7 Masterfully Written Anime That Everyone Should Watch, Ranked

While beautiful animation and creative ideas are common in many popular anime, truly exceptional series are defined by their strong writing. A well-told story can elevate an anime from enjoyable to unforgettable, but it’s surprisingly hard to pull off. That’s why we often see visually impressive anime with disappointing storylines. Thankfully, there are still plenty of shows that excel in both animation and storytelling.

Great storytelling relies on a lot of things working together: characters that feel real, natural-sounding conversations, a well-developed setting, and a strong plot. If characters are flat or information is awkwardly explained, it can ruin a show, even if it looks good. These series – ranging from a Viking-era revenge story to two beloved classics – all excel at writing, and that’s why they’re worth watching.

7) Vinland Saga

Many people don’t realize how well-written Vinland Saga is, possibly because the second season feels slower. However, that deliberate pacing is actually a strength of the show. Vinland Saga excels at exploring the emotional consequences of loss and conflict, and it does so thoughtfully while still moving the overall story forward. This careful balance is what truly makes it exceptional.

The show features well-developed characters beyond just Thorfinn. It also realistically portrays the Viking Age, providing helpful background information without overwhelming the story with lengthy explanations. While it has the potential to become even better with future seasons, Vinland Saga could improve by giving more attention to certain side stories. Specifically, exploring Canute’s character and his differences from Thorfinn in more detail during Season 2 would have been a welcome addition.

6) Attack on Titan

While not perfect, Attack on Titan is brilliantly constructed. From the start, the anime boasts strong character development and a richly detailed world without overwhelming the audience. What truly sets it apart, though, is how cleverly it plans ahead. Looking back, it’s clear the series was building towards its conclusion from the very first episode, with subtle scenes and dialogue hinting at future events. This makes the entire story even more impactful upon rewatching.

One of the strengths of Attack on Titan is its ability to make you care about even characters with significant flaws. The story consistently surprises you, right up to the very end. While it shares some similarities with Vinland Saga, it currently feels a bit more impactful, though it does leave some plot threads unresolved. The pacing gets a little rushed towards the finale, but considering the sheer complexity of the story, it manages to balance everything well. It’s a series about constant war and brutality, so a degree of messiness is almost inevitable.

5) Chainsaw Man

Despite featuring a main character with chainsaws literally growing out of their body, Chainsaw Man truly shines through its nuanced storytelling. With only one season and a movie released so far, it’s difficult to compare to longer, finished anime series. However, Chainsaw Man packs a lot into its short run, delivering the action and thrills that Shonen fans want while still focusing on well-developed characters and a rich world. It expertly mixes serious emotional moments with humor, and its thought-provoking themes make it surprisingly relatable, even with such a bizarre concept.

What makes Chainsaw Man stand out is how cleverly it builds anticipation and incorporates references to other stories – it’s clearly made with a deep love for the art of storytelling. While the anime tackles some really dark themes, it consistently offers glimmers of hope. The writing is brilliantly balanced and restrained, and my only real criticism is that it feels a bit rushed. I wish there was more to enjoy, but Chainsaw Man absolutely deserves all the praise it receives. It’s a stronger show than Attack on Titan, but like Vinland Saga, it hasn’t quite reached its full potential yet, keeping it from being the very best.

4) Monster

I’m a huge fan of thrillers, and Monster really stands out. It doesn’t rely on flashy action like Attack on Titan or Chainsaw Man – instead, it’s a masterclass in writing, and that’s why people are still talking about it decades after it first came out! Good thrillers need to be well-written to keep you hooked, mislead you brilliantly, and subtly plant clues along the way. But Monster goes above and beyond – it’s not just a surface-level story, it’s incredibly complex and thoughtful, and that’s what makes it so special.

The show doesn’t just offer surface-level entertainment; it dives into complex moral issues and provides insightful character studies. It tackles these sensitive topics with nuance, sparking thought-provoking discussions. While the finale isn’t quite as strong as those of the very best series, it’s still a remarkable accomplishment in storytelling.

3) Mob Psycho 100

From start to finish, Mob Psycho 100 is a fantastic coming-of-age story, much like Chainsaw Man. Luckily, it completed its run, solidifying its place as a classic. The series skillfully blends exciting action and supernatural elements with relatable, everyday life moments. What truly sets it apart is how Mob’s psychic abilities are used to explore the important theme of self-acceptance, making it a deeply meaningful and impactful show.

The characters in this show are incredibly believable, making you feel like you’re experiencing the story with Shigeo. Similar to Chainsaw Man, it uses humor and likable characters to create a balance between intense and lighthearted moments. It expertly avoids clichés and delivers a satisfying conclusion, even surpassing Monster in that regard. The writing is consistently strong, making every scene – even the quiet ones – impactful and engaging, both during your first viewing and on rewatches.

2) Cowboy Bebop

I think the reason Cowboy Bebop remains a classic is simply how well it’s written, even today. A lot of shows try to tell one big story over an entire season, but Cowboy Bebop excels at telling smaller, self-contained stories each episode. Yet, it still manages to connect them with a subtle, ongoing storyline and some really thought-provoking questions about life. What really resonates is that it explores universal themes – the need for connection and finding meaning – things everyone can understand. And the ending isn’t neatly tied up, which sticks with you long after the credits roll, unlike so many other shows you quickly forget.

Even though it’s relatively short, Cowboy Bebop quickly draws you into its world without relying on lengthy explanations. The setting and characters feel authentic, and it’s their relatable, human problems that make the show so compelling and fun to watch. While the series is mostly strong across its 26 episodes, it does have a few weaker moments. This keeps it from being the absolute best in terms of writing, as one other series maintains a more consistently high quality.

1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

I’ve always been struck by how well Cowboy Bebop weaves together smaller stories into a bigger narrative, but when it comes to sheer writing quality, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood really stands out. It’s hard to find anything to criticize about this series. It begins as a very personal story about two brothers seeking to fix their mistakes, and it gradually expands into a much wider quest for justice and resolution. From the intricate political landscape to the carefully designed magic system, everything feels incredibly well thought-out and believable right from the start. What’s really impressive is how quickly the series hints at the complex twists and turns to come, even in the very first episode.

Every aspect of this series is carefully crafted, creating a truly immersive experience. The characters feel authentic and relatable, and their complex relationships and emotional journeys are what make the story so engaging. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood also delivers a satisfying conclusion, cementing its place as a classic, and strong writing is at the heart of everything it does well.

What anime do you think is the best written? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-28 05:41