Summary
Japanese animation has broken through barriers to become a global sensation,affecting Western pop culture in many respects. Anime influences are seen in the fashion, gaming, and merchandising industries, as well as changing animation methods and genre standards across the board.
Once an underground, niche subset of media,anime has revolutionized broadcasting and studio collaboration, pushed for technological imagery advancements, expanded the depth that ‘cartoons’ can hold, and normalized dedicated fandom culture. The 1963 animeAstro Boyby Osamu Tezuka introduced Western society to the wonders of anime and bridged a gap between cultures. With time, more prominent series emerged and took the world by storm. Through the decades and overcoming of transmitting obstacles, these shows amassed a global audience that affects pop culture to this day.
50 Best Anime Series of All Time, Ranked
Anime has exploded in popularity recently, so it’s natural to wonder what series in the medium’s history rank among the best of the best.
Created By Satoshi Tajiri
Pokémon
Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
Pokémonis one of the first anime to be equated to a ‘Saturday-morning cartoon’, becoming a household name for countless families. Following a universe in which humans and special creatures coexist and battle together, the series was easily welcomed by a young audience keen for fun, humor, and family-friendly conflict resolved by a team.
Today, the show not only evokes nostalgia for its past viewers. It has also captured new generations of fans thanks tonew shows such asPokémon Horizons. It also stands as a fixture in merchandise, becoming a leading juggernaut in the media and gaming franchises. Its concept and impact were legendary, andPokemon’s fandom has stuck with it since its release.
Based on the Original Manga by Masashi Kishimoto
Naruto
Naruto is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is a fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed inside him, which once wreaked havoc on his village. Shunned by his community yet determined to earn their respect, Naruto dreams of becoming the greatest ninja, the Hokage. This series follows his journey through the Ninja Academy as he continues to train and grow, hoping to prove himself to his peers- and himself.
TheNarutosaga has earned its spot as a leading anime with its moving story, dynamic characters, and interesting world-building. Among few peers, the series has become one of the first to be considered mainstream. Its influence is seen infood, vernacular, and fandom culture, being easily recognized by even casual viewers.
Masashi Kishimoto’s creation also introduced many to elements of Japanese culture, religious imagery, and historical references to new audiences.NarutoandNaruto Shippuden’s intricacy set it apart as a complexly animated, plot-heavy, and moving work of art. TheNarutorun and Ichiraku ramen are just a few phenomena thatbroke it past niche status, solidifying its place in the Americas as a legend and one of the faces of its trade.
Created by Hideaki Anno
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelionwas once a subversive show, but with time, it became a pioneering saga that holds up to its fame. With its complex narrative and deep psychological themes,this series influenced Western media’s approach to character development and storytelling, broadening the depth and affecting mecha-tech sci-fi media to this day.
Anno’s vision added unexpected depth to an animated story that unknowing viewers didn’t expect. Apart from its iconic mecha imagery that bleeds into the genre’s successors, the series has influenced the score component of film and TV andpaved the way for other psychotropic, metaphysical pieces of media. Although it ran into a few licensing issues, once streaming was in place, many more were able to enjoy this masterpiece.
Based on the Original Manga by Masamune Shirow
Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell explores the story of Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg public-security agent in 2029 Japan, assigned to track down a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. As she delves deeper into the case, she confronts questions of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human. The film is directed by Mamoru Oshii and is based on the manga by Masamune Shirow.
Ghost in the Shellis easily recognizable by fans and passersby alike. The 1995 anime introduceda complex and nuanced take on cyberpunk that shifted the genrein Western media and culture. It takes science fiction down a gritty, dystopian route, exploring themes of humanity, technology, and where society draws the lines between them.
Borrowing from this rationale, other leading futurism films, like the groundbreakingThe Matrixseries, dive deep into cybernetic enhancement, artificial intelligence, and the implications these advancements will have for humankind. This series gaining traction can also be attributed to anime becoming more mainstream, as its questionable live-action adaptation extended its reach further. Music, video games, and art often referenceGhost in the Shell, incorporating its visuals and messaging.
Death Note (2006)
Author Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata worked together to createDeath Note: one of the most infamous supernatural crime thriller manga, which inspired a highly successful anime. Its gothic art style has inspired many alternative fashion trends as well as cosplay communities, character designs, dark elegance illustrations, and thematic concept art.
Death Note’s impactis also seen in merchandising culture and Western media, as its philosophical questions raise standards for both creators and audience members alike. The lines between justice and higher power are blurred masterfully in the show, as themes of divine punishment, shifting morality, and surveillance are delved into. Popular series likeBlack Mirrorfollow in its footsteps, taking its rising popularity in stride toadvance psychological thrillers to the next level.
Written and Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Spirited Away
Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, is an animated fantasy film that follows the enchanting journey of a young girl named Chihiro. Trapped in a mystical world after her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must navigate a realm filled with spirits and peculiar creatures to save her family.
Hailing from the beloved Studio Ghibli,Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieceSpirited Awayis one of his most infamous and adored films thatlegitimized Japanese animation in the West. His concepts and animation have since been recognized not solely as entertainment, but as serious works of art that carry profound messaging and cultural importance. Its fluidity, intricacy, and imaginative style inspired many filmmakers in the West, as its accolades earned it Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards in 2003.
Spirited Awayintroduced generations to Japanese storytelling and folklore, blending culture with relatable themes of growth, sacrifice, and identity. Studio Ghibli has since grown into a powerhouse: its artistic influence and merchandise being held in small shops and its very owntheme park.Spirited Awayis known for breaking down barriers with artistic talent and an educational impact for every viewer.
Based on the Original Manga by Naoko Takeuchi
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is a 1992 animated series that marks the beginning of Usagi Tsukino’s journey as she transforms into Sailor Moon. Guided by Luna, a talking cat, Usagi discovers allies among her friends and together they combat the looming threat posed by the nefarious Dark Kingdom.
Sailor Moonhas earned its spot in the anime Hall of Fame with its inspirational and iconicmagical girl series. Author and illustrator Naoko Takeuchi’s fantastical creation has maintained popularity since its 1991 release, inspiring a young audience for decades. The series’ concept and character’s originality have taken the world by storm, as attire, merchandising, gaming, and anime versatility have traces of their impact.
Fashion and pop culture have evolved, as the series style has been referenced in other series, music videos, and real-world wearable design. Sailor Moon’s popularity extends even further, becominga precedent in Western broadcasting and inspiring fantasy and superhero genreson both sides of the globe. This magical cornerstone has become a feminist icon, beloved by many and respected for its empowerment, representation, cultural exchange, and beautiful style.
Based on the Original Manga by Akira Toriyama
Dragon Ball
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku’s never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Dragon Ball’s international journey began in the early 1990s and has not slowed down since. This long-standing series wasinstrumental in bringing anime to Western TV, allowing for Japanese animation and comics to become mainstream. With its intense battles and thrilling action, adventure media has since changed, recognizing the talent of martial arts and incorporating different fantastical transformations.
TheDragon Ballsaga is often referenced in movies, comics, gaming, and advertising alike. It has influenced other Western shows and storytelling methods, inspired new fitness methods to its audience, andhelped shape fan culture on a mass scale. Creator Akira Toriyama’s death shook the world, bringing together a global audience who shared their love and respect for the writer and his infamous series that will live on forever.
Story and Directed by Shinichirou Watanabe
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a 1998 animated series set in 2071, where humanity has colonized the Solar System following a catastrophic event. As crime surges, bounty hunters known as “Cowboys” are employed by the Inter Solar System Police to capture criminals in exchange for rewards.
Cowboy Bebop’s dark and realistic portrayal of complicated emotions, struggles, and lessons has cemented it as one of the most well-known and revered anime series to this day.Its combination of Western and Sci-Fi genresmade it easily enjoyable for a non-Japanese audience. Covering a broad range of content, characters, and themes in a deep yet episodic format spoke to an older audience who could truly appreciate its content. Its animation and plot were a grittier take than other animations known to a Western audience, thus opening up a new avenue to explore.
Cowboy Bebophas since beencritically and culturally recognized by the masses, showcasing a nuanced, artistic, and experimental narrative for the futurism genre. Its impact is widely known in the music industry as its soundtrack was derived from various genres and artists, amalgamating into a popular mixed jazz album. The short series is adored for its memorable fashion, digestible structure, implicit messaging, and genre influence that inspired live-action adaptations, references, merchandise, and more.
Akira
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.
Akirais one of the most infamous and influential anime films to ever exist. Its animation style and concept were groundbreaking,leaving the Western audience in awe. The artistic style and animation techniques used in the film were revolutionary, creating hand-painted detailed backgrounds, elaborate characters and textures, and complex action sequences.327 unique colors were used for the film, 50 of which were invented solely forAkira. It truly is an artistic feat that has stood the test of time.
Its release in 1988 shook the film industry, paving the way for other animes to be enjoyed by a wider audience. Its deep storytelling on corruption, technology, and consequences greatly influenced theSci-Fi and cyberpunk genres: its neon aesthetic, dystopian cityscapes, and cybernetic advancements being incorporated into other media like fashion, video games, and films such asBlade Runner 2049. Akirais oftencited as one of the greatest animated films, holding great importance in cinematic history and creating a legacy seen in many aspects of pop culture.
