For fans of anime, there are certain series that stand the test of time and remain beloved classics. These series are often considered must-watch for any true anime enthusiast, and they continue to influence and inspire new works in the medium. In this blog post, we'll be exploring the top 10 must-see classic anime series.
But what exactly makes an anime series a classic? While it's ultimately a matter of personal opinion, there are certain qualities that many classic anime series tend to share. These series often have compelling storylines, memorable characters, and innovative animation and storytelling techniques. They may also have enduring cultural significance and continue to be popular and influential even years after their initial release.
So without further ado, let's dive into our list of the top 10 must-see classic anime series.
#10: Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a classic anime series that follows a diverse group of bounty hunters as they travel the galaxy in pursuit of the galaxy's most dangerous criminals. The main characters include Spike Spiegel, a former hitman with a mysterious past, and Jet Black, a former cop turned bounty hunter. Together, they're joined by a rotating cast of characters, including Faye Valentine, a con artist with a troubled past, and Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV, a brilliant but eccentric hacker.
Cowboy Bebop is widely considered a classic for its compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and excellent use of music. The series is known for its blend of action, comedy, and drama, as well as its complex and well-developed characters. It's also notable for its use of jazz music, which adds to the series' unique and atmospheric tone.
#9: Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a classic anime series that follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy who is recruited to pilot a giant bio-machine known as an Evangelion. The series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is threatened by giant monsters known as Angels. As Shinji struggles to come to terms with his role as a pilot and his relationship with his distant father, he must also grapple with the psychological and emotional toll of fighting the Angels.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is considered a classic for its complex and thought-provoking storytelling, as well as its memorable characters and impact on the anime industry. The series is known for its deep exploration of psychological and spiritual themes, as well as its controversial and divisive ending. It remains a popular and influential series to this day.
#8: Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist is a classic anime series that follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they search for the Philosopher's Stone in order to restore their bodies. The brothers are alchemists, and their journey takes them across a fantastical world filled with magic and danger. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, including other alchemists, military officials, and mysterious figures with their own agendas. Fullmetal Alchemist is considered a classic for its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and well-developed world-building. The series is known for its blend of action, drama, and comedy, as well as its deep exploration of themes such as loss, friendship, and the dangers of power. It remains a popular and highly regarded series among anime fans.
#7: Death Note
Death Note is a classic anime series that follows the story of Light Yagami, a brilliant but bored high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. As Light begins using the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and create a utopia, he becomes the target of a talented detective known as L, who is determined to catch him.
Death Note is considered a classic for its intense and suspenseful storyline, as well as its memorable and complex characters. The series is known for its exploration of themes such as justice, power, and the psychological effects of violence. It remains a popular and influential series, with numerous adaptations in other media.
#6: One Piece
One Piece is a classic anime series that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the power to stretch his body like rubber. Along with his diverse and loyal crew, Luffy sets out on a journey to find the One Piece, a legendary treasure said to grant immense power and wealth. Along the way, they must face a variety of challenges and enemies, including other pirates, marines, and powerful deities. One Piece is considered a classic for its engaging and epic storyline, memorable characters, and well-developed world-building. The series is known for its blend of action, comedy, and drama, as well as its positive and inspiring themes of friendship and perseverance. It remains one of the most popular and enduring anime series of all time.
#5: Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a classic anime series that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is confined to a few walled cities to protect them from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The series follows the story of Eren Yeager, a young man with the power to transform into a Titan, as he joins the Survey Corps, an elite group of soldiers who venture outside the walls to fight the Titans.
Attack on Titan is considered a classic for its intense and suspenseful storyline, as well as its memorable and complex characters. The series is known for its brutal and graphic violence, as well as its exploration of themes such as survival, loyalty, and the price of freedom. It remains a popular and influential series, with numerous adaptations in other media.
#4: Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is a classic anime series that follows the story of Goku, a powerful warrior with a kind heart and a thirst for adventure. Along with his friends and family, Goku must protect the Earth from a variety of threats, including otherworldly foes, powerful enemies, and rival martial artists.
Dragon Ball Z is considered a classic for its engaging and epic storylines, memorable characters, and well-choreographed action sequences. The series is known for its blend of action, comedy, and drama, as well as its positive and inspiring themes of friendship, family, and personal growth. It remains a popular and enduring series among anime fans.
#3: Naruto
Naruto is a classic anime series that follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest ninja in his village. Along with his friends and rivals, Naruto must face a variety of challenges and enemies as he trains and grows as a ninja.
Naruto is considered a classic for its engaging and epic storylines, memorable characters, and well-choreographed action sequences. The series is known for its blend of action, comedy, and drama, as well as its positive and inspiring themes of friendship, perseverance, and achieving one's goals. It remains a popular and enduring series among anime fans.
#2: Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is a classic anime series that takes place in a virtual reality game called Sword Art Online, where players are trapped and must fight their way to the top to escape. The series follows the story of Kirito, a skilled and solitary player, as he navigates the dangers of the game and forms relationships with other players.
Sword Art Online is considered a classic for its engaging and suspenseful storylines, memorable characters, and innovative use of virtual reality as a setting. The series is known for its blend of action, romance, and drama, as well as its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the blurred lines between reality and virtual reality. It remains a popular and influential series, with numerous adaptations in other media.
#1: Studio Ghibli Films
Studio Ghibli is a classic anime studio known for its beautiful and timeless animated films. Some of the most popular and beloved Ghibli films include Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl's Moving Castle. These films are known for their compelling and emotional storylines, memorable characters, and stunning animation.
Ghibli films are considered classics for their ability to appeal to viewers of all ages and backgrounds. They are known for their positive and uplifting themes, as well as their ability to transport viewers to fantastical and imaginative worlds. Ghibli films remain some of the most popular and enduring anime works of all time.
To Conclude
These are just a few of the iconic anime shows and movies that continue to be adored by viewers all over the world and have had a lasting influence on the genre. These series are required viewing for anybody interested in the rich and varied world of anime, regardless of your level of anime experience or lack thereof.
Anime
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