Top 20 Anime you must watch before you die
With thousands of anime series across genres, it can be overwhelming to decide what to watch. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fan, some anime titles stand out for their storytelling, characters, and emotional impact.
This curated list of 20 must-watch anime covers everything from psychological thrillers and action-packed adventures to heartwarming dramas and sci-fi epics. These shows not only define what makes anime unique but also leave a lasting impression. Watching them will give you a solid foundation to explore the vast and diverse world of anime storytelling.
From Attack on Titan to Naruto: 20 iconic anime to stream, curated by Ranker
1. Death Note
Studio: Madhouse
A high school student discovers a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it.
As he takes justice into his own hands, a brilliant detective races to stop him. A gripping battle of wits and morality.
2. Hunter x Hunter
Studio: Madhouse
Gon Freecss aims to become a legendary Hunter like his father. Along the way, he faces deadly trials, complex friendships, and secrets that challenge everything he believes in.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Studio: Bones
Two brothers use alchemy to try to resurrect their mother—at a terrible cost. Their journey to restore what they lost unravels a deep conspiracy and tests their ideals.
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4. Attack on Titan
Studio: Wit Studio
In a world overrun by giant humanoid monsters, humanity's survival depends on a dwindling military force. This series delivers powerful storytelling with shocking twists and stunning action.
5. Naruto
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Naruto, a young ninja with dreams of becoming Hokage, faces prejudice, rivalry, and personal loss. His growth from a misfit to a hero is filled with powerful lessons and epic battles.
6. My Hero Academia
Studio: Bones
Born powerless in a world of superheroes, Izuku Midoriya inherits an incredible quirk and enrolls in a top hero academy. A new-age shonen packed with emotion and explosive action.
7. Haikyuu!!
Studio: Production I.G
Shoyo Hinata may be short, but his passion for volleyball is sky-high. This sports anime captures the thrill of competition and the joy of teamwork.
8. One Piece
Studio: Toei Animation
Monkey D. Luffy sets sail to find the fabled treasure known as One Piece.
With humor, heart, and hundreds of episodes, it's a timeless adventure of friendship and freedom.
9. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Studio: Sunrise
Lelouch gains a power to control anyone and launches a rebellion against a tyrannical empire. A complex story of strategy, ambition, and moral conflict.
10. Steins;Gate
Studio: White Fox
A group of friends accidentally invent time travel and face unforeseen consequences. A gripping, slow-burn sci-fi that blends emotion with intellectual thrills.
11. Cowboy Bebop
Studio: Sunrise
A team of bounty hunters drift through space on the ship Bebop. With noir vibes, cool jazz, and existential undertones, it's a stylish classic.
12. Your Lie in April
Studio: A-1 Pictures
A piano prodigy, broken by grief, finds inspiration in a free-spirited violinist. A beautifully animated story about love, music, and letting go.
13. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Studio: Gainax
Teenagers pilot giant robots to save Earth, but the real battles are psychological.
A haunting, cerebral take on the mecha genre that challenges viewers to think.
14. Gintama
Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
Aliens rule Edo-period Japan, and an eccentric samurai takes on absurd jobs to survive. Gintama masterfully blends slapstick comedy with deep emotional arcs and epic action.
15. Monster
Studio: Madhouse
Dr. Tenma saves a boy who becomes a serial killer. As he hunts the monster he created, the show explores fate, morality, and madness.
16. Mushishi
Studio: Artland
Ginko wanders a world where spirit-like beings called Mushi influence nature and humans. A tranquil, poetic series about the mysteries of life.
17. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Studio: Production I.G
In a world of cyberbrains and digital consciousness, Major Kusanagi leads a team fighting tech crimes. A philosophical sci-fi thriller with visionary themes.
18. Clannad
Studio: Kyoto Animation
A high school boy finds meaning through new relationships, especially with the fragile Nagisa.
The sequel, After Story, delivers one of anime's most emotional narratives.
19. FLCL
Studio: Gainax / Production I.G
This six-episode fever dream combines rock music, teen angst, and surreal sci-fi. Fast, funny, and unforgettable, it's unlike anything else.
20. March Comes in Like a Lion
Studio: Shaft
Rei Kiriyama, a shogi prodigy, battles loneliness and depression while connecting with a kind family. A gentle, powerful series about healing and personal growth.
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