Over the decades, numerous anime series have captivated audiences worldwide with their unique storytelling, stunning visuals, and profound emotional depth, from heartwarming confessions to heartbreaking betrayals, from suspenseful adventures to breathtaking endings. However, which exactly is the best anime of all time?
It is a simple question, but we find it difficult to answer as it is relative and subjective to one’s view. For example, inspiration, captivation, nostalgia, trendiness and more can sway the discussion on the best anime of all time.
Yet, we here today will try our best to answer the question based on MyAnimeList, one of the most popular and comprehensive online platforms for anime enthusiasts and celebrate the masterpieces that have not only defined the medium but also inspired generations with their timeless stories and unforgettable characters.
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Ranking the 15 Best Anime of All Time According to MyAnimeList Score
Before we get into the list of the best anime of all time, we would like to reiterate that we will only include the highest-rated version of each anime, and the overall list may differ from the website as some anime appear more than once.
1) Sousou no Frieren – Beyond Journey’s End (9.35/10)
It may be premature to put a recently released anime as the best anime of all time. However, Sousou no Frieren – Beyond Journey’s End undoubtedly deserves the mantle, as its unique approach to the fantasy genre has garnered significant attention from the mundane OP protagonist harem troupe.
Written by Kanehito Yamada, the anime focuses on the life of an elf mage, Frieren, after the conclusion of her hero’s journey. Frieren, due to her long lifespan, perceives time differently from her human companions, thus contrasting with the fleeting lives of her human friends.
The series explores her life in the years following their grand adventure, focusing on her quest for self-discovery, understanding human emotions, the bonds she formed during her journey, and her personal growth as she learns to appreciate the transient nature of human life and the significance of her experiences with her former companions.
2) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (9.09/10)
The longest-standing best anime of all time on MyAnimeList was Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, with over 2 million user ratings before the crown was taken away by a treasure-seeking elf. Nevertheless, its compelling story, well-developed characters, and intricate themes make it one of the greatest anime series ever.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try and bring their mother back to life after her untimely death. However, their attempt went astray, resulting in Edward losing an arm and a leg and Alphonse losing his entire body, with his soul being affixed to a suit of armor. To restore their bodies, the brothers embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful alchemical artifact that can amplify their abilities.
Throughout their journey, the brothers showcased their undying loyalty, sacrifice, and the unbreakable ties of a family as they explored the ethical and philosophical implications of power, corruption, sacrifice and personal growth.
3) Steins;Gate (9.07/10)
Placing in 3rd of the best anime of all time on MyAnimeList is Steins;Gate, a timeless classic that follows the story of Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed “mad scientist” who, along with his friends, discovers a way to send text messages to the past using a modified microwave.
Time travel is a concept foreign back then, and Steins;Gate” explores the scientific and philosophical aspects of time travel, including the potential dangers and moral dilemmas and questions the nature of reality and identity, especially in the context of altered timelines and parallel universes.
All in all, Steins;Gate” has a rightful place as the best anime of all time contender with its emphasis on the importance of relationships and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones that intertwines science fiction with deep emotional and philosophical questions.
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4) Gintama (2015) (9.06/10)
Created by Hideaki Sorachi, Gintama is one of the best anime series ever for its unique blend of comedy, action, drama, and science fiction. For example, the series often breaks the fourth wall and parodies various aspects of Japanese culture, other anime series such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, and even its own characters.
Set in an alternate-history late Edo period where Earth has been conquered by aliens known as Amanto, the series follows the adventures of Gintoki Sakata, a former samurai who now works as a jack-of-all-trades freelancer, along with his eccentric companions, Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura.
However, despite its comedic tone, Gintama excels in delivering intense and emotional story arcs, featuring well-choreographed action scenes and deep character development and growth.
5) Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 (9.05/10)
Regardless of its controversial ending, Attack on Titan can stand proud as one of the best anime of all time with its intense and dramatic story of humanity’s fight against the terrifying Titans. In Season 3 Part 2, the story was at its climax peak as it picks up from the cliffhanger of the first part of Season 3, focusing on the battle to reclaim Wall Maria and the secrets hidden in Eren Yeager’s basement.
The story reaches “Absolute Cinema” status when Eren, Mikasa, and Armin finally reach the basement of Eren’s old home, uncovering shocking truths about the world and the Titans. Key characters such as Eren, Armin, and Erwin Smith also undergo significant growth and face critical decisions that impact the course of the story.
Besides the long-awaited basement reveal, Season 3 Part 2 features some of the most intense and visually stunning battles in the series, showcasing the Survey Corps’ strategic prowess and the overwhelming power of their enemies.
6) Hunter x Hunter (9.03/10)
Hunter x Hunter is often regarded as one of the best anime of all time for its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and unique world-building.
The story follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who discovers that his father, Ging, whom he thought was dead, is actually a legendary Hunter — an elite individual capable of tracking down secret treasures, rare beasts, or even other individuals. Determined to find his father, Gon sets out to become a Hunter himself.
In his journey, Gon and the other characters will face unpredictable plots filled with twists, detailed strategies, and hidden lore. In their battles, the characters will also undergo significant growth and development, each with their own unique backstories and motivations.
7) Legend of the Galactic Heroes (9.02/10)
Written by Yoshiki Tanaka, Legend of the Galactic Heroes is set in a distant future where humanity has colonised the stars and is separated into two major factions: The autocratic Galactic Empire and the democratic Free Planets Alliance.
The series chronicles the titanic struggle between these two superpowers, focusing on the lives and careers of two main characters, Reinhard von Lohengramm, a brilliant and ambitious young admiral in the Galactic Empire and Yang Wen-li, a strategic genius and reluctant hero of the Free Planets Alliance.
The series delves deeply into the political machinations, alliances, and betrayals within and between the two factions, showcasing the complexities of governance, leadership, and the moral ambiguities of war.
8) Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War (9.02/10)
One of the big three, often standing as one of the original three best anime of all time with Naruto and One Piece, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War focuses on Ichigo and his allies facing off against the Quincies led by Yhwach, the Quincy King.
As a recent adaptation, the quality of the anime was top-notch as the arc builds toward the history and motivations of Soul Reapers and Quincy, intense battles and emotional confrontations, resolving long-standing plot threads and character arcs.
Furthermore, many characters, such as Rukia, Renji and Byakuya, undergo significant development, confronting their pasts and evolving their abilities to face their opponents.
9) Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – Ultra Romantic (9.01/10)
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is a popular romantic comedy anime and manga series written and illustrated by Aka Akasaka. Adapted by Aniplex, the anime series faithfully adapts the manga while adding vibrant animation and voice acting to bring the comedic antics of the characters to life.
In its Season 3 adaptation, the story reaches its climax as Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, who both have romantic feelings for each other but are too proud to confess, finally, decide to bare their feelings to each other in a stunning confession scene.
The scene was so overwhelmingly positive that it launched the anime to the top of MyAnimeList as the best anime of all time until Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood reclaimed its throne.
10) Fruits Basket: The Final (8.97/10)
Fruits Basket: The Final is the third and final season of the beloved anime series Fruits Basket, continuing the story of Tohru Honda and the mysterious Sohma family, who are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite gender or under stress.
Throughout the final season, Tohru, Kyo Sohma, and Yuki Sohma undergo significant development, confronting their pasts and striving to break free from the curse’s emotional and psychological burdens as they navigate their feelings amidst the turmoil of their intertwined fates.
11) Clannad: After Story (8.93/10)
Often regarded as the saddest yet best anime of all time, Clannad: After Story continues the original Clannad series in developing the romance between Tomoya and Nagisa, depicting their deepening bond and the challenges they encounter in maintaining their relationship.
Known for its emotional storytelling, Clannad: After Story delivers poignant moments that resonate with viewers, eliciting both tears and introspection as the anime tackles mature themes such as loss, sacrifice, and the struggles of adulthood, portraying the characters’ growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
12) March Comes in Like a Lion Season 2 (8.92/10)
Continuing the topic of exploring human emotions, March Comes in Like a Lion Season 2 expands upon the themes and characters introduced in the first season, delivering a heartfelt and introspective narrative that explores the depths of human emotion, personal growth, and the bonds that sustain us through life’s challenges.
For example, Season 2 delves deeper into Rei’s complex emotions and relationships with fellow shogi players, his adoptive family, and friends as Rei learns to cope with his inner struggles, including depression and loneliness.
13) Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 (8.91/10)
Widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time in political struggles and mecha battles, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 picks up after the events of the first season, where Lelouch vi Britannia, a former prince seeking revenge against his father, Emperor Charles zi Britannia, continues his quest to overthrow Britannia’s oppressive regime.
In his journey as the persona “Zero”, Lelouch navigates political alliances, personal sacrifices, and the complexities of war as he faces formidable adversaries and makes morally complex decisions that shape the fate of nations.
The conclusion of Code Geass R2 sparked debate among fans due to its unexpected twists and philosophical implications, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
14) The Apothecary Diaries (8.90/10)
The Apothecary Diaries is another recent riser to the best anime of all time list on MyAnimeList as it follows the protagonist, Maomao, a young woman with exceptional skills in traditional medicine and pharmacology journey in navigating the complex politics and intrigue of the imperial court.
After entangling herself in court affairs and secrets, Maomao encounters male characters like Jinshi, who will influence her life and decisions. Fans of historical fiction, palace intrigue, and strong female protagonists, such as the 200k voters, will likely enjoy The Apothecary Diaries for its blend of mystery, drama, and romance set against the backdrop of ancient China.
15) Monster (2004) (8.88/10)
Written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa, Monster follows the gripping story of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a talented Japanese brain surgeon living in Germany during the 1980s. After deciding to prioritise the life of a young boy, Johan Liebert, over the mayor’s life during a critical surgery, Tenma’s life takes a drastic turn when Johan becomes a notorious serial killer as he embarks on a journey to correct his wrongdoing.
Unlike many on this list, Monster tackles mature themes and psychological themes, such as crime, trauma, and the complexities of human nature, with a grounded and realistic approach to exploring the nature of evil, identity, and the consequences of moral decisions.
Honourable Mentions (Movies)
As you may have seen from your research, we have excluded movies from the best anime of all time list and put them in our honourable mentions section to not confuse anime series with anime movies.
Related: 10 Best Anime Movies of All Time
A Silent Voice (8.93/10)
Released in 2016, A Silent Voice is the highest-rated anime movie on MyAnimeList due to its story revolving around Shoya Ishida, a young boy who bullies a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya after she transfers into his elementary school. Years after bullying Shoko, Shoya becomes ostracised and tormented by his past guilt and sets out on a journey of redemption to reconnect with Shoko and seek forgiveness.
The movie addresses the themes of bullying, empathy, the repercussions of one’s actions and the challenges of communication, particularly with someone who has a disability like deafness, as it explores how bullying affects both the victim and the perpetrator, delving deep into the emotional turmoil and growth of the characters involved.
Parting Thoughts
In exploring the best anime of all time, we discover a diverse tapestry of storytelling excellence, visual innovation, and emotional resonance that has left an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.
From grand adventures to intimate character studies that delve into the depths of human emotion, these anime series have not only entertained but also challenged perceptions, sparked discussions, and inspired generations.
Therefore, does it really matter which is the best anime of all time? Let us know your thoughts on our Twitter page, and follow us for more timely updates.
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