Sucker for great animation, Shōnen enjoyer and Hayao Miyazaki is the GOAT.
All favorites are ordered No.1-10, left to right. They represent the series as a whole, not specific seasons.
I’m an engineering student who loves animation. I grew up on Disney movies and Pokémon, and I’m sure that is where my love for animation started. While my journey started within the realms of Shōnen, over time I’ve dabbled in anime from just about every genre in every era. I believe the real strength of an anime is how it fulfills its own premise. A Shōnen Battle Anime should be epic and have cool characters with awesome powers, while a mystery series should be intriguing and keep you guessing the entire time.
I watch anime as entertainment, and thus rate depending on how entertained I was. How entertained I was is based on how it alligns with my tastes and the general quality of the anime. There are also some specific preferences, like how great animation is a big plus and relying on melodrama is an instant minus.
Rating any media is hard. The definition of "average" says that most of your scores should lie in middle, thus a 5. However I find that most anime I watch are “good” and warrant a 7 rather than a 5, which leaves my average closer to 7 than 5. If your average score is lower than good, you’re either watching a load of crap or doing a hobby you don’t enjoy. Here is a quick rundown of my thoughts regarding each score: 1. You really outdid yourself. This is just hate-watching, wanting to see how far down the hole you can dig yourself. I’ve yet to give a 1 and when I do I will most likely need therapy to treat the PTSD. For context, this is where the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender movie sits. 2. I’m mad. I’m insulted by the audacity of the creators. You decided to be shit, but not so shit that you’re the shittiest yet. 3. You’re pissing me off. Either you make no sense or ruin a perfectly good premise through sheer incompetence. Not even great animation can save you. 4. It’s bad. Most likely a few gaping holes that I cannot get past. I’m coping by focusing on redeemable qualities, like music or animation. 5. Lackluster. Forgettable. Usually a case of unoriginal and boring but not outright bad. Sometimes series that are flip-flopping between 4 and 6 and end up here. 6. You’re doing fine, but I would’ve wanted more. There’s some good stuff in there but I was left wanting. 7. Good. Average. Either a case of doing something well and some others not so well or just a jack of all trades. This is sort of a middle ground where I’m having a good time but it didn’t go further than that. 8. These are worth having a go at. They usually fulfill their premise in a good way, and if you really like their premise then you’ll most likely have a good time. 9.10er waiting room. These are great throughout, good premise, good plot, good characters etc. What’s keeping them from a 10 is usually that special spark that 10s have that forge that emotional connection. A lot of movies end up here because while they’re great movies, they don’t quite hit like a great season of a series. 10. These will never fail to entertain. Artful masterpieces that I’d happily gush about to anyone willing to hear. 10s have that special spark that ingrains itself into your emotional subconscious, the pinnacle of artistic deliverance that etches itself into the annals of your life.
Below are some Milestones I’ve reached, along with when and with what anime I reached them. First Series Naruto, Studio Pierrot - Begun on October, 4, 2014 100th Series Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, David Production - Begun on August, 29, 2022 1,000th Episode Death Note, Episode 36 - October, 3, 2017 5,000th Episode Mushishi: Next Passage Part 2, Episode 10 - October, 16, 2022
TOP LISTS
These are my lists of favorites from every corner of the medium. Moments and characters, series and films, and a lot of music.
This is my “Top 10 Anime Moments” list. I’ve restricted it to only one moment per series in order to make room for as much variety as possible. To me, these represent the most memorable and personally defining moments of their respective series. There’s a countles array of other moments of similarly iconic status as these, but for now I’m letting these stand out as my favorites. 10. Beck’s Final Show - Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad Beck holds a special place in my heart. I was never a music person. I never had the urge to create or music or take part in it in any way. That was until I started watching Beck. Following the band as they try to make it is not only inspiring but makes you want to pick up a guitar and learn some chords yourself. The music festival is the culmination of the entire series, specifically when the members reconcile and decide to play one last gig on the big stage to end it on a good note. Not to mention how Koyuki gets the girl in the end. It’s a perfect climax to one of my favorite shows. 9. Erwin’s Final Charge - Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2
TEXT 8. The final stage of the Hakone Ekiden - Run With the Wind
TEXT 7. Okabe’s Realization - Steins;Gate
TEXT 6. Izuku vs. Todoroki at the Sports Festival - My Hero Academia Season 2
TEXT 5. Reigen vs. Mob - Mob Psycho 100 Season 3
TEXT 4. Benimaru's Crimson Moon - Fire Force
Benimaru is my favorite anime character. He’s cool, he’s powerful, and he beats the ever living crap out of anyone who dares intrude on his turf. This combined with excellent animation and sound design make this fight his peak moment for me. 3. Gaara vs. Rock Lee at the Chūnin Exams - Naruto
Watching Lee drop those weights will always be ingrained in the back of my mind and secured me as a Naruto fan for life. It’s propably one of the top 3 most iconic moments in the original Naruto to Naruto fans and I can safely say it’s my favorite from the entire show. There’s not much else to say, about this one, it’s one of those moments that never fail to give you goosebumps. 2. Tsukishima blocks Ushiwaka's spike - Haikyuu!! Season 3 Haikyuu!! is a blast from start to finish. We follow a team of lovable characters battle their way tot he top of high school volleyball, and it all culminates in the game against Shiratorizawa. Ushiwaka has been hailed as the final boss for 2 seasons at this point and seems unstoppable. His spikes are unstoppable and ensures that Karasuno will always be on the back foot. Isn’t it poetic then that Tsukishima, the guy who doesn’t even like volleyball (or does he?) finally gets the block of his life. However for me it’s not about the moment of impact, or Ushiwaka’s face. The kicker of the entire moment is Tsukishima’s cheer. It’s one of those level up moments where you can’t help but smile. 1. Roy incinerates Lust - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This moment is just a symphony of awesomeness. Alphonse standing up for Riza, Roy coming back from the dead, and the standoff at the end of it all. In a show filled with great fights between our alchemists and the seven deadly sins, this one stands out as the most one sided and the most satisfying one of the bunch. Yes watching Envy pay for what he did to Hughes is awesome, but it doesn’t have the same flair as Roy obliterating Lust for 60 seconds straight. From start to finish it really is the epitome of anime epicness in my opinion. Honorable mention The Breakfast - Howl's Moving Castle
Never have egg shells looked so tasty! This is obviously the greatest anime moment of all time, however it fills that spot for entirely different reasons. Rather than being epic and exciting, it’s calming and soothing. It thus gets to look down on the other 10 from its pedestal. Miyazaki is a master of making mundane moments into cinematic master pieces, and honestly to me this is among his best work. Like I said, never have I wanted to eat egg shells for breakfast so bad.
This is a list of my favorite Anime Series. A series is anything that is primarily comprised of episodes, although there are some exceptions (see the Anime Franchise Movies segment below).
25. Odd Taxi - OLM 24. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - ufotable 23. Kaguya-sama: Love is War - A-1 Pictures 22. Monster - Madhouse 21. Hajime no Ippo - Madhouse, MAPPA 20. Legend of the Galactic Heroes: The New Thesis - Production I.G 19. Jujutsu Kaisen - MAPPA 18. Pluto - Studio M2 17. Ping Pong the Animation - Tatsunoko Production 16. Samurai Champloo - Manglobe 15. Kuroko’s Basketball - Production I.G 14. Ranking of Kings - Wit Studio 13. Fire Force - David Production 12. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners - Trigger 11. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Production I.G
10. My Hero Academia, 2016-Ongoing - Bones
TEXT 9. Mushishi, 2005-2015 - Artland
TEXT 8. Steins;Gate, 2011 - White Fox
The first show on this list thus far that isn’t a Shōnen, Steins;Gate is one of those shows that is nothing but perfect from start to finish. As soon as it seems to slow down it ramps it all up again with a new development that makes it even more compelling and engaging. It makes you care for every single character, only to put them all in harm's way with only Okabe left to save them. The first time I watched, as soon as THAT happened about halfway throught the show I just couldn’t stop watching. Then the final twist regarding Kurisu is just the cherry on top cementing this show in history as one of the greatest Anime to ever grace the screen. 7. Attack on Titan, 2013-2023 - Wit Studio, MAPPA
Oh Attack on Titan, my first love. While I started with Naruto, it’s lows were a bit too low, and the animation wasn’t anything special. However when I watched Attack on Titan the first time, I was hooked. The stellar animation, the movement, the story. It was everything a young guy like me could’ve asked for. Now as the show has progressed I believe the story proved that this show belongs at the top of anime. 6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, 2009-2010 - Bones Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is Shōnen Battle Anime perfection. The plot, the characters, the antagonists, the power system. It’s all flawlessly woven together into a story that is compelling and deep at the same time. While the first few episodes can be a bit slow, as soon as it gets going, it doesn’t stop. When I look back at all the anime I’ve watched, there’s no anime that produces as many iconic moments in 64 episodes as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. I’ve rewatched those moments so many times I can practically recall them frame by frame in my head. It really proves that this show belongs at the top. 5. Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad, 2004 - Madhouse
It might be weird to see this show at number three considering what’s below it, but hear me out. Beck rocks, literally. It makes you care for the characters as you follow them on this journey through the roughs of the underground music scene. In the end it hits you with a climax where I honestly felt “proud” of these characters. It was a really special feeling, and thus this show is this high on the list because it really spoke to me emotionally. What’s more is I never was a music kid. I never had the dream of becoming a musician or singer as a kid, but this show really made me want to pick up a guitar and join a band so I could feel what it’s like myself. 4. Vinland Saga, 2019-Ongoing - Wit Studio, MAPPA
TEXT 3. Mob Psycho 100, 2016-2022 - Bones
TEXT 2. Run with the Wind, 2018 - Production I.G
The case of Run with the Wind is very similar to Beck, except that this time it’s about something I actually love to do and have had aspirations for in the past. We follow a lovable group of charactes as they work to overcome a common goal. What’s great about this one is that they all have to do this in different ways. Following Kakeru as Haiji teaches him how to love running again is so inspiring it actually made me start running for real again, with hopes of racing myself some day. It made me realize that this was something I’d been missing and how much I wanted it, which in turn made me take the first step towards achieving those goals. I believe this is more powerful than any plot, character development or epic anime battle. It leaves you with an impression that transcends not only anime but media as a whole and is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. 1. Haikyuu!!, 2014-Ongoing - Production I.G Haikyuu!! represents a high school life I desperately wished I got to experience. Being surrounded by likeable and likeminded players, in a sport you love to play, going the distance against rivalling schools. Haikyuu!! is the only anime I’d genuinely would want to experience for myself, where it serves as a substitute for an experience I never had to the chance to have myself. Haikyuu!! makes you care about every single character, on Karasuno or not, and it makes every game that much more impactful. This show simply never fails to hit hard on an emotional level.
Combine this feeling with the production quality of this show and I can tell you I don’t think anyone will be able to top it, ever. The animation is detailed, fluid and never fails when it counts. The soundtrack is an absolute masterpiece. Every OP, ED and track on the OST is a banger that always compliments the scenes extremely well.
In conclusion, I’m not surprised Haikyuu!! is my favorite show. It’s almost like it has been created specifically for me. It ticks every single box for my preferences, avoids every single pet pieve, and even goes beyond in the areas that have the largest impact on my enjoyment. Among the peaks of anime throughout history, for me Haikyuu!! will forever look down on the rest from the clouds. 0. Naruto - Studio Pierrot Naruto was the first anime I ever watched. I love almost everything about this show, the characters, the antagonists, the worldbuilding, the power system... When Naruto is at its peak, like during the Sasuke Recovery Mission or Pain’s Assault, it's one of the best shows ever. It is exciting, tense and just outright epic.
if there's any anime I'm a Super fan of, it's Naruto.
This is the list of my favorite anime films. I will not include any franchise films, such as films from One Piece and Pokémon, as those are treated slightly different and thus warrant their own list.
25. Promare, 2019 - Hiroyuki Imaishi, Trigger 24. Redline, 2009 - Takeshi Koike, Madhouse 23. Tokyo Godfathers, 2003 - Satoshi Kon, Madhouse 22. Grave of the Fireflies, 1988 - Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli 21. The Garden of Words, 2013 - Makoto Shinkai, CoMix Wave Films 20. Only Yesterday, 1991 - Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli 19. The Wind Rises, 2013 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli 18. Tekkon Kinkreet, 2006 - Michael Arias, Studio 4°C 17. Ponyo, 2008 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli 16. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, 1984 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli 15. My Neighbor Totoro, 1988 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli 14. Castle in the Sky, 1986 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli 13. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, 2006 - Mamoru Hosoda, Madhouse 12. Summer Wars, 2009- Mamoru Hosoda, Madhouse 11. Ghost in the Shell, 1995 - Mamoru Oshii, Production I.G
10. The Boy and the Heron, 2023 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli
While I haven’t completely figured The Boy and the Heron out, I do know that I absolutely love it. There’s a grandeur and magnamity to the visuals and soundtrack to absolutely sells The Boy and the Heron as an experience to be warranted, and that’s without mentioning the symbolism that is absolutely everywhere in this film. The metaphors to Miyazaki’s own life and career is palpable, especially to a seasoned fan like myself. The man decided to go out with a bang, a career defining work standing tall among giants in the industry. 9. Porco Rosso, 1992 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli
A fun and exciting story that is elevated by Hayao Miyazaki’s love for aircraft and aviation. It’s a simple yet fulfilling movie that is entertaining from start to finish, and I really love all the airplanes. 8. Sword of the Stranger, 2007 - Masahiro Andō, Bones
The way of the warrior is law in feudal Japan. Loyalty is expensive and killing comes cheap. Relying on anyone but yourself is a gamble with a hefty price tag, whether on village streets or within castle walls. That is the reality in which Sword of the Stranger takes place, an action packed samurai tale of an unlikely pair of broken souls who find solace in each other. Bones serve some of the most pristine action sequences made to date, rivaling even the classic action flicks of Madhouse’s 90s catalogue. The final duel alone could easily break top three in a top list of the greatest action sequences of all time. Putting action aside though still leaves an engaging exploration into the ramifications of society where violence is law and the sword is king. 7. Steamboy, 2004 - Katsuhiro Otomo, Sunrise Steamboy scratches a steampunk itch that I haven’t quite seen from any other film or series. The late 19th century is most often treated with heavy hands in pop culture, often relegated as an era of suffering for the everyday people by the hands of the greedy elite. I believe this obscures some of the beauty of the period, a time of architectural advancement that would become a style that never quite found its footing outside of some of America’s greatest landmarks. Exceptionalism gets a bad rap for being a supremacist term, but I believe it’s an accurate description of what the west had in store, had it not been for the devastating wars that would squash the movement before it even had a chance to find its footing. Steamboy presents a reality of industrial England where exceptionalism is given a chance and ultimately turns that into a thrilling steampunk adventure. It doesn’t forget the imperialist roots of the movement, but it gives it the leeway necessary to show what can come out of it, good or bad. I firmly believe this would’ve been a hit in the west if only given the chance. Katsuhiro Otomo delivers another marvelous display of animation, and while I absolutely adore the steampunk elements, the animation was what truly left me in awe. With the introduction of new tools since his first foray into the medium, Otomo could reach even greater heights Steamboy. 6. Akira, 1988 - Katsuhiro Otomo, Tokyo Movie Shinsha Akira is a cornerstone in anime, and one of those things every fan of the medium should experience at least once. Katsuhiro Otomo’s adaptation of his own, unfinished manga at the height of Japan’s economic bubble made for a combination that would rock an industry to the core. Like most people, I saw the film before reading the manga and would agree that the film’s narrative gets a little flimsy towards the third act. That didn’t stop me from falling in love with Neo Tokyo and the rest of Akira, a thrilling action adventure dressed in animation and art direction that in some aspects have not been topped almost 40 years later. The introduction alone with the bike gang is probably top three animated sequences of ever. After reading the manga however, I now stand by Otomo’s handling of the third act, even if he himself wasn’t too happy with it. I believe the ending that Akira receives in both the manga and the film are alligned, even if the ending in the film is fairly difficult to understand without having read the manga. The fact of the matter is the film is much more limited in its scope and I believe Otomo cut it down in the best way possible. But like I said, the true value of Akira lies in its animation, what Otomo and co. achieved at a relatively early point in the history of animation. Speaking purely in terms of animation, I would probably say Akira is my favorite film ever. 5. Spirited Away, 2001 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli Spirited Away is considered by many to be Hayao Miyazaki’s magnum opus, the Oscar-winner that introduced Studio Ghibli and japanese animation to the wider world. While it’s not my favorite film of his, I do believe that it is an absolutely stellar film; a wonderfully whimsical yet serious adventure about growing up and coming to terms with who we are and where we come from. This Alice in Wonderland-esque tale is coming-of-age perfection dressed in some of Miyazaki’s and his prolific studio’s greatest animation ever. Chihiro is an excellent protagonist and her journey through the trials and tribulations of the bathhouse and beyond is a timeless piece of cinema that will never be forgotten. 4. Kiki’s Delivery Service, 1989 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli
Yup, there are Miyazaki films that I like better than Spirited Away, first of them being Kiki’s Delivery Service. Kiki is a film that just works for me. I don’t really know what it is, but watching this film makes me all cozy inside. Whether it’s Kiki’s endearing journey, the wonderful characters that surround her, or honestly just the design of Koriko, a city based off my very own home town. It’s like drinking a perfect cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter night, and honestly that just about says all that needs to be said about it. 3. Howl’s Moving Castle, 2004 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli
Hayao Miyazaki’s “trilogy” encompasses three of my favorite movies of all time. The plots are exciting and engaging, but also houses moments of calm that really gives the viewer a moment to breathe and really take in the beautiful animation. To me, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle are stuck in a deadlock for second place behind Princess Mononoke. Widely considered Hayao Miyazaki’s Magnum Opus, Spirited Away is definitely a masterpiece. However I actually find the characters and plot in Howl’s Moving Castle more exciting and entertaining. But then Spirited Away is more personal and the animation is just flawless, barely topping Howl’s Moving Castle. I simply cannot place one over the other. They are both perfect movies that accomplish what they set out to do flawlessly in their own ways. 2. Princess Mononoke, 1997 - Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli
This movie is everything like the other two in the trilogy, but also more. It’s more mature, more exciting and dare I say more beautifully animated. Combined with the best music from Joe Hisaishi to date, Princess Mononoke beats out it’s 2 counterparts just slightly in every category. 1. Your Name, 2016 - Makoto Shinkai, CoMix Wave Films
“The heart never forgets”
I will never forget the first time I watched Your Name. I had nothing better to do and thus sat down to watch one of my many movies on my watch list. It would be an experience for life, because this movie has everything. It’s funny, it’s sad, it’s exciting…
This movie has a magic I’ve yet to see in an animated movie. It’s animation is flawless, the soundtrack is perfect, and the plot tugs at your heartstrings like I’ve never experienced in another movie.
[size=130]I like to differentiate between films and franchise movies when I rank them as they’re vastly different in both scope and execution. Franchise movies are usually employed as a marketing device for the franchise, and don’t have to bother with the burden of introduction like regular films. The key here is that these movies are not the primary experience when it comes to their franchises, or is the equivalent of longer episodes that were released cinematically. Within that are film series like Kara no Kyokai: Garden of Sinners, which is essentially a regular anime that was released over multiple, often slightly shorter movies.
25. One Piece the Movie: Clockwork Island Adventure, 2001 - One Piece, Toei Animation 24. Dragon Ball Z the Movie: Battle of the Gods, 2013 - Dragon Ball, Toei Animation 23. Pokémon the Movie: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, 2005 - Pokémon, OLM 22. Pokémon the Movie: Giratina and the Sky Warrior, 2008 - Pokémon, OLM 21. Naruto Shippūden the Movie: The Will of Fire, 2009 - Naruto, Studio Pierrot 20. Trigun: Badlands Rumble, 2010 - Trigun, Madhouse 19. Pokémon the Movie: Spell of the Unown - Entei, 2000 - Pokémon, OLM 18. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion, 1997 - Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gainax, Production I.G 17. Evangelion 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, 2009 - Neon Genesis Evangelion, Khara 16. One Piece the Movie: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island, 2005 - FRANCHISE, Toei Animation 15. Yu-Gi-Oh! Pyramid of Light, 2004 - Yu-Gi-Oh!, Gallop 14. Dragon Ball Super: Broly, 2018 - Dragon Ball, Toei Animation 13. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie - Mugen Train, 2020 - Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, ufotable 12. Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, 2021 - Neon Genesis Evangelion, Khara 11. My Hero Academia the Movie: Two Heroes, 2018 - My Hero Academia, Bones
10. My Hero Academia the Movie 2: Heroes Rising, 2019 - My Hero Academia, Bones
TEXT 9. Jujutsu Kaisen 0, 2021- Jujutsu Kaisen, MAPPA
TEXT 8. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, 2022 - Dragon Ball, Toei Animation
TEXT 7. My Hero Academia the Movie 3: World Heroes Mission, 2021 - My Hero Academia, Bones
TEXT 6. One Piece Film: Strong World, 2009 - One Piece, Toei Animation
TEXT 5. One Piece Film: Gold, 2016 - One Piece, Toei Animation
TEXT 4. Kuroko’s Basketball the Movie: The Last Game, 2017 - Kuroko’s Basketball, Production I.G
TEXT 3. Pokémon the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back, 1998 - Pokémon, OLM
TEXT 2. Pokémon the Movie: The Power of One, 1999 - Pokémon, OLM
TEXT 1. Pokémon the Movie: The Rise of Darkrai, 2010 - Pokémon, OLM
TEXT
These are my favorite characters from anime and manga. First are characters from specific franchises, finishing off with a Hall of Fame limited to one character per franchise and none of the previously exhibited franchises. 10. Togusa - Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
TEXT 9. L Lawliet - Death Note
TEXT 8. Judeau - Berserk
TEXT 7. Mugen - Samurai Champloo
L is the best part of Death Note and it’s not even close. He keeps the show in a state of tension from the moment he’s introduced until the very end. 6. Nanashi - Sword of the Stranger
TEXT 9. Ginko - Mushishi
Ginko’s calm and collected attitude to the mushi and life in general is really inspiring. He really make Mushishi into what it is for me. 4. Arataka Reigen - Mob Psycho 100
TEXT 3. Levi Ackerman - Attack on Titan
Levi is just Cool. He looks down from the top of the scouts and has the skills to show for it. Whenever he takes on a titan it’s just a blast to watch. 2. Roy Mustang - Fullmetal Alchemist
The coolest alchemy and a great backstory. Every time he’s on screen is a blast, and he works great as a sort of father figure to the Elric Brothers. 1. Benimaru Shinmon - Fire Force
Benimaru is Levi but in Fire Force. What gives him the top spot is how he carries himself. He's pretty much "great power with great responsibility" personified, and I love characters like that.
While there’s more to an OP than the music itself, this Top List was arranged by music only. Any additional elements, while appreciable and praiseworthy, would never add enough to an OP to make it climb above another with superior music. There’s also the emotional connection, where a series that I’m particularly fond of can easily climb the ranks as the music just hits different.
25. "Dark Crow" by MAN WITH A MISSION- Vinland Saga OP2Link 24. "Can Do" by GRANRODEO - Kuroko no Basket OP1Link 23. "MUKANJYO" by Survive Said The Prophet - Vinland Saga OP1Link 22. "Fatima" by Kanako Itou - Steins;Gate 0 OP1Link 21. "Hacking the Gate" by Kanako Itou - Steins;Gate OP1Link 20. "A Cruel Angel’s Thesis" by Yoko Takahashi - Neon Genesis Evangelion OP1Link 19. "Closer" by Joe Inoue- Naruto Shippūden OP4Link 18. "Hikaru Toki" by Hitsuji Bungaku - Heike Monogatari OP1Link 17. "Rolling star" by YUI - Bleach OP5Link 16. "Shoukei no Shikabane no Michi" by Linked Horizon - Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 OP1Link 15. "Imagination" by SPYAIR - Haikyuu!! OP1Link 14. "Paradox" by Survive Said The Prophet - Vinland Saga Season 2 OP2Link 13. "Re:member" by FLOW - Naruto OP8Link 12. "YURA YURA" by Hearts Grow - Naruto OP9Link 11. "Haruka Kanata" by Asian Kung-fu Generation - Naruto OP2Link
There’s an intensity in the energy of MOB CHOIR’s Mob Psycho 100 OPs, a Shōnen-coded flair that I’ll always be down to jam to. While it’s not the best entry in the franchise (wink wink), “1” lives up to the quality of the series no. 1 OP, even if it can’t quite surpass it. It’s hard to articulate quite how monumental the ending to Mob Psycho 100’s three season run was, and “1” certainly played a part in it. 9. "Guren no Yumiya" by Linked Horizon - Attack on Titan OP1
“Sind sie das Essen? Nein, wir sind der Jäger!”
“Are you the food? No we are the hunters!”
What a way to set off one of the greatest anime series of all time, a decade defining journey who’s legacy as a global phenomenon is sure to stand the test of time. Linked Horizon’s “Guren no Yumiya” masterfully opens the Attack on Titan to the tunes of a roaring orchestra and a chanting choir, promising a tale of unwavering resilience in the face of immeasurable odds. We might not truly understand the lyrics say, but we sure as hell can feel it. Linked Horizon came to define Attack on Titan’s sound, and despite additional bangers coming in the following seasons, “Guren no Yumiya” is its greatest iteration.
Even if “Sign” isn’t the highest Naruto OP on this list, I think I can speak for every Naruto fan when I say it’s the most iconic one. Jiraiya vs. Pain and Sasuke vs. Itachi are two of the most emotional fights in the series, and FLOW captures those emotions flawlessly with not only a song, but with a three sentence opener that immediately starts jerking at your tear ducts. It crescendos into a full on rock piece that fires those emotions straight into the stratosphere, and then rides that wave the entire way through. 7. "Vivid Vice" by Who-ya Extended - Jujutsu Kaisen OP2
Jujutsu Kaisen is the new kid on the block, bringing in a new age of Shōnen that is sure to define the decade. Who-ya Extended’s “Vivid Vice” is heavily emblematic of this shift, a reminiscent but largely new sound to the genre that hits as hard as industry legends FLOW and Asian Kung-fu Generation. The guitar riffs slap, the drums are immaculate and the vocals add that final touch that makes this OP one of the greatest of all time. 6. "Again" by YUI - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OP1
YUI must have seen The Gate because concocting a song this soothing yet thrilling is a grace only a very few artists are given. YUI’s vocals are unmatched, and with the slow yet impending bass in the background, you can’t help but feel the tensions rise as the song progresses, until she eventually crescendos into one what’s one of the most memorable pieces of music the medium has ever seen. “Again” is widely considered one of the greatest OPs of all time, and to say it played a part in hooking me (and many others) on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood would be an understatement. This song is one of the most defining features in the series, measuring up to some of the tightest writing and character work ever seen in anime or manga ever. It has been on my Top 10 ever since I first heard it, and I doubt it will ever be pushed away from it. 5. "99.9" by MOB CHOIR feat. sajou no hana - Mob Psycho 100 II OP1
“1” is an absolute banger, but it can’t outdo MOB CHOIR’s magnum opus. “99.9” is jamming perfection. The bass in the beginning transitioning into one of the most action-packed choruses ever infuses you with energy as you hear it. An escalating roller coaster that goes all the way to the finish line. 4. "I’m A Believer" by SPYAIR - Haikyuu!! Season 2 OP1
“I’m A Believer” is an OP that has consistently grown on me over time, eventually earning itself a comfortable spot in my Top 5. The introducing guitar riff is just so damn catchy, and as the song progresses your fueled with the competitive spirit telling you that you CAN do it. I agree with SPYAIR on this one, I am a believer. 3. "Brave Shine" by Aimer - Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works Season 2 OP1
My experience with the Fate series is one shrouded in darkness. It sits smack dab in the middle of a period in my anime journey where I basically have no recollection of what I thought, as if I was some sort of mindless drone watching those series. There is one exception however, Aimer’s “Brave Shine”. Somehow, through the fog, this song has stayed with me all this time. When I first started listening to OPs on a daily basis, “Brave Shine” was the first one that came to mind (followed by previously mentioned “Again” from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood). This is clearly Aimer’s best work, with its slightly angsty sound perfectly encapsulating her powerful vocals and the roar that is the chorus. It will forever hold a spot on this Top 10. 2. "Ambiguous" by GARNiDELiA - Kill la Kill OP2
Coming into the home stretch we have the theme of one of wackiest yet exciting plot twists I’ve ever seen. “Ambiguous” by GARNiDELiA comes at the turning point ahead of the final act of Kill la Kill, a soaring plot twist of epic proportions that lets Imaishi and Co. show off to the best of their ability. Its beat is impossible to ignore, and I find myself head bobbing to it every time I listen to it (frequently on repeat). It ups the ante of the series in unison with the narrative itself for what can only be called a duet of the ages. Forever a banger, no question about it. 1. "Silhouette" by KANA-BOON - Naruto Shippūden OP16
Finally, we’ve reached no. 1. To say “Silhouette” is Naruto’s best OP isn’t that controversial, with what’s widely considered one of the series’ best animations and songs. Focusing on the song though, there’s just so much the love. The tempo, the guitar, the drums, the vocals… This song is perfect for me, perfectly energetic, perfectly emotional, and perfectly representative of one of the most formative series in my life. I love Naruto and I love “Silhouette”, and I can only thank KANA-BOON for delivering it to us from the pedestal in heaven itself.
Similarly to OPs, this Top List of EDs is arranged according to the music only. That said, it would be a lie to say it’s not also tied to my own emotional connection to a series. If I really like the music and it’s one of my favorite series, expect it high on the list. The one quirk with EDs are that unlike OPs, you’re very seldom compelled to actually listen to them. Thus it’s especially important to make an impression in the first few seconds, something that the top entries of the list accomplishes especially well.
25. "Tenchi Gaeshi" by NICO Touches the Walls - Haikyuu!! ED1Link 24. "Cobalt" by MOB CHOIR - Mob Psycho III ED1 ED1Link 23. "Zetsu Zetsu" by Swimy - Naruto Shippūden ED40Link 22. "Hoshi no Kuzu α" by Salyu and haruka nakamura - Trigun Stampede ED1Link 21. "Avid" by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki - 86 ED1Link 20. "M/elody" by Shion Tsuji - Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 ED1Link 19. "Tranquility" by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:Anly - Legend of the Galactic Heroes: The New Thesis - Stellar War ED1Link 18. "Sayonara Memory" by 7!! - Naruto Shippūden ED24Link 17. "Climber" by Galileo Galilei - Haikyuu!! Season 2 ED1Link 16. "Memosepia" by sajou no hana - Mob Psycho II ED2Link 15. "Slip Out" by Beck/Mongolian Chop Squad - Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad ED3Link 14. "Shunkan Sentimental" by SCANDAL - Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ED4Link 13. "8 AM" by coldrain - Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger ED1Link 12. "Kokuhaku" by Angela Aki - Space Brothers ED2Link 11. "Koko Kara, Koko Kara" by Mari, Shirase, Hinata, Yuzuki - A Place Further than the Universe ED1Link
10. "Be Down" by ACCAMER - B: The Beginning - Succession ED1
B: The Beginning might have been a bit of a disappointment, but its music sure as hell wasn’t. ACCAMER’s “Be Down” absolutely slaps, drawing you in with some soft but thrill-hinting vocals only to explode into a fast-paced rock masterpiece. It rides that wave into a verse and finally an incredibly catchy chorus that simply cements the song as one of the best EDs of all time. 9. "Moon on the Water" by Brina Palencia, Sowelu - Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad ED2
Brina Palencia’s singing in the dub of Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad is amazing, and her (or rather Maho’s) rendition of “Moon on the Water” is her best performance. I will admit I’m very emotionally tied to this song, as Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad was a formative experience for me, with Koyuki’s and Maho’s romance playing a central role in that. Don’t think I’ve ever wanted a pair to get together so bad before, and this song only reinforces that notion. 8. "Scenario" by SABOTEN - Naruto ED15
Naruto’s 720 episode run has a lot of absolute bangers in both the OP and ED departments, with plenty of songs within the Top 25 of both categories. SABOTEN’s “Scenario” might not be the best Naruto ED (wink wink), but it still sure as hell deserves a spot in the Top 10. I have a massive soft spot for the J-rock of the mid 2000s that dominate Naruto’s soundtrack, and “Scenario” is one of my favorite renditions of that genre. It’s fast-paced, explosive and so damn catchy that it’s impossible to sit still when it plays. Another certified Naruto banger. 7. "Heroes" by Brian the Sun - My Hero Academia ED1
Oh isn’t this one nostalgic. Any fan of My Hero Academia will remember the series’ first ED, “Heroes”, Brian the Sun’s hopeful pop-rock banger that felt entirely emblematic of what I fell in love with in that series. It definitely feels like a continuation, an evolution of the classic rock-coded sound that had always defined Shōnen-series until that point, a perfect way to usher in the new era of Shōnen after the passing of the torch from its former giants. 6. "Kessen Spirit" by CHiCO with HoneyWorks - Haikyuu!! To the Top ED1
Those quick drums into the guitar riff makes for a great introduction, only for CHiCO with HoneyWorks to keep escalating “Kessen Spirit” into an exhilirating banger. “Kessen” can be translated to “Decisive/deciding match” or “Play-off”, and that is exactly the energy this song radiates, a perfect fit for Haikyuu!!’s first foray onto the national stage. It has that “insurmountable odds” feeling, but without any of the dread and all of the adrenaline. Haikyuu!! has a lot of great EDs, but this is definitely the best one. 5. "Be Your Girl" by Chieko Kawabe - Elfen Lied ED1
Like I’ve mentioned, I love me some classic 2000s pop-rock, and “Be Your Girl” almost ticks every box. Are the lyrics kinda cringe? Probably, I don’t speak japanese, but Chieko Kawabe absolutely sells it, and with the english chorus, I don’t need much more. I sure as hell didn’t enjoy Elfen Lied, but I stayed for its ED after each episode. Man does this tune slap. 4. "Fantastic Tune" by Kenshi Ono - Kuroko no Basket Season 2 ED2
Kensho Ono can’t only voice act, he can also provide some immaculate vocals. The second half of Kuroko no Basket’s second season is when it truly enters masterpiece territory, and to usher it in comes an absolute banger in “FANTASTIC TUNE”. The intro alone is to die for, a short burst that feels remincisent to the feeling you feel on the court the few seconds before the first whistle. Kuroko no Basket was another formative anime for me, a series that I watched very early at a time when I hadn’t really found myself yet. Usually I feel quite disconnected from those series, but there was two things I would never forget, “Can Do” and “FANTASTIC TUNE”. It’s been on my top list ever since that fateful summer day in 2017 and probably will be forever. 2. "Mahou" by Myuk - The Promised Neverland Season 2 ED1
While I would like to forget that The Promised Neverland Season 2 ever happened, it did come with this absolute banger of an ED. Myuk’s “Mahou” immediately caught my attention with its soft vocals and guitar, but when it’s when it hits the chorus that I was convinced that this is one of my favorite EDs of all time. Myuk’s vocals are just so damn catchy and nice to listen to, it’s difficult to even describe what makes them so great. While not the best timeline (where The Promised Neverland Season 2 doesn’t exist), it is a timeline where Myuk’s Mahou exists, and that makes me happy. 3. "Minna no Peace" by Afromania - Gurren Lagann ED3
Afromania figuratively kicks the door in when an episode of Gurren Lagann’s second half ends, as their “Minna no Peace” has the best first impression of any ED, ever. What follows is a catchy rock tune that never slows down, riding that wave from beginning to end, radiating with energy for every second of that journey. If there’s ever a song worthy of Gurren Lagann’s astronomical heights, “Minna no Peace” sure as hell is it. 1. "Wind" by Akeboshi - Naruto ED1
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All the greatest EDs have strong introductory segments, they have only seconds to make an impression on you to make you stay for just another minute instead of turning on the next episode. Naruto’s inaugural ED, my first ever ED, is probably the ED that made the most lasting impression on me. I watched the inital 25 episodes of Naruto in what must’ve been only two days back in the fall of 2014, and this ED is certainly part of that core memory. Just the melody is to die for, and combined with Akeboshi’s emotional vocals, “Wind” becomes one of the most defining anime songs to ever grace my ears. I will forever remember those nights watching Naruto on my phone under the blankets, and remembering those days also means remembering playing “Wind” at the end of every episode.
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