There is no definitive ranking of the best anime series of all time, but this list offers an editorially judged shortlist across different eras and styles. It weighs story and character work, craft, historical influence, accessibility, and how well each series holds up; use the table to find a starting point that suits you.
How this ranking works
The order is an editorial judgment, not a poll result or standardized score. Each series is considered across storytelling and characters, craft and form, influence, accessibility to new viewers, and durability. Popularity and awards can provide context, but neither proves that one series is objectively better than another.
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For example, NHK’s Nippon Anime 100 was a public poll conducted in 2017, not a measure of critical quality or current consensus. Crunchyroll’s annual Anime Awards recognize work in a particular year; they do not establish an all-time ranking.
The best anime series of all time, ranked
| Rank | Series | Why it belongs | Good starting point if you want |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood | A compelling combination of world-building, characters, action, and emotional storytelling makes it an especially approachable all-round choice. | A complete-feeling adventure with strong characters and a broad appeal. |
| 2 | Cowboy Bebop | Its distinctive mix of influences and lasting reputation make it a standout, with a much shorter commitment than a long-running franchise. The series has 26 episodes. | A stylish, relatively short series with an eclectic tone. |
| 3 | Attack on Titan | A broad-audience series that combines large-scale storytelling with thematic depth, making it a strong modern-era pick. | A high-stakes story with serious themes. |
| 4 | Sailor Moon | A key representative of the magical-girl genre, with recognizable characters and enduring genre significance. | A classic from a different anime tradition than action-adventure. |
| 5 | One Piece | Its scale and place in shonen history make it an essential long-running adventure to consider, though its size is a substantial commitment. | A sprawling adventure and a long-term viewing project. |
How to choose your first series
If you want an accessible place to begin, consider Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood for its combination of story, characters, and action. For a shorter commitment, try Cowboy Bebop. If you are interested in genre history, Sailor Moon offers a different perspective from the adventure-focused picks.
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#1 Best Overall
Choose One Piece if you want a long-running adventure and are comfortable with a much larger viewing commitment. Choose Attack on Titan if thematic depth and high stakes matter more to you than a light introduction. The best starting point depends on your taste, not on treating this order as a universal verdict.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Is there an objectively best anime series of all time?
No. Rankings depend on the criteria and audience. This list is an editorial selection, not a definitive consensus or a standardized score.
Rank #2
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- Factory sealed DVD
Which series on this list is the shortest commitment?
Cowboy Bebop has a 26-episode run, according to The Week’s selection. The other entries vary in scale, and One Piece is a long-running series.
Which anime is best for someone new to the medium?
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a strong starting point if you want a mix of world-building, characters, action, and emotional storytelling. If you would rather start with a shorter series, consider Cowboy Bebop.
Rank #3
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- Food Wars! The Fifth Plate - Limited Edition Premium Box Set [Blu-Ray]
Does a public poll settle which anime is best?
No. NHK’s Nippon Anime 100 was a public poll conducted in 2017. It records voter preferences at that time; it does not measure artistic quality or establish current consensus.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
![Yu Yu Hakusho - 30th Anniversary Box Set [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513MSwr1B8L._SL160_.jpg)
- New release from Crunchyroll
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