Top 25 Best Anime Series of All Time

 Picking just 25 titles for this list of best anime was really difficult, but our team of experts eventually came up with the top titles. We took several things into consideration when choosing our 25: Did the anime leave its mark on the culture in a meaningful way? Did they influence the industry and genre? And, of course, did we just like them?

Read on (or swipe through the slideshow) for IGN’s picks for the 25 Best Anime Series, or watch our video on the top 10 above, and be sure to let us know in the comments what your favorites are!

Top 25 Best Anime Series of All Time

25. Haikyuu!!

There are not many sports anime that can knock it out of the park in almost every way but Haikyuu!! manages to do that. The series revolves around a fairly large ensemble consisting of a high school volleyball team. Even though that may seem like a hurdle, the character development is well balanced and you’ll find yourself rooting for each member whether their role is big or small. The animation from Production IG is top-notch as well, elevating the tension of each match and play to the point that you’ll be glued to the front of your screen all episode. Haikyuu!! succeeds in creating an amazing sports team formula that other similar series should strive for.

24. Trigun

Trigun is a classic late 90s sci-fi space Western taking place on a desert planet literally called, No Man's Land. The Protagonist, Vash the Stampede isn't your typical strong and stoic gunslinger. Rather he's a quirky goofy guy in an awesome red duster coat with a hyperactive pacifist streak. The story explores Vash's journey to uncover his amnesiac past, battle the mysterious group hunting him, and discover why he has a 60 Billion Double Dollar bounty on his head. What makes Trigun truly stand out are the unique stylistic character and weapon designs, as well as the twisting plot that you understand more and more on every rewatch. The series returns in Trigun Stampede in 2023.

23. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z was a gateway drug for many a young anime fan, and for good reason. The series isn't particularly deep, as it basically revolves around superhuman martial artist Goku and his friends testing their mettle against an increasingly powerful and outlandish series of foes. But what the series lacks in terms of plot, it more than makes up for in humor, kooky characters and incredible action. How can you not have fun with a martial arts fantasy where most of the characters are strong enough to shatter planets with their bare hands?

22. My Hero Academia

Superhero stories are a dime a dozen, but My Hero Academia offers a unique twist on the familiar genre by focusing on Izuku Midoriya, a hero who was born without powers (but is determined to save people regardless) in a world full of folks with abilities. Even after he earns the "quirk" he's always dreamed of, MHA constantly finds ways to challenge Midoriya's traditional hero's journey by offering new twists on well-worn tropes, exploring what it means to be a hero with consistent humor and heart -- not to mention some spectacular action sequences. Between its stunning animation, loveable roster of well-developed supporting characters, and talent for coming up with some of the most ridiculous and unique superpowers ever committed to the screen, My Hero Academia is a breath of fresh air -- frequently silly, often sweet, and consistently surprising.