Japan gave the world not just a unique genre, but an entire cultural universe. We have compiled 10 iconic anime that showcase the main features of this direction in animation.
Japan is the land of the rising sun, but more accurately, it is the land of anime gems. This selection features 10 key anime series that have become benchmarks for different generations. From 90s classics to modern hits, these series reveal philosophical depths, set trends, and remain memorable for years. Each is unique in its own way, but they all share one thing: they became cultural phenomena that changed the perception of Japanese animation.
Naruto (1999–2014)
A classic of the shonen genre that predetermined the development of anime for decades to come. The story follows a boy named Naruto Uzumaki, orphaned at an early age, who dreams of becoming Hokage—the head ninja of his village. His path is full of trials: betrayal, loss, friendship, and love shape his character, making the story deep and emotional.
Naruto raises important themes that resonate with viewers of all ages: friendship, faith, overcoming hardships, war and peace, humanity, and forgiveness. Each character here is a separate story, revealed through detailed flashbacks and dialogues. In Naruto, there are no clearly positive or negative characters: even villains have their motives that make viewers empathize with them.
The anime is also famous for its emotional depth: you can understand a character's state of mind just by looking at their facial expression. This makes Naruto not only captivating but also a deeply human work. If you are just starting your journey into the world of anime, this series is the perfect starting point.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
Neon Genesis Evangelion is not just an anime, but a cultural phenomenon that changed the perception of the mecha genre—a subgenre in anime and manga whose main attribute is giant humanoid combat machines.
The story takes place fifteen years after a global catastrophe in the futuristic fortified city of Tokyo-3. The protagonist is Shinji Ikari, a teenager recruited by his father Gendo into the mysterious organization Nerv. Shinji must pilot an Evangelion—a giant biomechanical mecha—to fight creatures known as Angels. However, beneath the surface action lies a deep psychological subtext: the story explores themes of loneliness, depression, self-identity, and human relationships.
The visual aspect of Evangelion still impresses with its conceptual design. The art style of Yoshiyuki Sadamoto and the animation by Studio Gainax, despite a limited budget, create a unique atmosphere that complements the complex plot.
Evangelion raises questions that have no clear answers, and this makes it a work that remains relevant decades later.
Berserk (1997–1998)
An adaptation of the cult manga by Kentaro Miura, Berserk is a dark fantasy that impresses with its brutality and depth. The story follows mercenary Guts, who fights against his own fate to avenge betrayal and save his beloved.
Almost everything in Berserk, from the title to the protagonist's name, suggests it is a bloody festival. This is partly true—the series is not for young viewers or the faint-hearted, with numerous scenes of bloody fantasy violence, as well as scenes of sexual violence that may be off-putting. However, these elements are not used for shock value—they serve to explore complex themes such as betrayal, revenge, and human nature. Guts is a typical anti-hero whose brutality is combined with compassion, making him one of the most memorable characters in anime history.
The 1997 anime remains the best adaptation of the manga, despite more modern attempts. Its atmosphere, music, and narrative depth make Berserk a must-watch for dark fantasy fans.
Pokémon (1997–2023)
A legendary media franchise that has captured the hearts of millions. The anime follows the adventures of a boy named Ash and his Pokémon Pikachu as they travel the world to become the best trainers.
Pokémon is not just an anime, but a cultural phenomenon that unites generations. Its themes—friendship, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams—remain relevant for over 25 years. The series is perfect for children, but adults will also find something for themselves, especially if they are familiar with the games, manga, and films of the franchise.
The anime, commissioned to promote the video game, ultimately captured pop culture for years. Pikachu proved this: there is no person in the world who would not recognize the yellow electric mouse.
Death Note (2006–2007)
One of the most iconic anime series, Death Note tells the story of high school student Light Yagami, who finds a magical notebook capable of killing people. Deciding to use it to create a perfect world, Light enters a confrontation with the genius detective L.
The series raises complex moral questions: what is justice? Does a person have the right to decide the fates of others? These dilemmas make Death Note not only thrilling but also a deeply philosophical work. Since the main theme of the anime is "justice," there is no black-and-white answer to the sharp questions the show poses. On one hand, punishing criminals for their misdeeds is just, but on the other hand, killing them without the possibility of reform also seems quite unjust. The complexity of this theme challenges the viewer's morality and principles, in turn allowing them to immerse themselves more deeply in the series.
The anime is perfect for both newcomers and experienced viewers. Its tense plot, charismatic characters, and lack of intrusive clichés make it a must-watch.
Fairy Tail (2009–2019)
An anime that has held viewers' attention worldwide for many years. Fairy Tail is one of the popular and award-winning mangas written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima. The story revolves around the mage guild "Fairy Tail," whose members live like one big family.
The series combines humor, drama, and action, and its themes—friendship, family, and overcoming hardships—resonate with viewers. The magic system in the anime is diverse and engaging, making each battle unique.
Magic is one of the most common markers of battle anime in the shonen genre, although it is called differently in different places. Without a rigid magic system, Fairy Tail manages to have an interesting storyline, showcasing characters with their own unique abilities. If you are a fan of fantasy, action, magic, and adventure genres, you will enjoy watching this anime.
Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
Attack on Titan is an anime that revolutionized the perception of what an animated series can be. Since its release in 2013, it has captured the attention of millions of viewers worldwide, becoming not just popular but a true cultural phenomenon. The story of a world where humanity is forced to hide behind giant walls to escape from Titans—enormous creatures that devour humans—quickly turned into an epic narrative about freedom, survival, and the price of human mistakes.
Complex characters, an unpredictable plot, and philosophical questions make Attack on Titan one of the most significant anime of the last decade. Its animation and soundtrack also deserve special attention. If you are looking for an anime that will make you think and feel, then Attack on Titan is a must on your list.
Complex characters, an unpredictable plot, and philosophical questions make Attack on Titan one of the most significant anime of the last decade. Its animation and soundtrack also deserve special attention. If you are looking for an anime that will make you think and feel, then Attack on Titan is a must on your list.
My Hero Academia (2016–...)
A story about a world where almost everyone has a unique ability—a "Quirk." The protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without a Quirk.
The anime combines dynamic battles, deep characters, and inspiring themes. The overused "chosen one" trope does not bore viewers, and it is no wonder, as the manga author—Kohei Horikoshi—does not deny being inspired by iconic titles and taking the best from them. One of his main muses was the cult manga, a titan among shonen—Naruto. Both works are based on school cycles that unfold into a larger drama, and the main characters, Naruto and Izuku, do not fit into the world's system.
It touches on issues of friendship, betrayal, and social justice, making it relevant for viewers of all ages. My Hero Academia is an anime that inspires and makes you believe in yourself.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019–...)
A historical fantasy that captivated viewers with its atmosphere and characters. The protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado, becomes a demon slayer to save his sister and avenge his family's death.
As with any media—whether television, film, books, etc.—a well-chosen cast of interesting main characters is essential for developing the overall story and plot. Fortunately, this anime has plenty of them. It is almost impossible to pass by at least the main characters without picking one you like.
Another strong advantage is the art of animation—the quality of the anime's drawing truly deserves attention. The way everything is drawn and animated in the series is extremely appealing. There are many mysteries and raised themes around the story, and that is enough to draw you into the world of .
Breaking the record of Spirited Away, the status of the highest-grossing film in Japanese box office, the highest-grossing film of 2020, and the highest-grossing anime in the world—let's try to figure out
Open materialJujutsu Kaisen (2020–...)
An anime that quickly became one of the best in the shonen genre. The story of Yuji Itadori, who gets drawn into the world of sorcerers and curses, impresses with its dynamics and depth.
The anime does not follow a predictable formula. With a story that blends magic, curses, and intense confrontations, each episode brings new surprises and twists, keeping viewers glued to the screen. The series is not afraid to explore darker themes, and the mysteries revealed throughout the story make the experience even more captivating.
Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime that sets new standards for the genre. It is not easy to win an award when the anime segment is so competitive and various franchises are released throughout the year. However, the anime succeeded, and Jujutsu Kaisen stands out among other shows, taking a top spot in the genre. The show beat Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer for the "Anime of the Year" award at Crunchyroll, and also won the award for Best Antagonist at the event. It became the second most talked-about TV show in the world after Squid Game.
Each of these anime is not just entertainment, but a work of art that leaves a mark on the viewer's soul. If you are not yet familiar with them, now is the time to start!
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