10 Essential Bucket List Anime That Are Not Based On Manga

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Anime adaptations are often the most popular and well-received, and there’s a clear reason why. When an anime is based on a successful manga, it already has an established fanbase waiting for it. This makes it much more likely to succeed with both existing fans and new viewers, even if the anime isn’t perfect.

While anime adaptations often steal the spotlight, many original anime series have become equally – or even more – popular. There are a handful of these originals that truly stand out, and any serious anime fan should definitely check them out.

10) Paranoia Agent

The anime *Paranoia Agent* begins with an attack on a woman commuting to work, reportedly by a boy on rollerblades wielding a baseball bat. Though police initially suspect a false report, similar attacks by the same boy—quickly nicknamed “Li’l Slugger”—begin to surface. The series then delves into a strange and unsettling investigation of what motivates Li’l Slugger’s actions.

Visually stunning and brilliantly bizarre, *Paranoia Agent* is a captivating and surreal story that truly shines when you notice all the little details. As the only television series directed by the acclaimed Satoshi Kon, it’s a perfect showcase of what made him such a celebrated filmmaker.

9) Gunbuster

Gainax’s *Gunbuster* follows Noriko Takaya, a freshman at Okinawa Girls’ Space Pilot High School. She faces bullying due to her father’s past failures, but still manages to join the prestigious Top Squadron. The intense pressure motivates Noriko to transform herself as she and her teammate, Kazumi Amano, work together to save the world.

Often called anime’s version of *Top Gun*, *Gunbuster* is a classic mecha anime celebrated for its heartfelt, over-the-top storytelling and amazing animation. It launched the career of director Hideaki Anno and heavily influenced many other shows in the genre. Even today, it’s clear why *Gunbuster* remains so beloved and highly respected.

8) FLCL

FLCL, from Production I.G, centers around Naota Nandaba, a typical young boy whose life is turned upside down when he meets the alien Haruko Haruhara. Haruko’s arrival causes strange robots to emerge from Naota’s head, which he battles by combining with the powerful robot Canti. Throughout the series, Naota tries to figure out who Haruko really is and learns more about himself in the process.

Even though it only has six episodes, *FLCL* is a hugely influential anime known for its amazing and unique visuals, and its strange but thoughtful story about growing up. While the follow-up seasons have received mixed reactions, the original *FLCL* remains a beloved classic, even 25 years later.

7) Kill La Kill

Ryuko Matoi is on a mission to find her father’s killer, which leads her to Honnoji Academy. There, she must battle her way through the school’s unruly students, all controlled by the powerful and strict student council president, Satsuki Kiryuin. Luckily, Ryuko isn’t alone – she has friends and a special, living school uniform called Senketsu that can transform to help her.

Despite its over-the-top craziness, *Kill la Kill* is a surprisingly heartfelt series packed with amazing animation and exciting action. It’s consistently entertaining, and it’s no wonder it remains a fan favorite and one of Studio Trigger’s most celebrated works.

6) Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Five years after a tragic accident split a close group of friends, Jinta is shocked to see the ghost of Menma, a friend they lost. Menma asks Jinta to reunite their old group, hoping it will allow her to finally find peace and move on.

Beyond its beautiful animation and sound, *Anohana* truly shines thanks to its deeply emotional and insightful storytelling, making it one of the most mature and moving anime series available. Creator Mari Okada is well-known for her heartfelt coming-of-age stories, and *Anohana* remains her most impactful and celebrated work, even years later.

5) Neon Genesis Evangelion

Studio Khara’s *Neon Genesis Evangelion* centers around Shinji Ikari, a quiet teenager who travels to the futuristic city of Tokyo-3 to reconnect with his estranged father. He’s unexpectedly thrust into the role of piloting a massive robot, called an Evangelion, to defend Earth from terrifying creatures known as Angels. This intense battle takes a heavy emotional toll on Shinji.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a truly legendary and groundbreaking anime. Its beautiful visuals, combined with a thought-provoking and unconventional story, explain its lasting popularity. Whether you experience the original series or the Rebuild of Evangelion films, Evangelion stands out as one of the best anime ever made, and it’s highly recommended viewing.

4) Cowboy Bebop

Sunrise’s *Cowboy Bebop* takes place in a future where humans have colonized space, leading to a rise in crime. The show centers on bounty hunters – known as Cowboys – and specifically follows Spike Spiegel and the crew of the *Bebop* as they travel the solar system, taking on jobs to earn a living and occasionally facing their troubled pasts.

Cowboy Bebop is considered a masterpiece by director Shinichiro Watanabe, and it still holds up incredibly well nearly 30 years after its release. Its beautiful animation, catchy music, and compelling characters and story make it easy to understand why many consider it the greatest anime ever made.

3) Mobile Fighter G Gundam

The anime *Mobile Fighter G Gundam* is set in the future, where countries compete in the 13th Gundam Fight tournament to decide who will rule. Domon Kasshu represents Neo-Japan, and his mission is twofold: win the tournament and find his brother, Kyoji, who is considered a traitor, while also discovering the secrets of the powerful Dark Gundam.

Though *G Gundam* differs from typical *Gundam* series, it still powerfully promotes peace and adds a strong message about protecting the environment. What really makes it stand out is its exciting action and wonderfully over-the-top writing, making it consistently enjoyable. While it might not be the most well-known *Gundam* anime, *G Gundam* is undoubtedly among the very best.

2) Puella Magi Madoka Magica

In the anime *Puella Magi Madoka Magica*, Madoka Kaname finds out about magic and gets the opportunity to become a magical girl, tasked with fighting evil Witches. While it sounds appealing, Madoka quickly learns that being a magical girl isn’t as wonderful as she initially thought.

With its stunning and dreamlike visuals and its complex, thought-provoking story, *Puella Magi Madoka Magica* stands out as a truly unique magical girl anime. Many consider it the most important original anime series of the 2010s, and with a final movie planned for 2026, there’s still more to come from this captivating world.

1) Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

Okay, so I’m a huge fan of *Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann*! Basically, the story starts with humanity hiding underground, totally terrified of this powerful enemy called the Spiral King and his Beastmen. But then this unassuming digger named Simon stumbles upon this incredible robot – a Gunmen – and things *really* kick off. He ends up becoming the leader in a massive fight to liberate not just humanity, but the whole universe from these oppressors. It’s an amazing ride!

Thanks to its fantastic direction and writing – a perfect mix of emotional moments and wild, over-the-top action – *Gurren Lagann* is a mecha anime that any fan of the genre should definitely check out. It truly deserves its place among the greatest anime ever made, and it’s a strong contender for the best anime that wasn’t originally a manga.

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2025-10-20 19:13