Discover the Best Anime of All Time –Top 50 Anime List

Assassination Classroom

Japanese Title: 暗殺教室

Studio: Lerche

Aired: Jan 10, 2015 to Jun 20, 2015

Genre: Action, Comedy, School, Shounen

When a mysterious creature chops the moon down to a permanent crescent, the students of class 3-E of Kunugigaoka Middle School find themselves confronted with an enormous task: assassinate the creature responsible for the disaster before Earth suffers a similar fate. However, the monster, dubbed Koro-sensei (the indestructible teacher), is able to fly at speeds of up to Mach 20, which he demonstrates freely, leaving any attempt to subdue him in his extraterrestrial dust. The misfits of 3-E soon find that the strange, tentacled beast is more than just indomitable—he is the best teacher they have ever had!

Adapted from the humorous hit manga by Yuusei Matsui, Ansatsu Kyoushitsu tells the story of these junior high pupils as they polish their assassination skills and grow in order to stand strong against the oppressive school system, their own life problems, and one day, Koro-sensei. If you’re interested you can watch the official trailer in the player below.

God Eater

Japanese Title: GOD EATER

Studio: ufotable

Aired: Jul 12, 2015 to Mar 26, 2016

Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Fantasy

The year is 2071. Humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction following the emergence of man-eating monsters called “Aragami” that boast an immunity to conventional weaponry. They ravaged the land, consuming almost everything in their path and leaving nothing in their wake. To combat them, an organization named Fenrir was formed as a last-ditch effort to save humanity through the use of “God Eaters”—special humans infused with Oracle cells, allowing them to wield the God Arc, the only known weapon capable of killing an Aragami. One such God Eater is Lenka Utsugi, a New-Type whose God Arc takes the form of both blade and gun.

Now, as one of Fenrir’s greatest weapons, Lenka must master his God Arc if he is to fulfill his desire of wiping out the Aragami once and for all. The monsters continue to be born en masse while the remnants of humanity struggle to survive the night. Only God Eaters stand between the Aragami and complete and total annihilation of the human race.

Baccano!

Japanese Title: バッカーノ！

Studio: Brain’s Base

Aired: Jul 27, 2007 to Nov 2, 2007

Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural, Historical, Mystery, Seinen

During the early 1930s in Chicago, the transcontinental train, Flying Pussyfoot, is starting its legendary journey that will leave a trail of blood all over the country. At the same time in New York, the ambitious scientist Szilard and his unwilling aide Ennis are looking for missing bottles of the immortality elixir. In addition, a war between the mafia groups is getting worse. On board the Advena Avis, in 1711, alchemists are about to learn the price of immortality.

Based on the award-winning light novels of the same name, Baccano! follows several events that initially seem unrelated, both in time and place, but are part of a much bigger story—one of alchemy, survival and immortality. Merging these events together are the kindhearted would-be thieves, Isaac and Miria, connecting various people, all of them with their own hidden ambitions and agendas, and creating lifelong bonds and consequences for everyone involved.

BACKGROUND:

Baccano! is based on Ryohgo Narita’s award-winning light novels of the same title and mainly adapts the first 4 novels. While more faithful to the first 3 novels, the 4th novel (1932) is followed more loosely and is mostly an anime-exclusive story. In addition, content from later novels is briefly included in the anime as well. Unlike the novels however, which follow a mostly linear narrative per book, the anime adopts a non-linear storytelling style; the tale of each novel is told simultaneously with one another, with the focus jumping back and forth in time between and within the different plotlines.

Charolette

Japanese Title: Charlotte（シャーロット）

Studio:  P.A. Works

Aired: Jul 5, 2015 to Sep 27, 2015

Genre: Drama, School, Super Power

While on the surface Yuu Otosaka appears to be just another charming and intelligent teenager, he has a secret—he has the ability to slip into people’s minds and fully control their body for five seconds at a time. Yuu has been using this skill for years to gain the highest grades, which allowed him to enter a prestigious high school.

When the enigmatic Nao Tomori catches Yuu using his power, she coerces him and his sister Ayumi into transferring to Hoshinoumi Academy, a school for students with supernatural abilities. The student council of the school, led by Nao, is tasked with secretly tracking down adolescents who abuse their powers. Yuu is forced to join the student council and together, they face formidable challenges that bring him closer to the shocking truth that his own, seemingly incomplete ability, might be more powerful than he could have ever imagined.

An original story from Jun Maeda, creator of Angel Beats and Clannad, Charlotte explores the supernatural lives of these teenagers and the price they must pay for being special.

Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu

Japanese Title: フルメタル・パニック? ふもっふ

Studio: Kyoto Animation

Aired: Aug 26, 2003 to Oct 18, 2003

Genre: Action, Comedy, School

It’s back-to-school mayhem with Kaname Chidori and her war-freak classmate Sousuke Sagara as they encounter more misadventures in and out of Jindai High School. But when Kaname gets into some serious trouble, Sousuke takes the guise of Bonta-kun—the gun-wielding, butt-kicking mascot. And while he struggles to continue living as a normal teenager, Sousuke also has to deal with protecting his superior officer Teletha Testarossa, who has decided to take a vacation from Mithril and spend a couple of weeks as his and Kaname’s classmate.

The Future Diary

Japanese Title: 未来日記

Studio: Asread

Aired: Oct 9, 2011 to Apr 15, 2012

Genre: Action, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller, Mystery, Shounen

Lonely high school student, Yukiteru Amano, spends his days writing a diary on his cellphone, while conversing with his two seemingly imaginary friends Deus Ex Machina, who is the god of time and space, and Murmur, the god’s servant. Revealing himself to be an actual entity, Deus grants Yukiteru a “Random Diary,” which shows highly descriptive entries based on the future and forces him into a bloody battle royale with 11 other holders of similarly powerful future diaries.

With the last person standing designated as the new god of time and space, Yukiteru must find and kill the other 11 in order to survive. He reluctantly teams up with his obsessive stalker Yuno Gasai (who also possesses such a diary), and she takes it upon herself to ensure his safety. But there’s more to the girl than meets the eye, as she might have other plans for her unrequited love…

BACKGROUND:

Mirai Nikki also spawned a live-action television show with a different plot from the manga and anime, as well as a visual novel.

Kill La Kill

Japanese Title: キルラキル

Studio: Trigger

Aired: Oct 4, 2013 to Mar 28, 2014

Genre: Action, Comedy, School, Super Power

After the murder of her father, Ryuuko Matoi has been wandering the land in search of his killer. Following her only lead—the missing half of his invention, the Scissor Blade—she arrives at the prestigious Honnouji Academy, a high school unlike any other. The academy is ruled by the imposing and cold-hearted student council president Satsuki Kiryuuin alongside her powerful underlings, the Elite Four. In the school’s brutally competitive hierarchy, Satsuki bestows upon those at the top special clothes called “Goku Uniforms,” which grant the wearer unique superhuman abilities.

Thoroughly beaten in a fight against one of the students in uniform, Ryuuko retreats to her razed home where she stumbles across Senketsu, a rare and sentient “Kamui,” or God Clothes. After coming into contact with Ryuuko’s blood, Senketsu awakens, latching onto her and providing her with immense power. Now, armed with Senketsu and the Scissor Blade, Ryuuko makes a stand against the Elite Four, hoping to reach Satsuki and uncover the culprit behind her father’s murder once and for all.

BACKGROUND:

Episode 1 was previewed at a screening in Tokyo on September 28, 2013. Regular broadcasting began on October 4, 2013.

Kill La Kill’s Toshio Ishizaki won the Tokyo Anime Award for Best Character Design in 2014. The series got another Character Design Award along with a Storyboard Award, Soundtrack Award, Theme Song Award (for Sirius), Mascot Awards (for Senketsu and Guts), Female Character Awards (for Ryuuko Matoi and Mako Mankanshoku), and Series Award for TV Broadcast in the 2014 Newtype Anime Awards.

Toradora

Japanese Title: とらドラ！

Studio: J.C.Staff

Aired: Oct 2, 2008 to Mar 26, 2009

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance, School

Ryuuji Takasu is a gentle high school student with a love for housework; but in contrast to his kind nature, he has an intimidating face that often gets him labeled as a delinquent. On the other hand is Taiga Aisaka, a small, doll-like student, who is anything but a cute and fragile girl. Equipped with a wooden katana and feisty personality, Taiga is known throughout the school as the “Palmtop Tiger.”

One day, an embarrassing mistake causes the two students to cross paths. Ryuuji discovers that Taiga actually has a sweet side: she has a crush on the popular vice president, Yuusaku Kitamura, who happens to be his best friend. But things only get crazier when Ryuuji reveals that he has a crush on Minori Kushieda—Taiga’s best friend!

Toradora! is a romantic comedy that follows this odd duo as they embark on a quest to help each other with their respective crushes, forming an unlikely alliance in the process.

BACKGROUND:

Toradora! was selected as a recommended work by the awards jury of the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2009.

The light novel was also adapted into video games for PlayStation Portable, published by Namco Bandai Games in 2009.

Oran High School Host Club

Japanese Title: 桜蘭高校ホスト部

Studio: Bones

Aired: Apr 5, 2006 to Sep 27, 2006

Genre: Comedy, Harem, Romance, School, Shoujo

Haruhi Fujioka is a bright scholarship candidate with no rank or title to speak of—a rare species at Ouran High School, an elite academy for students of high pedigree. When she opens the door to Music Room #3 hoping to find a quiet place to study, Haruhi unexpectedly stumbles upon the Host Club. Led by the princely Tamaki, the club—whose other members include the “Shadow King” Kyouya, the mischievous Hitachiin twins, and the childlike Haninozuka “Honey” and his strong protector Mori—is where handsome boys with too much time on their hands entertain the girls in the academy.

In a frantic attempt to remove herself from the hosts, Haruhi ends up breaking a vase worth eight million yen and is forced into becoming the eccentric group’s general errand boy to repay her enormous debt. However, thanks to her convincingly masculine appearance, her naturally genial disposition toward girls, and fascinating commoner status, she is soon promoted to full-time male host and plunged headlong into a glitzy whirlwind of elaborate cosplays, rich food, and exciting shenanigans that only the immensely wealthy Ouran Host Club can pull off.

Gundam Wing

Japanese Title: 新機動戦記ガンダムW

Studio: Sunrise

Aired: Apr 7, 1995 to Mar 29, 1996

Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Space, Drama, Mecha

The United Earth Sphere Alliance is a powerful military organization that has ruled over Earth and space colonies with an iron fist for several decades. When the colonies proclaimed their opposition to this, their leader was assassinated. Now, in the year After Colony 195, bitter colonial rebels have launched “Operation Meteor,” sending five powerful mobile suits to Earth for vengeance. Built out of virtually indestructible material called Gundanium Alloy, these “Gundams” begin an assault against the Alliance and its sub organization OZ.

One Gundam, whose pilot has taken the name of the slain colony leader Heero Yuy, is forced to make a crash landing into the ocean after an atmospheric battle against OZ’s ace pilot Zechs Marquise. Upon coming ashore, he is found by Relena Peacecraft, daughter of a peace-seeking politician, who witnesses Heero’s descent to Earth. Although neither of them realize it yet, this encounter will have a profound impact on both their lives, as well as those on Earth and in space colonies.

Noragami

Japanese Title: ノラガミ

Studio: Bones

Aired: Jan 5, 2014 to Mar 23, 2014

Genre: Action, Adventure, Shounen, Supernatural

In times of need, if you look in the right place, you just may see a strange telephone number scrawled in red. If you call this number, you will hear a young man introduce himself as the Yato God.

Yato is a minor deity and a self-proclaimed “Delivery God,” who dreams of having millions of worshippers. Without a single shrine dedicated to his name, however, his goals are far from being realized. He spends his days doing odd jobs for five yen apiece, until his weapon partner becomes fed up with her useless master and deserts him.

Just as things seem to be looking grim for the god, his fortune changes when a middle school girl, Hiyori Iki, supposedly saves Yato from a car accident, taking the hit for him. Remarkably, she survives, but the event has caused her soul to become loose and hence able to leave her body. Hiyori demands that Yato return her to normal, but upon learning that he needs a new partner to do so, reluctantly agrees to help him find one. And with Hiyori’s help, Yato’s luck may finally be turning around.

Dragon Ball Super

Japanese Title: ドラゴンボール超（スーパー）

Studio: Toei Animation

Aired: Jul 5, 2015 to ?

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Super Power, Martial Arts, Fantasy, Shounen

Set just after the events of the Buu Saga of Dragon Ball Z, a deadly threat awakens once more. People lived in peace without knowing who the true heroes were during the devastating battle against Majin Buu. The powerful Dragon Balls have prevented any permanent damage, and our heroes also continue to live a normal life. In the far reaches of the universe, however, a powerful being awakens early from his slumber, curious about a prophecy of his defeat.

Join Gokuu, Piccolo, Vegeta, Gohan, and the rest of the Dragon Ball crew as they tackle the strongest opponent they have ever faced. Beerus, the god of destruction, now sets his curious sights on Earth. Will the heroes save the day and prevent earth’s destruction? Or will the whims of a bored god prove too powerful for the Saiyans? Gokuu faces impossible odds once more and fights for the safety of his loved ones and the planet.

Case Closed

Japanese Title: 名探偵コナン

Studio: TMS Entertainment

Aired: Jan 8, 1996 to ?

Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Comedy, Police, Shounen

Shinichi Kudou, a great mystery expert at only seventeen, is already well known for having solved several challenging cases. One day, when Shinichi sees two suspicious men and decides to follow them, he inadvertently becomes witness to a disturbing illegal activity. When the men catch Shinichi, they dose him with an experimental drug formulated by their criminal organization and abandon him to die. However, to his own astonishment, Shinichi is still alive and soon wakes up, but now, he has the body of a seven-year-old, perfectly preserving his original intelligence. He hides his real identity from everyone, including his childhood friend Ran Mouri and her father, private detective Kogorou Mouri, and takes on the alias of Conan Edogawa (inspired by the mystery writers Arthur Conan Doyle and Ranpo Edogawa).

Animated by TMS and adapted from the manga by Gosho Aoyama, Detective Conan follows Shinichi who, as Conan, starts secretly solving the senior Mouri’s cases from behind the scenes with his still exceptional sleuthing skills, while covertly investigating the organization responsible for his current state, hoping to reverse the drug’s effects someday.

Background

In 2003, FUNimation licensed the first 104 episodes of the series for North American production under the name Case Closed. They later decided to stop pursuing more episodes past episode 123 due to poor sales. In 2014, Crunchyroll obtained a license to stream simulcast episodes of Detective Conan on their website starting with episode 754.

Winner of the Animation Award (DIVE Award) of the 2010 Japanese Movie Critics Awards.

Yu-Gi-Oh

Japanese Title: 遊☆戯☆王　デュエルモンスターズ

Studio: Studio Gallop

Aired: Apr 18, 2000 to Sep 29, 2004

Genre: Adventure, Game, Shounen

Legend says that the enigmatic Millennium Puzzle will grant one wish to whoever deciphers its ancient secrets. Upon solving it, high school student Yuugi Mutou unleashes “another Yuugi,” a peculiar presence contained inside. Now, whenever he is faced with a dilemma, this mysterious alter ego makes an appearance and aids him in his troubles.

Wishing to unravel the mystery behind this strange spirit, Yuugi and his companions find themselves competing with several opponents in “Duel Monsters,” a challenging card game used by people seeking to steal the Millennium Puzzle in a desperate attempt to harness the great power within. As the questions pile on, it is not long before they figure out that there is more than pride on the line in these duels.

Elfen Lied

Japanese Title: エルフェンリート

Studio: Arms

Aired: Jul 25, 2004 to Oct 17, 2004

Genre: Action, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural, Drama, Romance, Seinen

Lucy is a special breed of human referred to as “Diclonius,” born with a short pair of horns and invisible telekinetic hands that lands her as a victim of inhumane scientific experimentation by the government. However, once circumstances present her an opportunity to escape, Lucy, corrupted by the confinement and torture, unleashes a torrent of bloodshed as she escapes her captors.

During her breakout, she receives a crippling head injury that leaves her with a split personality: someone with the mentality of a harmless child possessing limited speech capacity. In this state of instability, she stumbles upon two college students, Kouta and his cousin Yuka, who unknowingly take an injured fugitive into their care, unaware of her murderous tendencies. This act of kindness will change their lives, as they soon find themselves dragged into the shadowy world of government secrecy and conspiracy.

BACKGROUND:

Elfen Lied is based on Lynn Okamoto’s seinen manga series of the same name and premiered while the manga was still in publication. The anime follows the source material through the first 7 volumes, with several alterations to the story, and concludes with an exclusive ending. In an interview, director Mamoru Kanbe expressed his disappointment in having to ‘condense’ to story into 13 episodes and felt that more were needed to include significant plot details that would have made the series more emotive.

The artistic design of both the opening and ending sequences are heavily inspired by the works of Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt. Colors and patterns resembling Klimt’s distinct style were used and characters of the series were drawn to recreate several paintings from the artist’s golden period, including The Kiss (Lovers). The opening theme Lilium, which is sung in Ecclesiastical Latin, uses lyrics taken from The Bible, the Renaissance hymn Ave mundi spes Maria, as well as the alchemical compendium Theatrum Chemicum.

Getbackers

Japanese Title: ゲットバッカーズ　奪還屋

Studio: Studio Deen

Aired: Oct 5, 2002 to Sep 20, 2003

Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Shounen, Super Power, Supernatural

Mido Ban and Amano Ginji are known as the Get Backers, retrievers with a success rate of 100%. Whatever is lost or stolen, they can definitely get it back. Despite their powerful abilities and enthusiastic behavior, Ban and Ginji are terminally broke no matter what they do simply because few people would actually desire to hire them. As a result, the pair of them tend to do dangerous jobs, often leading to unwanted re-encounters with their old (and dangerous) friends.

HellSing

Japanese Title: Hellsing [ヘルシング]

Studio: Gonzo

Aired: Oct 11, 2001 to Jan 17, 2002

Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural, Vampire, Seinen

Hellsing, an organization specializing in dealing with supernatural threats, is called in to eliminate a vampire that is turning the villagers of Cheddar into ghouls. To put an end to this, the leader of the organization, Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, dispatches her most formidable asset: a powerful vampire known as Alucard.

Armed with only a single handgun, Alucard wreaks havoc on the monsters plaguing Cheddar. However, a young police officer, Seras Victoria, gets caught up in the chaos and becomes mortally wounded as a result. Taking pity on the girl, Alucard gives her a choice: die as a human or live on as a vampire. Seras accepts his offer and begins a new life as a member of Hellsing.

Though it was her decision, Seras struggles with the fact that she is no longer human. Nevertheless, she must embrace being a creature of the night soon if she wants to survive on the front lines in the fight between humans and the supernatural.

BACKGROUND:

Hellsing was based on Kouta Hirano’s manga of the same name. The anime utilizes the same characters but the story strongly deviates from the manga, which was still ongoing at the time of the anime’s creation

Ghost In The Shell

Japanese Title: GHOST IN THE SHELL（攻殻機動隊）

Studio: Production I.G

Aired: Nov 18, 1995

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Police, Psychological, Mecha, Seinen

In the year 2029, advances in Cybernetics allow people to replace nearly all of their body parts and organs with robotics. Through these prosthetics, the weak are made strong, and the dying are given new life. Public Security Section 9 of Niihama City (a fictional setting inspired by Hong Kong), a diverse team of AI, cyborgs and unmodified humans, must investigate cases of corruption and terrorism. Major Motoko Kusanagi has full-body prosthetics, owing to a childhood accident. She, her second in command Batou and information specialist Ishikawa have been assigned an important task: to investigate a hacker known only as “The Puppetmaster.” But as Motoko and her team discover, things are never so simple.

Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic thriller with intense action scenes mixed with slower artistic sequences and many philosophical questions about one’s soul, gender and human identity in such an advanced age of technology.

BACKGROUND:

Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell was the first film to adapt Masumane Shirow’s manga of the same name. It heavily condenses the original storyline, reducing the original material’s comic relief and sexual content in favor of a more serious tone and changing the setting from Japan to a city modelled after Hong Kong. The artwork within the animated film was produced using an innovative mix of cel animation and digital effects. Ghost in the Shell is one of the world’s most famous Japanese animated films, being the first to reach #1 on Billboard magazine’s video best-seller list, and also served as a major inspiration for the Wachowskis in their creation of the Matrix movies. A special edition titled Ghost in the Shell: 2.0 was released in 2008, which features scenes reanimated with additional CGI to match the style of the 2004’s sequel, Ghost in the Shell: Innocence.

Sailor Moon

Japanese Title: 美少女戦士セーラームーン

Studio: Toei Animation

Aired: Mar 7, 1992 to Feb 27, 1993

Genre: Magic, Romance, Demons, Shoujo

Tsukino Usagi is a 14-year-old girl in junior high. She’s ditzy, whiny, and a crybaby. She often flunks her tests, and she is always scolded by her family. However after a bad day, Usagi is surprised to encounter a black cat that can talk! The cat, Luna, grants Usagi the power to transform into Sailor Moon, a fighter who is to save the world against the Dark Kingdom and its evil ruler, Queen Beryl.

Of course, Usagi can’t do it alone, and there are others who will help her on the way..

BACKGROUND:

The series won the 1992 Animage’s Anime Grand Prix Award.

Gintama.

Japanese Title: 銀魂

Studio: Sunrise

Aired: Apr 4, 2006 to Mar 25, 2010

Genre: TV Tokyo, Aniplex, Dentsu,Trinity Sound, Audio Highs, Miracle Robo, Shueisha

The Amanto, aliens from outer space, have invaded Earth and taken over feudal Japan. As a result, a prohibition on swords has been established, and the samurai of Japan are treated with disregard as a consequence.

However one man, Gintoki Sakata, still possesses the heart of the samurai, although from his love of sweets and work as a yorozuya, one might not expect it. Accompanying him in his jack-of-all-trades line of work are Shinpachi Shimura, a boy with glasses and a strong heart, Kagura with her umbrella and seemingly bottomless stomach, as well as Sadaharu, their oversized pet dog. Of course, these odd jobs are not always simple, as they frequently have run-ins with the police, ragtag rebels, and assassins, oftentimes leading to humorous but unfortunate consequences.

Who said life as an errand boy was easy?

BACKGROUND:

Several games based on Gintama have been released on a variety of platforms such as the Sony PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS. Characters from the series have also appeared in Weekly Shounen Jump’s crossover titles such as Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars.

The series received high-definition reruns of older episodes by TV Tokyo from April 5, 2010 till March 28, 2011 under the name Yorinuki Gintama-san which included 51 selected episodes as well as 4 new Openings and Endings.

Sentai Filmworks licensed and released only the first 49 episodes of Gintama, along with the first movie; in 2016, Crunchyroll gained the license and plans to release the entire series dubbed/subtitled at some point in the future.

Dragon Ball

Japanese Title: ドラゴンボール

Studio: Toei Animation

Aired: Feb 26, 1986 to Apr 12, 1989

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Super Power, Martial Arts, Fantasy, Shounen

Gokuu Son is a young boy who lives in the woods all alone—that is, until a girl named Bulma runs into him in her search for a set of magical objects called the “Dragon Balls.” Since the artifacts are said to grant one wish to whoever collects all seven, Bulma hopes to gather them and wish for a perfect boyfriend. Gokuu happens to be in possession of a dragon ball, but unfortunately for Bulma, he refuses to part ways with it, so she makes him a deal: he can tag along on her journey if he lets her borrow the dragon ball’s power. With that, the two set off on the journey of a lifetime.

They don’t go on the journey alone. On the way, they meet the old Muten-Roshi and wannabe disciple Kuririn, with whom Gokuu trains to become a stronger martial artist for the upcoming World Martial Arts Tournament. However, it’s not all fun and games; the ability to make any wish come true is a powerful one, and there are others who would do much worse than just wishing for a boyfriend. To stop those who would try to abuse the legendary power, they train to become stronger fighters, using their newfound strength to help the people around them along the way.

Yuyu Hakusho

Japanese Title: 幽☆遊☆白書

Studio: Studio Pierrot

Aired: Oct 10, 1992 to Jan 7, 1995

Genre: Action, Comedy, Demons, Martial Arts, Fantasy, School, Shounen

One fateful day, Yuusuke Urameshi, a 14-year-old delinquent with a dim future, gets a miraculous chance to turn it all around when he throws himself in front of a moving car to save a young boy. His ultimate sacrifice is so out of character that the authorities of the spirit realm are not yet prepared to let him pass on. Koenma, heir to the throne of the spirit realm, offers Yuusuke an opportunity to regain his life through completion of a series of tasks. With the guidance of the death god Botan, he is to thwart evil presences on Earth as a Spirit Detective.

To help him on his venture, Yuusuke enlists ex-rival Kazuma Kuwabara, and two demons, Hiei and Kurama, who have criminal pasts. Together, they train and battle against enemies who would threaten humanity’s very existence.

BACKGROUND:

Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho was voted as the second best anime of the year in 1993 and best anime of the year in 1994 and 1995 at the Animage Anime Grand Prix.

Seven Deadly Sins

Japanese Title: 七つの大罪

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Aired: Oct 5, 2014 to Mar 29, 2015

Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Ecchi, Fantasy, Shounen

In a world similar to the European Middle Ages, the feared yet revered Holy Knights of Britannia use immensely powerful magic to protect the region of Britannia and its kingdoms. However, a small subset of the Knights supposedly betrayed their homeland and turned their blades against their comrades in an attempt to overthrow the ruler of Liones. They were defeated by the Holy Knights, but rumors continued to persist that these legendary knights, called the “Seven Deadly Sins,” were still alive. Ten years later, the Holy Knights themselves staged a coup d’état, and thus became the new, tyrannical rulers of the Kingdom of Liones.

Based on the best-selling manga series of the same name, Nanatsu no Taizai follows the adventures of Elizabeth, the third princess of the Kingdom of Liones, and her search for the Seven Deadly Sins. With their help, she endeavors to not only take back her kingdom from the Holy Knights, but to also seek justice in an unjust world.

BACKGROUND:

Netflix owns exclusive streaming rights to the series, all episodes were released on November 1, 2015 in both subtitled and dubbed format. Aside from the anime and manga, a video game adaptation and a few light novels also exist.

Trigun

Japanese Title: トライガン

Studio: Madhouse

Aired: Apr 1, 1998 to Sep 30, 1998

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy

Vash the Stampede is the man with a $$60,000,000 bounty on his head. The reason: he’s a merciless villain who lays waste to all those that oppose him and flattens entire cities for fun, garnering him the title “The Humanoid Typhoon.” He leaves a trail of death and destruction wherever he goes, and anyone can count themselves dead if they so much as make eye contact—or so the rumors say. In actuality, Vash is a huge softie who claims to have never taken a life and avoids violence at all costs.

With his crazy doughnut obsession and buffoonish attitude in tow, Vash traverses the wasteland of the planet Gunsmoke, all the while followed by two insurance agents, Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, who attempt to minimize his impact on the public. But soon, their misadventures evolve into life-or-death situations as a group of legendary assassins are summoned to bring about suffering to the trio. Vash’s agonizing past will be unraveled and his morality and principles pushed to the breaking point.

Background

The Japanese release by Victor Entertainment has different openings relating to the specific episode it’s played on. The initial Geneon Entertainment USA (then known as Pioneer) releases on VHS and DVD (singles, Signature Series, and box set) used only the first opening on each episode. This was due to the Japanese licensor providing them clean materials for only the first opening to put the English credits on. Geneon later fixed this mistake on their Limited Edition tin releases in 2005/2006, as well as on the Remix singles. Following Geneon USA’s demise in late 2007, the show went out of print. When FUNimation Entertainment picked up the show in 2010 and released it, they repeated Geneon’s mistake of using only the first opening on every episode. This mistake was later fixed in 2013 on the Anime Classics re-release.

Rurouni Kenshin

Japanese Title: るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-

Studios: Studio Gallop, Studio Deen

Aired: Jan 10, 1996 to Sep 8, 1998

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Historical, Romance, Samurai

In the final years of the Bakumatsu era lived a legendary assassin known as Hitokiri Battousai. Feared as a merciless killer, he was unmatched throughout the country, but mysteriously disappeared at the peak of the Japanese Revolution. It has been ten peaceful years since then, but the very mention of Battousai still strikes terror into the hearts of war veterans.

Unbeknownst to them, Battousai has abandoned his bloodstained lifestyle in an effort to repent for his sins, now living as Kenshin Himura, a wandering swordsman with a cheerful attitude and a strong will. Vowing never to kill again, Kenshin dedicates himself to protecting the weak. One day, he stumbles across Kaoru Kamiya at her kendo dojo, which is being threatened by an impostor claiming to be Battousai. After receiving help from Kenshin, Kaoru allows him to stay at the dojo, and so the former assassin temporarily ceases his travels.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan tells the story of Kenshin as he strives to save those in need of saving. However, as enemies from both past and present begin to emerge, will the reformed killer be able to uphold his new ideals?

Parasyte

Japanese Title: 寄生獣 セイの格率

Studio: Madhouse

Aired: Oct 9, 2014 to Mar 26, 2015

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Horror, Psychological, Drama, Seinen

All of a sudden, they arrived: parasitic aliens that descended upon Earth and quickly infiltrated humanity by burrowing into the brains of vulnerable targets. These insatiable beings acquire full control of their host and are able to morph into a variety of forms in order to feed on unsuspecting prey.

Sixteen-year-old high school student Shinichi Izumi falls victim to one of these parasites, but it fails to take over his brain, ending up in his right hand instead. Unable to relocate, the parasite, now named Migi, has no choice but to rely on Shinichi in order to stay alive. Thus, the pair is forced into an uneasy coexistence and must defend themselves from hostile parasites that hope to eradicate this new threat to their species.

BACKGROUND:

The anime was simulcast by Crunchyroll outside of Asia.
Aside from the manga and anime, the series also has two live-action film adaptations.

The Chinese Ministry of Culture blacklisted Parasyte as well as 37 other works on June 9, 2015.

Demon Slayer:Kimetsu no Yaiba

Japanese Title: 鬼滅の刃

Studio: ufotable

Aired: Apr 6, 2019 to Sep 28, 2019

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Kids, Fantasy, Shounen

Embark on a thrilling journey with Tanjirou Kamado in “Demon Slayer” – a gripping tale of vengeance, family, and the battle against flesh-eating demons. Explore the tragic yet captivating story of Tanjirou as he navigates a world filled with darkness and joins forces with the enigmatic Demon Slayer Corps to protect his sister’s humanity. Dive into the depths of this epic anime series, which has earned its rightful place among the 50 Best Anime of All Time, as it immerses you in a captivating blend of action, emotion, and supernatural horrors.

No Game No Life

Japanese Title: ノーゲーム・ノーライフ

Studio: Madhouse

Aired: Apr 9, 2014 to Jun 25, 2014

Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Ecchi, Fantasy, Game, Supernatural

No Game No Life is a surreal comedy that follows Sora and Shiro, shut-in NEET siblings and the online gamer duo behind the legendary username “Kuuhaku.” They view the real world as just another lousy game; however, a strange e-mail challenging them to a chess match changes everything—the brother and sister are plunged into an otherworldly realm where they meet Tet, the God of Games.

The mysterious god welcomes Sora and Shiro to Disboard, a world where all forms of conflict—from petty squabbles to the fate of whole countries—are settled not through war, but by way of high-stake games. This system works thanks to a fundamental rule wherein each party must wager something they deem to be of equal value to the other party’s wager. In this strange land where the very idea of humanity is reduced to child’s play, the indifferent genius gamer duo of Sora and Shiro have finally found a real reason to keep playing games: to unite the sixteen races of Disboard, defeat Tet, and become the gods of this new, gaming-is-everything world.

Akame Ga Kill

Japanese Title: アカメが斬る

Studio: White Fox

Aired: Apr 22, 2010 to Dec 22, 2016

Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Shounen

In a fantasy world, fighter Tatsumi sets out for the Capital to earn money for his starving village, and finds a world of unimaginable corruption, all spreading from the depraved Prime Minister who controls the child Emperor’s ear. After nearly becoming a victim of this corruption himself, Tatsumi is recruited by Night Raid, a group of assassins dedicated to eliminating the corruption plaguing the Capitol by mercilessly killing those responsible.

BACKGROUND:

Akame ga Kill! has been published in English by Yen Press since January 20, 2015; in Spanish by Norma Editorial since October 29, 2015; in Italian by Panini Comics since October 24, 2015; and in French by Kurokawa edition since September 11, 2014

Author Takahiro stated in Akame ga Kill! 1.5 that the series is heavily inspired by the historical drama series Hissatsu.

One Punch Man

Japanese Title: ワンパンマン

Studio: Madhouse

Aired: Oct 5, 2015 to Dec 21, 2015

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Parody, Super Power, Supernatural, Seinen

The seemingly ordinary and unimpressive Saitama has a rather unique hobby: being a hero. In order to pursue his childhood dream, he trained relentlessly for three years—and lost all of his hair in the process. Now, Saitama is incredibly powerful, so much so that no enemy is able to defeat him in battle. In fact, all it takes to defeat evildoers with just one punch has led to an unexpected problem—he is no longer able to enjoy the thrill of battling and has become quite bored.

This all changes with the arrival of Genos, a 19-year-old cyborg, who wishes to be Saitama’s disciple after seeing what he is capable of. Genos proposes that the two join the Hero Association in order to become certified heroes that will be recognized for their positive contributions to society, and Saitama, shocked that no one knows who he is, quickly agrees. And thus begins the story of One Punch Man, an action-comedy that follows an eccentric individual who longs to fight strong enemies that can hopefully give him the excitement he once felt and just maybe, he’ll become popular in the process.

BACKGROUND:

Episodes 1 and 2 were previewed at a screening in Saitama city cultural center (small hall) on September 6, 2015. Regular broadcasting began on October 5, 2015.

One Punch Man is based on Yusuke Murata’s manga remake of ONE’s original web comic. The anime adapts the first 7 volumes of the manga.

Samurai Champloo

Japanese Title: サムライチャンプルー

Studio: Manglobe

Aired: May 20, 2004 to Mar 19, 2005

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Historical, Samurai, Shounen

Fuu Kasumi is a young and clumsy waitress who spends her days peacefully working in a small teahouse. That is, until she accidentally spills a drink all over one of her customers! With a group of samurai now incessantly harassing her, Fuu desperately calls upon another samurai in the shop, Mugen, who quickly defeats them with his wild fighting technique, utilizing movements reminiscent to that of breakdancing. Unfortunately, Mugen decides to pick a fight with the unwilling ronin Jin, who wields a more precise and traditional style of swordfighting, and the latter proves to be a formidable opponent. The only problem is, they end up destroying the entire shop as well as accidentally killing the local magistrate’s son.

For their crime, the two samurai are captured and set to be executed. However, they are rescued by Fuu, who hires the duo as her bodyguards. Though she no longer has a place to return to, the former waitress wishes to find a certain samurai who smells of sunflowers and enlists the help of the now exonerated pair to do so. Despite initially disapproving of this idea, the two eventually agree to assist the girl in her quest; thus, the trio embark upon an adventure to find this mysterious warrior—that is, if Fuu can keep Mugen and Jin from killing each other.

Set in an alternate Edo Period of Japan, Samurai Champloo follows the journey of these three eccentric individuals in an epic quest full of action, comedy, and dynamic sword fighting, all set to the beat of a unique hip-hop infused soundtrack.

BACKGROUND:

Samurai Champloo is the only anime to have featured music from the Japanese hip-hop producer Nujabes prior to his death in 2010. The anime also spawned the 2006 video game Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked for the PlayStation 2.

The show aired in two parts, with the first half airing Thursdays at 2:28 AM on Fuji TV from May 20, 2004 to September 23, 2004, and the second half airing Saturdays at 10:30 AM on BS Fuji from January 22, 2005 to March 19, 2005.

Geneon Entertainment USA originally licensed and released the show in North America, but after their closure in late 2007, the show went out of print. FUNimation Entertainment later entered a distribution deal with Geneon to distribute some of their titles, including Samurai Champloo. After the distribution deal ended, FUNimation later outright licensed the series.

Inuyasha

Japanese Title: 犬夜叉

Studio: Sunrise

Aired: Oct 16, 2000 to Sep 13, 2004

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural

Based on the Shogakukan award-winning manga of the same name, InuYasha follows Kagome Higurashi, a fifteen-year-old girl whose normal life ends when a demon drags her into a cursed well on the grounds of her family’s Shinto shrine. Instead of hitting the bottom of the well, Kagome ends up 500 years in the past during Japan’s violent Sengoku period with the demon’s true target, a wish-granting jewel called the Shikon Jewel, reborn inside of her.

After a battle with a revived demon accidentally causes the sacred jewel to shatter, Kagome enlists the help of a young hybrid dog-demon/human named Inuyasha to help her collect the shards and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Joining Kagome and Inuyasha on their quest are the orphan fox-demon Shippo, the intelligent monk Miroku, and the lethal demon slayer Sango. Together, they must set aside their differences and work together to find the power granting shards spread across feudal Japan and deal with the threats that arise.

BACKGROUND:

The anime won the “Property of the Year” award in ICv2’s Anime Awards for both 2004 and 2005, and received third place in Animage’s Anime Grand Prix “Best Anime” category in 2003.

Steins; Gate

Japanese Title: シュタインズ・ゲート

Studio: White Fox

Aired: Apr 6, 2011 to Sep 14, 2011

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller

The self-proclaimed mad scientist Rintarou Okabe rents out a room in a rickety old building in Akihabara, where he indulges himself in his hobby of inventing prospective “future gadgets” with fellow lab members: Mayuri Shiina, his air-headed childhood friend, and Hashida Itaru, a perverted hacker nicknamed “Daru.” The three pass the time by tinkering with their most promising contraption yet, a machine dubbed the “Phone Microwave,” which performs the strange function of morphing bananas into piles of green gel.

Though miraculous in itself, the phenomenon doesn’t provide anything concrete in Okabe’s search for a scientific breakthrough; that is, until the lab members are spurred into action by a string of mysterious happenings before stumbling upon an unexpected success—the Phone Microwave can send emails to the past, altering the flow of history.

Adapted from the critically acclaimed visual novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus, Steins;Gate takes Okabe through the depths of scientific theory and practicality. Forced across the diverging threads of past and present, Okabe must shoulder the burdens that come with holding the key to the realm of time.

BACKGROUND:

Steins;Gate is based on 5pb. and Nitroplus’ visual novel of the same name.

The first episode received a preview screening in Tokyo on Sunday, March 6, 2011. Participants were chosen through an email lottery held until Monday, February 28. Two other preview screenings were held in Aichi, Nagoya’s Gamers branch on Saturday, March 12 and Osaka, Namba’s Gamers branch on Sunday, March 13. Tickets for those two events were given out to people who pre-ordered and paid either the opening or ending single. The show was also streamed on NicoNicoDouga on April 3. The regular television broadcast started on April 6, 2011.

Soul Eater

Japanese Title: ソウルイーター

Studio: Bones

Aired: Apr 7, 2008 to Mar 30, 2009

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural

Death City is home to the famous Shibusen, a technical academy headed by the Shinigami–Lord Death himself. Its mission: to raise “Death Scythes” for the Shinigami to wield against the many evils of their fantastical world. These Death Scythes, however, are not made from physical weapons; rather, they are born from human hybrids who have the ability to transform their bodies into Demon Weapons, and only after they have consumed the souls of 99 evil beings and one witch’s soul.

Soul Eater Evans, a Demon Scythe who only seems to care about what’s cool, aims to become a Death Scythe with the help of his straight-laced wielder, or meister, Maka Albarn. The contrasting duo work and study alongside the hot headed Black☆Star and his caring weapon Tsubaki, as well as the Shinigami’s own son, Death the Kid, an obsessive-compulsive dual wielder of twin pistols Patty and Liz.

Soul Eater follows these students of Shibusen as they take on missions to collect souls and protect the city from the world’s threats while working together under the snickering sun to become sounder in mind, body, and soul.

Blue Exorcist

Japanese Title: 青の祓魔師(エクソシスト)

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Aired: Apr 17, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011

Genre: Action, Demons, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural

Humans and demons are two sides of the same coin, as are Assiah and Gehenna, their respective worlds. The only way to travel between the realms is by the means of possession, like in ghost stories. However, Satan, the ruler of Gehenna, cannot find a suitable host to possess and therefore, remains imprisoned in his world. In a desperate attempt to conquer Assiah, he sends his son instead, intending for him to eventually grow into a vessel capable of possession by the demon king.

Ao no Exorcist follows Rin Okumura who appears to be an ordinary, somewhat troublesome teenager—that is until one day he is ambushed by demons. His world turns upside down when he discovers that he is in fact the very son of Satan and that his demon father wishes for him to return so they can conquer Assiah together. Not wanting to join the king of Gehenna, Rin decides to begin training to become an exorcist so that he can fight to defend Assiah alongside his brother Yukio.

BACKGROUND:

Ao no Exorcist was licensed by Aniplex and simulcasted in North America. Due to the fact that the source material is on-going, the anime adaption of Ao no Exorcist diverges from it at key points, leading to an anime-exclusive ending.

Cowboy Bebop

Japanese Title:カウボーイビバップ

Studio: Sunrise

Aired: Apr 3, 1998 to Apr 24, 1999

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Space, Comedy, Drama

In the year 2071, humanity has colonized several of the planets and moons of the solar system leaving the now uninhabitable surface of planet Earth behind. The Inter Solar System Police attempts to keep peace in the galaxy, aided in part by outlaw bounty hunters, referred to as “Cowboys”. The ragtag team aboard the spaceship Bebop are two such individuals.

Mellow and carefree Spike Spiegel is balanced by his boisterous, pragmatic partner Jet Black as the pair makes a living chasing bounties and collecting rewards. Thrown off course by the addition of new members that they meet in their travels—Ein, a genetically engineered, highly intelligent Welsh Corgi; femme fatale Faye Valentine, an enigmatic trickster with memory loss; and the strange computer whiz kid Edward Wong—the crew embarks on thrilling adventures that unravel each member’s dark and mysterious past little by little.

Well-balanced with high density action and light-hearted comedy, Cowboy Bebop is a space Western classic and an homage to the smooth and improvised music it is named after.

BACKGROUND:

When Cowboy Bebop first aired in spring of 1998 on TV Tokyo, only episodes 2, 3, 7-15, and 18 were broadcast, it was concluded with a recap special known as Yose Atsume Blues. This was due to anime censorship having increased following the big controversies over Evangelion, as a result most of the series was pulled from the air due to violent content. Satellite channel WOWOW picked up the series in the fall of that year and aired it in its entirety uncensored. Cowboy Bebop was not a ratings hit in Japan, but sold over 19,000 DVD units in the initial release run, and 81,000 overall. Protagonist Spike Spiegel won Best Male Character, and Megumi Hayashibara won Best Voice Actor for her role as Faye Valentine in the 1999 and 2000 Anime Grand Prix, respectively.

Cowboy Bebop‘s biggest influence has been in the United States, where it premiered on Adult Swim in 2001 with many reruns since. The show’s heavy Western influence struck a chord with American viewers, where it became a “gateway drug” to anime aimed at adult audiences.

Tokyo Ghoul

Japanese Title: 東京喰種-トーキョーグール-

Studio: Studio Pierrot

Aired: Jul 4, 2014 to Sep 19, 2014

Genre: Action, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural, Drama, Seinen

Tokyo has become a cruel and merciless city—a place where vicious creatures called “ghouls” exist alongside humans. The citizens of this once great metropolis live in constant fear of these bloodthirsty savages and their thirst for human flesh. However, the greatest threat these ghouls pose is their dangerous ability to masquerade as humans and blend in with society.

Based on the best-selling supernatural horror manga by Sui Ishida, Tokyo Ghoul follows Ken Kaneki, a shy, bookish college student, who is instantly drawn to Rize Kamishiro, an avid reader like himself. However, Rize is not exactly who she seems, and this unfortunate meeting pushes Kaneki into the dark depths of the ghouls’ inhuman world. In a twist of fate, Kaneki is saved by the enigmatic waitress Touka Kirishima, and thus begins his new, secret life as a half-ghoul/half-human who must find a way to integrate into both societies.

HunterxHunter (2011)

Japanese Title: HUNTER×HUNTER ハンターハンター

Studio: Toei Animation

Aired: Oct 2, 2011 to Sep 24, 2014

Genre: Action, Adventure, Super Power, Shounen

Hunter x Hunter is set in a world where Hunters exist to perform all manner of dangerous tasks like capturing criminals and bravely searching for lost treasures in uncharted territories. Twelve-year-old Gon Freecss is determined to become the best Hunter possible in hopes of finding his father, who was a Hunter himself and had long ago abandoned his young son. However, Gon soon realizes the path to achieving his goals is far more challenging than he could have ever imagined.

Along the way to becoming an official Hunter, Gon befriends the lively doctor-in-training Leorio, vengeful Kurapika, and rebellious ex-assassin Killua. To attain their own goals and desires, together the four of them take the Hunter Exam, notorious for its low success rate and high probability of death. Throughout their journey, Gon and his friends embark on an adventure that puts them through many hardships and struggles. They will meet a plethora of monsters, creatures, and characters—all while learning what being a Hunter truly means.

Full Metal Alchemist

Japanese Title: 鋼の錬金術師

Studio: Toei Animation

Aired: Oct 4, 2003 to Oct 2, 2004

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, Military, Shounen

Edward Elric, a young, brilliant alchemist, has lost much in his twelve-year life: when he and his brother Alphonse try to resurrect their dead mother through the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward loses his brother as well as two of his limbs. With his supreme alchemy skills, Edward binds Alphonse’s soul to a large suit of armor.

A year later, Edward, now promoted to the fullmetal alchemist of the state, embarks on a journey with his younger brother to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone. The fabled mythical object is rumored to be capable of amplifying an alchemist’s abilities by leaps and bounds, thus allowing them to override the fundamental law of alchemy: to gain something, an alchemist must sacrifice something of equal value. Edward hopes to draw into the military’s resources to find the fabled stone and restore his and Alphonse’s bodies to normal. However, the Elric brothers soon discover that there is more to the legendary stone than meets the eye, as they are led to the epicenter of a far darker battle than they could have ever imagined.

Background

Fullmetal Alchemist won the TV Feature Award in the 9th Animation Kobe Awards and was one of the Jury Recommended Works in the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival in the anime division.

As the manga was still on-going at the time, the anime midway through diverged from the manga. This led to it having an anime-only ending, unlike Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood which would air years later.

On July 31, 2016, FUNimation Entertainment’s license to the series expired.

One Piece (US)

Japanese Title: N/A

Studio: Toei Animation

Aired: Oct 20, 1999 to Present

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power

Gol D. Roger was known as the “Pirate King,” the strongest and most infamous being to have sailed the Grand Line. The capture and death of Roger by the World Government brought a change throughout the world. His last words before his death revealed the existence of the greatest treasure in the world, One Piece. It was this revelation that brought about the Grand Age of Pirates, men who dreamed of finding One Piece—which promises an unlimited amount of riches and fame—and quite possibly the pinnacle of glory and the title of the Pirate King.

Enter Monkey D. Luffy, a 17-year-old boy who defies your standard definition of a pirate. Rather than the popular persona of a wicked, hardened, toothless pirate ransacking villages for fun, Luffy’s reason for being a pirate is one of pure wonder: the thought of an exciting adventure that leads him to intriguing people and ultimately, the promised treasure. Following in the footsteps of his childhood hero, Luffy and his crew travel across the Grand Line, experiencing crazy adventures, unveiling dark mysteries and battling strong enemies, all in order to reach the most coveted of all fortunes—One Piece.

Background

Several anime-original arcs have been adapted into light novels, and the series has inspired 40 video games as of 2016.

Code Geass

Japanese Title: コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ

Studio: Sunrise

Aired: Oct 6, 2006 to Jul 29, 2007

Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Super Power, Mecha, School

In the year 2010, the Holy Empire of Britannia is establishing itself as a dominant military nation, starting with the conquest of Japan. Renamed to Area 11 after its swift defeat, Japan has seen significant resistance against these tyrants in an attempt to regain independence.

Lelouch Lamperouge, exiled prince of Britannia, unfortunately finds himself caught in a crossfire between the two nations’ armed forces. He is able to escape, however, thanks to the timely appearance of a mysterious girl named C.C., who bestows upon him Geass, the “Power of Kings.” Realizing the vast potential of his newfound “power of absolute obedience,” Lelouch embarks upon a perilous journey as the masked vigilante known as Zero, leading a merciless onslaught against Britannia in order to get revenge once and for all.

BACKGROUND:

Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch is an original anime series by Sunrise animation studio with original character designs by the all-female Japanese manga artist group Clamp. Manga and light novels based off the show have been published by Kadokawa Shoten. The show has sold millions of DVDs and Blu-ray volumes and is extremely popular in both Japan and North America. The show is known for its multi-genre appeal and for its diverse cast of characters who face many moral dilemmas over the course of the series.

The last two episodes received a pre-airing on an event, July 21, 2007. Regular broadcasting was on July 29, 2007.

The series won: “The Best Anime TV Series” award at the 2007 Tokyo International Anime Fair, “The Best TV animation” award at the twelfth Animation Kobe, and “The Most Popular Anime” award at the Animage ’s 29th Annual Anime Grand Prix.

Bleach

Japanese Title: BLEACH – ブリーチ –

Studio: Satelight, A-1 Pictures

Aired: Oct 12, 2009 to Mar 30, 2013

Genre: Action, Comedy, Super Power, Supernatural, Shounen

Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary high schooler—until his family is attacked by a Hollow, a corrupt spirit that seeks to devour human souls. It is then that he meets a Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki, who gets injured while protecting Ichigo’s family from the assailant. To save his family, Ichigo accepts Rukia’s offer of taking her powers and becomes a Soul Reaper as a result.

However, as Rukia is unable to regain her powers, Ichigo is given the daunting task of hunting down the Hollows that plague their town. However, he is not alone in his fight, as he is later joined by his friends—classmates Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida—who each have their own unique abilities. As Ichigo and his comrades get used to their new duties and support each other on and off the battlefield, the young Soul Reaper soon learns that the Hollows are not the only real threat to the human world.

BACKGROUND:

Bleach adapts the first 54 volumes of Tite Kubo’s manga series of the same name. In addition, 4 anime-original arcs were broadcast in-between and during the adaptations of original arcs of the manga.

Fairy Tail

Japanese Title: フェアリーテイル

Studio: Satelight, A-1 Pictures

Aired: Oct 12, 2009 to Mar 30, 2013

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Magic, Fantasy, Shounen

In the mystical land of Fiore, magic exists as an essential part of everyday life. Countless magic guilds lie at the core of all magical activity, and serve as venues for like-minded mages to band together and take on job requests. Among them, Fairy Tail stands out from the rest as a place of strength, spirit, and family.

Lucy Heartfilia is a young mage searching for celestial gate keys, and her dream is to become a full-fledged wizard by joining this famous guild. In her search, she runs into Natsu Dragneel and his partner Happy, who are on a quest to find Natsu’s foster father, the dragon Igneel.

Upon being tricked by a man, Lucy falls under an abduction attempt, only to be saved by Natsu. To her shock, he reveals that he is a member of Fairy Tail and invites her to join them. There, Lucy meets the guild’s strange members, such as the ice wizard Gray Fullbuster and magic swordswoman Erza Scarlet. Together as a family, they battle the forces of evil, help those in need, and gain new friends, all the while enjoying the never-ending adventure that is Fairy Tail.

Background:

Fairy Tail won Animax Asia’s Anime of the Year Award in 2010, and the Best Japanese Anime Award and Best French Dubbing Award at the 19th Anime & Manga Grand Prix in 2012.

Naruto

Japanese Title: ナルト

Studio: Studio Pierrot

Aired: Oct 3, 2002 to Feb 8, 2007

Genre: Action, Comedy, Super Power, Martial Arts, Shounen

Enter the world of Naruto Uzumaki, an unforgettable hero shaped by the momentous events surrounding his birth. Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village, faced catastrophic destruction when the fearsome Kyuubi, the Nine-Tailed Fox, mercilessly attacked. In a courageous act, the village’s Fourth Hokage sacrificed his own life to seal the ferocious beast within the newborn Naruto.

Witness Naruto’s extraordinary life as he navigates the bustling streets of Konohagakure as a hyperactive and determined young ninja. Plagued by the Kyuubi’s presence within him, Naruto faces ostracism and struggles to find acceptance among his fellow villagers. Undeterred, his unwavering ambition to become the revered Hokage of Konohagakure fuels his relentless pursuit, forging deep bonds with both loyal allies and formidable adversaries.

Experience the exhilarating highs and perilous lows as Naruto embarks on a quest to carve his own path in the Hidden Leaf Village. Join him as he discovers newfound companionship and unearths the secrets of his extraordinary powers. However, lurking in the shadows are deadly adversaries who seek to challenge Naruto’s resolve and jeopardize his dreams.

Unleash the full potential of Naruto: an enthralling anime that has captivated millions with its captivating narrative, breathtaking action, and profound character development. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Konohagakure, where Naruto’s indomitable spirit propels him towards destiny. Embark on this unforgettable journey, where bonds are forged, battles are fought, and a legend is born.

Background:

Naruto received numerous awards during its airing, including the “Best Full-Length Animation Program Award” in the Third UStv Awards and the 38th “Best Animated Show” in IGN’s Top 100 Animated Series.

Dragon Ball Z

Japanese Title: ドラゴンボールZ

Studio: Toei Animation

Aired: Apr 26, 1989 to Jan 31, 1996

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Martial Arts, Shounen, Super Power

Experience the captivating story of Goku, a renowned warrior, as he navigates a tranquil life alongside his loving wife and son, five years after his triumphant victory at the World Martial Arts tournament. However, tranquility takes an abrupt turn with the sudden arrival of Raditz, an enigmatic adversary who claims to be Goku’s long-lost brother. Unveiling the truth, Raditz discloses Goku’s extraordinary heritage as a member of the Saiyan race—a once mighty civilization now on the verge of extinction.

Originally sent to Earth as an infant with a mission to conquer and devastate the planet, Goku’s fate takes an unexpected twist when a head injury causes him to lose his memory. Transformed into a compassionate and well-mannered individual, Goku now fights valiantly to safeguard others rather than destroy them.

Despite Raditz’s failed attempt to recruit Goku as an ally, he forewarns Goku’s loyal companions about an imminent peril approaching Earth. This menacing threat has the potential to plunge our planet into an intergalactic conflict, shaking even the heavens themselves. Prepare for an epic battle that will determine the fate of Earth, as warriors from across the cosmos vie for control over the seven mystical dragon balls. Only the strongest will prevail in Dragon Ball Z, the epitome of the “Best Anime of All Time.”

BACKGROUND:

The U.S. version is a dubbed alternative version of the Original Japanese anime. For example, blood has been taken out, beer is called root-beer, dead is called “Another Universe” and people emigrate before the destroying of cities. (Source: YouTube movie – Anime History Day)

The U.S. version edited and compiled the original for a reduced episode count of 276, instead of the original 291. The proper episode count was later restored on the uncut “Orange Brick” Season Set releases by FUNimation Entertainment released from 2006 to 2009. Additionally, the North American “Orange Brick” Season Sets as well as the Season Set Blu-rays crop the show from its original 4:3 aspect ratio to 16:9. The only complete 4:3 release ever released in English were the Dragon Boxes which have long since gone out of print.

Sword Art Online

Japanese Title: ソードアート・オンライン

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Aired: Jul 8, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Romance

In the year 2022, virtual reality has progressed by leaps and bounds, and a massive online role-playing game called Sword Art Online (SAO) is launched. With the aid of “NerveGear” technology, players can control their avatars within the game using nothing but their own thoughts.

Kazuto Kirigaya, nicknamed “Kirito,” is among the lucky few enthusiasts who get their hands on the first shipment of the game. He logs in to find himself, with ten-thousand others, in the scenic and elaborate world of Aincrad, one full of fantastic medieval weapons and gruesome monsters. However, in a cruel turn of events, the players soon realize they cannot log out; the game’s creator has trapped them in his new world until they complete all one hundred levels of the game.

In order to escape Aincrad, Kirito will now have to interact and cooperate with his fellow players. Some are allies, while others are foes, like Asuna Yuuki, who commands the leading group attempting to escape from the ruthless game. To make matters worse, Sword Art Online is not all fun and games: if they die in Aincrad, they die in real life. Kirito must adapt to his new reality, fight for his survival, and hopefully break free from his virtual hell.

BACKGROUND:

Sword Art Online adapts the first 4 novels of Reki Kawahara’s light novel series of the same name.

The first episode received an early screening at the Tokyo International Forum Hall C on June 24, 2012. The regular TV broadcast started July 8, 2012.

Naruto Shippuden

Japanese Title: ナルト- 疾風伝

Studio: Studio Pierrot

Aired: Feb 15, 2007 to Mar 23, 2017

Genre: Action, Comedy, Super Power, Martial Arts, Shounen

It has been two and a half years since Naruto Uzumaki left Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village, for intense training following events which fueled his desire to be stronger. Now Akatsuki, the mysterious organization of elite rogue ninja, is closing in on their grand plan which may threaten the safety of the entire shinobi world.

Although Naruto is older and sinister events loom on the horizon, he has changed little in personality—still rambunctious and childish—though he is now far more confident and possesses an even greater determination to protect his friends and home. Come whatever may, Naruto will carry on with the fight for what is important to him, even at the expense of his own body, in the continuation of the saga about the boy who wishes to become Hokage.

BACKGROUND:

Naruto received numerous awards during its airing, including the “Best Full-Length Animation Program Award” in the Third UStv Awards and the 38th “Best Animated Show” in IGN’s Top 100 Animated Series.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Japanese Title: 鋼の錬金術師

Studio: Bones

Genre: Action, Military, Adventure, Drama, Magic, Fantasy, Shounen

“In order for something to be obtained, something of equal value must be lost.”

Delve into the profound Law of Equivalent Exchange as the young Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, face the repercussions of their forbidden experiment—human transmutation. A heavy toll is exacted: Edward loses his left leg, while Alphonse’s physical body is lost. Only through Edward’s desperate sacrifice of his right arm do they manage to bind Alphonse’s soul to a suit of armor.

Haunted by devastation and isolation, Edward clings to the hope of reclaiming their original bodies. Fuelled by this yearning, he embraces the path of a state alchemist, earning the title of the Fullmetal Alchemist. Equipped with cutting-edge “automail” limbs, he sets out on a three-year quest alongside military allies Colonel Roy Mustang, Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, and Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes, in search of the legendary Philosopher’s Stone—an extraordinary artifact capable of circumventing the Law of Equivalent Exchange. However, their journey plunges them into a web of deceit that unravels not only the truth behind the elusive stone but also their nation’s murky history.

Amidst their relentless pursuit of truth and justice, the Elric brothers become entangled in a nationwide conspiracy, confronting a serial killer and racing against time itself. In the face of such trials, they are compelled to question whether their actions will restore their lost humanity or irrevocably strip it away.

Claiming the distinguished third position on our list of the 50 Best Anime of All Time, Fullmetal Alchemist enthralls viewers with its spellbinding storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and unforgettable characters. With its exploration of alchemy, profound sacrifices, and a captivating narrative that uncovers a nation’s secrets, this anime masterpiece continues to captivate audiences and secure its place among the all-time greats in the world of anime.

BACKGROUND:

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an alternate retelling of Hiromu Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist manga that is closer to the source material than the previous 2003 adaptation, this time covering the entire story.

On March 31, 2016, FUNimation Entertainment’s license to the series expired.

Attack On Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

Japanese Title: 進撃の巨人

Studio: Wit Studio

Aired: Apr 7, 2013 to Sep 29, 2013

Genre: Action, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen

In a world plagued by monstrous humanoid titans with an insatiable appetite for human flesh, mankind is forced to take refuge behind enormous concentric walls for survival. However, the discovery that the titans seem to relish devouring humans for pleasure instead of necessity, leaves humanity living in a constant state of fear and anxiety. For a century, the people within the walls were able to maintain peace, but all that changes when a colossal titan breaches the once impregnable outer wall.

In the wake of a personal tragedy at the hands of the invading monsters, Eren Yeager vows to dedicate his life to their annihilation. He enlists in the Survey Corps, an elite military unit responsible for defending humanity against the merciless titans that lurk outside the walls. Adapted from Hajime Isayama’s award-winning manga, Shingeki no Kyojin follows Eren, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman, and childhood friend Armin Arlert, as they fight on the front lines to safeguard humanity and uncover the secret to defeating the titan menace before it’s too late.

Shingeki no Kyojin secures the second spot on the anime list with its intense narrative, heart-wrenching losses, and the relentless struggle for survival against the terrifying titans. The masterful storytelling, coupled with complex characters and a constant sense of impending doom, cements this anime as a thrilling and emotionally impactful experience, making it a well-deserved contender for the second-best anime on any list.

BACKGROUND:

Shingeki no Kyojin adapts content from the first 8 volumes of Hajime Isayama’s award-winning manga of the same name.

The last episode received a pre-airing in Tokyo, Marunouchi Piccadilly 1 theater on Saturday, September 28, 2013. TV broadcast took place after midnight, a few hours later.

Death Note

Japanese Title:  デスノート

Studio: MadHouse

Aired: Oct 4, 2006 to Jun 27, 2007

Genre: Mystery, Police, Psychological, Supernatural, Thriller

Introducing the Shinigami, a formidable god of death with the ability to eliminate any individual. Their method? Simply laying eyes upon the intended victim’s face and inscribing their name in a mysterious notebook known as the Death Note. In a twist of fate, a Death Note is carelessly dropped into the human realm by the bored and curious Shinigami named Ryuk.

Enter Light Yagami, an exceptionally intelligent high school student who chances upon this otherworldly notebook. Driven by his disdain for the world’s state of affairs, Light conducts a daring experiment by jotting down the name of a criminal. To his astonishment, the criminal meets an untimely demise immediately after, affirming the lethal power that now rests in his hands.

Embracing his newfound divine capability, Light resolves to rid the world of all wrongdoers, envisioning a utopia where crime ceases to exist and he assumes the role of a revered deity. As news spreads of a mysterious serial killer specifically targeting criminals, the police become determined to apprehend the elusive culprit. Their only hope lies in the assistance of an enigmatic young genius, renowned as the world’s greatest detective and known solely as L.

People often ask, Which is the No 1 anime? For us Death Note claims the top spot on our 50 Best Anime of All Time list with its gripping storyline, intricate moral dilemmas, and the constant battle of wits between the prodigious Light Yagami and the enigmatic detective L. This psychological thriller leaves viewers captivated, making Death Note a timeless masterpiece that continues to reign supreme in the realm of anime.

BACKGROUND:

Death Note has been adapted into live action films, TV dramas, video games, light novels and a musical composed by a Broadway composer. It is licensed in North America by Viz Media