Among all the anime hailed as classics or must-watches, it’s pretty rare that an anime series can make it to its final act without fumbling somewhere along the way, if it makes it to a finale at all. Countless shows premiere, garner unprecedented levels of hype, only to fade further and further into obscurity as it progresses.
Other shows have been able to maintain a high level of quality, only to find themselves stuck on permanent hiatus or canceled altogether. Very rarely, however, an anime series is able to air and never finds itself stumbling through a mediocre section or story arc, delivering top-tier storytelling to audiences from start to finish.
Animated by Bones; Based on the Manga by Hiromu Arakawa
For nearly two decades, the average first-time anime viewer has chosen Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood as their introduction into the world of anime and manga, and the series has done a terrific job at making lifelong fans of them. The 2009 series, itself a more faithful telling of its source material compared to the 2003 anime, has undeniably earned classic status.
The highly personal, incredibly emotional, and action-packed story of the Elric brothers has entertained generations of anime fans around the world since its premiere. And after a fast-paced opening section tasked with covering the same material covered the 2003 series, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood hits its groove and refuses to let go of its audience’s attention.
Dragon Ball Z
Animated by Toei Animation; Based on the Manga by Akira Toriyama
It’s no secret—Dragon Ball Z hasn’t aged all that well. As the series goes on, its visuals become inconsistent at best, and are far below modern industry standards. Its pacing is all over the place, due in large part to it being produced and aired weekly. That being said, Dragon Ball Z features no bad arcs.
In fact, it can be argued that the series’ run, from the Saiyan Saga to the Buu Saga, is among the most impressive in anime history. Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu are all iconic villains, for good reason, and they headline each of the anime’s four major arcs.
Yuyu Hakusho
Animated by Pierrot; Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Togashi
When its original manga ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump, Yoshihiro Togashi’s Yuyu Hakusho competed with the likes of Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk for the spotlight. And while the iconic series all took turns surpassing the other in popularity, it can be argued that Yuyu Hakusho was given the best anime adaptation of the three.
Experimental in moments, incredibly polished for the time, considering its status as a Shōnen Jump adaptation, and endlessly entertaining, Yuyu Hakusho is one of the premier anime titles of the ’90s, and a must-watch for any fan fond of the era in which it was produced.
Hunter x Hunter
Animated by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Togashi
No list featuring Yuyu Hakusho would be complete without mention of Yoshihiro Togashi’s follow-up series, Hunter x Hunter. To many, giving Hunter x Hunter classic status might seem a bit odd or premature, though the show will be celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, and many of us anime fans may have to come to grips with getting older.
Studio Madhouse’s Hunter x Hunter, like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, has become a staple in many new fans’ journeys into anime, and for good reason. The series packs a punch and unending excitement throughout its lengthy 148 episodes, and is able to keep up its forward momentum from start to finish.
Gintama
Animated by Sunrise and Bandai Namco Pictures; Based on the Manga by Hideaki Sorachi
Gintama is the anime for anime fans. Chock-full of references to other popular titles, as well as not-at-all-subtle parodies, Gintama is an absolute blast for anyone who simply enjoys anime as an art form and appreciates its history. The series is often far funnier than it has any right to be, and is also able to take viewers on an adventure packed with emotional ups and downs.
Gintama may also be the lengthiest anime series to have never quite dropped the ball. Spanning two decades, hundreds of episodes, and a number of full-length films, Gintama‘s consistency is downright impressive and makes it a must-watch for any anime fan.
Monster
Animated by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Naoki Urasawa
2004’s Monster is aimed at the anime fan who enjoys a bit of a slow-burn, and finds themselves swept away and ultimately captivated by an unraveling mystery. The psychological crime thriller based on the manga by the legendary Naoki Urusawa is a tight 74-episode affair, and viewers will find it difficult not to remain on the edge of their seats for all of it.
The story of Kenzo Tenma, a disgraced, talented surgeon who finds himself a suspect in a series of murders, is gripping from start to finish, and features that classic, early 2000s analog visual aesthetic so many anime fans have come to love.
Samurai Champloo
Animated by Manglobe; Original Anime Series
Though not nearly as well known as director Shinichiro Watanabe’s prior work, Cowboy Bebop, 2004’s Samurai Champloo has experienced somewhat of a resurgence, and has gained a cult following over 20 years on from its premiere.
Set in a fictionalized, more modern Edo period Japan, the hip-hop-inspired Samurai Champloo tackles a number of mature themes, all the while being endlessly entertaining throughout its relatively brief 26-episode run.
Steins;Gate
Animated by White Fox; Based on the Visual Novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus
Somehow, despite remaining an essential viewing since its initial airing, Steins;Gate has earned itself a reputation for having a slow start. In reality, the series throws its audience into an unraveling mystery from its very start, presenting alternate and inconsistent events happening within just minutes of each other.
Later on, Steins;Gate kicks its chaos up a notch, and will have viewers glued to the screen throughout its second half. While much of its early sections are spent building towards a series of twists and reveals later on, its newfound reputation is largely unearned. The time travel story of Okabe and the Future Gadget Lab is quality from start to finish.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Animated by David Production; Based on the Manga by Hirohiko Araki
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure may be something of an odd-fit on a list compiling shows with no skip-worthy sections, considering the series is still currently airing. However, because of its semi-isolated parts, it fits the bill. Parts one through six of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, and almost certainly its upcoming seventh part, are all classics in their own right.
As perhaps the unlikeliest smash-hit in anime, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is required viewing for anyone who likes their shōnen a bit quirky. The upcoming Steel Ball Run adaptation, scheduled for March 2026, has been highly anticipated by fans for years.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Animated by Kyoto Animation; Based on the Novel Series by Nagaru Tanigawa
As perhaps the most controversial entry on any anime list, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya once dominated online anime culture, and it’s also home to one of the most divisive arcs in anime history. The Endless Eight arc is placed in the second half of the series, and consists of eight essentially identical episodes.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a staple of an anime culture that has come to pass and an undeniable classic, but for nearly two decades and counting, fans have never been able to see eye to eye on the Endless Eight arc. Some love it, some hate it, some appreciate the nerve needed for Kyoto Animation to do it. Nevertheless, the series is a required watch for self-proclaimed any hardcore anime fan.
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Aya Hirano
Haruhi Suzumiya
