Anime has evolved into a powerful cultural force, and certain series have left an indelible mark on the medium and its audience. Slam Dunk kickstarted the sports anime genre, blending humor and character development while inspiring a generation to embrace basketball. Following that, Demon Slayer quickly rose to prominence with its breathtaking animation and captivating story of Tanjiro Kamado, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2019. Meanwhile, Death Note pushed the boundaries of psychological thrillers, presenting a gripping narrative about morality and justice that has resonated with viewers worldwide.
Continuing the list, Naruto: Shippuden deepened the exploration of friendship, perseverance, and destiny, solidifying its place in the hearts of shonen fans. On the other hand, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure captivated audiences with its unique storytelling and flamboyant art style, while Pokémon became a cultural touchstone that transcended generations through its themes of friendship and adventure. Classics like Cowboy Bebop and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood have set the standard for storytelling and animation quality, combining rich narratives with emotional depth and complex character arcs.
Rounding out the list, Neon Genesis Evangelion challenged the conventions of mecha anime, introducing psychological themes and existential questions that have influenced countless works. One Piece, with its legendary world-building and character development, continues to capture imaginations worldwide, while Dragon Ball remains a cornerstone of anime, revolutionizing action sequences and character archetypes in shonen storytelling. Together, these series not only shaped the landscape of anime but also inspired future generations of creators and fans alike.
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11. Slam Dunk
MyAnimeList Score: 8.55
Genre: Sports, Comedy
Studio: Toei Animation
Episodes: 101
Release Date: October 16, 1993
Even though the Slam Dunk anime didn’t fully match the immense success of its best-selling manga counterpart, it remains a must-watch for sports anime fans. The story follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent who initially joins the basketball team to impress a girl. However, it soon becomes apparent that he’s a natural on the court. With Sakuragi as their powerhouse forward, the underdog Shohoku team begins to rise in the ranks, with dreams of winning the national championship.
The series captures the thrill of competition and the personal growth of the characters, combining humor, camaraderie, and intense sports action. With Toei Animation at the helm, Slam Dunk delivers both emotional depth and excitement, leaving a lasting legacy in the sports anime genre.
10. Demon Slayer
MyAnimeList Score: 8.48
Genre: Action, Adventure
Studio: Ufotable
Episodes: 63+
Release Date: April 6, 2019
Though Demon Slayer is a relatively new entry in the anime world, it has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, generating billions in revenue. The series follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose family is slaughtered by demons. He embarks on a dangerous quest to defeat these demons and save his sister, Nezuko, who has been turned into one.
Demon Slayer is lauded for its stunning animation—courtesy of Ufotable—which brings the intense battles and the beauty of its historical setting to life. Its gripping story, endearing characters, and heart-pounding action have captivated audiences worldwide. As the series continues to grow, it seems poised to achieve even greater success.
9. Death Note
MyAnimeList Score: 8.62
Genre: Thriller, Supernatural
Studio: Madhouse
Episodes: 37
Release Date: October 4, 2006
A true gateway anime, Death Note remains one of the most compelling and widely accessible anime series ever created. The story revolves around Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. What follows is an intricate battle of wits between Light and L, a world-renowned detective determined to stop him.
Death Note excels in its psychological tension, offering a thrilling cat-and-mouse game that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The show’s clever plotting and dark moral questions make it a standout, not just in anime, but in storytelling at large.
8. Naruto: Shippuden
MyAnimeList Score: 8.26
Genre: Action, Adventure
Studio: Pierrot
Episodes: 500
Release Date: February 15, 2007
Following the original Naruto series, Naruto: Shippuden takes the story to new heights as Naruto Uzumaki grows from an underdog ninja into a hero destined to change the world. The series delves deeper into Naruto’s quest to become Hokage, the leader of his village, while facing increasingly powerful enemies, from rogue ninjas to world-dominating forces.
Packed with emotional moments, jaw-dropping battles, and a rich cast of characters, Shippuden explores themes of destiny, perseverance, and friendship. Its influence on the shonen genre cannot be overstated, and its impact continues with Boruto, the next generation.
7. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
MyAnimeList Score: 7.88
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Studio: David Production
Episodes: 190+
Release Date: October 6, 2012
Few anime series are as unique and flamboyant as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Following the Joestar family over several generations, each arc of JoJo delivers wild, over-the-top action, unforgettable characters, and a distinctive art style. The story ranges from supernatural powers to historical adventures, with each new JoJo bringing their own flair to the ongoing family saga.
What makes JoJo stand out is its unabashed creativity—whether it’s the intricate combat systems, the wild Stand abilities, or the memorable fashion statements. Fans adore its unpredictability and sheer audacity, while newcomers are drawn in by its bizarre, yet captivating narrative. With more arcs still to come, JoJo is far from over.
6. Pokémon
MyAnimeList Score: 7.38
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family
Studio: OLM
Episodes: 1,268+
Release Date: April 1, 1997
Few anime have achieved the global phenomenon status of Pokémon. While originally seen as a way to promote the video games, the anime has since become a beloved series in its own right, chronicling the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his loyal partner Pikachu. From battling gym leaders to participating in tournaments, the show has brought joy to multiple generations of fans.
Although the series has a simple premise, its exploration of friendship, perseverance, and personal growth resonates with viewers of all ages. Pokémon isn’t just an anime—it’s a cultural touchstone, teaching valuable life lessons while remaining fun and engaging.
5. Cowboy Bebop
MyAnimeList Score: 8.75
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Studio: Sunrise
Episodes: 26
Release Date: October 24, 1998
Cowboy Bebop may be set in a distant future, but its storytelling is timeless. Following a group of space-faring bounty hunters, the series blends sci-fi, noir, jazz, and existential themes into a beautifully crafted narrative. Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, and Faye Valentine are all haunted by their pasts, and as they pursue criminals across the galaxy, their stories intertwine in profound ways.
More than just an action-packed space adventure, Cowboy Bebop is revered for its deep emotional core, stunning animation, and genre-defying soundtrack. It’s a series that transcends anime and has influenced numerous other films and shows, making it one of the most important works in modern animation.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
MyAnimeList Score: 9.09
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Studio: Bones
Episodes: 64
Release Date: April 5, 2009
When it comes to anime adaptations, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often held up as the gold standard. Following the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, as they seek the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies, the series weaves together a story filled with action, moral dilemmas, and heart-wrenching moments.
The bond between the brothers, combined with the show’s intricate world-building and unexpected twists, keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. Unlike the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime, Brotherhood stays faithful to the manga, earning praise from fans for its depth and its satisfying, epic conclusion.
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion
MyAnimeList Score: 8.35
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mecha, Drama
Studio: Gainax, Tatsunoko Production
Episodes: 26
Release Date: October 4, 1995
Few anime have sparked as much discussion and debate as Neon Genesis Evangelion. On the surface, it appears to be a typical mecha anime, with teenage pilots battling giant monsters in futuristic robots. However, beneath that, Evangelion explores complex psychological and existential themes, questioning the nature of existence, human suffering, and self-identity.
The series is known for its intricate character development and stunningly raw emotional moments, often blurring the lines between reality and mental breakdowns. Evangelion‘s lasting influence on both anime and pop culture is immeasurable, making it a staple of the genre.
2. One Piece
MyAnimeList Score: 8.71
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Studio: Toei Animation
Episodes: 1,116+
Release Date: October 20, 1999
One Piece is a legendary epic that has captured the hearts of fans across the globe for over two decades. Following the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in their quest to find the legendary treasure One Piece, the series balances humor, action, and deep emotional storytelling. With over a thousand episodes and counting, One Piece has remained a cultural giant, continually introducing new characters, settings, and mysteries.
The series’ world-building and character development are unparalleled, with each new arc building on what came before. Whether you’re a fan of high-stakes battles or heartfelt moments, One Piece offers something for everyone and continues to stand as one of the greatest anime of all time.
1. Dragon Ball
MyAnimeList Score: 8.17 (Dragon Ball Z)
Genre: Action, Adventure
Studio: Toei Animation
Episodes: Multiple series
Release Date: April 26, 1989 (Dragon Ball Z)
Dragon Ball is a cornerstone of anime, and its influence on the genre is undeniable. From Goku’s humble beginnings as a boy seeking adventure to his evolution as one of the universe’s strongest warriors, Dragon Ball revolutionized anime with its intense action sequences, larger-than-life characters, and thrilling story arcs.
With Dragon Ball Z, the franchise reached new heights, introducing legendary villains like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu, and pushing the boundaries of anime action with iconic battles. The series paved the way for countless other shonen anime, and its impact continues to be felt across pop culture. For many fans, Dragon Ball isn’t just one of the greatest anime—it’s the greatest, shaping generations of anime lovers around the world.
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Conclusion
These anime series, from Slam Dunk to Dragon Ball, represent the very best of what the medium has to offer. Whether through emotional storytelling, breathtaking animation, or genre-defining action, each one has left an indelible mark on anime history. Whether you’re a seasoned viewer or a newcomer, these are must-watch series that continue to influence and inspire.