While “top X” lists are a bit of a cliché, we think it’s always interesting to see different perspectives and share what makes these anime shows stand out to us. As fans who have seen hundreds of anime, there are not that many that made us stop and say, “Wow, this is something truly special.” That said, here are the top 20 anime series (in our opinion).
1. Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter may have its fair share of hiatuses, but both the manga and anime are still as popular as ever. While the anime might not be as big as Naruto or One Piece due to the frequent breaks, the story of the lovable hunter Gon searching for his long-lost father has solidified itself as one of the best shounen, even with the story still unfinished.
With rich worldbuilding, memorable characters, and masterfully crafted arcs that explore complex moral themes, Hunter x Hunter is definitely one of the best anime out there.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This series totally nails it—it’s got badass action, real emotional punches, and even slips in some deep, thoughtful stuff without ever feeling heavy. To sum it up, it’s storytelling done right. The Elric brothers’ journey is filled with moral dilemmas and personal growth, set against a richly developed world. It strikes that sweet spot between laughs and serious moments, so you’re never bored—just hooked all the way through.
FMA has received universal acclaim, with a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and top ratings on platforms like MyAnimeList and IMDb.
3. Gintama
Gintama is one of a kind—it’s stupidly funny one minute and then hits you with emotional gut-punches the next. It somehow juggles parody, chaos, and legit powerful storytelling without ever losing its heart.
The show is set in an alternate Edo period where aliens have invaded Earth, and samurai Gintoki Sakata takes on odd jobs with his friends to make ends meet, leading to hilarious and action-packed adventures.
4. Code Geass
Code Geass is one of those anime that will have you questioning everything, from morality to the choices characters make. The whole premise of Lelouch gaining the power to control people with his eyes sounds wild, but it’s the way it explores the consequences of that power that really makes the show shine. I love it because it’s not just about epic battles or sick mecha action (though that’s definitely part of it); it’s about strategy, manipulation, and the fine line between hero and villain.
The story takes place in an alternate future where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered Japan. Lelouch vi Britannia, a young exiled prince, gains the power of Geass, which allows him to control anyone with his gaze. Using this power, Lelouch sets out to lead a revolution against Britannia, becoming a masked figure known as Zero.
5. Made in Abyss
Made in Abyss looks super cute at first—the characters have that almost chibi-like art style, and it all seems kinda whimsical. But don’t let that fool you. It gets dark fast, in a deep, emotional, haunting kind of way. The anime somehow mixes breathtaking beauty with some seriously brutal moments, so you’re constantly torn between “wow” and “oh no.”
Set in a world where a massive, mysterious pit called the Abyss stretches deep into the earth, the story follows a brave girl named Riko who dreams of becoming a legendary Cave Raider like her mother. When she meets a strange robot boy named Reg, the two set off on a dangerous journey into the depths.
6. Attack on Titan
In a world besieged by giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, humanity’s remnants reside within massive walled cities. After a colossal Titan breaches the outer wall, young Eren Yeager vows to eradicate every Titan, joining the military to fight back.
Attack on Titan is the kind of series you show your friend when they say anime is just for kids. With its intense storyline and exploration of mature themes like freedom, oppression, and the human condition, it quickly proves otherwise. Not to mention, it has one of the best plot twists in anime history.
7. Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is about samurai and katana fights—do I really have to say more?
A mixture of both the past and present, its story is packed full of fillers, and that’s what made Samurai Champloo so great—the journey, not necessarily the destination. The destination was great too, but the show does so much more than it needed to. Normally, mixing so many things into a plot could be bad, but Samurai Champloo does it wonderfully. And the traveling companions are like water and oil.
It’s a show for everyone. There’s plenty of great sword-slashing action, clever comedy, and a good share of moments that will tug at your heartstrings—often all at once.
8. Spy x Family
In this anime, we meet Loid Forger, a top-tier spy (think James Bond but less womanizing and more emotionally constipated), who has to build a fake family for a mission. He “marries” Yor, a super sweet woman who’s secretly an assassin (and absolutely adorable when she tries to be normal), and adopts Anya, a telepathic little girl who knows everything but plays along because she just wants a loving family.
None of them know each other’s real identity—except Anya, and her reactions are comedy gold.
Spy x Family is stylish, funny, wholesome, and kinda badass. Honestly, it’s hard not to love. Even people who usually don’t enjoy anime love this show.
9. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Among the newer anime, Demon Slayer (2019) stole the spotlight—and honestly, my heart too—with its gorgeous animation and emotional storytelling. The main guy might seem like your typical shounen hero at first, but that doesn’t take away from how beautifully built the world is or how powerful his journey feels. It’s packed with action, but it also hits hard emotionally in a way you don’t always expect.
In this anime, after demons slaughter his family and turn his sister Nezuko into one, Tanjiro Kamado joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and find a cure for Nezuko.
10. March Comes in Like a Lion
The animation and soundtrack in this anime are amazing. It’s one of those series that is much more than it appears on the surface, with plenty of layers and depth.
March Comes in Like a Lion follows Rei Kiriyama, a young boy who loses his parents and sister in an accident. He is left to live with a family friend, where things take a darker turn, leading him to become a professional shogi player.
March Comes in Like a Lion is a powerful coming-of-age story about overcoming depression, and it really helped me understand myself a bit more. It even got me to try my hand at shogi, though I’m no Rei Kiriyama!
11. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is a unique anime that really felt realistic to me. We watched our characters go from 0 to not a 100, but they did get a bit better. With each of their interactions and the plot, I noticed this. I really felt like these were characters I would love to laugh, cry, and go on adventures with.
With a great story, characters, art, and sound, it really is a shame it was only 12 episodes. I’m still waiting patiently for a second season. Until then, I still go back now and then to watch the 12 episodes we have so far. With its large main cast, it was still able to balance between the group and the individuals, and that’s a very hard task to carry out.
12. 86
In a dystopian future, the Republic of San Magnolia claims to be fighting a war with drones, but the truth is that the oppressed “86” are forced to pilot mechs. The story follows Lena, a handler from the Republic, and Shin, a battle-hardened 86 soldier, as they slowly form a bond across the divide.
86 (2021) is one of the best newer anime out there, and fans are eagerly waiting for season 2 to be announced. This anime has intense mecha action, but it’s not just about epic battles—it dives deep into serious themes like erasure, dehumanization, and what it means to be treated as less than human.
That being said, 86 isn’t just grim; it has some genuinely beautiful, hopeful, and even tender moments that hit even harder because of all the darkness around them. I honestly didn’t think a mecha anime would wreck me emotionally, but 86 sure did.
13. Kamisama Kiss
Nanami, a high school girl who’s down on her luck—her dad ditches her, she’s broke, and ends up homeless. But then she saves a weird guy from a dog, and he’s like, “Hey, you can have my house.” Totally normal… except that “house” turns out to be a shrine, and suddenly she’s a land god living with a grumpy yet handsome fox familiar.
Kamisama Kiss is sweet and funny, and it has actual relationship development. Not just endless flirting with no payoff. Those who like a sprinkle of fantasy, a sprinkle of mischief, and a whole lot of heart—it totally hits the spot.
14. KonoSuba
God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World! is very good too. It may look like any other RPG harem, but it is so much more than that.
It’s not a show trying to teach you any life lessons; it’s just a show full of entertainment, hilarious moments, and lightheartedness.
It’s just a pure joy to watch.
15. Princess Jellyfish
Here’s another lesser-known anime that Rai (from Rai’s Anime Blog) and I talked about recently. It features a cross-dressing male character and a young otaku surrounded by her fellow otaku friends.
The storyline really tugged at my heart with its simplicity and the dedication to its themes. You can read my full review of it here.
16. Fruits Basket
I’ve always loved both the Fruits Basket manga and the original 2001 anime, even though there were some differences. A heartwarming story, the series follows a girl who becomes entangled with a family cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac.
The 2019 remake takes things up a notch. It follows the manga much more closely, and you can tell that Natsuki Takaya was more involved this time around.
17. Bokura wa Minna Kawai-sou
Bokura wa Minna Kawai-sou is a great shoujo to watch that doesn’t seem rushed, especially with just 12 episodes.
The art and sound were amazing, and the characters were all so lovely, charming, and overly weird—but in a good way. I really think everyone will see a bit of themselves in one of the characters.
My joy for this anime surprised me because I usually find romance anime not really my thing, but the love in this anime felt really believable and puts a spin on the usual boy meets girl, boy confesses his feelings, and they share a kiss. But it was different this time; the comedy and great characters really bring the story to life and make you love every moment of the anime.
18. Inuyasha
Of course, Inuyasha is my favorite. It was my first real anime, and I quickly fell in love with the story and the adorable hanyou (half-demon, half-human).
It’s a perfect mix of romance and action, with plenty of hilarious moments and classic one-liners you’ll never forget!
19. Fairy Tail
Now, Fairy Tail is one of those mainstream anime that you either love or hate. Personally, I loved the artwork and the many plotlines that kept things exciting. I can’t even count how many times I bawled my eyes out while watching this show.
It’s one of those series I always recommend as a must-watch because of how deeply it resonates emotionally.
20. Shugo Chara
Not many people know about this one, but I absolutely love it. As a kid, I related to it so much—it gave me the courage to embrace being the “weird anime kid” in school and helped me feel less alone.
The artwork might be a bit odd (especially the eyes), but that doesn’t stop me from loving it. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
Okay, everyone! That’s a wrap! Have you all seen any of these already, or not? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
As always,
Keep Smiling!
