Top 10 Best Written Anime
Published on May 23, 2008 - 185 Comments
Japanese animation has become a boom industry in the western world in the last 15 years. Starting with Akira in the late 80’s, through to the huge anime conventions of today, it has gone from being solely the domain of young children, to capture the imagination of people of all ages and backgrounds. This list comprises the top ten most well written anime, the literature of anime, if you will.
A lot of anime is about schoolgirls. Schoolgirls with robots, schoolgirls with psychic powers, or just naughty schoolgirls. But Azumanga Daioh is just about schoolgirls, following them as they grow, become friends, and deal with tests, homework, and bizarre teachers. Its potent humour comes not from overblown nonsense, but from how recognizable the situations are. Anyone who has been in highschool will find something to enjoy here.
The impossibly good-natured Tohru Honda meets the mysterious Sohmas, a family with a terrible curse hanging over their heads. They turn into animals of the zodiac when hugged by a member of the opposite sex. The magic of the story is revealed alongside the emotional damage of the Sohmas’, as seen through the eyes of Tohru.
The buddy flick has long been a staple of modern cinema, but combine that with a hiphop soundtrack and some awesome samurai action, and you have a stylish and action packed series that throws historical accuracy out the window. As the waitress Fuu, the samurai Jin, and the vagrant ronin Mugen journey across feudal Japan in search of a samurai who smells of sunflowers, the viewer is treated to everything from riotous lampooning, to touching and emotional tales of love and loss.
If there was an anime that could dethrone Evangelion - a show that’s as brilliant as it is entertaining - then that show is Fullmetal Alchemist. Two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, attempt to resurrect their mother using alchemy, losing Ed’s arm and leg, and Al’s Body in the process. They are now searching for the Philosopher’s Stone to fix their bodies. Although there is plenty of comedy, Fullmetal also shows insight into the brutality of war and genocide.
The catalyst for the anime boom, Akira was a calling card for the possibility of animation as an artform. From the opening nuclear destruction of Tokyo, to the climactic battle between out of control psychic Tetsuo, and the laser wielding Kaneda, Akira is fast paced and relentless. It covers a government conspiracy and secret experiments, and as Tetsuo tries to deal with his mental anguish the possibility of an imminent second disaster. A must watch.
The Best of the Lupin the 3rd films, Castle is directed by Hayao Miyasaki of Studio Ghibli fame, and it shows. Featuring a slightly less playboyesque Lupin getting entangled with a runaway princess, and evil count, and (of course) a massive hidden treasure, Castle has all the best qualities of Miyasaki’s work and the Lupin series itself.
Ever since its 1995 debut, it has been analyzed, criticized, glorified, vilified, overrated, undervalued, and talked about in circles. On one level, it’s a giant robot show, with 14 year old Shinji Ikari being drafted into piloting the most technologically advanced fighting machine in the world, to defend it against the Angels who would destroy Mankind as they know it. Yet right in the middle, director Hidaeki Anno strips away the facade, revealing a brutal psychological drama with red herring Christian references, and at its heart a powerfully human story.
No contest, this is the coolest anime ever created by human beings. By filling it with everything that he loved, director Kazuya Tsurumaki created a universal tale of the trials of growing up, which is spectacularly bizarre and entertaining. Naota is already dealing with his older brother’s absence when he is hit on the head by self-proclaimed alien Haruka Haruhara. And that’s when the robots start bursting out of his head. Then come space pirates, arson, a giant hand, and a guy with seaweed for eyebrows. And thank to the efforts of guitar gods The Pillows, the whole thing rocks very hard indeed.
One of the least known of Hayao Miyasaki’s films, why should this rank above the likes of Spirited Away, Naussica, and Mononoke? Because it is, simply put, perfect. A long time lover of airplanes and flight, Miyasaki truly soars in this movie. The main character is Marco, and eponymous pig and former WW1 fighter pilot that became so disgusted with humanity that he literally turned into a humanoid swine. He deals with rival flying gangs, a woman he loves but can never tell, a suave American and others. Maybe Porco is the best because the gruff, disillusioned Marco is the closest character to Miyasaki that has ever appeared in his films.
There is a good reason that Bebop has made the top of the list. It’s run on the cartoon network for four straight years, despite it only being 26 episodes long. It’s more entertaining to watch eight straight times than it is to watch almost anything else. The show revolves around Spike Spiegel, a Bounty Hunter who used to work for organized crime, and together with former cop Jet Black, gambling addict and swindler Faye Valentine, computer genius Ed, and data dog Ein, he deals with killers, space truckers, mushrooms, spoiled food and his past. Add to that the music, where seemingly every genre is explored through the course of the show, and probably some that didn’t exist previously. Whether you just want to see an episode or you’re planning a marathon, Cowboy Bebop is truly have it all.
Contributor: Nejikun
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1. Nathan - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:22 am
I’m not much of a fan of anime, but Akira is one that I just must see. It seems like essential viewing in general, not just for the world of anime, doesn’t it?
2. NN - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:25 am
I’m still pretty new to manga and anime. I’ve got to say, FMA is spot-on! I love the anime. All the other series are actually familiar and I must’ve stumbled upon them. I’ll try to indulge myself.
3. Brian - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:27 am
I like Bleach…
4. carpe_noctem - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:27 am
Hey, really interesting list! I must say, I was surprised not to see any of Miyazaki’s more popular works here (ie Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke) but far from criticising your choice, I love that it’s given me new ones to watch rather than fulfilling expectations!
I’ve seen 3, 4, 6 and 7 and I agree with your choices for all of those. Guess I have 6 more to see!
5. Brian - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:27 am
and Legend of the Overfiend
6. Quiana - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:28 am
All of these are really good. I’ve seen most of them being an Adult Swim fan.
7. Chris - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:40 am
One of my friends likes these shows, but I don’t think I could ever get into them. Of the anime that I have seen, I really could not stand the sometimes obscenely large eyes and ridiculous facial expressions. The list was informative though.
8. Kreachure - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:41 am
Woohoo! I was wondering just yesterday if an anime list could appear on LV… and here it is! Great choices, I’ve seen most of them.
For those who liked Akira, I have to say that the movie is great and the animation is incredible. But, the manga it’s based on has quite a different storyline, and I consider the story of the manga (2,000 pages in length!) much better written and more enjoyable.
9. juan - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:41 am
ok…let´s see..in wich category does robotech stands???
10. corinthian0430 - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:42 am
Hmmmm…. nice list… but The Vision of Escaflowne should be in the list…
Trigun was also good
11. Alok - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:43 am
The Gundam franchise has had some pretty good story lines too, especially the most recent one “MS Gundam 00″. Ghost in the Shell is pretty good too, as well as Serial Experiments Lain.
12. DanOhh - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:53 am
I like anime a little bit but a lot of them get on my nerves and some are hard to watch all the way through. BUT, Ghost in the Shell are so well writen I look forward to new ones and watch old episodes over and over.
13. Kreachure - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 am
It’s important to notice that most of these anime are intended for adults, and definitely not suitable for children. Violence, nudity, sexual innuendo, straight-out sex, and intricate plots with deep character development are the norm with most of these.
So for those who think that this is stuff for kiddies, think again.
14. Bob - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:58 am
“it has gone from being solely the domain of young children”. . .to being soley the domain of adults who act like young children.
I fixed it.
15. Harsha - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:04 am
Come on are you kidding me.If you are going to write a list please mention that this is your opinion, cause calling it the ‘Top 10 Best Written Anime’ is utter blasphemy.
You left out huge classics..
Spirited Away
Princess Mononoke
Perfect blue
Ninja Scrolls
Metropolis
Gundam Series
Ghost in a Shell
Elfen Lied Series
…and many more.
The only ones that deserve to be on this list is Akira and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Series like Full Metal,etc are just passing fads like that crap naruto,etc.
Cowboy Bepop…#1 really?!
I’m sorry but this is the lousiest list I have seen on listverse
16. montechaz - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:06 am
Great list! Glad to see Cowboy Bebop made the top spot, it’s truly a work of art and the reason I don’t just change the channel when anime comes on. Trigun deserves at least an honorable mention, if not more. Love the site by the way.
17. Chris - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:12 am
I usually just change the channel no matter what anime show comes on.
18. Linkage - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:12 am
Isn’t it a general understanding that the majority of top lists are based on the author’s personal opinion?
19. astraya - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:18 am
My knowledge of anime stops in the middle of the 1970s when I grew out of “Prince Planet”! That and “Simba the White Lion” is about as far as I went.
20. The-Dude - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:20 am
Nice selection Harsha. I do love the vampire moives as well:
Blood
Hellsing
Vamire Hunter D
21. Melody Kitn - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 am
I’d tack onto Harsha’s list stuff like:
Grave of the Fireflies
Millenium Actress
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Clannad
Paprika
Read or Die (movie)
22. The-Dude - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:33 am
Getter robo!
23. JC - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:35 am
typo in the last segment. “Cowboy Bebop is truly have it all.”
Should actually be “cowboy bebop trull has it all.”
just thought you should know jfrater.
24. JC - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:36 am
sorry i made a typo also. i meant to say “cowboy bebop truly has it all”.
Sorry.
25. huxley75 - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:38 am
I’m gonna have to agree with Harsha and The-Dude, especially since you can’t leave out GitS (either the movies or Standalone Complex, First Gig). Maybe a “better” list would be a beginner’s primer on good anime, including what’s on the official list and adding The-Dude and Harsha’s suggestions, as well as: “Jin-Roh - The Wolf Brigade”
Maybe someone should do a list of great examples of anime artistry. Then I’d toss “Doomed Megalopolis”, “Tokyo Godfathers”, and “Demon City Shinjuku” into the mix.
26. trojan_man - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:00 am
Interesting list. I’ve never seen any anime. Would this type of literature be considered today’s comic books? I think I flipped by something that looked like this on the satellite but I didn’t stop long enough to figure out a plot.
27. yourtaintedmemory666 - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 am
You would think Dragonball Z would be #1
HMM..
28. PJM - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 am
love all of these shows, but theres sumthin huge missin here, DEATHNOTE!
29. Peri - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:09 am
I always thought anime was silly and nonsensical until I saw Akira. Awesome, awesome movie! Fullmetal Alchemist, Evangelion and Cowboy are also great movies. Haven’t seen the others…will have to check them out.
30. ceghead - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:12 am
i love alot of studio giblet stuff, but Spirited away is simply my fav! i think it is sooooo beautiful and so so creepy and quite terrifying too! i cant believe it didn’t make the list, personally, i prefer it a million times more than porco rosso or whatever its called!
Akira freaks me out, the big teddy bears and cuddly toys, shish! puts the willys up me!
31. SlickWilly - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:18 am
Trojan: Anime is the television/movie format, and Manga is the corresponding comic book style.
Youtaintedmemory: Eh…DBZ was good, but it was all action. Not incredibly well-written. Now if we going with best *drawn*…maybe.
I agree, Full Metal Alchemist probably doesn’t deserve to be up here. I’m ecstatic to see Cowboy Bebop at number 1, that has always been one of my favorites, and Samurai Champloo is the name of the game! If I’d had my way, for my own guilty pleasure I would have had Afro Samurai up here too.
32. Wanderer - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:20 am
i’m really glad cowboy beebop was on the top, It was one of the first series I really appreciated.
Bleach is an upcoming anime series that has a lot of good story to it.
one i believe should be on this list, is Ruroni Kenshin. Absolutely loved it.
Gundam Wing is another really good storyline. (i still needed to buy that series)
and lastely because i like ninja’s, Naruto is like a DBZ for a newer generation, once you get past the first 20ish episodes (i havent seen any of the shiputen? (spelling) but i hear good things too).
also if you like wandering samurai, Samurai Deeper Kyo was pretty good too.
33. J.D. - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:24 am
To the people like Harsha and The-Dude. Chill out guys, anime is such a broad genre. No offense but there really isn’t any reason to get all bent out of shape when the man just wanted to make a list we can enjoy. Trigun and Love Hina are worth looking into gang.
34. houkama - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:37 am
This list looks more like “Good Anime broadcasted in US”. (not from US myself, though, so maybe wrong)
I expected Evangelion to be on the list, but I’d rather put it as influential than extraordinarily good-written.
Agree with Full Metal Alchemist being on the list, as well as Porco.
There is nothing particularily extraordinary in Fruits Basket or Azumanga Daioh, just ur average popular series.
I’d see the problem of that list becoming too one-sided, but nevertheless I miss Miyazaki pieces like Grave of the Fireflies, Omohide Poroporo, Umi ga kikoeru…
35. Mr.Graves - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 am
I have to disagree with this list. If it’s personal choice, that’s great, but to really review, how many ‘Young kid(s) get super powers (robot suit, special body, blah) then has wacky adventures with quirky sidekick characters while learning the travesty of the adult world’ repeats are you going to prop up?
Why not just include Pokemon?
The real classics and best anime weren’t written for 14 year olds, like most of this list. They were written in the late 70’s and 80’s, when there was no support for the genre, and they were brutal and hard adult works (no, not XXX) that were so good that they paved the way for the modern era to finance the kiddy stories that are out now. They were so good they forced the industry to change to accept them. That isn’t happening with 90% of this list.
Here’s your test: How do you define good anime?
It’s so good that it doesn’t even matter or warrant the fact that it is anime in mentioning what an amazing story it is. The fact that it is animated is only an aside to when you are discussing it’s caliber. Grave of the Fireflies is a perfect example.
Akira is the only movie that even remotely belongs on this list. I’d tell you what to look for on your own but you’ll do much better finding out for yourself.
That is, of course, just my opinion. I think if you review the list and my commentary, it has some validity.
36. Ravyn - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:42 am
Yes Yes and again I say Yes to Cowboy Bebop. I so got that movie in my dvd collection along with the Lupid the Third movie. Full Metal Alchemist is also a really good one. Another good anime movie is Spirited Away. But that may just be me.
37. jksmom119 - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 am
I’m confused. I mean, I like this stuff and all.. but how come you switched to animated anime in the middle? I thought the list was written anime.. kinda of disappointed, to tell the truth.. I was looking for a new WRITTEN anime to read…
38. Crimanon - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:48 am
Cowboy Bebop is the Greatest. Faye is my Goddess.
Fooly Cooly. Second fav., But I have o say It was Not very well written. Creative, Very. But well written, I’ll need a few more marathons before I believe that. Lord Conti is the greatest minion Ever.
39. huxley75 - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:53 am
I’m sorry, Mr. Graves but I have to disagree. Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion are VERY well written, hence they deserve to be on the list. Some of the others can get a bit goofy and/or it’s hard to totally suspend my disbelief but I still enjoy them - for the stories.
40. Harsha - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:05 am
@ jksmom119
I think you were mistaken from the start anime IS the animated version. Their literary counterpart is called Manga.
Many of these were derived from Manga Comics and made into anime.
41. Heiko - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:07 am
Well i think the original Ghost In the Shell film should definitely be included here.
42. jksmom119 - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:08 am
Harsha-
ah ha.. I just read the title wrong, my bad. Thanks!
43. Kuma - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
How does Akira get on a list of best written anime? I’ve seen Akira three times and the plot barely makes sense. Akira is visually stunning, action packed, and turned a generation of anime fans on their heads in the 80s, but well written it is not. Historically significant? Yes. Cult classic? Definitely. Top ten best written anime of all time? No way.
@Crimanon: I think Fooly Cooly was very well written. There’s lots of little subtle things going on in the dialogue, and nary a second of the show is wasted. I guess it comes down to what kind of writing you like.
Anime that should have definitely made the list for their writing.
Berserk: Ends on a horrid cliffhanger, but tells an engrossing and amazing story regardless.
Baccano!: Intricately weaves several plots together, while taking the viewer on a crazy fun ride. Like Pulp Fiction meets Cowboy Bebop.
Death Note: A psychological thriller like no other that finds itself analyzing some very morally grey areas. Highly recommended.
Gungrave: A tragic and engrossing tale of two friends who join the mafia. Like The Godfather.
Kino’s Journey: Kino travels to different countries each with their own unique cultures and rules. Sort of like Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits.
Now and Then, Here and There: Not for the faint of heart. The plot follows a young boy as he is pulled from the modern world into a hellish future. Tyrannical dictators, violent interrogations, suicides, rape, wholesale slaughter, and torture, not one horrid aspect of war is glossed over. Incredibly powerful, I still get goosebumps when I remember certain scenes years after watching.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya: It’s just a blast to watch. With it’s own unique narration style, offbeat comedy, and awesome characters, there’s nothing quite like it out there. Sort of like Fooly Cooly with less insanity and more plot.
44. carpe_noctem - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:27 am
Actually, the only title I’m surprised isn’t on here is Grave of the Fireflies. It’s still anime, but it provides a completely different tone to most other animes, completely avoiding ninja sword fights and flying dragon monsters/robots etc.
I personally loved Princesss Mononoke and Spirited Away, and they are without doubt my favourite animes, but I don’t think they deserve automatic placing upon their amazing imaginativeness. Perhaps the list title could be a bit clearer, but there’s nothing inherently wrong with it.
Although Harsha, the very fact that you didn’t resort to childish name-calling means you’re one of the nicer criticisers, so you do make valid points
45. Crimanon - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 am
Kuma: Any show where “Look at those Eyebrows” is significant to the episodes story line is bad writing. Hilarious, but bad. That same quote, when used in Seinfeld would’ve had the same effect and would’ve been taken, by me to be, again Bad Writing. FLCL, at least, knew it shouldn’t take its self seriously.
46. mandysparky - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 am
eww… this is a geek list…
47. Amber - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 am
I agree with Kuma.
Death Note is a fantastic series.
48. Garrett - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:10 am
How does the name Cowboy Bebop relate to the show? Is that a character? Why are the characters from every show drawn the same?
49. Robin - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:15 am
Cowboy Bebop is the greatest series ever. Anyone who doesn’t like it, it nuts!!
Afro Samurai is also amazing, and not on the list. Samuel L Jackson is the voice and he is fantastic. I highly recommend it!!
I am suffering through Samurai Champloo right now. It does not hold my attention like Bebop did.
Akira is weird, and needs to be viewed on drugs to even THINK that you can understand where the writers were going with that story. It was light years ahead of its time though. It deserves to be on the list just because everything was drawn by hand without the help of computer graphics.
50. Robin - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
“How does the name Cowboy Bebop relate to the show? Is that a character? Why are the characters from every show drawn the same?”
They are bounty hunter and in the future bounty hunter are called “cowboys”
Bebop is the name of their ship
51. AnnabelleRoxayne - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
I was actually thinking of writing this list just yesterday XD
I don’t mean to be rude, but if you think those are the best, you’ve not seen much anime. The only thing I agree with on this list is Azumanga Daioh. I haven’t seen Porco Rosso or Cagliostro, so I can’t exactly give an opinion on either of them, but the rest, while most of them are good, don’t even come close to being the best.
52. Kreachure - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
I agree with Ghost in the Shell being an honorable mention. Great concept and great writing. As a sci-fi story alone, it stands among the best.
53. sapphire - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:19 am
I like the fact you included Samurai Champloo in the list!Its plot looks shallow at first, but yes, it was actually very-well written, and it looks like the writers had fun making it as well. Animation and choreography was good too.
Anyway, I was surprised Spirited Away wasn’t here too. And Princess Mononoke and Grave of the Fireflies, though personally I didn’t like them much either. I loved Fruits Basket, but I can’t really agree that it was well-written. I’m sure there’s better-written ones out there. But I guess it’s all in a matter of opinion.
And, on a side note: this might sound a little dumb, but I’m not familiar with #10, is the cover supposed to be a joke on FF7?
54. Mr.Graves - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:24 am
huxley: I’m not saying they are bad in any way, simply that they aren’t genre defining and don’t present anything hasn’t been done better in other places. If you are talking about the structure of the writing within the works, they don’t fail in any way, but you don’t have to fail to not be included among the best. They simply aren’t the best. It’s the difference between a work that is stunning in (randomly) 3 out of 5 categories and a work that is well done in 5 out of 5. The latter is still a good work, but the work that is stunning is the genre defining pieces that set the stage for the well done to build upon later. The truly excellent writing isn’t on this list.
If you are speaking literature, then try comparing the works on this list to what would be taught in a literature class.
And you can’t cop out on the fact that it’s animated: Alan Moore’s works (take Watchman, for example) have been taught as pieces of actual literature in universities for years. It has nothing to do with the animation, unless you are using the animation as an excuse for lowering the bar.
Again, just my opinion. And Akira is very understandable. The movie only happens to be a small section of a story that spans hundreds and hundreds of pages in several books.
55. AnnabelleRoxayne - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:25 am
P.S. Harsha, you are my goddess. I read through all the comments and you are the only one who mentioned Perfect Blue! It makes me sad how overlooked that one is.
56. Cedestra - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:27 am
::hissy fit:: WRITTEN! WRITTEN! WRITTEN!!! Just because an anime exists doesn’t mean there was a manga created or that said manga translates well. Frankly, Hiyao Miyazaki’s work doesn’t work well as a manga- his work focuses on little details and his magic doesn’t work as well stationary.
57. Cedestra - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 am
I take that back- I re-read the opening and I don’t think he meant manga at all. My mistake.
58. ShibariHime - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:33 am
How in the HELL can you have this list with OUT Record of Loddoss War or Samurai X?!?! Loddoss is THE anime that got me watching and interested in the fantastic world of Japanimation! It is EPIC! If never have you seen this I suggest you do so soon!! Samurai X is superb. Its the base story for Ruroni Kenshin. His back story. Trust and betrayal always makes me cry. Love, loss, love, loss, death, betrayal longing to belong but not be a cookie cutter. Truelly awesome! Some of the other people mentioned ones I would name as well like Elfin Lied, perfect blue, ninja scrolls but COME ON! ALL HAIL PARN, DEEDLIT and Kenshin!!!! PA PAN GA PARN!!! PA PAN GA DEEDLIT!!! PA PAN GA KENSHIN!!!!
59. Robin - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:56 am
I am shocked I am the only one who mentioned Afro Samurai. Has no one seen that gem?
60. SlickWilly - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 am
Robin: See comment #31. You are not alone.
61. radical85 - May 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 am
no mecha anime?? im sad…. should include macross series
thank god theres samurai champloo and FMA. They are on top of my list for the best anime ever
62. Cedestra - May 23rd, 2008 at 11:17 am
My list:
1. Grave of the Fireflies
2. Princess Mononoke
3. Neon Genesis Evangelion
4. Death Note
5. Cowboy Bebop
6. Full Metal Alchemist
7. Berserk
8. Spirited Away
9. Record of Lodoss
10. Fruits Basket
63. magnolia_snooze - May 23rd, 2008 at 11:27 am
The ones I love that I really love:
1. Bleach (Go Ulquiorra! :P)
2. Naruto (lol! Ninja Centrefold)
3. Full Metal Alchemist
4. Death Note (love ya, L!)
5. Negima!
6. Rurouni Kenshin (love the theme song: Freckles)
7. Ichigo 100% (strawberry panties?!)
8. One Piece
9. Fruits Baskets (Furuba)
10. Neon Genesis Evangelion
64. magnolia_snooze - May 23rd, 2008 at 11:28 am
Robin: Afro Samurai? ….meh
65. Ari-chan - May 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 am
Its hard to agree with these since everyone has their own idea of “best”
I will say that yes Cowboy Bebop should be number one. The show was amazing and I’ve never seen an ending that so completely ripped apart my world.
I would say you should have added Outlaw Star. It was only 24 episodes and was about a man and his crew running around space finding bounties and learning to live. It was one of my favorite. I was sad to see it taken off of Cartoon Network.
66. YashaMaru - May 23rd, 2008 at 12:11 pm
fma is crap. blah. never liked that series for one reason or another (or a hundred)
best ever: One Piece.
67. mattofutexas - May 23rd, 2008 at 12:12 pm
I cannot stand anime, and I have watched every episode of cowboy bebop and the movie too. It is the only anime I have ever watched in my life, and I am really glad even without any knowledge of anime besides it that it topped this list lol. GREAT show, spike is the ultimate cool and calm antihero. And part of the reason I’m about to get a corgi (though I hate small dogs, I can’t get a big one (apartment restrictions)) is because of watching Ein years ago.
68. The-Dude - May 23rd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
J.D.
I wasn’t freaking out one was just saying there is some great stuff out there. I must say getter robo g /starvengers was my first and favorite. A vote would be better as everyone has tier own favourites.
69. Csimmons - May 23rd, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Thank goodness there isn’t any yu-gi-oh or naruto or any of that shit!
70. Scott - May 23rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Tenchi Muyo is fantastic. As well as Tenchi Muyo: Galaxy Police
71. TehFerret - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
This list is more or less spot on… from 5 on down… I couldn’t get into Fruits basket and fma is good but not really worthy of this list. my list
10 Berserk it is violent and disturbing it also shows that power changes people (it also has an excellent beat’em up game for dreamcast called guts rage)
9. Gundam 0080 war in the pocket this is one of tominos best works it depicts the freailty of man, the futility of war, and what is good and evil
8. revolutionary girl utena … at first when my female friends asked me to watch it with them i was not thrilled not only is it very graphically beautiful but it is a great story incoroperating many aspects of asian theatre
7. Galaxy Express 999 leji matsumotos masterpiece a must see if you like old school anime
6. Space Adventure Cobra i dont know why this is so cool kinda james bond meets star wars
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion the second best anime gainax ever made ever
4.nausica valley of the wind my favorite miyazaki film
3.Excel saga In the first 10 mins the main character is killed 5 times it is off the wall humor and the jokes are so layered as it pokes fun at all forms of media especially anime
2 cowboy bebop music animation and writing is superior to most anime all in one
1 FLCL i just love this show every thing about it is good and it had to be gainax took the budget for a 26 episode anime and put it into 6 episodes doing some experimental things with the anime medium
72. Zucci - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
wow, Fruits Basket? I personally thought it was pretty terrible.
And while FLCL is amusing as hell, it’s story line makes practically NO sense (the manga is even more off the wall than the anime).
The anime for FMA was good, but so far I’m enjoying the manga much more (being that it pretty much goes in an entirely different direction from the anime. I mean, there’s a whole Chinese country in the manga that wasn’t even mentioned in the anime).
Azumanga Daioh is also pretty bland. Funny, but not much else to it.
I’m SHOCKED that Grave of the Fireflies, Steamboy, Macross Plus and other animes like that aren’t mentioned.
I mean, Grave of the Fireflies is just… so powerful and emotional.
I thought Gilgamesh was an excellent series. Very dark with little to no humour pepped in but ties in the actual tale of Gilgamesh and Enkidu very well into the story. It starts a tad bit slow (the first 3-4 episodes are hard for some to sit through) but once it gets really into it, it’s brilliant.
I also think series like Trigun, or something from Gundam should’ve made the cut. Maybe Gungrave (even if it’s based off a videogame), Serial Experiments Lain… I’m pretty disappointed with this list, anyway.
73. MispronounceEloquent - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Considering how rabid the otaku community can be, this list was pretty brave.
But, I think you pulled it off pretty well. If nothing else you included Neon Genesis Evangelion - if you hadn’t no otaku would have been able to take you seriously ever again. 
Personally, I think the list has too much shounen (boys’ anime), but shounen anime tends to be the most popular, so I guess it’s justified. Azumanga Daioh and Fruits Basket in particular I agree with - they’re two of my personal favourites, after all!
74. Kreachure - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:31 pm
sapphire: the picture of #10 is indeed a parody of FF7 with the characters from Azumanga Daioh. (I don’t know much else, I haven’t watched the anime or read the manga)
BTW, those who like Azumanga Daioh or comedy in general need to check out the “Yotsuba&” manga, from the same author. It’s hilarious!
75. slipstick - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I know that I’m going to catch some flack on this one, but I think that there’s only one other anime that can be placed in competition for the #1 spot of best written (and let’s face it, that is what this list is supposed to be. Not best scored… not best animation… best written.)
Samurai 7
Yes, the original is superb, but the writing and the story-telling in the anime is better than many on this list. It’s perfectly paced between story, back story, and action. The action is like the spice of the story. It’s used as little as necessary and the end product is just that much more flavorful because of it.
To not have it on this list as even an honorable mention is an insult.
76. rebel - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:41 pm
BOOO! Anime sucks. Whats next, a list of top ten turds that look like famous people?
77. Lenore - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:55 pm
I hate anime so much. I don’t get why people like it.
78. Mike - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm
rebel: AMEN!!!
79. Me - May 23rd, 2008 at 6:59 pm
FMA has to be one of My all time favorites
I’m glad it made the list.
I highly suggest that people read the manga rather than watch the film and the anime. While both are alright (The ending to the anime was a bit of a disapointment, I found…)
The manga is ten times better!
80. Nat - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Lenore, Rebel:
Get over yourselves. Respect other people’s rights to like what they want to like.
You have the right to express the fact that you dislike anime/manga, but don’t bash on the people who like it.
81. AnnabelleRoxayne - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
slipstick, I can’t believe I forgot Samurai 7. In my book, it would definitely be 1 or 2
82. MPW - May 23rd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
they didn’t bash anybody but anime
sounds like they hurt your feelings
who cares if somebody likes or doesn’t like something
get over yourself
83. Clantargh - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
The only anime I have ever seen is Akira, Princess Mononoke, an episode of Ghosts In Shell (?), and 10 minutes of a Pokemon. I’m not really a fan but do love good movies and would be interested in trying a few more anime that are good despite being animated. What one movie (preferably not much over 2 hours) would people most recommend for me to try out?
84. jackit - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I’d like to see your list of top anime/animated movies!
85. Zucci - May 23rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Clantargh:
check out these:
Macross Plus (There’s both a movie edition and 4 part episode edition. The episode edition has a bit more to it but they’re both good in the end)
It’s more or less considered a mech-movie (and I generally don’t like mech) but it has an AMAZING musical score to back it up and an excellent story between 3 main characters and the AI system Sharron Apple. It’s been my favourite for 10 years.
Steamboy.
considered a steam-punk science fiction film, it follows the story of a young boy Ray following in the footsteps of his inventor father and grandfather. His grandfather gives him what’s called the “steamball”, a power source for an ultimate invention that Ray is left to try to decide if it should be used for the intentions of his father or grandfather that differ greatly from one another.
Ignoring my crappy description, you should definately check it out.
Grave of the Fireflies
This movie follows the lives of two orphaned children during world war II. It’s incredibly powerful and moving. I can never sit through this without crying.
Can’t think of anything else off the top of my head as far as movies go (I read manga WAY more than I watch anime series or movies), but check those ones out. You can find them at most rental shops, I find.
86. Nejikun - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
yourtaintedmemorie666: DBZ may be popular, but there is no way on earth it could be considered well written.
PJM: I also loved Death Note, and if I’d made the list any longer, it would be on there without a doubt. Ditto to Samurai X if you’re talking about Trust and Betrayal, ShibariHime.
Lenore, Rebel and Mike: Why did you bother even clicking on the link? Surely it wasn’t worth your time.
Clantargh: Try Ninja Scroll, or Streetfight Alpha and it’s sequel, Generations.
Also, Beach, One Piece, and Naruto I think are awesome anime, but they aren’t among the best written. The anime only story arcs in particular, I usually skip over them.
I’m also impressed at how civil (most) of the responses have been.
87. L.A - May 23rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Weeeh FMA, Neon Genesis and Cowboy Bebop is LOVE!
88. MPW - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 pm
people you need to ignore the negative comments
fuck the haters
89. Athena - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I rather surprised. No Death Note or Bleach?
90. Athena - May 23rd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Darn…I hate spelling errors. meant to say ‘I’m’
91. dchuskerls - May 23rd, 2008 at 11:32 pm
jfrater, very, very long time reader, first time poster, i just want to thank you for the hundreds of lists you have made, in such variety and perfectly arranged, i want to wish you good luck on your move to new zealand(ive heard its a lovely place) and i wish you a multiplude of epiphnaies to continue your, no joke, pulitzer writing. god bless
92. Fail - May 23rd, 2008 at 11:37 pm
No offense but if you’re gonna make a list of anime, try watching more anime…all this is is just fairly mainstream stuff that’s come to the states. There’s much better written anime out there and Ghost In The Shell above all other should’ve been on here. If you havn’t seen more than 150 different anime, don’t make a list about the “Best Written”. Or better yet, Don’t make a list about anime
93. tickles - May 24th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Utterly Crap!!!!
I agree with evangelion and Akira, but the rest. crap! What about Ghost in the Shell, The Macross saga, Ninja scroll, Ruoruni Kenshin, Gundam, etc.
Fail!!!
94. WarningDontReadThis - May 24th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Wow,I didn’t think that many people liked anime/manga.
95. Nejikun - May 24th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Fail: My count is over 150 anime series watched… next argument?
96. houkama - May 24th, 2008 at 4:19 am
@Fail: Ghost in the Shell is mainstream that came to the States.
Regardless of that, u’re right. I’d also include 90% of the mentioned anime in the comments, though…
97. sapphire - May 24th, 2008 at 4:29 am
Kreachure: thanks for the reply! I thought as such, but I needed corfirmation. I really hate it when things get passed off as something else or someone else’s work. Happens a lot, even with the most famous of works.
There’s really no surprise that this list would stir up some controversy/complaints. There’s so much anime out there, and again it’s mostly within the person to decide which ones are the ‘best’, or ‘best written’, though there are general opinions about it. For my part, I don’t agree with many entries either. And I’m wondering why people who don’t like anime/manga are bothering to tell everyone about their hatred of said subject either. Just my take.
98. sapphire - May 24th, 2008 at 4:32 am
*many of the entries Sorry about the grammar
99. Scar - May 24th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Neon genesis evangelion= love.
100. Zelgadis_Nailo - May 24th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Ok this list is great… However one that really should be mentioned and I can’t believe I’m the first to mention it is Howls Moving Castle it is a phenominal peice of work and I know it was a book beforehand that wasn’t Japanese, but still the artwork is Great.
Kuma: Berserk Awsome series… Read the manga its ongoing and up to 2-300 chapters now I think. My understanding is that the Animated series won’t continue until the Manga is finished and i don’t think we are close yet…
Trigun… TOTALLY should be on this list
FMA deserves its spot if not higher, seems though theres a few people who don’t like this anime, All I have to say is that its a classic, 51 episodes long and takes you from being funny to making you dang near cry a couple times to being completely awesome… It just has a bit of a slow start
Full Metal Panic is another good one
Ah! My Goddess (the new one) has some of the best artwork I’ve seen (not beter then Howl though)
Eureka 7
Trigun… a must see
Slayers… Totally should be here
Thanks for the list its great… make more anime lists
101. Nejikun - May 24th, 2008 at 6:13 am
At least I know where the first part of your name come from, Zel.
102. Rebecca - May 24th, 2008 at 6:37 am
That girl from number 10 looks ridiculously like Tifa from FF7.
103. Nejikun - May 24th, 2008 at 6:53 am
That’s because the artwork is fan made, combining the AD characters with FF7 costumes.
104. Becca - May 24th, 2008 at 7:16 am
I can understand why most of this is on here except for Full Metal Alchemist and FLCL. FMA’s biggest flaw is that it does not follow its own logic. At the beginning of practically every episode, it says that to do alchemy it requires you to give up something of equal exchange. However, Ed constantly uses it wothout giving up anything in exchange, and at one point someone made a bridge of cards by sacrificing…cards. It just gets ridiculous, although the actual stories in the show are really interesting, that one huge plothole niggles at me-_-
Also, FLCL is just random and stupid and waay over-rated. I know I’ll get attacked for saying this but I didn’t find it funny and I thought it was a sad attempt at making a comedy.
Hellsing, Trigun, Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi, Witch Hunter Robin, Wolf’s Rain, S-CRY-ed…those ones are awesome, I know you can’t put everything on the list, but if ye haven’t seen them, check them out.
105. Becca - May 24th, 2008 at 7:18 am
Oh, and Akagi, that one is scary well-written too.
106. Kreachure - May 24th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Full Metal Alchemist explained later on (as a major plot twist) that the Equivalent Exchange law wasn’t true, because it required energy to transform things to other things (like fusing cards to make a ‘card bridge’); it turns out that that energy came from our world, represented by all the deaths of people during World War I. Alphonse Elric said it best:
“The world isn’t perfect, and the law is incomplete. Equivalent Exchange doesn’t encompass everything that goes on here. But I still choose to believe in its principle: that all things do come at a price. That there’s an ebb, and a flow, a cycle. That the pain we went through did have a reward and that anyone who’s determined and perseveres will get something of value in return, even if it’s not what they expected.”
Thus it’s more of a philosophy more than a law, and having an actual philosophy within a story gives you clues as to how well written an anime is.
107. Amoondoo - May 24th, 2008 at 7:37 am
wow! a list right up my alley! i love fruits basket (the manga not the anime) but the next book doesn’t come out until july!
where’s Dragonball?!? Dragonball should be number 1!
108. jin - May 24th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I think this is anime top ten for the American-European market. Most of these were mass marketed and ENGLISH translated. A whole bunch of shows much better are out there in my opinion.
109. Zucci - May 24th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Becca,
I TOTALLY agree with Wolf’s Rain. I can’t believe I forgot to mention it!
I REALLY want to see Howl’s Moving Castle. I’m always told amazing things about it but have never really seen it anywhere for rent locally and I’m not terribly big on the whole downloading-thing (I just do that with Naruto but have stopped since I just read the manga now).
Has anyone seen Texhnolyze? I saw the first episode and wanted to watch more but my friend thought it was terrible and we opted to watch Wolf’s Rain instead but I thought it looked really interesting and wondered if it’s worth it to try to hunt it down.
110. Kuma - May 24th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Texhnolyze is terrible, and I love everything else Yoshitoshi ABe has touched. There’s no dialogue, very little plot, very little action, very little anything except staring at the scenery. The last few episodes do tell you what it’s all about, but it’s not worth watching the first 19 episodes to get there. I thought Texhnolyze looked interesting as well, but watching it cured me of those notions. I’m no Wolf’s Rain fan (it’s another one that looked interesting, but turned out not to be) but it’s better than Texhnolyze. Your friend was right.
111. Cedestra - May 24th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Oh, wow, I had Zucci’s login info posted for my login. Don’t worry, I won’t send spam to you.
I’m going to tell you people rooting for DBZ and Bleach and Pokemon a little tale about myself. My first taste of anime was when I was about 13. I absolutely fell in love with the Ronin Warriors. Loved the characters, the arcs, the animation, everything. They took it off the air and I didn’t see it until again until I was older and had Netflix.
I sat down with a bowl of rice and watched the first disc. It was HORRIBLE! How 10 years effects your judgment on things!
Bad anime will always be made, just like Lane Bryant will always make plus-sized stretch pants. There is an audience for those shows. Maybe I could enlighten you all as to what makes a bad anime:
1. Repetition
2. Predictability
3. Poor animation quality
4. Stupid plot
5. Drawing out the series like a soap opera
6. Too much “Americanization”
7. Bad lines
Nejikun chose animes that may be guilty of one or two of the above, but not a lot. DBZ is repetitious (HOW MANY TIMES CAN I WATCH GOKU THROW THE SAME PUNCH?!?), predictable (wow, he turned into a golden monkey, that’s fucking amazing), has a stupid plot, draws out the series (15 episodes to kill one bad guy!), and I’m sure is guilty of the others.
I’m surprised no one has dredged up Voltron or Sailor Moon. Both, bad animations. I like Voltron for the nastalgia, but here’s the formula for both of the shows: some bad guy appears, stuff is being damaged/destroyed, Voltron/Sailor Moon turns into their mega form, they kill the bad guy, day is saved. *yawn* Same with my previously mentioned Ronin Warriors.
Bleach is much more sophisticated and better written than DBZ, but it still isn’t fantastic. Same with Naruto and Inuyasha. It has a few twists and moved along fast enough to keep my attention, but it lacks the depth displayed in animes like Neon Genesis Evangelion and yes, even Full Metal Alchemist.
112. Taija - May 24th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Personally I would have put Wolf’s Rain, Grave of the Fireflies, Noir, Ginga Nagareboshi Gin, Millennium Actress and Tokyo Godfathers there.
And for all the anime haters out there - I recommend watching some good animes before judging. Anime isn’t all about large eyes and ridicilous faces.
113. Zucchini - May 24th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I wonder how you got my login/e-mail information o_o;
I used to enjoy DBZ a -lot- until I realized there’s better stuff out there, haha. Yeah, watching them crouch and scream for 5 episodes in a row was just painful and I can’t begin to imagine how I sat through that before.
I have to admit to STILL liking Sailor Moon though. It’s not the best out there by a long shot, but somehow I’m still suckered into it. It might be out of nostalgia since I started watching the show when I was in like, grade 4-5.
The shittiest thing about Naruto thus far was the 70-something episodes of filler before they finally got into Shippuuden. Some of the fights are also really drawn out in the series, (”I’ll use my ultimate attack!” “no, wait! I have even MOAR!” kind shit) but the over all plot is what keeps me hooked. Practically everything you’ve been built upto believe since the main bit of the plot came out around episode 25-30, is being torn to hell and I need to know whyyyy~
I think I’m still curious to see Texhnolyze… I’m just really curious about the whole, arm-lopped-off, cyborg-lady, and the big, bag 4 spoken lines in the first episode. What I remember seeing perked my interest, I suppose…
I enjoy generally dark-ish series with a serious theme (ex: Monster, Gilgamesh, Wolf’s Rain, ect). Anyone have something to suggest?
114. Zelgadis_Nailo - May 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Zucchini: If you haven’t seen it Samurai 7 Was very very good but was kinda dark near the end.
And I’ll admit to the whole DBZ craze… I went about the same way as you. Sailor moon isn’t watchable anymore since they changed voice actors Her voice is just too… well…. Its worse then Nagas Laugh, and for those of you who know Nagas laugh… you know its bad
115. Zucchini - May 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Cool, thank you.
I’ll add Samurai 7 to my list of things to watch
Didn’t Usagi/Serena go through like, 4 or 5 different voice actors?
116. Ender - May 24th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
good list just wish trigun was on there oh well
117. Zelgadis_Nailo - May 24th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I have no Idea…. I just remember a while back seeing sailormoon on TV and going… hmmm I’ll see if its still as interesting as before, I think I lasted 5-10 minutes… LOL
118. jayjackpot - May 24th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I think “death note” should have been on this list too..
119. anonymous - May 24th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
to me #1- rurouni kenshin
120. Zelgadis_Nailo - May 24th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Zucchini: Also look up Berserk Very Dark Very good… Go with the manga or you will be left hanging… even still the manga only releases like once every month or longer
Angel Sanctuary manga as well, however its a little odd at the beginning but if you can get past that its about a battle between Hell and Heaven, and a guy on earth is the renecarnation of a legendary angel…
121. Zucchini - May 24th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I’ve read all of Angel Sanctuary already. Waiting for the manga to come out every two months was PAINFUL with it being as long as it is.
I keep intending to re-read it but it’s pretty content heavy so I have yet to get around to it.
I kinda wish they hadn’t screwed up the anime so badly as it would’ve been great if they were able to continue past the third episode.
I’ll check out Berserk though, thanks!
122. Kuma - May 24th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
@ Zucchini
I like darkish series with a serious theme too. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about Texhnolyze.
I recommend Bokurano, Now and Then, Here and There, Death Note, Haibane Renmei, Gankutsuou, Barefoot Gen, Grave of the Fireflies, Gantz (warning: graphic content), Ergo Proxy, and FLAG. Off the top of my head.
123. Zucchini - May 24th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
My friend has Haibane Renmei and said she’d bring it over to watch one day. I’m looking forward to it (from the same creator as Lain, no?)
I watched Barefoot Gen (well, parts of it) at a local anime-party thing in my city last year. Fromw hat I saw it was good!
And I DEFINITLY want to check out Ergo Proxy!
Gankutsuou…? Is that also known as “the count of monste cristo”?
I could be way off, haha. I’ve seen the first episode for that one though. The animation style was so weird, very… it didn’t “hurt” my eyes, but it was a lot to watch? I wanna see more though~ haha.
Despite how closely it followed the manga, don’t care for the Death Note anime, but I love the manga. Grave of the Fireflies is damn painful to sit through. It’s like, just no happiness what so ever, yeah?
I’ll look into the ones I hadn’t heart of before. Thank you! ^_^/
124. NN - May 24th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I’ve only seen four anime: Fullmetal Alchemist, DN Angel, Death Note, and Wolf’s Rain.
But, despite that, I really think Death Note should be on there. It was the best one out of all I’ve seen, and I use to be really obsessed with FMA. I strongly recommend watching Death Note if you already haven’t. =)
125. Slightly - May 24th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
While i was reading this list i kind of thought Cowboy Bebop, wasn’t going to make it, and i found myself outraged until i got to Number 1. That is probably my favorite Anime in fact i have all the individual DVDs as well as the Complete series Box Set, and The Perfect sessions Box Set… if that isn’t a true fan i don’t know what is
126. Nejikun - May 24th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Kuma: I wathced the first 2 episodes of Gantz, and couldn’t take any more. It was just totally creepy.
Slightly: I was like that with Evangelion. I had the entire series taped from TV, then I bought the Individual DVDs, then the platinum for the commentaries.
127. nellerbear - May 24th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Good list, but if you enjoy the anime of Fruits Basket, make sure to read the manga, the anime only goes until about vol 6 in the manga, but the series goes on for 23. The story gets much darker, deeper, and interesting and I suggest everyone at least give it a try.
128. nosyaj - May 25th, 2008 at 4:13 am
crap list! try watching
grave of the fireflies
deathnote
howls moving castle
my neighbor totoro
spirited away
metropolis
princess mononoke
ghost in the shell
vampire hunter D
and many more..
i suggest you try watching more anime bro then comeback and make a real list
129. houkama - May 25th, 2008 at 5:10 am
I wonder why howls moving castle is mentioned by relatively many people (relatively many=nearly everyone who mentioned studio ghibli works). I think it’s one of the worst (being still above 70% of the stuff mentioned around here) ghibli movies. Didn’t read the book, but it felt like it was mightily shortened to make it fit into movie-form.
I dunno if that stuff is easily gettable in the US/Europe, but talking studio ghibli, try watching
Umi ga Kikoeru (The ocean waves) - There is nothing unnatural, superhuman or strange of ANY kind in here. It’s so unusual to see an anime without any stretching of reality for even a bit. And it feels so good^^
Omohide poroporo (Only yesterday) - So calm..
Mimi wo sumaseba (Whisper of the heart)
Nasu - Andalusia no natsu (Nasu - Summer in Andalusia)[not real ghibli, though]
Porco Rosso, Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies were already mentioned.
Someone mentioned Haibane Renmei and Now and then, Here and there. YES! I can only agree. The former striked me with it’s absolute calmness - you barely won’t see anyone even just run excitedly, the latter’s got this kind of pressurizing cruelty of any possibly thinkable kind.
130. NickChuck - May 25th, 2008 at 5:28 am
I agree with Bebop at #1, although admittedly I’ve not seen/read much more anime than on this list.
I would like to give an honorable mention to Trigun and Vampire though, those two are badass.
Has anyone ever seen Joss Whedon’s Firefly series, or the movie Serenity? They remind me of something similiar to a live-action Bebop. Which is sweet. Sweet.
131. Zelgadis_Nailo - May 25th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Houkama: I did read the book for howl’s moving castle and it was much better then the anime, and its a short book if you want to pick it up, only 2-300 pages or so. However I still enjoy the anime very much I think that the artwork is great and thats what makes it worth watching
132. houkama - May 25th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Zelgadis: Thanks for the hint^^
Is it just my imagination, or is every ghibli work based directly on western literature much more fast-paced than usual?? Neko no Ongaeshi, Howls moving castle, Gedo senki.. too hectic for me^^
133. Tonny SS - May 25th, 2008 at 7:39 am
Uhh, I’m guessing the author hasn’t seen much anime.
Grave of the Firefly
Princess Mononoke
Macross (The original)
Macross Plus
Touch (the baseball anime)
Yawara
The Vision of Escaflowne
Gundam: War in the Pocket
Gundam: Stardust Memory
All of the above have superb writing and very touching moment
134. CC - May 25th, 2008 at 8:04 am
FMA would be at the top of my list. Not just for the breathtaking animation but also for the story. I found myself more drawn in than most live-action shows. I’d love to see it continue.
135. anthony p - May 25th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
My god Akira is so good, even now i find it one of the most captivating Anime movies to watch, The number 10 still has me pissing with laughter and Engelion just confused the bejesus out of me
136. Cedestra - May 25th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Zucchini: thought of a couple more darker animes that hadn’t been mentioned. I don’t know their quality, having only seen a little bit of each, but try Helsing, Witch Hunter Robin, and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
For the recond, I didn’t like Akira and My Neighbor Totoro.
There aren’t a huge amount of comments on this list, so please stop repeating comments. Just proves Douglass Adams right: Humans say the stupidest things.
Nickchuck: Serenity was mentioned on another listverse list. It was actually available on HBO for free, so I watched it and wasn’t disappointed. I agree with your synopsis.
137. Anderi - May 25th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Whoa! No Appleseed??
Katsuhiro Otomo’s original masterpiece!
You wanna see where the brilliance of Ghost in The Shell and such comes from, you gotta watch Appleseed.
And NOT the crappy 2d animated one either! The cell shaded 3d orgasm that is the 2006 movie!
I thought that Neongenesis Evangeleon was overrrated. I hated that they threw these cultural and spiritual concepts at you and just assumed you knew what the hell they were going on about.
I also totally agree with the other poster’s mention of the Robotech saga. I used to get up fanatically on a Saturday morning and stay glued to what happened next. And I was in HIGHSCHOOL!!
138. slipstick - May 25th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
RoboTech and Trigun were very good anime, but I don’t think that they would be on a list of the best written.
I just finished watching Golgo 13. That’s a well written one. I’d also have to agree that Wolf’s Rain is very well written. The only problem is that much like Samurai 7, you can’t come in to the middle of Wolf’s Rain and expect to know what’s going on. Cowboy Bebop does have the edge that it’s much like the Batman; The Animated Series. Each episode is pretty much a stand-alone movie.
139. Magnolia - May 25th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
As soon as I saw the list name I thought BeBop. I don’t watch anime anymore, but I still very much enjoy that show when I stumble upon it. Great list.
140. Nejikun - May 25th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Why, oh why don’t people read the comments before posting? Comment 95 - 150 series and counting. I’ve got not problem with people disagreeing with my choices, but don’t make assumptions.
141. Djay - May 26th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Ah! My goddess TV(the new one) should be on the top ten list…
It has on the best drawn animations out there and not to mention the superb and lovely characters… who could not love belldandy… now that’s a goddess!
142. 2worlds - May 26th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Death note should been on there.
But yes I agree with most of the list except the ones i havent read/seen
143. massoluk - May 26th, 2008 at 6:55 am
@138
Could that be because you were watching “Robotech: Macross Saga” and not “Super Dimensional Fortress Macross”.
144. Tonny SS - May 26th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Nejikun, have you watched Touch? Yawara? Why is it there’s no Vision of Escaflowne on that list? What about Musashi no Ken? Ashita no Joe? Tiger Mask? Ginga no Nagareboshi? Wataru? H2?
These must have better stories than most of what’s listed.
145. Clantargh - May 26th, 2008 at 7:33 am
ok I rented Grave of the Fireflies and watched it and it was excellent. Thanks for the recommendation.
146. jin - May 26th, 2008 at 9:28 am
We have read the comments and the list and it seems like the list is really very personal. Although, some VERY great animes were really left out which includes GHOST IN THE SHELL (for it’s artistic innovations, storyline and also it’s influence over MANY other creations)that’s why a lot of additional comments were made. When creating a list such as this I suggest you be clearer on the fact that it is mostly your personal choice
Or why not expand it? Also be aware that 90% of anime fans are totally RABID about their favorites ehehe. Also I tend to agree that Naruto, Sailormoon, Dragonball and the stereotypical animes should be on another list, maybe a TOP 10-15 NOSTALGIC ANIMES during the last 30something years.
147. psychosurfer - May 26th, 2008 at 11:32 am
BASILISK!!!
148. psychosurfer - May 26th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Zucchini: Try “Basilisk”, if u don´t like it i´ll refund you!
149. Green Is Good - May 26th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Appleseed was one of my favorite animes. I’ll have check the other ones on this list, thanks!
150. lost 654 - May 26th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
death note is a notable omission
151. thewebpromoter - May 26th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I think Lupin III, YuYu Hakusho, Naruto and Naruto Shipuuden are among the bests.
152. Nejikun - May 27th, 2008 at 12:34 am
It wasn’t totally a personal list. I didn’t really enloy Porco Rosso, but i recognise that it has a lot of heart.
Jin: Naruto, sailor Moon, and such would be more at home on a list of the most popular anime. since Naruto is still running, and will be for some time, it doesn’t really fit into the nostalgia theme.
Zucchini: I also recommend Basilisk.
153. Nejikun - May 27th, 2008 at 12:35 am
*enjoy
154. Riya B. - May 27th, 2008 at 8:58 am
you missed a million more anime, man!
Wolf’s Rain
Death Note
Blood the Last Vampire
Howl’s Moving Castle
Spirited Away
Sailor Moon
Yu Yu Hakusho
Appleseed
Ghost in the Shell
Ninja Scroll
Basilisk
Naruto and Naruto Shippuden (come on people, the series is good without the fillers!)
Gundam Wing
Vision of Escaflowne
Princess Mononoke
Grave of the Fireflies
Perfect Blue
anything by Kaori Yuki
the list could go on and on!
155. Leah - May 27th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Though I’m familiar with them, apart from Cowboy Bebop, I haven’t seen any of the series listed.
However, I definitely would have included Monster. Hands down, it’s the greatest series I’ve ever watched.
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni was fantastic as well.
156. Crystal - May 29th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Gundam Wing will always be my favorite
157. KFarter - May 29th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Pokemon?
158. Ballocks100 - May 30th, 2008 at 1:16 am
Where is fist of the north star?
Without a doubt the best one ever made.
159. Monster - May 30th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I saw Akira in HD through Comcast On-Demand last week for free. It might still be there. Look through the free movie HD list to see HD remastered Akira!
160. Ghostie - May 30th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
This list is… Based on personal experience, I can tell. So here’s a few of mine, again, based on personal experience.
Loveless (of course, you have to get past the homoerotic innuendo, which I do hope you’re grown up enough to do.)
Hellsing
Death Note
Spirited Away
MPD Psycho (Provided, of course, I have any idea whats going on, which I often don’t…)
Godchild
But all of these, save Spirited Away, are manga, not anime. I’ve found a lot of the time the anime falls short of the manga.
And DBZ and Naruto are repetitive, but I understand their fan base. I just don’t get it. But I won’t insult you for liking it, provided you don’t insult me for my appreciation for Loveless.
161. Leah - May 31st, 2008 at 9:12 am
@ Ghostie:
Regarding LOVELESS, it’s a shounen-ai series. There’s no point in trying to hide/deny that. I’m not sure why you’re saying readers should ignore it/be ‘grown up enough’ to pretend it isn’t there.
MPD Psycho is fantastic.
162. Nejikun - May 31st, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Ghostie: While I thoroughly enjoyed Hellsing, The ending left quite a lot to be desired. This is because they got ahead of the manga and decided to use an anime only ending which is nowhere near the quality of the manga. I was tempted to put Hellsing Ultimate (the OVA) on the list, but it’s not finished yet.
163. Hobbes - June 1st, 2008 at 10:10 am
Wow, I’m really suprised I didn’t see Macross Plus mentioned once on here. Great movie.
164. macabresoren - June 5th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I’m sorry. I really, really try to be nice on this site. But this list is absolutely horrible. HORRIBLE. It’s all mainstream crap that only someone who hasn’t seen real good anime would consider anything close to amazing. I don’t care how much of a loser I sound like by saying so, but I’m an anime buff and I say with complete confidence that just because it’s popular it does NOT mean it’s good. On the contrary; the more dumbed-down the plot, the wider the audience it will appeal to. Maybe just calling this a list of “best anime” wouldn’t be so bad. But it’s insulting to say these anime are the best WRITTEN. POSSIBLY Akira and POSSIBLY Cowboy Bebop could be considered well written. But the rest of it fails. This list absolutely fails.
165. Nejikun - June 5th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Macabresoren: If you are going to say a list is crap, at least provide alternatives. Otherwise, you’re just like every poster on the internet that says “this list is teh suxors” or something similar. No respect.
166. Love&Peace - June 6th, 2008 at 6:54 am
^^
167. Love&Peace - June 6th, 2008 at 6:55 am
it’s all up to us what’s best or not
168. macabresoren - June 6th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Nejikun: You want alternatives? I can think of plenty off the top of my head that are well-written:
Boogiepop Phatom
Speed Grapher
Ayashi no Ceres
Death Note
Samurai X
Spiral: Suiri no Kizuna
x/1999
Loveless
Mononoke-hime
Tsubasa
.hack//SIGN
Angel Sanctuary
Perfect Blue
Yami no Matsuei
Wolf’s Rain
Gankutsuou
Samurai 7
Ergo Proxy
Count Cain/Godchild (if we’re counting manga)
Do you want more? I can keep going.
It doesn’t have to be incredibly popular OR ridiculously complex to be well-written. I’m “bashing” the list because it has absolutely nothing to do whatsoever with how well-written any of it is. It’s just what’s popular.
169. Nejikun - June 6th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
You have to remember as well that this is an opinion. I wouldn’t include a lot of your examples. For example Gankutsuou might be well written, but that’s because it follows the storyline a a book released earlier. the manga wasn’t the original inspiration, therefore it wasn’t well written in it’s own right.
170. Nejikun - June 6th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Also a lot of the ones you mentioned (Death note, Samurai x (the OVA’s not the TV series), Perfect blue) would have gone on the list had it be any longer.
171. macabresoren - June 6th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Nejikun: I agree that Gankutsuou is questionable because it’s based off of an existing story. But I think what they did with it was clever and well executed and so I think it falls under the category of well-written.
And I understand it’s a matter of opinion. But it’s a very, VERY narrow selection.
172. dhan - June 7th, 2008 at 3:57 am
every one here seem to have forgotten an excellent anime
CODE GEASS.i liked it better then death note especially the second season.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.co.....hp?id=6704
173. ohrmets - June 8th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
The title of this list does not reflect the content. It is “Best Written,” yet nowhere is the writing or dialogue mentioned. This is actually just a “Favorite Anime” list, which is always subject to personal opinion.
Although I will say that Cowboy Bebop is a very well-written anime series. The Castle of Cagliostro, while dated, also has a very clever script. Glad to see that oft-overlooked gem on the list.
174. RegGaepuNK41 - June 9th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
my god i loved samurai champloo, EVA, azumanga daioh, and Cowboy Bebob. i heard about Akira ive gotta read it.
you should’ve put GTO up on there.
go read it if you havent
175. asjdua - June 10th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Initial D and Slam Dunk should be on the list…
176. Nick - June 12th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Azumanga Daioh looks like Final Fantasy 7 goes back to school.
177. KADANQIU - June 14th, 2008 at 12:49 am
1 NARUTO
2 GUNDAM 00
3 GUNDAM SEED
4 BLEACH
5 DEATH NOTE
6 NANA
7 SAKURA
8
178. Woah - June 14th, 2008 at 7:51 am
This is probaly one of the worst list Ive ever seen.
179. jojo - June 15th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
you miss out yu yu hakusho
180. Nejikun - June 18th, 2008 at 12:09 am
Nick: That was fan art.
181. miki - June 19th, 2008 at 7:40 am
#1 rulz!! great list! u forgot sailor moon…
182. Zucchini - June 22nd, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Ghostie:
Loveless is damn depressing but the anime is incomplete in comparison to the manga (the anime just ends when Ritsuka’s brother was coming back).
I kinda wish they had waited until the artist completed the series before doing the anime. Would’ve been so much more brilliant.
For the people that’ve made suggestions for me!
I started watching Haibane Renmei with my friend. I’m about half way through and really enjoying it!
I’ve read part of the Basilisk manga and like it. I was told the movie Shinobi (which I have somewhere in my house…) is basically a live-action Basilisk. Would anyone agree at all? So far it does seem to really feel like Romeo&Juliet - crazy ninja version though…
miki:
Sailor Moon is nice for nostalgia sake, but it’s long and excessively repetitive. I’d still watch it, but it’s definitely not all that well written.
183. Sexyturd - June 25th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
GOLDEN BOY IS THE BEST EVER!
184. bubbles - July 3rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Hello!!!! CHOBITS DN.ANGEL INUYASHA RUROUNI KENSHIN TENCHI MUYO DEATHNOTE PRINCESS TUTU AZUMANGAH DAIOH HOWLS MOVING CASTLE SPIRITED AWAY BLEACH TRINITY BLOOD FRUITS BASKET FULL METAL PANIC TRIGUN GUNSLINGER GIRL LOVELESS THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THRU TIME -i could go on, because I personally love all anime except: yugioh pokemon
185. bubbles - July 3rd, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Pokemon n yugioh r trash american anime for little kids.