As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the mesmerizing world of anime, I must say that each of these masterpieces offers a unique and captivating journey. From the action-packed Dragonball Z, where the spirit of friendship is as powerful as the dragon balls themselves, to the introspective Neon Genesis Evangelion, which delves into the complexities of human emotions, these series have left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.
The best anime of all time – it seems like an easy question, right?
We all have our favourites but let’s look at some of the most obvious entries for this lofty title.
Here’s a selection of the greatest anime ever made, ranging from classics like Death Note and Sailor Moon, to Naruto, Dragon Ball, and many others.
Akira (1988)
This has to be one of the classic top tier anime; a violent cyberpunk which helped introduce anime to the west.
The movie offered an array of elements: a post-apocalyptic setting in Tokyo, peculiar children, hints of the supernatural, and a prevalence of bicycles – many bicycles. While it might require a background in philosophy to grasp its subtleties, it’s undeniably a must-see for newcomers, and a cherished classic for longtime fans.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Absolutely, the ’90s can be described as the era that featured philosophical anime with a cyberpunk theme, showcasing the exploits of characters like Motoko Kusanagi and Batou.
In terms of visual appeal, this movie, brought to us by Production IG, is simply stunning, boasting top-notch animation. Moreover, it features the chilling melodies of Kenji Kawai’s “Making of a Cyborg,” a timeless theme song that has become synonymous with classic anime.
Death Note (2006-2007)
This was one of those series which adapted an already classic manga and just make it *chef’s kiss*.
The interplay between Light and L throughout the sequence, the enigmas of the apples, the suspense… It felt akin to observing Sherlock unmasking the culprit, only to discover the villain was in plain sight the entire time.
Some episodes in this anime are truly outstanding, and while the conclusion could use a bit more depth, it’s an animation series that always remains fresh and exciting.
Sailor Moon (1992-1997, 2014-2023)
Many young ladies discovered the magical girl genre through Sailor Moon, although it didn’t initiate this genre. Indeed, the ’90s anime adaptation had numerous extended scenes, filler episodes, and storylines not found in the original manga.
It turns out that many fans were unable to watch the final season of Stars legally because of its content, but with the release of Sailor Moon Crystal and the sets of movies titled Eternal and Cosmos, they finally had a chance to complete the story as adults.
Yes, the storytelling might be questionable, but for many it’s pure nostalgia.
Your Name (2016)
Though not his first film, Your Name was Makoto Shinkai’s breakout hit outside of Japan.
The movie that depicted teenagers exchanging bodies and a comet’s disastrous effect on the small town of Itomori created an anime sensation that captured the hearts of people worldwide.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2013-present)
If Sailor Moon paved the way for the magical girl genre in the west, then Madoka Magica significantly redefined and challenged it. While the initial episodes may have seemed light-hearted and entertaining, it was the powerful finale (particularly episode 12) that left an indelible mark on viewers. This is where Madoka transforms into a divine entity, embodying the concept of the Law of Cycles.
The third film Rebellion gets an honourable mention here, with Walpugisnight Rising next year!
Spirited Away (2001)
Most anime fans, when asked, will cite this film as their first Ghibli movie.
This movie, titled “Spirited Away,” introduced Hayao Miyazaki to the world beyond Japan, marking a significant milestone that kick-started the era of anime’s global popularity, which we are currently experiencing.
My Neighbour Totoro (1998)
Admit it, deep down, we all dreamt of having a Totoro in our childhood days. If Spirited Away is considered Ghibli’s big break, then Totoro and the Catbus can be seen as the beloved unofficial emblems of the studio, closely associated with it.
Despite its compact stature, Totoro appeals primarily to younger audiences, but still maintains universal appeal as a family movie.
Naruto (2000)
If not the best anime, then Naruto is one of those series which helped make anime mainstream.
Naruto, a headstrong and youthful ninja, boasts an extraordinary array of abilities that make him truly exceptional. His adventures alongside his companions, along with the enduring impact he leaves behind, have solidified his place among the most beloved shonen anime series of all time.
Dragonball Z (1986)
See Naruto – but with the Dragonballs. And the legendary Akira Toriyama.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
In simpler terms, this subject matter can be categorized as ‘anime with a philosophical slant’, as its theme song is popularly known to be mandatory for singing in Japanese karaoke bars (equivalent to our game Taiko no Tatsujin).
Without a doubt, you might not be familiar with Japanese culture or the character Shinji, but I bet you can’t help but recognize the opening line of “Cruel Angel’s Thesis” – a tune that has undeniably left its mark on anime enthusiasts worldwide!
Violet Evergarden (2018)
Initially conceived as a light novel series, this enchanting fantasy narrative hailing from the highly esteemed Kyoto Animation (KyoAni) is centered around a woman who has encountered hardship, and pens stories for others in similar situations. KyoAni transforms this light novel into a poignant, emotional journey following Violet’s exploration of love’s true meaning.
Oshi no Ko (2023-present)
Absolutely, Oshi no Ko has made quite an impact, having only just been released. Essentially, it revolves around a doctor who finds himself reborn as Aquamarine, the offspring of his favorite idol – that’s what “oshi” refers to in this context.
Alongside her twin sibling, Ruby, Aqua must unravel the mystery behind his own murder as well as discover their shared paternal identity.
The second season has ended and a third has just been announced.
Frieren (2023)
Instead of being merely 2023’s most popular production, “Frieren” offers a profound exploration of time and human nature – all wrapped up in the enchanting character of an elf mage.
Frieren was part of the group that slayed the Demon King, yet her narrative unfolds years later when her comrades have passed away and she acquires a new apprentice named Fern. The series has been rejuvenated for a second run, and it’s already a strong contender for one of the best anime productions in the 2020s.
As always these are just suggestions. What’s your favourite anime of all time? Is it on this list?
Read More
- DYM PREDICTION. DYM cryptocurrency
- ZK PREDICTION. ZK cryptocurrency
- CYBER PREDICTION. CYBER cryptocurrency
- POPCAT PREDICTION. POPCAT cryptocurrency
- JASMY PREDICTION. JASMY cryptocurrency
- Top gainers and losers
- TURBO PREDICTION. TURBO cryptocurrency
- XRP PREDICTION. XRP cryptocurrency
- UXLINK PREDICTION. UXLINK cryptocurrency
- ADA PREDICTION. ADA cryptocurrency
2024-10-16 13:05