Anime often adapts popular manga and novels, but some of the most memorable series are completely original creations. These shows stand out by mixing different genres and exploring complicated ideas with a unique and inventive spirit, something you don’t always see in adaptations. While they might not always be as widely known, these original anime are full of compelling characters and stories that truly resonate with viewers.
These seven original anime series are truly exceptional, ranging from thought-provoking explorations of life’s big questions to energetic stories about the world of underground skateboarding.
7) Code Geass
Imagine a world where the Holy Britannian Empire has taken over Japan, erasing its identity and freedoms. Lelouch vi Britannia, a prince cast out from Britannia, unexpectedly gains a strange ability called the “Geass” – a power that forces anyone to obey him. He receives this power from a mysterious girl named C.C. and resolves to use it to fight back against his father’s oppressive empire and start a rebellion.
This show is a brilliant blend of exciting robot battles and intense political maneuvering. Like the popular series Death Note, it features a main character who is incredibly smart and operates in a morally ambiguous space. Lelouch is a tactical genius, relentlessly focused on achieving his goals while leading a secret double life, creating a thrilling story full of twists and turns that explores themes of justice and oppression.
6) Neon Genesis Evangelion
Fifteen years after a worldwide disaster, teenager Shinji Ikari is called upon by his distant father to join NERV, a special military group. He’s compelled to pilot a massive, living machine called an Evangelion and battle gigantic creatures known as Angels, who threaten to wipe out humanity in the futuristic city of Tokyo-3.
I’ve been watching this series, and it’s so much more than just robots fighting. It really gets into the heads of the characters – the young pilots especially – and shows how their experiences and trauma affect them. It also looks at the adults around them and the secrets they’re keeping. It’s a complex show that makes you think about things like how we communicate, what makes us individuals, and even big questions about life itself. Even after all these years, people are still talking about it, and it’s easy to see why.
5) Violet Evergarden
After a terrible war, Violet Evergarden, a former child soldier, is trying to rebuild her life. Haunted by the last words of her commanding officer, she takes a job as an “Auto Memory Doll”—essentially a professional letter writer who captures people’s feelings in words. The job forces her to confront emotions she herself struggles to understand.
The show is a beautiful and moving story about a woman named Violet finding herself as she travels through a picturesque, fictional European landscape to help others. Each time she writes a letter for a client, she learns more about human connection, softening her tough exterior and allowing her to develop real empathy, changing her from a soldier focused on duty to a compassionate person.
4) Sk8 the Infinity
The show centers around “S,” a secret, intense skateboarding competition held in Okinawa. Skaters compete on a dangerous, winding road through an old mine, racing after midnight. Reki Kyan, a high schooler who loves to build skateboards but doesn’t always have the best luck, introduces his new friend, Langa Hasegawa, to this exciting and competitive scene.
This anime is fantastic, combining exciting action with a heartwarming story about friendship and pursuing your dreams. Langa, a talented snowboarder, easily picks up skateboarding and quickly becomes close to Reki. The series beautifully portrays Reki’s journey as he overcomes challenges and learns to believe in himself, making his story the emotional heart of the show.
3) Kill la Kill
Kill la Kill is a wild, action-packed comedy about Ryūko Matoi, a new student determined to find out who killed her father. Her search leads her to Honnōji Academy, where the student council, led by the intimidating Satsuki Kiryūin, controls everything. Students wear special, incredibly powerful uniforms made from alien materials, which leads to crazy and intense fights.
I was really struck by how quickly this show moves – the animation is incredibly smooth and dynamic. It’s a clever blend of magical girl tropes and action-packed battle stories. What I found particularly interesting was its way of poking fun at ideas of fighting against the system and being controlled, while simultaneously showcasing powerful female characters. It all builds to a finale that’s both visually stunning and genuinely moving – it really left an impact on me.
2) Death Parade
This psychological drama unfolds in a strange bar where people who have recently died are forced to compete in “Death Games” to save their souls. The bar’s emotionless bartender, Decim, judges these players, observing their struggles and revealing their true selves through games – everything from air hockey to darts – that cleverly target their most painful memories.
This series explores what it means to be human, delving into questions of right and wrong and the nature of the soul. As the judge, Decim, starts to doubt the fairness of the system he operates, viewers are taken on a thought-provoking exploration of morality. It doesn’t offer simple answers about good versus evil, but instead shows the complicated and often beautiful reality of human feelings.
1) Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop, a groundbreaking 1998 anime series, centers on a diverse team of bounty hunters traveling the solar system in the spaceship Bebop. Set in 2071, the show combines exciting action, cool jazz music, and a film-noir style as the crew pursues criminals, leading to both funny and chaotic situations. It’s presented in an episodic format.
Despite its sleek look and exciting action, the show delves into deeper issues like loneliness, the weight of past experiences, and the difficulty of escaping who you are. Each character is troubled by their own personal problems, which adds depth to the story and elevates it beyond a typical sci-fi adventure into an exploration of what it means to be human and the importance of connection.
What’s your all-time favorite anime series that wasn’t based on a manga or novel? Share your pick in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-11-05 04:11