Most Popular Anime of All Time

Anime as a genre has a diehard following that includes fans from all over the globe. Anime is known for its distinct visual style, engaging and relatable characters, and fearless storytelling. The market for it has grown exponentially in recent years, mirroring the success of juggernauts like the U.S. music industry. And, with the rise of streaming services, it's become more accessible than ever.

Loyal fans, both young and old, have nearly endless possibilities to choose from. Fortunately, there's always new anime to watch. In fact, the industry seems to be thriving. 2024 is shaping up to be a huge year for anime, with plenty of new seasons, series, and movies planned for release.

There are some series, however, that have remained fan favorites even years later. These are the shows that are still actively discussed in fandom circles, with some even continuing to this day. These notable anime series have received both fantastic ratings and rave reviews over the years. Many, for better or worse, have garnered their own live-action reboots. So, whether one is a long-time fanatic or a newbie just wanting to get your feet wet, here are some of the most popular anime series ever made.

Updated Mar. 1, 2024: This collection of the most popular anime series ever made has been updated with additional information, including where to find each anime on streaming.

17 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is an anime based on a manga of the same name by Hirohiko Araki. The anime first started airing in 2012 and quickly gained a lot of fans worldwide. The unique storyline of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure follows different members of the Joestar family, who fight with different supernatural foes across familial generations. All of these different protagonists have a name that can be abbreviated to "JoJo."

JoJo's Polarizing Adventure

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is an anime that has polarized the anime fandom for a long time. It has a unique art style that is not everyone's cup of tea. But the way the storyline of this anime progressed only made more and more people love it. In the recent seasons of the anime, the art style has also become more modernized and sleek. The most recent arc of the anime was Stone Ocean, which was released from 2021-2022. Fans of the series are now waiting for the next arc of the manga, 'Steel Ball Run,' to be animated. So, even though it has a polarizing effect on its audience, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is one of the most famous anime of all time. Its cultural impact alone is enough to give it such a distinction. Stream on Netflix

16 Bleach

Bleach

Release Date

September 9, 2006

Cast

Masakazu Morita , Fumiko Orikasa , Hiroki Yasumoto , Yuki Matsuoka , Noriaki Sugiyama , Kentarô Itô , Shinichirô Miki , Hisayoshi Suganuma

Seasons

16

Bleach is a more traditional adult anime that ran from 2004-2012, but is still ongoing to this day. The series follows Ichigo Kurosaki after he is bestowed with the powers of a Soul Reaper, a role similar to that of the Grim Reaper. He sets out to defend humans from evil spirits, all while guiding lost souls into the afterlife. Based on the best-selling manga of the same name by Tite Kubo, fans early on wondered how the anime would condense all the pages of filler found in the source material. After all, Bleach is just as famous for being one of the longest-running anime series of all time.

Veered Far Away from the Manga

As it turns out, they didn't. Instead, the series played it fast and loose with the source material by introducing characters and storylines not found in the manga. While shows like this are notorious for bloated casts, each character in this series had their own ongoing storyline that was more adult-focused than others at the time. After a lengthy hiatus, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, a direct sequel to the original anime series, came out in late 2022. The series hopes to close out the final arc of the manga, though it may do just as well to deviate as it has in the past. Stream on Hulu

15 My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia

Release Date

2016-00-00

Cast

Aoi Yuki , Junichi Suwabe

Seasons

1

My Hero Academia takes place in a fictional world where a majority of the human population has unique superpowers called "Quirks." The story focuses on a protagonist named Izuku, who starts off with no quirks but is determined to become a hero nonetheless. He's given the courage to do so via the endorsement of All Might, the world's greatest hero, as Izuku is enrolled into a prominent superhero high school. Since the anime debuted in 2016, the series has since spawned several multimedia adaptations for stage plays and video games.

A Premier Superhero Anime

Originally released during the peak of comic book entertainment in the 2010s, My Hero Academia took off almost immediately. With brilliant character developments, fascinating storylines, and a heavy emphasis on the idea of good vs. evil, this superhero anime has won a large fan base because of its positive life lessons. There are multiple reasons why this modern-day anime has become successful, but you could ultimately say that the well-rounded characters, impressive visuals, and fantastic soundtrack have allowed My Hero Academia to be one of the best anime series out today. Stream on Crunchyroll

14 Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter

Release Date

April 17, 2016

Cast

Issei Futamata , Megumi Han , Cristina Valenzuela , Mariya Ise , Michael McConnohie

Seasons

1

Based on the manga of the same name by Yoshihiro Togashi, Hunter x Hunter is surely one of the most popular anime of all time. The anime started to air in 2011, and the last season of it came out in 2014. The series focuses on the main protagonist, Gon, who lives in a fantastical world filled with ferocious beasts, magical powers, and mysterious treasures. Gon's main aim is to find his father, who ultimately left Gon at a young age to become a Hunter — a recognized professional who specializes in supernatural pursuits — and to also become a hunter himself to prove his worth to the world.

Popular in Spite of Production Issues

The only reason why the anime is not more popular is because of its faltering pace, which ultimately ground to a halt in 2014. Still, in spite of its infamous production schedule across several adaptations, Hunter x Hunter's positive qualities continue to drive its enduring popularity, namely its engaging storyline and meaningful character arcs. The antagonists of the series are also really intriguing, and the action sequences are delightful cherry on top. Stream on Crunchyroll

13 Death Note

Death Note

Release Date

October 21, 2007

Cast

Mamoru Miyano , Brad Swaile , Vincent Tong , Ryō Naitō , Trevor Devall

Seasons

1

A dark anime with a simple plot, Death Note can be as thought-provoking as it is gruesome. The story focuses on the absolute power to kill just about anyone with a name and a face. The power to do just this is bestowed on the owner of the Death Note, a magical notebook that belongs to a mysterious shinigami known as Ryuk. When it falls into the hands of a high school student named Light Yagami, he makes a harrowing discovery: a person can be killed by simply writing their name in the Death Note.

A Fascinating Examination of Corruption

This series constantly makes the viewer question who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist throughout. In fact, the anime might start off with the viewer rooting for Light, only to realize this character is filled with pure evil and is willing to use anyone close to him to achieve his dream of becoming a God of a new world. The ending of Death Note, however, proves just how evil Yagami is.

Death Note's reflections on certain ideologies, like what morality is, the debate on the death penalty, and the power of certain organizations and people, can be quite intriguing. It is likely a combination of these factors, along with some impressive animation by Madhouse and incredible voice performances, that gave Death Note such enduring longevity in the world of anime. Stream on Netflix

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Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Release Date

April 5, 2009

Cast

Romi Pak , Rie Kugimiya , Shinichirô Miki , Fumiko Orikasa , Hidekatsu Shibata , Mamoru Miyano , Kenji Utsumi , Minami Takayama

Seasons

4

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is based on Hiromu Arakawa's manga of a similar name. Set in a steampunk world of magic and advanced technology, a pair of brothers — Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric — attempt to revive their deceased mother via the dangerous art of alchemy. Unfortunately, after their attempt leaves the two brothers gravely wounded, the two aim to locate the philosopher's stone in order to restore their bodies to their previous state.

While there are technically two Fullmetal Alchemist series, there are some key differences between the two. The most notable difference between the two is that Brotherhood is far more faithful to the original manga. In fact, after Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was released in 2009, it went on to become more popular than the 2003 version due to its loyalty to the original story.

A Legendary Fantasy Anime

This anime is one that focuses on some important topics, including family bonds, fascism, ethical practices, and the natural vs. the unnatural debate. Though the series takes some time to truly establish itself, what many audiences found in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood was a series that fully explored the emotional spectrum. The two protagonists have natural growth, and as the series goes on, their worldviews gradually mature into something genuinely surprising. Combined with effective characterization and an inventive interpretation of alchemy, and you have what is likely to be one of the most well-regarded anime series of all time. Stream on Crunchyroll

11 Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

Release Date

March 6, 2000

Cast

Hikaru Midorikawa , Toshihiko Seki , Ryûzô Ishino , Akio Otsuka , David Kaye

Seasons

1

The early anime scene has long been filled with mecha or mechs, giant robot-like machines controlled by people. While there have been endless iterations of this, from Mega Man to Transformers, the Gundam franchise has long dominated the anime space. While most of the franchise is solid in terms of overall quality, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing does hold a soft spot for many American audiences due to its beloved slot on Cartoon Network's Toonami block in the early 2000s.

Much like the original series, the plot revolves around a future war between Earth and its orbital colonies in the Earth-Moon system. This war is facilitated via traditional weaponry and the utilization of "Gundams," giant mechanized suits that grant a pilot superior maneuverability and more powerful weapons compared to a traditional vehicle. A group of five Gundam pilots are the focus, with their individual efforts in fighting the Organization of the Zodiac being chronicled throughout.

The Most Popular Gundam Series

The series features political intrigue and epic battles alongside its jaw-dropping suits. While not the first in the series and not even the first to make it to the United States, it holds the distinction of being the first to air on live television. It was a series that featured more than just explosive action: the wartime intrigue and explorations of relationships were just as much a focus as the giant robots duking it out. It made a lasting impression for generations to come, laying the foundation for the Gundam franchise's continued international success. Stream on Crunchyroll

10 Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen

Release Date

October 2, 2020

Cast

Junya Enoki , Yuma Uchida , Yuichi Nakamura , Adam McArthur , Asami Seto

Seasons

3

One of the newest anime on the list, the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, only started airing in 2020. The story is based on Gege Akutami's manga series of the same name, which features a group of malevolent supernatural beings known as Curses. The main plot of the anime centers around a student named Yuuji Itadori, who, after swallowing the shriveled finger of a centuries-old Curse named Sukuna, becomes a vessel for the ancient being. With the help of his friends and teachers, Itadori faces many other Curses while everyone also struggles with their own personal problems, be they in the past or present.

Popular With All Types of Fans

The first season of the series was a massive success worldwide and turned a lot of non-fans into anime with its gorgeous art style and captivating action scenes. Since then, a prequel movie called Jujutsu Kaisen Zero has also been released, and more recently, the second season of the anime has finished its initial airing. The series gained a huge fandom in a very short time, making it one of the most-watched anime in recent memory. Ever since its premiere, it has also swept the annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards in terms of nominations. Stream on Crunchyroll

9 Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop follows a unique group of bounty hunters within a sci-fi universe in which humanity and its many vices have migrated all across the galaxy. The neo-noir series follows the crew of a ship called Bebop, which is helmed by the ever-goofy Spike Spiegel and his companion Jet Black, both of whom are weighed down by the past. They are soon joined by con artist Faye Valentine, an oddball wunderkind named Ed, and a bioengineered Welsh Corgi.

A Popular Series With Non-Anime Fans

While this is easily the shortest series here at just 26 episodes, fans have been clamoring for more ever since its release over 20 years ago. Its length is due mostly to acclaimed anime director Shinichirō Watanabe's finite vision for the series, the content of which also alienated traditional toy companies from wanting to market it. Still, its episodic nature, homages to a variety of genres, strong characterization, and universal status as a "gateway" anime has led to its enduring popularity across the globe. Netflix's recent live-action reboot was heavily criticized and was quickly canceled. Stream on Crunchyroll

8 Attack on Titan

Attack On Titan

Cast

Marina Inoue , Hiro Shimono , Takehito Koyasu

Seasons

4

Release Date

September 28, 2013

A word of warning — this series is not for the faint of heart. Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy anime that is as devastatingly beautiful as it is heart-wrenching. Set in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by giant humanoid Titans, the series follows a group called the Survey Corps as they set out to protect themselves from these creatures... who may just be more like them than they realize. The main protagonist, Eren, joins the group after the brutal death of his mother at the hands of a Titan attack. Adapted from the manga by Hajime Isayama, this series certainly keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

A Long-Running Masterpiece

It's hard to nail down one exact reason for Attack on Titan's incredible popularity. Running for a full decade, this anime series boasts some incredible character growth, stunning action scenes, shocking twists, and some of the most compelling worldbuilding the medium has seen yet. You could also argue that its popularity is due in part to its year of release, 2013, as that would be a particularly popular year for anime due to a plethora of high-profile releases. Then again, it also helps that Attack on Titan is one of the most visually spectacular shows ever released in the past decade, with a relatively straightforward watch order. Stream on Crunchyroll

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7 Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online

Cast

Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Haruka Tomatsu , Ayana Taketatsu , Miyuki Sawashiro , Ai Kayano

Seasons

4

Release Date

July 8, 2012

Based on a series of light novels written by Reki Kawahard, Sword Art Online is an anime whose first season aired in 2012 and the most recent season aired in 2020. The story is based in modern times, where people can experience immersive gaming with the help of virtual reality. However, the trouble begins when the creator of a medieval fantasy game called Sword Art Online (SAO) traps thousands of players inside the game by removing the log-out button, leaving them stranded. The only way for these players to ever make it out to the real world again is to finish all 100 increasingly difficult levels of this game. The protagonist, Kirito, and the other players join forces to overcome the challenges.

An Innovative Series

The anime gained a lot of popularity due to its interesting plot and fantastic animation style, likely setting the initial groundwork for the influx of "isekai" anime and manga in the years after its release. The action sequences of the show are also mind-blowing. The anime is already immensely popular, and knowing that the original source material still hasn't been covered in its entirety, likely means more viewers will probably join once it's complete. Stream on Crunchyroll

6 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Cast

Natsuki Hanae , Zach Aguilar , Abby Trott , Akari Kitō , Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

Seasons

4

Release Date

January 22, 2021

Demon Slayer focuses on a secret society dubbed the Demon Slayer Corps. The story takes place in ancient Japan, specifically in the early 1910s, a.k.a. the Taishō era. The Demon Slayer Corps was created to fight against demons, who possess overwhelming strength and incredible supernatural powers. These demons were initially humans, but were transformed into their current state by the malevolent Muzan Kibutsuji. Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist, aims to become a Demon Slayer after his sister, Nezuko, is forcibly converted into a demon. The plot focuses on their journey to eliminate the demons, along with Muzan, while still trying to restore Nezuko back to her human state.

Heavily Rooted in Japanese Culture

The anime takes inspiration from Japanese culture, hence the unique attire and visuals throughout. Its colorful style, impressive presentation, and creative demon designs help make some of the more difficult parts of this anime easier to swallow. It certainly helps that its impressive voice casting, both in English and Japanese, helps convey both the lighthearted and darker moments throughout this incredibly popular anime series. Stream on Crunchyroll

5 Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon

Cast

Kotono Mitsuishi , Aya Hisakawa , Michie Tomizawa , Emi Shinohara , Rica Fukami , Tôru Furuya , Keiko Han , Johnny Yong Bosch

Seasons

4

Release Date

September 11, 1995

The beloved manga and TV series known as Sailor Moon has been popular ever since its debut in the early 90s, and not just for fans of cosplay or the magical girl genre. The story follows Usagi Tsukino, a young schoolgirl who was bestowed with some pretty miraculous powers thanks to a talking cat named Luna. With these powers, she transforms into her magical alter ego, Sailor Moon, a hero tasked with battling the evil forces of the Dark Kingdom, led by Queen Beryl, alongside her fellow moon princesses. Queen Beryl, meanwhile, summons monsters called Youma that sap the energy from humans. She's set her sights on the Silver Crystal, a gem capable of unlimited power.

An Incredibly Influential Anime Series

While many would assume this is just for kids, Sailor Moon is available in both subtitled, uncut, mature versions and in dubbed tween-approved versions. Its original release in the United States was highly censored at the time, with sometimes hilarious results. Luckily, what was only supposed to be a limited six-month run turned into nearly seven remakes, the last of which is still ongoing. Its colorful presentation and its role in creating the "magical girl" subgenre cemented its place in anime history as an all-time classic, and as one of the most popular anime series to date. Stream on Hulu

4 One Piece

One Piece

Cast

Mayumi Tanaka , Akemi Okamura , Laurent Vernin , Tony Beck , Kazuya Nakai

Seasons

1

Release Date

October 20, 1999

The first season of the One Piece anime came out in 1999, and now, 24 years later, it's still ongoing. This massive anime, comprised of well over 1000 episodes, is one of the longest-running anime of all time.

Based on Eichiro Oda's manga of the same name, this anime is set in a world where humans and other mythical creatures all co-exist together. The story mainly focuses on Luffy, a charismatic pirate captain who can stretch his limbs to incredible lengths. He, along with a ragtag crew of pirates, attempt to locate a grandiose treasure known only as the One Piece. That being said, with hundreds of episodes to watch, the series veers into other prominent story arcs frequently. The manga is said to end sometime in 2024 or 2025, so if someone wants to start watching or reading it, they will have plenty of episodes to binge-watch.

One of the Longest-Running Anime Series

This long-running anime has a surprisingly large and dedicated fanbase, due in part to its visually-striking art style, gargantuan scope, and long-running story arcs. The show is easily one of the most-watched anime of all time. In fact, the anime is so popular that Netflix made a live-action One Piece show that has been a hit with fans and critics. If you have not started with One Piece yet, this is the perfect time to start watching, as you can also watch the live-action series after finishing the anime. Stream on Netflix

3 Naruto & Naruto: Shippuden

Naruto

Cast

Junko Takeuchi , Noriaki Sugiyama , Chie Nakamura , Kazuhiko Inoue , Hidekatsu Shibata , Yoichi Masukawa , Masashi Ebara , Ryôka Yuzuki

Seasons

8

Release Date

October 3, 2002

Naruto focuses on a young boy who is shunned by society but grows up to be one of the most successful and strongest ninjas. Based on the manga series by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto focuses on the titular Naruto Uzumaki, a fledgling ninja whose brash personality complements his desire to become the next Hokage, the leader of his local village. However, the road to such a responsibility is lined with all sorts of challenges. After watching the original Naruto, the next obvious step would be to watch its counterpart, Naruto: Shippuden, which jumps forward in time to Naruto's teenage years.

A Huge Television Presence

Both parts focus on brilliant character developments and fascinating storylines and, in turn, ensure that the viewer is fully submerged in the wide world of ninjas. Its huge presence on American television throughout the 2000s would establish it as one of the most popular international anime series, as it frequently hopped between television networks like Disney XD and Cartoon Network before the big streaming boom. Even then, its colorful characters, dynamic storylines, and surprisingly impressive fight scenes kept audiences sticking around for about 500 episodes. Those still wanting more can check out the various Naruto movies that have come out as well. Stream on Crunchyroll

2 Pokémon

Pokemon

Cast

Veronica Taylor , Rachael Lillis , Eric Stuart , Ikue Ôtani , Rica Matsumoto

Seasons

18

Release Date

September 7, 1998

Pokémon is yet another huge franchise that has created generations of fans. Pokémon (abbreviated for "Pocket Monsters") are adorable fictional creatures with various strengths and weaknesses that are hard not to love, even if they're used to battle each other in regulated competitions. Based on the video game series of the same name, the accompanying anime series focused on the story of a single boy, Ash Ketchum, who aimed to become a Pokémon Master via collecting Pokémon and battling numerous challengers all across the world.

Pokémon Is a Permanent Pop Culture Fixture

Even if you are not a huge fan, it's nearly impossible not to be aware of this franchise. The fact that people are still dreaming of owning their own Pikachus and Squirtles is evidence enough to suggest how popular this anime is. While the video games have been popular, the anime series was likely many people's introduction to the franchise and helped spawn a long-running film series on top of numerous spinoffs, including Pokémon Concierge.

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Fans who have grown up with the series have come to appreciate the numerous storylines that ran the course through the original series, ranging from the downright silly to the surprisingly emotional. It has also inspired and been inspired by a slew of long-running tabletop game spinoffs, from Digimon to Yu-Gi-Oh! Suffice to say, the sheer popularity of Pokémon had a substantial impact on not only its original medium of video games, but on pop culture in general. After nearly 25 years of battles, the forever 10-year-old Ash Ketchum story has finally concluded with a new Pokémon anime, Pokémon: New Horizons, which is set to carry on the legacy. Stream on Netflix

1 Dragon Ball & Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z

Seasons

16

Release Date

September 13, 1996

Cast

Christopher Sabat , Scott McNeil , Sean Schemmel , Brian Drummond , Sonny Strait

Dragon Ball is a massive franchise that shaped a generation of millennials. Like most anime, Dragon Ball was initially a manga series created by Akira Toriyama in the early 1980s. The first installment was 1986's Dragon Ball, which introduces many elements of the Dragon Ball franchise going forward. This anime opens by focusing on the young Goku, a Saiyan warrior whose supernatural abilities and martial arts prowess contrast with his carefree personality. His antics take him on adventures of all kinds, with most centering around the search for seven magical Dragon Balls. Upon collecting all the Dragon Balls, a wish may be granted.

The next series, Dragon Ball Z, was released in 1989. It takes place five years after the end of the first installment, focusing on an adult Goku and his son, Gohan. Shifting more towards straightforward action this time around, the duo take on a variety of threats as they're tasked with defending Earth, with the help of an eclectic collection of companions along the way.

The Most Popular Anime of All Time

This show is inspired primarily by martial arts, and audiences can find some truly brilliant multi-episode fights throughout the anime. From fighting with aliens to protecting Earth against evil, this anime franchise is packed with adventure while still being easily accessible to audiences of all ages. The series has inspired memes, its action has been the source of inspiration for filmmakers in both animation and live-action, and its global reach beyond Japan and the United States rivals some of the biggest media franchises of all time. Its popularity is still present in feature-length movies that perform well at the box office despite being considered for niche audiences. This show is easily the most popular anime in the world. Stream on Crunchyroll

Need even more anime recommendations? Be sure to check out our picks for highly realistic anime series below: