Based on your experience, you might think that anime is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is a fact that anime is more than a century old.
Nevertheless, the rise of anime began with Osamu Tezuka in the 1960s, and continued to peak during the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to shows such as Dragon Ball and Neon Genesis Evangelion. The emergence of the “Big Three” in the 2000s cemented that growth, and today, anime is one of the most popular artistic genres in existence.
To honor the popularity of anime, we have decided to bring you a list of the 5 best anime series of all time; Since it is impossible to rank such shows properly, we are just going to list them and you can make your ranking based on that.
Top 5 Most Popular Anime of All Time
Anime refers to animation originating from Japan, characterized by a unique art style that emphasizes artistic details and camera effects.
Anime includes television series, movies, OVAs and web series. This is a list of the top 5 greatest anime of all time, which can include critically acclaimed classics, top rated series, and international sensations.
1. Ghost in the Shell
In the not-too-distant future, Major Motoko Kusanagi, or simply Major, and his group of officers fight high crime around Japan as part of Public Security Section 9.
Ghost in the Shell is set in 2030, where science and technology have allowed humans to become cyborgs with varying abilities to help human progress. However, Japanese syndicates have started using these to their advantage.
Ghost in the Shell has inspired a generation of other anime, TV series and films for its concepts and art style directed by Mamoru Oishi. While its live-action film may not have received the same acclaim, it remains one of the best anime series of all time.
2. Baccano
In just 16 episodes, Baccano packs more story and intrigue than most anime are able to do with twice or even triple that amount.
It’s a fast-paced thrill ride, not unlike the unforgettable train ride that serves as the centerpiece of its twisty story, and it features some of the most memorable psychopaths you’ll find in anime.
Baccano unfolds like an enigma, almost every episode providing you with a new revelation that completely flips the way you’ve seen things so far. And beyond all that, it also has one of the best dubs you’ve ever heard. -Michelle Saltzman
3. Dragon Ball
The story of Goku, Vegeta and the rest of the Jade Warriors is one of the most iconic stories ever told in anime. From Dragon Ball to Dragonball Z, and now Dragonball: Super, one could argue that DBZ almost single-handedly paved the way for anime in the West!
Endless powerups, endlessly soaring power ceilings, drawn-out battles, and iconic characters have remained fresh in people’s minds for decades, and the IP shows no signs of slowing down in the near future either. And, with incredible games like Dragon Ball FighterZ, there’s no reason to slow down anyway!
4. Sailor Moon
It was the first successful shjo anime to hit the Western mainstream, the titular character is considered one of the greatest female superheroes of all time, and has since served as the benchmark for many other series that followed in her footsteps.
Huh. So yes, Sailor Moon is a big deal! Her strong example for young girls is nothing short of inspiring, while the fight scenes and romantic elements can still be enjoyed immensely by other demographics. It’s little surprise that he and the rest of the Senshi return for an encore twenty years later via Sailor Moon Crystal.
5. Pokémon
Pokemon is one of the most popular anime in the world. It spawned countless games, TV shows, and fans of all ages. What can we say about the legendary adventures of Ash Ketchum and his companion Pikachu, who travel across multiple regions in hopes of being regarded as Pokémon Masters you may not already know?
Although artistically and even from a story point of view, Pokémon is by no means the greatest or even the best anime of all time, it is one of the most famous and influential on a global scale.
also read : 20 Best Cyberpunk Anime Of All Time, Ranked
