Breaking Bad,The Godfather,The Lord of the Rings, all of these are masterpieces in their own medium. Each medium has multiple masterpieces, making it only natural thatanimewould also have a fair share of legendary shows. It may be newer than movies/TV/novels, but the medium has had plenty of time to develop and evolve to deliver some stand-out shows such asOne PieceandJujutsu Kaisen.
While there are loads of phenomenal anime, becoming a masterpiece isn’t easy, which is why this list will rank ten anime series that can be considered so. This list ranks the anime based onwriting quality, story, characters, philosophical/political/psychological themes, essential messages, fan opinion, and critical acclaim. Not every series needs to be flawless or popular, but these anime are still revolutionary stories.
10’Banana Fish' (2018)
Created by Akimi Yoshida
Nowadays, the most popular manga become anime faster and faster, with older series finding it harder to get an adaptation. However, that wasn’t the case withBanana Fish, a manga from 1985 that got an adaptation in 2018. When Eiji, a Japanese reporter, researches American gangs, he and the gang’s young leader, Ash Lynx, get involved in a dark drug conspiracy involving the government and Ash’s past.
Banana Fishmay not be perfect, with a shaky plot towards the end, but it is still an underrated masterpiece in its own right. As anoverlooked anime series, for decades, no one knew how incredible this story was. It is an uncommon setting and story for an anime, which makes it a masterpiece, deliveringa mature and realistic experience with grim real-world connectionsthat force viewers to think about heavy topics.
Banana Fish
9’Psycho-Pass' (2012)
Created by Gen Urobuchi
Psycho-Passis a challenging series to rank because the first season is remarkable, but the remaining seasons aren’t up to snuff, which is why this entry only includes the first season. In 22nd century Japan, the Sibyl system is an objective way to determine who is or will be a criminal in the future based on their mental state. Inspectors and Enforcers enact this rigid justice, but one rookie’s doubts may shake the system.
While the rest ofPsycho-Passis okay, the first season excels as one of the greatest pieces of fiction in anime. This is aperfect sci-fi anime seriesreflective of classic literature and the origins of cyberpunk. The philosophical and psychological themes of justice and oppression aren’t unique. Still, they are original to anime and handled in such a way thatelegantly displays its messages while also entertaining.
Psycho-Pass
8’Attack on Titan' (2013)
Created by Hajime Isayama
Most popular anime series are battle shōnen that aren’t worthy of being masterpieces. However,Attack on Titanis one of the few exceptions that prioritizes its writing while remaining one of the most famous anime shows. After Titans destroy his village,Erenvows revenge, only to gain the ability to turn into one. Using his newfound power, he leads humanity against their true enemies.
Attack on Titanmanages to be deeply entertaining and well-written at the same time, providing mass appeal and critical acclaim. The interconnected mystery is a thing of beauty, and the characters are also perfectly written, creatingan unpredictable and shocking plot that enveloped the world.Attack on Titanis a rewatchable animethat always has a few surprises in store, but it should be no surprise that it is a masterpiece.
Attack On Titan
7’Samurai Champloo' (2004)
Created by Shinichirō Watanabe
Shinichirō Watanabeis one of the most influential anime directors, mostly known forCowboy Bebop, with fans hopingLazaruswill be just as good. ButSamurai Champloois arguably his best work. Fuu is searching for a man with only the clue that he smells like sunflowers, but to reach him, she hires two ronin, Mugen and Jin, who must learn to work together on this chaos-filled adventure.
Samurai Champloouses the same idea asCowboy Bebop, mixing a time period with a style of music and other genres to create a unique experience. It may not be too thought-provoking or philosophical, but it is a visual and aesthetic masterpiece. The trio of characters are some of the best in anime, and their journey is meticulously written, but thebest part aboutSamurai Champloois the music.
6’Orb: On the Movements of the Earth' (2024)
Created by Uoto
Most shows need some time after the ending before fans can call them masterpieces, butOrb: On the Movements of the Earthis so good that viewers can’t help but shower it with praise. Heliocentrism is a fact today, but beforeNicolaus Copernicuscame along, people thought the Earth was at the center of the universe. This story tells the long and trying journey to prove Heliocentrism and the hardships the multiple protagonists face.
Only ending in early 2025,Orbhas already proven to be a masterpiece through its gripping story and endearing characters. Despite having a new protagonist every few episodes,Orbsomehow manages to instantly make them likeable and interesting and carry the story in a new direction.Orbis one of thebest anime series of 2024, with itsphilosophical approach and themes highlighting the passion of humanity and a reflection on society then and now.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
5’Vinland Saga' (2019)
Created by Makoto Yukimura
Berserk, Vagabond, andGoodnight Punpunare some manga masterpieces that haven’t found their way or worked as an adaption, makingVinland Sagathe rare manga that is also an anime masterpiece. When Vikings murder his father, Thorfinn sets sail with them in hopes of killing them, but as he gets stronger, he must realize who his enemies genuinely are in a battle against others and himself.
The only reasonVinland Sagaisn’t higher on this list is because the story still has much to go and should be higher when it concludes. However, this shouldprove its worth on this list since it can be deemed a masterpiecewhen it isn’t even over yet. The first half is an epic, action-packed journey that debates religion and the state of the world. In contrast, the second half is a slower-paced, self-reflecting philosophical masterpiece with some of the best character development in anime, makingVinland Sagaa modern classic.
Vinland Saga
4’GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (1999)
Created by Tooru Fujisawa
Whether it was good or bad for viewers, school is an important time for anyone, making it a popular setting for anime. But inGTO: Great Teacher Onizuka, the titular student teacher is the one most looking forward to his experience. After they assign him the problem class who have bullied teachers into retirement, his delinquent and gang background is the perfect thing to set these manipulative punks straight.
Comedy shows are rarely ever masterpieces, but the odd one comes around that proves so motivational, funny, and well-written that it earns that title.GTOis an outlier among anime comedies that doesn’t just try tomake the audience laugh but provides actual commentary. It hasn’t aged perfectly, but it is a product of its time that is still inspirational. Dealing with heavy topics such as suicide, bullying, and mental health while also making the audience laugh,GTOis a versatile show and one of thegreatest comedy anime of all time.
Great Teacher Onizuka
3’Mob Psycho 100' (2016)
Created by ONE
While fans are readying themselves forOne Punch Manseason three, they should rememberMob Psycho 100by the same creator. This imaginative anime follows Shigeo, known as Mob, a powerful psychic who only wants to live a regular middle school life. However, with other espers threatening his peace, he has no choice but to intervene while suppressing his true feelings.
Some of the best shows balance storytelling and entertainment, and no anime does that better thanMob Psycho 100, which wows with its dazzling fights and makes fans cry with its emotional and impactful story. It has some of thebest animation in anime, with its vibrant colors and in-your-face action. With some of the best characters in anime,Mob Psycho 100is a masterpiece that any fan can get behind.
Mob Psycho 100
2’Ping Pong The Animation' (2014)
Created by Taiyou Matsumoto
Table tennis isn’t the most thrilling sport, butPing Pong The Animationmanages to create one of the most beautiful sports stories through it. Smile and Peco are childhood friends with a love of the sport, but while the former holds back his true strength so he can have fun, the other is overly confident without the skill. After entering a tournament, they question the meaning of the sport and their place in it.
With only eleven episodes,Ping Pong The Animationcreatesa touching and profound story about winning, the joy of sports, and its impact on a person. If not for fun, why do people play? This anime takes a lot at that question through various characters with their own goals, motivations, and inner strife, delivering a complex message through a magnificent story, making it one of thegreatest sports anime ever.
Ping Pong The Animation
1’Monster' (2004)
Created by Naoki Urasawa
Naoki Urasawais one of the most legendary manga creators ever, and another of his works,Pluto, received an anime award. While fans hope for a20th Century Boysanime, everyone can acceptMonsteras his magnum opus. After saving a child instead of the mayor, Tenma is shocked that the same child is now a serial killer. Taking it upon himself to stop this, Tenma vows to kill Johan while learning about his dark past.
From the very first to the very last episode,Monsteris perfect from start to finish, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime story that every anime fan needs to watch at least once. The slow-burn becomes an inferno towards the end of the series, with expectations going up in flames after surprising fans at every step of the way. No dialogue is wasted inthis masterpiece, which is a 10/10 in every category, with philosophical themesand a profound look through some of the most interesting anime characters.
