C_ntamination's List of Top 25 Anime of All Time
Hello / Bonjour / Konnichiwa!
Miss C here with a brand new list of my Top 25 Anime of all Time! This list is purely subjective based on my interests and likes and are personal in nature. They are all shows that I’ve watched, maybe re-watched, and continue to support since they have either changed my perspective on life, have entertained me, or have created a bond with my otaku soul. This list is simply to help those who have never heard of anime, or would like to get into new ones, get a glimpse into the types of anime I like and why. I am almost certain this list will change over time as I continue to watch new shows and age well like a fine wine.
Are you visual? Get a complete list of all the anime I have watched so far on Pinterest!
Let’s get right to the list – C_ntamination’s Top 25 Anime of All Time
25. Serial Experiments Lain (Triangle Staff, 1998)
This is one anime that is a piece of modern visual artwork. This 13-episode mini-series bends the border between real and virtual life. This noir anime follows a high-school girl Lain and exposes the strange occurrences that stalk her supernatural powers that can only be fully understood through logging into the Internet. This anime may not be for everyone but holds a special place in my anime-loving world.
24. Escaflowne (Bones, 2000)
This anime revolves around Hitomi, a high-school girl from Earth who finds herself on a different planet with an entourage consisting of a white knight, a rogue prince, a cat girl and Gundams. Yes, GUNDAMS. You have to love Japanese for putting beings in huge mecca suits of armor to battle with even larger weapons on devastating scales. This was the first anime that introduced me to Tarot cards (which I own and perform), and inspired me to get into cosplay as the neko character Merle. I remember watching this show on television as a child and only appreciating it for the cool graphics and warfare, and when I re-watched in my later teen years, I admired the love triangles and political storyline more. It is an older anime and therefore has rougher line drawings, but that adds to the 00's vibe and it is definitely worth the watch!
23. Gantz (Funimation, 2000-2013)
Imagine you died. Next, imagine waking up in a room full of strangers and a seriously weird black sphere with a self-defense mechanism that can kill you if you go near it. You’re given super-charged suits and are on a timer to defeat the bad guys! If you can’t handle it, you get a 0 and will probably die in the game and in existence. If you defeat the hardest boss, you get a perfect score of 100 and can choose somebody to leave the game. That is the premise of Gantz and my, is the afterlife a rush! Thanks to Netflix, I have also had the opportunity to watch the Gantz:0 movie that was released and I must say they stayed pretty true to the anime with what little time they had to compress the series’ plot. However, I do feel without watching the anime, some viewers may not gather the true difficulty and raw fear that comes with the facial expressions of line-drawn anime characters and the depth of all of the mini stories incorporated in the episode list (including student-teacher affairs, love-lust murders and character redemptions)
22. Nana (Viz Media, 2006-2007)
This rom-com anime can be found on Netflix and certainly took me by surprise. I could not stop binge-watching this drama since it reminded me of my past when I used to live with a female roommate. Both protagonists are conveniently named Nana and find themselves living in the city together struggling with money, relationship and responsibility problems. What’s more, the cooler Nana is part of a secret rock band, and she still has strong ties to the newest hottest boy punk band. What will the girls do when situations get complicated and they try to learn about each other? Every episode I felt that the flow of the anime could swing any way because the characters were nicely moulded yet diverse and situations could make them act on a whim. It was exciting, however don’t hold your breathe for the ending! I wish it would continue on to Season 3 but I found a similar show on Netflix with two female roommates called “Don’t Trust the B*tch in Apartment 23”.
21. Bleach (Studio Pierrot, 2004-2012)
A seemingly ordinary good guy becomes entangled with a soul reaper and now can hone the ability to see evil spirits and those in the underworld. I really liked this show which shadowed the main protagonist Ichigo (which is Japanese for strawberry because of his reddish-blonde-ish hair) charmingly battle his way through each obstacle, learn new strategies and techniques and continually grow and get stronger every episode. Somewhere along Season 2, he joins the Death Society and a political theme is set into place. That is also where I stopped enjoying the growth of Ichigo and rather pulled my attention to the other characters and their special abilities. Although I have Ichigo’s black and red sword in real life, I thought this anime could have less filler talk and more action. Studio Pierrot is great with their cat-like animations and I couldn’t get enough.
20. Inu Yasha (Viz Media, 2009-2010)
I used to stay up late until 10PM to watch this show every weeknight on television because I loved it so much! Inu Yasha and his party members, a schoolgirl from the future, a sage, and a female warrior fight to bring peace to the land that has been darkened by Kikyo’s rage. Inu Yasha is definitely one of the most awesome dog-like human charged characters and he is so wild and untamed, he needs the slap of a well-rounded female to keep him grounded in his adventures across the lands. This is a true adventure anime, with hidden love stories, good and bad characters across storyline arcs and an epic final battle at the end. My bestie actually told me she was re-watching this anime too! :3
19. Fruits Basket (Studio Deen, 2001)
This secret has been passed down for generations. If you’re the opposite sex and you hug me, I’ll transform into a fuzzy wuzzy cute animal wah! That is what happens to Japanese people, right? Isn’t that what glomping and huggles and hugs are all about? This light-hearted funny anime has great situational comedy and I happen to love animals with human expressions displayed on their faces. So kawaii!
18. Sword Art Online (A-1 Pictures, 2012-2014)
Let’s login to SAO, set your avatar and level up! The virtual world of SAO is a fantasy role-playing game in which players have unfortunately been trapped in until the final boss has been slain. Glitches occur, and the most valuable player Kirito is the only one who can save everyone’s lives in game and in real life. His sister logged in to help him destroy the evil dominion, but his online girlfriend just joined a blood clan that eats up all of their training time together and is now kidnapped to be a virtual wife. What more could you ask for in a virtual reality JRPG anime? I have also had the opportunity to play Sword Art Online: Lost Song and watch Sword Art Online: Gun Game Online. The second season revolves around a new character Sinon who is in a gun game championship league, as well as a new character Yuuki who has a serious illness in real life. This made for a more heavy theme on the relationships of the characters, which I feel strayed away from the main SAO plot of having to level up and train to beat final bosses. Lost Song on PS4 was exceptional with the ability to fly anywhere you wanted and unlock new heights as you excel, however I did get lost a few times and had to refer to the map plenty.
17. Soul Eater (Bones, 2008)
Maka, a death weapon meister apprentice, and Soul, her weapon, have the most adorable caring relationship ever. Trust is everything when your weapon needs you, and you need your weapon (especially if you want to change your weapon into a death scythe). The goal is to collect the souls of 99 evil humans and one witch in that order or they will need to restart. This anime includes other pairs of meisters and weapons that each have their own style and techniques. I really enjoyed watching them work together, or face each other head on – the battle graphics were terrific however Maka’s dad, Grim Reaper sure looks like he is something out of a PS2 game. Tons of funny dialogue and culmination to a final battle!
16. Card Captor Sakura (Madhouse, 1998-2000)
This is another anime I used to watch when I was very young. Sakura is your average middle school girl who loves inline skating, until nighttime when she has plans to fight lost and confused spirits to entrap into her clow cards. She can then activate these clow cards with stable spirits as new powers. Her best friend Madison loves her passion and fits kawaii costumes for her escapades, while her school friend Li aids her missions in securing the clow cards from the side lines. Every mission for each card was different and it was interesting and entertaining to watch. Characters became more developed and entangled in each other’s relationships as secrets about the Clow became further revealed.
15. Chobits (Madhouse, 2002)
Chi? Chi. Chi! Did you get that? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Neither did Chi’s owner when he found her. This beautiful automaton which is an exceptional human-like model had her speech chip corrupted. Why would anyone want to throw her in the trash? She can only understand basic functions now and spends most of her time mimicking actions of those around her, trying to gather enough information to be able to communicate those thoughts that will help save her, and get her back to her origin. I absolutely love how kawaii Chi is, and the situations she gets into are hilarious. She certainly acts like quite the untamed guest when she is first brought into the household. Hot female androids and mystery: I’m there.
14. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002-2003)
The commander is an intelligent android with insanely precise assault abilities. Did we mention she’s gorgeous in a one-piece fitted spacesuit? This anime set in the future, the year 2020, brings home the reality that this could be our inevitability. Audio bugs, hackers, intelligent sensors and musical crab robots fill this action-packed arms race extravaganza.
13. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) (Production I.G. / Wit Studio, 2013)
Your whole town and everyone you know is under attack by one super large Titan. Oh wait, there’s actually a whole bunch and they’re growing in population! The only thing you can do is join the military forces unwillingly and use wire-ejecting clamp suits to rush the buildings and hit that sweet spot to make the Titans fall. But why are they attacking now and how are these Titans even created? Mikasa is one of the few female characters I absolutely adore in this action-packed anime, for her laidback demeanor, extraordinary weapon skills and faith in the main protagonist Eren. Definitely looking forward to seeing the new season.
12. xxxHolic (Hal Film Maker / TBS, 2008)
I instantly fell in love with this anime – I must have been hexed. This story follows an ordinary boy, Watanuki who works for a witch in her wish shop. People somehow are attracted to the shop and she takes them in, listens to their problems and asks them what they wish for. She then provides a witch’s solution, which Watanaki usually questions. It is uncertain whether she really is a good or a bad character, but what is known is that she is simply mesmerizing. I love her style, her furniture and her shop and it was this inspiration that helped create Miss C’s Wish Shop.
11. Kill La Kill (Trigger, 2013-2014)
If you are looking for an action-packed anime with babes, busts, and blades, look no further! Kill La Kill is available on Netflix and features two girls who are battling for the title of most powerful in their high school. What’s more, is that their outfits intertwine with their bodies and makes them super powerful! This ecchi anime was a real treat, and it was literally non-stop action. It is also very Japanese with the Kanji captions when attacks are summoned – love the manga feel to it. It has a light mood, yet offers character development and a clear storyline that keeps you interested in the final battle. Worth a watch if you can handle it!
10. Durarara (Brain's Base, 2010)
Who knew living in the city was this complicated? A headless rider, colored gang fights, a super-strong bartender, a rampant serial killer and the black market all are important factors in this twisted action anime available on Netflix. The soundtrack is phenomenal and adds to the mood of each event, the line art is clean, the storyline has major depth, and the characters are loveable. Every person plays a role in this power struggle web that has been created. A binge-worthy show! Also available is Durarara x2, which is equally as complicated and entertaining.
9. Dragonball Z (Toei Animation, 1989)
I grew up with three boy cousins and they could not take Dragonball off the tube! I remember waiting three episodes just to see one attack be discharged because it was so epic. The battles are out of this world and sometimes out of this universe (as in Dragonball Super). Just when you think the characters have reached their maximum level, they somehow surprise you with an even more ultimate attack. This show is absolutely worth the watch if you have not already seen the buzz with the unmistakable yellow Saiyan hair.
8. Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (A-1 Pictures, 2013-2014)
I am so content that Magi is available on Netflix along with the adventures of Sinbad. Earth’s god, Magi of all things nature, follows Ali-baba and his friends around the world. Ali-baba is one hell of a character and he is your typical golden boy hero – a great moraled man! Finding secret powers hidden within dungeons is challenging but seems minimal to the fascinating abilities Magi might have. The party investigates the origins of Magi in this entertaining and adventurous anime. I could not stop binge-watching this show and I have a huge crush on Sinbad-san and his purple hair!
7. Death Note (Viz Media, 2006-2007)
Criminals. Murderers. Thieves. Celebrities. What would you do if you could just eliminate them any way you wanted simply by writing their names in a journal….would you? Accidentally stumbling upon a death note dropped by a death god (Shinigami), Light Yagami a typical high school kid was given a choice to make a difference. What would you do to prevent crime in your town? How far would you go? Would you yourself become a killer? Death Note is a mystery crime anime with lots of themes to immerse yourself. The live-action movie has also hit #1 in box offices in Japan when it was first released. If you are interested in who-done-its and mystery murders, this is the perfect anime for you.
6. Hunter x Hunter (Madhouse, 2011)
Gon is trying to find his Dad who he has never met. But his Dad is a hunter and has been gone for years - Gon has no idea when he will come back. The only thing he can do now is to become a hunter himself with enough skills to find an even more experienced hunter! Watch Gon train endlessly, find clever solutions to puzzle challenges and level up beyond human abilities in this funny, happy-feeling anime available on Netflix. I loved the beginning of the season when everyone is competing in the hunter exam – it really felt like an anime Olympics. That is what kept me hooked. Once characters receive their personalized abilities, the series takes a new tone and evolves as the characters develop. I am on my toes waiting to see if Gon actually meets his father in the end!
5. Full Metal Alchemist (Bones, 2003-2010)
I always wished somebody would explain alchemy and the lost arts well and this show does! The alchemy rings are huge, the summons are accurate, and the whole anime feels like you’re riding along on an adventure. There are political themes, darker themes and potential love stories. The blonde-haired character with a metal arm, and his body-less brother who hides in a large suit of armor find themselves in situations helping or hindering others while all the time, trying to find their place in life. This anime is very popular and a huge hit with fans and for marketing.
4. Pokemon: Indigo League (TV Tokyo, 1997)
Pokemon are trainable miniature creatures with grand elemental abilities (thunder, fire, water, poison, grass, rock). The more experience in battle they have, the greater the chance at getting stronger attacks, learning new techniques and potentially evolving to a brand new pokemon! Ash Ketchum, along with Misty and Brock, ventures to the local gyms to collect all gym badges to become the ultimate pokemon master! There is no denying that there is some kind of kawaii creature fever, and I want to collect them all. Pikachu! I have also watched Pokemon XY and XYZ, and I remember receiving a hologram Mewtwo card when I went to see the first movie Pokemon movie in theaters. I have over 100 TCG cards and play Pokemon Go when it is nice weather. It will always hold a place in my heart, since it will forever be my after-school go-to show.
3. One Punch Man (Madhouse, 2015)
Saitama is so un-cool, he’s cool. When monsters rage and overtake the city, S-class and A-class heroes can only handle so many. It takes a real ignorant loaft to give these alien monsters a big punch in their faces. Saitama is so loveable, innocent and plays clueless that it almost hurts how powerful he is. I find it hilarious that a super-powerful cyborg also finds him so unsurpassable that he calls him sensei. The final culmination is nothing to miss!
2. Naruto (Studio Pierrot, 2002-2007) / Naruto Shippuden 2007-2015)
I cannot believe I have watched 200+ episodes in Naruto and 500 episodes for Naruto Shippuden, but I finished them! Along the years, I grew with Naruto as he grew in the show. Ninjas of the leaf village swear to protect the citizens with their lives and harbor peace across the nations however certain individuals have other agendas in mind. This non-stop rollercoaster of emotions, character development and hidden backstory is complete, easy to follow and absolutely well-written. Not only that, but the ninja fights are quick, and when necessary, large-scale epic! There are a couple arcs in the series that are filler episodes but for the most part, the progression of Naruto, in his strive to become Hokage and prove his parents proud, is beyond comparison. I have way too many Naruto posters to count now.
1. Cowboy Bebop (Sunrise, 1998-1999)
SPAAAAAACE COWBOY!!!! I could not ask for more in an anime: Witty characters with their own stubbornly molded personalities, space travel, guns, bandits and bounty hunting. The soundtrack is phenomenal and could not be more in sync with the scenes, and I love that the characters do not have to settle or compromise to accomplish their goals together. The fight scenes are well done, and I was thoroughly entertained the whole series. At first, I was hoping Sunrise would make another season, but in retrospect I am glad it has stayed to just a few episodes, so it can be kept as a “classic” anime of the 20th century and Miss C_ntamination’s Top Anime of all time!
And there you have it! I have watched many more anime than this list but these are the ones I would suggest for new-timers or old-timers alike.
Other anime that were a close match: High School of the Dead, FLCL, Elfen Lied, Monster Rancher, Tokyo Ghoul, Golden Boy, School Rumble, Karin Chibi Vampire, Rozen Maiden, Boondocks, Sailor Moon, .hack//Sign, BeyBlade, Yu-Gi-Oh, Digimon, D.N.Angel, Black Butler and many more.
Did our list match yours? Would you pick a different top anime?
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