10. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter x Hunter (2011) follows Gon Freecs, a young boy who wants to become a pro hunter just like his father, who he can barely remember. What follows is a magnificent journey, full of friendship, wonder, and hardship, as the talented child learns what it takes to truly be a pro hunter in this dangerous world.
9. Bleach
The story that follows is one that places a large emphasis on rebellion and friendship, as a slew of new characters and storylines are introduced that really resonate with viewers. Bleach also became popular for its amazing fights, as scenes like Ichigo versus Byakuya Kuchiki are still discussed today.
8. One Punch Man
The show followed Saitama, a superhero who has grown bored due to how powerful he’s become — with each of his fights ending in just one punch. This premise results in a lot of comedy while also satirizing the shonen genre and its over-the-top fight scenes.
7. Death Note
That story follows Light Yagami, a teenage genius who discovers a mysterious notebook known as the Death Note. It isn’t long till he realizes — thanks to the help of the Shinigami Ryuk — that this item grants its user the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it.
6. Cowboy Bebop
Taking place in the year 2071, Cowboy Bebop follows the lives of a crew of delinquent bounty hunters, showcasing the many different adventures they go on. While some are linear, each story incorporates other genres into its unique style, combining sci-fi, western, and noir tropes into its outer space setting while also exploring themes of loneliness, existentialism, and grief.
5. My Hero Academia
A lot of that popularity has to do with the story of My Hero Academia, which takes place in a world where around 80% of the world population has a unique superpower, known as a Quirk. The series focuses on one of the few people who doesn’t have powers, Izuku Midoriya.
Eventually, he ends up inheriting the strongest Quirk that’s ever existed, One For All. With this newfound power, he must figure out how to become the greatest hero of all time. The premise is simple but interesting, as it takes the usual idea of only a few people having powers and flips it on its head.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist
Split into two different series, Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, FMA follows the story of two brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric. After losing their bodies in a failed attempt to bring their mother back using Alchemy, the two must find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone to set things right.
3. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, a teenager looking to avenge the death of his family and turn his sister back into a human by becoming a Demon Slayer. Along his journey, he meets many like-minded friends, some treacherous demons, and even a few misunderstood enemies.
2. Attack on Titan
The anime has quickly gained traction for its storytelling, as it’s set in a world where humanity is driven to the brink of extinction after the emergence of giants called Titans. The story follows Eren Yeager, a victim of one of these Titan attacks, as he and his friends try to uncover the secrets surrounding the mysterious creatures.
1. One Piece
Alongside a merry crew of pirate misfits, this rubber boy uses his newfound powers to find the world’s ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become King of the Pirates. Viewers and critics alike have praised the series for its storytelling, art, characterization, and humor.