20 Best Anime Series Of All Time – Detailed List

Anime has become a global phenomenon, drawing fans with its unique blend of storytelling, art, and cultural depth. Over the years, some anime series have stood out as groundbreaking, defining genres and captivating audiences worldwide.

Here’s our countdown of the 20 best anime of all time, featuring detailed insights into each show’s genre, studio, release date, episode count, and plot.

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20. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
• Studio: David Production
• Release Date: 2012 (Ongoing)
• Episodes: 190+ (across multiple parts)

Plot: This multigenerational saga follows the Joestar family as they combat powerful foes using “Stands,” supernatural abilities that manifest from their fighting spirit. Known for its flamboyant art style, creative battles, and iconic catchphrases, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” is an endlessly entertaining and highly influential series.

19. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

• Genre: Mecha, Action, Drama
• Studio: Sunrise
• Release Date: 2006-2008
• Episodes: 50

Plot: In a world where the Holy Britannian Empire rules with an iron fist, Lelouch Lamperouge gains the mysterious power of Geass, allowing him to command absolute obedience. He leads a rebellion against Britannia, blending intense action with political intrigue and moral dilemmas.

18. Gintama

• Genre: Comedy, Action, Sci-Fi
• Studio: Sunrise, Bandai Namco Pictures
• Release Date: 2006-2018
• Episodes: 367

Plot: Set in an alternate Edo-period Japan invaded by aliens, Gintoki Sakata and his quirky friends take on odd jobs to make ends meet. Balancing absurd comedy with poignant storytelling, “Gintama” is a genre-defying masterpiece.

17. Fairy Tail

• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
• Studio: A-1 Pictures, Satelight, Bridge
• Release Date: 2009-2019
• Episodes: 328

Plot: The series follows Natsu Dragneel and his guild, Fairy Tail, as they embark on magical quests, face formidable foes, and forge unbreakable bonds. Its emphasis on friendship and family, combined with thrilling battles, makes it a fan favorite.

16. Bleach

• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Adventure
• Studio: Pierrot
• Release Date: 2004-2012; 2022 (Thousand-Year Blood War Arc)
• Episodes: 366 (+ Ongoing)

Plot: Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see spirits, becomes a Soul Reaper to protect the living world from malevolent Hollows and uncover the mysteries of the afterlife. Stylish battles and unforgettable characters define “Bleach.”

15. Tokyo Ghoul

• Genre: Horror, Dark Fantasy
• Studio: Pierrot
• Release Date: 2014-2018
• Episodes: 48

Plot: College student Ken Kaneki’s life takes a dark turn after he becomes a half-ghoul—a being that survives by consuming human flesh. Struggling with his dual identity, Kaneki navigates a treacherous world of ghouls and humans in this gripping, tragic tale.

14. Sword Art Online

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Romance
• Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Release Date: 2012 (Ongoing)
• Episodes: 96+ (across multiple seasons)

Plot: Gamers trapped in a virtual MMORPG must clear all levels to escape, with death in the game resulting in death in real life. Kirito, the protagonist, leads the charge while exploring themes of love, survival, and morality.

13. Hunter x Hunter

• Genre: Adventure, Action, Fantasy
• Studio: Madhouse
• Release Date: 2011-2014
• Episodes: 148

Plot: Gon Freecss dreams of becoming a Hunter to find his long-lost father. Along the way, he forms bonds with friends and faces powerful foes in a meticulously crafted world of danger and discovery.

12. Spirited Away

• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
• Studio: Studio Ghibli
• Release Date: 2001
• Episodes: Film

Plot: Chihiro, a young girl, stumbles into a magical world ruled by spirits and gods. To save her parents and return home, she must muster her courage and navigate the challenges of this breathtaking, otherworldly bathhouse.

11. Dragon Ball Z

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Martial Arts
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Release Date: 1989-1996
• Episodes: 291

Plot: Goku and his friends defend Earth from powerful villains, pushing their limits through intense training and epic battles. As a cornerstone of anime, “Dragon Ball Z” introduced millions to the medium and remains an enduring classic.

10. Neon Genesis Evangelion

• Genre: Mecha, Psychological, Sci-Fi
• Studio: Gainax, Tatsunoko Production
• Release Date: 1995-1996
• Episodes: 26

Plot: Teenage pilots must control giant robots to combat mysterious beings called Angels. Beneath the surface, the series delves into deep psychological and philosophical themes that have resonated with audiences for decades.

9. My Hero Academia

• Genre: Action, Superhero, Comedy
• Studio: Bones
• Release Date: 2016 (Ongoing)
• Episodes: 138+ (Ongoing)

Plot: In a world where nearly everyone has superpowers, Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy, inherits the powers of the greatest hero. The series explores his journey to become the next symbol of peace, filled with inspiring moments and intense action.

8. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Adventure
• Studio: Ufotable
• Release Date: 2019 (Ongoing)
• Episodes: 50+ (Ongoing)

Plot: Tanjiro Kamado’s quest to avenge his family and cure his sister Nezuko’s demon curse takes him into a world of breathtakingly animated battles and heartfelt storytelling.

7. Death Note

• Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
• Studio: Madhouse
• Release Date: 2006-2007
• Episodes: 37

Plot: Light Yagami discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name. His descent into a god complex and battle of wits with detective L make this an unforgettable psychological thriller.

6. Naruto

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• Studio: Pierrot
• Release Date: 2002-2007 (Naruto); 2007-2017 (Naruto: Shippuden)
• Episodes: 720

Plot: Naruto Uzumaki dreams of becoming Hokage while battling powerful enemies and overcoming prejudice. The series blends iconic battles, heartfelt moments, and profound lessons on friendship and perseverance.

5. Steins;Gate

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Studio: White Fox
• Release Date: 2011
• Episodes: 24

Plot: A group of friends accidentally creates a time machine, leading to unintended consequences that threaten their lives. This sci-fi thriller is as emotional as it is mind-bending.

4. Attack on Titan

• Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy
• Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA
• Release Date: 2013-2023
• Episodes: 87 (Final Season Part 4 pending)

Plot: Humanity’s fight for survival against man-eating Titans uncovers shocking truths about their world. Its intricate plot, moral complexity, and breathtaking action sequences set a new standard in anime storytelling.

3. One Piece

• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
• Studio: Toei Animation
• Release Date: 1999 (Ongoing)
• Episodes: 1,000+

Plot: Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew sail the Grand Line in search of the legendary One Piece treasure. A sprawling epic filled with humor, emotion, and unforgettable adventures, “One Piece” continues to captivate fans worldwide.

2. Cowboy Bebop

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
• Studio: Sunrise
• Release Date: 1998
• Episodes: 26

Plot: A ragtag group of bounty hunters travels through space, confronting their pasts and taking on dangerous missions. With stylish animation and a legendary soundtrack, “Cowboy Bebop” is an anime classic.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• Studio: Bones
• Release Date: 2009-2010
• Episodes: 64

Plot: After a failed alchemy experiment costs them dearly, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies. A masterful blend of action, emotion, and philosophical themes makes this widely regarded as the pinnacle of anime storytelling.

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Closing the List

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” takes the crown for its flawless execution, unforgettable characters, and resonant themes. However, every anime on this list represents the best of what the medium has to offer, from heart-pounding action to soul-stirring drama.