Since its humble beginnings, anime's popularity has grown exponentially not only in Japan, but around the world. Now more than ever, people are enjoying Japanese animation to its fullest. For many, anime is not only about watching television, but also about the types of fashion and art they purchase. There is no question that anime has become a worldwide phenomenon.

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It may seem ubiquitous now, but there was a time when anime was a niche interest, especially in the West. However, there were certain shows that helped elevate anime to the cultural juggernaut it is today.

10 Sword Art Online Sparked A Renewed Interest In Isekai

Kirito and Asuna from Sword Art Online back to back

Sword Art Online is about a fully immersive video game that one day indefinitely trapped all of its players until someone can beat all the levels. Also, if the gamers' characters died in the game, they would die in real life. While many resigned themselves to life in the game, Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigiri vowed to save everyone.

Fans of the first season can attest to the hype surrounding the show when it debuted. The engaging premise and unique power system drew many audiences to the show. Plus, the combination of anime and gaming was such a perfect match. Sword Art Online was the lightning in a bottle anime that struck at the perfect time.

9 Naruto Offered A New Look At Ninjas

Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto looking determined.

Naruto follows Naruto Uzumaki as he strives to become the next Hokage. However, not everyone is thrilled with his decision, as he has had a secret, volatile power since he was born. Despite this, Naruto continues his quest to gain his village's respect.

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For those who were too young for Dragon Ball, Naruto was their first introduction to more mature anime and manga. The fights and stakes in Naruto appealed to the growing audience, and the setting seemed fresh and new to many Western anime fans. Naruto was also one of the first anime franchises to break into mainstream fashion.

8 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's Story Engages Fans

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood elric brothers alchemy

Edward and Alphonse Elric are two brothers who perform the ultimate taboo by trying to resurrect their mother in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Unfortunately, the transmutation goes wrong, leaving Edward without an arm and a leg and Alphonse without a body. The brothers then set off on a question to gain a philosopher's stone to get Alphonse's body back.

Like Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist was many Western fans' first introduction to anime. Therefore, when Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood first aired, both new and old fans flocked to the story and characters they loved. Though the first show was much beloved, Brotherhood was more true to the original manga by Hiromu Arakawa. The devastating and action-driven story of the new show had fans clamoring to see the climactic ending of such a cherished series.

7 My Hero Academia Inspired A Generation

Midoriya, Uraraka, and Bakugo from My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without powers in a superpowered society. Despite this, Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero. When it seems like all hope is lost, Midoriya receives an unexpected offer from his idol, All Might, that might help him achieve his goal.

With much of the world drawn in by superhero media, Izuku and his friends offered audiences a fresh take on what a society full of superheroes would look like. The charming characters and inspiring message also gave audiences a sense of hope that they could achieve their dreams. Plus, with a pantheon of heroes, My Hero Academia has a character for every anime fan.

6 Demon Slayer Broke Records

Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer.

Demon Slayer is a popular anime about Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado as they go on a journey to destroy their family's killer. They also are on the hunt for a cure for Nezuko, who turned into a demon after the attack. They face many terrifying encounters along the way, but there is nothing the duo cannot handle, especially with their friends to help.

Since its debut, Demon Slayer has had a surge in popularity. Fans took to the harrowing tale almost immediately. It was such a success that when the second story arc was released as a movie, it broke the previous record for highest-grossing anime film worldwide. The show's beautiful animation and unique characters made Demon Slayer an anime fans cannot miss.

5 Avatar: The Last Airbender Taught Tough Lessons

Avatar Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender flying on his glider

When Avatar Aang wakes up from a one-hundred-year coma, he is met by a war that threatens the balance of the world in Avatar: The Last Airbender. With the help of his friends, Aang sets out on a journey to master all four elements, and discover a way to defeat the tyrannical Fire Lord Ozai.

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Even though it's an American made series, Avatar: The Last Airbender has cemented itself in the anime world. The show was such a huge hit for its lovable characters and the revolutionary way it brought tough topics to children's animation. Since its debut, there has been a spin-off series and numerous comic book additions. There is no denying that Avatar: The Last Airbender has made an impact on animation.

4 Attack On Titan Didn't Shy Away From Gore

The Scout Regiment in Attack On Titan.

Attack on Titan depicts a young man named Eren Yeager on his quest to defeat all Titans – giant man-eating monsters. After joining the Scout Regiment, Eren discovers his ability to turn into a Titan, creating an even bigger mystery within the storyline.

Due to the nature of the show, Attack on Titan drew fans in with its unapologetic gore. Even knowing that any character could die at any time, fans still showed up to discover the mystery of what lies beyond the walls. The love for this anime was so great that many clothing manufacturers capitalized on the sharp style of the Paradis military uniforms. Audiences flocked to the enticing story and aesthetic of Attack On Titan which were too good to pass up.

3 Sailor Moon Smashed The Glass Ceiling

The Sailor Scouts from Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino, a teenage girl who discovers she is the galactic guardian, Sailor Moon. Along with her friends, Sailor Moon must protect the Earth, and the Universe from the dark forces that seek to destroy it.

Sailor Moon was a turning point for animation, which typically focused on male superheroes. Though it was not the first, its central message of female friendship was unlike a lot of shows during that time. Sailor Moon also sparked fashion trends within the anime community and opened the door for many magical girl anime to come.

2 Dragon Ball Went West

Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball details Goku's story as he and his friends work to keep a multitude of threats from destroying the world. Whether the enemies are from the sky or the future, Goku will always be there to save the day. For an even greater number of Western fans than the previous entries, Dragon Ball was their first introduction to anime.

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The bright colors and impressive battles enthralled many young anime viewers. Plus, the show has been running for so long that even younger fans can find a Dragon Ball series that suits their tastes. This juggernaut of a show will live on in the hearts of many global anime fans as the one that started it all.

1 Pokémon Is The Very Best

Ash and Pikachu from Pokemon

Pokémon is an anime sensation about a boy named Ash Ketchum who hopes to become a Pokémon Master. At ten years old, Ash leaves the comfort of Pallet Town on a quest to capture and train as many Pokémon as he can. With his friends by his side, Ash sets out to be the very best.

For many people who were children in the 1990s, Pokémon was their first introduction to anime. To this day, it remains one of the first anime parents introduce to their children. Ash and a plethora of lovable characters appealed to fans of different ages, male and female audiences alike. With numerous video games, movies, and shows, this is one anime that any anime fan can enjoy.

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