7 Recent Anime That Deserve To Be Considered Classics Forever

What defines a classic anime series is open to interpretation: some people value impressive animation quality, others prefer a certain genre, and still others choose based on the characters. While what makes a classic truly stand out is subjective, most viewers generally agree that it needs strong writing, a captivating story, and the ability to effectively deliver its intended message. Beloved anime from previous years that are often considered classics include science fiction titles from the eighties, like Akira, and popular shonen series from the early 2000s, such as Naruto and One Piece. Furthermore, most fans would agree that a classic earns its place in history with time, allowing audiences to reflect on how it evolved the medium, brought something new to it, or redefined existing conventions.

Many anime series from over ten years ago are quickly becoming considered classics, like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Death Note, and Hunter x Hunter. Although fondness for older shows definitely contributes to their lasting appeal, a lot of recent series have made a big impression on anime fans and are well on their way to becoming modern classics. These shows, released in the last few years, have brought fresh ideas and exciting stories to the anime world, creating content people will enjoy rewatching and talking about for years. This list will highlight seven newer anime series that are very likely to be recognized as all-time greats in the future.

7) Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is a dark fantasy anime set in a world inspired by history. It first came out in 2023 and currently has one season, with another planned for release in 2026. The show is part of what fans call Shonen Jump’s “Dark Trio,” alongside intense anime like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. It took a while for Hell’s Paradise to gain popularity compared to other similar shows, which is unfortunate. It stands out with its straightforward story, beautiful animation, and well-developed characters. The series delves into themes like finding redemption, the ethics of living forever, the conflict between good and evil, and understanding oneself.

In Hell’s Paradise, we’re introduced to Gabimaru the Hollow, a notorious ninja facing execution as punishment for his past actions. However, he’s given a chance to earn a pardon and return to his wife. This involves a dangerous journey to the mythical island of Shinsenkyō, rumored to hold the key to immortality – the Elixir of Life. Alongside his executioner, Sagiri, Gabimaru must brave the island’s dangers and unravel the mysteries of Shinsenkyō, secrets that ultimately connect to the shogunate.

6) Dr. Stone

Dr. Stone is a fantastic anime series that skillfully combines science fiction and fantasy. First released in 2019, it has four seasons in total, with the last one finishing up in 2026. Viewers and critics alike have loved Dr. Stone for its original idea, well-developed world, and how it incorporates science into its characters’ abilities. The show tackles thought-provoking themes like the importance of knowledge, the process of scientific breakthroughs, the value of hope, and the challenges of reconstruction. Plus, the anime’s lively art and animation style truly bring the characters and world to life, creating a fully immersive experience for the audience.

The story of Dr. Stone takes place 3700 years from now, following a strange bright light and a worldwide catastrophe that turns everyone into stone. Senku Ishigami, a brilliant young scientist, somehow stays conscious while petrified, and eventually manages to break free. Senku then sets out on a mission to revive humanity and find a cure for the petrification that has destroyed the world. Throughout his journey, Senku tries to discover what caused the initial flash of light, depending on his friend Taiju and his own scientific expertise.

5) Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden quickly felt like a timeless anime when it debuted, attracting a lot of viewers and building a dedicated following. The show originally aired in 2018 with one season of 13 episodes, and was later expanded with two films: Violet Evergarden: The Movie and Eternity and the Automemory Doll. Critics and fans alike celebrated its smooth animation, stunning visuals, and the complex way its characters grew and changed over the course of the series. The show delves into important ideas like finding yourself, learning to forgive, understanding others, and dealing with the lasting impact of difficult experiences.

The story of Violet Evergarden focuses on the main character, Violet, and her journey of self-discovery. After a four-year war, Violet comes home wounded and needs prosthetic limbs to rebuild her life. She finds work as an Auto Memory Doll, where she writes letters for people who struggle to put their feelings into words. As Violet travels the country doing this job, she meets all kinds of people and learns to cope with her past and heal from her experiences as a soldier.

4) Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is an anime series that truly feels like a grand historical story. It first aired in 2019 with a 24-episode season, and a second season, also with 24 episodes, came out in 2023. The show is praised for its intricate relationships between characters, how much the characters develop over time, and its impactful, realistic fight scenes. Vinland Saga delves into important ideas like finding forgiveness, the desire for peace, understanding oneself, and what happens when you relentlessly seek revenge.

The story of Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn, a young Viking whose father is violently killed by the well-known mercenary, Askeladd. Determined to avenge his father’s death, Thorfinn dedicates himself to training and growing stronger until he’s ready to join Askeladd’s mercenary group. While trying to get close enough to confront his target, Thorfinn witnesses the brutal realities of war and the Viking way of life, leading him to wonder if revenge is really what he desires. Ultimately, Thorfinn starts to chase a distant hope: Vinland, a legendary land of peace where his people can live safely and prosper.

3) Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer is currently a hugely popular anime, quickly becoming a fan favorite thanks to its distinctive world, impressive animation, and heartfelt story. The series debuted in 2021 and now includes four seasons, with the concluding story arc planned as a series of three movies released over the next few years. While Demon Slayer is fundamentally a dark fantasy, it also blends in elements of historical fiction, adventure, and horror. Throughout the series, it delves into themes like forgiveness, finding redemption, the importance of family bonds, the struggle between good and evil, and individual development.

The story of Demon Slayer takes place in Japan during the Taisho period, a time steeped in history. Hidden among people are demons, creatures that prey on humans from the shadows. Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado once lived a peaceful life with their family in a quiet village, but tragedy struck when a demon attacked and killed everyone. Though Nezuko survived, she was transformed into a demon herself. Filled with sorrow and determined to save his sister, Tanjiro begins training to become a Demon Slayer-a skilled swordsman dedicated to hunting and eliminating demons to safeguard humanity. Throughout his journey, Tanjiro hopes to find a way to restore Nezuko to her human form, all while seeking revenge on the demon responsible for destroying his family.

2) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is shaping up to be a deeply moving and insightful work of art. The anime debuted in 2023 with a 28-episode first season, and a second season is planned for release around 2026. Its popularity stems from several factors, including its take on the high fantasy genre, its examination of complex philosophical and emotional ideas, and the strong relationships between the characters. Throughout the series, it delves into themes like the passage of time, the importance of friendship, finding oneself, and what gives life meaning.

I’m completely captivated by Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End! It centers around Frieren, this incredibly powerful elven mage who, along with her adventuring companions, managed to defeat the Demon King. After the war, she makes a promise to reunite with them in fifty years, and then sets off to explore the world and hone her magic. What’s really struck me is how the story shows Frieren slowly realizing just how different time feels when you’re practically immortal. The show beautifully weaves in flashbacks to her past, letting us see her grapple with all the changes happening around her and to the people she holds dear. It’s a really thoughtful and emotional journey!

1) Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a bit older than some of the other shows here, but it finished recently enough to earn a spot on this list. Many consider it one of the most talked-about anime of recent years, and it helped start a trend of darker, more realistic shonen series. First released in 2013, the fourth and final season concluded in 2023. The story tackles significant issues like the fight for freedom, the impact of oppression, the brutal nature of war, and the repeating cycle of revenge.

The story of Attack on Titan takes place in a fantasy world inspired by history, where people live behind three massive walls for protection. These walls keep them safe from the Titans – gigantic, human-like creatures that instantly kill and devour anyone they encounter. Eren Yeager lives with his family and friends in the outermost wall, until it’s suddenly broken through by Titans displaying frighteningly human intelligence. After seeing his mother tragically killed, Eren makes a solemn promise to eliminate all Titans. This commitment drives him to join the Survey Corps, a military group that explores beyond the walls in search of information about how to defeat the Titans.

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2025-10-01 16:14