Anime is more than just another type of entertainment;it should be considered an art form.Among animation styles, the anime art style originating in Japan has become increasingly popular over the years as a beautiful way to tell stories. Some of the best anime series are known for their fluid, visually stunning animation sequences that pull viewers into new worlds effortlessly, increasing fans' enjoyment of each of these unique stories. This phenomenal animation takes manga panels to the next level, immersing watchers in a new place.
Eightseries specifically represent the best in anime, with theirgroundbreaking animation, unforgettable stories, and lifelike characters that seem so real, fans may feel as if they know them in real-life. These shows are not merely television shows that provide a few moments of enjoyment, they are works of art worth watching that prove just how gorgeous the anime genre can be.
Attack on Titan
Hajime Isayama’s masterpiece,Attack on Titan,is regarded as one of the most famous anime series of all time, and it is no surprise that it is so adored. MAPPA is one of the best animation studios in Japan. Theirtalented animators certainly didAttack on Titanjustice with sequences that are as terrifying as they are magnificent,encompassing the true horror of the series' monstrous enemies.
The story follows one boy’s quest to save humanity from hordes of towering Titans who consume people, making foran epic war story interwoven with valuable commentary on the consequences of war.Attack on Titan’scharacters feel staggeringly relatable and human, although they are living through an unbelievable situation. As heartbreaking and death-filled asAttack on Titanis, it is also filled with animation marvels, like the picturesque scene where the Survey Corps see the sparkling blue ocean for the first time and frolic in the waves.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelionis a classic, and every anime fan should do themselves a favor and watch it at least once. In simplistic terms,Neon Genesis Evangelionfollows protagonist Shinji Ikari as he learns to wieldan Evangelion EVA unit robotic machinein the war between humans and Angels. This description hardly summarizes the true greatness of the anime though, sinceit is one of the deepest and most philosophical out there.
The series is brimming with meaningful symbolism and religious imagery that allows for some standout animation moments.Evangelionmay have released in 1997, butits visuals are still on par with any modern-day series, if not even more impressive. Scenes like Rei fusing with Lilith are truly awe-inspiring, even after multiple rewatches. The action-packed, grim plot ofEvangelionis also gripping until the very last minute, making it a perfect introduction tothe extensive mecha anime genre.
Violet Evergardenhas one of anime’s most unique premises, centered around the titular Violet Evergarden, a soldier turned Auto Memory Doll. Violet’s new job may seem fairly straightforward, writing letters for people, but this career becomes even more significant than she ever realized, mending broken relationships and bridging gaps between people through words. At only 13 episodes,Violet Evergardenis fairly brief, but manages to convey a touching story about life, love, and human relationshipsin this short time span.
Quite a few scenes, like the parasol scene, stick in viewers' minds because they are not only visually remarkable, but emotionally symbolic as well.Violet Evergarden’sstory is fantastic at translating emotion into tangible physical representations, making for some of anime’s most jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenes. The series bursts with color and life, and as Violet travels around helping clients, it is easy for viewers to feel like they are walking alongside her because of how immersive the anime is.
When Yona’s father, the king, is killed by her cousin, the princess has no choice but to run for her life. With one friend, Son Hak, by her side, Yona embarks on a quest that will determine the fate of not just herself, but her home country too.Yona of the Dawnis everything fans could hope for:a romance, an adventure tale, a family drama, a tragedy, and a fantasy story all in one.
Studio Pierrot’s incredible animation only makes Yona’s heroic journey even more astounding, with vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds.Yona of the Dawnis no average adventure story though. Its character development is gradual and satisfying, especially the blossoming romance between Son Hak and Yona.Although romance is an aspect, it is not the only focal point,giving viewers plenty of compelling plot points and character arcs to focus on aside from the love story. The seriesis one of Studio Pierrot’s most spectacular projects ever, and fans unanimously agree thatYona of the Dawnneeds a reboot.
Demon Slayer
Most people, anime fan or not, have at least heard ofDemon Slayer,since it is now a global phenomenon.The series deserves every ounce of acclaim it receivesfor its award-winning animation, inspiring story, and in-depth character development. Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist, is on a mission to restore his sister’s humanity and avenge his family after a demon killed everyone but his sister.
The plot is simple on a surface level, but as the series progresses, the focus shifts from Tanjiro simply fighting to save his sister, to fighting to save the entire world from the most evil demon of all. Every single scene ofDemon Slayerfrom the simplest stroll through the woods to the most epic clash between demon slayers and demons is animated with the same level of precision and detail. Thankfully,Demon Slayer’supcoming Infinity Castle finaleis being released in a theatrical trilogy of three films, becauseif any series deserves to be seen on a massive screen, it isDemon Slayer.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endis a newer series, butit is already on the way to becoming a revered classic.The story focuses on the titular elf mage, Frieren, in the aftermath of a successful battle against the Demon King. Now, Frieren is on a larger-than-life quest through nature as she hunts for the resting place of souls.Frierenhas a similar feeling toThe Lord of the Rings,a classic fantasy series, featuring similar themes of friendship, mortality, grand journeys, and good vs. evil.
Its animation is also some of Madhouse’s absolute best,painting a magical picture of all the lands Frieren travels through.Frieren’sstory itself is fascinating and adventurous, made even more so by the captivating visuals that blend real-life elements like enchanting forests and gardens with purely magical moments of spells and powers. With universal life lessons and awe-inspiring nature snapshots,Frierendeserves a spot on every fantasy anime fan’s watchlist.
If fans are able to see through their teary eyes while watchingYour Lie in April,the series' visuals are breathtaking in every sense of the word.The series features two musicians, Kousei Arima, who has abandoned music after the loss of his mother, and Kaori Miyazono, who reignites Kousei’s passion all while battling a secret terminal illness herself. The story is both a heartwarming tale of love and rediscovered passions and a tear-jerking tragedy as Kousei and Kaori gradually fall in love, but are separated due to circumstances outside their control.
Apart from being an artistic masterpiece to behold, as a music-centered anime,Your Lie In Aprilalso features an enthralling musical scorethat is sure to increase any watcher’s interest in classical music. The relationship between Kaori and Kousei is touching to watch unfold, even as Kaori’s illness threatens to pull them away from each other eventually. With stellar animation and music that invokes emotion,Your Lie in Aprilis a must-watch for any anime fan.
Fruits Basketis considered the best shojo animeof all timefor good reason: it is a true treasure. Tohru Honda, a high-school girl who was orphaned when her mother died in a car accident, finds herself wrapped up in a puzzling love triangle with two family members who hate one another, Yuki and Kyo Sohma. To make matters even more complicated, the Sohma family are cursed to turn into animals when the opposite gender hugs them, and Tohru is the only one who knows their secret.
With dreamy visuals,Fruits Basketperfectly conveys the wonders of falling in love for the first time,while also tackling deeper issues, like unfair and abusive family dynamics within the Sohma family. From the Sohma family’s beach day to Kyo and Tohru’s starstruck scenes of flirtation, there are plenty of stunningly animated scenes inFruits Basketthat make the series feel fun and delightful, in spite of the other more grim occurrences in the story.Fruits Basketunpacks real, important issues while still offering viewers a glimpse at the joyful side of life too.
