Top 10 Most Popular Anime: 50-Plus Years of Hits
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Article Summary
- Discover the top 10 most influential anime series that shaped global pop culture over the past 50-plus years.
- Highlights include timeless hits like Dragon Ball Z and groundbreaking series such as Neon Genesis Evangelion.
- Explore how modern favorites like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan transformed anime’s popularity worldwide.
The art of Japanese animation has often been seen in the U.S. as a medium for children. However, in many parts of the world, anime series tell complex and unique stories that captivate audiences of all ages. Anime culture has grown into a global movement, with millions of devoted fans sharing their passion worldwide.
Anime history in the U.S. dates back to the 1960s with Astro Boy, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the genre truly took root. Since then, multiple generations have grown up watching iconic anime series. Here, we tackle the challenge of listing the top ten most popular anime of all time, considering their impact, storytelling, and cultural significance rather than personal favorites.
10. Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
Neon Genesis Evangelion follows Shinji Ikari, a teenager recruited to pilot a giant mecha in defense of humanity against mysterious beings called Angels.
This classic anime series revolutionized how U.S. audiences perceived anime, transforming it from a niche subculture to a broader cultural phenomenon. With its emotionally profound storytelling and groundbreaking mecha battles, Neon Genesis Evangelion laid the foundation for future sci-fi anime.
9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010)
A story about two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their mother, only to face severe consequences.
Widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is known for its deep character development, intricate storytelling, and philosophical themes. Its exploration of ethics, sacrifice, and power has left a lasting impact on anime fandom worldwide.
8. Sailor Moon (1992–1997)
Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino, an ordinary girl who discovers she is the reincarnation of the Moon Princess and must protect Earth from dark forces.
As one of the first magical girl anime introduced to U.S. audiences, Sailor Moon was a gateway series for many, showcasing anime’s storytelling depth and artistic style. With its themes of love, friendship, and female empowerment, Sailor Moon played a major role in popularizing anime for girls in the West.
7. Death Note (2006–2007)
Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to eliminate anyone whose name he writes in it. His quest to rid the world of criminals attracts the attention of a genius detective known only as “L.”
A psychological thriller anime that explores morality, justice, and the consequences of power, Death Note is one of the most widely recommended anime for beginners. Its dark themes and intense storytelling have earned it a dedicated following and a spot on this list.
6. My Hero Academia (2016–Present)
Set in a world where most people have superpowers (“Quirks”), My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without powers who dreams of becoming a pro hero.
During the peak of superhero anime, My Hero Academia took familiar Western superhero concepts and reimagined them with shonen anime storytelling. Its themes of self-sacrifice, responsibility, and heroism have made it a favorite among younger audiences and longtime anime fans alike.
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–Present)
Tanjiro Kamado becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons, and his sister Nezuko is transformed into one.
Despite being a new anime, Demon Slayer has made a massive impact. Its combination of stunning animation, emotional storytelling, and cultural themes has resonated deeply with Western audiences. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is currently the highest-grossing anime movie of all time.
4. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
Set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to monstrous humanoid creatures called Titans, Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the military to fight these terrifying foes.
Known for its complex characters, intense battles, and political intrigue, Attack on Titan pushed anime into mainstream Western entertainment. It explores themes of oppression, war ethics, and survival, making it one of the most compelling dark fantasy anime of recent years.
Take its amazing story and mix in the incredible action it is known for, you have a show that is worthy of being on the list.
3. Naruto/Naruto Shippuden (2002–2017)
Naruto follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the Hokage, despite being shunned for the powerful Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him. The story continues in Naruto Shippuden, as Naruto grows older and faces even more formidable challenges.
For 15 years, Naruto helped shape the modern anime landscape. Its epic battles, rich world-building, and emotional storytelling made it a favorite among Gen Z anime fans. The term “Naruto run” even became a cultural meme in the U.S.
2. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)
Dragon Ball Z continues the adventures of Goku, who protects Earth from increasingly powerful foes.
One of the most influential anime series, Dragon Ball Z introduced shonen battle anime to the West. Its legendary transformations, intense fight scenes, and unforgettable villains shaped anime culture and inspired countless future series.
For many Millennials, it was their introduction to the medium and helped pave the way for most others on this list. Its larger-than-life characters, groundbreaking fight scenes, and sense of humor helped take this show to 9,000.
1. One Piece (1999–Present)
One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the legendary One Piece treasure to become the Pirate King.
With over 1,100 episodes, One Piece remains the longest-running anime still airing with spinoffs and live-action adaptations as well. Its world-building, humor, and character-driven storytelling have cemented its place as the most popular anime worldwide, taking the number one spot on this list.
Honorable Mentions
While the top ten anime on this list have defined generations of fans and helped shape the industry, there are plenty of other series that deserve recognition. These anime may not have cracked the top spots, but their unforgettable characters, incredible storytelling, and lasting impact have made them icons in their own right.
Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999)
A space western anime that became a cult classic, blending sci-fi and noir influences, Cowboy Bebop is a genre-bending masterpiece that follows bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his crew as they chase down criminals across the solar system. With its smooth jazz soundtrack, stylish animation, and thought-provoking themes of loneliness and redemption, this anime became a cult classic. Its run on Adult Swim introduced a whole generation to anime, making it one of the most influential gateway series of all time.
Bleach (2004–2012, 2022–Present)
A shonen action anime that defined an era alongside Naruto and One Piece, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high schooler who accidentally becomes a Soul Reaper and is thrown into a world of deadly spirits and epic battles. While the series ended in 2012, its highly anticipated return with Thousand-Year Blood War has reignited fan excitement, proving that Bleach still has plenty of fight left in it.
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–Present)
A modern hit anime featuring stunning animation and dark fantasy themes, Jujutsu Kaisen delivers high-octane battles, stunning animation, and a cast of unforgettable characters. The series follows Yuji Itadori, a teenager who becomes host to a powerful cursed spirit and is thrust into the dangerous world of jujutsu sorcery. With its breakneck pacing and jaw-dropping fight choreography, Jujutsu Kaisen has taken the anime world by storm and is quickly establishing itself as a future classic.
Hunter x Hunter (1999–2001, 2011–2014)
An adventure anime known for its deep world-building and strategic battles, few anime balance action, adventure, and deep psychological themes as masterfully as Hunter x Hunter. The story follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who sets out to become a Hunter and uncover the truth about his missing father. What starts as a classic adventure anime evolves into a gripping tale of power, morality, and survival. Despite frequent hiatuses due to creator Yoshihiro Togashi’s health, Hunter x Hunter remains one of the most beloved and respected anime in the genre.
Sword Art Online (2012–Present)
Sword Art Online played a massive role in popularizing the isekai genre in the West. A virtual reality anime following Kirito, a skilled gamer trapped in a deadly MMORPG, the series explores virtual reality, survival, and adventure. While its storytelling has sparked debates among anime fans, there’s no denying its cultural impact. SAO brought mainstream attention to anime with its accessible premise and gaming-inspired world, making it a go-to series for newcomers.
With so many incredible anime out there, narrowing down the most popular is no easy task. The impact of these honorable mentions proves that anime’s influence continues to evolve, drawing in new fans with each generation.
Between their complex stories, compelling character arcs, and dedication to action, adventure, and fun, there is no wonder we see how each of these shows has impacted the world. That being said, our top 10 most popular anime list is only a taste of what the industry has to offer.
There’s so much more anime to watch out there, and everyone has their own style and flavor. So, what’s yours? Do you personally prefer something dark and psychological, heartwarming and emotional, action-packed, or full fantasy and adventure? It can be tricky to decide what to add to your anime watchlist. Let us know in the comments
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