LTN Top Ten: The 10 Greatest Anime Series - LoveThyNerd.com (2024)

“Sailor Moon” follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy teenage girl who transforms into the powerful Sailor Moon, destined to protect Earth from dark forces. Alongside her Sailor Guardians, Usagi battles villains, seeks her true identity, and learns valuable lessons about friendship and bravery. This magical girl classic defined a generation with its colorful battles, heartfelt moments, and powerful female characters.

• “Sailor Moon” helped popularize anime globally in the 1990s.
• The original manga author, Naoko Takeuchi, is married to “Hunter x Hunter” creator Yoshihiro Togashi.
• Sailor Moon’s transformation scenes were revolutionary in animation.

“Dragon Ball Z Kai” offers a streamlined version of the legendary “Dragon Ball Z” series, reducing filler episodes and delivering faster-paced storytelling. Join Goku, Vegeta, and the Z Fighters as they protect Earth from powerful foes like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. Known for intense battles, transformations, and humor, it’s the ultimate entry into the “Dragon Ball” universe.

• “Kai” was made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Dragon Ball Z.”
• The series features remastered visuals and re-recorded audio.
• Kai removes most of the filler content from the original series.

“Spy x Family” follows spy Twilight, who must build a fake family for a mission. He adopts Anya, a telepath, and marries Yor, an assassin, unaware of their abilities. Together, they navigate the humor, quirks, and unexpected warmth of their newfound family dynamic in a blend of espionage, comedy, and action.

• Anya’s character was inspired by Ash Ketchum from “Pokémon.”
• The manga was a bestseller, hitting over 10 million copies in just two years.
• It won the 2020 Next Manga Award in the web manga category.

From the creator of “One Punch Man,” “Mob Psycho 100” follows Shigeo Kageyama (Mob), a psychic with god-like powers, as he navigates life, suppresses his emotions, and works for a con-man exorcist. It’s an action-packed, humorous, and surprisingly emotional journey exploring identity, power, and personal growth.

• Mob’s design mirrors the creator ONE’s simple drawing style, a nod to his webcomic origins.
• Season 2 won the 2020 Crunchyroll Anime Awards for Best Animation.
• “Mob Psycho 100” highlights the creator’s theme of finding strength in personal growth.

Set in a high-tech cyberpunk future, “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” follows Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team in Section 9 as they tackle cyber-crime and terrorism. This philosophical, action-packed series delves into the nature of consciousness, identity, and the complexities of a world where humanity and technology merge.

• Inspired by Masamune Shirow’s 1989 manga of the same name.
• Known for influencing major sci-fi films like “The Matrix.”
• The show’s themes have been discussed in academic cyberpunk and AI studies.

When high school genius Light Yagami finds the Death Note, a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it, he embarks on a deadly quest for a utopian world. This psychological thriller pits Light against the detective L in a high-stakes game of wits, morality, and power.

• The manga has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
• Death Note’s famous “potato chip” scene is one of the most parodied in anime.
• The series was banned in some countries due to its dark themes.

“Cardcaptor Sakura” centers on Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who accidentally unleashes magical Clow Cards and must capture them to prevent disasters. Each card presents new challenges, offering action, heartwarming friendships, and a gentle exploration of love. Its beautiful animation and touching story make it a fan favorite.

• Created by CLAMP, an all-female manga artist group.
• Sakura’s outfits change in every episode, designed by her best friend Tomoyo.
• The series helped establish “magical girl” tropes in anime.

In a world where almost everyone has superpowers (Quirks), Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy, inherits powers from his hero All Might and enrolls in U.A. High School. “My Hero Academia” combines thrilling battles, inspiring character arcs, and a heartfelt message about courage, friendship, and heroism.

• Creator Kohei Horikoshi was heavily influenced by American superheroes.
• Each character’s name is a play on their powers or personality.
• The series has spawned movies, spin-offs, and a huge merchandise empire.

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who seek the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a forbidden alchemy experiment goes wrong. It’s a deep, intricate tale about family, loss, and the costs of ambition, praised for its storyline and satisfying ending.

• Faithfully adapts the manga, unlike the 2003 adaptation.
• Won multiple awards, including the 2010 Tokyo Anime Award for Best Series.
• Edward’s metal arm is one of the most iconic anime symbols.

“Cowboy Bebop” is a space-western anime following bounty hunters Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and Ein the dog as they travel through the galaxy. Known for its philosophical themes, incredible soundtrack, and genre-defying episodes, it’s a timeless tale about existentialism, loneliness, and redemption.

• The series’ music, composed by Yoko Kanno, is legendary in anime.
• Cowboy Bebop aired as one of the first anime on Adult Swim, gaining a massive Western fanbase.
• Each episode title references a musical genre or song.