Introduction
Anime is a medium that has no bounds, delivering a diverse range of storylines and genres to attract people all around the world. From timeless classics to recent marvels, anime has made a lasting impression on world culture.
In this guide, we rate the best anime of all time, highlighting outstanding stories, revolutionary animation, and timeless storytelling.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Plot: Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric embark on a journey to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. Their quest for the Philosopher’s Stone uncovers deep conspiracies, powerful enemies, and the true cost of ambition.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama |
| Director | Yasuhiro Irie |
| Writer | Hiroshi Ōnogi (series composition) |
| Producer | Bones Studio |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2009 – 2010 |
| Episodes | 64 |
| Watch at | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often hailed as a flawless blend of action, character development, and storytelling, making it a top-tier anime.
2. Attack on Titan
Plot: Humanity lives behind giant walls to protect itself from Titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans. When the walls are breached, Eren Yeager and his friends join the fight to uncover the mysteries behind the Titans and their world.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Dark Fantasy, Mystery |
| Director | Tetsurō Araki (Seasons 1–3), Yuichiro Hayashi (Final Season) |
| Writer | Yasuko Kobayashi |
| Producer | Wit Studio, MAPPA (Final Season) |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2013 – 2023 |
| Episodes | 87+ |
| Watch at | Crunchyroll, Netflix |
Attack on Titan redefined the anime landscape with its gripping narrative, stunning animation, and shocking twists.
3. Death Note
Plot: Light Yagami, a brilliant student, discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. He sets out to create a utopian world free of crime, but a genius detective named L stands in his way.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural |
| Director | Tetsurō Araki |
| Writer | Tsugumi Ohba (original manga), Toshiki Inoue (anime) |
| Producer | Madhouse |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2006 – 2007 |
| Episodes | 37 |
| Watch at | Crunchyroll, Hulu |
Death Note is a masterpiece of psychological warfare, featuring one of the most iconic rivalries in anime history.
4. One Piece
Plot: Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with a dream of becoming the Pirate King, sets sail on a grand adventure. Along the way, he gathers a crew and faces incredible foes while searching for the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece.”
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy |
| Director | Multiple directors over the years |
| Writer | Eiichiro Oda (original manga) |
| Producer | Toei Animation |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 1999 – Present |
| Episodes | 1,000+ |
| Watch at | Crunchyroll, Funimation |
One Piece is a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its world-building, humor, and enduring characters.
5. Spirited Away
Plot: Chihiro, a young girl, stumbles into a magical world where her parents are turned into pigs. She must navigate the fantastical and mysterious realm of spirits to save her family and return home.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-Age |
| Director | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Writer | Hayao Miyazaki |
| Producer | Studio Ghibli |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2001 |
| Runtime | 125 minutes |
| Watch at | Netflix, HBO Max |
Spirited Away is a cinematic masterpiece, winning an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and touching hearts worldwide.
Conclusion
Anime is, in many ways, for everyone: about the works listed below are the greatest examples of anime storytelling. With fighting scenes that pound, epic adventures, tragic issues to raise mental questions, and magical realms, these anime have seen the genre grow. If you’re new or a fan, these movies and shows are ones you really shouldn’t miss, summarizing the best of the art form.