My Top 10 Best Anime Shows

Best Of The Rest

Unlike many serialised Western animations, and to some extent a plethora of acclaimed live-action T.V. series that we're all so familiar with, the best anime shows pretty often (if not always) provide imperative and latching depth that serves to uncover a deeper meaning; something which many ordinarily lesser T.V. productions can never fully integrate in their own contexts. As much as anime receives a mindless rebate by those who aren't familiar with the said genre, whereby they critique the general outlook of the animation for being typical and ignorantly lambasting the concept in displaying notions that only young kids and 'geeks' would understand, Japanese animation stands as a platform that not only displays meaningful and original content that makes us, the viewer, think and understand certain things in a different light, it stands today as a principle that is consistently evolving; maturing by experimenting with different animation techniques, such as with the 3DCG visual aesthetic, and stories that rival the renowned live-action shows of today with their distinctive and impactful nature. Indeed, over the past twenty years, anime has certainly come a long way to the point way where it's become part of the 'norm' and has influenced the things we've come to know and appreciate. With this said, how difficult it is then for me, in this Blog Post, to determine out of all the anime shows that I've watched in my life-time which specific Japanese animated series go into this list of the top 10 best anime shows. I mean, there's a lot to take into consideration really that make an anime show great. The show has to have entertainment value, lasting appeal, originality and vivid artistry. It's unfortunate that some shows that I like will have to be left out. However, the picks that I've made are paramount. Without further a due, let's begin the listing. (Just to keep in mind, the anime shows that I do pick are based on my own preference, so if you don't particularly like the fact that I've put one anime in one area or if I've not mentioned an anime at all that you really like, just remember that all of the choices are based on my own subjectivity. Thank you! 😊)

Special Mention - Pokémon (1998 - Present)

Now before I delve into which specific anime shows I particularly adore for their endearing yet purposeful aspects, it's imperative that I address the anime that, arguably, got me into the said genre/platform, and that's Pokémon (specifically the seasons which covered the games of Red, Blue, Yellow, Silver and Gold). As much as each episode follows the same formula of Ash and his companions stumbling upon Pokémon that they've never encountered before, of which would be captured by the overzealous Team Rocket, it's a show that culminated my upbringing in the 90's and certainly paved the way for me to explore other shows of similar ilk. As many of you will know, Pokémon wasn't just a Saturday morning kids T.V. show, it was a universal commodity; a phenomena that expanded into the filming world and dominated the gaming scene with highly-addictive games that are continuing to be produced today. From the teary goodbye of Ash's Butterfree to the bizarre gym battle that follows between Ash and Sabrina, whereby the central characters get turned into dolls, Pokémon's first televised outing was certainly special to my childhood and the fact that the said transcending product is still being universally accepted twenty years-on from its inception, both from a gaming and televised standpoint, is quite frankly astounding...

10. Eden of the East (2009 - 2010)

Starting off my list we have Kenjji Kamayama's psychological sci-fi Eden of the East which centralises its story around Akira Takizawa, a Japanese man who has no recollection of who he is and soon discovers that his cell phone carries ¥8.2 billion in digital money, and that he is part of a game, where twelve individuals called Seleção are given this wealth to "save" Japan in some way. Devoid from the formalities seen in many shōjo and shōnen anime series, Eden of the East plays-out to be not your normal 'anime' show in the sense that it subtly humanises the protagonists in a likeable yet relatable way and fuses this identifiable tone with mystifying yet broken political tones that keep you invested. In many ways, the eleven-episode mini-series nods to eerie espionage found in the Bourne series of films, but implements a rather charming quality to the proceedings that leaves you invested in this world and the scenarios that the characters are faced with. While it's a shame that Kamayama didn't follow-on from this first and only season with two more, instead making two feature films of which I've still yet to see, his efforts in making a show in Eden of the East certainly pay-off and is a premise that doesn't disappoint once the concluding moments occur. If nothing else, at least the intro of every episode features Oasis' 2009 single, "Falling Down." 👌

9. Erased (2016)

Continuing-on with another Japanese animated series that differentiates from the 'norm' is Tomohiko' Itō's mystery-thriller manga adaptation of Erased, a supernatural twelve episode series that upholds a unique and suspenseful premise. Erased depicts the story of a twenty-nine year-old manga artist, Satoru Fujinuma, who upon confronting a murderous incident by an unknown assailant, is sent back eighteen years to 1988 to his elementary school days where he most prevent a kidnapping incident that took the lives of three of his childhood friends. Even though there are a few shortcomings in regards to the surprising nature of the over-arching plot-line, Erased not only consistently manages to display an exciting amount of suspense that is common-place in typical murder-mysteries, it also maintains this emotional-angle, seen through the actions and scenarios that the main character is a part of, that seamlessly fits in-line with the darker undertones of the tale; such as with parental and child harassment of which is respectfully handled. Although there's just the one season to gaze at, Erased serves as a contemporary example of what Japanese animation can still do offer in this day-and-age and is a show that Otaku-lovers and non-anime watchers should watch! 😉  

8. One Punch Man (2016 - Present)

From one end of the anime spectrum to the other, my next entry on my list of best anime shows comes in the form of studio Madhouse's One-Punch Man, an outlandish shōnen series that follows the story of Saitama, a superhero who's grown bored as he has become so powerful that all of his battles end in a single punch. Other than the rather eccentric way it presents the central characters tame disposition and how he handles overly-bearing threats in a quick yet comical fashion, what is endearing to take-away from the show is how ironically self-aware it is of the genre it's purposefully displaying. While it may not be intentional for the creators of the show to create a premise that subtly and metaphorically comments on the over-the-top notions of heroism depicted in every-day culture, there is a level of levity in One-Punch Man that knows it's going over-board but displays it in a way that is irresistible to watch. The fact that Saitama is 'bored' of defeating enemies so easily is evidence to suggest this. Besides this however, what you can expect to see from this show is dumb-fun that you don't have to worry about. It's understandable that many won't be easily drawn-in, considering the twelve-episode season is zany to the core. However, you do have to admire the creative effort that the animators bestow-upon this premise and certainly batons-away lesser-shows of the same genre. In all honesty, I'm just waiting for a second season of One-Punch Man at this moment in time...😐

7. Psycho-Pass (2012 - 2014)

Next on my list is Naoyoshi Shiotani's and Katsuyuki Motohiro's cyber-punk anime of Psycho-Pass, a dystopian centric show that follows both Shinya Kogami and Akane Tsunemori as they're both tasked in catching the prolific criminal mastermind, Shogo Makishima. As one might expect from watching this show, which takes place in an highly-advanced setting and focuses on familiar sci-fi themes of Artificial Intelligence and moral intricacies of freedom and committing an act of crime, it's inevitable that many will make comparisons with Ghost in the Shell and Blade Runner since there are clear contextual similarities that all three premises share; all being set authoritarian future dystopia that questions against the principles of authority. Along with this notable urgency to reference quotes residing from tales written by Shakespeare, George Orwell and Joseph Conrad, what's pleasing to take note of with Psycho-Pass is that it never strangles you with these complex themes and morally focuses on the deduction contextual aspect in a tone that is rather understandable; unlike many of it's obvious influences.   

6. Samurai Champloo (2004 - 2005)

If there's one arguable 'auteur' that exists within Japanese animation today, besides the obvious film-makers of Mamoru Hosoda, Makoto Shinkai and the all-knowing Hayao Miyazaki, it's that of Shinchirō Watanabe since he's a creator that distinctively incorporates a multitude of different genre's with a blend of differentiating music styles. Other than his most acclaimed work of Cowboy Bebop which purposefully executes this seamlessly, of which will be discussed, his other animated series of Samurai Champloo also permits in using this stylisation; combining a blend of historical Edo-period backdrops with modern styles and Western references with such things like hip-hop, Vincent Van Gogh and graffiti art. It's certainly an interesting show to watch, not because it's a rich text that consistently fills the screen with this abundance of despairing styles of context and formality, but how the premise unfolds with three characters, Fuu, Mugen and Jin, trying to locate "the samurai who smells of sunflowers." As arguable as it is to notice that the main story-line of of Samurai Champloo only becomes imperative near towards the satisfying conclusion, it's a Japanese animation that distinguishes itself from the rest and always offers something new when viewing it on another time...

5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009 - 2010)

Controversy aside with the fact that the first few episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood more or less replicate what the entirety of the original anime series of Fullmetal Alchemist initially covered, the rest of the episodes and seasons that culminate Yasuhiro Irie's anime show is palpable of what is expected of a well-drawn and thought-out shōnen series. Following a premise which see's two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, trying to get their original bodies back and discover the fabled nature of the Philosopher's Stone, Brotherhood is not only a show following typical shōnen protagonists who are always striving towards their own personal goal, it's a series that subtly upholds a dark-edge to it; an obscurity that doesn't hold back and expressively depicts both the consequences of people/science's actions and the depiction of human nature in an attainable light. With their being this balance of light and dark tones throughout the whole show that fits in-line with the original and expansive lore that saps into your mind as you continue to watch, it's not surprising to perceive just how much Brotherhood fits into many people's list of best anime shows, including mine. It's wholesome imagination is to be admired and ends on a note that is completely rewarding. 

4. My Hero Academia (2016 - Present)

Speaking of rewarding shows, Kenji Nagasaki's manga-adapted anime series of My Hero Academia serves to be one of the hottest properties in the genre today, and for good reason. As it focuses on a young aspiring hero in the form of Izuku Midoriya and other transfixing characters that all have their aims and intricacies that makes the aforementioned series 'go beyond' (mind the pun) the formalities expected to be seen in a shōnen such as this, My Hero Academia has everything you would want to see in a perfect animated series and boats potential that many other acclaimed anime series wished they initially had. With studio Bones doing the artistic handy-work by expressing the the flashy and distinctive characters within a colourful and expressive world, this is indeed a vibrant-looking series and not only is it a visual treat to behold, it executes it's animation as if you're watching the original manga being brought to life. From the fruitful thirteen episodes that culminate the first season to the ever-enjoyable second season that had me glued to screen, My Hero Academia is slowly becoming the animation to be marvelled at due to the many aspects that it willingly displays and certainly upholds a promising future.

3. Death Note (2006 - 2007)

By far the most sinister and oddly sophisticated entry within this list, Death Note directed by Tetsurō Araki is placed highly in this set of rankings due to its malevolent yet ornate way of focusing on the moral contradictions that imbalance our views on crime and justice. Of course, there's no escaping from the fact that the said anime show isn't without it's fair share of fantastical mystery; with the premise of the series focusing on a teenage boy called Light Yagami who maniacally gets attached to this note book which grants said character the power to kill anyone he so desires and is stuck with devilish minx in the form of Ryuk. However, what makes Death Note such an intriguing watch is the convictive nature of our corrupt protagonist and how, for the majority of the episodes shown, he has to contend with his equal in the form of L, a well-acclaimed detective, who consistently deduces the persona that is Kira, who is in fact Light himself. It's a show that goes back-and-forth between the two contrasting yet compelling characters and results towards a tense couple of moments where you don't really know what's going to unfold. Not once does Death Note flounder in its heavily serialised nature and displays an over-arching story-line that keeps the viewer second-guessing...

2. Attack On Titan (2013 - Present)

From one Tetsurō Araki anime series to another, Attack On Titan was a certainty to make into this list since it incorporates a lot of attainable aspects that many audiences would take notice of in highly-rated live-action T.V. shows. In similar vein to what Game of Thrones permits throughout the many episodes and seasons it has, one of the main things to take note of within Attack On Titan besides its eye-popping visual style and fluid animation, is it's well-diversified and subtly distinctive-looking characters that are plunged into a world and a harrowing scenario that promises unpredictability. You never really know what awaits around the next corner with this show and when you combine this uncertainty with the rather Goya-esque looking titans that are, at times, unsettling to perceive, it certainly makes for an enthralling watch and champions many lesser live-action T.V. series that plague the mind-set of a normal viewer. It's both intellectually terrifying, making you want to know more of what exactly is going, and physically horrifying when the action kicks into gear. With 2018 coming very soon, it can't be denied that season 3 of Attack On Titan is something that I'm very much looking forward to...😀

1. Cowboy Bebop (1997 - 1998)

As much as the other anime shows as discussed each present something that is wholly unique in comparison to a lot of other Japanese animated series and well-versed live-action T.V. products, if there's one anime that I hold in high-regard above all the rest, it's Shinchirō Watanabe's Cowboy Bebop as it upholds an engaging yet entertaining quality that, quite honestly, no other can try and replicate. For me, this twenty-six episode series has everything you would want to see in an acclaimed Japanese animation. Despite it's twenty year history, Cowboy Bebop is an accessible watch for all audiences since it upholds a varying degree of inviting motifs that leave you wanting to know more and is set in an ironic space-opera setting that wisely offers a world that seems oddly realistic. Free from the many elements that have come to form the iconography of science-fiction, such as aliens, robots or laser guns, Bebop delegates itself towards presenting a story and world that is gritty and familiar and manages to combine a lot of contrasting styles rather seamlessly; particularly with the music that is effortlessly produced by Yoko Kanno. Even this is without mentioning the divergent main protagonists that culminate towards the shows likeability. Whether it's through the comical and outlandish behaviour antics of Ed or the seriousness that Spike demonstrates whenever he's faced-off against a bounty or an old acquaintance from his space-age Yakuza days, there's never really a moment where you're not routing for this ensemble of characters as they each offer something that is relatable. Quite honestly, I could go on and on and on about how Cowboy Bebop does this and adopts episodes that individually focus on each of the characters' likenesses. To put it simply, if you're someone who wants to get into anime but doesn't know which particular anime to watch first, Cowboy Bebop is the way to go! 😎

With that, it's time for me to end this Blog Post. Of course, as I've seen a number of different Japanese animations over the years, some of which that didn't make the listing and I still like such as Bleach, Rurouni Kenshin, Terror of Resonance, Guilty Crown, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash and many more, this was always going to be a tough thing to do in comprising a list of best anime shows that I've watched. Nevertheless, I do hope that you enjoyed the read! If you have an opinion on my listing or on the anime shows that I mention, you're more than welcome to comment down below! Either at the end of this week or sometime in the middle of next week, I will be posting my final film review of the year in Rian Johnson's Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi which...Let's just say it will be intersting considering I have conflicted feelings about said film. Anywho, thank you as always for reading my latest Blog Post I'll see you all soon! Have a nice week and Christmas! Adieu! 😊😎👋✌🎅🎄

Alex Rabbitte