Top 10 Best Anime Series of All Time

Anime is more than just a form of storytelling. It's a way of life for millions of fans who love the unique and captivating style of Japanese animation. Anime has it all: stunning visuals, amazing art, and epic camera effects. It can make you laugh, cry, scream, and cheer. It can transport you to different worlds, introduce you to incredible characters, and challenge you to think deeper. Anime is not just entertainment, it's inspiration.

But among the countless anime series that exist, there are some that stand out from the rest. These are the series that have earned the respect and admiration of fans, critics, and casual viewers alike. These are the series that have set the standards for excellence in animation, storytelling, character development, and music.

The Top Ten

Death Note

Death Note is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The story follows Light Yagami, a gifted high school student with a strong sense of justice who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. His actions as... read more

Best anime ever! Let's put it in first place! It's the most amazing anime I've ever seen.

We all know this would be one. Of course. It is unsurprising that a series built on strategy, intellect, and ethical dilemmas would top a poll when compared to the arbitrary popularity contests of other shows.
A thousand comments are meaningless if the logic behind them is shallow, yet even within that noise, the majority recognize a superior narrative, one where every move is deliberate and every consequence measured. Death Note doesn't rely on fan service, flashy battles, or exaggerated aesthetics to claim dominance.
The fact that others debate best anime based on superficial traits only highlights their inferiority in analytical thinking. That this poll's results align with what is objectively superior is a confirmation, not a surprise.
Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation. It follows the adventures of Goku and the Z Warriors as they protect Earth from various villains. The series emphasizes themes of good versus evil and teaches values such as teamwork, loyalty, and perseverance.

You heard it right, Dragon Ball Z haters! No matter how much you hate it, this anime has to be the most popular in our generation. Not only in Japan and the US, but in other countries all over the world as well. Just check its Wikipedia page and see how many languages it has been translated into. Most people who got into the anime fandom started with Dragon Ball Z.
Some people bash Dragon Ball Z for its long fight scenes that span several episodes, for characters that move too fast that you don't see them anymore, etc. Some even compare it to newer action titles and say that the new title is better because it has a better story and action scenes. Sure. When it comes to story and action scenes, I don't put Dragon Ball Z as my number one either, but we're talking about the "greatest" here. I try to recall how much I loved it during its time when this new anime doesn't exist yet. How much excitement did it give me back then, and compare that to the excitement this newer anime with better story and fight scenes gives me. I can say that nothing beats Dragon Ball Z in that matter. It was the first of its kind, and the others only followed.
Only a few consider Muhammad Ali to be the pound-for-pound best boxer of all time. He's been beaten several times while other fighters retire with their records unblemished. But why is it that everyone considers him "The Greatest"?
One Piece

One Piece is a manga franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. The manga was adapted into an original video animation (OVA) produced by Production I.G in 1998. The anime series produced by Toei Animation began broadcasting in Japan in 1999 and, as of now, has aired 851 episodes.

One Piece is the best anime I've ever watched because of its unique story. I'm amazed by the writer who created this story. The imagination is incredible. How did he do this? Huh, thumbs up for this.
It delivers to the audience a funny trek and, more than that, a true friendship and dreams occur in this story.

I just can't believe One Piece doesn't at least have the number two spot! One Piece is the most epic anime I have ever watched (I've seen a lot of anime). Oda Sensei is an amazing storyteller and has kept me interested in One Piece up to the current chapters that now number over 600. Yeah, the art may take a little getting used to, but it gets better along the way. Plus, it's more refreshing because it's different from a lot of other shows. I've got to admit, the characters are awesome, and the fights are just amazing. Anyone who says they don't like One Piece obviously hasn't seen up to Sky Island Arc, Water 7 Arc, Impel Down Arc, Marineford War Arc, Fishmen Island Arc, etc. Seriously, don't let the length of the anime and manga stop you from getting into One Piece because you won't regret a single moment of watching or reading it.
Naruto

Naruto is an anime and manga franchise created by Masashi Kishimoto. The manga was adapted into a television anime series produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex. It premiered on TV Tokyo and other TX Network stations on October 3, 2002.... read more

A good storyline, good fights, and, as someone said before, it explains what happened to all the characters, unlike Bleach, where they really forgot about Ashido, Nelliel, and Kuukaku.

Naruto is the new standard of realistic fantasy! Exaggeration is minimal, and there's always an explanation for everything...

How could this not be number one? Naruto is the best of the best, the most exhilarating anime of all time. Naruto has it all: a little romance, lots of action, martial arts, suspense, and more. Why it wasn't number one, I don't know, but I do know you guys should reconsider your choice. This is an outrage to every Naruto fan out there. There isn't an anime created that's better than Naruto.
By the way, people say Naruto doesn't have enough episodes, but go to Naruto Shippuden, which is also breathtaking. You'll see the anime and the manga are still being created. They have new episodes and manga chapters.
No disrespect, because these two animes still deserve to be in the top five, but they can't compare to Naruto. Also, there are no new manga or episodes out for Dragon Ball Z and One Piece. This anime has a tremendous plot, storyline, and very well-organized characters. They also always leave you wanting to see the next episode immediately.
No questions about it: Naruto is number one, the best anime that's ever been created. I love this anime, and I'm positive everyone else does too. If you don't accept that Naruto is number one, you're completely self-centered and simply ignorant.
This isn't a comment to look down on all the other animes, but I do want every anime fan in the world to acknowledge that Naruto is number one. Naruto is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.
Please post any comments about this post as soon as you can. By the way, if you don't agree, I don't care, but you need to understand not to mess with the Naruto fans around this planet. So post what you want, but when you do, make sure you're fully aware I'll post back.
Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan, known in Japan as Shingeki no Kyojin, is a widely acclaimed anime series created by Hajime Isayama. The series premiered in Japan in April 2013 and debuted in English in the United States in 2014. It is recognized for its emotional storytelling, post-apocalyptic setting, and thrilling... read more

Amazing. Such beautiful and innovative anime is becoming rare these days. Those who appreciate stunning graphics will be pleased. Personally, I haven't seen anything like this since "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood."
Not to mention the plot, which is truly exceptional. It is so well-crafted that we are instantly immersed in the apocalyptic atmosphere, which is also reflected in all the characters.
I highly recommend this one.

I'm not really into anime. Never have been - it's just not my thing. But when I saw Attack on Titan, I had a complete change of heart. HOLY COW! My mind was blown from the first episode all the way to the end!
This show does not simply exceed anime standards but completely dominates as a show. The characters are relatable (to a degree), the story is mind-blowing, the animation is something you see once in a decade, and the music - you could listen to that alone and get hooked on the show.
Bear in mind that this anime is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. It is very dark, depressing, bloody, and violent. Seriously, if you are not into anime but want to give it a try, Attack on Titan is the way to go.
Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail is a manga franchise created by Hiro Mashima. It was adapted into an anime series produced by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, which first aired in Japan on October 12, 2009. The franchise also includes several original video animations and a feature film titled Fairy Tail the Movie: Phoenix Priestess... read more

Fairy Tail is amazing and is my favorite! It should definitely be number one on the list. I wish that this anime would be more recognized. I discovered it by luck, and I love it. I love the bonds everyone shares, and how Lucy won't leave her friends' sides even if it would cost her life.
It's perfect. It's sad, dramatic, serious, funny, adventurous, and includes fighting. It's the full package! If you haven't watched this anime yet, I suggest you watch it as soon as possible! It may be an ongoing anime, and it might take you too long to watch all the episodes up to date, but it's definitely worth it!

Fairy Tail deserves a seat in the front row. Seriously, what is it lacking? A good protagonist, an anticipating plot, and action that doesn't eat away at 10 episodes per battle. On top of that, it lives up to its comedy genre.
Most anime have very irritating villains who do evil things purely because they're evil. Not all the bad guys in Fairy Tail have a silly purpose like that. There's always a little reason why they take such actions. Not all the enemies are complete psychos or just plain evil.
But anyway, any top 50 anime list should have Fairy Tail somewhere in there. Fairy Tail is marvelous. I absolutely adore this show.
Naruto Shippuden

Naruto: Shippuden is the anime sequel to the original Naruto series, adapting content from volume 28 onward of the manga. The show premiered in Japan on February 15, 2007, on TV Tokyo. It is produced by Studio Pierrot and directed by Hayato Date, continuing the story of Naruto Uzumaki as he faces new... read more

In my opinion, Naruto will be the best anime ever, but Naruto Shippuden is what makes it even greater. I think that a lot of good ideas have been used. It's a perfectly executed storyline with amazing characters. SNM!

I think Naruto should be up there. It is part of Naruto, just with a different name, and the story gets ten times better. It is action-packed, mystery-solving, and has great development to the characters. It should be at least in the top 15.

Naruto Shippuden and Naruto are both incredibly epic anime. They make you cry, laugh, and keep you wanting more and more! I've seen many anime in the past year, and I can honestly say that the Naruto series is the best by far. It shows immense growth throughout the seasons from all characters, and the main characters aren't ridiculously strong characters that never lose, so that makes it realistic.
The background on each character is very detailed and well done. Even though it's not the happiest anime ever, that does not make it depressing or boring. This should be down next to Naruto on the list.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an anime series adapted from the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa. It closely follows the original manga storyline, in contrast to the earlier 2003 adaptation. The series is highly acclaimed for its animation, character development, and faithful adaptation... read more

Okay, for those of you who don't know, here's the basic premise of the story. It is set in a world where alchemy evolved rather than modern science, in a country where military power rules the state. The story revolves around two brothers who are on a quest to get their bodies back after they lost them performing an alchemy transmutation to try to bring their mother back to life after she died from a fatal disease.
The ritual went wrong, and the oldest brother's left leg was taken while the younger lost his whole body. The elder brother then used his right arm as payment to take his brother's soul and attach it to a suit of armor before it could slip away to the other side. Oh, did I mention that this all happens when they are 10-11 years old? The older brother then gets mechanical "automail" limbs to replace the ones he lost and joins the military, gaining the title "Fullmetal Alchemist," hence the name of the series. The brothers then set out to find a legendary item called the Philosopher's Stone in the hope that they can use its power to restore their bodies. And that is all covered in like, the first two episodes of the show! With 63 more to go, you can imagine the epic adventure that is told as the brothers pursue their dream!
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is simply a masterpiece. It is the greatest anime I have ever seen, in that it made me laugh, cry, stare at the screen in shock and suspense, and gasp aloud. The beautiful animation and by far the best soundtrack I've ever heard just add to the story. The plot is resounding and feels complete at the end, even though I was sad that such a wonderful anime was over.... read more
Bleach

Bleach is a Japanese anime series based on Tite Kubo's manga of the same name. The anime adapts the first 54 volumes of the manga and includes four anime-original arcs that aired alongside and between the main story arcs.
The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student with the ability... read more

The last of the labeled "Big Three" of shonen anime, this one feels more underrated compared to the other two of the "three," as well as to other commercially successful shonen. This gave the anime a kind of underground feeling, even though Bleach is a major series itself.
I can't say for sure why this anime isn't as close to the front line of bigger shonen series like Naruto, One Piece, or shonen like that. Maybe because it is newer than those? Whatever the reason, it makes Bleach feel like that gem of an anime you find while browsing somewhere underground, just that it is simultaneously within the big shonens as well. That makes Bleach its own great, unique case of an anime.
Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online is a series of Japanese light novels written by Reki Kawahara and illustrated by abec. In 2012, it was adapted into an anime by A-1 Pictures and the SAO Project, directed by Tomohiko Ito. The first season features two arcs, "Aincrad" and "Fairy Dance," and it was followed by a second... read more

I admit that there are some writing issues, and I can even acknowledge the fact that it kinda turns into that stereotypical harem kind of anime, but what bothers me about the whole "harem" thing is that Kazuto is dedicated to Asuna, and the girls in his "harem" know that clearly and well, despite originally being into him. Overall, it's an interesting idea that SHOULD NOT BE MADE INTO A REAL THING. Looking at you, Palmer Luckey.

After finishing The Irregular at Magic High School (it is merely decent at best), I can finally conclude that Sword Art Online is much better than The Irregular at Magic High School. I know the two anime are usually compared often, but I feel that Sword Art Online was more enjoyable of the two.
Now, I wouldn't really say it's on the level of well-written like, say, Fate/Zero, but for me, I think Sword Art Online is supposed to be an anime where you enjoy watching it rather than setting high standards for it. If you just watch it for the enjoyment of the anime, you'll like the anime more than when you just watch it for expectations.

The Newcomers

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Jujutsu Kaisen

I wasn't really expecting this anime to be that good. The first episode blew me away due to how great it sets the foundation for future episodes.
The protagonist is easily one of my top favorites because of how relatable he is and his goofy personality.

I didn't know what to expect, but it was way better than I imagined. It's basically shonen without the overdone tropes and with even edgier action, which I like.
Also, you just can't hate Itadori or anyone. Even Sukuna may be a jerk, but he's funny too. The animation is absolute GOD tier.
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Chainsaw Man

This anime was the one that made me buy manga for the first time! Absolutely amazing, and I love the art style, character interactions, and action!

The Contenders

Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime series adapted from the manga of the same name by Hiromu Arakawa. It follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in a quest to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to resurrect their mother. The original series aired in 2003, and a more faithful... read more

Everywhere in anime-related spaces, there's this ongoing debate between this and Brotherhood as to which is the superior adaptation of the Fullmetal Alchemist story. Most of those debates generally settle on Brotherhood because it came out when the original manga was finished, and yet it is still brought up time and time again. I believe the reason for this everlasting indecision over which is truly superior is because both FMA and FMAB have strengths and downfalls of their own.
I have a whole Venn diagram that compares FMA and FMAB to each other. It would be quite a lot to write out all the contents of that diagram here, but the basics are that the first FMA expands more on the backstory of the Elric brothers, especially their journey of ascent into becoming State Alchemists in detail, while FMAB lacks most of that journey. On the other hand, FMAB has a much more complete and satisfactory ending, especially for the characters Van Hohenheim and Father. This all forms my final verdict in this debate: the first Fullmetal Alchemist anime has a better beginning half in general, while Brotherhood has a better ending half in general. I wouldn't say one is really superior to the other, but rather both versions are two halves of a whole.
The point of me writing that verdict here is to say that this anime right here, Fullmetal Alchemist, should have the same overall rating as Brotherhood and therefore be right next to Brotherhood on lists like this. These two FMA anime go hand in hand.
Code Geass

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, often referred to simply as Code Geass, is a Japanese anime series created by Sunrise. It was directed by Gorō Taniguchi and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, with original character designs by the manga artist group Clamp. The series debuted in 2006 and is known for its... read more

Code Geass is brilliant because it delivers a thrilling, high-stakes game of psychological chess, led by a mesmerizing, morally grey antihero who will stop at nothing to tear down a tyrannical empire.

There is no equal to this series! I know DBZ was great, and I loved it more than anyone. However, that was before I watched this. To add the intelligence this series brought along with the added morals and high-quality plot, it truly made this a masterpiece!
There has never been a greater ending to a series. Code Geass is unrivaled. Every character had meaning in this magnificent story. There was never a dull moment as the show always kept you on your feet and made you second-guess yourself. I never thought I'd see a show as great as this one. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly advise you to make it a top priority to watch this show!
Hunter x Hunter

Hunter × Hunter is a manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi. In 1999, it was adapted into a 62-episode anime television series produced by Nippon Animation and directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi. The original show aired on Japan's Fuji TV and ran until 2001.... read more

I don't think you get as much character development from any other anime as you do in Hunter x Hunter. Each character you meet is unique and well-written. Even the side characters are given some amazing roles to play.
The main character is a delight to watch grow throughout the various arcs. I have experienced a major sociological slap from watching some truly heartbreaking and exhilarating scenes. When the bad guys do good and the good guys do bad, you're left wondering who to root for, who to hate, and who to fear.
The characters, the emotions, the adventure, the puzzles, the battles, the animation, the feels... this anime honestly deserves more attention, as it is seriously underrated. It's pretty unsettling to see overhyped mainstream animes take the spot of ones that really deserve to be higher. Hunter x Hunter is truly a king of an anime, among the best.
My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is an adventure and superhero manga series written and illustrated by Kōhei Horikoshi. It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2014. The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where they are common, as he trains to become a professional hero.

It's sad that this is overruled by the Pokemon anime.
Seasons 1-2 are kind of cringy and childish, but seasons 3 and 4 delve into deeper themes and introduce the central villains of the show. The first half of season 2 is boring and long, but it is necessary for development. Think of 1-2 as a setup for the rest of the series.
Plus, it has plenty of risqué humor! It has a perverted schoolboy character and a perverted teacher, like every good school anime does! It's nothing too bad, just teenagers talking about what teenagers talk about, and a couple of nosebleed scenes. Season 3 has a nude scene in the second episode that isn't too mature but still unsuitable for an 8 or 9-year-old.
Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation and based on the manga of the same name by Akira Toriyama. It helped popularize anime in the United States and was dubbed in English on Cartoon Network's Toonami block. The franchise has remained highly influential, spawning... read more

I didn't like Dragon Ball Z as much because the heroes never really lost. Also, when Goku set the bar by becoming a Super Saiyan, I thought it was cool and all, but after Gohan became SSJ2 and the series progressed, there really was no limit to any of the characters' strength, and that annoyed me.
In Dragon Ball, the characters were very much balanced. Even when nearing the end of the series where Goku had improved greatly under Kami's guidance, the characters were still fairly balanced.

Are the characters balanced? Goku was the one who was overpowered, the only one saving everybody, and he was only defeated in the World Martial Arts Tournament (until Piccolo Jr., that is). In Dragon Ball Z, he at least died. In DBZ, at least in the beginning, there was more help from Piccolo, Krillin, and his son.
Even in the beginning of Dragon Ball, Goku was the one solving most of the fighting problems and saving his friends. There is some humor in DBZ, it just wasn't mostly inappropriate like in Dragon Ball. Do we get Goku's past in Dragon Ball? We get more of it in DBZ, plus more about his planet and his family. And we learn more about Kami/Piccolo too! Both series are about equal. Dragon Ball was more adventure, sure, but other than that, they are both good.
Pokémon

Pokémon, abbreviated from the Japanese title Pocket Monsters and currently marketed in English as Pokémon: The Series, is a Japanese anime television series adapted for international audiences. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 1, 1997, and in the United States on September 8, 1998.... read more

This is not the best anime, although it's up there, but this show has been part of so many people's childhoods (myself included). Pokemon has been embedded in pop culture, and most people know about the show. The storytelling and animation in Pokemon's earlier days were just beautiful and stunning. The Pokemon designs are really well drawn too, and the characters are memorable. People will say this show has declined, which it has. But think of other shows that have been on air as long as Pokemon has. They have declined in quality too, such as The Simpsons, SpongeBob, etc. Overall, Pokemon is consistent and very lovable and entertaining.
Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop is a Japanese anime television series that premiered in 1998 and was produced by the animation studio Sunrise. The series was directed by Shinichirō Watanabe, written by Keiko Nobumoto, and featured character designs by Toshihiro Kawamoto and mechanical designs by Kimitoshi Yamane. The music... read more

The only reason that DBZ and Naruto are as high up as they are lies in the fact that both are aimed at the younger generations. Anime is perfect for teenagers of any nation to get into. As people grow up, they lose interest in anime and develop interests in more mature shows because society deems we grow up. For those of you who looked back and gave older animes a try, you will quickly discover this one needs to be number one.
I grew up watching this, and some moments made you laugh, while others made you cry. Still others made your jaw fall off and roll across the floor. The story was masterfully crafted. The characters could be related to on nearly all levels, despite being from a completely different time period. Everything was totally believable while still being fresh.
Spike was the quintessential main character. He had his past that you spent most of the series trying to piece together while enjoying the rest of the tale spun for you. Jet was the black dog, the hunter who wouldn't let go, mostly of his past. I always found it cool that they didn't overdo the presence of his cybernetic arm with stupid abilities.
Faye was the woman of their crew. Smart, sexy, and probably too smart for her own good. She was, for a bit, one of the causes of their trouble, but just as often, the solution to other unrelated trouble. Ed was the clearly insane genius of the lot. A mere child, yet she hacked computer networks like it was as simple as breathing.
Finally, last, and yet totally not least, the smartest member of their crew, and the hairiest, was Ein... the dog. Genetically engineered to be smarter than normal, the dog somehow accidentally became a member of their crew and just ended up sticking around, managing to occasionally point them in the right direction without being too obvious about it. Can't have a dog making his "masters" look dumb.... read more
Soul Eater

Soul Eater is an anime series directed by Takuya Igarashi and produced by Bones, Aniplex, Dentsu, Media Factory, and TV Tokyo. It adapts the Soul Eater manga written and illustrated by Atsushi Ohkubo. The anime aired in Japan from April 2008 to March 2009.

This is the most amazing anime/manga ever created! The animation/drawing style is so unique and lovely. The characters are developed very well. The setting it's in (Death City) is wonderful and dark. The fighting scenes are amazing and beautifully animated.
The plot, though, is the best bit. It's obviously been thought out carefully. There are sad, meaningful episodes and then there are the lighthearted, fun episodes.
Anyway, if you haven't seen Soul Eater, you must watch it now. Though the first few episodes aren't as good as the rest, it won't take long for you to get hooked.

Agreed. The best anime and manga ever created. I also agree that you have to watch the first three episodes before you judge! They're just introductions, people! I just finished this anime some time ago. The ending made me cry. All the characters change and become better than they were before.
To watch them grow is amazing. There are amazing fight scenes and amazing friendship scenes (episode 33). This anime has friendships, life lessons, self-sacrifice, loyalty, secrets, tragedy, magic, technology, and symmetry. But not Uncle Bob's Rumba (Soul Eater joke) Coffee. I'm talking for Death the Kid when I say, "You better vote for this you asymmetrical bastard!" (Also Soul Eater joke).
InuYasha

InuYasha is a manga franchise created by Rumiko Takahashi. It was adapted into two anime television series produced by Sunrise. The first aired for 167 episodes on Yomiuri TV in Japan from October 16, 2000, to September 13, 2004.... read more

Inuyasha is one of the popular "first anime" that people typically watch, which eventually motivates them to become a full-blown anime fan. In this case, I'm not surprised. Inuyasha is a story full of emotion and is ranked high on my list of favorite anime. It isn't a typical "shounen" anime, and it isn't obsessed with having fight scenes that last 5 episodes long.
The characters are human (well, even though some of them are demons), and they aren't heartless moving pictures with voices. Speaking of which, I recommend the dub (I'm typically a sub person, though).
All in all, it is a thoroughly enjoyable anime. While some people may not like the somewhat slow pace akin to that of a shounen anime, I recommend Inuyasha wholeheartedly.
Yu Yu Hakusho

Yu Yu Hakusho is a manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The anime adaptation, which includes 112 episodes, was directed by Noriyuki Abe and co-produced by Fuji Television, Yomiko Advertising, and Studio Pierrot.
It aired on Fuji TV in Japan from October 10, 1992 to December 17, 1994. The... read more

I used to watch this in the days of Toonami, when the best part about being a kid was fantasy worlds like Nintendo's and stuff. This show stands out because it is deep despite its brevity. It makes me question things about my life and where I'm going. It inspires me to be noble and masterful.
I cried watching this show more than any other. It cuts to the heart. It can be hilarious like no other, philosophical like no other, romantic like no other, intriguing like no other, and epic like no other. I have Ghost Files on DVDs, and they are my greatest treasures. I thank God for the creators of Yu Yu Hakusho!

When people started to get tired of the Dragon Ball Z phenomenon, they had to look for something else - something new that would still provide the action and excitement that Dragon Ball Z had given them. Then came Yu Yu Hakusho. In our area, as far as I can remember, Yu Yu Hakusho became a household name. Everyone was watching it. Even some unexpected people came out of nowhere, acting like they were Toguro and Yusuke.
Even my classmate in high school used to put Yusuke's name as an alias on his test papers, and I thought that was just too much.
The story is different from Dragon Ball Z, and you might also notice the attempt to give it a twist. But I would say that the action and fighting scenes were somewhat patterned after DBZ. It's really a great and entertaining show. According to my brother, this is his favorite series of all time. For the balanced amount of popularity and "how much I liked it," I put it at number 8.
Black Butler

Black Butler is a Japanese anime television series produced by A‑1 Pictures. It premiered in October 2008 and is based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Yana Toboso.
The series follows Ciel Phantomhive, the twelve‑year‑old Earl of Phantomhive who serves as the Queen's Watchdog... read more

Good story and plot, but the thing that made me love this series to death were the characters. Especially the main characters, Ciel is an adult in an adorable child's body (which I can often relate to), and Sebastian is just too handsome and cunning for his own good. Their rather cold personalities are (as far as I know) quite refreshing in the more mainstream anime.
The combination of detective stories, comedy, and action was near perfect, though Grell takes the cake for the comedy for me personally. I found the second season not nearly as good, and the end was aggravating. No, seriously. Stupid wish.

It is truly one of the best anime shows out there, although it may not be for everybody. It is full of mystery and is about young Master Ciel Phantomhive, who makes a contract with the demon Sebastian Michaelis, becoming his "black butler," as you may say.
Sebastian stays by Ciel's side like a shadow, always there when needed, although they may encounter quite a few difficulties, which is up to you to find out. The contract ends once Ciel takes revenge on his parents.
I recommend this for a more mature audience if you consider watching it. And I guarantee you that Sebastian is "merely one hell of a butler."
Angel Beats!

Angel Beats! is a 13-episode Japanese anime television series produced by P.A. Works and Aniplex. It was directed by Seiji Kishi and written by Jun Maeda. The series features a story set in the afterlife and blends action, comedy, and drama.

Wow, absolutely wow! This anime has to be the best anime I have ever seen. I love the characters, and I could really relate to them. The story that I could relate to the most was Yuri's story. I could relate because, like her, I have two little sisters and a brother. She really is a great example of a fantastic leader despite what had happened to her. She proved that no matter what hardships you go through, you can find peace.
Then there is Yuzuru. He taught me that you always have something to live for. Even when you think that your purpose for living is lost, there will always be one.
Then Kanade. She taught me to never judge a book by its cover. Kanade was always so lonely only because she wanted people to have a normal youth. And yet, everyone fought against her and wanted to hurt her. The thing I noticed about Kanade is that she only used her powers for defense. She was so delicate and never wanted to hurt anyone. Out of all the characters, I see a lot of myself in Kanade.
Ouran High School Host Club

Ouran High School Host Club is a manga series by Bisco Hatori, serialized in Hakusensha's LaLa magazine from September 2002 to November 2010. The story follows a group of attractive male students who entertain female clients in a host club setting at the prestigious Ouran Academy.... read more

I have almost watched the series straight through twice now since February 2014, and it's only April. I've watched select episodes over five times each, I'm guessing, and I really enjoy watching this series. I will probably continue to watch it as the months go by despite the shortness of the series.
I wish there had been more episodes because I completed it in about 2 or 3 days when I first got into it. However, I can't control what BONES does (or whoever controls that) and am grateful to have been able to witness the beauty and comedy this series has to offer. My favorite characters are Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin, those handsome and very close twin brothers. I loved everyone in the Host Club. I can't believe that I denied watching this series about 7 years ago now, and I am so glad I changed my mind and decided to check it out.
Yu-Gi-Oh!

Yu-Gi-Oh! aired from 2000 to 2004 in Japan and from 2001 to 2006 in the United States. It continues the story where the original Toei anime left off. When 10th grader Yugi Muto solves the Millennium Puzzle, a spirit named Yami Yugi emerges and helps him protect his friends. In Duel Monsters, much of... read more

I love Yu-Gi-Oh! It annoys me that so many people hate it. Most have only seen the 4Kids version and then think, "This show sucks! It's just a little kiddie show," or something like that. Yu-Gi-Oh! is so much more!
Personally, I prefer the Japanese version. I just love Shunsuke Kazama. His voice as Yugi/Yami was so awesome. And Shinkichi Mitsumune's soundtrack, along with the original unchanged storyline by Kazuki Takahashi, is incredible.
Many people think Yu-Gi-Oh! is just an anime about a card game. I must say, if that's what you think, then you don't even know what Yu-Gi-Oh! is. Sure, the card game is important, but there are so many more things in Yu-Gi-Oh!
Yu-Gi-Oh! has tons of great relationships, great character development, no pointless fillers, and so much more. I highly recommend anyone watch all the episodes of this show. Yu-Gi-Oh! is my favorite anime of all time!
The Future Diary

Future Diary is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Sakae Esuno. The story centers on a deadly survival game in which each participant possesses a diary that can predict the future. The manga was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Shōnen Ace magazine from January 2006 to December 2010.... read more

After having Steins;Gate and Code Geass tied as my top favorite series of all time, I never expected to ever watch an anime again that managed to outrank either of the two. Imagine my surprise when, by a random fluke, some anime that I had never heard of that looked like some cringey cash-in on the initial mobile-phone craze entered into my radar and managed to gradually become my favorite series of all time, managing to safely beat out both Steins;Gate and Code Geass, two series that were both so very good that I couldn't decide between them for years.
This anime is great in so many ways. From the very second episode, at the very least, you just KNOW that something big is up in the story and continuously reform your speculation of just what that something could be with every subsequent episode. The plot manages to keep releasing little insights every episode. In addition, the sheer number of times I expected the show to go one direction and it pulled a 180 and went in another direction I can't even count. The show keeps you guessing at every turn.
The payoff from the last few episodes is absolutely immense. You feel so many emotions, and you are just so emotionally invested in the characters that you simply can't stop marathoning episodes until the whole thing is over. I can satisfyingly say that the understanding of the full meaning of many things in the show cannot be fully comprehended until the very last moment: everything builds to that final understanding.... read more