The 15 Best Anime of All Time, Ranked (2026)

What are the best anime ever made? We weighed critical acclaim, lasting influence, and fan consensus to rank the must-watch series every fan should see at least once.

The ranking

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood — a near-perfect blend of action, worldbuilding, and heart, and a frequent pick for the greatest anime ever.
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End — a quietly profound fantasy about time, memory, and what comes after the adventure ends.
3. Hunter x Hunter (2011) — endlessly inventive, with one of the best power systems and villains in the medium.
4. Steins;Gate — a slow-burn time-travel thriller with a devastating second half.
5. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War — a stunning return that pays off a decade of buildup.
6. Attack on Titan — a generational phenomenon that reinvented itself with every arc.
7. One Piece — the epic of epics, and the best-selling manga of all time for good reason.
8. Vinland Saga — a brutal, beautiful Viking story about violence and the search for peace.
9. Code Geass — a masterclass in strategy, twists, and morally grey ambition.
10. Gintama — somehow the funniest and one of the most emotional series ever made.
11. Violet Evergarden — gorgeously animated and quietly devastating.
12. Oshi No Ko — a sharp, gripping look at the dark side of the entertainment industry.
13. Jujutsu Kaisen — modern shonen at its slickest and most stylish.
14. Demon Slayer — a simple story elevated by jaw-dropping animation.
15. Solo Leveling — a hugely satisfying power-fantasy and one of the biggest hits of recent years.

How to use this list

New to anime? Start near the top — Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Hunter x Hunter are perfect gateways. Looking for something quieter? Frieren and Violet Evergarden are unforgettable. Browse our full anime database for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best anime of all time?

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the most common pick, thanks to its tight storytelling, worldbuilding, and emotional payoff — though Frieren and Hunter x Hunter are close rivals.

What anime should I watch first?

For newcomers, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Hunter x Hunter, and Demon Slayer are excellent, accessible starting points.

Is One Piece worth watching given its length?

For most fans, yes — One Piece's worldbuilding and payoff are widely considered worth the investment, and watch guides can help you skip filler.