There’s no stopping anime from releasing superb shows every year. Over the past 50 years, countless anime masterpieces have been produced by the best anime studios, each leaving a unique and unforgettable impact on the entire industry. Regardless of genre, these works serve as gold standards that never fail to inspire and captivate fans around the globe.
Related
Anime Market Projected to Double by 2034, Reaching an Estimated $4.1 Billion
The popularity of anime continues to skyrocket across the globe, and a recent report indicates that earnings will also see a major boost by 2034.
However, narrowing these iconic anime down is a difficult endeavor. After all, even the most basic-looking anime sometimes turns out to be a full-on masterpiece. For this list, what we define as an anime masterpiece is a combination of impact, influence, and popularity that will likely continue for years to come.
Slam Dunk
When it comes to sports anime, Slam Dunk is often mentioned by fans as one of the most popular and influential titles. Sakuragi Hanamichi and the entire Shohoku High School team are revered for their funny antics, realistic basketball fundamentals, and the intense emotional growth that comes with their journey from the Inter High to the National Tournament.
Slam Dunk may not be as flashy as other modern sports anime, but fans can never go wrong with its timeless storytelling, relatable humor, and the way it captures the spirit of competition and teamwork in its purest form.
Sailor Moon
When an anime series is translated into multiple languages, including its opening and ending songs, it’s a clear sign of its global success, and Sailor Moon is one of the best examples of this. Though the anime isn’t the first magical girl series ever released, Sailor Moon undeniably elevated and revitalized the genre to incredible heights.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Sailor Moon is the face of the magical girl genre and, arguably, even the shoujo genre as a whole, with Usagi Tsukino fighting evil through her moonlit powers.
Mobile Suit Gundam
There wouldn’t be a life-size Gundam in Japan if Mobile Suit Gundam weren’t a solid anime masterpiece. Likewise, there wouldn’t be countless Gundam builders around the world if it hadn’t inspired such a deep passion for model building, creativity, and mechanical design among fans globally.
Though Mobile Suit Gundam isn’t the first mecha anime, the fact that it popularized the genre to no end deserves massive respect and recognition. Having released multiple series, films, and spin-offs over the decades, Mobile Suit Gundam continues to be one of anime’s cornerstones.
Pokemon
Pokémon needs no introduction, as the anime itself has become a global phenomenon. From its iconic anime theme song that would put anyone in a positive and nostalgic mood to its iconic cast of characters and its long-running journey filled with adventure and discovery, Pokémon continues to leave a lasting impression on fans of all ages.
Remember when Ash Ketchum finally won a championship trophy? Fans around the world celebrated his long-awaited victory, showing just how influential Pokémon is as a global franchise that has connected generations through shared moments of joy and nostalgia.
Attack on Titan
Image via Pony Canyon
Attack on Titan is one of those massive anime series that literally break the internet with its unpredictable plot twists and character deaths. Nearly every season of Attack on Titan sparked global discussions, theories, and emotional reactions across the anime community.
To this day, the ending of Attack on Titan continues to divide the fanbase, and even without any new episodes, it remains one of the most heavily discussed and debated conclusions in anime history. Beyond the characters and the story of Attack on Titan, the series is also praised for its soundtrack, so much so, that its music alone is enough to instantly bring back the intensity and emotions of its iconic scenes.
Naruto
Over the past 50 years, many ninjas have been introduced in anime, but no one comes close to Naruto Uzumaki’s popularity and impact on the fans. His dream of becoming the Seventh Hokage in the Naruto series inspired millions, making him the role model of countless fans around the world, even to this day.
While Naruto isn’t a perfect anime, widely criticized for its obvious flaws, there’s no denying its massive cultural impact and emotional storytelling. Even a non-anime fan can probably recognize Naruto, from his striking blonde hair and orange outfit to his signature Leaf headband and iconic determination.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)
Medium (5.0s)
Hard (2.5s)
Permadeath (2.5s)
Start
Restart
Back
Results
0
High Score: 0
—
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)Start
RestartBack
0
High Score: 0
—
Image via Fullmetal Alchemist Production Committee
Dubbed by most fans as the perfect anime with few to no flaws, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often recognized as the best anime of all time. Its high ratings from both critics and casual viewers alike are enough to immortalize it as a timeless anime masterpiece.
There’s no anime out there that can truly replicate Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, as its storytelling and character depth, on top of its themes and overall execution, create a memorable and powerful watching experience that stands in a class of its own.
One Piece
It’s amazing how One Piece maintains its extreme popularity not just in Japan but across the entire world. The manga by Eiichiro Oda may be in its final saga, but its massive fanbase continues to grow, driven by its long-running anime adaptation, in addition to the highly successful Netflix live-action series.
Without a doubt, One Piece is a solid anime masterpiece, and thanks to its unforgettable characters and story, the anime industry continues to attract more global attention. It’s an understatement to call it a masterpiece since it’s already a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fans to embrace adventure, pursue their dreams, and fight for what is right.
Dragon Ball
Image via Toei Animation
Dragon Ball is a Hall of Famer in the anime industry, standing as one of the most influential shonen series of all time, if not the most. Son Goku’s name is renowned around the world, not only because he is the iconic main protagonist of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, but also because of the values he embodies, from his unbreakable spirit and determination to his desire to grow stronger in the face of adversity.
Moreover, Dragon Ball doesn’t need complex and heavy themes to become a masterpiece, as seeing its characters, especially Goku and Vegeta, transform into Super Saiyans and save the world is more than enough to send goosebumps, make an impact, and ignite pure excitement from fans.
