The debate over which anime reigns supreme has existed since the genre's debut. Whether in the back alleys of a local middle school or the trenches of an online forum, fans everywhere have equipped their keyboards and mice like weapons and prepared for a war of intellectual debate.
But some brave warriors seek to settle this feud once and for all with cold, hard numbers. Such is the case for Reddit user mjf314 when they compiled an aggregate list of the top 100 anime of all time amalgamated from over 30 sites across the internet. The list may not please everyone, but the data doesn't lie.
10 The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Is Pure Brilliance
Premiering in 2014, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a 14-episode anime that follows the misadventures of the SOS Brigade, a young group of students and their charismatic, eccentric leader: Haruhi Suzumiya. The series is an energetic romp that balances fun comedy with magnetic and compelling characters.
It's gone on to become a staple in anime culture, with a lot of new anime referencing the series' most iconic songs and dances. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is sure to charm even the most calloused of viewers.
9 Serial Experiments Lain Is An Acclaimed Horror Anime
Directed by Ryūtarō Nakamura, Serial Experiments Lain is a psychological, horror anime that first premiered in 1998. The 13-episode season chronicles the strange occurrences happening to an introverted girl named Lain, who becomes obsessed with a virtual realm called "The Wired".
Horror is a comparatively niche genre in the anime world, making it noteworthy when something as acclaimed as Serial Experiments Lain comes around. The series boasts an 8.07 rating on MyAnimeList, making it the 481st highest ranked show on the site.
8 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Tops The MAL Charts
For much of MyAnimeList's existence, the popular battle shonen anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has topped the Top Anime Of All Time charts. Since the series' premiere in 2009, it's been one of the most acclaimed and celebrated anime in history.
Many praise the series' mature themes and grounded setting, which they find rare in the battle shonen world. While new anime have occasionally usurped Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood from the top seat, the beloved series always manages to crawl its way back.
7 FLCL Is An Energetic Romp
Directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, FLCL is well known to fans born in the 90s. Premiering in 2000, the six-episode series was a staple of late-night anime watch parties. Following a young boy named Naota, FLCL is an adventurous romp of strange activities and strange people.
The character Haruko Haruhara has become beloved in anime fandom for her iconic design and her treasured Vespa and guitar. While FLCL received a continuation in recent years, fans often agree that nothing can touch that original series.
6 Mushishi Is A Meditation On Existence
Created by Yuki Urushibara, the Mushishi manga was adapted into a 26-episode season in late 2005. Following the stoic traveler, Ginko, Mushishi is a slow and atmospheric story about strange beings known as "Mushi". Mushi exist without purpose, or so it seems.
They are beyond good and evil and can exist in countless forms such as plants, diseases, or rainbows. Ginko's journey to research and understand Mushi has captivated audiences and enthralled them with rich examples of Asian legends and folklore.
5 Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Looks Better Than Current Anime
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is an energetic, bombastic feast with visuals that can compete with even the most well-animated shows of the modern era. Premiering in April 2007, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann quickly rose to prominence for its spectacular directing and thrilling action sequences.
The anime explodes with creativity and artistic vision, making it feel way more current than many of its peers that year. Following Simon and Kamina, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is an action mecha series sure to satisfy diehard mecha fans.
4 Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica Is The Newest Anime On The List
While great anime come out every year, a classic can only be developed over time. Most lists that seek to distinguish the greatest anime in history are going to be populated by shows at least a few decades old. Madoka Magica stands out on this list for premiering in 2011.
The story stood out among the magical-girl genre for its cruel, unpredictable, dark, and deeply disturbing material. While the character designs may seem cute and child-like, make no mistake, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica is not an anime for children.
3 Revolutionary Girl Utena Is A 90s Icon
Created by the artist collective Be-Papas, Revolutionary Girl Utena is a short, shoujo manga that was adapted into a 39-episode anime in 1997. The series follows Utena Tenjou, a young, orphaned girl who wants nothing more than to be a prince.
Drawn to the world of sword duels and combat, Utena's tomboyish personality made her an icon for many young women around the world. The series continues to be revisited today, presenting powerful themes that aren't often told in anime.
2 Cowboy Bebop Is Everyone's Favorite
Cowboy Bebop is one of the most iconic and celebrated anime of all time. It's a series that has transcended the medium, captivating an audience that would normally not consider themselves anime fans. Its noir aesthetic and unique cyberpunk setting make for a tonally distinct story in the anime world.
Since its premiere in 1998, the series has become a staple of anime recommendations and reaches various demographics. Fans of the series can spot references to Cowboy Bebop in different media types, even beyond animation.
1 Neon Genesis Evangelion Has Always Been A Classic
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a mecha anime directed by Hideaki Anno, and following Shinji Ikari as he becomes the newest member of an elite team of pilots set to defend Earth against mysterious monsters known as Angels.
Neon Genesis Evangelion has become a classic in the anime fandom, with its slow and methodical style of storytelling that often feels unique in the mecha genre. While its pacing may be offputting to some, it isn't hard to see how for many, Neon Genesis Evangelion is the best anime of all time.