TL;DR
From the gritty streets of dystopian cities to heartwarming journeys of self-discovery, anime continues to capture hearts around the globe. In this post, we explore the ten anime series that have dominated global rankings, sparked massive fandoms, and left an undeniable imprint on pop culture. Whether you’re new to anime or a long-time fan, these shows are the reason the world watches in subtitles now.
1. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Global Rating: ★★★★★
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix (select regions)
When Attack on Titan debuted in 2013, it flipped the anime world upside down. Titans weren’t just monsters — they were metaphors for fear, control, and freedom. With its brutal action sequences and haunting music, the series brought in millions of viewers who had never watched anime before.
As the series matured, so did its themes. Fans debated philosophy, loyalty, and morality with every new twist. By its final season, Attack on Titan wasn’t just a show — it was a global event. It’s not just popular; it’s iconic.
2. Death Note
Global Rating: ★★★★★
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Before psychological thrillers became trendy in anime, Death Note was already playing chess with your brain. A high school genius stumbles upon a notebook that can kill anyone by name — and he decides to use it to play god.
What followed was a cat-and-mouse game of epic proportions between Light and L, two of the smartest characters in anime. Even today, new fans discover Death Note and binge it in a single weekend. The story’s grip on morality and justice remains timeless.
3. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
Global Rating: ★★★★★
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Demon Slayer is proof that animation quality can elevate a good story into a great one. When Tanjiro’s family is slaughtered and his sister turned into a demon, he sets out on a visually jaw-dropping quest for redemption.
The Mugen Train movie shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing anime film ever. The series’ emotional storytelling, gorgeous visuals, and touching sibling bond resonate with audiences of all ages.
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Global Rating: ★★★★★
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Ask any anime fan for a “perfect series,” and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is likely at the top. The story of two brothers who use forbidden alchemy to try to bring their mother back to life turns into an epic tale of war, loss, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
It’s rare to find a series that maintains quality from beginning to end, but FMAB sticks the landing. It’s not just a favorite — it’s often ranked the best anime of all time.
5. One Piece
Global Rating: ★★★★½
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Netflix
More than 1,000 episodes in, One Piece is still going strong — and that’s no accident. Monkey D. Luffy’s journey to become the King of the Pirates isn’t just a wild adventure; it’s a saga about dreams, found family, and freedom.
With its unique art style, unforgettable characters, and deep world-building, One Piece has built one of the most loyal fanbases in anime history. And with a live-action adaptation now bringing in new fans, the Straw Hat legacy isn’t slowing down.
6. Naruto / Naruto: Shippuden
Global Rating: ★★★★½
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Few anime have left as big a mark on global pop culture as Naruto. From running like a ninja in middle school halls to screaming “BELIEVE IT!” during recess, Naruto became a lifestyle.
But it’s the emotional arcs — Naruto’s loneliness, the rivalry with Sasuke, and the eventual path to redemption — that built a global connection with fans. It’s not just a shonen. It’s a coming-of-age story for an entire generation.
7. Dragon Ball Z
Global Rating: ★★★★½
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation
The father of all mainstream anime. Dragon Ball Z introduced millions to anime with explosive battles, over-the-top transformations, and the timeless debate: Goku or Vegeta?
Beyond the action, it planted the seeds for shonen tropes we still see today — power levels, training arcs, rivalries, and redemption. It may not be the most narratively deep anime, but DBZ is anime’s most iconic export.
8. My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)
Global Rating: ★★★★
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
What if superheroes were the norm, and you were born without powers? My Hero Academia explores this in a world where 80% of people have “quirks.” Its heartfelt storytelling, killer soundtrack, and flashy fights make it an instant draw.
Deku’s journey from powerless to hero resonates with fans chasing their own dreams. The series is still ongoing and has already cemented its place in modern anime greatness.
9. Jujutsu Kaisen
Global Rating: ★★★★
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
With slick animation, brutal action scenes, and a darker tone, Jujutsu Kaisen quickly caught fire. Following the story of Yuji Itadori and cursed energy, it blends horror with emotional storytelling.
Its success shows no signs of slowing, and many consider it the spiritual successor to earlier giants like Naruto and Bleach. A fan favorite in the making, it’s earned its place on this list despite being relatively new.
10. Sword Art Online (SAO)
Global Rating: ★★★½
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
SAO was ahead of its time. Back in 2012, it asked: what happens when VR becomes too real? Despite some uneven seasons, the original arc set the tone for modern isekai anime and helped popularize virtual world storytelling.
While critics are divided, its legacy is undeniable. SAO inspired dozens of similar shows and introduced countless fans to the world of anime.
Conclusion
These anime aren’t just popular — they’ve changed the landscape of animation, storytelling, and fandom forever. Whether you’re hunting titans, diving into cursed battles, or soaring through the skies with pirates, these series have shaped what it means to be a global anime fan.
If you’re building a watchlist or just want to understand what the hype’s about — this is where you start.
Sources:
- MyAnimeList Top Anime Rankings
- Anilist Popularity Stats
- IMDb Anime Ratings
- Social media data via Reddit, Twitter, TikTok trends
- Crunchyroll/Netflix Most-Watched Categories (2024)