Top 10 Greatest Anime TV Series of All Time

So, you have just put your feet into the wonderful world of anime or maybe you are a frantic swallower of these wonderfully crafted animation series. Either way, you would like to know which series makes it to the ‘best anime of all time‘ list. While there are thousands of contenders to choose from, we have put together our own carefully curated anime list. We would like to match many of your preferences in the below list but that’s almost impossible considering how each anime lover devours his/her favorite series for countless reasons.

So, simply grab a coffee or a drink and run your eyes over our list of top animes of all times.

We start our top 10 anime list with Berserk (1997), a short yet skillfully crafted series based on Kentaro Miura’s manga. The series is short compared to others; it only lasts 25 episodes. Nevertheless, this anime does pull off a ripping and well-rounded tale of Guts, an orphaned mercenary warrior, and his mentor-cum-partner Griffith as they take on bloody, violent encounters one after another to avenge their outrageous past.

Next in the list is Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006)¸ a spectacular political drama that also incorporates historical elements, action sequences, and love dynamics. And, it manages to do all this in just 25 airings. Much of the credit goes to the series’ protagonist Lelouch vi Britannia, an exiled Britannian prince, who wins a special power Gaess and uses it to create a world free of the suffering exacted by the Britannian Empire.

One of the longest running series in our anime list, One Piece (1999) never ceases to entertain the viewer with its vivid imagery, solid characterization, and bone-tickling humor. This series has crossed the 770 episode mark and revolves around the treasure hunt escapades of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew Straw Hat Pirates in search of the ultimate prize.

Adapted from Hajime Isayama’s manga, Attack on Titan (2013) is a dark, post-apocalyptic series that isn’t as long as One Piece. However, the 25-episode long series draws the viewers right in and makes them empathize with everything that unfolds. We are taken along an adventurous and brave journey of Eren and his friends, who vow to fight the huge, ominous humanoids (Titans) and free the world from their monstrosity.

Outside Japan, Naruto (2002) has had a devout following and is considered one of the best animes of all time. This 220-episode long series is quite appreciated for its natural and flowing characterization besides an amazingly weaved storyline that makes viewers relate to it. The plot follows the travails and struggle of Naruto Uzumaki, an adolescent ninja abandoned by his community, as he continually yearns to be recognized as the strongest ninja of his village.

One thing that makes the 37-episode Death Note (2006) series stand out is its strong premise: Light Yagami, a genius high school student who discovers a special notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. The series portrays how he uses this supernatural notebook to free the world from everything evil and how a detective named L makes this difficult.

Cowboy Bebop (1998) has set a benchmark for sub 30-epsiode anime series to look up to in terms of animation visuals, character development, storytelling, soundtrack, and voice acting. In just 26 episodes flat, this series manages to convey higher-order philosophical concepts of existentialism and isolation and to us, it stands as best anime as far as short series are concerned. It follows the lives of a bounty hunter group traveling on their spaceship Bebop. The members nab criminals but at times are caught up with things from their individual past.

Naruto: Shippuden (2007) skillfully takes the theme forward from the place where we left in Naruto (2002). The adolescent protagonist is shown to have turned into a sharp, hyperactive ninja worthy of respect and appreciation from villagers. This series revolves around his return to his village and reunion with friends. It also portrays his perseverance to become the supreme ninja ever while his weaponry and combat skills are put to test by more portentous enemies in extreme, gory battles.

Dragon Ball Z (1989) succeeds the Dragon Ball (1986) anime series and packs 291 episodes of pure, eccentric fun. It is arguably loved by viewers who are not even entirely into animes. It follows the amazing exploits of its central character Goku (who is now an adult) and his friends as they set out to protect Earth from a range of ominous villains, from space fighters and robots to huge monsters. Though the premise isn’t catchy, you will simply fall into love with the characters and start living their story episode after episode. It’s a masterpiece for sure!

So, here we are! The best anime, according to us, is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) which is also a sequel to a 2003 anime series Fullmetal Alchemist. This series surely sets the yard stick for many things central to any visual story: a fluid storyline, organic character development, animation quality, voice acting, and background music. In this series, two alchemist brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, attempt to resurrect their mother back to life using alchemy; not only do they fail but they squander their own bodies. Awesome premise, even more lively characters coupled with amazing visuals make this the cream of the crop.