What Are the Best 10 Anime of All Time? Find Out Here!

Anime is a form of animation that originated in Japan and has become a global phenomenon. Anime is known for its diverse genres, unique art styles, complex stories, and memorable characters. Anime fans can enjoy a wide range of shows, from action-packed shounen to heartwarming slice-of-life, from sci-fi thrillers to historical dramas, from comedy to horror, and more.

But with so many anime out there, how can one choose the best ones? What makes an anime stand out from the rest? How can we rank them objectively? These are some of the questions that many anime lovers have asked themselves at some point. Of course, there is no definitive answer to these questions, as different people may have different preferences, tastes, opinions, and criteria. However, based on some common factors such as popularity, ratings, reviews, awards, influence, impact, quality, originality, creativity, entertainment value, etc., we can try to come up with a list of best 10 anime of all time.

This list is not meant to be absolute or authoritative, but rather a personal recommendation based on research and experience. You may agree or disagree with some or all of the choices, but we hope that you will find this list interesting, informative, and enjoyable. So without further ado, let’s get started!

Best 10 Anime of All Time

10. Baccano!

Baccano! is a gory, supernatural period piece that takes place in 1930s America. Based on a light novel series by Ryohgo Narita, Baccano! follows several interlocking stories involving a diverse cast of characters such as gangsters, thieves, alchemists, immortals, assassins, journalists, etc. The anime features multiple timelines, nonlinear storytelling, fast-paced action, dark humor, mystery, twists, turns, and surprises. Baccano! is not an easy anime to get into, but once you do, you will be hooked by its chaotic charm.

The main strength of Baccano! is its characters. Each character has a distinct personality, background, motivation, role, and development. They are all colorful, quirky, and memorable, and their interactions are dynamic, hilarious, and unpredictable. Some of the standout characters include Isaac and Miria, a pair of lovable and clueless thieves; Firo, a young and charismatic mafia leader; Claire, a psychotic and unstoppable assassin; Ladd, a sadistic and bloodthirsty gangster; and Szilard, a sinister and immortal alchemist.

The main weakness of Baccano! is its complexity. The anime can be confusing and overwhelming for some viewers, especially in the beginning. The anime jumps back and forth between different time periods, locations, and perspectives, without much explanation or guidance. The anime also has a lot of characters, names, terms, and details to keep track of. The anime requires a lot of attention, patience, and concentration to fully appreciate and understand.

9. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is a superhero story with a twist. Based on a manga series by Kohei Horikoshi, My Hero Academia is set in a world where 80% of the population has superpowers called Quirks. The anime follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy who was born without a Quirk but dreams of becoming a hero. He gets a chance to enroll in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes, after inheriting the Quirk of his idol, All Might, the number one hero in the world. There, he meets other students with various Quirks and personalities, as well as villains who threaten the peace and stability of society.

The main strength of My Hero Academia is its inspiration. The anime is a tribute to the superhero genre, with references to comics, movies, and other media. The anime also explores the themes of heroism, justice, friendship, courage, determination, etc. The anime is full of action, humor, drama, emotion, and excitement. The anime makes you root for the characters as they overcome their challenges and grow as heroes.

The main weakness of My Hero Academia is its cliches. The anime is not very original or innovative in terms of its plot, setting, or characters. The anime relies on many tropes and stereotypes that are common in shounen anime, such as the underdog protagonist, the rival character, the mentor figure, the tournament arc, the power-ups, the friendship speeches, etc. The anime can be predictable and formulaic at times.

8. Trigun

Trigun is a classic sci-fi space Western that takes place on a desert planet called No Man’s Land. Based on a manga series by Yasuhiro Nightow, Trigun follows Vash the Stampede, a legendary gunman with a 60 billion double dollar bounty on his head. Vash is not your typical strong and stoic gunslinger; rather he is a quirky and goofy guy with a hyperactive pacifist streak. The anime chronicles Vash’s journey to uncover his amnesiac past, battle the mysterious group hunting him down, and discover why he has such a huge bounty on his head.

The main strength of Trigun is its style. The anime has a unique aesthetic that combines elements of sci-fi and Western genres. The anime has cool character and weapon designs, as well as stunning action scenes. The anime also has a great soundtrack that matches the mood and tone of the anime. The anime balances comedy and drama well, with moments of laughter and tears.

The main weakness of Trigun is its pacing. The anime starts off slow and episodic, with mostly filler episodes that introduce Vash’s character and antics. The anime does not get into the main plot until later on in the series. The anime also has some inconsistencies in its animation quality and tone.

7. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is one of the most iconic and influential anime of all time. Based on a manga series by Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball Z is a sequel to Dragon Ball, which follows the adventures of Goku, a monkey-tailed boy who trains in martial arts and searches for the seven mystical Dragon Balls that can grant any wish. Dragon Ball Z focuses on Goku’s adult life, as he faces new enemies and threats that endanger the Earth and the universe. Dragon Ball Z is an epic saga that spans multiple arcs, planets, and transformations.

The main strength of Dragon Ball Z is its action. The anime is known for its intense and spectacular battles that showcase the incredible powers and abilities of the characters. The anime features some of the most memorable fights in anime history, such as Goku vs Vegeta, Goku vs Frieza, Goku vs Cell, and Goku vs Majin Buu. The anime also introduces the concept of Super Saiyan, a legendary form that boosts the strength and speed of the Saiyan race.

The main weakness of Dragon Ball Z is its repetition. The anime can be tedious and boring at times, as the anime follows a similar pattern in each arc. The anime consists of a lot of filler episodes, flashbacks, recaps, and dialogues that drag on the story. The anime also has a lot of power creep, asspulls, and plot holes that undermine the logic and consistency of the anime.

6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece of fantasy and adventure that takes place in a world where alchemy is a science and a weapon. Based on a manga series by Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who lost their bodies in a failed attempt to resurrect their mother using alchemy. Edward, who lost his arm and leg, becomes a state alchemist to search for the Philosopher’s Stone, a mythical object that can restore their bodies. Alphonse, who lost his entire body and had his soul bound to a suit of armor, accompanies him on his quest. Along the way, they encounter friends, foes, secrets, conspiracies, and challenges that test their bond and their faith.

The main strength of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is its story. The anime has a rich and complex plot that explores themes such as human nature, morality, sacrifice, redemption, etc. The anime has a perfect balance of humor, action, drama, mystery, and emotion. The anime has a satisfying and conclusive ending that wraps up all the loose ends and character arcs.

The main weakness of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is its comparison. The anime is often compared to its predecessor, Fullmetal Alchemist, which was an earlier adaptation of the manga that diverged from the original story halfway through. Some fans may prefer the first anime over the second one, or vice versa, depending on their preferences and expectations. Some fans may also find the second anime too fast-paced or too faithful to the manga.

5. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is a mind-blowing sci-fi thriller that deals with time travel and its consequences. Based on a visual novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus, Steins;Gate follows Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who runs a makeshift laboratory in Akihabara with his friends. There, he accidentally invents a device that can send messages to the past, altering the present and creating different timelines. However, he soon realizes that his actions have unforeseen and dangerous repercussions, as he gets entangled in a conspiracy involving a mysterious organization called SERN.

The main strength of Steins;Gate is its twist. The anime has one of the most shocking and impactful plot twists in anime history, that changes everything you thought you knew about the story and the characters. The anime also has one of the most satisfying and emotional endings in anime history, that rewards you for your patience and investment.

The main weakness of Steins;Gate is its start. The anime has a slow and confusing start, that may deter some viewers from continuing. The anime takes its time to introduce the characters, the setting, the mechanics, and the stakes of the story. The anime also has a lot of jargon, references, and jokes that may not be easy to understand or appreciate for some viewers.

4. Gintama

Gintama is a hilarious comedy with a touch of action and drama that takes place in an alternate Edo period where aliens have invaded Japan. Based on a manga series by Hideaki Sorachi, Gintama follows Gintoki Sakata, a former samurai who works as an odd-jobs freelancer with his friends Shinpachi and Kagura. The anime depicts their daily lives and adventures in a world where historical and futuristic elements coexist. The anime parodies various genres, tropes, and references from anime, manga, pop culture, and real life.

The main strength of Gintama is its humor. The anime is one of the funniest and most creative anime ever made, with jokes that range from slapstick to satire, from puns to meta, from absurd to dark. The anime does not shy away from breaking the fourth wall, making fun of itself, or mocking other anime. The anime also has a lot of memorable and hilarious characters, such as the Shinsengumi, the Yorozuya, the Harusame, the Joi rebels, etc.

The main weakness of Gintama is its inconsistency. The anime does not have a clear or coherent plot, as it mostly consists of episodic or short arcs that vary in quality and tone. The anime can be serious and dramatic at times, but also silly and nonsensical at others. The anime can be confusing and overwhelming for new or casual viewers, as it requires a lot of prior knowledge and familiarity with the characters, the setting, and the references.

3. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a gripping horror and action that takes place in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant man-eating creatures called Titans. Based on a manga series by Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager, a boy who vows to exterminate all Titans after witnessing his mother being devoured by one. He joins the Survey Corps, an elite military unit that ventures outside the walls that protect the remnants of humanity from the Titans. There, he discovers that he has the ability to transform into a Titan himself, and that there are more secrets and mysteries behind the origin and nature of the Titans.

The main strength of Attack on Titan is its suspense. The anime is one of the most thrilling and captivating anime ever made, with scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat. The anime has a dark and gritty atmosphere, with stunning animation and sound effects that create a sense of realism and immersion. The anime also has a complex and intriguing plot, with twists, revelations, conspiracies, and betrayals that shock you and make you question everything.

The main weakness of Attack on Titan is its violence. The anime is one of the most brutal and graphic anime ever made, with scenes that show blood, gore, death, torture, mutilation, etc. The anime does not spare any character from suffering or dying, regardless of their importance or popularity. The anime can be disturbing and depressing for some viewers, as it portrays a bleak and hopeless world where humanity is constantly under threat and despair.

2. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 is a masterpiece of sci-fi and mecha that takes place in an alternate world where Britannia is a superpower that has conquered most of the world. Based on an original story by Sunrise, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 is a sequel to Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, which follows Lelouch vi Britannia, a former prince who was exiled to Japan after his mother was assassinated and his sister was crippled. Lelouch obtains a power called Geass, which allows him to command anyone to do anything with eye contact. He uses this power to lead a rebellion against Britannia under the alias of Zero, the leader of the Black Knights. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 continues Lelouch’s story as he faces new enemies and allies in his quest to create a better world for his sister and himself.

The main strength of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 is its protagonist. Lelouch is one of the most charismatic and complex characters in anime history. He is a genius strategist who can outsmart and manipulate anyone with his Geass and his wit. He is also a flawed human who can make mistakes and suffer from guilt and regret. He is a hero who can inspire and unite people with his ideals and charisma. He is also a villain who can kill and betray people with his ruthlessness and ego. He is a character who can make you love him or hate him, but never ignore him.

The main weakness of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 is its exaggeration. The anime can be over-the-top and unrealistic at times, with scenes that defy logic or physics. The anime also has some plot holes, inconsistencies, conveniences, and deus ex machina that undermine the credibility and consistency of the anime.

1. Death Note

Death Note is a masterpiece of psychological thriller that takes place in a world where a notebook can kill anyone whose name is written in it. Based on a manga series by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note follows Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who finds the Death Note, a supernatural notebook dropped by a death god named Ryuk. Light decides to use the Death Note to kill criminals and create a utopian world where he is the god. However, his actions attract the attention of L, a mysterious and genius detective who is determined to catch and stop him. The anime depicts the cat-and-mouse game between Light and L, as they try to outsmart and expose each other.

The main strength of Death Note is its intelligence. The anime is one of the most smart and sophisticated anime ever made, with scenes that showcase the brilliant minds and strategies of the characters. The anime has a tense and thrilling atmosphere, with stunning animation and sound effects that create a sense of realism and immersion. The anime also has a moral and philosophical dimension, as it explores themes such as justice, morality, power, corruption, etc.

The main weakness of Death Note is its decline. The anime starts off strong and captivating, but loses some of its quality and momentum in the second half. The anime introduces new characters and plot developments that are not as interesting or engaging as the original ones. The anime also has some questionable and disappointing decisions and outcomes that may not satisfy some viewers.

Conclusion

These are the best 10 anime of all time, according to our personal opinion and criteria. Of course, there are many other anime that are worthy of praise and recognition, but we had to limit our list to only 10. We hope that you enjoyed reading this article, and that you found some anime that you like or want to watch. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to share them with us. Thank you for your time and attention!

FAQs

What is the difference between anime and manga?

Anime is a form of animation that originated in Japan, while manga is a form of comic book that originated in Japan. Anime is usually based on manga, but sometimes they can have original stories or different adaptations.

What are some of the genres and subgenres of anime?

Anime has a wide range of genres and subgenres, such as action, adventure, comedy, drama, romance, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, mystery, slice-of-life, sports, mecha, shounen, shoujo, seinen, josei, etc.