The Greatest of All Time debate never ends, but some series appear on every list. Here are 10 anime with legitimate GOAT claims.
10. One Piece
Longevity plus quality equals legend. 1000+ episodes and still delivering. Oda’s world-building is unmatched. The emotional moments hit across decades.
9. Naruto/Shippuden
Defined a generation. Pain arc, final valley fights, iconic moments throughout. The filler hurt, but peaks are incredible. Cultural impact is undeniable.
8. Hunter x Hunter
Togashi’s genius in every arc. Chimera Ant alone justifies inclusion. The power system is the most thoughtful. The hiatuses hurt, but quality never wavered.
7. Attack on Titan
Modern anime’s biggest event. The twists, the scale, the discourse—AOT changed how we discuss anime. Controversial ending doesn’t erase the journey.
6. Death Note
Psychological thriller perfection. Light and L’s battle transcends anime tropes. It’s gateway drug that creates anime fans. Tight, complete, iconic.
5. Cowboy Bebop
Style as substance. The music, the aesthetic, the episodic excellence—Bebop doesn’t age. “See you, space cowboy” remains perfect ending.
4. Steins;Gate
Time travel done right. Okabe’s journey from comedy to tragedy to triumph. The plot works logically while delivering emotionally. Perfect science fiction anime.
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Defined psychological mecha. Shinji’s trauma isn’t weakness—it’s the point. Anno’s vision remains influential decades later. Controversial but essential.
2. Monster
Urasawa’s masterpiece adapted faithfully. The psychological depth, the slow burn, the villain—Johan Liebert is anime’s best antagonist. It’s literature as anime.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
The consensus pick. Everything works—story, characters, themes, animation, pacing, ending. It’s the complete package that represents anime’s potential. The GOAT by any measure.