Hello anime lovers, as you all know, Anime shows have a little bit of everything for everybody. Whether you are a robot fanatic, a shonen lover, or a slice-of-life enthusiast, there is probably an anime show out there for you.
With the buzzing demand for anime series around, never before have many streaming platforms now stream anime shows, due to which the fans across the world can easily access the most popular anime of all time and latest gems via streaming platform services.
From breathtaking animation to emotionally rich storytelling and memorable characters, anime has evolved into a global phenomenon. However, there are several best anime series out there, making it difficult for the anime enthusiast to choose the best one.
But no need to worry, guys, this guide explores the Top 10 best anime series of all time, which have left a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.
List of Best Anime Series of All Time
Whether you are an anime addict or just beginning your journey into the anime universe, this list will help you discover the best anime to watch right now.
So guys, get ready to dive into the Top 10 best anime series in the world, which stand tall as the greatest examples of anime excellence. Here is the list of the best anime series that you should watch once.
| S.No | Anime Title | Genre(s) | Status | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Solo Leveling | Action, Fantasy, Supernatural | Completed (Season 1) | January 6, 2024 |
| 2 | Attack on Titan | Action, Drama, Post-Apocalyptic | Completed | April 7, 2013 |
| 3 | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | Action, Adventure, Drama | Completed | April 5, 2009 |
| 4 | Demon Slayer | Action, Historical, Supernatural | Ongoing (Final Arc in production) | April 6, 2019 |
| 5 | Naruto | Action, Adventure, Ninja | Completed | October 3, 2002 |
| 6 | Vinland Saga | Action, Historical, Drama | Ongoing | July 8, 2019 |
| 7 | Cowboy Bebop | Action, Sci-Fi, Space Western | Completed | April 3, 1998 |
| 8 | Jujutsu Kaisen | Action, Supernatural, Dark Fantasy | Ongoing | October 3, 2020 |
| 9 | My Hero Academia | Action, Superhero, School | Ongoing | April 3, 2016 |
| 10 | Samurai Champloo | Action, Historical, Adventure | Completed | May 20, 2004 |
1. Solo Leveling
Leading the list of best anime series as one of 2024’s fresh anime, Solo Leveling. It might seem early to say it is one of the greats, but it is. Adapted by A-1 Pictures from a South Korean Webtoon, it showcases Sung-jin-woo, an E-rank hunter in a world overrun by dungeon monsters.
After a near-death experience, he gains the rare ability to level up, starting his journey to become the strongest and protect humanity. With intense battles and gripping story, and stunning animation, it makes it one of the best anime shows of all time.
Awards Won by Solo Leveling
If we talk about the awards, it currently won a couple of awards during the Crunchroll Anime Awards 2025, as the Best Anime of the Year, Best Score, Best New Series, and more.
2. Attack on Titan
The Attack on Titan stands out second on the list, set in a dystopian world where humans live behind massive walls to protect themselves from man-eating Titans. The anime story follows Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister, Mikasa, and their friend Armin, whose lives change forever after a Titan attack destroys their homes and kills Eren’s mother.
Vowing revenge, they join the elite survey corps to fight Titans and uncover the truth behind their existence. The series mixes intense action with deep themes like freedom, war, and morality, making viewers question right and wrong. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin’s emotional growth is powerful and relatable.
With stunning animation from WIT Studio and MAPPA, and unforgettable highs and lows, Attack on Titan is one of the best anime series of all time.
Awards Won by Attack on Titan
“Attack on Titan” has won several prestigious awards, including the Kodansha Manga Award, the Astra TV Award for Best Streaming Animated Series or TV Movie, and the Global Impact Award at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The anime adaptation also won multiple awards during the 3rd Newtype Anime Awards and the 2013 Animation Kobe Awards.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a Japanese anime television series adapted from the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga series by Hiromu Arakawa. It follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who turn to alchemy after losing their mother.
A failed attempt to bring her back cost Edward an arm and a leg, while Alphonse’s soul ends up bound to a suit of armor. They set off to find the Philosopher’s Stone, hoping to restore their bodies. Along the way, they cover dark truths about the Stone, government secrets, and the cost of human transmutation.
With powerful themes of sacrifice, morality, and redemption, the series blends emotional depth with stunning animation and inventive alchemy battles. However, many fans call it the best anime series ever, but when you watch it, you must also say it is.
Awards Won by Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
BTVA People’s Choice Voice Acting Award
4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Set in Taisho-era Japan, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after demons kill his family and turn his sister Nezuko into one. Determined to save her and stop others from suffering, he joins the Demon Slayer Corps.
Besides this, allies like Zenitsu, Inosuke, and the elite Hashira, Tanjiro faces deadly demons and the powerful Muzan Kibutsuji. Known for stunning animations by Ufotable and emotional storytelling, the series blends action with sympathy, often exploring the tragic past of its villains.
With record-breaking films and millions of fans, it’s no wonder Demon Slayer is considered one of the best anime today.
Awards Won by Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer secured Best Continuing Anime Series and Best Animation at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025.
5. Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto picks up two and a half years after Naruto leaves the Hidden Leaf Village, now returning as a more mature and determined ninja. His mission: bring back his friend Sasuke and protect the village from the dangerous Akatsuki organization.
The series explores deeper themes of friendship, sacrifice, and growth while expanding the Naruto universe with rich lore and complex characters.
From emotional backstories like Itachi’s to epic battles like Naruto vs. Pain, Shippuden delivers both heart and high-stakes action. Its global impact and powerful storytelling firmly make it stand out among the greatest anime series of all time.
Awards Won by Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto won the 2013 & 2014 BTVA People’s Choice Voice Acting Award.
6. Vinland Saga
Set during the Viking age, Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn, a young Icelandic boy whose life is shattered when his father, Thor, is killed by the cunning Viking Askeladd. Fueled by revenge, Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s crew, beginning a violent journey through war, politics, and self-discovery.
As the story unfolds, spanning the Danish conquest of England and mythic land of Vinland, Thorfinn evolves from a revenge-driven warrior to a man seeking peace and redemption.
Across its two seasons, the series shifts from brutal action to a powerful tale of growth and atonement, resonating deeply through its exploration of vengeance, and forgiveness and humanity.
Awards Won by Vinland Saga
- It won the 36th Kodansha Manga Award for Best General Manga in 2012 and the Grand Prize of the Manga Division at the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2009.
- The anime series has also been recognized, with Vinland Saga Season 2 winning the Anime of the Year award at the /r/anime Awards 2023.
- Additionally, Season 2 was recognized with the Best Anime of 2023 award at IGN, and Season 1 won Best Drama at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
7. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop, created by Shinichiro Watanabe, is a timeless blend of sci-fi, noir, and western genres. Set in 2071, it follows the bounty hunting crew of the spaceship Bebop, Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and their data-savvy dog Ein as they chase criminals across the galaxy.
Along the way, each character confronts their past amid a universe full of danger and intrigue. The series is also praised for its unforgettable soundtrack by Yoko Kanno, mixing jazz, blues, and more to set the show’s emotional tone. Decades later, Coboy Bebop still stands as a genre-defying classic beloved by fans worldwide.
Awards Won by Cowboy Bebop
Notably, it won first place in the 1999 Anime Grand Prix awards, with Spike Spiegel winning for Best Male Character and Megumi Hayashibara winning for Best Voice Actor for her role as Faye Valentine. The series also received the Seiun Award for Best Media of the Year in 2000
8. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen takes place in a world haunted by cursed spirits, with Jujutsu Sorcerers trained to exorcise them using special powers. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler with remarkable strength, who enters this world by swallowing a cursed object, Sukuna’s finger.
Under the guidance of Satoru Gojo, he joins a sorcerers’ school to keep Sukuna at bay. Alongside his classmates, Yuji faces deadly curses and dark truths.
Despite criticism towards MAPPA for working conditions, Season 2’s “Shibuya Incident” arc still delivered stunning animation and storytelling. With intense action and standout characters, Jujutsu Kaisen is cementing its place as an all-time great.
Awards Won by Jujutsu Kaisen
The anime series, in particular, has won accolades like “Anime of the Year” at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. The manga has also been recognized with awards like the Tsutaya Comic Award.
9. My Hero Academia
In a world where superpowers, called “Quirks”, are the norm, My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero. His determination catches the eye of All Might, he world’s greatest hero, who passes on his Quirk, “One for All”.
This allows Izuku to enter U.A. High, where he trains alongside other aspiring heroes. The series highlights their battles and challenges as they face powerful villains and form lasting bonds.
With rich character development, a deep world, and high-stakes storytelling, MHA becomes a global hit and a modern classic anime.
Awards Won by My Hero Academia
“My Hero Academia” has received numerous accolades, including the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, Tokyo Anime Award Festival, and the TikTok Awards Japan, among others.
10. Samurai Champloo
From the creator of Cowboy Bebop, Shinichiro Watanabe, followed up with Samurai Champloo, a series many consider just as iconic, if not more. Set in an alternate Edo-period Japan, it follows Mugen, a wild swordsman, Jin, a clam ronin, and Fuu, a spirited girl on a quest to find the “samurai who smells of sunflowers”.
Their journey blends action, comedy, and historical fiction with a hip-hop twist, thanks to a standout soundtrack by Nujabes and others. With its bold style, sharp storytelling, and unforgettable characters, Samurai Champloo has earned lasting praise and a loyal fan base.
Awards Won by Samurai Champloo
“Samurai Champloo” is not known for winning many traditional awards. However, IGN ranked its soundtrack as tenth among their Top Ten Anime Themes and Soundtracks of All Time.
Conclusion
From iconic classics to groundbreaking new titles, these best anime series of all time, showcasing the very best the genre has to offer. Whether you are a seasoned anime enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this list is your perfect starting point.
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