The realm of anime enthralls millions with fantastical worlds, heart-stopping action, and characters who stay with you long after the credits roll. But with a vast library of shows spanning decades and genres, a question eternally hangs in the air: What is the best anime of all time?
In this post, Tea Anime will showcase the top 10+ best anime of all time. We’ll explore critically acclaimed masterpieces, genre-defining titans, and fan favorites that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
What are the best anime series of all time?
1. Trigun (1998)
The release of Trigun Stampede may have caused younger audiences to overlook the greatness of the original Trigun anime. However, it is important to note that this late ’90s shonen classic is truly worth watching. Taking place in a captivating sci-fi western setting, viewers can follow Vash the Stampede as he travels from city to city, attempting to downplay his exceptional skills while being unwillingly dragged into various adventures.
What sets Vash apart from most shonen protagonists is not his pursuit of becoming stronger; he is already considered the top gunman in the world. Instead, his commitment to upholding his morals and refusing to take a life is what drives the narrative forward. Simultaneously, he strives to protect everyone around him, creating a moral dilemma that intensifies with each new episode.
2. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
The enduring popularity of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure serves as undeniable evidence that timeless classics exist. Originally introduced in 1987 with Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo part one, Phantom Blood, the series truly captured the hearts of fans upon its 2012 release, and its fame has only grown stronger with the arrival of part 6, Stone Ocean.
While JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure falls under the battle shonen anime genre, it distinguishes itself from the norms established by series like Dragon Ball and the “Big 3” anime. The unconventional methods employed by characters to emerge victorious in battles cannot be replicated elsewhere, as Araki’s mind operates in a truly unique manner. Simultaneously, Araki’s remarkable fashion sense and his ability to infuse each new setting with freshness and coolness ensure that viewers are never left feeling bored.
3. Perfect Blue (1997)
Perfect Blue is an incredibly captivating anime thriller that stands out among the rest. Despite being Satoshi Kon’s directorial debut, he spared no effort in portraying the challenges that accompany fame, as well as the perils of parasocial relationships. Even individuals who aren’t particularly fond of older anime will undoubtedly be drawn in by Perfect Blue’s astute commentary on technology and the exploitation of young talent by industries.
Mima Kirigoe yearns to transition from her life as a J-Pop idol to pursue acting, but the contrasting nature of these two worlds gradually leads her to lose touch with reality. To make matters worse, individuals associated with her new career are mysteriously being murdered one by one, intensifying the terror of her newfound existence. Packed with hidden clues and intriguing Easter eggs, viewers will discover something fresh with each viewing of this film.
4. Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling has quickly become one of the most beloved anime series of all time, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. This captivating anime, which is based on a Korean web novel, delves into a world where mysterious portals to dangerous dungeons filled with monsters have opened up. Traditional weapons are ineffective against these deadly creatures, leaving the responsibility of exploration and eradication to skilled hunters like Jin-woo Sung.
Despite his initial struggles as a weak E-rank hunter, Jin-woo’s determination to provide for his family, including his mother and younger sister, drives him to persevere. However, everything changes for Jin-woo after a life-threatening encounter in an extraordinary dungeon. He is granted a remarkable opportunity to level up and become exponentially stronger, with no limits to his growth. As Jin-woo embarks on new challenges and effortlessly defeats formidable monsters with his newfound abilities, he not only enhances his stats but also gains an unwavering confidence that astounds everyone around him.
5. Gintama (2005)
Gintama has gained immense popularity and secured its position among the top anime series due to its exceptional humor, imaginative storytelling, entertaining characters, and lighthearted parodies of renowned shonen titles. In the world of Gintama, Japan is under the control of aliens who have banned the use of swords. However, the protagonist, Gintoki Sakata, continues to wield his sword as a samurai for hire. Alongside his two eccentric companions, Gintoki is always ready for thrilling escapades.
The Gintama anime cleverly pays tribute to iconic shonen series such as Dragon Ball Z and the “big three” – Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece. For instance, Gintoki can be seen donning a straw hat similar to Luffy’s and even possesses the extraordinary powers of Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach. Interestingly, when offered further training by a character resembling Zangetsu, Gintoki casually declines, in stark contrast to the enthusiastic response Ichigo would have given. However, it is important to note that Gintoki’s carefree nature sets him apart from the diligent and serious Ichigo.
6. Mob Psycho 100
From the surface, Mob Psycho 100 may appear to be just another typical shonen anime. However, it is the way it is executed that sets it apart and earns it the title of “best anime of all time.” This eccentric and supernatural series revolves around Shigeo Kageyama, a reserved and kind-hearted boy who possesses extraordinary psychic abilities.
Despite his desire for a peaceful existence in modern Japan, Shigeo, also known as Mob, finds himself unable to refuse the demands of his mentor and employer, Reigen, who exploits his powers for business purposes. As Mob’s stress levels reach their peak at 100, he will inevitably unleash an immense power that will reshape the world around him, regardless of his own wishes.
7. Slam Dunk
The renowned author Takehiko Inoue’s beloved manga series, Slam Dunk, is widely regarded as a must-read sports series and has also served as the inspiration for an equally famous anime adaptation. Recently, a new anime titled The First Slam Dunk was released, aiming to introduce this series to a new generation of fans.
The overarching story of Slam Dunk revolves around Hanamichi Sakuragi, a resilient high school student who takes up basketball in order to impress his latest crush, Haruko. This decision marks the beginning of an exhilarating new chapter in Hanamichi’s life, where he will exchange his delinquent behavior for the constructive pursuit of sports.
8. Your Name (2016)
Your Name is widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time, if not the absolute best, despite director Makoto Shinkai’s own reservations about its rushed and unpolished nature. This timeless masterpiece tells the story of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who desperately long to reunite and remember each other’s names. Their connection is solely through peculiar dreams where they swap bodies.
Initially, Taki and Mitsuha find amusement in their body-swapping experiences and indirectly get to know one another. However, Mitsuha suddenly disappears. Driven by determination, Taki embarks on a journey to rural Japan in search of his missing friend. Along the way, he uncovers the tragic reality of Mitsuha’s hometown and becomes determined to alter her fate, allowing them to finally discover each other’s true identities.
9. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen has solidified its position as a member of the renowned “dark trio,” a group of three intense shonen action/horror anime series that share similar storytelling styles. While it may appear to be a typical shonen anime at first glance, Jujutsu Kaisen goes beyond expectations by delivering powerful emotional moments and thought-provoking social commentary.
With its impactful messages, captivating characters, seamless combat system, and skillful combination of action, horror, drama, and comedy, Jujutsu Kaisen stands out as one of the finest anime series not only in the present era but throughout the history of anime. It may not cater to everyone’s taste, but any anime enthusiast who can handle its graphic action sequences is bound to have an exceptional experience. This is particularly true for Season 2’s Shibuya Incident arc, which showcases breathtaking fight scenes and numerous shocking deaths.
10. Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War (2019)
Unlike many romantic comedy anime series that prioritize cuteness over depth, Kaguya-Sama: Love is War stands out for its profound emotional complexity. This seinen rom-com offers a unique blend of humor, romance, drama, and clever storytelling that elevates it above other series in the genre.
At its core, Kaguya-Sama revolves around the dynamic between Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane as they engage in a battle of wits to outsmart each other and confess their love first. As the story progresses, their friends also become entangled in the web of love, adding further complications to the narrative. This intricate plotline, combined with well-crafted dialogue, makes Kaguya-Sama a truly exceptional anime experience.
Conclusion
The best anime of all time depends on individual preferences, including the genre, storyline, characters, and animation style. Ultimately, the “best anime of all time” is one that resonates with you personally, leaving a lasting impact and enriching your appreciation for this diverse and dynamic medium. It’s the magic of anime that it can cater to such a wide range of tastes, making it a globally beloved form of storytelling.
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