The beautiful thing about anime is that there is something for everyone. Whether you prefer a slice of life-type anime that s people’s day-to-day lives, or a fantasy that takes place in space, there is a show for you. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, you’ve come to the right place.
There is a reason that certain anime are popular. They’re usually well-written with great story lines and incredible characters. And there are even some anime that have turned into movies, shows, or been brought back for extra seasons.
10 Death Note
Thriller
It’s no surprise that Death Note is on this list. It’s one of the most popular anime out there, and it even had a live-action retelling as well as a musical. This show s Light Yagami, a young student who happens upon a Death Note. When you write a name in the notebook, that person dies.
This show is unique because the main character is the villain. You want him to lose, but at the same time, if he does, then the show is over. It’s the best thriller because the serial killer keeps winning, and because, other than the Light, most of the characters are just good people trying to solve a crime, and it’s devastating to see them lose.
9 Hunter X Hunter
Adventure
Hunter x Hunter is popular for a thousand different reasons. The show s Gon, a young boy hoping to get his hunter’s license. Every season has a new main plot line, which makes it feel almost like there are multiple shows at once. There’s one where they live in a video game, the chimera ants arc, the hunter exam, and so much more.
There are many shows that people believe have taken inspiration from Hunter x Hunter, including Tokyo Ghoul, One Punch Man, Solo Leveling, and Naruto.
8 Shojo
Sailor Moon
A Shojo anime is one that is aimed towards a female audience. In these shows, there is a lot of focus on personal relationships, romance and sometimes there is magic, girl groups, and awesome pets. Sailor moon is the epitome of this.
Sailor Moon has everything a Shojo needs, but most importantly, it has an epic girl group. Usagi is one of the best characters out there, and she’s an absolute sweetheart who stands up for her friends. And, of course, there’s an epic romance that transcends all of time and space.
7 Attack On Titan
Action
Action anime are some of the most popular out there. There are so many shows, like Trigun, Chainsaw Man and Spy Family. However, the best of the best is Attack on Titan, a show where the world is split between epic monster Titans and the people working to kill them.
This show is incredibly popular because it has fantastic animation, amazing characters, and a unique concept. People also enjoy that there isn’t fan service, which they say brings in a wider range of fans.
6 Fullmetal Alchemist
Fantasy
Fullmetal Alchemist is very well written. The characters are wholesome and endearing, and they grow exponentially, both as people and alchemists. It’s incredibly dramatic, but there are a few moments of levity to keep you intrigued.
The world is probably the best part of this show. There’s politics, science, magic, failed spells, conspiracies and, of course, brotherhood. There are also a few moments that are downright tragic, which makes the show a perfect blend and a rewatchable anime.
5 Cowboy Bebop
Science Fiction
Cowboy Bebop is basically cowboys in space. The story s space cowboy bounty hunters as they capture criminals and turn them in. This show is special because it delves so deeply into every character. The backstories are well written and immensely relatable.
The show is a mix of plot-driven and episodic episodes with adult themes such as loneliness, dealing with one’s past, and the existential crises that the characters go through. And lastly, it’s got great antagonists.
4 Fruits Basket
Romance
At the core of Fruits Basket is romance. The main couple, Tohru and Kyo, are both people who have been through so much. Tohru lost both of her parents, and Kyo was ostracized by his father after his mother killed herself. They both held guilt and pain, and got through it with each other.
This anime was so popular that it was brought back for a reboot. There are a lot of romance anime out there, but this one captures every couple that you could want. Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, the princely type and even tsundere.
3 Gintama
Comedy
In an alternate Japan, aliens have attacked and samurai work to save people from the aliens. He works to defend the earth and figure out the aliens’ powers in order to best them. This is a really uniquely done show. There are constant fourth wall breaks, it has awesome arcs, and it’s got great fights and even better characters.
This anime helped set the stage for all other comedic anime. One of the main reasons it’s so special is because it explores so many different types of comedy, such as absurdism, parody, and pure wit.
2 Sports
Haikyuu!!
Sports anime are incredibly popular. There’s soccer, baseball, and even shows about boxing. However, it’s not just about the sport, it’s about teams, relationships, romance, school, and the dreams of the players.
Haikyuu!! is a very successful anime. It has a really wide range of characters that all have their own individual arcs, relationships that are completely worth watching, and, of course, awesome volleyball scenes.
1 Slice Of Life
Horimiya
Slice of Life anime are all so different, so it’s hard to pick one specific one. Slice of Life is when a show shows you a piece of someone’s life. There are some that are more focused on romance, others that surround school and even moments in adulthood.
The best and most popular slice of life anime is Horimiya. The show s two students who are complete opposites. Hori is a popular girl who is a hard worker, very sweet, and well-loved. Miyamura is a loner that people don’t really pay attention to. They slowly start to fall in love, and face the troubles of new relationships, school, and balancing friendships and big emotions.
