Anime has evolved into a vast and diverse medium, offering distinct genres that cater to every type of audience. From thrilling shōnen battles to emotional josei dramas, the variety ensures there’s something for everyone. Today at animeking, In this article we explore the top ranked anime across each major genre, highlighting their impact, legacy, and lasting appeal within the anime community. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the world of anime, these rankings will guide you through some of the most influential series of all time.
1. Shōnen – Dragon Ball
MyAnimeList Score: 7.97
Release Date: February 26, 1986
Studio: Toei Animation
Episodes: 153
Creator: Akira Toriyama
Dragon Ball revolutionized shōnen anime, setting the standard for the genre with its mix of action, adventure, and comedy. The story of Goku, a Saiyan raised on Earth, and his quest to become the strongest fighter in the universe became a global sensation. The series introduced tropes like power-ups, rivalries, and intense martial arts battles, which became staples in shows like Naruto and One Piece. Goku’s famous Kamehameha move is recognized worldwide, cementing Dragon Ball as one of the most influential anime ever created.
2. Shojo – Sailor Moon
MyAnimeList Score: 7.73
Release Date: March 7, 1992
Studio: Toei Animation
Episodes: 200
Creator: Naoko Takeuchi
The quintessential magical girl anime, Sailor Moon inspired generations of young girls and became the face of shojo anime. Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) and her group of Sailor Guardians set out to protect Earth from evil forces, balancing their superhero duties with school life and friendships. Sailor Moon‘s influence extends beyond anime, inspiring progressive themes like LGBTQ+ representation (with Sailor Uranus and Neptune) and influencing western shows like Steven Universe.
3. Josei – Nana
MyAnimeList Score: 8.56
Release Date: April 5, 2006
Studio: Madhouse
Episodes: 47
Creator: Ai Yazawa
Nana is a beautifully crafted story of two women named Nana whose lives intertwine as they pursue their dreams in Tokyo. Unlike typical shojo series, josei anime like Nana deal with more mature themes such as relationships, heartbreak, and personal growth. The series explores the complexities of love, friendship, and the struggle to achieve one’s ambitions in the adult world. Its raw portrayal of emotions and realistic storytelling has made Nana a standout in the josei genre.
4. Seinen – Berserk
MyAnimeList Score: 8.59
Release Date: October 8, 1997
Studio: OLM Team Iguchi
Episodes: 25
Creator: Kentaro Miura
Seinen anime, aimed at older male audiences, often tackle darker themes, and few do it better than Berserk. The story follows Guts, a mercenary with a traumatic past, as he battles both inner demons and monstrous enemies in a brutal medieval world. Berserk is known for its intense violence, philosophical themes, and complex characters, particularly the relationship between Guts and Griffith. Despite being adapted multiple times, the 1997 anime is widely regarded as the best iteration, although it’s only a small slice of the epic tale.
5. Fantasy – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
MyAnimeList Score: 9.09
Release Date: April 5, 2009
Studio: Bones
Episodes: 64
Creator: Hiromu Arakawa
One of the highest-rated anime of all time, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece that combines fantasy, action, and emotional depth. The story follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemy experiment. The series is filled with rich lore, memorable characters, and intricate plots, making it a benchmark for fantasy anime. It seamlessly blends magic and steampunk technology, offering a story full of twists, heartbreak, and triumphs.
6. Isekai – Sword Art Online
MyAnimeList Score: 7.21
Release Date: July 8, 2012
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Episodes: 96
Creator: Reki Kawahara
The isekai genre, where characters are transported to alternate worlds, became mainstream thanks to Sword Art Online. The show follows Kirito, a gamer who gets trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG, where death in the game means death in real life. Though Sword Art Online has faced criticism for repetitive plots, its popularity paved the way for countless isekai series, such as Reand That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. SAO‘s exploration of virtual worlds and high-stakes battles made it a defining anime in the isekai boom.
7. Sci-Fi – Cowboy Bebop
MyAnimeList Score: 8.75
Release Date: October 24, 1998
Studio: Sunrise
Episodes: 26
Creator: Hajime Yatate
A timeless sci-fi classic, Cowboy Bebop is often praised for its blend of action, jazz music, and existential themes. The series follows Spike Spiegel and his crew of bounty hunters as they navigate through space, capturing criminals and confronting their pasts. Cowboy Bebop is not just a story about space adventures; it’s a profound exploration of loneliness, regret, and survival. Its distinct style, mature storytelling, and unforgettable soundtrack by Yoko Kanno have made it one of the most critically acclaimed anime of all time.
8. Mecha – Mobile Suit Gundam
MyAnimeList Score: 7.75
Release Date: April 7, 1979
Studio: Nippon Sunrise
Episodes: 42
Creator: Yoshiyuki Tomino
Mobile Suit Gundam revolutionized the mecha genre by introducing realistic military conflicts and warfare, rather than the simple good-vs-evil battles seen in earlier mecha anime. Set during the One Year War, the series follows Amuro Ray as he pilots the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam against the forces of Zeon. The series’ portrayal of the human cost of war, political intrigue, and complex characters laid the groundwork for future mecha anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Code Geass.
9. Sports – Haikyuu!!
MyAnimeList Score: 8.44
Release Date: April 6, 2014
Studio: Production I.G
Episodes: 85
Creator: Haruichi Furudate
Haikyuu!! is the ultimate sports anime that focuses on Shoyo Hinata, a short-statured high schooler with dreams of becoming a top volleyball player. The series highlights teamwork, rivalry, and personal growth, with intense volleyball matches that are both exhilarating and emotional. What sets Haikyuu!! apart is its focus on the camaraderie between the characters, making it as much about friendship as it is about sports. The anime’s infectious energy and well-animated action scenes have made it a favorite among fans of both sports and anime.
10. Adventure – One Piece
MyAnimeList Score: 8.72
Release Date: October 20, 1999
Studio: Toei Animation
Episodes: 1,116+
Creator: Eiichiro Oda
One Piece is the quintessential adventure anime, following Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates on their quest to find the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. With over 1,000 episodes, the anime offers an endless stream of epic battles, whimsical islands, and unforgettable characters. The series’ mix of humor, action, and heartfelt moments has made it a global phenomenon. One Piece continues to be a benchmark for adventure anime, combining the excitement of the open seas with deep character development and intricate world-building.