7 Best Toei Animation Anime Series You Need to Watch

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Anime has become incredibly popular in the West over the last ten years, and as more people watch, new studios are appearing to create the next hit series. Studios like Mappa, Bones Film, and Ufotable are currently well-known for their work on popular shows such as Chainsaw Man, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia. Each studio has its own distinct style, which is reflected in the shows they produce, giving each series a unique feel based on its production company.

I’m a huge anime fan, and while I love what modern studios are doing, I’m always drawn back to the classics. Toei Animation is, in my opinion, one of the most important studios ever. They really changed the game back in the 80s and 90s, and so many of the shows they created practically defined the shonen genre – you can see their influence in tons of popular anime today! I’m so excited to share a look at some amazing Toei Animation series that everyone should check out if they haven’t already.

7) Slam Dunk

I’ve been a huge anime fan for years, and while a lot of people are getting into sports anime now, not everyone knows that Slam Dunk basically started it all! It originally came out way back in 1993 and ran for just over 100 episodes. The really cool thing is, they just released a movie called The First Slam Dunk on Netflix – it’s like a fresh start for the series, so both longtime fans and newcomers can jump in. Honestly, you should definitely check it out because it perfectly balances intense basketball action with characters you genuinely care about and want to root for.

Slam Dunk centers around Hanamichi Sakuragi, a troublemaking high school student who joins the basketball team to get the attention of a girl. He unexpectedly finds he’s a natural athlete and develops a real passion for the sport, leading him and his teammates on a quest for championship titles. The series explores important themes like teamwork, self-improvement, overcoming mistakes, and the potential for change, making it a compelling and relatable anime for viewers who prefer stories grounded in reality rather than focused on fighting or superpowers.

6) Digimon Adventure

Digimon Adventure is a fondly remembered anime that launched many fans’ love for adventure stories. It’s a fun mix of different genres – including stories about being transported to another world, fantasy, action, and comedy – creating an exciting show filled with great battles and heartwarming teamwork. Originally released in 1999, the first season quickly became popular, leading to numerous sequels, video games, and remakes. Despite its seemingly simple premise, Digimon Adventure tackled surprisingly complex themes, exploring childhood issues and the challenges the characters face as they grow up.

The anime Digimon Adventure starts with seven kids who are unexpectedly transported from summer camp to the Digital World – a strange and exciting place filled with digital monsters called Digimon. They learn they’re special, chosen to protect both the Digital World and their own. Each child is paired with a Digimon partner and given a device to help them on their adventure. The show is a heartwarming and enjoyable story that focuses on how the characters grow, learn to work together, and discover the strength of friendship.

5) Saint Seiya

Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac is a classic anime series with a very loyal fanbase, and it had a big impact on the anime world. Though it originally aired in 1986, it still holds up today with its unique art style, memorable music, and compelling characters. The series became incredibly popular and expanded into a large franchise with movies, sequels, and spin-off manga.

Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac is a unique anime that draws heavily from Greek mythology. The story follows a group of mystical warriors called Saints, led by Pegasus Seiya, as they fight to protect the universe and the goddess Athena from ever-growing dangers. It’s an epic tale filled with themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the classic battle between good and evil, and it explores the idea of whether or not we can change our destiny. By blending fantastical elements from ancient legends, the series creates a timeless and original anime experience.

4) Yu-Gi-Oh!

Yu-Gi-Oh! started as an anime series that became incredibly popular, eventually launching a successful trading card game. The show first aired in 1998, but it gained international fame with Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters in 2000, captivating audiences worldwide, especially kids and teens. This second version led to numerous spin-offs, reboots, and the widely popular card game, establishing Yu-Gi-Oh! as a major influence in the anime world.

I remember watching the very first Yu-Gi-Oh! series, and while it’s maybe not the most popular part of the franchise today, it really laid the groundwork for everything that came after – the way it looked, felt, and even the overall style. The story centers around Yugi Muto, a teenager who unlocks an ancient spirit when he solves the Millennium Puzzle. This spirit helps Yugi fight what they call Shadow Games – basically card game duels used to stop evil. What I really enjoyed was how the series tackled big ideas like fate and overcoming challenges, all wrapped up in some incredibly stylish battles that really captured the late 90s anime aesthetic.

3) Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon is widely considered the defining work of the magical girl genre, having a massive and lasting impact on everything that followed. The original anime series, which ran from 1992 to 1997, spawned a large franchise with reboots and films that continued its story. It also played a key role in introducing anime to Western audiences with its distinctive look and animation, and remains the most famous magical girl anime of all time.

Sailor Moon tells the story of Usagi Tsukino, a typical teenager who learns she’s actually Sailor Moon, a powerful warrior destined to fight evil and protect the universe. She teams up with other girls – the Sailor Guardians – to battle a growing number of villains and safeguard the future. The series is renowned for its stunning fashion, art style, character designs, and unique power system, and has greatly influenced many other anime and manga series since its debut.

2) One Piece

Often considered one of the greatest anime series ever made, One Piece boasts a massive and dedicated fanbase, as well as an incredibly long run with over 1100 episodes. Along with Bleach and Naruto, it’s known as one of the ‘Big Three’ anime series that defined a generation. Since its debut in 1999, One Piece has had a huge impact on the battle shonen genre and continues to attract new viewers. Its popularity has led to a new Netflix reboot and a live-action series that premiered in 2023.

One Piece tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of pirates as they search for the ultimate treasure, the ‘One Piece,’ and strive to become the most powerful pirates in the world. The series offers something for every anime fan, with themes of friendship, exciting battles, a diverse cast of characters, imaginative worlds, and compelling, emotional backstories.

1) Dragon Ball Z

No list of influential anime could exclude Dragon Ball Z. The show has remained incredibly popular for decades, connecting with new audiences even today. Originally airing from 1989 to 1996 across nine seasons, it first reached Western audiences in the late 1990s and played a huge role in popularizing anime worldwide. Fans and critics alike praised Dragon Ball Z for its exciting battles, unique art style, and impressive system of power levels.

Dragon Ball Z focuses on Son Goku, a powerful warrior whose origins are unveiled when his son is taken hostage. The series unfolds through several story arcs that delve into the world of Dragon Ball and Goku’s life as an adult, featuring battles against villains like Frieza and exploring the impact of artificial humans. Throughout the show, the mysteries of the Dragon Balls are revealed, and the rich backstory, character growth, and constant power increases solidify Dragon Ball Z as a truly epic adventure with a complex plot and thrilling action.

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2025-12-06 17:43