of Tanjiro and his friends in demon hunting continues. However, this time they receive assistance from Hashira, an elite and formidable demon-hunting group. Their initial mission leads them to confront demons aboard the Mugen Train.

Despite the immense difficulties and challenges they face, they remain determined and never give up. Once they successfully deal with the Mugen Train situation, another perplexing issue arises – the mysterious disappearance of women in the Yoshiwara Entertainment District.

Regrettably, one of the Hashira, Tengen, discovers that his wife is among the victims. Driven by the desire to find his missing wife, Tengen seeks the aid of Tanjiro and his friends. Together, they embark on an investigation to uncover the truth behind the disappearances.

As their pursuit progresses, they unveil a startling revelation – the disappearances are linked to a powerful and malevolent demon. This revelation sets the stage for an intense and thrilling battle against the formidable adversary.

These are some of the highest-rated anime recommendations based on IMDb and MyAnimeList. There are many other intriguing anime out there worth watching. However, before diving into anything else, make sure to check out these awesome anime listed above that have captured the hearts of many viewers around the world.