Top 25 Best Anime Series of All Time
Fruits Basket
2020年1月22日
Once again, IGN’s readers voted in a poll to pick what the next Top 25 list we would tackle is, and this time around the best anime series won! Picking just 25 titles was really difficult, but our team of anime experts eventually came up with this list. We took several things into consideration when choosing our 25: Did the anime leave its mark on the culture in a meaningful way? Did they influence the industry and genre? And, of course, did we just like them? Read on for IGN’s picks for the 25 Best Anime Series, or watch our video on the top 10 above, and be sure to let us know in the comments what your favorites are!
SAILOR MOON: Like Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon was the introductory anime to many fans that got them hooked for life.This series is greater than the sum of its already fantastic parts, with gorgeous animation, an empowering story of friendship and love with a rich mythology, and characters who felt real, with flaws, goals and heartbreak to humanize them against a larger-than-life fantastical backdrop. You didn’t keep watching each monster-of-the-week episode to see how the Sailor Scouts would take him down; you kept watching because you wanted to see the chemistry between Usagi, Rei, Ami, Makoto and Minako in everything from playing in the arcade to learning the secrets of their Moon Kingdom heritage. Sailor Moon has stood the test of time as a seminal anime that many modern classics have evolved from and been inspired by, from the way it helped cement the mahou shoujo genre to its incredibly progressive presentation of well-rounded LGBT characters. Plus, those outfits were amazing. –Terri Schwartz
MONTHLY GIRLS' NOZAKI-KUN: There are no magical girls or mechas to be found in Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun -- just an incredibly sweet slice of life story. Chiyo Sakura, a high schooler, has a crush on her older classmate Umetaro Nozaki. She gathers her courage to confess her affections, but he misunderstands and thinks she’s a fan offering to work for him as an assistant. Chiyo is shocked to discover that Nozaki is one of her favorite manga authors, writing romance comics under a woman’s pen name! She becomes a part of his life, helping him create girls’ comics inspired by their eccentric friends at school. Hilarious and heartwarming, this series is a rare anime that can always give you a smile when you need it the most. –Kelly Knox
DRAGON BALL Z: Dragon Ball Z was a gateway drug for many a young anime fan, and for good reason. The series isn't particularly deep, as it basically revolves around superhuman martial artist Goku and his friends testing their mettle against an increasingly powerful and outlandish series of foes. But what the series lacks in terms of plot, it more than makes up for in humor, kooky characters and incredible action. How can you not have fun with a martial arts fantasy where most of the characters are strong enough to shatter planets with their bare hands? –Jesse Schedeen
DESCENDING STORIES: SHOWA GENROKU RAKUGO SHINJU: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū is a relatively new anime, having premiered in winter 2016, and yet it is one that will have a long, long legacy. It tells the story of a former convict who asks a rakugo master to train him as an apprentice after being captivated by a rakugo performance. Rakugo is a traditional Japanese form of performative storytelling that has similarities to both modern stand-up comedy and the Greek and Irish traditions of retelling lengthy epic poems like those of Homer. The show is at once a love letter to this fading Japanese art form and also an exploration of the clash between traditional and modern Japan. Rakugo performances are shown in full, and the show deals heavily with themes of sexism, change, tradition, and modernisation. It’s an intensely original story that really digs into the heart of Japanese traditional art and the often-difficult changes Japanese culture has gone through in modern times. –Will Harris
RANMA ½: Though its animation may be outdated by today’s standards, both the heart and (most of) the hilarity of Ranma ½ still hold up today. Few anime are better at slapstick comedy than Ranma ½, largely because its premise and characters are so utterly absurd and so full of comedic possibilities -- whether it be Ryoga’s impossibly bad sense of direction, Shampoo’s ill-fated schemes to try and win the affection of Ranma, or Genma’s hilarious panda pantomiming. –Mitchell Saltzman
KILL LA KILL: –Miranda Sanchez
REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA: There is simply no other anime as stylish and unforgettable as Revolutionary Girl Utena. From its distinctive character design, to its striking music, to its subversion of fairy tales and magical girls, Utena stands out in the heyday of ’90s anime. It’s also incredibly romantic and packed with graceful action, and at just 39 television episodes, a binge-worthy, must-see series for anime fans. The story follows Utena Tenjou, a tomboy who’s popular with all the girls at a prestigious academy. She dreams of becoming a prince, and when she finds herself wrapped up in the machinations of the Student Council, she has her chance to duel for the princess -- and enters a world that she never expected. –Kelly Knox
JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: STARDUST CRUSADERS: Oh my god! This is a normal response from watching this weirdly amazing shounen anime that follows the different generations of the Joestar family. The influential manga series has been around since 1987 and has only been airing the anime since 2012. Stardust Crusaders follows Jotaro Kujo (Get it? JoJo?), a high school student who finds himself with an unnatural power known as a “Stand” due to his bloodline. Jotaro goes on a quest to save his mother with his new found power, while being hunted down by the oddest of assassins. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders is full of amazing action, wild characters, and iconic moments that will live on through the anime community (and memes). – Mike Mamon
–Laura Prudom">MY HERO ACADEMIA: Superhero stories are a dime a dozen, but My Hero Academia offers a unique twist on the familiar genre by focusing on Izuku Midoriya, a hero who was born without powers (but is determined to save people regardless) in a world full of folks with abilities. Even after he earns the "quirk" he's always dreamed of, MHA constantly finds ways to challenge Midoriya's traditional hero's journey by offering new twists on well-worn tropes, exploring what it means to be a hero with consistent humor and heart -- not to mention some spectacular action sequences. Between its stunning animation, loveable roster of well-developed supporting characters, and talent for coming up with some of the most ridiculous and unique superpowers ever committed to the screen, My Hero Academia is a breath of fresh air -- frequently silly, often sweet, and consistently surprising. –Laura Prudom
DEVILMAN CRYBABY: Unlike most of Netflix's original programming, Devilman Crybaby offers a succinct and moving story in the span of 10 episodes. But be warned, Devilman Crybaby is sure to make younger viewers with parents in the room extremely uncomfortable with its explicit depictions of sex, violence, and profanity. But in its exploration of what some may deem filth, Devilman Crybaby finds humanity. This loose interpretation of the biblical apocalypse -- Devilman Crybaby is a profoundly modern take on the Book of Revelation -- is a study of love, sacrifice, and God's love (or disdain) for humanity. The modern lens helps the biblical punches find their way into contemporary guts. And thanks to the gorgeous style, bangin' Japanese hip hop, and a cast of memorable characters, you don't really mind the pain. –Nick Limon
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: The long-running Naruto series has been referred to as one of the “big three” anime because of its wild popularity around the world, and for good reason. It’s full of action-packed fight sequences, hilariously fun moments, and dramatic scenes that pull at your heartstrings. In Naruto Shippuden, the story takes a darker and more serious tone as the characters are now older and face even more daunting challenges from the shadows as well as themselves. The Naruto anime series is known for its memorable characters and relationships, and it continues to be one of the biggest shounen anime ever, even long after it has ended. – Mike Mamon
BACCANO: In just 16 episodes, Baccano packs more story and intrigue than most anime are able to in twice or even three times that amount. It’s a fast-paced thrill ride, not unlike the unforgettable train ride that serves as the centerpiece of its twisty story, and it features some of the most memorable psychopaths you’ll find in anime. Baccano unfolds like a puzzle, with almost every episode providing you with a new revelation that totally flips the way you’ve viewed things thus far. And even beyond all of that, it also has one of the best dubs you’ll ever hear. –Mitchell Saltzman
OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB: It's hard to explain all the ways in which Ouran High School Host Club rules. If you're a fan of manga and anime, you'll love the ways the story takes the conventions of the medium and turns them on their head at every turn. And if you love a great story, you'll immediately be grabbed by Bisco Hatori's hilarious take on the shojo subgenre. When Haruhi Fujioka happens to stumble upon her school's popular host club, where male students entertain female ones for money, she accidentally breaks an expensive vase and suddenly finds herself mistaken for a boy and forced to become a host. Her awkward nature and shyness mean that it's an uncomfortable setup, but as she finds her place in the Host Club she also begins to find herself, her courage, and a whole new group of friends. Ouran High School Host Club is a sweet and silly satire on the idea of otaku culture, and it's also one of the trailblazers in fujoshi comedy. –Rosie Knight
CODE GEASS: LELOUCH OF THE REBELLION: This show, originally released in 2006, has stood the test of time thanks to its two most alluring elements: a captivating setting comprised of meticulous worldbuilding, and a narrative that builds through strategy and shattering twists, like that of a thriller. The story takes place in an alternate timeline, very much reminiscent of Nineteen Eighty-Four, where the world consists of three superpowers: the Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the European Union. Before the commencement of the story proper, the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered Japan, stripping the country of its name and freedom, with the use of enormous mechs. So, yes, this is a heavily political mecha thriller of an anime with some thrilling action scenes that carry the excitement ever forward. Our protagonist, Lelouch, is an exiled Britannian prince now living in Japan who swears to bring down his father’s empire. The show, with political subterfuge, an enticing mythology, and f
SAMURAI CHAMPLOO: After Cowboy Bebop, Shinichiro Watanabe’s stock was at an all-time high, and his follow up, a simple Samurai story with a touch of hip hop, served only to cement his legacy as one of the greats in anime directing. Samurai Champloo, like Cowboy Bebop before it, was mostly episodic, and while its overarching story isn’t anything to write home about, the individual arcs of each of its three main characters were engrossing to follow, with equal amounts of emotionally resonant story beats and literal off the wall action. –Mitchell Saltzman
FLCL: FLCL (pronounced Fooly Cooly) is short even by normal anime standards, but there’s a lot to be said for a good sci-fi comedy that knows how to call it a day before wearing out its welcome. FLCL is about as bizarre and hilarious as anime gets, with the original series revolving around an ordinary suburban boy named Naota Nandaba and his new “friend,” a quirky alien woman named Haruko Haruhara. The very first episode features Naota growing giant robots from his head, and the series only gets wackier from there. The surreal tone, the incredible soundtrack and the experimental animation style all serve to make FLCL a wholly unique and unforgettable anime experience. –Jesse Schedeen
YU YU HAKUSHO: We follow Yusuke Urameshi, a 14-year-old teenage delinquent who is hit by a car and dies saving a child. Yusuke finds out that he has no place in heaven or hell, but he's offered a second chance at life when he's charged with investigating supernatural activity in the Human World and given the title of Spirit World Detective. With the help of his friends and a unique technique called Spirit, Gun that allows him to shoot a Kamehameha from his finger, Yusuke strives to protect the balance between the Human and Demon Worlds. This series stands shoulder to shoulder with Dragon Ball Z as one of the most influential action anime of the ’90s. –Yusuf McCoy
NEON GENESIS EVANGELION: There’s a reason we all still need an ending explained for Neon Genesis Evangelion more than 20 years after its release. The mythology behind the production of Hideaki Anno’s groundbreaking anime has become as much a part of Evangelion’s story as the anime itself, with its final two episodes still being divisive and up for debate. There’s no debate over Evangelion’s continued excellence, though, both as an elevated take on the mech anime genre and as a harrowing and incredibly personal exploration of depression. Even with countless movie and series sequels and reimaginings, nothing touches the masterwork of Neon Genesis Evangelion’s first run, which remains a fan-favorite and showcases how a singular auteur approach to storytelling can create art that continues to resonate for generations. –Terri Schwartz
HUNTER X HUNTER: Hunter x Hunter (pronounced Hunter Hunter) starts out with a familiar trope: A hero, in this case a young boy named Gon, leaves his small town for the first time on an adventure. He leaves the island on a quest to find his long-forgotten father who had left him behind. His only clue? He’s a world-famous licensed Hunter -- so Gon sets off to take the notoriously deadly exam and become a Hunter himself. It sounds mundane and almost cheery, but Hunter x Hunter is anything but. The emotional highs and lows and the arcs of both the protagonists and antagonists are some of the best. As with most shonen, the dramatic action is fantastic, too. –Casey DeFreitas
MOB PSYCHO 100: Don’t let the title fool you. Mob Psycho 100 is another fun romp from original One-Punch Man creator One. The series works as both a parody of shonen-style anime and a great example of it, revolving around an eighth-grader named Mob, a quiet, reserved boy who specializes in exorcising evil spirits. The catch is that his own supernatural powers are tied to his emotions. If he gets pushed over the edge, the entire world is in peril. This series thrives on the strength of its humor, its small but memorable cast of characters and its dynamic visual style. –Jesse Schedeen
HAJIME NO IPPO: Also known in the US as Fighting Spirit, Hajime no Ippo is a thrilling adaptation of an incredibly long-running manga series. Picture a mashup of Rocky and The Karate Kid and you’ll have some idea of what to expect from this coming-of-age drama about a bullied teen named Ippo Makunouchi who discovers he has a knack for boxing. The series follows Ippo’s training and gradual rise through the boxing ranks. What really makes this series shine is the way it strives to flesh out both sides of any given match-up. Ippo doesn’t just train to be the best, but to understand and connect with his opponents. That alone is enough to set this series apart. –Jesse Schedeen
ONE PIECE: There’s a reason Eiichiro Oda's One Piece has been going steady since 1999 and spawned all manner of theatrical and TV spinoffs. We just can’t get enough of the wacky, engrossing saga of stretchable pirate captain Monkey D. Luffy and his ongoing quest to become the next Pirate King. The series is endlessly entertaining, but the characters are what keep you hooked over the course of 900 episodes (and counting). –Jesse Schedeen
MONSTER: Monster is quite simply one of the best stories ever told in anime/manga form, but more than that, it’s a special anime because of how different it is from everything else. In a medium dominated by giant robots, superpowered heroes that shoot beams out of their hands, and virtual fantasy worlds, Monster is refreshingly grounded in reality. It’s a dark, mature, gritty thriller about a good man who loses everything after doing what he believed to be the right thing, and the dark descent that he must endure in order to correct his mistake. –Mitchell Saltzman
COWBOY BEBOP: It’s hard to believe Cowboy Bebop is over 20 years old because of how well it still holds up, both in its conception and its execution. The space western that introduced the world to Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed and of course Ein still looks gorgeous, with a resonant story, strong characters and one heck of a soundtrack that ensures it remains one of the best anime ever made. Cowboy Bebop has had an indelible impact that reaches far beyond anime; everyone from Orson Scott Card to Rian Johnson to Robin Williams have praised the series and cited its influence on their work. Cowboy Bebop still works so well because of the continually relatable story at the heart of its genre-bending 26-episode run. Its exploration of adult themes like loss anchors the crew’s journey throughout the stars, making it a series we’re happy to revisit even after all this time. Three, two, one, let's jam! –Terri Schwartz
