10 Best Original Anime Not Based on Manga, Ranked

Many popular anime series, like *Naruto* and *Demon Slayer*, started as successful manga. But not all anime are based on manga; some are originally created for animation. These original anime stand out in today’s hugely popular anime landscape, demonstrating that fantastic stories can be made specifically for the screen.

These ten anime are original stories, not adapted from manga. This means everyone can enjoy the surprises and twists without needing any background knowledge.

10) Death Parade

The show revolves around Quindecim, a bar in the afterlife. Here, recently deceased people are matched to compete in games, with the bartender, Decim, acting as the judge. Decim determines if they deserve a second life through reincarnation or if they must face oblivion. These games aren’t about physical skill, but psychological tests that expose the participants’ true nature as their memories come back to them.

This show combines the moody visuals of film noir with thought-provoking questions about life and what makes a person worth saving. Its real strength is how it gradually reveals Decim’s growing understanding of people and what gives life meaning, achieving a remarkable depth for a short, original series.

9) Sk8 the Infinity

This exciting series centers on Reki, a high schooler with a love for skateboarding, and Langa, a new student from Canada who used to be a skilled snowboarder. Reki gets Langa hooked on skateboarding, and he quickly becomes a natural. Together, they enter “S,” a thrilling but risky underground skateboarding competition with a cast of memorable characters.

This show is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and smooth animation that really captures the energy of skateboarding, especially as seen through the experiences of Reki and Langa. But it’s more than just exciting races; it’s a heartwarming story about the bonds of friendship, healthy competition, and discovering where you fit in. The characters’ personal growth and feelings are just as captivating as the action.

8) Odd Taxi

Odd Taxi is a one-of-a-kind story featuring animals with human characteristics. It centers on Hiroshi Odokawa, a cynical walrus who works as a taxi driver. Through his conversations with passengers, a complicated mystery about a missing girl slowly unfolds.

This series is remarkable for how realistic it feels, even with talking animals. The dialogue is understated, and the story unfolds at a perfect pace, gradually creating suspense. Its unique animation style helps tell a powerful and moving story about striving for success, feeling alone, and the depths of desperation, culminating in a truly rewarding and intricate ending – one of the best anime finales in years.

7) Sonny Boy

When a class of thirty-six students suddenly finds themselves in a strange, alternate world, they must grow up fast. Cut off from adults and grappling with incredible new powers, they attempt to create a new life for themselves, facing both the challenges of building a society and confronting their own anxieties.

Sonny Boy is a visually striking and thought-provoking animated film. It tackles big ideas – like freedom, control, and growing up – by showing how a young person deals with a suddenly unpredictable and confusing world. The story is told in a deliberately broken way, illustrating how people change and struggle when faced with chaos.

6) Kill la Kill

The story follows Ryuko Matoi, a student determined to find out who killed her father. Her search leads her to Honnōji Academy, a school where powerful uniforms dictate social status and grant special abilities. Ryuko’s only hope against the school’s ruling student council is Senketsu, a living sailor uniform.

This show is a visually stunning, action-packed ride, instantly recognizable as a Studio Trigger production. While it’s full of wild battles and playful satire, it also surprisingly delves into heartfelt themes of finding yourself and fighting against unfair authority.

5) Violet Evergarden

The story centers on Violet, a young woman who used to be a child soldier. She’s trying to figure out what the last words said to her – “I love you” – meant, as she lost her memories and was severely injured. To earn a living, she becomes an Auto Memory Doll, a type of ghostwriter who turns people’s memories and emotions into letters.

Violet Evergarden is a beautifully moving story that tackles difficult subjects like war and recovery. Told through individual episodes, it follows Violet’s transformation from a soldier into a compassionate writer, showing her gradual journey to understand her own emotions and find healing.

4) Gurren Lagann

In a future where people are forced to live underground due to the ruthless Spiral King, we meet Simon, a shy young digger, and Kamina, a bold and energetic leader. When they discover a small but incredibly powerful robot, they venture to the surface and begin a fight to liberate humanity.

Gurren Lagann is a truly inspiring and over-the-top story, famous for its constantly growing scope and its message that even when things seem hopeless, you can still achieve the impossible. It celebrates the strength of determination and emotion, offering a visually stunning and deeply moving experience with its characters.

3) Code Geass

The Holy Britannian Empire rules the world, but exiled prince Lelouch vi Britannia gains a mysterious power called the Geass, which lets him control people’s minds. Using the alias Zero, he starts a dangerous rebellion against his own father, the emperor.

This anime expertly mixes political scheming, thoughtful ideas, and exciting robot battles, all powered by Lelouch, a brilliant but morally ambiguous character. The fast-paced action and surprising story turns create a truly gripping experience, culminating in a finale that remains famous and widely discussed among anime fans.

2) Cowboy Bebop

I’m absolutely obsessed with the story of the Bebop crew! It follows these incredible bounty hunters – Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Ed, and Ein – as they zoom around the solar system in 2071. They’re always chasing down criminals just to get by, but what’s really compelling is that each of them is running from a really tough past. It’s a fantastic ride!

I’ve always considered *Cowboy Bebop* a truly special anime. It’s not easily categorized – it mixes the feel of classic Westerns with the mood of film noir, all while taking place in space. And the jazz music? It’s instantly recognizable and perfectly complements the show’s atmosphere. What really struck me was how each episode, or ‘session,’ felt complete on its own, but also contributed to a larger story about characters grappling with loneliness and a sense of meaninglessness. It’s a series that really stays with you – a mature and unforgettable experience.

1) Neon Genesis Evangelion

After a global catastrophe, a vulnerable teenager named Shinji Ikari is compelled by his distant father to pilot a massive, living machine called an Evangelion. His mission: to battle gigantic, terrifying creatures known as Angels. The fate of humanity now depends on a group of troubled young people.

I’m still blown away by this series – it totally changed how we look at giant robots! It wasn’t just about the action; it really dug into what it *does* to the people piloting those machines. The story is incredibly layered, packed with symbolism and this deep sense of… well, what it means to *be* human. It tackles tough stuff like loneliness, figuring out who you are, and even depression, but in a way that’s never been matched before. It’s a really thought-provoking experience.

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2025-09-26 23:13