Top 10 Best Anime TV Series of All Time: Classics That Defined a Genre
10. Death Note (2006-2007)
Death Note is a psychological thriller that explores the moral consequences of wielding ultimate power. When high school student Light Yagami discovers a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it, he embarks on a quest to create a utopian world free of crime. But his crusade is challenged by a brilliant detective known only as L, leading to a battle of wits that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Psychological Thriller, Supernatural, Crime |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Release Date | October 4, 2006 |
| Director | Tetsurō Araki |
| Cast | Mamoru Miyano, Kappei Yamaguchi, Shidou Nakamura, Aya Hirano |
| Writers | Tsugumi Ohba (manga), Takeshi Obata (illustrator), Toshiki Inoue (screenplay) |
| Episodes | 37 |
| Producers | Toshio Nakatani, Manabu Tamura, Masao Maruyama |
| Production Company | Madhouse |
| MyAnimeList Score | 8.6/10; Ranked #87 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.4/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 100% (Critics), 96% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Code Geass, Psycho-Pass, Monster, Paranoia Agent, Erased |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll |
9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009-2010)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a gripping tale of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who embark on a journey to restore what was lost after a failed alchemical experiment. Packed with action, humor, and deep emotional moments, this series explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the bonds of family.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Release Date | April 5, 2009 |
| Director | Yasuhiro Irie |
| Cast | Romi Park, Rie Kugimiya, Megumi Takamoto, Shinichiro Miki, Kenta Miyake |
| Writers | Hiromu Arakawa (manga), Hiroshi Ohnogi (screenplay) |
| Episodes | 64 |
| Producers | Ryo Oyama, Masahiko Minami, Noritomo Yonai |
| Production Company | Bones |
| MyAnimeList Score | 9.1/10; Ranked #1 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.6/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 100% (Critics), 98% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Attack on Titan, Hunter x Hunter, Steins;Gate, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Naruto |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation |
8. Attack on Titan (2013-2023)
Attack on Titan thrusts viewers into a dystopian world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, battling giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The series combines visceral action, intricate political intrigue, and a deeply layered narrative, making it a global phenomenon.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Fantasy, Drama |
| Rating | TV-MA |
| Release Date | April 7, 2013 |
| Director | Tetsurō Araki (Seasons 1-3), Yūichirō Hayashi (Final Season) |
| Cast | Yuki Kaji, Marina Inoue, Yui Ishikawa, Hiroshi Kamiya, Daisuke Ono |
| Writers | Hajime Isayama (manga), Yasuko Kobayashi (screenplay) |
| Episodes | 88 (Final Season ongoing) |
| Producers | Tetsuya Kinoshita, George Wada |
| Production Company | Wit Studio (Seasons 1-3), MAPPA (Final Season) |
| MyAnimeList Score | 8.5/10; Ranked #90 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.5/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 96% (Critics), 94% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Tokyo Ghoul, Vinland Saga, Claymore, The Promised Neverland, Gurren Lagann |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation |
7. Naruto: Shippuden (2007-2017)
Naruto: Shippuden is the continuation of Naruto’s journey, now older and more determined to bring back his friend Sasuke and achieve his dream of becoming Hokage. Filled with action, emotional depth, and some of the most iconic battles in anime history, this series captures the heart of fans worldwide with its themes of friendship, perseverance, and legacy.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Release Date | February 15, 2007 |
| Director | Hayato Date |
| Cast | Junko Takeuchi, Chie Nakamura, Noriaki Sugiyama, Kazuhiko Inoue, Akira Ishida |
| Writers | Masashi Kishimoto (manga), Junki Takegami (screenplay) |
| Episodes | 500 |
| Producers | Pierrot |
| Production Company | Studio Pierrot |
| MyAnimeList Score | 8.2/10; Ranked #291 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.4/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 91% (Critics), 93% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Bleach, One Piece, Fairy Tail, Dragon Ball Z, Demon Slayer |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu |
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996)
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a revolutionary series that redefined the mecha genre with its deep psychological narrative. Following Shinji Ikari as he pilots a giant robot, or EVA, to fight monstrous beings called Angels, the series is a layered exploration of trauma, loneliness, and the human condition. Its iconic ending continues to be a topic of debate and analysis among fans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Mecha, Psychological, Sci-Fi |
| Rating | TV-MA |
| Release Date | October 4, 1995 |
| Director | Hideaki Anno |
| Cast | Megumi Ogata, Kotono Mitsuishi, Fumihiko Tachiki, Yuko Miyamura |
| Writers | Hideaki Anno |
| Episodes | 26 |
| Producers | Noriko Kobayashi |
| Production Company | Gainax |
| MyAnimeList Score | 8.3/10; Ranked #198 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.3/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 100% (Critics), 95% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Code Geass, Gurren Lagann, RahXephon, Serial Experiments Lain, Ergo Proxy |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Netflix |
5. One Piece (1999–Present)
One Piece follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the legendary One Piece treasure. With over 1,000 episodes, the series is a rich tapestry of world-building, epic battles, and enduring friendships. Its humor, heart, and action make it a staple in the anime world.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Comedy |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Release Date | October 20, 1999 |
| Director | Various |
| Cast | Mayumi Tanaka, Kazuya Nakai, Akemi Okamura, Hiroaki Hirata, Ikue Otani |
| Writers | Eiichiro Oda (manga), Junki Takegami (screenplay) |
| Episodes | 1,000+ (ongoing) |
| Producers | Toei Animation |
| Production Company | Toei Animation |
| MyAnimeList Score | 8.7/10; Ranked #42 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.6/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 95% (Critics), 96% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Fairy Tail, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Black Clover, Hunter x Hunter |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Funimation |
4. Steins;Gate (2011)
Steins;Gate is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller about a group of friends who accidentally discover time travel. As they alter the past and unravel the consequences, the story builds a gripping narrative filled with emotional stakes, humor, and suspense. It’s widely regarded as one of the best-written anime of all time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Thriller |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Release Date | April 6, 2011 |
| Director | Hiroshi Hamasaki, Takuya Sato |
| Cast | Mamoru Miyano, Asami Imai, Kana Hanazawa, Tomokazu Seki |
| Writers | Naotaka Hayashi (visual novel), Jukki Hanada (screenplay) |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Producers | Kenjirou Gomi, Yoshinao Doi |
| Production Company | White Fox |
| MyAnimeList Score | 9.1/10; Ranked #2 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.6/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 98% (Critics), 95% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Erased, Psycho-Pass, The Tatami Galaxy, Re:Zero, Another |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu |
3. Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999)
Cowboy Bebop is a genre-defying masterpiece blending sci-fi, noir, and jazz into a tale of bounty hunters navigating the cosmos. With its eclectic mix of episodic storytelling and deeply personal character arcs, the series explores themes of loneliness, redemption, and the search for purpose. Its iconic soundtrack and stunning animation make it timeless.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Action, Drama |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Release Date | April 3, 1998 |
| Director | Shinichirō Watanabe |
| Cast | Kōichi Yamadera, Unshō Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Aoi Tada |
| Writers | Keiko Nobumoto |
| Episodes | 26 |
| Producers | Masahiko Minami |
| Production Company | Sunrise |
| MyAnimeList Score | 8.8/10; Ranked #32 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.5/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 100% (Critics), 96% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Samurai Champloo, Trigun, Outlaw Star, Space Dandy, Ergo Proxy |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll |
2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–Present)
Demon Slayer is a visually stunning tale of resilience and family. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado as he becomes a demon slayer to avenge his family and cure his sister Nezuko, who has turned into a demon. The breathtaking animation and heartfelt narrative have made it one of the most beloved anime in recent history.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Supernatural, Fantasy |
| Rating | TV-14 |
| Release Date | April 6, 2019 |
| Director | Haruo Sotozaki |
| Cast | Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kitō, Hiro Shimono, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Takahiro Sakurai |
| Writers | Koyoharu Gotouge (manga), Ufotable (screenplay) |
| Episodes | 44 (ongoing) |
| Producers | Hikaru Kondo |
| Production Company | Ufotable |
| MyAnimeList Score | 8.6/10; Ranked #52 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.6/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 98% (Critics), 97% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Jujutsu Kaisen, Bleach, Black Clover, Inuyasha, Fate/Stay Night |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu |
1. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)
Dragon Ball Z is the ultimate shōnen classic that shaped the childhoods of millions. Following Goku and his friends as they defend Earth from powerful foes, the series is packed with epic battles, memorable characters, and enduring messages of perseverance and growth. Its legacy remains unmatched in the anime world.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Rating | TV-PG |
| Release Date | April 26, 1989 |
| Director | Daisuke Nishio, Shigeyasu Yamauchi |
| Cast | Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa, Toshio Furukawa, Hiromi Tsuru |
| Writers | Akira Toriyama (manga), Takao Koyama (screenplay) |
| Episodes | 291 |
| Producers | Toei Animation |
| Production Company | Toei Animation |
| MyAnimeList Score | 8.1/10; Ranked #342 |
| Anime-Planet Score | 4.5/5 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 94% (Critics), 96% (Audience) |
| Similar Series Recommendations | Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, Fairy Tail |
| Streaming Availability (U.S.) |
Hulu, Crunchyroll, Funimation |
Anime TV series have captivated audiences for decades with their powerful storytelling, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable characters. From the action-packed adventures of Dragon Ball Z to the deeply emotional journey of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and the mind-bending intrigue of Steins;Gate, these series represent the very best of the anime world. Each show on this list has left an indelible mark on fans worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries and inspiring countless stories in its wake.
Whether you’re a seasoned anime enthusiast or a newcomer, these series offer something truly special. They explore universal themes of love, loss, friendship, and perseverance while showcasing the unique artistry that anime brings to the medium. These shows are more than just entertainment—they are cultural phenomena that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.
For those who want to dive deeper into the world of anime, Anime-Crush.com is your ultimate destination. From classic and modern series to exclusive anime-inspired apparel, accessories, and jewelry, it’s the perfect place to celebrate your passion for anime. Whether you’re hunting for merch from your favorite show or discovering hidden gems, Anime-Crush has everything an anime fan needs.
As these series have proven time and again, anime is more than a genre—it’s a way of connecting with stories that reflect the human experience. The journey doesn’t stop here. There are countless more series and characters waiting to be discovered. So grab some popcorn, hit play, and let yourself be transported to worlds of imagination, emotion, and wonder.