Anime GEMS (Top 50+)
This list is subject to change but this is my personal collection of favorites in the meantime.
You won't find a ton of sports or ecchi anime on this list (nothing against them) but I think theres a pretty decent variety otherwise.
My favorites are often a mix of Shonen, Thrillers and Slice-Of-Life with a few niche picks here and there.
How I rate my anime:
STORY - What key elements keep you engaged and invested?
Is the concept executed well? Are there any plot holes or loose ends? How original or generic is the story line?
CHARACTERS - Are the characters and their development believable? Whats the chemistry like between the main cast? Are the back stories good when applicable? Do our characters fall prey to tropes or cookie cutter tendencies?
PACING - Does the pace keep you engaged or does it drag along? Is it convoluted or hard to follow? Is there filler or recap episodes?
ANIMATION - This includes Art style, world building and character designs. How old the series is taken into consideration. Unique art style in a series like Kaiba for example can make up for lack of polished or low budget animation.
SOUNDTRACK - Personally speaking, the soundtrack can actually be one of my favorite things about anime. A good opening and/or ending theme can really boost the momentum in a show. A solid soundtrack also supports tone shifts and big turning points ect. when they happen.
Some anime that didn't survive or make the list overtime:
A Place Further Than the Universe
Angel Beats
Another
Blood-C
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls
Devilman: Crybaby
Elfen Lied
Future Diary
Highschool of the Dead
Highschool DxD
Noragami
Paranoia Agent
Seven Deadly Sins
Sword Art Online
Terror in Resonance
Tokyo Revengers
Wonder Egg Priority
*1 series per franchise*
*This list does not include movies*
You won't find a ton of sports or ecchi anime on this list (nothing against them) but I think theres a pretty decent variety otherwise.
My favorites are often a mix of Shonen, Thrillers and Slice-Of-Life with a few niche picks here and there.
How I rate my anime:
STORY - What key elements keep you engaged and invested?
Is the concept executed well? Are there any plot holes or loose ends? How original or generic is the story line?
CHARACTERS - Are the characters and their development believable? Whats the chemistry like between the main cast? Are the back stories good when applicable? Do our characters fall prey to tropes or cookie cutter tendencies?
PACING - Does the pace keep you engaged or does it drag along? Is it convoluted or hard to follow? Is there filler or recap episodes?
ANIMATION - This includes Art style, world building and character designs. How old the series is taken into consideration. Unique art style in a series like Kaiba for example can make up for lack of polished or low budget animation.
SOUNDTRACK - Personally speaking, the soundtrack can actually be one of my favorite things about anime. A good opening and/or ending theme can really boost the momentum in a show. A solid soundtrack also supports tone shifts and big turning points ect. when they happen.
Some anime that didn't survive or make the list overtime:
A Place Further Than the Universe
Angel Beats
Another
Blood-C
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls
Devilman: Crybaby
Elfen Lied
Future Diary
Highschool of the Dead
Highschool DxD
Noragami
Paranoia Agent
Seven Deadly Sins
Sword Art Online
Terror in Resonance
Tokyo Revengers
Wonder Egg Priority
*1 series per franchise*
*This list does not include movies*
List activity
2.9K views
• 13 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
65 titles
- CreatorHiromu ArakawaStarsKent WilliamsIemasa KayumiMatthew LeonhartTwo brothers search for a Philosopher's Stone after an attempt to revive their deceased mother goes awry and leaves them in damaged physical forms.2003 FMA was my very 1st anime I watched growing up. Brotherhood took a series that was already amazing and made it even better. There are a handle of differences between the 2 but Brotherhood stays true to the manga while 2003 FMA kinda veered off on its own (some of the characters are even different or not there at all). To sum it up though, Brotherhood is simply the most well rounded anime I've ever seen. Theres a reason why its regarded so highly both on IMDb and MAL. You're doing a disservice to yourself as an anime fan if you haven't seen it yet.
Top 10 Award: Most well rounded series
Top 10 Award: Favorite cast of characters
Top 10 Award: Favorite story
Story: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 9.4/10* - StarsYûto UemuraShin'ya TakahashiMike HaimotoFollowing a tragedy, Thorfinn embarks on a journey with the man responsible for it to take his life in a duel as a true and honorable warrior to pay homage.This series has some of the best written characters I've ever seen. I've never witnessed an anime that feels so realistic but is so over the top at the same time with its action lol. There's a few slow episodes but most its necessary for context and back story. The King of modern day anime IMO and its hard to imagine anything taking that spot anytime soon.
Top 10 Award: Favorite antagonist
Top 10 Award: Favorite ending (Prologue)
Top 10 Award: Favorite historical series
Story: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Pacing: 8.5/10
Animation: 10/10
Soundtrack: 9.5/10
*Overall - 9.4/10* - StarsMamoru MiyanoAsami ImaiKana HanazawaAfter discovering time travel, a university student and his colleagues must use their knowledge of it to stop an evil organization and their diabolical plans.Steins; Gate truly hits different. A true contender for my favorite. The series lacks action compared to the others on this list but that does not hold it back in the slightest! Buckle up your seatbelts because you're in for a wild ride my friends!! (Some of you may have to be patient during the 1st half)
Top 10 Award: Favorite protagonist
Top 10 Award: Favorite romance
Top 10 Award: Favorite Sci-Fi anime
Top 10 Award: Favorite opening
Story: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 10/10
*Overall - 9.4/10* - StarsTakahiro SakuraiSetsuo ItoChris NiosiA psychic middle school boy tries to live a normal life and keep his growing powers under control, even though he constantly gets into trouble.Mob Psycho 100 has everything you could want in an anime. It has a lot of great humor and heart. The animation is Top tier. And the soundtrack absolutely slaps. You can't go wrong with this series. Same author as OPM but I like Mob Psycho 100 quite a bit better personally.
Top 10 Award: Favorite comedy anime
Top 10 Award: Favorite animation
Story: 8.5/10
Characters: 10/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 10/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 9.3/10* - StarsJessie James GrelleBryce PapenbrookTrina NishimuraAfter his hometown is destroyed and get traumatized, young Eren Jaeger vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction.Theres not much I can say regarding AoT that hasn't already been said. This show is absolutely legendary. It'll make you question everything you thought you knew leading up to the final season. And then when you think you know everything it turns everything on its head and does it again. Lmao. So many jaw dropping moments in this show. One of the most recent modern classics!
Top 10 Award: Favorite plot twists
Top 10 Award: Most unpredictable
Story: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 9.2/10* - CreatorNaoki UrasawaStarsHidenobu KiuchiLiam O'BrienMamiko NotoTenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy. The boy, now a charismatic young man, reappears 9 years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders.Monster is a master-class in story telling and well written characters. I was hesitant to watch it for the 1st time due to its lengthy 74 episodes but its truly extraordinary! Theres really no other anime like it.
Top 10 Award: Favorite anime Thriller
Top 10 Award: Tied with Vinland Saga for favorite antagonist
Story: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Pacing: 8.5/10
Animation: 7.5/10
Soundtrack: 10/10
*Overall - 9.2/10* - StarsDavid VincentMatthew MercerDaisuke OnoThe story of the Joestar family, who are possessed with intense psychic strength, and the adventures each member encounters throughout their lives.PART 6 HYPE!!!
Jojo doesn't get enough praise here on IMDb. Every season of Jojo has its own flavor for what it brings to the table. Its never afraid to push boundaries and go where few anime dare to. The King series of OP main characters, cheesy one liners and several other classic tropes. Its by far one of the most unique anime out there with its variety and how the series evolves over time.
Top 10 Award: Favorite ongoing series
Story: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 9.2/10* - CreatorEiichiro OdaStarsMayumi TanakaAkemi OkamuraLaurent VerninMonkey D. Luffy sets off on an adventure with his pirate crew in hopes of finding the greatest treasure ever, known as the "One Piece."One Piece is truly something special. I'll admit it took me over 100 episodes to really start feeling its charm but it absolutely deserves the praise it gets.
Story: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Pacing: 8.5/10
Animation: 9/10 (averaged out from start of series to present)
Soundtrack: 8.5/10
*Overall - 9.2/10* - CreatorShin'ichirô WatanabeStarsKôichi YamaderaUnshô IshizukaMegumi HayashibaraThe futuristic misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners.There aren't very many anime like Cowboy Bebop. One could say its the ultimate mixed bag of a series with its take on multiple genres. Absolutely killer soundtrack and animation for its time too.
Top 10 Award: Favorite 90's anime
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 8.5/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 10/10
*Overall - 9.1/10* - StarsMayo SuzukazeJunko IwaoNozomu SasakiIn the era of Japan's Meiji Restoration, an assassin regains his humanity.The shortest entry on this list with only 4 episodes. Arguably among the greatest back stories in anime. Still haven't watched Ruroni Kenshin but going off of this, its probably amazing
Top 10 Award: Favorite anime mini series
Story: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Pacing: 10/10
Animation: 8/10
Soundtrack: 7/10
*Overall - 9.1/10* - StarsYûichi NakamuraDavid MatrangaLuci ChristianA sequel to the anime based on the recently concluded Key Clannad franchise. After Story is a new path that opens in the original visual novel after all other options have been traversed.Ah yes.. Clannad. Theres a lot I wanna say about this series without spoiling anything. I wasn't sold on part 1 of Clannad (I even almost dropped it 10 episodes in) but After Story REALLY left its mark on me. Tackling the whole 45 or so episodes is a plunge but let me tell you as someone who had my doubts along the way that its absolutely worth it. The best sad/slice-of-life series out there IMO. Clannad as a whole certainly has a handful of glaring flaws (mainly in part 1 and a few filler episodes in AS) but I forgive them in light of what this series accomplishes.
Top 10 Award: Favorite episode of all time
Top 10 Award: Saddest anime series
Top 10 Award: Favorite Slice-of-life series
Story: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 8/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9.5/10
*Overall - 9.1/10* - StarsAaron DismukeAoi KogaMakoto FurukawaThe proudly privileged top two students of an elite school each makes it their mission to be the first to extract a confession of love from the other.I'm not big on rom-coms but this series simply hits different. Its like Death Note with love games and absolutely hilarious. Both the sub and dub are top tier (best dub I've ever seen tbh) This series hits all the right areas and then some!
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 10/10
Soundtrack: 8.5/10
*Overall - 9.1/10* - CreatorMasashi KishimotoStarsAlexandre CrepetJunko TakeuchiMaile FlanaganNaruto Uzumaki, is a loud, hyperactive, adolescent ninja who constantly searches for approval and recognition, as well as to become Hokage, who is acknowledged as the leader and strongest of all ninja in the village.I'll admit I certainly have some nostalgic bias towards Naruto. I wouldn't watch the series in its entirety again but it'll always have a spot on this list. Some people apparently hated the Great Ninja War but I thought it was epic (besides the filler)
Story: 9/10
Characters: 10/10
Pacing: 8/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 9/10* - CreatorYuki UrushibaraStarsYûto NakanoMika DoiTomomi SaitoThey are creatures only known as 'Mushi'. While their existence are unknown to the humans, there are a few like Ginko who is a 'Mushi-shi' that travels around to investigate and find out more about the 'Mushi.'One of the most unique conceptual anime on this list. This is short stories done right. Amazing narrative and art. Very underrated in terms of popularity.
Top 10 Award: Favorite episodic anime
Top 10 Award: Most relaxing anime series
Story: 9/10
Characters: 8/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 10/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 9/10* - CreatorRyôgo NaritaStarsMichael C. PizzutoJ. Michael TatumCaitlin GlassA crazy fantasy caper involving alchemists, immortals, gangsters, outlaws and an elixir of immortality, spread over several decades.Can easily feel convoluted or confusing in the beginning. But as the puzzle pieces fall into place, you end up with a one of a kind series with a great cast of characters and a killer soundtrack.
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 8/10
Soundtrack: 10/10
*Overall - 9/10* - CreatorHaruko IchikawaStarsTomoyo KurosawaSarah WiedenheftAi KayanoThe Houseki fight against the Moon Dwellers, beings who attack them and use their shattered bodies as decorations. Each Houseki is assigned a role, and Phos, the youngest, is assigned to create an encyclopedia of natural history.One of the most unique anime I've ever seen. Kinda reminds me if Madoka Magica and Steven Universe had a baby or something. The world building and character development in this series is exceptional. Hoping they'll make season 2 eventually!
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 10/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
*Overall 9/10 - CreatorYoshihiro TogashiStarsIssei FutamataMegumi HanCristina ValenzuelaGon Freecss aspires to become a Hunter, an exceptional being capable of greatness. With his friends and his potential, he seeks out his father, who left him when he was younger.Arguably the most refined Shonen battle anime. Fairly long but you don't have to invest hundreds of episodes like Naruto or One Piece. The Chimera Ant arc is among the best arcs in anime. Hoping this series will return from hiatus one day </3
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 8.5/10
Animation: 10/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
*Overall - 8.9/10* - CreatorYuzuru TachikawaStarsJamie MarchiAlex OrganAsami SetoAfter death, humans go to either heaven or hell. But for some, at the instant of their death, they arrive at the Quindecim, a bar attended by the mysterious white-haired Decim.Delightfully entertaining from start to finish but the last 2 episodes are bound to take you by surprise! One of my top recommendations in terms of both accessibility and length
Story: 9/10
Characters: 8.5/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 8.9/10* - StarsShinnosuke MitsushimaTao TsuchiyaMinami Takayama29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma is sent back in time 18 years to prevent the events leading to his mother's death, which began with a series of kidnappings while he was in 5th grade.Clearly inspired by Steins; Gate but still great and original in its own way. People will say the ending butchered this show but I don't fully agree. It will always be one of my favorite anime mini series.
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 8.5/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 8.9/10 - StarsNatsuki HanaeRisa TanedaAyane SakuraA piano prodigy who lost his ability to play after suffering a traumatic event in his childhood is forced back into the spotlight by an eccentric girl with a secret of her own.I'll be straight up, YLIA isn't for everyone. Its very emotionally driven and addresses some pretty heavy stuff you may or may not relate to. Being a musician and pianist myself, YLIA reached me in some ways no other anime have. Its a bittersweet emotional rollercoaster with one of my favorite soundtracks. Theres certainly some drawbacks but I hold my gripes in light of what it accomplishes
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 8/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 8.8/10* - CreatorKazuki NakashimaStarsTetsuya KakiharaShizuka ItouYuri LowenthalTwo friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion against the powerful Spiral King, who forced mankind into subterranean villages.ROW ROW FIGHT THE POWER
A great mix of action, comedy and world building. This anime starts out underground and ends in space lol. Lots to love about this series.
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 8/10
*Overall - 8.8/10* - StarsAya HiranoNobunaga ShimazakiRinka H.B.B.17-year-old Shinichi Izumi is partially infected by a Parasyte, monsters that butcher and consume humans. He must learn to co-exist with the creature if he is to survive both the life of a Parasyte and a human as part monster, part person.One of my favorite action thrillers. Has a couple drawbacks in the second half with pacing but still an amazing anime
Story: 9/10
Characters: 8.5/10
Pacing: 8.5/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 8.8/10* - StarsMamoru MiyanoBrad SwaileVincent TongAn intelligent high school student goes on a secret crusade to eliminate criminals from the world after discovering a notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written into it.If you're scrolling this list and haven't watched this yet, I'm very surprised.
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 9/10
Animation: 8.5/10
Soundtrack: 8.5/10
*Overall - 8.8/10* - CreatorGorô TaniguchiIchirô ÔkouchiStarsJun FukuyamaTakahiro SakuraiJohnny Yong BoschAfter being given a mysterious power to control others, an outcast prince becomes the masked leader of the rebellion against an all-powerful empire.I slept on Code Geass way too long. The dystopian society setting with Britannia VS Japan is epic and devastating. Plenty of plot twists and great character development at play here. And thats just scratching the surface.
Story: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Pacing: 8.5/10
Animation: 8.5/10
Soundtrack: 8.5/10
*Overall - 8.7/10* - StarsJacob HopkinsTakehito KoyasuDorothy Elias-FahnA lonely boy wandering the Arctic regions of North America meets a wolf, and the two become fast friends, depending on each other to survive the harsh environment. But the boy has a history, and the wolf is more than meets the eye as well.Same author of "A Silent Voice." This is another modern day classic in the making. Awesome concept and story telling even though I have a handful of nitpicks. Tied with Odd Taxi for anime of the year 2021 IMO.
Story: 9/10
Characters: 8/10
Pacing: 8.5/10
Animation: 9/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
*Overall - 8.7/10*