Top 20 Must-Watch Anime Series for Every Type of Fan

Anime has evolved into a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling, diverse genres, and vibrant animation. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the world of anime, there’s something out there for everyone. Here’s a curated list of the top 20 must-watch anime series, designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and interests.

Death Note

A gripping anime series Death Note dives into the world of supernatural suspense and moral ambiguity. The story begins when a high school student, Light Yagami, stumbles upon a mysterious notebook with a deadly power: if someone’s name is written in it while the writer imagines their face, that person will die.

Seizing this power, Light decides to rid the world of criminals, aiming to become the god of a new, crime-free world. Spanning 37 episodes, the series delves into themes of justice, power, and the consequences of playing god, captivating viewers with its complex characters and intricate plot twists.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

A captivating anime “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” explores themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the quest for redemption. It follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who delve into forbidden alchemy to revive their deceased mother, only to face dire consequences.

Edward sacrifices limbs, while Alphonse’s soul is tethered to armor. Their journey for the Philosopher’s Stone, believed to repair their bodies, unfolds in a world rich with alchemy. Launched in 2008 and spanning 64 episodes, the series is celebrated for its intricate plot, moral dilemmas, and the profound exploration of human nature and familial bonds.

The Promised Neverland

An enthralling anime series “The Promised Neverland” spans 23 episodes across two seasons. It weaves a gripping tale of intelligence, suspense, and survival, focusing on a group of orphans who unearth a chilling secret about their seemingly idyllic home and the outside world.

Determined to escape their fated demise, they embark on a perilous journey to freedom, challenging their wits against daunting obstacles. Launched with its first season in 2019 and concluding with the second in 2021, the series captivates viewers with its intricate plot, emotional depth, and well-developed characters, earning accolades for its storytelling and imaginative world-building.

Naruto / Naruto Shippuden

The Naruto and its sequel series Naruto Shippuden are cornerstone works in the anime world, telling the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest ninja leader, the Hokage, and gaining the respect of his peers. The series follows Naruto’s journey from an ostracized child to a respected ninja, focusing on themes of friendship, perseverance, and the quest for recognition.

Naruto Shippuden continues with Naruto’s adventures as he faces even greater challenges, delves into the complexities of ninja politics, wars, and the dark past of his world. Both series are renowned for their well-developed characters, intricate plot, and thrilling action sequences, making them a must-watch for fans of all ages.

Attack on Titan

A riveting action and dark fantasy anime “Attack on Titan” spans over four seasons with a total of 87 episodes and two special parts. Beginning in April 2013, the series follows humanity’s desperate battle for survival against the terrifying Titans, giant humanoid creatures.

Through intense battles and strategic warfare, the story gradually unveils the dark mysteries of the Titans and the world itself. Its narrative complexity, deep character development, and the high stakes of survival have made it a landmark series. The final season, divided into parts, concluded in November 2023, marking the end of a gripping saga.

My Hero Academia

The anime “My Hero Academia” combines superhero action with the dynamics of school life across 138 episodes and 9 OVAs. Set in a world where almost everyone possesses powers known as “Quirks,” the story centers on Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero.

After receiving powers from the greatest hero, he attends U.A. High School to train and face various challenges and villains. Renowned for its inspiring themes, diverse cast of characters, and thrilling battles, the series continues to captivate fans with its depiction of heroism, growth, and the pursuit of dreams.

One Piece

An epic adventure and fantasy anime that has become a cornerstone of the genre, “One Piece” is following the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew in pursuit of the ultimate treasure, “One Piece,” to become the Pirate King.

With its rich world-building, memorable characters, and thrilling adventures, “One Piece” explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the adventure of the high seas. Its long-running narrative is filled with intense battles, strategic escapades, and a deep sense of camaraderie, making it a beloved series among fans of pirates and treasure hunts.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

The anime series “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is an action-packed, supernatural anime with 26 episodes in its first season, airing from April to September 2019. It tells the story of a young boy, Tanjiro Kamado, who becomes a demon slayer to avenge his family’s massacre and cure his demon-turned sister, Nezuko.

The series continued with the record-breaking movie, “Mugen Train,” and an 18-episode second season, leading to further compilation films and a third season of 11 episodes. With its blend of historical Japanese setting, captivating animation by Ufotable, and emotional depth, the series has garnered critical acclaim. A fourth season is anticipated in Q2 2024.

Steins;Gate

A science fiction thriller that spans 24 episodes, “Steins;Gate” originally aired from April to September 2011. It revolves around a group of friends who stumble upon the ability to send messages to the past, inadvertently entangling themselves in complex time-travel conspiracies.

The series is celebrated for its intricate plot, deep character development, and the exploration of the consequences of tampering with time. Set against the backdrop of Akihabara, Japan, “Steins;Gate” blends scientific intrigue with emotional storytelling, making it a standout series for fans of time travel narratives and psychological thrillers.

Your Name

A beautifully animated romance and supernatural film “Your Name” explores the unique connection between two teenagers, Mitsuha and Taki, who mysteriously begin swapping bodies. Despite never meeting, their bond deepens, leading them on a quest to find each other.

Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film captivates with its stunning visuals, heartfelt story, and exploration of themes like distance, destiny, and the search for identity. Since its release, “Your Name” has become a global phenomenon, praised for its innovative storytelling and emotional impact, setting new standards for anime films in both artistry and narrative depth.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

An action-packed, supernatural series “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” delves into the lives of the Joestar family. Across generations, each member discovers their fate to combat supernatural enemies. The saga is known for its unique powers, distinctive art style, and dramatic storytelling.

A highlight includes the 13-episode OVA series of “Stardust Crusaders,” produced by A.P.P.P. from 1993 to 2002, focusing on a pivotal part of the family’s journey. This anime appeals to fans of generational epics and those intrigued by the blend of action and supernatural elements.

Gintama

The series “Gintama” combines comedy and science fiction in a unique setting where feudal Tokyo is conquered by aliens. The series follows an eccentric samurai, Gintoki Sakata, as he undertakes various odd jobs to survive in this altered world.

Known for its parodic humor, the series also touches on samurai values amidst its comedic episodes. Starting with an OVA presented at the Jump Festa 2006 Anime Tour, “Gintama” expanded into a beloved 367-episode anime series. It’s a must-watch for fans looking for laughter, action, and a touch of heart.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

A thought-provoking anime “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” is set in a future where cybernetic enhancements are commonplace. It explores deep themes of identity, consciousness, and the impact of technology on society. The series follows Major Motoko Kusanagi and Public Security Section 9 as they solve complex cyber crimes and tackle philosophical questions about the nature of self in a technologically advanced world.

With 52 episodes, it offers a rich narrative that challenges viewers to think about the future of humanity and technology. Ideal for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and philosophical debates intertwined with action.

One Punch Man

An exhilarating anime “One Punch Man” follows Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch, leading him to a life of existential boredom and a quest for a worthy challenger. The series, animated by Madhouse and later J.C.Staff, spans 24 episodes and 12 OVAs, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, comedy, and superhero satire.

It aired in Japan from 2015 to 2019, with a third season announced. In North America, it was licensed by Viz Media and featured on Adult Swim’s Toonami. The show is celebrated for its dynamic animation, humor, and insightful commentary on heroism.

Dragon Ball

A cornerstone of the Dragon Ball franchise, “Dragon Ball Z,” continues the epic adventures of Goku as he faces off against a series of increasingly powerful foes, from alien warlords to androids and magical beings.

Produced by Toei Animation, this sequel to the original “Dragon Ball” series covers the latter chapters of Akira Toriyama’s manga, airing from 1989 to 1996 with 291 episodes. The series is renowned for its intense battles, deep character development, and the growth of Goku’s son, Gohan. It has been dubbed in numerous languages, making it a global phenomenon and a seminal series for countless fans.

Cowboy Bebop

A genre-defining space western anime “Cowboy Bebop” follows the adventures of a crew of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop, in the year 2071. Comprising 26 episodes, the series weaves together themes of loss, loneliness, and the search for meaning against a backdrop of jazz-infused soundtracks.

The crew, each with a mysterious past, hunts the solar system’s most dangerous criminals, leading to encounters filled with action, drama, and introspection. Praised for its storytelling, character depth, and musical score, “Cowboy Bebop” has become a beloved classic, appealing to fans of science fiction and character-driven narratives alike.

Haikyuu!!

An inspiring sports anime about high school volleyball, “Haikyu!!” is produced by Production I.G. It started airing in April 2014, spanning four seasons with a total of 85 episodes and 5 OVAs, culminating in the announced “Haikyu!! Final” film series. The story follows Shoyo Hinata, a passionate volleyball player inspired by a small-statured pro volleyball star.

Despite his height disadvantage, Hinata’s determination leads him to join his school’s volleyball team, sparking a dynamic and heartfelt journey towards athletic excellence alongside his teammates. The series is celebrated for its realistic depiction of sports, character development, and thrilling matches.

Jujutsu Kaisen

A dark fantasy anime “Jujutsu Kaisen” delves into the world of sorcery and curses, based on the manga by Gege Akutami. Serialized since March 2018, the story has been collected into 25 volumes by January 2024. It follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary physical strength, who gets entangled in the supernatural world after becoming the host for a powerful Curse, Ryomen Sukuna.

Tasked with eliminating threats from malevolent Curses, Yuji joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers. The anime, with 47 episodes, is noted for its intense action, complex characters, and exploration of themes like bravery and the nature of evil.

Toradora

A beloved romantic comedy anime and light novel series “Toradora!” explores the unlikely relationship between Ryuji Takasu, a gentle student with an intimidating face, and Taiga Aisaka, a petite and feisty girl known as the “Palmtop Tiger.” The series, which includes ten novels published from 2006 to 2009, was adapted into a 25-episode anime.

It captures the complexities of teenage life, love, and friendship as Ryuji and Taiga, each with their own crushes, decide to help each other with their respective love interests, leading to unexpected developments in their own relationship. “Toradora!” is praised for its character depth, humor, and heartfelt story.

Hunter x Hunter

A riveting action-adventure anime “Hunter x Hunter (2011)” follows Gon Freecss, a determined young boy who embarks on a journey to find his absent father, a legendary Hunter known for his extraordinary abilities. As Gon aims to become a Hunter himself, he meets and befriends other hopefuls, including the vengeful Kurapika, the ambitious Leorio, and the enigmatic Killua.

Together, they face a series of challenging tests and adversaries, uncovering a vast world of uncharted territories, unique creatures, and hidden powers. The series, spanning 148 episodes, is celebrated for its strategic battles, profound character development, and intricate storytelling that captivates fans of all ages.

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