Anime, a wondrous and captivating form of storytelling, has its roots in the land of the rising sun, Japan. With its distinctive art style, mesmerizing visuals, and intricate camera effects, anime has captured the hearts of fans across the globe. It encompasses a wide range of formats such as television series, full-length feature films, Original Video Animations (OVAs), and increasingly popular web series. Over the years, anime has provided audiences with unforgettable characters, thought-provoking plots, and enchanting worlds to explore. It has not only entertained, but also inspired many to push the boundaries of their imagination.

In the vast universe of anime, there are a few gems that have earned their place in the pantheon of greatness. These series have managed to strike a chord with fans, critics, and casual viewers alike, transcending the borders of language, culture, and geography. They've garnered acclaim for their exceptional storytelling, memorable characters, breathtaking animation, and awe-inspiring soundtracks.

With your help, we've compiled a list of the top 10 greatest anime series of all time. This ultimate list pays tribute to the masterpieces that have left a lasting impact on the world of animation and beyond, featuring a mix of critically acclaimed classics, top-rated fan favorites, and international sensations. So, whether you're a seasoned anime aficionado or a curious newcomer, join us as we celebrate the very best that the anime world has to offer.

1. Death Note

Death Note is a Japanese television drama anime series based on the manga series of the same name by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The show is centered around Light Yagami - a promising highschooler and aspiring detective with a strong sense of "justice".

2. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is a Japanese anime television series produced by Toei Animation. Dragon Ball Z follows the adventures of Goku who, along with the Z Warriors, defends the Earth against evil. The action adventures are entertaining and reinforce the concept of good versus evil. Dragon Ball Z teaches valuable character virtues such as teamwork, loyalty, and trustworthiness.

3. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan, also known as Shingeki no Kyojin in Japanese, created by Hajime Isayama, is one of the most popular Japanese anime series to be released. It was first watched in Japan during 2013 and was dubbed in English to be watched in America in 2014. It is best known for its emotional moments, apocalyptic setting, and its dramatic story line, and action packed scenes.

4. Naruto

Naruto is an anime and manga franchise Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. The manga was later adapted into a television anime, which was produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex. It premiered across Japan on the terrestrial TV Tokyo and other TX Network stations on October 3, 2002. The first series lasted 220 episodes, while Naruto: Shippuden, a sequel to the original series, has been airing since February 15, 2007. In addition to the anime series, Studio Pierrot has developed eleven movies and several original video animations. Other types of merchandise include light novels, video games, and trading cards developed by several companies.

5. One Piece

One Piece is a manga franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. The manga has been adapted into an original video animation (OVA) produced by Production I.G in 1998, and an anime series produced by Toei Animation, which began broadcasting in Japan in 1999 and has aired 851 episodes to date.

6. Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an anime series adapted from the Fullmetal Alchemist manga by Hiromu Arakawa.

7. Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail is a manga franchise created by Hiro Mashima. The manga has been adapted into an anime series produced by A-1 Pictures and Satelight, which began broadcasting in Japan on October 12, 2009. Additionally, A-1 Pictures and Satelight have developed seven original video animations and an animated feature film, Fairy Tail the Movie: Phoenix Priestess. The series ended its initial run on March 30, 2013. A new series premiered on TV Tokyo on April 5, 2014.

8. Full Metal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime series adapted from the manga of the same name by Hiromu Arakawa. It is about two brothers, Edward Elric and Alphonse Elric, trying to restore their bodies after failing at bringing their mother back to life. It aired in 2003 and was remade as Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood in 2009.

9. Naruto Shippuden

Naruto: Shippuden is the ongoing sequel to the original Naruto anime and covers the Naruto manga from volume twenty-eight on. The TV adaptation of Naruto: Shippuden debuted in Japan on February 15, 2007 on TV Tokyo. It is developed by Studio Pierrot and directed by Hayato Date.

10. Bleach

Bleach is a Japanese anime series based on Tite Kubo's manga of the same name. Bleach adapts the first 54 volumes of Tite Kubo's manga series of the same name. In addition, 4 anime-original arcs were broadcast in-between and during the adaptations of original arcs of the manga.

Bleach follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student with the ability to see ghosts. The early parts of the story focus mainly on the characters. As events unfold, the story begins to delve deeper into the world of these gods of death.