After all, if they did it once, they might just do it again. So we’re going to take a look at Aniplex and the best shows they have to offer.
20. Black Butler
Something that you will pretty quickly learn about Aniplex is that they’re stacked. So, even their “top tier” shows are some of the best anime has to offer. Therefore, we start things off with Black Butler – the show that made the entire anime community consider going to the UK. The plot is extremely well-written, with plot twists coming left and right. And the characters hit this perfect mix of goofy and downright badass. Plus, the show has Sebastian as one of the lead roles – a husbando of such power that he’ll make half the audience question their sexuality. All in all, a pretty amazing show. It definitely had a huge presence when it was originally released, but it has tapered off slightly in the past few years. So, it will have to go in last place.
19. Terror in Resonance
Terror in Resonance is one of those shows that you can put on, watch in a single day, and enjoy every second of it. The story is very compact and leaves very little open air. Something is always happening as a constant cat and mouse chaise evolves with each episode. But the biggest selling point for the show is the atmosphere. We’ve seen genius characters on the run before, but not in this kind of light. There’s a constant feeling of dread in the air. This makes every mission feel intense as you don’t know who will come out on top. Overall, this show is perfect for you if you’re looking to kill a few hours and have no patience for fluff material.
18. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
If you like shounen, you’re bound to like Magi as well. For the most part, it brings you all the best tropes and plot points shounen is known for. A powerful yet wholesome MC, a waifu to die for, a tournament arc, and an overpowered badass. However, it does also have a few features that make it distinct. For one, you don’t see anime with this type of aesthetic very often. Usually, every story is just based in Japan but here we see a different story. Plus, along with two really strong seasons, the show even has an excellently done prequel (which is not something you see all that often).
17. Durarara!!
This show has a lot going for it, as it literally feels like multiple different (and good) shows smashed together. On the one hand, you get this nice gangster storyline. It’s all about being the top dog, gang wars, how to spread your influence, and 50 shades of punching a dude in the face. But then you have a rom-com angle that also includes fantasy. So, a mythical being is somehow in a wholesome and loving relationship with an underground doctor. But don’t worry, there’s more! Then you have a rivalry storyline between an evil genius and an indestructible bartender with a temper tantrum. Plus, a zombie arc, a yandere arc, a sibling arc, a love triangle, etc. Seriously, this show has just about everything and it somehow all makes sense.
16. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Madoka Magica will forever be one of my favorite subversive shows. However, it does rely on the fact that you’ve watched at least some magic girl shows beforehand. I say that because if you’re familiar with all those tropes, this show will make your head spin. From the name to the art style, and character design – everything in this show screams “power of friendship”. And although there is a lot of screaming, it’s not what you’d expect. The show is surprisingly brutal and doesn’t hold back its punches. And the characters are believably flawed considering they’re young and in possession of such tremendous power. Plus, if you’re going into this show completely blind, there are a few plot twists that are sure to make your jaw drop to the floor.
15. From the New World
In terms of world-building, this show is one of the GOATs. Every aspect of the world, the characters, and how everything fits together is equal part magical and believable. This leads to quite the Ghibli experience but without the PG outlook. In fact, the show is quite morbid, with a constant air of danger and tension. But that just makes every episode that much more interesting to watch. And in terms of plot, this show pulled off one of the best grand reveals I’ve ever seen. If you’ve seen the show, you know exactly what I’m talking about. And if you haven’t, consider yourself lucky – you get to experience one of the best emotional rollercoasters anime has to offer.
14. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
By all accounts, this should just be another trashy ecchi show. You look at the name and the cover art, and everything points in that direction. But that’s far from the truth. In fact, this is one of the best psychological slice-of-life shows that you’re bound to find. Yes, there are fantastical elements, but they only serve to heighten what we know about the characters. Even the whole “bunny girl” schtick is surprisingly deep and troublesome. And making bunny girls lead to legitimate character development is not something most shows could do. And with just a single season plus a movie, the show feels complete – as it never overstayed its welcome or wore out its narrative hook. Definitely worth a watch if you feel like going “hmm” while also occasionally crying.
13. Soul Eater
This is one of those shows that was very close to becoming part of the all-time shounen greats but missed the mark just slightly. The anime is incredibly stylized, with every character looking incredibly unique. Even the hook of the show (where people turn into weapons while their partner wields them) is not something you see that often. The fights are incredibly choreographed (even though the show is quite old at this point) and the stakes are pretty high. Plus, the show is also quite funny. For example, there’s a character called Excalibur who’s canonically the strongest weapon around – but no one uses him simply because of how annoying he is. However, I’ll also acknowledge that the female lead might rub some people the wrong way. And the latter part of the series isn’t as strong as the first half. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent shounen – just not the best one around.
12. Kill la Kill
Just like with Bunny Girl Senpai, it’s really easy to write this show off as just another DxD wannabe. However, Kill la Kill has so much more to offer than that. For one, the humor in the show is chief’s kiss. Everything is absurd, everyone is insane, and man is it funny. From the revolutionary army of Nudist Beach to literal kink-powered battle armor, the show is far from predictable. And the fights honestly have no business being as high-quality as they are. Everything is fast-paced, the music just blows you away, and you get that plus-ultra hype with each fight. And I can’t begin to explain just how lovable the characters are. Especially Mako – I would die for that 2D goofball.
11. Baccano!
Baccano is the type of show that you analyze when learning how to be a good writer. Because it’s honestly insane how much content it managed to cram into just 13 episodes. The whole story takes place on a train (minus some flashbacks) and it’s comprised of several different POVs. Usually, this kind of approach either leads to a complicated mess or a pretty dull show. However, Baccano managed to slip in so much world-building and character development that it’s actually insane. From the comedy duo to multiple subplots centering around fantasy elements, it somehow pulls it all off. And whenever the stories start to interweave, you can physically feel the dopamine in your brain firing off. It’s just an amazing experience. So, if you have an afternoon free and want to see some S class writing – give it a shot.
10. Naruto
In terms of branding and popularity, it’s no question that Naruto is in a class of its own. And while it is plagued with lots of filler and some questionable decisions (Kaguya and Boruto for example), it’s still one of the greats. It brought us some of the best fights in history – from Lee vs Gaara to Obito vs Kakashi. And God knows that this show was S class when it came to designing interesting antagonists. The show, when it’s going all out, is nothing short of a masterpiece. That’s probably why it still carries the AMV community like it’s nothing. However, as it does have some glaring faults (I’m not even going to start the Sakura rant), I’ll have to place it in the middle of the ranking.
9. Monogatari Series
The Monogatari series always felt like watching a book of fables unfold. From the scattered timeline to the art direction, the show always felt somewhat mystical. But that’s what makes it so great! If you watched the seasons as they came out, each one would leave you with more questions than answers. And yet it all did tie in by the end! The show also has some incredibly writing (especially for Senjougahara), and fights that look like they came straight out of an S-class shounen. Sure, the show might’ve permanently ruined brushing your teeth, but I think it was a fair trade off!
8. The Fate Series
Since Fate hits a pretty similar note as Monogatari, it only makes sense to put them together. However, I have to say that even Monogatari can’t compete with Fate when it comes to action scenes. Every fight feels like a movie-level production and is bound to start a hype train. But the show is also way more confusing – to the point where you need a tutorial on what order you should watch the seasons in. That might be a turn-off for some but diehard Fate stans probably just enjoyed the mystery that came with such a timeline. Lastly, let’s just be honest with ourselves here – the show has such a strong waifu game that it should be illegal.
7. Your Lie in April
This is one of those shows that you put on when life’s been really tough, and you want to cry. Because God knows you’re either inhumane or a legend if you manage to get through this with dry eyeballs. The story is as simple as they get – just a bunch of teens pouring their hearts into music while morbid things happen in the background. And listen, I know that you’ll see most of the twists coming. I did too. But it means nothing. The show has such a strong musical score and talented voice actors that you’ll cry regardless. It only makes sense given that the entire show is about music. So, if you don’t feel like watching another shounen isekai overpowered MC but would rather dive into the depths of a wholesome depression – give it a shot.
6. Great Teacher Onizuka
You know that a show’s legendary when it still makes it onto every website’s anime listing even twenty years after it stopped airing. The concept is rather common – “how do I reach these kids” pondered the bad boy teacher. But the show has a lot of heart to it. Onizuka, besides being a great teacher, comes off as a genuinely great guy. You can see just how much he cares for his students. And the issues they’re dealing with aren’t always that trivial – in fact, it gets way too real sometimes. This is quite the nice change of pace from the usual PG aesthetic these shows tend to have. Plus, the show is hilarious. Onizuka is a true troll at heart, and I’d be shocked if anyone came out of this series without a smile on their face.
5. Demon Slayer
When it comes to impressive animation, Demon Slayer quickly became one of the go-to examples. Considering how the conclusion of one fight basically broke the internet (eat your heart out Kim K.), it’s easy to see why. With a mix of 3D and 2D rendering, it’s just a visual feast. Not to mention an amazing soundtrack and some insane choreography. The plot itself is fine but nothing revolutionary. The show has a decent sense of world-building and a cast that you’ll quickly grow to love. But most people just come for that fight money shot. Well, either that or the personification of moe known as Nezuko. Either way, you’re bound to have a good time watching this show!
4. Gintama
Gintama is the undisputed king of anime comedy. With more series and movies than I’m willing to count, Gintama has been topping the chart for over a decade now. And that’s because this entire series is on crack – but like in a good way. You’ll have characters watching their own movie, complaining how they don’t get enough screen time, or even referencing their own popularity – so, pretty meta. But you’ll also go from scenes of everyone goofing around and acting like idiots to incredibly tense action scenes. So, the tone is also all over the place. But the show just makes it all work. And if you’re a diehard weeb, with a deep knowledge of the industry and Japan itself, you’re bound to bust a gut while watching this show.
3. Gurren Lagann
If you looked up the word “hype” in the anime dictionary, you’d find this show as the definition. Because holy hell does it make you want to punch something and/or conquer the world. And that’s honestly the main selling point I think of when talking about this show. The story itself is really good (with surprisingly deep world-building all around). And the cast is incredibly strong – with multiple characters from the main cast being absolutely iconic. But those are all things that you can find in other shows. On the other hand, I don’t think any other show can even come close to matching the hype this show creates. So, believe in me believing in you that you’ll love this show.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The following two shows are completely interchangeable when it comes to their placement – so please don’t start a civil war over it. FMAB has been the #1 anime on MAL for ages now. And it’s still going strong one decade after its finale. And it’s easy to see why – as even the first episode just grabs you by the throat and pulls you in like there’s no tomorrow. The alchemy system not only gives the show a unique vibe, but it also gives us extremely well-crafted fights. This coupled with a rather unforgiving world makes for quite a treat. The tone is sometimes completely shounen, but other times will smack you with a dose of morbid reality – which always keeps things interesting. And at the end of the day, if a million people say it’s the best, you should at least give it a chance.
1. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Kaguya-sama actually overtook FMAB for a short while as the number one show – and I’ve never felt more validated. But do keep in mind that that’s just because I prefer rom-coms over shounen shows. And Kaguya-sama is simply the perfect rom-com if you ask me. The writing is equal part over-the-top and relatable. And the characters are just way too lovable. Plus, the show perfectly managed to capture that L vs Light vibe with the two main characters while also keeping it light (pun intended) and fun. The third season is especially brilliant as you can just see the writers flexing their creative muscles. The rap episode in particular completely sold me on this show being the very best anime has to offer. So if you want action – go for FMAB. But if you want a light-hearted rom-com with brilliant writing – go for Kaguya-sama.
