Anime is much more than just cartoons. It has given birth to timeless series like One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Naruto — shows that have become not o
Anime is much more than just cartoons. It has given birth to timeless series like One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Naruto — shows that have become not only staples of Japanese animation but also global phenomena. While these legacy titles continue to define the medium, the past two decades have brought in a novel generation of anime that pushes storytelling and artistry even further.
Whether it’s a lighthearted opposites-attract romance, a pair of children embarking on an unforgettable fantasy adventure, or a tale of revenge gone wrong, anime commits fully to its ideas and executes them with confidence. In the spirit of these newfangled additions, here are the most perfect anime of the last 20 years, ranked.
10
‘Violet Evergarden’ (2018)
Violet Evergarden finds humanity in the aftermath of war. After surviving the devastating Great War, former child soldier Violet Evergarden (Yui Ishikawa) struggles to understand the final words spoken to her by the person she cherished most. Taking a job as an Auto Memory Doll at CH Postal Services, she writes heartfelt letters that give voice to the emotions others struggle to express.
Violet Evergarden is a masterpiece in exploring the power of human emotion. At the beginning of the series, the detached Violet cannot understand even the simplest expressions of love. But through the tender art of letter writing, the former “killing machine” gradually learns that being human is not defined by her past actions, but by her capacity to empathize with others.
9
‘Made in Abyss’ (2017–2022)
Made in Abyss is an anime homage to eldritch horror. Orphaned cave raider Riko (Miyu Tomita) dreams of following in the footsteps of her legendary mother, the White Whistle Lyza, who vanished deep within the mysterious Abyss. After discovering Reg (Mariya Ise), an amnesiac robot boy seemingly born from the chasm’s depths, the two pack their bags for a descent of a lifetime.
Reminiscent of fantasy adventures like His Dark Materials, Made in Abyss isn’t fooled by its cutesy, lighthearted visuals. The anime introduces a merciless realm with creatures waiting to kill Riko and Reg. In an abyss that generations of seasoned explorers have failed to conquer, it may be the courage and curiosity of two children that finally uncover its deepest secrets.
8
‘Kaguya-sama: Love Is War’ (2019–2023)
Never put your heart on your sleeve in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War. At the prestigious Shuciin Academy, brilliant student council president Miyuki Shirogane (Makoto Furukawa) and wealthy vice president Kaguya Shinomiya (Aoi Koga) are secretly in love with each other. The problem is that they’re too proud to admit their feelings — the first to do so loses.
In this romantic battlefield, Miyuki and Kaguya engage in Sherlockian psychological mind games, each trying to force the other into making the first romantic confession. It’s a delightfully cheesy opposites-attract affair. But beneath all the ridiculous schemes, the two genuinely understand each other in ways no one else can, leading to some of the anime’s most heartfelt moments amid its nonstop running gags.
7
‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)
Hunter x Hunter is the vital coming-of-age anime. After learning that his father, Ging, is not dead but a legendary Hunter, 12-year-old Gon Freecss leaves Whale Island to follow in his footsteps. To become a licensed Hunter. Gon must survive the notoriously deadly Hunter Examination, where he faces threatening trials and finds the father who abandoned him.
Hunter × Hunter starts like a goofy, kid-friendly adventure, but that’s just a facade. As Gon and his friends grow closer throughout their journey, their friendship is tested by brutal psychological and emotional trials. Its battle system is one of anime’s most original, rewarding strategies and clever employ of abilities over raw power. You never know which character—especially the seemingly weaker ones—will outsmart even the deadliest monsters.
6
‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–2023)
Vinland Saga sets off with a story of revenge. After witnessing the murder of his legendary father, Thorfinn (Yūto Uemura) dedicates his life to avenging him by killing the cunning Viking mercenary Askeladd (Naoya Uchida). Forced to fight alongside the very man he despises, Thorfinn earns the right to challenge him through honorable duels, all while becoming consumed by the brutal realities of war.
Despite being a Japanese anime, Vinland Saga surprises audiences with its accuracy to 11th-century Viking culture, as well as the politics surrounding the Danish invasion of England. Historical accuracy, from naval warfare to battle tactics aside, Vinland Saga is a testament to what it means to be a Viking warrior, arguing that true strength has more to do with restraining your power than unleashing it mercilessly.
5
‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016–2022)
You don’t want to mess with Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama (Shigeo Kageyama) in Mob Psycho 100. Mob may be one of the world’s most powerful psychics, but all the awkward middle schooler really wants is a normal life. When he’s not attending classes, he’s busy exorcising spirits and battling threatening espers. But first, he needs to get his powers and emotions in check.
With so much anime centered on the pursuit of becoming stronger, Mob Psycho 100 is refreshing for going in the opposite direction. All Mob wants is to live like an ordinary middle schooler — a surprisingly relatable goal. With the guidance of his eccentric spiritual mentor, Reigen (Ryōma Baba), Mob gradually learns to accept both his extraordinary powers and himself, turning the series into a heartfelt story about self-acceptance.
4
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–Present)
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End believes the story doesn’t end when the Demon King is defeated. After a ten-year quest comes to an end, the legendary mage Frieren (Atsumi Tanezaki) parts ways with her companions and resumes her solitary life. But as the centuries pass and her human friends grow antique, she ruminates on a past life long gone.
Most fantasy stories end once the ultimate evil has been defeated. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End instead asks what comes after. What does a hero do when there’s no great enemy left to overcome? For someone with a lifespan as long as Frieren’s, the answer can be surprisingly painful. Through her journey with her apprentice Fern (Kana Ichinose), the anime becomes a heartfelt reflection on living in the present and cherishing the people around you before they’re gone.
3
‘Steins;Gate’ (2011)
Steins;Gate introduces one of the most unconventional time machines in sci-fi: a modified microwave. It’s all thanks to self-proclaimed mad scientist Rintarou Okabe (Mamoru Miyano) and his friends. But when a seemingly harmless experiment accidentally alters the timeline, the group finds themselves facing deadly consequences and attracting the attention of the powerful organization SERN.
Despite its cartoonish aesthetic, Steins;Gate takes time travel seriously. The story draws on real scientific concepts like the butterfly effect, the many-worlds interpretation, and black hole theory, while weaving in internet culture and urban legends that make its world feel surprisingly grounded. Beyond the science, the anime delivers a deeply human story about grief, regret, and the realization that the past cannot be rewritten without consequences.
2
‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)
In Attack on Titan, ten-year-old Eren Jaeger (Yuki Kaji) watches helplessly as Titans devour his mother after the Colossal Titan breaches Wall Maria. Consumed by grief and rage, he vows to exterminate every last Titan. Alongside his childhood friends, Eren joins the elite Survey Corps to fight for humanity’s survival and reclaim the freedom that lies beyond the walls.
It’s nearly impossible to determine who the true heroes and villains are in Attack on Titan, and that’s exactly what makes the series so rousing. Every side believes it’s fighting for justice, but whether that justice is righteous or misguided is left for the audience to decide. As the story evolves, it becomes clear that the greatest monsters aren’t always the Titans — they can be humans, too.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood begins after a forbidden alchemy experiment goes horribly wrong. In a desperate attempt to bring their behind schedule mother back to life, brothers Edward (Romi Park) and Alphonse Elric (Vic Mignogna) pay a devastating price: Edward loses an arm and a leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body. Determined to reclaim what they lost, the brothers set out in search of the legendary Philosopher’s Stone.
As their journey unfolds, viewers witness just how far Edward and Alphonse are willing to go to get their bodies back. While the brothers seek the Philosopher’s Stone for personal reasons, others pursue it for immortality or limitless power. That moral conflict makes every step of their journey more gripping, ultimately testing their moral compass.
