Best Anime Series

Proving that animation isn't just for kids, the best anime series offer compelling drama, breathtaking action, and complex plots.

Best Anime Movies

Note: This list only considers releases distributed in the U.S. as of the publication of this article.

1.

 Faced by an alien invasion, the crew of the Macross must fight to save humanity. This classic title introduced many to the world of mecha, giant robots piloted by humans. American audiences may recognize the series as part of the Robotech series. Edited episodes of Macross were combined with two other anime series to create the Robotech story. While the animation is clearly from the 80s, a recent restored release has cleaned up the original print. Macross is the top-rated anime at Meta Anime Review Project (MARP), an anime review site modeled after Rotten Tomatoes, achieving a score of 98.

2.

 Although Trust and Betrayal was an OAV (direct-to-video) release with only four episodes, its impact was unmistakable. This series is the highest-rated anime on Anime News Network as determined by site users, with 2,061 votes and an average score of 9.08/10. It also received a score of 92 on MARP. A continuation of the Rurouni Kenshin anime, Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal focuses on Kenshin's early life and training, and the woman who may be his downfall.

3.

 From the first strains of its jazz-influenced theme song, viewers knew this show was going to be different. While the premise of "bounty hunters in space" may seem a bit odd, and the concept of a mismatched crew is nothing new, the action sequences, character interactions, and emotion behind the story quickly made this a favorite. A unique soundtrack eschewing the usual J-Pop sounds of anime didn't hurt, either. Cowboy Bebop is number ten on MARP's list of top-rated anime with a score of 94, and falls in sixth place at Anime News Network with an average rating of 8.97.

4.

 In a world where alchemy is real, Edward and Alphonse Elric paid a heavy price for dabbling in forbidden practices. Now, they're on a quest for the Philosopher's Stone to put everything right. What could have been a typical action series with an enemy-of-the-week quickly becomes a highly emotional and complex story. Beyond the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, plots involving military machinations, the plight of a displaced people, and the horrors of war add depth to the narrative. Fullmetal Alchemist earned an average rating of 8.94 at Anime News Network, making it the seventh highest rated anime on that site.

5.

 Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex expands on the world created in the original Ghost in the Shell manga and subsequent movie release. In the future, cybernetic enhancements allow humans to increase their strength and intelligence and access the 'net through their minds. These newfound abilities lead to unique cyber crimes, and Section 9 is the special police force charged with solving these cases. Each season features a complex storyline that evolves over the course of 26 episodes, with one-shot stories scattered throughout. The second season, subtitled Second GIG, received a rating of 94 at MARP, placing it just below the cut-off for the site's top ten list, while the first season received a respectable 86.

6.

 In a post-apocalyptic world, Earth's remaining humans face one more devastating enemy - strange creatures known as Angels. The one hope for humanity's salvation is Evangelion, a series of mecha piloted by emotionally fragile adolescents. Will they be the savior of mankind or only further its demise? With its mix of action, psychological drama, coming-of-age themes, religious imagery, and even comedy, Neon Genesis Evangelion is considered one of the best anime series by legions of fans.

7.

 Tricked into joining a squad of mercenary airplane pilots, a man must now earn his freedom from fighting. Noted for its action sequences and the moral dilemmas the protagonist faces, Area 88 earned a score of 91 at MARP. It's an older title that has aged well.

8.

 Several high school students are transported to a magical world where they must struggle against strange foes as they hunt for a way to return home. With a score of 96, this short anime series is the fourth-highest rated title at MARP. However, it may not be for all tastes. Rather than seriously contemplating the clash between two different worlds, the series decides to focus on wacky exploits and comedic action. El-Hazard is also an example of what is sometimes called the "harem anime" where a hapless male is surrounded by a horde of amorous females (see the various incarnations of Tenchi for further examples of the genre).

9.

 There's a menace traveling the streets of Tokyo; a boy on roller skates wields a golden bat and attacks people who are feeling trapped and hopeless. Known as "Little Slugger," he has captured the fears and imaginations of the city. But as the line between truth and fiction blurs, who are the real victims? Paranoia Agent is considered to be one of the best anime series for its sheer uniqueness. The plot twists don't always make sense, but the show takes you on one heck of a ride. It is far from being your typical anime series, and it sometimes attracts fans who might otherwise shy away from anime. The series receives a score of 90 from MARP.

10.

 Series aimed at boys, but enjoyed by fans of all ages, often with a focus on combat and action.

 Some viewers prefer the prolonged battles and power-ups of DragonBallZ, while others enjoy the dash of romance Inuyasha adds to the mix. Are ninjas in training more your thing? Try out Naruto. Looking for samurai warriors? Then Rurouni Kenshin is your shounen show. Wishing you could add a supernatural element? Then Bleach may be the action show you need. They don't always offer innovative or complex plots, but these long-running anime series keep viewers enthralled from week to week with interesting characters, a dash of humor, and cliffhanging battles.

For Related Information

For more information about your favorite anime and fantasy shows and movies, see:

• LoveToKnow Movies
• LoveToKnow Sci Fi