12 IGN Best Anime That You Should Know Update 03/2024

IGN Best Anime

Finally, IGN’s readers had their say in a poll, and this time around it was the finest anime series that came out on top.

Here are IGN’s recommendations for the best anime series, or you can watch our video on the top 10 above, and don’t forget to let us know what your favorites are in the comments below!

1. Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon

For many, Sailor Moon was the first anime they ever saw, and it grabbed them for life.

This series is more than the sum of its already amazing parts, with breathtaking animation, an inspirational story of friendship and love with a deep mythology, and characters who felt real, with flaws, goals and heartbreak to humanize them against a larger-than-life magical backdrop. You didn’t keep watching each monster-of-the-week episode to see how the Sailor Scouts would take him down; you kept watching because you wanted to see the chemistry between Usagi, Rei, Ami, Makoto and Minako in everything from playing in the arcade to learning the secrets of their Moon Kingdom heritage. As a pioneering anime from which many current classics have derived and been inspired, Sailor Moon has endured the test of time, from its role in establishing the mahou shoujo genre to its very progressive portrayal of fully-developed LGBT characters. Those dresses were also fantastic. In the words of Terri Schwartz –

2. Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun doesn’t have any magical or mechanical girls in it — it’s just a heartwarming slice of life story. Chiyo Sakura, a senior in high school, has a thing for Umetaro Nozaki, an older student. Despite her best efforts, he misinterprets her as a fan offering to serve as an assistant for him. Chiyo is taken aback when she learns that Nozaki, one of her favorite manga creators, is actually a woman who writes love stories! With her cooperation, he develops girls’ cartoons based on their wacky schoolmates. This series is a rare one that can bring a grin to your face whenever you need it most. In the words of Kelley Knox:

3. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z

With many young anime fans, Dragon Ball Z served as a gateway drug, and for good reason. Goku and his pals are up against a series of progressively strong and wacky adversaries in the anime, which isn’t especially complex. What the show lacks in plot, it more than makes up for with humor, quirky characters, and amazing action. I mean, in a martial arts fantasy, most of the characters are so powerful that they can break planets with their own hands. The author, Jesse Schedeen

4. Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

Showa Genroku, the Descending Stories In Shinju Showa Genroku, Rakugo Shinju Rakugo Shinj, which premiered in the winter of 2016, is a relatively young anime but one that will leave a lasting impression. An ex-convict seeks out a rakugo master to train him as an apprentice after being mesmerized by the art form’s performance. While modern stand-up comedy and the Greek and Irish customs of repeating lengthy epic poems like those of Homer have parallels, Rakugo is a historic Japanese storytelling art. Show is at the same time a love letter to this dying Japanese art form and an examination of the conflict between traditional and modern Japan. There is a lot of emphasis on sexism, change, tradition, and modernisation in the Rakugo performances that are shown in their entirety. This is a wholly original tale that delves deep into the core of Japanese traditional art and the often difficult changes that Japanese culture has undergone in modern times. –Will Harris. –

5. Ranma ½

Ranma ½

Ranma 12’s heart and (most of) its humour still hold up today, despite the show’s archaic animation. Few anime are better at slapstick comedy than Ranma 12 because its concept and characters are so absolutely ludicrous and full of comedic possibilities—whether Ryoga’s impossible awful sense of direction, Shampoo’s ill-fated plans to gain the affections of Ranma, or Genma’s hilarious panda pantomime. Theodore Roosevelt (Tom)

6. Kill la Kill

Because of its unusual style and animation, any clip from Kill la Kill is instantly recognizable and for good reason: the combination of action, heart and eccentricity is rarely found in any other anime. Ryuko Matoi and Satsuki Kiryuin’s fierce rivalry is shown in Kill la Kill. Because Satsuki has an iron hand, Ryuko believes she is the person who killed her father with the other half of the enormous scissor blade he wielded. The first fight between these two females in super-powered sailor outfits and the director of Kill la Kill is just the beginning of their journey. Fan service and some uncomfortable scenes in Kill la Kill make it difficult to recommend, but the film itself is an exhilarating trip. In the words of Miranda Sanchez:

7. Revolutionary Girl Utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Only Revolutionary Girl Utena is as stylish and unforgettable as any other anime. When it comes to the golden age of anime, Utena stands out for a number of reasons, including its unique take on fairy tales and magical heroines, as well as its catchy music and unusual character design. It’s also immensely romantic and action-packed, and at only 39 episodes, it’s an excellent choice for anime enthusiasts looking for something to binge. When Utena Tenjou arrives at her high school, she’s quickly befriended by every female student. In her quest to become a prince, she becomes caught up in the Student Council’s intrigues and fights for the princess, which leads her into a world she never imagined. In the words of Kelley Knox:

8. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders

‘Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders’

Oh my goodness! This is a typical reaction to watching this strangely fantastic shounen anime, which follows the Joestar family through the centuries. Only in 2012, the anime adaptation of the popular manga series began showing on TV. To find out what his bloodline has in store for him, the Stardust Crusaders accompany high school student Jotaro Kujo (Get it? JoJo?). With his newfound strength, Jotaro sets out to save his mother, but he’s pursued by the strangest of assassins along the way. Iconic memories from the anime community will live on in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, which is full of action, wacky characters, and unforgettable moments (and memes). As stated by Mike Mamon in his interview,

9. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia Season 5

Unlike other superhero stories, My Hero Academia focuses on Izuku Midoriya, a hero who was born without powers (but is nevertheless determined to defend others) in a world full of superheroes. Midoriya’s typical hero’s path is always challenged by MHA even after he gets the “quirk” he’s always wanted. The series constantly explores what it means to be a hero with a consistent sense of comedy and heart — not to mention some great action sequences. A breath of fresh air, My Hero Academia combines amazing animation, a cast of well-developed supporting characters, and a penchant for creating some of the most ludicrous and unusual superpowers ever seen on the big screen. The author of this article is Laura Prudom.

10. Devilman Crybaby

Devilman Crybaby, in contrast to most Netflix original programming, tells a compelling story in just ten episodes. However, parents should be aware that Devilman Crybaby’s explicit representations of sex, violence, and profanity will make even the youngest of viewers uncomfortable. Devilman Crybaby, on the other hand, finds empathy in its investigation of what others consider dirt. As an apocalyptic parable, Devilman Crybaby explores the themes of love, self-sacrifice, and the extent to which God cares about us as individuals. The biblical blows are more effective when viewed through a contemporary viewpoint. Because of the beautiful style, bangin’ Japanese hip-hop beats, and a cast of interesting characters, you don’t mind the pain. Nick Limon, author

11. Naruto Shippuden

Naruto Shippuden (2007)

Because of its worldwide acclaim and enduring appeal, the Naruto anime series has been dubbed one of the “big three” of all time. Fight sequences, comical moments and heartfelt situations abound in this action-packed film. When it comes to the tale of Naruto Shippuden, the characters are older and face even greater threats from the shadows as well. The characters and relationships in the Naruto anime series are well-known, and it has remained one of the most popular shounen series in history even after the show ended. As stated by Mike Mamon in his interview,

12. Baccano

It’s rare for an anime to be able to tell a tale with as much depth and intrigue in as few episodes as Baccano does in just 16. There are some of the most memorable psychopaths you’ll find in anime, and this is a fast-paced thrill rush like the legendary train ride that serves as the centerpiece of its convoluted plot The story of Baccano unfolds like a jigsaw, with nearly every episode revealing some new information that changes your perspective on the events that have occurred so far. It also includes one of the best dubs you’ll ever hear, on top of everything else. In the words of –Mitchell Saltzman–