MyAnimeList's ranking remains one of the most followed when it comes to anime reviews. The list combines classics, recent productions, and sequels that have made a mark on audiences over the years.
Below, you'll find the 50 highest-rated anime titles currently available, with updated data including release year, average rating, and a more complete short synopsis of each work.
1. Sousou no Frieren
Date: 2023
Rating: 9.27
Synopsis: After defeating the Demon King, Frieren continues her journey reflecting on time, loss, and the value of human connections.
2. Steel Ball Run: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken
Date: 2026
Rating: 9.15
Synopsis: In a race across the United States, competitors face deadly challenges as they seek a prize that could change the fate of the world.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Date: 2009
Rating: 9.11
Synopsis: Two brothers face the consequences of a forbidden ritual while searching for the Philosopher's Stone to recover their bodies.
4. Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze-hen
Date: 2025
Rating: 9.08
Synopsis: Denji becomes involved with a mysterious girl while facing new enemies, revealing dangerous sides of the demon world.
5. Steins;Gate
Date: 2011
Rating: 9.07
Synopsis: A group discovers how to send messages to the past and ends up trapped in dangerous consequences when trying to alter destiny.
6. Gintama: The Final
Date: 2021
Rating: 9.05
Synopsis: The finale brings together intense battles and decisive moments while resolving long-standing conflicts from the series.
7. Gintama°
Date: 2015
Rating: 9.05
Synopsis: The story mixes humor and action, bringing more serious arcs and important character development.
8. Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Part 2
Date: 2019
Rating: 9.05
Synopsis: The battle against the titans reveals crucial secrets that completely change the course of history.
9. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Date: 2011
Rating: 9.03
Synopsis: Gon sets out in search of his father, facing dangerous challenges while evolving alongside his allies.
10. Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu
Date: 1988
Rating: 9.02
Synopsis: Two strategists lead opposing sides in a space war marked by politics and ideological conflicts.
11. Gintama
Date: 2011
Rating: 9.02
Synopsis: A sequel that alternates between absurd comedy and intense storylines, deepening the universe of the series.
12. Gintama': Enchousen
Date: 2012
Rating: 9.02
Synopsis: Arcs more focused on action and drama amplify the impact of the characters and the narrative.
13. One Piece Fan Letter
Date: 2024
Rating: 9.02
Synopsis: A special featuring stories inspired by Luffy's journey, highlighting the impact of the work on different people.
14. Bleach: Sennen Kessen-hen
Date: 2022
Rating: 8.98
Synopsis: Ichigo returns to face a war between Shinigami and Quincy, bringing intense battles and revelations.
15. Gintama.
Date: 2017
Rating: 8.98
Synopsis: The series continues to focus on more direct conflicts while maintaining its characteristic humor.
16. Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Ultra Romantic
Date: 2022
Rating: 8.96
Synopsis: Two students try to get the other to confess first in a psychological battle full of comical situations.
17. Clannad: After Story
Date: 2008
Rating: 8.93
Synopsis: Adult life brings emotional challenges as the characters face loss and come of age.
18. Fruits Basket: The Final
Date: 2021
Rating: 8.93
Synopsis: The conclusion resolves the Sohma family curse and highlights the emotional growth of the characters.
19. Gintama
Date: 2006
Rating: 8.93
Synopsis: A samurai lives in a world dominated by aliens, alternating between comedy and serious moments.
20. Koe no Katachi
Date: 2016
Rating: 8.93
Synopsis: A young man seeks redemption after bullying others, trying to rebuild relationships and cope with guilt.
21. Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch R2
Date: 2008
Rating: 8.92
Synopsis: Lelouch continues his revolution while facing difficult decisions and strategic conflicts.
22. Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 4th Season
Date: 2026
Rating: 8.92
Synopsis: Subaru returns in a new phase facing even greater challenges related to his power to reset.
23. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 2nd Season
Date: 2025
Rating: 8.91
Synopsis: The protagonist continues to solve mysteries at court with intelligence and medical knowledge.
24. 3-gatsu no Lion 2nd Season
Date: 2017
Rating: 8.90
Synopsis: The young shogi player faces personal challenges while seeking emotional growth.
25. Sousou no Frieren 2nd Season
Date: 2026
Rating: 8.90
Synopsis: The journey continues, exploring time, relationships, and new encounters along the way.
26. Gintama Movie 2: Kanketsu-hen
Date: 2013
Rating: 8.89
Synopsis: Gintoki faces an alternate future where he must save his friends and restore order.
27. Monster
Date: 2004
Rating: 8.89
Synopsis: A doctor follows the trail of a murderer he saved, facing intense moral dilemmas.
28. Gintama: Shirogane no Tamashii-hen – Kouhan-sen
Date: 2018
Rating: 8.88
Synopsis: The final war continues with decisive confrontations that put all the characters at risk.
29. Owarimonogatari 2nd Season
Date: 2017
Rating: 8.86
Synopsis: Araragi faces revelations about himself while resolving supernatural conflicts.
30. Shingeki no Kyojin: Final Season – Kanketsu-hen
Date: 2023
Rating: 8.86
Synopsis: The final confrontation defines the fate of humanity with choices that change everything.
31. Kingdom 3rd Season
Date: 2020
Rating: 8.85
Synopsis: Great strategic battles shape the future of ancient China.
32. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
Date: 2023
Rating: 8.85
Synopsis: A young woman solves medical and political mysteries within the imperial court.
33. Shingeki no Kyojin Movie: The Last Attack
Date: 2024
Rating: 8.83
Synopsis: A version that brings together the final moments of the story, focusing on the decisive battles.
34. Violet Evergarden Movie
Date: 2020
Rating: 8.83
Synopsis: Violet seeks to understand human feelings while confronting her past.
35. Kimi no Na wa
Date: 2016
Rating: 8.82
Synopsis: Two young people connected by a mysterious phenomenon try to find each other across time.
36. Vinland Saga Season 2
Date: 2023
Rating: 8.82
Synopsis: Thorfinn seeks redemption and a new purpose after abandoning the war.
37. Ashita no Joe 2
Date: 1980
Rating: 8.81
Synopsis: Joe continues his boxing career, facing physical and emotional limits.
38. Gintama: Shirogane no Tamashii-hen
Date: 2018
Rating: 8.81
Synopsis: The final battle begins, bringing characters together in a grand conflict.
39. Shingeki no Kyojin: Final Season
Date: 2020
Rating: 8.79
Synopsis: The narrative shifts perspective, broadening the scope of the global conflict.
40. Hajime no Ippo
Date: 2000
Rating: 8.78
Synopsis: A young man finds in boxing a way to grow and overcome challenges.
41. Kizumonogatari III: Reiketsu-hen
Date: 2017
Rating: 8.78
Synopsis: The conclusion of Araragi's story brings important decisions and intense confrontations.
42. Mob Psycho 100 II
Date: 2019
Rating: 8.78
Synopsis: Mob matures emotionally while facing supernatural threats.
43. Vinland Saga
Date: 2019
Rating: 8.78
Synopsis: A young man grows up amidst Viking warfare while seeking revenge.
44. Haikyuu!! Karasuno vs Shiratorizawa
Date: 2016
Rating: 8.77
Synopsis: A decisive match puts the team to the test in an intense confrontation.
45. Ikoku Nikki
Date: 2026
Rating: 8.77
Synopsis: A recent drama that addresses human relationships and changes in everyday life.
46. Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
Date: 2001
Rating: 8.77
Synopsis: A girl enters a spiritual world and tries to save her parents.
47. Shingeki no Kyojin Final Season Part 2
Date: 2022
Rating: 8.77
Synopsis: The war intensifies with decisions that impact all sides.
48. Monogatari Series: Second Season
Date: 2013
Rating: 8.76
Synopsis: Interconnected stories explore supernatural and emotional conflicts.
49. Tongari Boushi at Atelier
Date: 2026
Rating: 8.76
Synopsis: A young girl enters the world of magic and faces challenges to grow up.
50. Cowboy Bebop
Date: 1998
Rating: 8.75
Synopsis: Bounty hunters travel through space dealing with missions and their pasts.
If you enjoy discovering new stories or revisiting classics, this list from MyAnimeList is a great starting point for exploring different styles and eras of Japanese animation. It's worth saving and marking off what you've already watched.
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Source: MyAnimeList