Remember those good old days, when you didn’t have to scroll through hundreds of TV shows without knowing which one to select? Well, gone are the days of just turning on the TV and just watching whatever comes on it.
But do not worry, your meals won’t go cold while you are trying to land on a random show anymore. We have got what you need.
In this article, we will be sharing our top 20 picks for the best anime series to watch in 2024.
So, if you are tired of scrolling through a plethora of shows, let us guide you to find out the gems of TV shows, the top anime series. Read on and take notes, or bookmark this page to use on a rainy day, or any other day for that matter.
Top 20 Anime Series to Watch
The list below provides some of the best anime released recently that belong to a wide range of categories including sports, action, comedy, sci-fi, and more.
But we have also included some of the old classics that you just can’t miss out on. They are:
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Year: 2009 – 2010
IMDB Rating: 9.1
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 68
This Japanese anime television series is one of the top-rated animes in the IMDB. The series is an adaptation of the manga (Japanese comic book) series of the same name. The anime released in 2009 has been dubbed into many languages including English.
The series follows two young brothers who become weary while trying to revive their deceased mother with a philosopher’s stone.
However, things go wrong and the brothers fall into some deep troubles, giving life to a riveting action and adventure series.
2. One Punch Man: Wanpanman
Year: 2015-
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Certificate: 15
Episodes: 25
One Punch Man is one of the most popular and highest-rated superhero anime series. It was produced by Madhouse and was released in the year 2015. It has already made its way into the youth pop culture due to its sheer popularity.
The anime is set in an imaginary version of the earth, where monsters and supervillains exist. It is about a superhero named Saitama, who can defeat any opponent with just a punch, hence the name One Punch Man.
However, the protagonist becomes bored with his overwhelming superpowers and tries to find more and more challenging fights, giving the audience an incredible mixture of action and comedy.
3. Death Note
Year: 2006–2007
IMDB Rating: 8.9
Certificate: 12
Episodes: 37
Many Americans consider Death Note as an entry point into the anime series. In addition to being just a great anime series, Death Note is more digestible to Western sensibilities because of its recognizable arc; the good guy turned bad.
We are following the story of Light Yagami, who finds a notebook, “Death Note” that allows its user to unalive anyone just by writing their name. He uses the book to murder criminals.
But as the show progresses, he becomes more greedy and a cat-and-mouse game unfolds between Yagami and an intelligent detective. With its tight screenplay and well-written character arcs, the show will have you on the edge of your seat.
4. Cowboy Bebop
Year: 1998–1999
IMDB Rating: 8.9
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 26
While Netflix’s live-action adaptation fell short of meeting the expectations of anime fans, the original series is nothing short of a ‘classic’.
The protagonist of the show is a bounty hunter and his crew. They hunt the most wanted criminals in the galaxy for rewards.
The unapologetic fashion choices of the characters, their unique and sometimes quirky personalities, filled with some revetting action scenes, made the series a must-watch, pawing way to many other anime that followed the same formula.
But time has proven that no imitation could come close to the coolness and flashiness of the original.
5. Hunter x Hunter
Year: 2011–2014
IMDB Rating: 9.0
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 148
With an impressive IMDB rating of 9.0 this manga-based anime, released in 2011 took its audience on a fun-filled adventure for almost 3 years. The original story was written by Yoshihiro Togashi and the series is produced by Nippon Animation.
A young boy, Gon Freecss goes in search of his father who was assumed to be dead, but later comes to know that he is ‘Hunter’ working on some dangerous projects.
The protagonist decides to become a hunter himself and applies to the challenging hunter examination, where he meets with three other applicants and becomes friends.
Watch Hunter x Hunter to discover whether he can pass the challenges, become the hunter, and meet his father.
6. Steins;Gate
Year: 2011–2015
IMDB Rating: 8.8
Certificate: 12
Episodes: 26
Hold on to your seats, because you are getting into a series that will take you for a spin. Sten;Gate an action-adventure anime series, set in the backdrop of sci-fi can make your eyes glued to the screen.
Okabe Rintarou, a university student, and his colleagues working in the lab crack the code to time travel. They use a device to send messages to the past to try to stop the evil things an organization in the name of SERN has done.
But the organization finds out about this and sends people to retrieve the machine, in the process, one of the colleagues gets killed.
Can Okabe go back in time and stop this from happening? Watch the show to find out.
7. Attack on Titan
Year: 2013–2023
IMDB Rating: 9.1
Certificate: 15
Episodes: 98
Attack on Titan, lovingly referred to as AOT is a dark fantasy anime series, adapted from the manga series by Hajime Isayama. This list of the 20 best anime series to watch will be incomplete without mentioning this fan-favorite and highly-rated adventure series.
In a world dominated by giant creatures called Titans, the humans had no choice but to get exterminated. The few that remained, protect themselves by building gigantic walls higher than the Titans.
However, after 100 years, the Titans find their way into the human settlements and start destroying them to ashes. 10-year-old Eren along with his childhood friend Mikasa had to witness his mother getting eaten alive by a Titan.
We are following the story of Eren and his attempt to take revenge for his mother and all mankind.
8. Dragon Ball Z
Year: 1989–1996
IMDB Rating: 8.8
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 277
Dragon Ball Z is a highly popular anime series, especially among the Western population. It has had an impact on global popular culture, boosting the popularity of Japanese culture and anime. Dragon Ball Z is the successor of the Dragon Ball series, which came out in 1986.
When extraterrestrial creatures attack the planet, Son Goku, who is revered as the world’s most powerful fighter has to team up with his longtime nemesis, Piccolo to fight against the tyranny. With the help of a powerful artifact called the dragon balls, they try to exterminate the aliens.
9. Naruto
Year: 2002–2007
IMDB Rating: 8.4
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 220
Naruto is a story that many of the teenagers and adolescents relate to. It follows, Naruto Uzumaki, who has a demon fox sealed within him.
Naruto is an outcast and mischievous ninja, considered a freak and a danger to others around him. But with hard work and perseverance, he slowly earns respect and acceptance.
With his friends who always believed in him, Naruto jumps the hurdles on his way and finds his true purpose.
10. One Piece
Year: 1999–
IMDB Rating: 9.0
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 1125
While the episode count may overwhelm you, One Piece is among the most loved series in the world.
It has gotten generations of audiences eagerly waiting for the release of its 21st season after almost 25 years since the release of the first episode.
Gol D. Roger, a pirate king reveals that he has hidden a treasure called the One Piece when he was about to be executed. But no one was able to find it.
After 22 years of the pirate’s death, a boy named Monkey D. Luffy decides to search for One Piece and become the next pirate king.
Also, Read: Top 15 Best Movie Websites
11. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Year: 2006–2008
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Certificate: 15
Episodes: 54
Code Geass is an anime that is well-received among the Japanese audience and anime fans around the world. The series has won many awards and recognitions for its story, voice acting, and large audience appeal.
The series is about an outcast prince and his rebellion against the controlling and powerful empire. The protagonist is given the power of Geass, which makes anyone obey his orders. Can he destroy the empire once and for all?
12. Fullmetal Alchemist
Year: 2003–2004
IMDB Rating: 8.5
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 51
Fullmetal Alchemist is an anime series that will eternally live in the list of greatest anime ever produced. It is a proper example of everything falling into place including the writing, direction, world-building, and character arc.
The story is an emotional journey of two brothers who perform an alchemic ritual in a desperate attempt to bring back their deceased mother.
But things go wrong and their body gets damaged. To get their body back as it was, they search for the sorcerer’s stone.
13. Monster
Year: 2004–2005
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Certificate: 15
Episodes: 75
Though Monster was first aired in 2004, it was not available on OTT platforms until recently. The word spread like wildfire and now it has become one of the popular anime series to watch in 2024.
This brilliant psychological thriller is about a neurosurgeon, Kenzo Tenma. He risks his career and saves the life of a young charismatic boy, who needs brain surgery.
But after 9 years, the boy reappears as a serial killer. The anime deals with Tenma’s attempt to overcome the guilt of creating a monster by stopping him.
14. Berserk
Year: 1997–1998
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Certificate: 18
Episodes: 25
Berserk is an anime series adapted from the ‘Golden Age’ story arc of the manga series of the same name. It is a dark fantasy action-packed series that covers the theme of free will, and destiny.
To give an introduction, the series follows Guts, who is a wandering mercenary. After killing his guardian in self-defense, he finds himself with the Band of the Hawk.
The Hawks win the fight with a neighboring empire, but things take a turn for the worse.
15. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan: Tsuioku Hen
Year: 1999
IMDB Rating: 8.6
Certificate: 15
Episodes: 4
This is a short series compared to other popular anime. But with just 4 episodes, the anime has made a long-lasting impact on anime lovers and is still revered as one of the best, even two decades after its release.
The story is about Kenshin Himura, a cunning swordsman. He was forced to go into hiding when a deadly incident took place in his clan.
He pretends to be the husband of Tomoe, who is actually secretly spying on him for murdering her fiance. They finally learn to live with each other and fight for humanity.
16. Samurai Champloo
Year: 2004–2005
IMDB Rating: 8.5
Certificate: 15
Episodes: 26
Samurai Champloo is about a waitress named Fuu, who works in a teahouse. To guard from the harassment from the son of a powerful family, Fuu asks help from an outlaw, Mugen.
Fuu rescues Mugen and and a ronin, Jin from execution. They decide to help Fuu find the “samurai who smell sunflowers”. The anime is about their adventure.
17. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Year: 2002-2005
IMDB Rating: 8.5
Certificate: 15
Episodes: 52
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a cyberpunk, spy thriller anime first aired in 2002.
The show’s success has led to many projects being mounted on this IP including games and live-action movies. But anime fans prefer watching the series in its full glory in the comfort of their home.
The series is set in a futuristic world, where many humans have become cyberdogs with mechanic limbs and body parts.
We follow the story of the members of ‘Public Security Section 9’ a task force that investigates various crimes.
18. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Year: 1995–1996
IMDB Rating: 8.5
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 26
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a critically acclaimed anime series that is widely considered in the list of the greatest anime series of all time.
However, fans have polarising opinions about the last two episodes of the series. Regardless, you will have a good time watching the series.
In an imaginary, futuristic world, the angels start to attack the planet. But a handful of 14-year-old pilots stands between them and the total annihilation of Erath.
We follow the story of Shinji Ikari, who suddenly finds himself forced to pilot a specially designed combat vehicle that can stop the angels.
19. Dragon Ball
Year: 1986–1989
IMDB Rating: 8.5
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 153
Dragon Ball, first aired in 1986 is the first installment of the Dragon Ball franchise. While you do not need to watch this to enjoy Dragon Ball Z, which we have mentioned earlier, it may enhance your viewing experience.
In this origin story, Son Goku, a young fighter with a monkey tail goes on a quest to find Dragon Balls. The group consists of odd and interesting personalities, adding to the comedy and action set pieces of the series.
Legend has it that, whoever finds the seven Dragon Balls can summon the wish-granting dragon
20. Naruto: Shippuden
Year: 2007 – 2017
IMDB Rating: 8.7
Certificate: PG
Episodes: 501
Naruto: Shippuden is a direct sequel to the Naruto anime series. Here, we follow the story of Naruto Uzumaki who has grown into a young adult. Many fans consider Naruto as a superior show to the original Naruto series.
The show has Naruto Uzumaki in the lead role, he is trying to become the best ninja in the land.
When the danger posed by the mysterious organization Akatsuki lies on the land, he has to push himself to his own limits to unleash his true potential.
Also Read: Top 15 Most Popular Torrent Sites
Conclusion
Anime is a rabbit hole that will take you in for a treat. There are countless series, and it would take months or maybe years to watch completely.
In this article, we have shared a list of the 20 best anime to watch in 2024. The list includes a variety of anime from different genres and decades.
Before ending this article, let me quickly mention a personal favorite anime, Avatar: The Last Airbender.
It didn’t make it to the cut, because well, couldn’t fit everything in one article. If you know another anime that needs to be in this article, do let us know in the comments.
