These are the top 20 binge-worthy anime of the century so far. In this list, we will be looking at the best anime that will leave you saying, “Just one more episode” at the end of each episode.
Did we forget to mention a series that kept you up all night? Let us know in the comments. And as always, if there’s a list of anime you’d like to see, let me know.
20: Akame ga Kill!
Akame ga Kill! channels the madness of “Tanganromper” with the style of a Tarantino film. “Akame ga Kill!” is the best kind of crazy, revolving around highly skilled criminals who find themselves taking on a dangerous job for big money and their own lives. Everything goes wrong with betrayal, death, and wacky sci-fi twists along the way, making it a wild ride even if you consider it style over substance.
19: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer is a popular and binge-worthy anime. Following the slaughter of his family and his sister’s transformation into a demon, Tanjirou joins the Demon Slayer Corps in search of a cure. The stunning art style and epic battles have made it a modern great, with its storytelling making it easy to get hooked.
18: Recovery of an MMO Junkie
is a short anime that you can finish in a single day. Midlife crisis hits Mariko, who quits her successful job to throw herself into an MMORPG. She soon meets another player and begins to grow attached, not realizing they may know each other in real life. Heartwarming and adorable, “MMO Junkie” tells a relatable story about pursuing your passion and the good and bad that come with it.
17: Odd Taxi
This Anime is exquisitely written and serves as a mystery thriller and a meditation on Japanese culture. This series focuses on a middle-aged cab driver who becomes embroiled in the aftermath of a murder, with many of the key players ending up in the back seat of his cab. And to top it off, the driver is also a walrus. The dialogue is snappy and witty, making it a must-watch even if it takes some getting used to the anthropomorphic aspect.
16: The Seven Deadly Sins
This is a sinfully good anime. After Princess Elizabeth’s kingdom is taken over, she seeks out the Seven Deadly Sins, legendary warriors once framed, to help her take back her homeland from the Holy Knights. With its silly elements and individual quirks, personal journeys, and great magical fights, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves anime.
15: Fate/Zero
Fate/Zero is the perfect jumping-off point for the “Fate” series. It tells the tale of the fourth Holy Grail War, a tournament where mages summon historical warriors to compete in death matches for their wishes to be granted. The animation, variety of characters, and use of magic make it a must-watch fantasy.
14: The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
It’s quirky, crazy, and outright hilarious. With psychic powers he deems a curse, Saiki struggles to lead a normal life and repeatedly runs into problems with the equally outrageous cast. The fast-paced humor and Saiki’s deadpan narration style make it a must-watch.
13: Devilman: Crybaby
Crybaby combines insanity, tears, and chaos. When demons start spilling into human society, former wimp Akira unwittingly fuses with one and tries to save those he loves while struggling with his own dark desires.
12: One Punch Man
A premise so simple, it’s almost beautiful, deconstructing and taking jabs at the superhero trope. The story follows the exploits of the titular character Saitama, a man so strong that everything he punches is wiped out in only one hit. Despite being surrounded by all kinds of characters – heroes, villains, and everything in between – nothing comes close to the strength of Saitama’s fists, making for incredible action and some stellar comedy.
11: Kuroko’s Basketball
Trading in vicious battles for hype basketball matches, this sports anime is one that even casual fans will adore. Following the story of Kuroko, a basketball prodigy who joins a new team and competes against his former teammates for the championship, “Kuroko’s Basketball” combines character growth with anime for a match made in heaven.
10: Kill la Kill
As erotic as it is action-packed, “Kill la Kill” is quintessential Studio Trigger firing on all cylinders with their outlandish sense of humor and ridiculously awesome flights. Following the tale of Ryuko Matoi on her quest for vengeance, the series tackles serious topics with a lighthearted presentation and manages to toe the line between slice-of-life and much more.
9: Erased
Time travel and mystery are a perfect match, especially when layered together. In “Erased”, Satoru is transported back in time to his elementary school days and must prevent the kidnapping and killings of his classmates while uncovering the identity of the madman behind it. The series explores both human failings and human compassion, thrilling viewers from beginning to end.
8: Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
“Re:Zero” is the isekai that started it all and is in dire need of your attention. Starting life as a depressed layabout, Subaru is given a second chance in a world of magic and monsters. The heart of the series lies in Subaru’s redemption and how he learns to become a better person while accepting his flaws.
7: Jujutsu Kaisen
Establishing itself as a must-watch, “Jujutsu Kaisen” takes all the tropes you love and adds an extra layer of darkness. After being bonded to a demonic entity, Yuji becomes a jujutsu sorcerer with the mission of wiping out curses. The series excels in its magic system, its relatable main character, and its own brand of tragedy.
6: Made in Abyss
A work of art that loves nothing more than to strangle your soul, “Made in Abyss” is as bingeable as it is sadistic. Following the journey of cave dweller Riko and her cyborg companion as they dive to the bottom of the abyss in search of Riko’s missing mother, the series is beautiful and blisteringly painful.
5: Higurashi: When They Cry
A horror show masquerading as a slice of life, “Higurashi” is a franchise that takes time to present new opportunities for the characters to lose their minds and turn on each other. Although it takes a while to reach the good ending, it is still entertaining to see the various versions of the same characters fight their way out of the worst situations.
4: Death Parade
Shows based on death games are all the rage, and “Death Parade” is a classic example of why getting into debt is terrifying. Desperate to overcome his financial hellhole. Eternal loser Kaji finds himself drawn into various games of life and death or for the chance to earn that much-needed green. He may be an underdog, but Cai G’s quick-wittedness in the heat of the moments always makes for a riveting watch, especially with all the craziness tasked his way.
3: Hunter x Hunter
A young man named Gon dreams of finding his absent father and decides to become a hunter. In doing so, he embarks on what many consider to be one of the best anime experiences to date. The show has it all: a fantastic tournament arc, characters with staggering complexities, fight scenes that put its contemporaries to shame, and an endearing cast that is constantly challenged by the world around them. The journey is so good that it won’t even matter that a continuation seems increasingly unlikely.
2: Attack on Titan
With giant monsters, giant walls, and one angry young man determined to tear it all down, Attack on Titan is one of the century’s most explosive and enthralling anime experiences. Eren and the Survey Corps’ mission to wipe out the Titans might sound like standard fare, but the series has quickly proven to be a master of submissive narratives and phenomenal world-building. There’s never been a better time to dive in and see what all the fuss is about. If you’re one of the few anime fans who haven’t taken the plunge yet, you certainly won’t regret it.
1: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The second iteration of the Elric brothers’ journey to finding the Philosopher’s Stone is widely considered to be one of the greatest anime ever created and is also one of the most binge-worthy. Despite its meaty episode count, the story of Edward and Alphonse’s journey to reclaim what they lost after committing a terrible mistake while trying to bring their deceased mother back to life using alchemy is staggering in scope and effortless in execution. Brotherhood is not lacking in its brawls but truly shines in the introspection of its lead characters.
No matter how you look at it, it’s the best anime has to offer.
