Anime is one of the fastest-growing media in the world, with fans worldwide flocking to these shows for their creativity and animation. Some have even found mainstream appeal, becoming synonymous with the medium as a whole and carving a place for themselves in worldwide pop culture. However, with so many fantastic anime series, such as Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Ashita no Joe, finding the best is a challenging task.
Fans have likely read numerous lists from various angles, but this one is the ultimate list, taking everything into account to deliver an extensive compilation of anime's greatest hits. This list will rank the best anime series of all time based on writing, story, animation, cultural impact, influence, legacy, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and how much it represents the medium. While there are many more than twenty phenomenal anime series, this selection encompasses a diverse range of the best and must-watch shows.
35 'Paranoia Agent' (2004)
Satoshi Kon was one of the greatest minds in the anime industry, providing fans with iconic films such as Perfect Blue, but he also tried his hand at a series, which resulted in Paranoia Agent. After a mysterious figure attacks an overworked toy designer, the city goes into a paranoid frenzy, thinking they are next after the attacks continue.
Kon is well-known for his timeless themes and almost predictive stories, and Paranoia Agent is no different, being one of the best aging anime series ever. Its theme of idolizing cute mascots to numb the world's pain is more relevant than ever, and it also addresses toxic work culture and the desire to escape. Overall, Paranoia Agent is a thrilling masterpiece that was way ahead of its time.
34 'March Comes in Like a Lion' (2016–2018)
One of the best anime turning 10 in 2026 is March Comes in Like a Lion, a moving and touching story about mental illness. After feeling the pressure from his career and family, a teenage professional shogi player moves to Tokyo. However, he doesn't take care of himself, and when a neighboring family notices this, they make it their mission to make sure he is okay.
March Comes in Like a Lion is one of the most beautiful anime series fans can have the pleasure of watching, not just because of its mesmerizing art, spectacular animation, dazzling use of colors, and distinct style. It has one of the best portrayals of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, making it a relatable and profound series that is an all-time great anime.
33 'Vinland Saga' (2019–Present)
Historical anime are getting more and more popular, and that is largely thanks to Vinland Saga, whose manga just recently ended, but fans are still waiting for the next season. After the Vikings kill his father, Thorfinn joins their crew to seek revenge, but first, he must become strong enough to win. However, over the course of his journey, he loses his goal, sending him into a spiral of what to do next.
Vinland Saga may be one of the newest anime series on this list, but it is already establishing itself as one of the greats, quickly becoming a modern classic of epic proportions. The first season is a political and action-packed thriller with fights, drama, war, and philosophical insight, but the second season shifts gears to deliver a character study that is complex and gripping. Vinland Saga has one of the highest-rated TV episodes ever, easily making it one of the best anime series of all time.
32 'Yu Yu Hakusho' (1992–1995)
Yoshihiro Togashi is a legendary creator, and fans will see another one of his works later on in this list, but the series that put him on the map was Yu Yu Hakusho. After dying before he was supposed to, Yusuke gets a second chance at life, but he needs to prove it. Now he works as a spirit detective, making sure the supernatural world doesn't interfere with the human world.
Some aspects of Yu Yu Hakusho don't hold up well, especially the ending, but as a whole, it is still an incredible anime, and one of the most influential series, changing how shōnen works. Yusuke was a daring protagonist who was ahead of his time. The '90s aesthetic is nostalgic, and it features some of the greatest arcs in anime.
31 'Hajime no Ippo' (2000–2014)
This list features a handful of sports anime, but one of the greatest is the boxing sensation, Hajime no Ippo. The titular character is a common target for bullying, but when saved by a boxer, he decides to join a gym. Thus starts Ippo's boxing journey, and all the ups and downs he will face as he aims to be champion.
Simply put, Hajime no Ippo is one of the best modern anime series, marking a significant legacy that started at the dawn of the millennium. It has an endearing and well-written cast of characters, and not to mention, it is one of the funniest non-comedy anime series. However, the fights, training, motivation, and overall boxing spirit are what make this anime such a thrilling and heart-pumping series.
30 'Violet Evergarden' (2018–2020)
Netflix has made it their mission to be one of the best anime providers in the world, and that is evident by some of their original series, including Violet Evergarden. After the war ends, the titular protagonist's sole purpose is gone, but she finds new meaning by writing letters to others' loved ones. This reminds her of the only person who ever showed kindness to her, prompting an adventure of love.
If fans are looking for an anime with stunning art and animation, then Violet Evergarden is the show for them, as it features some of the most spectacular visuals in the medium. Be warned, this anime will make viewers cry, but that is the beauty of this show; its touching story is well-crafted and emotionally investing. Violet Evergarden is one of the best anime miniseries, leaving a large impact on fans.
29 'The Tatami Galaxy' (2010)
The next handful of anime are known for their artistic prowess, with maybe none more impressive than The Tatami Galaxy. The protagonist wants a rose-colored college life with a raven-haired beauty, and he'll do anything to get it. However, all of his attempts fail, with each episode set in an alternate universe where he joins a different school club in search of his perfect girlfriend.
The Tatami Galaxy has a relentless pace, which is too fast for some, but that is because it has a lot it wants to fit into this show. The animation, art style, editing, direction, and narrative are all masterfully crafted with quirkiness and profound meaning, creating a visually stunning and weird masterpiece. It may not be for everyone, but it is one of the best romance and avant-garde anime series of all time.
28 'Ashita no Joe' (1970–1981)
This list features a range of anime from different time periods, although most are from the 1990s to 2010s, as many older anime don't age well. But Ashita no Joe is a fine wine that the mainstream fans haven't sipped, and they are missing out. When a retired boxer sees fresh talent, he tries to convince Joe to box, but the youngster isn't interested, only making trouble for himself. When jail time sobers him up, Joe has his sights set on a rival in the ring.
It may be old, but Ashita no Joe still holds up because of its timeless story and influential themes that haven't gotten stale. It revolutionized anime directing, introducing postcard memories, which are a staple technique in the medium now. Ashita no Joe is artistically impressive and narratively complex, detailing one of the greatest sports stories with unmatched character development and poetic writing.
27 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure' (2012–Present)
Anime is known for its unique shows that ooze creativity and weirdness, and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is known for both. Each part follows a new protagonist in the Joestar lineage, usually in a different time frame, a new setting, and another villain for them to take on. From buff Aztec vampires to small town serial killers to a priest who wants to reset the universe, the Joestar family never has a dull adventure.
The best part of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is its inventive plot and overly dramatic style, creating a distinct anime that no other show can match. Each part offers something new, from tense drama to epic battles to suspenseful mystery and goofy comedy. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is artistically ambitious, having a recognizable art style and vibe which stands out in a crowd, and separates itself from other anime.
26 'Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion' (2006–2008)
Art style plays a huge role in anime, and for many, it restricts them from watching some of the best shows, such as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. With Japan under Britannian rule, Lelouch leads the rebellion to fight their oppressors when he gains a new ability to control others. However, he also has hidden schemes and goals of revenge beneath his selfless acts.
The art style may put fans off, but they need to experience this 2000s anime masterpiece because of its phenomenal writing and politically thrilling plot. Lelouch is an excellent and intelligent protagonist who has a great dynamic with every character in the show, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a staple of its era and anime in general, proving to be one of the greatest anime series of all time.