Anime fans can get quite competitive about which anime are the best. We all have our favorites based on our personal preferences and experiences. Some might prefer the quiet, slice-of-life stories found in My Dress-Up Darling or Blue Period , while others might want something more explosive like Attack on Titan or Dragon Ball Z. Either way, there's no single right answer as to which anime is the best. Or is there? MyAnimeList has long compiled user ratings to determine which anime is “objectively” the best.
- Publication of Mushoku Tensei is interrupted by Panini
- Carthagra will be released on Nintendo Switch in 2025
Without further ado, here is the current top 10 (March 31, 2025), as produced by MyAnimeList. Incidentally, this list will only include series as a whole, not individual seasons as they are ranked on MAL (otherwise, there would be too much Gintama here).
Best Anime according to MyAnimeList – Top 10
10. Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Ultra Romantic
- MyAnimeList: 8,98
- Japanese title: かぐや様は告らせたい-ウルトラロマンティック-
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
In short, when Kaguya-sama: Love is War appeared on the scene in 2019, it shocked fans by reaching the top of MyAnimeList's Top 10 ranking, surpassing Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. However, in the following years, the show's devoted fandom calmed down somewhat. Nevertheless, the series remains immensely popular, having stayed in the top 10 despite some fierce competition.
09. Bleach: Sennen Kessen-hen
- MyAnimeList: 9,00
- Japanese title: BLEACH 千年血戦篇
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Pierrot
Despite its place in the Big Three, the Bleach was often the target of many jokes from the anime community and was constantly labeled as the weakest of the three. But Thousand-Year Blood War put the franchise back on the map, even for casual fans who are just beginning to understand the medium now!
08. Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu
- MyAnimeList: 9,01
- Japanese title: 銀河英雄伝説
- Episodes: 110
- Studio: K-Factory and Kitty Film Mitaka Studio
Contemporary anime fans may not know about Legend of the Galactic Heroes, but the series, which aired between 1988 and 1997, is still considered one of the best science fiction anime on the market. The show is based on the eponymous series of novels by Yoshiki Tanaka, who also wrote The Heroic Legend of Arslan.
07. Hunter x Hunter
- MyAnimeList: 9,03
- Japanese title: ハンター×ハンター
- Episodes: 148
- Studio: Madhouse
On the other hand, Hunter x Hunter is one of those anime that needs no introduction. The series, based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, is frequently cited as one of the most beloved anime of the last few decades. HxH was many people's introduction to anime and the gateway for them to discover the other incredible anime on this list.
06. Gintama
- MyAnimeList: 9,05
- Japanese title: 銀魂°
- Episodes: 51
- Studio: Bandai Namco
"If you've watched Gintama , you've watched most other anime," is how fans generally describe the series. Debuting in 2006, the Gintama is a historical action comedy that fans best remember for its phenomenal parodies of other great shounen series and pop culture. Thus, created by Hideaki Sorachi, Gintama is undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed comedy anime of all time.
Best Anime according to MyAnimeList – Top 5
05. One Piece Fan Letter
- MyAnimeList: 9,05
- Japanese title: One Piece Fan Letter
- Episodes: 01
- Studio: Toei Animation
One Piece may be one of the most popular anime of all time, but it was the franchise's special OVA, Fan Letter, that brought fans together when it was released in 2024. Eiichiro Oda's long-running series will go down in anime history as one of the most influential series. But Fan Letter is, without a doubt, One Piece at its best.
04. Attack On Titan Temp 03 Part 02
- MyAnimeList: 9,05
- Japanese title: 進撃の巨人 Season3 Part.2
- Episodes: 10
- Studio: Wit Studio
During its run from 2013 to 2023, Attack on Titan had the anime community in the palm of its hand, as we watched week after week, desperate to uncover the mysteries of the Titans and the world in which Eren Jaeger lived. Even though fans joked about the series' extended ending, Attack on Titan still enjoys countless rewatches by fans, who recall all the early clues scattered throughout the first three seasons.
Best Anime according to MyAnimeList – Top 3
03. Steins;Gate
- MyAnimeList: 9,07
- Japanese title: Steins;Gate
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: White Fox
Hardcore anime fans are familiar with Steins;Gate, but many casual viewers have yet to experience this mind-bending science fiction series. Based on the manga by Yomi Sarachi, Steins;Gate is another one of those shows that demands a second viewing for fans to piece together the clues of this incredibly intricate time-travel story. Thanks to this, and its phenomenal character development and plot structure, Steins;Gate has undoubtedly earned its place on the podium.
02. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- MyAnimeList: 9,10
- Japanese title: 鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST
- Episodes: 64
- Studio: Bones
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the only series that almost the entire anime community agrees is phenomenal. For years, the series held the top spot on MAL's list. Thus, it's another show that needs no introduction, as it's simply perfect.
01. Sousou no Frieren
- MyAnimeList: 9,31
- Japanese title: 葬送のフリーレン
- Episodes: 28
- Studio: Madhouse
For those who haven't read the manga, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End emerged out of nowhere in 2023 to steal the top spot. At a time when the fantasy genre seems outdated to many, Frieren was a much-needed breath of fresh air. Add to that its incredibly rich narrative, solid world-building, and lovable characters, and those who have watched it know why it's number 1 on the list.
So, guys, what did you think of the MyAnimeList list? Do you agree?