12 best anime shows of all time

Anime has a way of staying with you long after the final episode. And that’s probably one of the reasons why anime is quite popular worldwide and has a community of its own. If you are a beginner to anime or just want to get into the world of Japanese cartoons, we’ve picked the 12 best anime shows of all time.

Naruto Shippuden

You have probably heard about this one. Naruto Shippuden is the continuation of the original Naruto series, and is set two and a half years after Naruto leaves his village. It follows Naruto, who, with his friends, uncovers hidden secrets and battles powerful enemies. Similar to Naruto, Shippuden has an extensive cast development.

Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z laid the groundwork for what mainstream anime looks like today. It’s a story about perseverance, self-improvement, and protecting loved ones, and it has influenced countless anime that followed. It continues the adventures of Son Goku in his adult life, as he, along with his companions, defends the Earth against villains.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood achieves a near-perfect balance of action, emotion, and philosophy. Its world feels fully realised, with characters being richly developed. By exploring sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of human ambition, it delivers a story that feels complete and satisfying.

Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop is a timeless anime, and the OGs know about it. This anime sheds light on a human story about loneliness, unresolved pasts, and the difficulty of moving on. Its episodic nature allows each character to breathe, while the overarching themes give the series emotional weight. Cowboy Bebop is an old-school anime that you must watch at least once.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan constantly challenges what you think the story is about. What starts as a desperate fight for survival slowly unfolds into a layered narrative about power, freedom, and moral ambiguity. Each season raises the stakes, forcing viewers to question who the real enemy is.

Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga stands apart by questioning the very idea of glorifying violence. Through Thorfinn’s journey, the series explores how revenge consumes identity and how true strength often lies in restraint. It is an anime that lingers long after the episode ends, and that’s exactly why it’s on this list.

Berserk

Berserk is raw, disturbing, and emotionally devastating, yet impossible to ignore. Guts’ struggle against fate, betrayal, and unimaginable trauma is portrayed with brutal honesty. The series does not shy away from darkness. It is not an easy watch, but it is a powerful one, and you should definitely watch it if you are into this genre.

Death Note

Death Note is an easy anime to start with, and it totally thrives on psychological tension rather than physical combat, like many other anime shows. The story follows Light Yagimi who comes into possession of a mystical notebook, with which he has the power to kill anybody just by writing their name down on it.

One Piece

One Piece is the longest-running anime on this list. The anime follows the story of Monkey D. Luffy, who is on a mission to be the next king of the pirates. Each arc of this anime adds depth to its universe while delivering moments that can genuinely be heartbreaking or uplifting. Since it’s pretty long, it can easily be part of your daily routine.

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is an odd one on this list, as it makes heros feel vulnerable and relatable. That’s unlike your typical superhero show. The show balances high-energy action with moments of quiet reflection, reminding viewers that being a hero is not just about power, but also about character.

Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter takes familiar shonen concepts and twists them into something darker, more complex, but truly fun. The series follows Gon Freecss as he aspires to become a Hunter, while also seeking out his father, wholeft him when he was younger.

Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer is one of the newest anime shows on this list. It takes a classic premise and elevates it through stunning visuals and emotional storytelling. Its animation sets a new benchmark, and has already won several awards for the same. The show also treats villains with empathy, turning each arc more emotional and gripping.

These are some of the best anime shows of all time.

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So, which one’s your favourite? And, which one do you plan on watching? Let us know in the comments below.