You have heard the word anime being thrown around a few times and are wondering what this is. Or, you might be a film enthusiast that wants to try out a new genre of films. You could also be an anime enthusiast looking for suggestions on other animes that you can watch.
Either way, you are in the right place. For those not in the know, anime refers to a unique style of animation film with roots in Japanese culture. Animes are made with a target audience in mind, and therefore some are more suited to adults and others to kids. There is also a middle area when it comes to anime films.
So you may be asking yourself, which are the Best anime to watch?
The following list will bring this into perspective. These are the anime one should watch, If You’ve Never Seen One Before. It’s not in the ranking order we have just listed which one should watch if they have started watching anime. While Some are the Top anime of all time including the Best anime series 2021.
Best Anime To Watch
1. Naruto
- Status: Finished Airing
- Genre: Shōnen
Naruto is a Japanese manga film based on teenage ninja Naruto Uzumaki who attempts to become the leader (Hokage) of his village. The drive to become Hokage leads him to seek recognition among his peers. This effort is, however, hampered by a demon (Kyuubi) that was sealed inside the boy before his birth.
The story of Naruto is split into two; his early adolescent years and the other part covers his teenage years when he strives to become a Hokage. This anime series previously existed in the print version but was adapted as a TV series in the year 2002. It ran for 220 episodes between 2002-and 2007 in Japan and later from 2005-to 2009 on Cartoon Network. Naruto was written by Masashi Kishimoto.
2. Naruto Shippuden
- Status: Finished Airing
- Genre: Shōnen
A sequel to the original anime naruto that aired up to 2007, Naruto Shippuden continues with the story of Naruto Uzumaki in his quest to become a Hokage. This anime is set two years after Naruto has left Konohakagure to train as a ninja. There is an organization of elite Ninjas, Akatsu which includes powerful Ninja-like Itachi Uchiha that is planning on taking over the reign of the Shinobi world.
In this anime, Naruto has not changed that much compared to the first version. His confidence, however, has grown and he fights with ore heart and resilience. This anime is made up of a massive 500 episodes that aired between 2007 and 2017. It ranks as one of the top 10 anime films of all time.
3. One Piece
- Status: Still Airing
- Genre: Shōnen
If you love pirates and their adventure quests, then One Piece is one anime series that you do not want to miss out on. Based on the story of Monkey Luffy, a 17-year-old adventurer and his friends who are in search of a secret treasure “One Piece” is an epic story of resilience. The Grand Age Pirates aim to be the first-ever pirates to discover the One Piece and be proclaimed Pirate King.
This is a prestigious title in the world of piracy at that age. This anime first aired in 1999 and since then 800+ episodes have followed. Although it has changed rights and networks a lot of times, the anime is still among the top anime of all time.
4.Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)
- Status: Still Airing
- Genre: Shōnen
Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series by Koyoharu Gotōge. A popular manga about humans and demons, along with terrifying swordfights.First Launched in Feb 2016.
It’s a Story-Based of a soft-hearted boy who sells charcoal for a living and finds his family slaughtered by a demon. And the Sole Survivor his younger sister Turned into a beast Herself. Till Now Season 1 is Completed and there is an announcement of the first Movie based on this Anime
5. Dr. Stone
- Status: Finished Airing (New Season Upcoming)
- Genre: Shounen
Dr. Stone is a story about two students, Senku and Taiju, who are students living their lives and continuing their goals. Taiju has a crush on a girl and wants to confess his feelings and Senku is a Science guy who loves to do an experiment in the science room.
When Taiju starts his confession, a blinding green light strikes the Earth and petrifies mankind around the world turning every single human into stone. They wakeup up millennia later when they find out that the modern world no longer exists and they start to live from the stone age.
6. Bleach
- Status: Finished Airing (New Season Upcoming)
- Genre: Shonen
Bleach is one of the classic anime that is still loved by new generation fans. The anime is about young Ichigo Kurosaki, a student who has always had the inexplicable ability to make contact with spirits. But his life changes when he meets a shinigami (Reaper of souls) in the midst of a battle with an evil entity called the Hollow.
From there, begins the multiple adventures for Ichigo Kurosaki.
7. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
- Status: Airing
- Genre: Shōnen
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the most-watched anime around the world according to Crunchyroll Survey. This anime is about a Joestar family, who have intense psychic strength. Each season features a family member whose name is shortened to “JoJo”. Thus, JoJos from different generations fights against evil forces.
8. Death Note
- Status: Finished Airing
- Genre: Shōnen
Death Note is anime featuring “Light Yagami”, the main protagonist who owns a notebook capable of killing all the enemies. Once Light Yagami discovers that writing the names on the book will kill the person. He starts writing the names of all the criminals in the city, with a mission to make it a peaceful city. But gets interrupted by a Private detective.
There is also an American adaptation of Death Note, Which you can get on Netflix.
9. One-Punch Man
- Status: Finished Airing (Manga Ongoing)
- Genre: Shōnen
One Punch Man is another anime that unexpectedly has gained a lot of popularity. The series has a rating of 8.8 on IMDB. One-Punch Man tells the story of Saitama, a young man who begins intense training with the goal of becoming the strongest superhero in the world… and succeeds!.
10. Boku No Hero Academia (My Hero Academia)
- Status: Still Airing (New Season Announced)
- Genre: Shōnen
Boku No Hero Academia (My Hero Academia) is another popular anime that gained a lot of hype after its release in 2016. The anime follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, a young man who, in a world where everyone is born with a superpower – was born without any. Still, Izuku – or Deku, as he’s better known – dreams of studying at school for superheroes to become one.
When Deku risks his life, even without powers, to help the mighty hero All-Mighty, this one, who is considered the greatest hero in the world, shares part of his powers with the boy.
11. Dragon Ball Super
- Status: Completed (New Season might come)
- Genre: Shōnen
Dragon Ball Super is the next season of Dragon Ball Z Saga. In this Z Warriors face The God of Destruction and other powerful gods that try to destroy our planet, in the best Martial Arts Tournament style. We’ve also re-encountered former villains, like a reborn Frieza hungry for revenge!
12. Kiseijū: Sei no Kakuritsu (Parasyte )
- Status: Completed
- Genre: Seinen / Body horror, Horror, Science fiction
Before watching this anime make sure you are comfortable watching grotesque images which might make you uncomfortable or sleepless.
Izumi Shinichi, a 17-year-old student, was one of those victims… Well, almost at least. A parasite tried to invade Shinichi’s brain but was stopped and only managed to dominate the boy’s right hand. With the help of Migi – the name given to the parasite that comes to live in the boy’s hand – Izumi transforms into a superhero that fights the other parasites.
13. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
- Status: Completed
- Genre: Shounen
A sequel to the original version of Fullmetal Alchemist. This anime follows the story of two brothers in search of better mastery of alchemy to resurrect their dead mother. Edward loses a leg and later sacrifices an arm to keep the soul of Alphonse when an alchemy experiment to resurrect their mother backfires.
Alphonse is turned into body armor that Edward wears as he travels in search of the Philosopher’s Stone. This stone is said to have the power to increase his alchemy mastery. Along with this quest, Edward learns of many government conspiracy stories as well as details about his father that he did not know before. This anime ran for 65 episodes between 2009 and 2010 and was written by Hiroshi Onogi.
14. Tokyo Ghoul
- Status: Finished Airing
- Genre: Seinen
A college student Ken Kaneki befriends a fellow bookworm Rize Kamishiro in this anime and Rize integrates Kaneki into the dark world of ghouls. In one instance, Kaneki almost loses his life when he is attacked by a ghoul which leaves him half human and half a ghoul. The ghouls have mastered the art of camouflaging as humans and thus can get more victims who unsuspectingly fall for their charm.
This 12-episode anime aired in 2014 and sparked a lot of debate among anime lovers since it was argued that the episodes didn’t give enough chance for the whole story to be broadcast. This anime was written by Sui Ishida and previously existed in print and has both a censored and uncensored film version.
15. Attack on Titan- Shingeki no Kyojin
- Status: Still Airing
- Genre: Shonen/Seinen
After giant humanoid Titans attack and destroy his village, leaving his mother dead, Eren Singeki vows not to rest till they are destroyed. This informs his resolve with friends; Mikasa and Armin to ensure that the last three walls protecting his village remain standing. This helps to ward off the attacks by the Titans.
There are also three military wings that attempt to protect humans using a grappling technique that uses systems called Vertical Manoeuvring Equipment. These are used to jump over trees and walls to launch attacks on the Titans. The first season of this anime series aired in 2013 followed by the second season in 2017 and the third one in 2018.
16. Dragon Ball Z
- Status: Finished Airing
- Genre: Shōnen
DBZ is an anime series that is a sequel to the original Dragon Ball anime series. In DBZ, Gokuu is just a normal family man who lives with his wife and son. Five years after winning a martial arts tournament, the plot changes when Raditz, who claims to be his brother from another planet, visits his home. Raditz claims that he and Gokuu come from a lineage of extinct warriors and that they were separated when Gokuu as a child brought to destroy earth lost his memory.
He, therefore, becomes the right person that fights to protect the weak. What follows after this revelation is a series of attacks from enemies from other planets. This anime aired between 1989 and 1996 for a total of 261 episodes. Recently Dragon Ball Release a new movie where a few new dragon ball characters are added.
17. Sword Art Online
- Status: Finished Airing
- Genre: Shōnen
S.A.O, as it is commonly referred to, is an exciting anime that features a group of games in 2022. The MMO gamers are part of the Sword Art Online game whereby players are connected in virtual reality through special Nerve Gear helmets. Kirito is one of the initial gamers to log on to this game and makes a friend of a newbie gamer called Klein.
Soon, the two, as well as other gamers on the network, realize that the creator of the game has trapped them until they clear all the levels. It gets all the more thrilling because if a gamer dies in the game, they also die in real life too. This 25-episode anime aired in 2012.
18. Hunter x Hunter
- Status: Completed / 1999 – 2001 (62 episodes) and 2011 – 2014 (148 episodes)
- Genre: Shōnen
Gon is a young man who comes to the realization that his father, who was presumed dead, is a long-lost hunter called Ging. Gon decides that he will follow in the footsteps of his legendary hunter father and thus begins his quest to join the elite tribe of hunters and earn the title Hunter.’ He goes on a mission to find his father and learn from him.
Along his journey, he is faced with multiple challenges and tests from enemies and friends that he makes. He also discovers many hidden treasures. Hunter x Hunter aired 148 episodes between 2011 and 2014.
19. The Seven Deadly Sins
- Status: Completed
- Genre: Shounen
The anime set in the European Middle Ages is about seven knights who represent the seven deadly sins. They intended to take over the Lioness Kingdom but failed in their attempt because of the Holy Knights.
The Holy Knights seize power after capturing the king 10years later and become irresponsible rulers. This prompts Princess, Elizabeth to travel to the Seven Deadly Sins in a bid to win back the power. This anime aired 24 episodes between 2014 and 2015. It was written by Shotaro Suga.
20. Detective Conan (Case Closed)
- Status: Ongoing
- Genre: Shounen
Detective Conan is one of the longest-running anime and manga series, starting in 1996. A bulk of the episodes are fillers meaning that it does not progress the plot or be noted later on. The anime focuses on detective mysteries where it’s not easy to find solutions.
The story follows the events of Shinichi Kudo (also known as Jimmy Kudo in Case Closed), a young detective genius who was involuntarily shrunk into a child’s body due to a poison he was force-fed by members of a criminal syndicate.
21. Cowboy Bebop
- Status: Completed / 1998 – 1999 (26 episodes)
- Genre: Seinen
If you are a newbie to anime, Cowboy Bebop is the best anime to watch. This anime has been touted by many as the reason why the western world became receptive to anime series. Set in the year 2072, it depicts a time when humans colonized other planets and left the earth in horrible condition. There is a police force, Inter Solar System Police that is charged with maintaining peace in the galaxy.
They get help from bounty hunters called Cowboys, and there is a team in the Bebop spaceship that is also part of these bounty hunters. The five-member team made up of Spike, Jet, Welsh, Faye, and Edward is one that will blow your mind away. Cowboy Bebop ran for 26 episodes between 1998 and 1999.
22. Soul Eater
- Status: Completed
- Genre: Shounen
A group of students is attending a school of weapons and masters in Shibushen, which is a city in Nevada. The characters in the anime are all accompanied by partners that can transform into different weapons for use. The students want to collect souls to protect the city. The characters (Soul Eaters) have to consume 99 evil souls and one belonging to a witch before transforming into a weapon.
The different characters and their partners all come together to fight demons and witches that want to overtake the world by first destroying Shibushen. The anime is a 51-episode series that ran between 2008 and 2009.
23. Psycho-Pass
- Status: Completed / 2012 – 2013 (22 episodes)
- Genre: Shōnen
Psycho-Pass features a world where all human beings are considered likely criminals until proven otherwise.
People’s actions are constantly analyzed and observed, They are being punished even before they think of committing some kind of crime. The anime brings very interesting questions about the human psyche and reflections on the meaning of good and evil. Another great suggestion for those who want to get away from nonsense brawls.
24. Code Geass
- Status: Completed
- Genre: Shonen /Alternative History, mecha, military
Code Geass is an anime that ran 26 episodes between 2006 and 2007 and is set in 2010 whereby the Holy Britannian Empire conquered Japan and renamed it Area 11. The heir to the throne, Lelouch Lamperouge forfeits his birthright after witnessing the gruesome murder of his mother. He is on a quest to get revenge against his father.
In the crossfire that ensues when the empire is being overthrown, a girl saved him called CC. He then becomes a masked vigilante called Zero as he seeks to overthrow the intruders. This anime is created by an all-girls manga artist team called Clamp.
25. Charlotte
- Status: Completed
- Genre: Seinen
In an alternate world, some individuals have special powers that only develop when they reach puberty. This is the case with Otosaka Yuu, a young man who discovers that he is able to “own” people’s minds… but for only 5 seconds.
26. Blue Exorcist
- Status: Completed
- Genre: Shounen
Wrapping up our impressive list is The Blue Exorcist, one of the best anime films you will ever watch. Two teenage brothers Rin Okimura and Yukio realize that they are Satan’s children born of human parents.
Rin realizes that he has inherited Satan’s powers and through his brother’s help resolves to become an exorcist to destroy their father. Satan kills the boys’ foster father, who was a priest and an exorcist, and this enrages them all the more. The series aired for 25 episodes in its first season in 2011. In 2017, a second season began airing.
These were some of the Best anime of all time in which some of them are already completed anime series so you can watch them all at once, no need to wait.
If you are thinking about where to watch these animes Check out the list of anime streaming sites. If you do not like watching on websites then see our article on the Best apps to watch anime.`
