Figuring out the top anime series is always a hot topic, but it seems like there’s a trend when you check out ratings on big-name platforms worldwide. So, I’ve been digging through MyAnimeList, IMDb, and Rotten Tomatoes, and I’m starting to see which anime really stand out. They also offer a unique blend of humour and drama that keeps viewers engaged. They really leave a lasting impression on pop culture, making them a beloved icon to fans globally.
10. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- MyAnimeList: 9.10
- IMDb: 9.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Edward and Alphonse Elric, after messing up a risky alchemy experiment they weren’t supposed to do, are now on a crazy chase for the Philosopher’s Stone. Ed lost a limb, and Al’s spirit’s trapped in a knight’s gear, so they’re working on patching things up. But their investigation leads them into a massive story that spans the entire nation. People dig the show because the plot’s tight, it dives deep into heavy themes like redemption and owning up to past blunders, and the finale wraps it up nicely.
9. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
- MyAnimeList Rating: 9.17 (Final Season)
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Synopsis: In a world where we’re all hiding behind big, scary walls to keep giant, monster-like creatures away, a young guy named Eren Yeager vows to get rid of them after his home gets destroyed. What begins as a fight to get by turns into a messy story of conflict, power plays, and the murky middle ground of good and bad, with mind-blowing turns that have totally hooked fans everywhere.
8. Steins; Gate
- MyAnimeList: 9.10
- IMDb: 9.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
A group of buddies in Akihabara discovers their fancy microwave can send messages back in time. It starts off easy, but then it gets intense real quick when you’re dealing with some sneaky folks and the clock’s ticking. Steins;Gate? It’s like a mind-bending sci-fi adventure, a wild ride through time and the aftermath of messing with it.
7. Death Note
- MyAnimeList Ratings: 8.62
- IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
This notebook, called Death Note, is not an ordinary book. Turns out, it’s like, “Hey, [Name], you’re outta here!” This discovery starts a crazy mental tug-of-war between Light, who’s on a mission to create his perfect world, and this enigmatic sleuth named L, who’s determined to thwart Light’s schemes.
6. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
- MyAnimeList Rating:
- IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: (Not enough reviews for a score, but universally acclaimed)
Gon Freecss, you know, he’s just a little guy, but he’s got some serious potential. His big dream? To become a Hunter—one of those ultra-cool, super-skilled badasses—so he can finally track down his dad, who’s been missing for ages. On his way, he meets all kinds of folks and takes on some seriously bizarre and tough foes. And the world he’s in? Everyone’s hooked on this wild power source called Nen.
5. Cowboy Bebop
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.75
- IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
They’re on a mission to track down this notorious space outlaw, the Pink Panther, who’s been causing all sorts of trouble. The show’s a rad blend of sci-fi, western, and noir, all set to some sick jazz tunes. People dig it because it’s all about grown-up stuff that gets you thinking about life, being by yourself, and how your past always comes back to haunt you.
4. Gintama
- MyAnimeList Rating: 9.06 (for its highest-rated season)
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: (Not widely reviewed)
Instead, they’re all about this cool new gadget called the “Techno-Sword. Gintoki Sakata, a samurai with a quirky side, makes a living by taking on whatever job comes his way. What makes Gintama so good? It’s a mix of hilarious jokes, super intense action, and some really touching moments that’ll make you feel all kinds of emotions. It’s got this wild ability to go from making jokes about everything to really touching your heart.
3. Vinland Saga
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.78
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
In the harsh Viking world, we meet Thorfinn. He’s a young warrior, brave and strong, with a heart full of courage. He’s still young, but he’s all about revenge for his dad’s murderer. What begins as a tale of payback ends up being way more than that. It gets you pondering the true essence of what it means to be a real warrior. It also talks about peace, slavery, and finding a cool spot to relax.
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2. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.70
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: (Not widely reviewed)
Okay, so there’s this other world where the Britannian Empire took over Japan. The prince, kicked out of his home, suddenly gets this wild power to make anyone do what he says. He puts on a mask and goes by Zero, kicking off a rebellion against his own dad’s chaotic empire. It’s like a crazy game of moral tug-of-war where it’s hard to tell what’s actually good or bad.
1. Monster
- MyAnimeList Rating: 8.89
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: (Not widely reviewed)
Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a super skilled Japanese surgeon in Germany, finds his life flipped upside down when he saves a kid instead of the big boss. Years down the line, those terrible murders bring Tenma back into contact with the kid he saved, who’s now a charming but twisted sociopath. This thriller really hooks you in by diving deep into the moral compass and the psychology of the bad guys.
Final Thoughts
These shows? Absolute anime gold. Fans and critics have been raving about them for ages, and they just can’t stop talking about it. These tales are awesome, the characters are memorable, and they really get you thinking. If you’re curious about the real deal with anime, this is where you should begin.
Written by Nidhi Singh