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Top 100 Best Action Anime of All Time [2024]

Bijesh NageshBijesh-Updated Feb 5, 2024


action anime

 

Anime. At some point, we’ve all grown up with it, watching it, emulating it, and wishing we could visit the unique characters and places that only anime can concoct. The most viewed type of anime is still Action Anime, which we’re going to explore in detail in this article.

 

It reads like a small book! But this writer is only sat here affirming ‘No way I’m going to reduce a single word.’ Anime deserves all the description it can get.

 

For those who are new to this genre, ‘Anime’ and ‘Animation’ are two entirely different worlds. Top action anime has a certain illustration style that can’t be missed. Neat crisp edges complement a sense of length that defies normal expectations.

 

Music and pacing are specialized as well. No two stories in good action anime feel the same. Creators of this beautiful genre of visual storytelling have taken a non-linear approach to craft plotlines and character arcs.

 

Anime may have originated in Japan, but its influence has since spread throughout the world. Gosh, this is going to be a roller coaster ride of nostalgia for some of us.

 

There are so many outstanding anime selections, some of which we may have seen more than a few times. Action anime has created its own niche in the world of Entertainment.

 

Flashy action sequences and catchy soundtracks are just the half of it. Entoin now presents its grand top-100 best action anime of all time.

 

 

 

1. Demon Slayer

 

demon slayer

 

Entity Detail
Title Kimetsu no Yaiba
Type TV
Studios ufotable
Premiered Apr 6, 2019 to Sep 28, 2019
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.591
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

In the “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” anime, an empathic character named Tanjirou Kamado is left to support his family following his father’s death. The family enjoys a calm and isolated life in the mountains.

 

One day, Tanjirou heads down to the local village to sell more charcoal so his family can buy more food. Night creeps up on him, forcing the boy to accept the help of a strange man who gives him shelter.

 

Good thing Tanjirou stayed, because the old man reveals the state of the world they're all in, especially the presence of frightful flesh-eating demons who come out of the woods at night.

 

The following day, the boy returns to his home only to discover his entire family has been wiped out by one of these monsters. Only his sister Nezuko seems to have survived, but she’s been turned into one of the creatures.

 

Tanjirou swears vengeance while staying by his sister, keeping her isolated but alive. These demons have to pay for what they did. Before long, Tanjirou sees a few slivers of humanity are still left in Nezuko.

 

Vowing to safeguard that one small hope, he goes the distance to join the Demon Slayer Corps with the express aim of seeking justice for what happened to him and Nezuko.

 

On the other hand, he also yearns to keep others from experiencing his loss. In this heartfelt action-packed anime, fans will get so much more than what they bargained for.

 

Watch the Demon Slayer anime in the following three-season order:

  • Episodes 1-26
  • Episodes 27-33 (Mugen Train arc)
  • Episodes 34-44 (Entertainment District arc)
  • Episodes 45-55 (Swordsmith Village Arc)

Demon Slayer season 4 comprises the Hashira Training arc and it is slated for a Spring 2024 release.

 

 

 

2. My Hero Academia

 

my hero academia

 

Entity Detail
Title Boku no Hero Academia
Type TV
Studios Bones
Premiered Apr 3, 2016 to Jun 26, 2016
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.021
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

In the “Boku no Hero Academia” anime, kids and people with newfound superpowers have what are called ‘quirks’. The show is also called "My Hero Academia" and in it, anime fans will find plenty of super-powered people doing super-powered things.

 

There are ordinary individuals as well, one of whom is a boy called Izuku Midoriya. He’s always harbored dreams of unlocking superpowers and becoming a hero. Sadly, the super-powerless Izuku is left taking notes (talents, skills, accomplishments, and stats) about all those whom he admires. Circumstances lead Izuku to his favorite hero All Might. The boy is justifiably ecstatic, because his idol wields a most singular quirk: he can let someone of his choice inherit his power.

 

As destiny would have it, All Might chooses Izuku. The boy later enrolls at UA High, known for its prestigious hero training course, and starts to work hard. One of the people he meets there is Bakugo, a kid with a fiery temperament and a huge ego. Their frenemy bond pushes them to reach for excellence no matter the cost. Izuku also enjoys spending time with fellow hero-classmates like Ashido, Asui, Uraraka, Ida, Kirishima, Tokoyami, Yaoyorozu, Todoroki, and dozens more.

 

There are also some hero-teachers like Eraser Head, Midnight, Ectoplasm, Gran Torino, Recovery Girl, and more, including All Might himself. In time, Izuku believes he's ready to rise to any villainous challenge. This takes the form of a dark organization that promises to test everything he and the others have learned about possessing and using superpowers. Watch “Boku no Hero Academia”, aka "My Hero Academia", in the following six-season order:

  • Episodes 1-13
  • OVA 1 – “Save! Training! Rescue!”
  • Episodes 14-33
  • OVA 2 – “Training of the Dead”
  • Episodes 34-38
  • My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
  • Episodes 39-52
  • OVA 4-5 – “Make It! Do-or-Die Survival Training” Parts 1 & 2
  • Episodes 53-88
  • My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising
  • Episodes 89-106
  • OVA 7 – “Hero League Baseball”
  • OVA 8 – “Laugh! As if You Are in Hell”
  • Episodes 107-113
  • OVA 6 – “Departure” (prequel to “My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission” movie)
  • My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
  • Episodes 114-138
  • OVA 9 - UA Heroes Battle

The seventh season of "My Hero Academia" is slated for a Spring 2024 release and promises to adapt chapter 139 of the manga.

 

 

 

3. Bungo Stray Dogs

 

bungo stray dogs

 

Entity Detail
Title Bungou Stray Dogs
Type TV
Studios Bones
Premiered Apr 7, 2016 to Jun 23, 2016
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.801
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

The “Bungo Stray Dogs” story focuses on Atsushi Nakajima, who experiences a paranormal event which later transforms him into a hybrid human capable of becoming a spectral tiger-boy. He initially sees the source of the spirit in the orphanage that housed him.

 

But when certain incidents place Atsushi at the scene and not some mystical beast, the boy is promptly kicked out of the establishment. Starving and homeless, he finds himself at a river where he saves the life of a man named Osamu Dazai. This eccentric man is not only a supernatural detective but also a suicide enthusiast (!). Soon, Atsushi comes to learn that Osamu has been aware and searching for the same tiger spirit.

 

One thing leads to another and Osamu, along with his colleague Doppo Kunikida, works with Atsushi to resolve the matter. Before long, the boy finds himself joining Osamu’s coterie of supernatural investigators. Together, they explore diverse ‘strange cases’ that are beyond the police’s pay grade. The OVA anime movie even takes the supernatural setting global, with a spotlight squarely on Ability Users.

 

The Armed Detective Agency gets the unenviable task of resolving the problem. A mastermind, known simply as Collector, might be behind their latest troubles. Ability users and average people alike are in danger all over the world. Such circumstances compel the Agency to ally with their longtime nemesis, the Port Mafia, to gain any hope of stopping this mysterious person from killing again, and again, and again. Watch the "Bungo Stray Dogs" series in the following five-season order:

  • Season 1 – Episodes 1-12
  • Season 2 – Episodes 13-24
  • Hitori Ayumu (technically S02E25)
  • Bungo Stray Dogs: Dead Apple (OVA)
  • Season 3 – Episodes 26-37
  • Season 4 – Episodes 38-50
  • Season 5 – Episodes 51-61

 

 

 

4. Naruto

 

Naruto

 

Entity Detail
Title Naruto
Type TV
Studios Studio Pierrot
Premiered Oct 3, 2002 to Feb 8, 2007
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.931
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

“Naruto” and “Naruto: Shippuden” have both set ground-breaking standards in anime. This anime series is the reason why many people started indulging in anime, as the story is so deep and well-written.

 

This series follows the misadventures of a knuckle-headed ninja and his buddies. The titular character Naruto is established as someone without any real talent until he discovers the ‘Nine-Tailed Fox’.

 

This demon was called ‘Kyuubi’ when it first started attacking the ‘Hidden Leaf Village’. To end its rampage, the village leader, aka the ‘Fourth Hokage’, sealed it away inside a newborn Naruto.

 

From a bright personality to his willingness to make a difference in the world using his newfound powers, Naruto aims to defend his pals from evil while also attaining the mantle of leader of the ‘Fire Village’ of ninjas.

 

This show is popular for several reasons and has still not lost its allure among fans. Plenty of adrenaline-rush moments can be found in this action anime.

 

 

5. Steins; Gate

 

Steins; Gate

 

Entity Detail
Title Steins;Gate
Type TV
Studios White Fox
Premiered Apr 6, 2011 to Sep 14, 2011
Source Visual novel
MAL Score 9.101
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Renting out a decrepit building in ‘Akihabara’, Rintarou Okabe gets to work on his experiments. He has fully accepted the fact that he’s a mad scientist. Along with his two fellow lab members, he heads the innovation of ‘future gadgets’.

 

His two aides are Hashida “Daru” Itaru, a hacker with a pervert’s inclination and Mayuri Shiina, the scientist’s silly childhood friend. Together they come up with a contraption known simply as ‘Phone Microwave’.

 

In the early stages, all it does is turn bananas into green goop. This is far from the breakthrough Rintarou is looking for. A series of unexplainable incidents lead the lab members to realize that their device can send emails to the past.

 

Armed with a history-altering prospect, the team works among themselves – and others, like Kurisu Makise – to try to understand their new discovery, which soon starts inviting a bucketload of trouble.

 

 

6. Gintama

 

Gintama

 

Entity Detail
Title Gintama
Type TV
Studios Sunrise
Premiered Apr 4, 2006 to Mar 25, 2010
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.951
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Aliens termed ‘Amanto’ have made Earth a hotspot of invasion. Feudal Japan has come under their merciless reign. Circumstances lead to the banning of all swords and by extension the samurai who wield them.

 

Gintoki Sakata, however, stands against this change in the “Gintama” anime. Between his employment as a Yorozuya and his passion for all sorts of sweets, anyone will be forgiven for considering him anything but samurai.

 

Gintoki has become a jack of all trades. Accompanying him on some interesting adventures are Sadaharu, a sizeable pet dog Shinpachi Shimura, a strong-hearted bespectacled young boy Kagura, an umbrella-wielding girl with an infinite appetite for food.

 

The group often encounters assassins, the police, and rebels in this show known as much for its comedy as for its action sequences.

 

 

7. Code Geass

 

code geass

 

“Code Geass” and “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” have both proven to be extraordinary action-packed anime series. In this fictional alternate-reality story, a guy named Lelouch stokes a fatalistic ambition to wield powers that can make others implicitly obey him. ‘Geass’ is the word given to the mind control ability which fuels Lelouch’s motivation to dominate regardless of who pays the price.

 

Mecha-battles and psycho-supernatural thrills suffuse this exquisitely paced action anime. Lelouch faces numerous ups and downs as he goes up against the Holy Britannian Empire. The series boasts more than a handful symbolic parallels to our current global society, making this anime eerily on point in several regards.

 

Espionage, unjust colonization, mecha-warfare, moral dilemmas, and dark drama are all present in good measure in this award-winning manga adaptation. This is a story not just about power-madness but also the human reasons underlying why we seek power in the first place.

 

 

8. Mob Psycho 100

 

Mob Psycho 100

 

Entity Detail
Title Mob Psycho 100
Type TV
Studios Bones
Premiered Jul 11, 2016 to Sep 27, 2016
Source Web manga
MAL Score 8.481
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

A young boy who recently discovered his psychic powers, Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama realizes that there is more danger in his skills than enlightenment. He tries his best to suppress his talents but fails when it comes to his crush.

 

Attempting to impress her, he strives to ‘know’ more about her. Tsubomi, apparently, has proven to grow bored of the same old approach from guys. Shigeo turns to Arataka Reigen to help him learn to control his psychic powers.

 

Little does the boy know that Arataka is a conman pretending to be an ace psychic. Shigeo is tasked with demon exorcisms that lead him nowhere toward a keener understanding of his skills.

 

He barely flicks a psychic-finger in the early part of the “Mob Psycho 100” anime. But the boy should also be careful. Any excessive use of his powers can trigger something cataclysmic and uncontrollable.

 

His emotions are a perilous trigger, and it looks like Shigeo is heading directly toward that cliff he’s been dreading all along.

 

 

9. Cowboy Bebop

 

cowboy bebop

 

Entity Detail
Title Cowboy Bebop
Type TV
Studios Sunrise
Premiered Apr 3, 1998 to Apr 24, 1999
Source Original
MAL Score 8.771
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

The sheer storytelling versatility found in the overall anime genre can easily be observed in the “Cowboy Bebop” series. The plot blends bebop jazz, western movie themes, and sci-fi elements into a gorgeously balanced script that has stood the test of time, especially as an action-driven anime.

 

The show takes viewers into the main character Shinichiro Watanabe’s emotional journey. The year is 2071, and Earth has proven to be un-survivable for human beings. That's why various non-gaseous planets in the Solar System have become the target of pro-colonization expeditions.

 

The core characters are part of a ragtag ensemble who fly the Bebop spaceship to embark on assorted missions. In addition to an intriguing storyline, the anime also has sufficient action to make viewing it worthwhile.

 

The plot also covers Shinichiro's emotional life-moments. Philosophical themes like ennui and existentialism are brought into focus as seen through the lenses of this remarkable anime. Such deep tropes stand balanced by the show’s otherwise fun and funny moments.

 

Moreover, the fight sequences are a melange of power and amusement. This delectable choreography has come to be admired by diverse anime fans over the years. Watch the “Cowboy Bebop” anime in the following 'session' order:

 

  • Episodes 1-13
  • Episodes 14-22
  • Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
  • Episodes 23-26
  • Cowboy Bebop: Ein’s Summer Vacation

 

 

10. Black Clover

 

Black Clover

 

Entity Detail
Title Black Clover
Type TV
Studios Studio Pierrot
Premiered Oct 3, 2017 to Mar 30, 2021
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.021
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

Two children, Asta and Yuno, find themselves abandoned at the same time in the same church. Their land has a powerful magic-user known simply as ‘Wizard King’. They decide to compete with one another to win the title when they’re older and magically stronger.

 

Yuno seems to have it easy, magic comes naturally to him. Asta, on the other hand, cannot for the life of him understand why he can’t spark even a simple spell.

 

In the “Black Clover” anime, fans see Asta left with no reward due to his magical laxity. Meanwhile, Yuno is awarded a four-leaf clover and a potent ‘Grimoire’. The boys are fifteen at this point.

 

When it comes time for Asta to face up to, and defeat, Lebuty only Yuno’s voice and memories inspire him to finally win the magical battle and earn his own Grimoire. In keeping with their promise to each other, the two of them set out into the wide world to find out how they can become the next Wizard King.

 

 

11. Sword Art Online

 

Sword Art Online

 

Entity Detail
Title Sword Art Online
Type TV
Studios A-1 Pictures
Premiered Jul 8, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.221
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

2022 may be just around the corner, but when this anime was made in 2012 it was considered the distant future. The gaming style of ‘Virtual Reality’ has succeeded like never before.

 

Nearly everyone in the “Sword Art Online” anime seems obsessed with one particular online game. Using only their thoughts, players can control and move a character in this game, a creative decision made possible thanks to ‘NerveGear technology’.

 

When the first shipment of the game rolls out, Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya is one of the thousands of gamers who dive into the realm of ‘Aincrad’. Monsters and medieval weaponry abound in-game.

 

But something dark is also in play. Gamers begin to realize that they are unable to logout until they complete one hundred levels in Sword Art Online. Players make allies and foes as they work toward that goal.

 

Kirito finds himself in the minority and opposite Asuna Yuuki’s sizeable team, who are determined to quit the cruel game. Cruel, because whoever dies inside the game also perishes in real life.

 

Talk about motivation. This show takes the words ‘virtual reality’ quite literally.

 

 

12. Dragon Ball Z

 

Dragon Ball Z

 

Entity Detail
Title Dragon Ball Z
Type TV
Studios Toei Animation
Premiered Apr 26, 1989 to Jan 31, 1996
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.151
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

This action anime barely needs an introduction. From its distinct 80s vibe to some of the most cherished plot twists in the realm of anime, “Dragon Ball Z” does an excellent job of balancing comedy and action.

 

Its Super Saiyan character arc is second to none. Its protagonist is often considered the Superman of anime. Harking back to Chinese literature and a certain Monkey King, the character of Son Gokuu is exquisitely crafted without relying too much on the above-mentioned source.

 

The last of the Saiyans and an alien, Gokuu does everything in his power (and oh what power!) to defend his new home-planet, namely Earth, from a variety of threats.

 

 

13. Noragami

 

Noragami

 

Entity Detail
Title Noragami
Type TV
Studios Bones
Premiered Jan 5, 2014 to Mar 23, 2014
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.991
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Strange phone numbers scribbled in red lead to a certain ‘Yato God’. His self-appointed title of ‘Delivery God’ belies his personal ambition to gather millions of worshippers to him. He has no shrine dedicated to him, making his work in the “Noragami” anime that much trickier.

 

Yato goes about doing odd jobs and getting paid five yen per task. All this changes until his weapons master grows disappointed with the minor deity’s take on life and leave him.

 

Hiyori Iki, a high school girl, enters Yato’s life. She saves him when she takes the hit during an unfortunate car accident. The scenario was grave enough to loosen Hiyori’s soul from her body, though she herself is still in one piece.

 

She encounters and learns about Yato’s true nature. Hiyori then demands that the deity use his powers to return her to her normal self. But Yato explains that he needs a partner in order to do that.

 

The girl decides to help him find said partner. In the process, she looks like she could make an honest god out of Yato.

 

 

14. Pacific Rim: The Black

 

Pacific Rim: The Black 

 

Fans who’ve watched the show are ardently seeking the game-changing truth behind the nature of the character known simply as ‘The Boy’. With the “Pacific Rim: The Black” anime, Netflix adds to its already golden roster of anime franchise titles.

 

Pacific Rim started out as a feature film, which was the brainchild of the ingenious Guillermo del Toro, who directed one in 2013. The 2021 Netflix anime series (released in March this year, not too long ago as of this writing) carries on Guillermo’s science-fiction narrative, with necessary plot-spins.

 

In the show, new ‘Kaiju’ (aka sci-fi monsters) come to the fore. Fans of mecha anime will adore the machines called ‘Jaegers’ that take wing in this series. The main mecha is piloted by a young boy and his baby sister whose aim is to find their lost parents.

 

They end up discovering a whole lot more. Judging from the memes, season-one has ended on one heckuva cliff-hanger.

 

 

15. Neon Genesis Evangelion

 

Neon Genesis Evangelion

 

Entity Detail
Title Neon Genesis Evangelion
Type TV
Studios Gainax, Tatsunoko Production
Premiered Oct 4, 1995 to Mar 27, 1996
Source Original
MAL Score 8.331
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Yet another similar anime (we seem to be on a roll here J) to the previous two is “Neon Genesis Evangelion”. The name needs no introduction among anime fans. Oddly enough, the year is 2015 (!) when humanity faces an extinction event.

 

Creatures called ‘Angels’ are putting pressure on Earth-life. This leads to the founding of ‘Nerv’, a United Nations special agency that organizes the use of ‘Evangelions’ to counter the Angel threat.

 

Evangelions are powerful mecha-based robots that people ‘ride’ into battle. Just think ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ but with giant humanoid mechas versus humongous alien entities. Nerv chief Gendou Ikari is ever on the hunt for people who can ‘synchronize’ with the Evangelions that are yet to find ideal pilots.

 

Supporting the cause are: Tactical Operations Head Misato Katsuragi Chief Scientist Ritsuko Akagi. Entering all this is Shinji Ikari whose father committed a vast portion of his life to Nerv’s cause.

 

The boy has not seen his dad for several long years. At fourteen years old, he is whisked away to Nerv to urgently fulfill his ‘synchronized destiny’. He’s trained to handle ‘Evangelion Unit-01’.

 

Action, psychological drama, and what it means to be human are all themes well explored in this mega-hit anime series.

 

 

16. Parasyte: The Maxim

 

Parasyte: The Maxim

 

Entity Detail
Title Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Oct 9, 2014 to Mar 26, 2015
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.371
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

Also known as ‘Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu’, this anime is as horrifying as it is impressive. Parasite-aliens rule the narrative of this series. Burrowing into people’s brains, they eventually enslave nearly all of humanity.

 

They can fully control their hosts. These aliens can also shape-shift when they need to hunt select prey. A young student, Shinichi Izumi, enters the extraterrestrial fray. He soon becomes host to one of the aliens who are as surprised as he is when all it can take control of is his right hand.

 

The alien is yet to understand how it couldn’t take over Shinichi’s whole brain. Being parasitic, the alien latches onto his hand and stays there. The creature is even given a name, Migi.

 

Having to co-exist turns into a tricky deal because for Migi to survive he has to keep Shinichi safe from other hostile aliens. The aliens in the “Parasyte: The Maxim” anime intentionally target the boy because he’s proven to be a threat to their parasitic species.

 

 

17. Shingeki no Kyojin

 

Shingeki no Kyojin

 

Entity Detail
Title Shingeki no Kyojin
Type TV
Studios Production I.G, Wit Studio
Premiered Apr 7, 2013 to Sep 29, 2013
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.511
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

A similar plotline invades the “Shingeki no Kyojin” anime. The show’s more popular title is ‘Attack on Titan’. In it, creatures called ‘Titans’ have reigned for decades over a dwindling human species who are left sheltering behind a zone with concentric walls.

 

The humanoid monsters are truly terrifying because they seem to take pleasure from consuming human flesh. People have been surviving for a hundred years without once witnessing a Titan attack.

 

Then one day, the so-called impregnable walls are breached by one of these creatures, veritably sparking off the next phase of the war against these entities. Eren Yeager enlists in the military ‘Survey Corps’, and purely for personal reasons.

 

He lost loved ones to the recent Titan attack and now wants to fight back with every breath in his lungs. Accompanying him in this brilliant action-packed show are: childhood buddy Armin Arlert and adopted sister, Mikasa Ackerman.

 

Together, they and other characters must devise a way to defeat the new Titan before it gets past their final wall, at which point it will be curtains for the last surviving members of the human race.

 

 

18. Darling In The FranXX

 

Darling In The FranXX

 

Entity Detail
Title Darling in the FranXX
Type TV
Studios A-1 Pictures, Trigger, CloverWorks
Premiered Jan 13, 2018 to Jul 7, 2018
Source Original
MAL Score 7.291
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Colossal ‘Klaxosaurs’ have ensured a post-apocalyptic Earth, with humans experiencing an extinction event in the process. The handful of people who remain are now lodged inside walled zones called ‘Plantations’.

 

Within these safety-zones, certain children are raised. These kids are trained to become pilots of mecha-weapons called ‘FranXX’. These are the only machines capable of standing up against Klaxosaurs. They are piloted by a pair, always a boy and a girl.

 

Hiro is one such pilot but his having failed the aptitude test means he cannot enter a FranXX. Dejected, he skips his class graduation and heads to a forest lake to be alone with his thoughts.

 

A chance encounter connects him to a mysterious horned girl. Codename Zero Two thus meets Hiro. Despite being called a ‘Partner Killer’ she does not blink twice before entailing his help in a last-minute attempt to fight a Klaxosaur that has suddenly beset the Plantation.

 

It all starts when Zero Two’s FranXX meets with heavy damage and crashes near Hiro. Her partner dead, Zero Two insists that Hiro gets in the mecha with her to help finish off the Klaxosaur.

 

Thus begins a series of thrilling adventures, and romances, involving Hiro, Zero Two, and a plethora of other unforgettable characters in the “Darling In The FranXX” anime.

 

 

19. Claymore

 

Claymore

 

Entity Detail
Title Claymore
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Apr 4, 2007 to Sep 26, 2007
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.761
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

In the village where Raki lives, a ‘Youma’ makes itself known. These shape-shifter demons have a taste for human flesh. However, the village seems to have also attracted a guardian.

 

A sword-wielding woman with silver eyes comes to counter the Youma threat. She comes particularly designed to take on these monsters because she is a ‘Claymore’, half-human half-youma. Raki survives the Youma’s rampage but his family is not so fortunate.

 

One thing leads to another and he is banished from the village. Raki seeks out Claymore Clare, the village’s saviour, and follows her on her adventures. Together they journey from one town to another culling any Youma they find along the way.

 

Gradually, Raki learns about the Claymore and their code. He also learns that Clare has a specific Youma from which she is determined to exact vengeance in the “Claymore” anime.

 

 

20. Yona Of The Dawn

 

Yona Of The Dawn

 

Entity Detail
Title Akatsuki no Yona
Type TV
Studios Studio Pierrot
Premiered Oct 7, 2014 to Mar 24, 2015
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.041
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Also named ‘Akatsuki no Yona’, this anime tracks the life of Princess Yona who resides in the Kingdom of ‘Kouka’. She lives a life of peace, privilege, and luxury until the king (her father) is murdered by none other than her own cousin Su-won.

 

The deadly coup puts the man on the throne and leaves Yona fleeing for her life with Son Hak, her bodyguard and childhood friend. Gradually Yona learns and realizes that her land is filled with poverty and corruption.

 

She strives to reclaim her throne and do more for the people of Kouka. Out there, living like a fugitive, she grows from naïve to wise. A romantic bond develops between her and Son Hak in the “Yona Of The Dawn” anime.

 

But all is not calm. Her cousin is the new king and he is set on finding her and ending her life.

 

 

21. Angel Beats!

 

Angel Beats!

 

Entity Detail
Title Angel Beats!
Type TV
Studios P.A. Works
Premiered Apr 3, 2010 to Jun 26, 2010
Source Original
MAL Score 8.121
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Yuri, a girl with a rifle, informs a recently awoken Otonashi that he has died and is now in the Afterlife. All that Otonashi recalls is his name. He learns from Yuri that she and her fellow-soldiers are ever at war with a girl named Tenshi.

 

Yuri is part of the ‘Afterlife Battlefront’, aka ‘Shinda Sekai Sensen’. Otonashi, refusing to accept Tenshi’s evil nature just like that, ventures to communicate with the unknown girl. He meets with a terrible twist in the “Angel Beats!” anime.

 

His encounter with Tenshi is bad enough to make Otonashi join the Battlefront. All this despite him being unusually drawn to Tenshi, a feeling he explores as the show progresses.

 

He uncovers plenty of Afterlife mysteries while making slow progress in understanding Tenshi’s intentions. Otonashi also has a lifetime of lost memories to recall.

 

 

22. Goblin Slayer

 

Goblin Slayer

 

Entity Detail
Title Goblin Slayer
Type TV
Studios White Fox
Premiered Oct 7, 2018 to Dec 30, 2018
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.441
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

Being a goblin is not easy. Despite their cunning, ferocity, and capacity for reproduction, they’re considered the lowest class of monsters around. Assignments with more attractive bounties keeps adventurers from doing anything about the goblin menace.

 

These vile monsters raid locations and steal women for breeding purposes in the “Goblin Slayer” anime. A teenage Priestess named Onna Shinkan joins a band of adventurers. Together they go looking for a particular goblin band that has stolen several women from a village.

 

A ‘Porcelain-rank’ adventurer, Onna is certain that this mission is right up her alley. This is, after all, her first day. The group’s inexperience gets them ambushed in a cave.

 

Everyone but the Priestess perishes. Just when she loses all hope, the reputed ‘Goblin Slayer’ leaps to her rescue and annihilates the entire nest where Onna is held captive. The Slayer holds a ‘Silver-rank’ and is no stranger to helping the ‘Adventurer’s Guild’ with their goblin matters.

 

A Lizard-Man, dwarf, and high elf accompany the Goblin Slayer who has now added Priestess Onna to his band.

 

 

23. The Rising of the Shield Hero

 

The Rising of the Shield Hero

 

Entity Detail
Title Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari
Type TV
Studios Kinema Citrus
Premiered Jan 9, 2019 to Jun 26, 2019
Source Light novel
MAL Score 8.011
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

‘Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari’ is this show’s other name, and it holds a wealth of action value. From modern Japan, four ‘Cardinal Heroes’ are selected from among ordinary men and called to serve the kingdom of ‘Melromarc’.

 

For centuries, this place has endured the onslaught of the 'Waves of Catastrophe'. The Waves can only be vanquished using specific weapons, to be wielded by the four chosen saviors.

 

Armed thus with a shield, bow, spear, and sword, the four heroes set out to fulfil their duty to Melromarc. An otaku named Naofumi Iwatani is given the role of ‘Shield Hero’, and he is anything but personable.

 

His defensive and offensive skills are subpar. He is not easily paired with trainers, owing to his inferior skills. When Malty Melromarc takes up the task of being his mentor, Naofumi believes himself incredibly fortunate.

 

But she betrays him soon after, exposing a fallacy that Naofumi took advantage of her. Thus begins the wrongly accused Naofumi’s journey into the depths of distrust and back as he attempts to rebuild his image and skills from the ground up.

 

Roving the land solo is never a good idea, and so he purchases Raphtalia, a demi-human slave to go with him on his travels. Meanwhile, the Waves are getting closer to annihilating the kingdom in the “The Rising of the Shield Hero” anime.

 

It will require Naofumi to bring more than his A-game to save the very people who demeaned and discarded him.

 

 

24. Days

 

Days

 

Entity Detail
Title Days (TV)
Type TV
Studios MAPPA
Premiered Jul 2, 2016 to Dec 18, 2016
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.181
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

In a town called ‘Lawless’, Angelo Lagusa sees a tragedy unfold before his very eyes. The Vanetti family, with ties to the mafia, viciously murder his mother, father, and younger brother.

 

Having no choice but to go into hiding, Angelo leaves everything behind and dons the new name ‘Avilio Bruno’. It will be seven years before he returns to his hometown.

 

A mysterious letter bids him come over, its contents convincing enough to make him go. He learns that Nero, the Vanetti don’s son, is the man behind the letter. Apparently, Nero is seeking a friendship, or at least an alliance, for reasons he will soon share.

 

Avilio has not forgotten his need for vengeance, though. The “91 Days” anime is filled with enigma, action, blood-spill, and systematic revenge.

 

 

25. Elfen Lied

 

Elfin Lied

 

Entity Detail
Title Elfen Lied
Type TV
Studios Arms
Premiered Jul 25, 2004 to Oct 17, 2004
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.541
Duration 25 min. per ep.

 

A different breed of  human being is found in the “Elfin Lied” anime. The ‘Diclonius’ is a product of scientific experimentation that results in the child being born with invisible telekinetic hands and a short pair of horns.

 

The government’s immoral and inhumane operations in this regard earn them no public flak because everything is secret and classified. Upon the escape of their experiment, Lucy leaves behind a trail of blood in her efforts to break free from the confinement and mistreatment that she’s been subjected to.

 

She receives a serious head injury during her escape. As a result, she gains a split personality. One part is killer Lucy, the other is a child with limited communication skills.

 

When Lucy encounters Kouta and his cousin Yuka, she forms a bond. They, in turn, give her shelter with no knowledge about her true skills and origins. The government soon comes knocking, and the proverbial manure hits the fan.

 

 

26. Fire Force

 

Fire Force

 

Entity Detail
Title Enen no Shouboutai
Type TV
Studios David Production
Premiered Jul 6, 2019 to Dec 28, 2019
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.671
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

Also titled ‘Enen no Shouboutai’, this anime features people who turn into fiery monsters via acts of Spontaneous Human Combustion. These ‘Infernals’ are classified as first-gen entities. The next two generations are called ‘Pyrokinetics’, owing in large part to their ability to control their powers.

 

Allying against them are the Holy Church of Sol, the Tokyo Armed Forces, and the Fire Defense Agency. Among them, they concoct the ‘Special Fire Force’ comprising various Pyrokinetics to help find the cause for all the combustions.

 

Shinra “Devil’s Footprints” Kusakabe is a member of ‘Special Fire Force Company 8’. He eagerly takes to his duty to extinguish Infernals and bring them peace. The boy has great ambition and wants someday to be called a hero.

 

However, from the moment he joins the Force, Shinra realizes that they’re a mess of disputing brigades. Infernal sightings are growing ever more bizarre. And then there’s a secret group who claims to have the answers behind the fire that killed Shinra’s family twelve years ago.

 

Mysteries and action abound in the “Fire Force” anime.

 

 

27. Blood Lad

 

Blood Lad

 

Entity Detail
Title Blood Lad
Type TV
Studios Brain's Base
Premiered Jul 8, 2013 to Sep 9, 2013
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.301
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Vampires rule this anime’s narrative, and literally so. Staz Charlie Blood controls Demon World’s ‘Eastern district’ with intimidating power. Rumors of him pit him as blood-thirsty and ruthless. In truth, Staz is obsessed with otaku and adores Japanese culture.

 

He leaves his underlings to manage his holdings, and surprise, he does not drink blood at all. Games, manga, and anime are the three rules he lives by on a daily basis.

 

Coming into his world, quite literally so, using a portal is Fuyumi Yanagi. The girl becomes a game-changer in the “Blood Lad” anime. An attraction between Staz and the strange girl is on the verge of blooming.

 

But a territorial attack throws his romantic plans out the window. It results in Fuyumi’s death. He vows to resurrect her ghost, which is seen wandering forlornly around. Staz believes he’s going to finally realize his long-held dreams of visiting Earth.

 

He goes to find the magic that can bring people back from the dead. Accompanying him are a half-werewolf called Wolf and a spatial magician named Bell.

 

 

28. FLCL

 

FLCL

 

Entity Detail
Title FLCL
Type OVA
Studios Gainax, Production I.G
Premiered Apr 26, 2000 to Mar 16, 2001
Source Original
MAL Score 8.031
Duration 25 min. per ep.

 

An ordinary uneventful life. That’s what Naota Nandaba leads until Tasuku, his brother, takes off to America to play baseball. The older brother left plenty of stuff behind. Naota takes it upon himself to take care of Tasuku’s things.

 

The baseball-brother also left behind a girlfriend named Mamimi Samejima. She starts clinging to Naota, using him to fill his older brother’s void. The parents soon decide to let out Tasuku’s room.

 

Haruko Haruhara thus enters Naota’s life. Pink-haired, prone to bass guitar playing, and a bold Vespa rider, Haruko introduces a psychopath’s flair into Naota’s everyday schedule. It was bad enough she injured him with her Vespa, marking their first meeting.

 

A battle of wits and egos rises to the surface between the two in the “FLCL” anime and makes for thrilling viewing.

 

 

29. Dota 2: Dragon’s Blood

 

Dota2: Dragon’s Blood

 

If you are yet to dive into the brilliant online matchmaking game of Dota2, get on it right now. Obviously, this writer is hooked to the game, so it comes as no surprise that he’s already binge-watched the first-ever original anime series based on it.

 

Thank you, Netflix and Studio Mir, in collaboration with Valve of course. This action anime series also released in March 2021 and contains a wealth of fantasy and adventure elements.

 

The “Dota2: Dragon’s Blood” anime has some popular characters being carried over from in-game. We have Davion the ‘Dragon Knight’ in the lead role encountering an ancient ‘Eldwurm’ and battling ‘The Scourge’.

 

His character arc in this brilliant show merges with those of other characters like Mirana (who has her own secret mission), Invoker (who ends the series on a superb cliff-hanger), Terrorblade (the bad guy), Luna (aka ‘The Scourge’ mentioned earlier I’m obsessed with this character in the game).

 

And a divine entry (not an in-game playable character): Selemene, the Goddess of the Moon.

 

 

30. God Eater

 

God Eater

 

Entity Detail
Title God Eater
Type TV
Studios ufotable
Premiered Jul 12, 2015 to Mar 26, 2016
Source Game
MAL Score 7.261
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

The show’s narrative is set in the year 2071. Maneaters called ‘Aragami’ roam the post-apocalyptic Earth. The usual weapons are ineffective against these creatures. As a consequence, they have ended up making an extinction event worse by ravaging what remains of the land in the “God Eater” anime.

 

In an eleventh-hour attempt to fight them and save what’s left of humankind, an organization called ‘Fenrir’ rises to the Aragami challenge. Select people are infused with ‘Oracle Cells’ to become ‘God Eaters’.

 

These super-powered people can then use specialized weapons called ‘God Arcs’ to fight the monsters destroying their world. Lenka Utsugi is one such God Eater. He enjoys the distinction of being the only one of his kind who can wield both a blade and a gun as his God Arc.

 

He goes about learning to master his weapon to deal a decisive death-blow to the Aragami, who don’t seem to stop populating the planet with more of their kind.

 

 

31. Blood Blockade Battlefront

 

Blood Blockade Battlefront

 

Entity Detail
Title Kekkai Sensen
Type TV
Studios Bones
Premiered Apr 5, 2015 to Oct 4, 2015
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.631
Duration 26 min. per ep.

 

This anime’s original title is ‘Kekkai Sensen’. If you thought only people were the prime focus in this show, you’d be dead wrong. Fishman who can talk, monkeys with supersonic powers, and vampires are all present and accounted for.

 

New York City has been renamed ‘Hellsalem’s Lot’. All this began a few years ago when a portal opened connecting Earth and a realm ‘Beyond’. Trapped in an unbreakable bubble, humans and otherworldly entities now have to co-exist.

 

A secret society comprising super-powered people and eccentrics pool their resources into ‘Libra’, which is the only real ‘government’ in this new way of life. They work to keep the chaos around them from spreading to other parts of the world.

 

Entering all this is Leonardo Watch, a photography hobbyist who, along with his parents and sister, experience dark life-changes in the “Blood Blockade Battlefront” anime. Leonardo’s sister goes blind when her brother comes into possession of the ‘All-seeing Eyes of the Gods’.

 

He never asked for these powers. Leo aims to restore his sister’s sight and thus heads to Hellsalem’s Lot to figure out the source of the ‘Eyes’. Before long, the young man finds himself joining Libra’s ranks and experiences strange and perilous misadventures.

 

 

32. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan

 

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan

 

Entity Detail
Title Nurarihyon no Mago
Type TV
Studios Studio Deen
Premiered Jul 6, 2010 to Dec 21, 2010
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.641
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Also called ‘Nurarihyon no Mago’, this anime tracks the life and times of half-boy half-youkai Rikuo Nura. Chief of the diverse ‘Nuka Clan’, Rikuo only knows them as family. But the rest of the world seems to consider the clan members monsters.

 

Rikuo finds himself with one foot in both worlds and unable to fully implement his desire to live a normal life. At Rikou’s school, all sorts of isolationism and bullying take place.

 

Things do not improve for the youkai-boy. The show puts him alongside: youkai attendant Tsurara Oikawa bestie Kiyotsugu who adores all things youkai and strives to prove their existence Onmyouji Yura Keikain and sundry rival youkai.

 

Being grandson to the legendary Nurarihyon is not helping Rikuo find the normalcy he desperately seeks in the “Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan” anime.

 

 

33. K

 

K

 

Entity Detail
Title K
Type TV
Studios GoHands
Premiered Oct 5, 2012 to Dec 28, 2012
Source Original
MAL Score 7.481
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Possessing unique supernatural powers, ‘Kings’ go about recruiting super-powered individuals into their varied clans. Not only do they protect their members’ honour but also their lives. In the “K” anime, the ‘Red Clansman’ is brutally murdered, and a video of his culling goes viral.

 

One thing leads to another and the innocent Yashiro Isana is accused of the crime. He’s become a fugitive from the law and is forced to side with Kurou “Black Dog” Yatogami.

 

Owing allegiance to the late ‘Seventh King’, Kurou helps out worthy causes using his martial arts and sword skills. Currently in power is Mikoto Suou, the ‘Red King’. A grand conspiracy gradually comes to light as the hunt for Yashiro grows earnest.

 

A great war seems imminent, one between the ruling class and an enemy whose origins are frightfully hidden.

 

 

34. Problem Children Are Coming from Another World, Aren't They?

 

Problem Children Are Coming from Another World, Aren't They?

 

Entity Detail
Title Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?
Type TV
Studios Diomedéa
Premiered Jan 12, 2013 to Mar 16, 2013
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.521
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

A mystery invite to a place called ‘Little Garden’ draws three teenage girls into a world of magic and enigma. Asuka Kudou, Izayoi Sakamaki, and You Kasukabe already have psychic powers but they never foresaw the events that would unfold once they accepted the strange invite.

 

The anime is also called ‘Mondaiji-Tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?’. In it, someone named Kurousagi introduces them to a psychic-based high-stakes game. The girls are tasked with joining a community before partaking in the games.

 

This community, aka ‘No Names’, lost all its lands and status when a demon lord defeated its members in a game. Now, the girls team up and work toward helping this community regain their lost dignity.

 

Plenty of excitement and thrills await them in Little Garden, to say nothing of the serpentine perils.

 

 

35. Strike The Blood

 

Strike The Blood

 

Entity Detail
Title Strike the Blood
Type TV
Studios SILVER LINK., Connect
Premiered Oct 4, 2013 to Mar 28, 2014
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.101
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Residing on Itogami Island’s ‘Demon District’ is not always dull and boring. Kojou Akatsuki learns that the ‘vampiric' way when he adopts certain special abilities following a dark encounter. News goes out that he is the ‘fourth primogenitor’.

 

This puts Kojou in a serious position, because without any forewarning he’s now a ‘vampire of legend’, and a powerful one at that. His danger is great enough to warrant death.

 

And so the ‘Lion King Organization’ (no affiliation to the Disney movie J) dispatches Yukina Himeragi, an apprentice sword-shaman. Yukina’s initial mission is to observe Kojou’s threat level and do the needful if or when called for.

 

The tables turn when the two of them end up allying with one another to take on the city’s negative elements together. The “Strike The Blood” anime is a lesson in learning more about someone before passing judgment.

 

It portrays themes of power and unconventional friendships.

 

 

36. The Familiar Of Zero

 

The Familiar Of Zero

 

Entity Detail
Title Zero no Tsukaima
Type TV
Studios J.C.Staff
Premiered Jul 3, 2006 to Sep 25, 2006
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.291
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

This anime’s alternative name is ‘Zero no Tsukaima’, and it is quite the thrill-fest to watch. The main mage character is named Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière. And if you think that’s a mouthful check out the plotline.

 

Royals, cloaks, and wands rule the show’s theme. Louise pursues her magical studies at the reputed ‘Tristain Academy’ but she is far from competent when it comes to spellcasting. Little wonder why her classmates dub her ‘Louise the Zero’.

 

One of her first summoning rituals in the “The Familiar Of Zero” anime results in a terrible explosion. Everything quickly changes when a boy called Saito Hiraga emerges from the smoke.

 

This entity is, in actuality, a familiar, and it becomes Louise’s duty to put him to work. He’s essentially treated like a slave and made to perform menial tasks for Louise.

 

Before long, she finds a mark on his head that she later learns makes this seemingly harmless boy-familiar a powerful one named ‘Gandalfr’ (no relation to Tolkien’s famous wizard J).

 

It starts to look like Louise’s ‘Zero’ days are coming to an end.

 

 

37. Afro Samurai

 

Afro Samurai

 

Entity Detail
Title Afro Samurai
Type TV
Studios Gonzo
Premiered May 3, 2007 to May 4, 2007
Source Original
MAL Score 7.361
Duration 27 min. per ep.

 

As a young boy, Afro sees his father being murdered by another man known simply as ‘Justice’. All this over a headband that apparently bestows god-like powers on the one who wears it.

 

Justice thus drops his lesser band and takes the ‘Number One’ band that belonged to Afro’s father. It will be several years before Afro gets his hands on the ‘Number Two’ band and feels ready to challenge his father’s killer.

 

Afro realizes that challenging Justice is indeed reserved exclusively to him now that he has the specific band to do so. However, anyone in the world can try and beat him in turn, so they can claim his Number Two band for themselves.

 

Afro is beset with an assortment of obstacles and trials on the road to vengeance and closure.

 

 

38. Devilman: Crybaby

 

Devilman: Crybaby

 

Entity Detail
Title Devilman: Crybaby
Type ONA
Studios Science SARU
Premiered 2018-01-05
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.811
Duration 25 min. per ep.

 

Living hosts and the devils who use them to take a physical form play core roles in the “Devilman: Crybaby” anime. However, if the living host in question has a will strong enough to beat the demon that’s trying to wrest control, then that person becomes a ‘Devilman’.

 

The soft and sentimental Akira Fudou enters the scene. He’s unable to refuse his friend, Ryou Asuka, when he asks for aid uncovering devils in the city. A party is their next stop and one that has 'degenerate' written all over it. ‘Sabbath’ is a delinquent’s dream-party.

 

Circumstances get out of control when demons overtake the place and turn everyone into monsters. Plenty of blood is shed as the party-goers turned creatures go on a rampage. Akira finds himself in a desperate situation to save his best buddy.

 

He has no clue when or how he merged with the demon Amon. Using his newfound ‘Devilman’ powers, he defeats the rest of the entities at Sabbath. Entire worlds of feeling and desire are awoken inside Akira as a result of his demonic merge.

 

He remains a sweet and soft person at heart, a crybaby if you will. Armed with his new form and the same old spirit, he teams up with Ryou to help others overcome their demon problems.

 

 

39. Vinland Saga

 

Vinland Saga

 

Entity Detail
Title Vinland Saga
Type TV
Studios Wit Studio
Premiered Jul 8, 2019 to Dec 30, 2019
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.721
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

There’s a place of legend called ‘Vinland’ that old sailors tell stories of. Thorfinn grew up listening to these, and thus grew inspired to find it himself. For all intents and purposes, Vinland seems to be a place of peace and plenty, a regular utopia.

 

Thorfinn’s Icelandic native is a far cry from such an ideal location. In the “Vinland Saga” anime, Thorfinn’s life as a mercenary sits ill at ease with his dreams of reaching Vinland.

 

Whatever his father told him before the man was murdered seems a lie to him now that he’s actually all grown up and seeing the world for the terrible place it is.

 

The Danes and the British are ever at war and Viking mercenaries are growing fat off both their efforts to win. To choose just one side would mean total victory for that faction.

 

This puts Thorfinn and his fellow mercenaries in a powerful negotiating position. Thorfinn also has a self-appointed mission: to find the man who killed his father, a man named Askeladd.

 

Will Viking Thorfinn escape the endless cycle of war and death? Will he finally find Vinland and be at peace with himself?

 

 

40. Gangsta

 

Gangsta

 

Entity Detail
Title Gangsta.
Type TV
Studios Manglobe
Premiered Jul 2, 2015 to Sep 24, 2015
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.401
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

Mercenaries for hire play potent parts in the “Gangsta” anime. Two such ‘Handymen’ in ‘Ergastalum City’ are Nicholas Brown and Worick Arcangelo. Police and crime syndicates alike hire their services out, like the time they tasked the two men with taking out a pimp.

 

Alex Benedetto is a prostitute who also comes under their line of fire, but the men add her to their ranks instead. They found her innocent and the victim of higher powers, and wish to safely get her out of the city.

 

But the mercenaries have their own problems, especially pertaining to their faction. The city used to be home to ‘Twilights’, people with super-human abilities. A specialized drug helps them find said powers.

 

The Twilights are now rising to the surface and against the city’s syndicates. This spells war and the Handymen realize they’re going to be caught smack in the middle of it.

 

 

41. Accel World

 

Accel World

 

Entity Detail
Title Accel World
Type TV
Studios Sunrise
Premiered Apr 7, 2012 to Sep 22, 2012
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.281
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Overweight and bullied, middle-schooler Haruyuki Arita relies on online games to find solace. When he discovers that someone named Kuroyukihime has overcome his high scores, he is not happy. This is the same girl who’s student council vice president at his school and is rather popular too.

 

He takes up her invite to the student lounge where Haruyuki is introduced to ‘Brain Burst’, a tech-program that raises a person’s brain waves to the extent when time itself seems to stop.

 

Essentially an augmented reality fighting game, players must win duels with other players to gain more brain wave acceleration. Losing all of one’s points means a forever-ban from the world of Brain Burst.

 

Kuroyukihime reveals that she brought Haruyuki on board purely because she needs his help with something. She aims to meet the game’s creator and learn his reasons for creating the game in the first place.

 

But she needs to defeat the ‘Six Kings of Pure Colour’ who are elite Brain Burst gamers. This will take her to level 10, the highest in-game. The girl in turn helps Haruyuki with his bullying issues at school.

 

It’s a win-win as they team up to take on some serious gamers in the action-packed “Accel World” anime.

 

 

42. Kill La Kill

 

Kill La Kill

 

Entity Detail
Title Kill la Kill
Type TV
Studios Trigger
Premiered Oct 4, 2013 to Mar 28, 2014
Source Original
MAL Score 8.081
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

The murder of her father sets Ryuuko Matoi on a quest to find his killer. A portion of her dad’s invention has also gone missing. Using that as her lead, she seeks out the other part of the ‘Scissor Blade’.

 

This brings her to the doors of a distinct high school. ‘Honnouji Academy’ is under Satsuki Kiryuuin’s cold rule. The student council president runs the show with the ‘Elite Four’.

 

The hierarchy at the school is ruthless. Satsuki bestows ‘Goku Uniforms’ on top students. It gives them superhuman powers. Ryuuko finds herself less than a match for one of these students and is forced to retreat to her destroyed home, but not before she gets the Scissor Blade back.

 

Back home, she inadvertently runs into a man called Senketsu, aka ‘God Clothes’, a sentient ‘Kamui’ entity. Ryuuko is bleeding when she arrives home, drawing the entity to her. By latching on to her, he lends her amazing abilities that Ryuuko gradually learns to use.

 

When she is ready, she heads back to Honnouji Academy to end the tyranny of the Elite Four. Ryuuko knows this will gain her access to Satsuki. She alone holds the answer to who murdered Ryuuko’s father.

 

 

43. Black Lagoon

 

Black Lagoon

 

Entity Detail
Title Black Lagoon
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Apr 9, 2006 to Jun 25, 2006
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.041
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

A city known for its crime and depravity (within the “Black Lagoon” anime’s narrative), Roanapur in Thailand is as corrupt as they come. Delinquents and local crime syndicates suffuse the metropolis, and even church officials are not exempt from the claws of corruption.

 

Rokurou Okajima has so far been living a boring life. Until the Japanese businessman is sent on a delivery trip to Southeast Asia. A mercenary group operating out of Roanapur captures him.

 

Known simply as the Black Lagoon, this group plans to use Rokurou as a negotiating chip. Whatever bargain they wanted fails to come through. His former employer’s abandonment leads Rokurou into Black Lagoon’s fold.

 

Plenty of bloody trials and tribulations await him now that he’s part of the cutthroat group. Virtue and morality come under heavy question in this high-octane thriller anime in which a businessman turns mercenary.

 

 

44. Baccano!

 

Baccano!

 

Entity Detail
Title Baccano!
Type TV
Studios Brain's Base
Premiered Jul 27, 2007 to Nov 2, 2007
Source Light novel
MAL Score 8.401
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

The ‘Flying Pussyfoot’ transcontinental train is embarking on its infamous voyage in 1930s Chicago. It will leave a trail of death and destruction. Meanwhile, seeking immortality elixir bottles in New York is Szilard, an ambitious scientist.

 

His aide Ennis, who often wishes he were somewhere else, accompanies him in the search. Mafia groups in the nation are ever at war with one another, adding to the chaos and confusion in the “Baccano!” anime.

 

Back in 1711, Advena Avis hosts a handful of alchemists who prove that playing with immortality is never a good idea. Varied timelines and characters suffuse this action-packed anime. All their stories connect in interesting ways.

 

Themes surrounding immortality, alchemy, and survival are inter-linked in the series. Isaac and Miria are two particular characters who bridge several others in the show. The would-be thieves have captivating story arcs that result in the forging of bonds as well as consequences.

 

 

45. Gurren Lagann

 

Gurren Lagann

 

Entity Detail
Title Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Type TV
Studios Gainax
Premiered Apr 1, 2007 to Sep 30, 2007
Source Original
MAL Score 8.651
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Hidden from the surface world is a deep underground village. Simon and Kamina call this place home. The boys are quite distinct from one another. Whereas Kamina is an ambitious loose cannon Simon is as timid as he is reserved.

 

During an excavation, Simon discovers what he later learns is an ancient artifact of war, specifically an ‘ignition key’. The boys refer to this key as ‘Lagann’. When the surface people suddenly attack their underground world, the two boys use the key to put up an adequate defense.

 

Accompanying them in the “Gurren Lagann” anime is Yoko Littner, a surface-dweller and skilled gun wielder who’s as hot-blooded as her red hair. The surface was supposedly a wasteland but when Kamina and Simon spot the blue sky now open above, they decide to go exploring with Yoko.

 

Using powerful machines called ‘Gunmen’, they wage battle against the ‘Beastmen’ who have proven to be a thorn in humanity’s side in this post-apocalyptic narrative. There’s a major mystery in the pipeline for the main characters to solve as they explore more of the unknown world above.

 

 

46. Btooom!

 

Btooom!

 

Entity Detail
Title Btooom!
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Oct 4, 2012 to Dec 20, 2012
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.351
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Being the best ‘Btooom!’ player in Japan does not make up for Ryouta Sakamoto’s real-life problems. He is an unemployed young man who resides with his mother and has but one accomplishment to his name.

 

When he suddenly finds himself stranded on an island, with no memory of how he arrived there, and in possession of a green crystal embedded in his left arm, Ryouta justifiably panics.

 

He knows where he is in the “Btooom!” anime. He is in a real-life version of the game he has aced. The stakes are life or death, and Ryouta is armed with a specialized bag of bombs called ‘BIMs’.

 

Seven fellow participants are similarly armed and tasked with taking one another out and reclaiming their crystals. This is the only way the final survivor will return home. Ryouta’s initial pacifist nature is forced into one of aggression as other players prove non-cooperative.

 

Befriending fellow-player Himiko, Ryoutas seek a way off the island. Meanwhile, they also strive to figure out the cause and consequence of this real-life version of the ‘Btooom!’ game.

 

 

47. Tokyo Ravens

 

Tokyo Ravens

 

Entity Detail
Title Tokyo Ravens
Type TV
Studios 8bit
Premiered Oct 9, 2013 to Mar 26, 2014
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.491
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

A fictional Second World War Japan prevails in the “Tokyo Ravens” anime. The people in it use a war-winning technique of magic called ‘Onmyoudou’ against demons. But the nation is beset with the ‘Great Spiritual Disaster’, an annihilation event caused by the Onmyouji Yakou Tsuchimikado.

 

To counter the rising demon threat, the ‘Onmyou Agency’ is established. Over the years, the agency has evolved. It has branched out into technology and medicine, to name two sectors.

 

The magic used in the series is not accessible to everyone, though. The Tsuchimikado family’s own Harutora is a fine example of that. There exists an old family-promise to safeguard Natsume, the so-called reincarnation of Yakou, and the Tsuchimikado family heir.

 

But Harutora seems to be devoid of any talent worth highlighting in this regard. He chooses a simple life. Circumstances grow worse when an Onmyou Agency member attempts to re-create the magical disaster of the past.

 

Harutora is forced to ignite the family promise and do his duty by Natsume.

 

 

48. Deadman Wonderland

 

Deadman Wonderland

 

Entity Detail
Title Deadman Wonderland
Type TV
Studios Manglobe
Premiered Apr 17, 2011 to Jul 3, 2011
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.201
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Ganta Igarashi and his class are gearing up for a fun field trip to ‘Deadman Wonderland’, a fancy name given to a prison amusement park. The place is designed to use inmates as entertainers who carry out daring and often dangerous acts for visitors.

 

A strange man in red upsets everything when he massacres Ganta’s entire class. Circumstances lead to Ganta being convicted for the crime and incarcerated in the self-same jail. Bizarre powers and sadistic criminals abound in the “Deadman Wonderland” anime.

 

Only by winning their sick games can Ganta stay alive. In this way, he ensures that a techno-collar on his person does not reach its ‘deadline’ due to consistent losses. He shares the same jail as the ‘Red Man’, who is the source of all his grief. What will Ganta do if/when he finds him?

 

 

49. Dororo

 

Dororo

 

Entity Detail
Title Dororo
Type TV
Studios Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
Premiered Jan 7, 2019 to Jun 24, 2019
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.211
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Daigo Kagemitsu’s nation is facing absolute ruin. The greedy samurai turns to the only recourse he knows, demons. Renouncing Buddha, Daigo forges a demonic pact with twelve demons who exact a price for each boost to his prefecture’s development.

 

The samurai’s first son, Hyakkimaru, is thus ‘cursed’. The infant lacks skin, nose, ears, limbs, and eyes, but lives. The child is thrown in the river only to be rescued by a medicine man.

 

The man fixes the child using prosthetics and weapons that will help him survive. The “Dororo” anime gets quite dark when least expected. Without any of his senses, the child has to find a way to defeat the demons that cursed him so.

 

With each one he kills, he regains the natural elements that were stolen from him. An orphan boy named Dororo, soon starts to accompany Hyakkimaru in his travels. Together they roam around fighting for their lives in a world that has gone to the demons.

 

 

50. Black Bullet

 

Black Bullet

 

Entity Detail
Title Black Bullet
Type TV
Studios Kinema Citrus, Orange
Premiered Apr 8, 2014 to Jul 1, 2014
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.141
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

The year is 2021, for real, that’s the year used in the “Black Bullet” anime. And oddly enough, a virus named ‘Gastrea’ is rampant, turning people into monsters. ‘Monolith walls’ are the last hope of defense for struggling humankind.

 

These walls are made of a material called ‘Varanium’ that has proven harmful to the virus. That, and the ‘Cursed Children’, who have shown remarkable supernatural abilities sourcing from trace quantities of the virus inside them.

 

These kids are exclusively female and are supported by the ‘Tendo Civil Security’. The organization labels them ‘Initiators’ and provides them with protection partners called ‘Promoters’. The latter double as guides, because the children are just that, children.

 

They need support and guidance no matter their powers. Together, they face perilous odds during an assortment of missions to defeat the Gastrea virus, or at least keep it at bay.

 

The story primarily focuses on Initiator Enju Aihara and Promoter Satomi Rentaro who partner up on varied missions inside Tokyo.

 

 

51. Inuyasha

 

Inuyasha

 

Entity Detail
Title InuYasha
Type TV
Studios Sunrise
Premiered Oct 16, 2000 to Sep 13, 2004
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.851
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

In this series that needs no introduction, a demon drags a hapless teenage girl into another realm. The source of this inter-dimensional transit is the ‘Bone-Eaters Well’, which stands in the Shinto shrine on the girl’s family property.

 

The girl is Kagome and she gets kidnapped by a centipede demon. In the new world where she appears, plenty of parties are out seeking the ‘Shikon Jewel’, which later comes to be revealed as being reborn inside Kagome.

 

The girl also fulfills the truth that she’s the reincarnation of Priestess Kikyo, the previous priestess of the village near which she arrives. The world that Kagome finds herself in is actually 500 years in Japan’s past, particularly the ruthless ‘Sengoku period’.

 

A battle with a villainous demon shatters the Shikon Jewel, leading Kagome to Inuyasha. This hybrid dog-demon-human sets out with her to find the shards before evil parties get to them first.

 

Accompanying them are Shippo, a fox-demon Sango, a skilled demon slayer Miroku, a clever monk. Putting aside differences, upholding friendship and love, discovering spiritual and supernatural connections, and fighting the dark forces of feudal Japan all feature prominently in the “Inuyasha” anime.

 

 

52. Rurouni Kenshin

 

Rurouni Kenshin

 

Entity Detail
Title Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
Type TV
Studios Gallop, Studio Deen
Premiered Jan 10, 1996 to Sep 8, 1998
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.301
Duration 25 min. per ep.

 

In the “Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan” anime, fans are taken into the tail end of Japan’s ‘Bakumatsu Era’. Hitokiri Battousai is as feared as his legend. At the Japanese Revolution’s peak, this powerful and reputed assassin disappeared.

 

Even though a decade has passed, war veterans still quake at the mention of his name. The man is most certainly not dead but atoning for his sins and crimes.

 

Hitokiri now lives as a wandering happy-go-lucky swordsman named Kenshin Himura. His protection of the weak and helpless gains him another sort of repute. Meanwhile, Kaoru Kamiya owns her own kendo dojo.

 

An imposter who claims himself to be Battousai threatens the place. Kenshin lends his aid there and earns a prolonged welcome and accommodation at Kaoru’s dojo. This series tracks the life of a man seeking redemption but whose past and talents refuse to let him sleep at ease.

 

 

53. Chivalry of a Failed Knight

 

Chivalry of a Failed Knight

 

Entity Detail
Title Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry
Type TV
Studios SILVER LINK., Nexus
Premiered Oct 3, 2015 to Dec 19, 2015
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.491
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

Also called ‘Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry’, this anime has a distinct plotline. It contains characters who can make powerful weapons from people’s souls. These so-called ‘Blazers’ earn their education and training in this art at the reputed ‘Hagun Academy’.

 

Once they graduate, they attain the title ‘Mage-Knight’. Entering the narrative is super-fail student Ikki Kurogane, who happens to possess a unique status. He is the academy’s only F-rated pupil.

 

Ikki encounters A-rated Princess Stella Vermillion, who also studies there. Their meeting occurs on an unintentionally personal note – he sees her undressed. One thing leads to another and Stella challenges Ikki to a magical duel.

 

The loser agrees to become the winner’s slave. Despite his low skills at the academy, a proud Ikki adopts Stella’s challenge. Circumstances bloom with Ikki gaining wisdom and making new friends, all the while striving to surpass his ‘weak Blazer’ image.

 

 

54. Trigun

 

Trigun

 

Entity Detail
Title Trigun
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Apr 1, 1998 to Sep 30, 1998
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.231
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Imagine having a $60,000,000,000 bounty on your head. One man does. Called ‘Vash the Stampede’ or ‘The Humanoid Typhoon’, this man goes around levelling cities just for the heck of it.

 

And he does worse to people who stand against him. People are terrified to meet him and when they do, they are even more scared that they might accidentally make eye contact with Vash.

 

He kills people for less, or so the rumour goes. In truth, this one man is one big softie with a painful past. He claims he avoids violence where he can.

 

In the “Trigun” anime, Vash roves ‘Planet Gunsmoke’ and encounters the craziest moments. A couple of insurance agents, Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, track him just to ensure that his societal impact is kept as minimal as possible.

 

Vash exhibits an eccentric obsession for donuts and has an attitude that is both quirky and peculiar. Renowned assassins emerge and are assigned the mission of eliminating not only Vash but also the agents chasing him.

 

 

55. D.Gray-Man

 

D.Gray-Man

 

Entity Detail
Title D.Gray-man
Type TV
Studios TMS Entertainment
Premiered Oct 3, 2006 to Sep 30, 2008
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.041
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

Nearly everyone who has lost a loved one has wished they could find a way to resurrect them. In the “D. Gray-Man” anime, fans saw a certain ‘Millennium Earl’ doing just that.

 

He needs the resurrected souls of the dead to craft varied machines known as ‘Akuma’. Once each soul has been trapped in an Akuma, the only way to release them is through exorcism.

 

There’s a counter-weapon expressly made for this purpose, and it’s called ‘Innocence’. Allen Walker has spent three years playing disciple for General Cross. He makes his way to the ‘Black Order’, an Exorcist organization founded for the sole purpose of putting a stop to Millennium Earl’s malign machinations.

 

One of Allen’s arms becomes an Innocent anti-Akuma tool while one of his eyes gains the ability to perceive the tormented souls within Akuma machines. Together, Allen and his fellow Exorcists must thwart a scheme by the Earl that has the potential to annihilate the world.

 

 

56. Black Butler

 

Black Butler

 

Entity Detail
Title Kuroshitsuji
Type TV
Studios A-1 Pictures
Premiered Oct 3, 2008 to Mar 27, 2009
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.711
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Known as the ‘Queen’s Guard Dog’, Ciel Phantomhive is as young as he is cunning. The era in the “Black Butler” anime (aka ‘Kuroshitsuji’) is Victorian England. Ciel is aided in almost every way by his loyal butler Sebastian Michaelis.

 

There has always been something enigmatic and supernatural about the butler. The man’s a demon whom Ciel made a contract with during one of his darkest life-moments. Ciel yearned for vengeance against those who wronged him and knew that only supernatural aid could help him achieve that.

 

Practically savoring the ‘soul meal’ to come at the end of the contract, Sebastian dutifully and diligently carries out every order from Ciel, his master for now. A homosexual aspect pervades the show’s narrative, specifically between the boy and the butler.

 

 

57. Drifters

 

Drifters

 

Entity Detail
Title Drifters
Type TV
Studios Hoods Drifters Studio
Premiered Oct 7, 2016 to Dec 23, 2016
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.921
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

The year is 1600 and Toyohisa Shimazu is immersed in the ‘Battle of Sekigahara’. They’re in retreat and Toyohisa, who comprises the rearguard, is gravely wounded. Suddenly, he’s in a white hallway with hundreds of doors and a stern man named Murasaki.

 

He’s promptly pulled into a world entirely different from his in the “Drifters” anime. In this new land, a vast assortment of fantasy creatures abound. Toyohisa even sees long-dead warriors from his own history alive and moving around in this strange place.

 

Even here, there is great political unrest. Toyohisa learns as much from the great warlord Nobunaga Oda whom he befriends. He also joins forces with renowned archer Yoichi Suketaka Nasu.

 

He finds himself part of a corps called the ‘Drifters’ and they fight entities called the ‘Ends’. The latter is directly responsible for creating the ‘Orte Empire’. It has become a thorn in the side of Drifters everywhere on this otherworldly continent.

 

Elves and demi-humans are constantly under threat of death. It is up to Toyohisa and his newfound allies to bring much-needed peace and order to this strange land.

 

 

58. Guilty Crown

 

Guilty Crown

 

Entity Detail
Title Guilty Crown
Type TV
Studios Production I.G
Premiered Oct 14, 2011 to Mar 23, 2012
Source Original
MAL Score 7.481
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

The year is 2039. Japan’s future sees an outbreak of the ‘Apocalypse Virus’ (interesting Covid-19 link, though not so alarming). It has been ten years since it broke out and GHQ is the new ‘government’; technically a military corps.

 

The pandemic is bizarrely called ‘Lost Christmas’. Freedom fighters counter the oppressive regime in the show’s narrative. One such rebel guerrilla group is called ‘Funeral Parlour’ and is led by Gai Tsutsugami.

 

When one of its members, Inori Yuzuriha, encounters a particularly anti-social weakling called Shuu Ouma during one of his missions, the plot performs a supernatural twist. In the “Guilty Crown” anime, fans see Shuu gaining the ‘Power of Kings’.

 

It lets him extract the personality, or ‘voids’, from anyone in the form of visible manifestations. Shuu’s stuck with this talent, and he needs to master it fast if he’s to help Japan in its fight against the despots in power.

 

Shuu has to pay a large price for all this, though.

 

 

59. Highschool of the Dead

 

Highschool of the Dead

 

Entity Detail
Title Highschool of the Dead
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Jul 5, 2010 to Sep 20, 2010
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.111
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

When the dead abruptly rise up from their graves, Japan is thrown into a state of utter confusion and horror. The undead start to hound a high school wherein a hapless Takashi Kimuro is faced with a heartbreaking obligation.

 

His best friend has been bitten and soon will become one of the undead. Takashi has no choice but to kill him. His bestie’s girlfriend, Rei Miyamoto, finds herself alone.

 

Takashi vows to protect her and escape the school alive. But all of society has been ‘turned’. Takashi and Rei are left seeking other live humans. They are trying to find any other students in the school who have not turned into zombies yet.

 

Slowly a team starts to form, and they rove around searching for others as well as lost family and friends. They also deem it necessary to find out what triggered the undead pandemic (dead-demic J).

 

Comprising the group in the “Highschool of the Dead” anime are some interesting characters: firearms fetishist Kouta Hirano Kendo Club president Saeko Busujima the hot school nurse Shizuka Marikawa and a powerful politician’s daughter Saya Takagi.

 

 

60. Darker than Black

 

Darker than Black

 

Entity Detail
Title Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha
Type TV
Studios Bones
Premiered Apr 6, 2007 to Sep 28, 2007
Source Original
MAL Score 8.101
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

You’ll also find this show going by the name ‘Kuro no Keiyakusha’. It has a side-story and a sequel that follows this title. South America is home to a ‘Heaven’s Gate’.

 

Meanwhile, Japan has a ‘Hell Gate’. It has been ten years since these two supernatural portals appeared. They defy all logic and science. It got worse when the world soon hosted ‘Contractors’.

 

These former humans gave up their precious natures for a handful of paranormal abilities. Around Japan’s Hell Gate, Misaki Kirihara plays the role of ‘Section 4’ Chief. She does not get along with Hei, a notorious contractor aka ‘Black Reaper’.

 

Hei has been known to fulfil dastardly missions for the ‘Syndicate’, the latest among them being word of a conspiracy against the Contractors. The “Darker than Black” anime is a sci-fi thriller that takes perilous circumstances to a whole other level.

 

 

61. Psycho-Pass

 

Psycho-Pass

 

Entity Detail
Title Psycho-Pass
Type TV
Studios Production I.G
Premiered Oct 12, 2012 to Mar 22, 2013
Source Original
MAL Score 8.371
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

This series unfolds in the 22nd century. The ‘Sibyl System’ in Japan has brought every citizen under its threat scanner. Does this or that person harbour criminal intent? This is what inspired the ‘Psycho-Pass’, which marks them as normal or dangerous.

 

In the “Psycho-Pass” anime, an almost Orwellian system reigns supreme. The ‘Inspectors’ are as cruel as they are lethal, and the ‘Enforcers’ serve as the unwilling hand of the so-called law.

 

With her sincere desire for justice, Akane Tsunemori finds herself in dark and treacherous waters in this narrative. Working with veteran Enforcer Shinya Kougami exposes Akane to the flaws in the System.

 

Her fellow Inspectors seem to know what she knows, but have apparently accepted the way of things. Refusing to give in, Akane tries to figure out how her personal ideals and beliefs are possibly going to survive this sea of corruption.

 

 

62. No Game No Life

 

No Game No Life

 

Entity Detail
Title No Game No Life
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Apr 9, 2014 to Jun 25, 2014
Source Light novel
MAL Score 8.151
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

This show, from start to finish, is a bizarre comedy. No Game No Life is a type of anime that can be enjoyed by anyone and it perfect for weekend binging.

 

That’s what makes it memorable and popular. Siblings Sora and Shiro want to meet the as-yet-unknown online gaming duo known simply as ‘Blank’. An email arrives, challenging the siblings to a game of chess.

 

They see the whole world as one big game anyway, so they accept the mysterious summons. Before long, they are dragged into an alternative reality called ‘Disboard’ ruled by the ‘God of Games’ Tet.

 

Every fight or squabble imaginable is solved in this realm through high-stakes games. The foundation rule is that each party puts up a wager that is equal in worth to the wager of the other party.

 

Everything is practically reduced to child's play in the surreal world of the "No Game No Life" anime. The siblings find themselves determined to unite all sixteen races in Disboard. They also aim to dethrone Tet and take over this new world for themselves.

 

 

63. Magi: The Kingdom of Magic

 

Magi: The Kingdom of Magic

 

Entity Detail
Title Magi: The Kingdom of Magic
Type TV
Studios A-1 Pictures
Premiered Oct 6, 2013 to Mar 30, 2014
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.251
Duration 25 min. per ep.

 

There’s also a ‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ but we’re just focusing on the titular one here. The show borrows a few key plot points from the Aladdin storyline (the original one from ‘Arabian Nights’).

 

Here we see a character named Aladdin who, along with his buddies, defeats a bad guy called Al-Thamen. They used to live together in a place called ‘Sindria’. Before long, they each go their own separate ways.

 

Aladdin, however, makes it clear that his heading is a place renowned for its population of magicians and mysteries, namely ‘Magnostadt’. He also wants to develop magical skills there. His friends Alibaba and Morgiana make their own plans and wish to return to their homeland afterwards.

 

The “Magi: The Kingdom of Magic” anime tracks the storylines of all three of these characters, their own personal challenges, and the parts they will soon be playing in a potential war brewing in the kingdom.

 

 

64. Future Diary

 

Future Diary

 

Entity Detail
Title Mirai Nikki (TV)
Type TV
Studios asread.
Premiered Oct 9, 2011 to Apr 15, 2012
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.501
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

The series has another name, ‘Mirai Nikki’, and features Yukiteru Amano, a high schooler who relies on his cellphone-diary to store various thoughts. He seems to have created two imaginary friends: Deus Ex Machina, the god of space-time Murmur, the god’s servant.

 

When Deus eventually reveals himself to be an actual god, Yukiteru is more than impressed. The god gifts the boy with a ‘Random Diary’ that, living up to its name, shows Yukiteru random future events.

 

Eleven other people possess similar diaries. This state-of-play draws Yukiteru into battle royales with them. In the “Future Diary” anime, the narrative takes a ‘last person standing’ turn. The lone survivor is promised godhood and all control over space and time.

 

This leaves Yukiteru in the nerve-racking position of teaming up with fellow diary owner and obsessive stalker Yuno Gasai. At first, she wants nothing but Yukiteru’s safety. But there’s more to her one-sided love than meets the eye.

 

 

65. Mahouka Koukou No Rettousei

 

Mahouka Koukou No Rettousei

 

Entity Detail
Title Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Apr 6, 2014 to Sep 28, 2014
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.481
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

This anime’s alternative name is ‘The Irregular at Magic High School’, which sums up its core storyline. The narrative (set in the 21st century) starts by breaking the concept of magic as a fairy tale.

 

Magic in this anime is a ‘technical skill’ requirement in school. It has become something of a ‘systematized technology’. ‘First High School’ is the name of the institution where students go to learn magic.

 

It is not ‘Hogwarts’ in any way. The “Mahouka Koukou No Rettousei” anime has students divided into categories based on their entrance exam scores. ‘The first Course’ contains high scorers called ‘Blooms’.

 

Reserve students are thrown into ‘Second Course’ and are called ‘Weeds’. The show is seen through the eyes of siblings Tatsuya Shiba (Bloom) and Miyuki Shiba (Weed). Miyuki proves academically incompetent.

 

Despite her test results, she has exceptional technical know-how, top-notch fighting skills, and exemplary magical techniques. This leaves her brother Tatsuya, who actually passed the test, in the unenviable position of being the ‘Irregular’ at this school.

 

 

66. Durarara!!

 

Durarara!!

 

Entity Detail
Title Durarara!!
Type TV
Studios Brain's Base
Premiered Jan 8, 2010 to Jun 25, 2010
Source Light novel
MAL Score 8.151
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Ikebukuro is Tokyo’s downtown district and the place where an urban legend stands strong within the “Durarara!!” anime’s narrative. It’s bad enough that the place is rife with unknown gangs and bizarre rumours.

 

One such rumour has it that a certain ‘Black Rider’ roves around the area on an ebony motorcycle. Get this, the rider has no head. Mikado Ryuugamine heads over to Tokyo on a friend’s invite.

 

Mikado always wanted to experience city life. When he spots the headless biker on his very first day, he feels he’s living out the excitement he’s been craving for years.

 

Along with some of Ikebukuro’s interesting inhabitants, Mikado begins exploring the city’s supernatural goings-on. Soon he is entangled in events that are beyond his power to control.

 

 

67. Akame ga Kill!

 

Akame ga Kill!

 

Entity Detail
Title Akame ga Kill!
Type TV
Studios White Fox
Premiered Jul 7, 2014 to Dec 15, 2014
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.491
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

The ‘Revolutionary Army’ in this series has its own secret assassination branch called ‘Night Raid’. Not only does the nation’s Prime Minister have a truly ironic name (he’s called ‘Honest’), his greed and cruelty inspired the founding of Night Raid in the first place.

 

Its members are present purely to overthrow the PM, who's known to exploit the innocence of the child emperor. As a consequence of it all, the entire country experiences adversity.

 

The freshest member of Night Raid is the show’s protagonist, Tatsumi. Seeing the poverty and decadence in his hometown, the naïve young man leaves to find a way to help his people.

 

He is impressed by what the Night Raid was doing and thus joined them in the fight against the Empire. He and his fellow members are ‘assassins with a cause’ in the “Akame ga Kill!” anime.

 

 

68. Fate/Zero

 

Fate/Zero

 

Entity Detail
Title Fate/Zero
Type TV
Studios ufotable
Premiered Oct 2, 2011 to Dec 25, 2011
Source Light novel
MAL Score 8.321
Duration 28 min. per ep.

 

Plenty of installments under this title, but we’re going to deal with just the first one here. The ‘Holy Grail’ is not just all-knowing, it has also proven to grant uncountable wishes.

 

It is what sparked three wars in the past, with a fourth on the way. The ‘Einzbern family’ comes into possession of the Grail and believes things will be different this time.

 

The family is desperate enough to seek the right alliances. They give their sole daughter’s (Irisviel’s) hand in marriage as a ‘binding contract’ to Kiritsugu “Magus Killer” Emiya. Ancient paranormal familiars support six of Kiritsugu’s competitors in a ruthless game of survival where each party has its own ambitions and goals.

 

Kiritsugu has his own familiar called Saber. In the “Fate/Zero” anime, fans see Kiritsugu finding more than his match in a priest named Kirei Kotomine. This anime contains beautiful ‘battle royale’ themes worth watching.

 

 

69. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

 

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

 

Entity Detail
Title Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka
Type TV
Studios J.C.Staff
Premiered Apr 4, 2015 to Jun 27, 2015
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.601
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

The show’s Japanese name is ‘Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no Wa Machigatteiru Darou ka’. This series follows Bell Cranel who resides in a city called ‘Orario’. His goal is to become the land’s best adventurer.

 

But Bell is also quite a naïve young man. He encounters a goddess named Hestia, who is as lonely as she is beautiful. Together the two of them make progress in Orario’s catacombs, which are known for their blood-thirsty monsters.

 

A strange power is said to reside inside these catacombs, which are commonly referred to as ‘Dungeons’ in the “Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?” anime.

 

The series portrays deities and people living together. Life above-ground is not that easy either, but Bell and Hestia strive to make something of it. Friendships and mistakes rise up in good measure within the framework of this almost-mythic series.

 

 

70. Fairy Tail

 

Fairy Tail

 

Entity Detail
Title Fairy Tail
Type TV
Studios Satelight, A-1 Pictures
Premiered Oct 12, 2009 to Mar 30, 2013
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.621
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Magic reigns in the mystical land of ‘Fiore’. ‘Magic Guilds’ are the heart and soul of almost all activity in this place. Mages come together and adopt job requests of the – if you haven’t guessed it already – magical kind.

 

One of the most reputed guilds in this realm is ‘Fairy Tail’. Aiming for wizardhood, the mage Lucy Heartfilia goes in search of the celestial gate keys. Accompanying her on her quest are Natsu Dragneel and his partner Happy.

 

They have their own mission, one where they’re attempting to find Natsu’s foster dad who just so happens to be a dragon called Igneel. The “Fairy Tail” anime is packed with fun and excitement.

 

Trickery and abductions unfold, only for Lucy to learn that her abductor belongs to the Fairy Tail guild. Foes become friends and Lucy is introduced to eccentric people like: Erza Scarlet, a magic swordswoman Gray Fullbuster, an ice wizard. Adventures abound involving the group in this unforgettable series.

 

 

71. The Devil Is a Part-Timer!

 

The Devil Is a Part-Timer!

 

Entity Detail
Title Hataraku Maou-sama!
Type TV
Studios White Fox
Premiered Apr 4, 2013 to Jun 27, 2013
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.801
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Aka ‘Hataraku Maou-Sama!’, is an anime worth watching for several reasons. Quake ye mortals because ‘Demon Lord Satan’ is an actual character in the show. With his expansive demon armies, he starts to conquer ‘Ente Isla’.

 

He fails to take over the continent thanks to the efforts of Emilia, a heroine in her own right. Satan is left taking a portal into another world, namely ours.

 

The human realm becomes his unwitting refuge in the “The Devil Is a Part-Timer!” anime. Alsiel, his loyal general, travels over with his master into modern Tokyo. They attempt to find ways to return to their own realm and complete what they started.

 

Worse, there is no magic in the human world. Satan is thus left working part-time as a person called Sadao Maou. Suffice to say he hates his job at ‘MgRonald’s’ (some obvious wordplay here), a fast-food restaurant.

 

He gradually loses sight of his real aim and starts to plan an Earth takeover, one customer at a time. From his job to chores and paying the rent, this is a super-funny action anime featuring a super-evil character.

 

 

72. Log Horizon

 

Log Horizon

 

Entity Detail
Title Log Horizon
Type TV
Studios Satelight
Premiered Oct 5, 2013 to Mar 22, 2014
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.981
Duration 25 min. per ep.

 

Imagine you’re suddenly whisked from real-life and into a popular MMORPG game. That’s what happens to thirty thousand Japanese gamers in the “Log Horizon” anime. ‘Elder Tale’ has performed its latest update and thousands of gamers find themselves locked inside the game for real.

 

A veteran gamer and a socially awkward college student in real life, Shiroe grabs this chance to be more than himself inside Elder Tale. His adventures in and around the virtual city called ‘Akihabara’ are amazing to watch.

 

His friend is also trapped in-game. This is Naotsugu’s first time in Elder Tale. From NPC negotiations to other-player battles and leadership moments, Shiroe has to do whatever it takes to get all the real people back to the real world.

 

A fiery but petite assassin named Akatsuki accompanies him on his quest.

 

 

73. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

 

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

 

Entity Detail
Title JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (TV)
Type TV
Studios David Production
Premiered Oct 6, 2012 to Apr 6, 2013
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.981
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

It is 1868 and an English nobleman called George Joestar finds his life saved by a man named Dario Brando. Circumstances give George a chance to repay Dario when the latter dies, leaving his only son Dio alone in the world.

 

George takes Dio in and gives him a home. Little did George bank on the boy’s greed. Dio wants to take over ‘Joestar House’ for himself, and deny George’s true heir the chance to inherit it.

 

Dio aims to kill Jonathan “JoJo” Joestar all so he can rise up a few stations in life. Dio turns to a supernaturally empowered Aztec mask for help in this sinister endeavor.

 

He makes a big mess of things, a state of play that remains even half a century later. Joseph Joestar finds his grandfather’s legacy in New York City. He has to face up against the ‘Pillar Men’ who directly spawned from the Aztec mask, which had recently been unearthed in an archaeological dig.

 

And with this, we’ve only just scratched the surface of what is going in the “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” anime.

 

 

74. Assassination Classroom

 

Assassination Classroom

 

Entity Detail
Title Ansatsu Kyoushitsu
Type TV
Studios Lerche
Premiered Jan 10, 2015 to Jun 20, 2015
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.111
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

Also called ‘Ansatsu Kyoushitsu’, the “Assassination Classroom” anime features a mysterious beast that eats a portion of the moon and leaves it a permanent crescent. The students in ‘Kunugigaoka Middle School’ class 3-E are tasked with the near-impossible mission of finding and ending the creature responsible.

 

Intelligence reveals that this beast could next be taking a bite out of Earth. Their target is not going to be easy to bring down. More knowledge of the creature comes to the fore.

 

It can fly at Mach-20 speeds and blatantly shows that it’s not afraid of anyone or anything. Dubbed ‘Koro-sensei’, or ‘indestructible teacher’, the beast certainly lives up to its name in this show, which has proven to be enormously funny at the best of times.

 

Tentacles and perils aside, the students learn more from the creature than they ever thought possible.

 

 

75. Samurai Champloo

 

Samurai Champloo

 

Entity Detail
Title Samurai Champloo
Type TV
Studios Manglobe
Premiered May 20, 2004 to Mar 19, 2005
Source Original
MAL Score 8.501
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

A waitress (young and klutzy) champions a cause in the “Samurai Champloo” anime. It all began when Fuu Kasumi accidentally spilled tea on a certain special customer. Samurai start hounding her after that, forcing Fuu to turn to another samurai called Mugen to help.

 

Mugen also works at the same teahouse. His fighting looks more like breakdancing than fisticuffs, but his technique puts Fuu’s harassers in their place. He unintentionally picks a fight with local ronin Jin, who didn’t really want to face off.

 

The shop is demolished, and the son of a local magistrate loses his life. Now, both Jin and Mugen are confronted with imminent death sentences. Fuu comes to their rescue by hiring them as bodyguards as she embarks on a quest to find a ‘samurai who smells like sunflowers'.

 

This eccentric action-packed anime unfolds in the ‘Edo Period’ of Japan. The show contains cool hip-hop soundtracks and even cooler sword-fighting scenes.

 

 

76. Tokyo Ghoul

 

Tokyo Ghoul

 

Entity Detail
Title Tokyo Ghoul
Type TV
Studios Studio Pierrot
Premiered Jul 4, 2014 to Sep 19, 2014
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.801
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

There are numerous installments in the "Tokyo Ghoul" anime series. Tokyo City has become a harsh and merciless place, in the anime anyway. Ghouls and humans find it difficult to co-exist.

 

The ghouls are always hunting people and eating them. The fact that these murderous creatures can blend into human society, even look like people, is not helping matters any. Enter, bookish, and reserved college student Ken Kaneki.

 

Being an avid reader, he is naturally drawn to like-minded Rize Kamishiro. Rize happens to be a ghoul, and Ken’s friendship with her puts him in a rather dark spot.

 

The only reason he is still alive is because of mystery-waitress Touka Kirishima. But it is too late for Ken, he has become something of a half-human half-ghoul striving to find his place in both worlds.

 

 

77. Seraph of the End

 

Seraph of the End

 

Entity Detail
Title Owari no Seraph
Type TV
Studios Wit Studio
Premiered Apr 4, 2015 to Jun 20, 2015
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.491
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

We particularly draw your attention to the “Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign” anime, aka ‘Owari no Seraph’. A strange virus (not covid-19) seems to afflict anyone over the age of thirteen.

 

Circumstances lead to all of humanity coming under the rule of vampires who promise protection in exchange for the power to rule over human beings. And of course, they want blood by way of tribute.

 

Two young boys called Yuuichirou and Mikaela Hyakuya are taken captive from an orphanage, along with other kids. Mikaela’s rebellious plan to escape vampiric custody fails, leading to several innocent deaths. ‘Moon Demon Company’ eventually finds the only survivor of the massacre, Yuuichirou.

 

This military organization is dedicated to exterminating vampires. Years later, Yuuichirou becomes an official member of the ‘Japanese Imperial Demon Army’. He battles the vamps in the hope of serving due justice.

 

Friendship, loyalty, and vengeance are all core themes in this post-apocalyptic supernatural anime.

 

 

78. Overlord

 

Overlord

 

Entity Detail
Title Overlord
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Jul 7, 2015 to Sep 29, 2015
Source Light novel
MAL Score 7.931
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

A popular VR game within the show holds great importance to its fans, also within the show. ‘Yggdrasil’ is the name of the game, and its highly anticipated final hour has arrived in the “Overlord” anime.

 

Playing the crucial dark role is master wizard Momonga, who heads the evil guild ‘Ainz Ooal Gown’. The servers are starting to shut down, but the wizard wants to spend those last few minutes in-game.

 

The game may have ended but Momonga finds himself still immersed in his character. Even the NPCs (non-playable characters) in the game seem more alive than usual, with their own personalities to boot.

 

The wizard uses his powers to corral his loyal servants into helping him take over this new world. He aims to discover the anomaly behind his strange in-game predicament and to seek out anyone else who may be as ‘stuck’ as he is.

 

 

79. The Seven Deadly Sins

 

The Seven Deadly Sins

 

Entity Detail
Title Nanatsu no Taizai
Type TV
Studios A-1 Pictures
Premiered Oct 5, 2014 to Mar 29, 2015
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.801
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Also called ‘Nanatsu no Taizai’ this anime takes viewers into a European-Middle-Ages setting. The region/nation’s protectors are the legendary ‘Holy Knights of Britannia’ who use magic to keep the peace and defend their borders.

 

Treachery takes place among the ranks with seven knights aiming to end the ruler of ‘Liones’. Though the Holy Knights defeat the double-crossers, the latter escape with their lives. These two-timers presently come to be referred to as the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’.

 

It will be ten years before the Holy Knights themselves initiate a military coup and take over the reins of Liones. In the “The Seven Deadly Sins” anime, the third princess of the Kingdom of Liones, namely Elizabeth, goes in search of the traitor-knights in the hope of convincing them to help her take back her kingdom.

 

 

80. Castlevania

 

Castlevania

 

Netflix has added another chapter to the book of action anime with “Castlevania”, a show that takes the character of Dracula to interesting and rather dark depths. Inspired by the video game series after the same name, this anime centers around Trevor Belmont, who is the last surviving member of the Belmont clan.

 

The show portrays most of its characters in a distinct emotional light. Eastern Europe comes under the threat of the legendary and feared Vlad Dracula Tepes and his vampire legion who want nothing better than to wipe humanity off the face of the Earth.

 

Belmont and his allies try to find ways to stop this beast. Along the way, they discover that there is more to Dracula than meets the eye. There is gore and action in good measure in this gorgeous and well-written anime.

 

 

81. Gantz

 

Gantz

 

Entity Detail
Title Gantz
Type TV
Studios Gonzo
Premiered Apr 13, 2004 to Jun 22, 2004
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.031
Duration 22 min. per ep.

 

When this peculiar anime’s protagonist Kei Kurono met with a train accident, little did viewers realize that they were in for a bizarre and plot-twist-ridden series sure to take them by surprise.

 

The show revolves around a rather dark afterlife, plunging Kei into a seemingly never-ending battle involving armour, weaponry, and alien invaders. As if a certain dark orb in the room wasn’t creepy enough in an afterlife setting, the orb informs Kei that if he loses the fight against the ‘dark spiritual beings’ he will not be reincarnated.

 

Facing decisive death, Kei does his best to survive. This show is as gruesome as it is disturbing, and is not for the faint-hearted.

 

 

82. Yu-Gi-Oh!

 

Yu-Gi-Oh!

 

Entity Detail
Title Yu-Gi-Oh!
Type TV
Studios Gallop
Premiered Apr 18, 2000 to Sep 29, 2004
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.461
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

This monster dueling action anime packs plenty of surprises and thrills, especially for card game enthusiasts. It’s a show about a game, and it only gets better the longer you watch.

 

The plot centers around a boy called Yugi Mutou and his aim to solve the ancient ‘Millennium Puzzle’. As a consequence, Yugi inadvertently ends up inviting a mysterious spirit with a gambler personality into his body.

 

He then goes about using his newfound powers to resolve various real-life problems on the wings of a card game called ‘Yu-Gi-Oh’. He challenges ill-intentioned people to Shadow Games, with the loser having their ‘true self’ exposed.

 

A lot of darkness is at play in this anime. The story arc progresses into various sub-plots, including the reveal of the spirit inside Yugi as that of an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh.

 

 

83. Hunter x Hunter

 

Hunter X Hunter

 

Entity Detail
Title Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Oct 2, 2011 to Sep 24, 2014
Source Manga
MAL Score 9.071
Duration 23 min. per ep.

 

The ‘hunters’ in this show are actually specialists who have shown excellence in almost every scientific field of knowledge. The villains and allies that the protagonist Gon Freecss encounters set the tone in this brilliant action anime.

 

There’s something for everyone in this show, anything from card games and gang warfare to mutant genocide and tournaments. This is why some fans think Studio Madhouse makes the best action anime.

 

Different kinds of hunters roam this anime world, making it as dangerous as it is diverse. There’s even a ‘Hunter Exam’, one that Gon and his like-minded buddies take before travelling this risk-ridden world in search of their dreams.

 

This anime has provided its fans with such an awesome story and deep impressive characters. Not just the main characters but all the characters in this anime have great background stories and are capable of captivating the audience.

 

 

84. Avatar: The Last Airbender

 

Avatar: The Last Airbender

 

Fantasy, action, and adventure all merge into this outstanding anime that reaffirms the possibility of storytelling through this singular genre. The show has a simple foundation but a complex arc.

 

It uses the four basic elements of earth, water, fire, and air and combines them with its characters’ abilities to use telekinetic variants called “Bending”, which has origins in Chinese martial arts.

 

This anime world is made of four nations, and only the ‘Avatar’ can bring balance between them. This supreme character can bend all four elements. They also perform the role of being a ‘bridge’ between the physical and spirit worlds.

 

The protagonist Aang carries the viewers on a journey of self-discovery that is action-filled, fantasy-based, and well-motivated.

 

 

85. Pokémon

 

Pokémon

 

Entity Detail
Title Pokemon
Type TV
Studios OLM
Premiered Apr 1, 1997 to Nov 14, 2002
Source Game
MAL Score 7.341
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

There are numerous branches in the Pokémon franchise, proving this anime’s global popularity. The show may have a large sprinkling of funny moments but its action-driven approach and defined characters steal the plot in more ways than one.

 

Most of these characters are non-human, namely, creatures called ‘Pokémon’ that are wielded and used in competitive battles. The protagonist Ash Ketchum takes viewers through an alternate world that is filled with these creatures.

 

How effectively a person understands and bonds with these Pokémon is often the crux of various plot-twists. Relationships like that between Ash and Kukui integrate an emotional angle into this fantastically balanced action anime series.

 

 

86. One Piece

 

One Piece

 

Entity Detail
Title One Piece
Type TV
Studios Toei Animation
Premiered Oct 20, 1999 to ?
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.571
Duration 24 min.

 

In a world made of five great seas, this adventure-driven action anime takes us back to the golden age of pirates. The pirate king, Gol D. Rogers, left behind a legacy by way of a ‘verbal treasure map’.

 

The characters in this anime series try to track said treasure down by relying on nothing but Rogers’s final words, that all his treasure was hidden in “that place”, and in one piece.

 

From characters like Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of the sea-worthy gang comprising the ‘Strawhat Pirates’, fans got an anime that is equal parts fun and action-oriented. Various factions (the marines, world government leaders, the nobility, the revolutionary army) vie for supremacy.

 

Luffy’s don’t-care attitude is charming, but his sub-textual message is even more profound. His desire to find Rogers’s treasure and become the new pirate king means he also finds true freedom in the world.

 

 

87. Banana Fish

 

Banana Fish

 

Entity Detail
Title Banana Fish
Type TV
Studios MAPPA
Premiered Jul 6, 2018 to Dec 21, 2018
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.501
Duration 22 min. per ep.

 

When Aslan Jade "Ash Lynx" Callenreese is discovered on the gritty streets of New York City by mafia kingpin Dino Golzine, it ignites a narrative upheaval of the most captivating nature.

 

In the “Banana Fish” anime, Aslan’s a runaway who becomes the boss of his own gang at the ripe young age of seventeen. The show’s very name is lent to a mysterious something that Aslan tries to figure out. ‘Banana Fish’ was also the very words his big brother, Griffin, has been muttering since his return from the Iraq War.

 

Circumstances lead to Dino sending his men to take Aslan down. At this time, the boy is in his underground bar hideout. Also around this time, his buddy Skip introduces Aslan to a couple of American reporters.

 

Shunichi Ibe and assistant Eiji Okumura are on a mission to write a detailed exposé on American street gangs. Aslan’s associate, Shorter Wong, warns him of Dino’s coming. This results in a full-fledged action sequence resulting in the kidnapping of both Eiji and Skip.

 

Aslan now has his plate full with rescue, survival, and that enigmatic ‘Banana Fish’.

 

 

88. Berserk

 

Berserk

 

Entity Detail
Title Kenpuu Denki Berserk
Type TV
Studios OLM
Premiered Oct 8, 1997 to Apr 1, 1998
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.501
Duration 25 min. per ep.

 

This memorable character-driven action anime has inspired fans of the genre to no end. The story centers around ‘Band of the Hawk’ mercenary leader Griffiths and lone-wolf mercenary Guts. The plotline is distinctly battle-oriented, making this show truly live up to the action anime trend.

 

The rivalry between Griffiths and Guts is also something worth watching. The entire anime takes place in a medieval setting, with Guts trying to forge his own path in a world as gritty as it is power-hungry.

 

The series delves beautifully into the darker side of human nature, and other manifold tragedies. 90s-era gore complements amazing sword fights in this series known for having some of the most compelling characters in anime.

 

 

89. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

 

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

 

Entity Detail
Title Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Type TV
Studios Bones
Premiered Apr 5, 2009 to Jul 4, 2010
Source Manga
MAL Score 9.171
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

This anime takes action and familial bonding to a whole other level. Fans will have discovered plenty of dark moments in this well-written series, as well as a generous helping of warm emotions.

 

In “Brotherhood”, Edward and Alphonse find themselves on the path to bring their mother back from the afterlife. They make a serious error by not considering the ‘Law of Equivalent Exchange.

 

The storyline also boasts some interesting transmutation scenes involving the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. From occultism and alchemy to mysticism and the paranormal, you’ll find plenty to appreciate in this outstanding action anime. “Brotherhood” released in 2009/2010, and is an alternate version of the original “Fullmetal” show that came out in 2003/2004.

 

The former completes the story of the two brothers, in keeping with the manga that originally inspired the show.

 

 

90. Hellsing Ultimate

 

Hellsing Ultimate

 

Entity Detail
Title Hellsing Ultimate
Type OVA
Studios Madhouse, Satelight, Graphinica
Premiered Feb 10, 2006 to Dec 26, 2012
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.381
Duration 50 min. per ep.

 

“Hellsing” and “Hellsing Ultimate” are two chapters in the book of action anime that simply must be seen to be appreciated. Drawing heavily upon the former, as well as the manga that inspired it, “Ultimate” has become a standard-setter in action anime.

 

Anyone familiar with vampiric lore will find the name interesting.‘Van Helsing’ is the original literary character this anime is based on, only this action-oriented show takes things up several notches.

 

It is not just a story of survival but also one that covers a range of macabre moments, including (though not restricted to) inhumane acts of the depraved kind. Plenty of gore in this series, as you can imagine.

 

 

91. Bleach

 

Bleach

 

Entity Detail
Title Bleach
Type TV
Studios Studio Pierrot
Premiered Oct 5, 2004 to Mar 27, 2012
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.801
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

“Bankai!!” Most fans will actually hear this word in their heads, one uttered by the protagonist (Ichigo Kurosaki) of this excellent action anime series. This is one of the longest-running anime series and follows high schooler Ichigo who is capable of seeing spirits, including the dangerous kind called ‘Hollows’.

 

The character of ‘Soul Reaper’ Rukia plays a crucial part in his journey. There are beautiful family-driven moments in this show and not a small amount of comic relief. Plenty of action balances it out, giving viewers enough reason to understand how this show still enjoys a vast fanbase.

 

It covers a good deal about life in the afterlife, which adds to its storytelling value. The songs in this anime are just as brilliant as its wide array of characters.

 

 

92. Soul Eater

 

Soul Eater

 

Entity Detail
Title Soul Eater
Type TV
Studios Bones
Premiered Apr 7, 2008 to Mar 30, 2009
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.861
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Paranormal themes and outstanding musical scoring complement the unforgettable action sequences in this surprisingly underrated anime. Maka Albarn is the main character in this show, but he is far from the only memorable one.

 

To be fair, his scythe weapon is just as much a character in its own right. ‘Death Scythes’ are begotten when the human wielder in question hunts down ninety-nine bad people and one witch, in a specific order.

 

They should also succeed in properly extracting each of these souls. In a fictional location in Nevada are two schools. ‘Death Academy’ deals with weapons while ‘Death City’ trains weapon wielders.

 

This brilliantly written anime progresses with characters learning how to sync with their weapons, and using them to dish out some serious damage. They all answer to a ‘Death God’, further adding to the supernatural attraction woven into this anime series.

 

 

93. Blood of Zeus

 

Blood of Zeus

 

A recent title in the list of anime greatness, this beautifully illustrated and perfectly directed Netflix show deserves all praise for its wit, pace, and action. Outstanding voice talents – as with all the anime recommendations on this list – have set this show a class apart.

 

The tale follows the story of Heron, the bastard son of Zeus, as he experiences emotional tragedy and loss on his path to becoming his better self. His half-brother Seraphim experiences his transformation, particularly his dark choice to adopt demon hood via the consumption of the flesh and blood of a Giant.

 

Many Greek mythos pervades the series, with clever modifications made here and there. They did not skip on the gore either, making this action-driven series a must-see. Season 1 recently concluded, with quite the jaw-dropping cliffhanger.

 

 

94. One Punch Man

 

One Punch Man

 

Entity Detail
Title One Punch Man
Type TV
Studios Madhouse
Premiered Oct 5, 2015 to Dec 21, 2015
Source Web manga
MAL Score 8.541
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Containing a good dose of ‘punchlines’, this comedic action anime certainly lives up to its repute. The protagonist is a guy named Saitama who, to put it simply, has ambitions to become an actual superhero so he can fight an epic villain, much like he recalls hearing about in stories.

 

A self-appointed training regimen takes a strange turn. Not only does Saitama lose all his hair, but he also becomes inhumanly strong. His dreams are never quite realized because when you can take a person out with a single punch, there will definitely be no long-drawn-out villain battles.

 

So much for those three years of training. His journey in the “One Punch Man” anime becomes one of seeking the ‘thrill of the fight’. This leads him to accept a 19-year-old cyborg as his disciple.

 

Together they form the Hero Association to help the world recognize their efforts.

 

 

95. Ajin

 

Ajin

 

Entity Detail
Title Ajin
Type TV
Studios Polygon Pictures
Premiered Jan 16, 2016 to Apr 9, 2016
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.451
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

17 years ago on the continent of Africa, there appeared a set of strange humans called ‘Ajin’. When ordinary people found them, they did the obvious and panicked, considering the Ajin a grave threat to humankind.

 

Not only are these entities indestructible they also wield superhuman powers. For the safety of all present, any Ajin witnessed is immediately arrested. High schooler Kei Nagai has aimed to become a doctor someday.

 

His knowledge of Ajin is only what he hears about them on the news, that too barely. At school, Ajin is not even considered part of the human race. Kei never quite listens in class either, so his know-how of these ‘people’ is little to nothing.

 

A fatal accident claims Kei’s life and he is reborn as an Ajin. Soon he experiences the pain of being hunted by a vast majority of human beings. The boy gradually learns that people and Ajin share more than they themselves would like to believe.

 

 

96. Jujutsu Kaisen

 

Jujutsu Kaisen

 

Entity Detail
Title Jujutsu Kaisen
Type ONA
Studios Yokohama Animation Lab
Premiered Dec 3, 2018 to Dec 8, 2018
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.591
Duration 1 min. per ep.

 

Yuuji Itadori often pays his ailing grandfather a visit at the hospital. When he isn’t there, he spends his free time at the ‘Occult Club’ where he immerses himself in harmless supernatural activities.

 

When Yuuji unwittingly swallows a mysterious cursed item, things change for the worse. In the “Jujutsu Kaisen” anime, Yuuji experiences several dangerous paranormal circumstances that throw him into a world of ‘Curses’.

 

In this show’s narrative, ‘Curses’ are horrible entities filled with nothing but hate and negativity. The cursed item in question once belonged to a demon named Sukuna Ryoumen. The item in question was his finger.

 

Known as the ‘King of Curses’, the demon’s physical remnant lived up to its name. Yuuji gains newfound skills and powers but he has to use them to fight the growing Curse threat.

 

He is soon introduced to the ‘Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School’. In it, he embarks on a journey to become a Jujutsu Sorceror.

 

 

97. Blue Exorcist

 

Blue Exorcist

 

Entity Detail
Title Ao no Exorcist
Type TV
Studios A-1 Pictures
Premiered Apr 17, 2011 to Oct 2, 2011
Source Manga
MAL Score 7.551
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Humans hail from the realm of ‘Assiah’ and demons, ‘Gehenna’. The series’ original name is ‘Ao no Exorcist', and it features possession as a means to travel between these two established worlds. ‘Satan’ is an actual character in this show.

 

Despite being the undisputed ruler of Gehenna, he fails to find a host apt enough for possession. Satan thus remains stranded in his own realm. But his ambitions to takeover Assiah have not diminished.

 

He, therefore, dispatches his infant son to help him fulfil the deed. Satan harbours a cruel fate for the boy. He waits for his son to grow up so he can serve as a capable possession-host for his father when the time comes.

 

Rin Okumura, the son, lives a simple life in Assiah until demons start to hound him. Before long, the troublesome teen learns of his true purpose and heritage. He is justifiably devastated by the news.

 

Instead of giving in to the wishes of his diabolical father, Rin starts training as an ‘Exorcist’. He does this for more than just personal reasons. In the “Blue Exorcist” anime, Rin also has a brother to look out for. Yukio is with him in the human world.

 

 

98. Ghost in the Shell

 

Ghost in the Shell

 

Entity Detail
Title Koukaku Kidoutai
Type Movie
Studios Production I.G
Premiered 1995-11-18
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.291
Duration 1 hr. 22 min.

 

Aka ‘Koukaku Kidoutai: The Ghost in the Shell’, this anime has become immensely popular and has inspired all sorts of alternative media, including feature-length movies. In its dystopian narrative, set in the year 2029, technology reigns supreme.

 

Robots and humans co-exist or at least try to, and cybernetic implants are not unheard of. ‘Niihama City’ is the hub of futuristic progress and corruption. ‘Public Security Section 9’ is tasked with fighting the latter.

 

They also counter-terrorism, which has become rampant as the world veers closer and closer toward ultimate globalization. An enigmatic hacker plays a game-changing role in this anime’s narrative. Known simply as ‘Puppet Master’, he poses an insurmountable threat to Section 9’s Major Motoko Kusanagi, who’s tasked with bringing him down.

 

This near-robotic person-cyborg has left a trail of hapless victims devoid of their memories. The case grows so complicated that staff from ‘Section 6’ get involved. Plenty of futurism and philosophical themes pervade the plotline of this award-winning anime.

 

 

99. Princess Mononoke

 

Princess Mononoke

 

Entity Detail
Title Mononoke Hime
Type Movie
Studios Studio Ghibli
Premiered 1997-07-12
Source Original
MAL Score 8.701
Duration 2 hr. 13 min.

 

Also called ‘Mononoke Hime’, this anime features an ‘Emishi village’ that comes under attack by an unrelenting demon boar. Prince Ashitaka defends his tribe, putting his own life on the line to do so.

 

When the creature is about to die, he curses the young prince. The boy’s arm becomes the source of demonic powers that he can wield at his leisure. But each time Ashitaka does so, a portion of his life-essence is used up as a sacrifice.

 

The village elders agree that he has to go west for a cure. This leads the young prince to the ‘The Iron Town’, or ‘Tatara’. A power struggle is infolding there between the pro-deforestation Lady Eboshi and Princess San who stands by the forest’s sacred spirits.

 

Both sides have their own reasons to be furious about each other. Ashitaka takes it upon himself to help the two warring ladies find some measure of harmony before things reach the point of no return.

 

He does this while fighting his own inner battles with the demonic power vested in him.

 

 

100. Yu Yu Hakusho

 

Yu Yu Hakusho

 

Entity Detail
Title Yu Yu Hakusho
Type TV
Studios Studio Pierrot
Premiered Oct 10, 1992 to Jan 7, 1995
Source Manga
MAL Score 8.451
Duration 24 min. per ep.

 

Yuusuke Urameshi has proven himself a delinquent teen with no real hope for a future. When he flings himself before a moving vehicle to save another’s life, his life seems to take a turn for the better.

 

The ‘spirit realm authorities’ take note of Yuusuke’s bravery. He’s fatally injured but earns a second chance. But not too soon. In the “Yu Yu Hakusho” anime, Yuusuke is tasked with a checklist.

 

Upon its completion, the spirit realm’s heir to the throne Koenma promises him a second chance at life. Yuusuke thus dons the mantle of ‘Spirit Detective’ and is sent to Earth to carry out select duties with guidance from Botan, the ‘death god’.

 

Together they work against any and all evil presences in the Earth plane. Hiei and Kurama, a pair of demons, accompany him. He is also joined by Kazuma Kuwabara, his former rival.

 

All three have criminal backgrounds, but that does not stop them from attempting to fulfil the role of Earth’s spirit guardians.

 

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