Reddit is home to one of the most passionate anime fan communities on the internet. With endless debate and discussion around beloved shows, the site provides invaluable insight into the most binge-worthy series acclaimed by viewers.
In this guide, we‘ll break down Reddit‘s 10 highest-ranked anime for newcomers and veterans alike. From all-time classics to modern sensations, you‘re bound to discover your next anime obsession here.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion – A Genre-Redefining Masterpiece
Perhaps the most influential anime ever made, Neon Genesis Evangelion redefined what animated TV series were capable of. Directed by Hideaki Anno, Evangelion takes the concept of giant mechs battling monsters and twists it into a profound character study exploring depression, trauma, and the human condition.
Protagonist Shinji Ikari is recruited to pilot Evangelion Unit-01 to defend Tokyo-3 from invading "Angels." But the immense burden placed on 14-year-old Shinji takes a severe toll on his mental health, leading to some of animation‘s most realistic depictions of anxiety and social isolation.
Backed by a haunting soundtrack, exceptional animation, and avant-garde storytelling, Neon Genesis Evangelion is essential viewing despite its divisive, ambiguous ending. Make sure to also watch the film End of Evangelion which serves as a definitive conclusion to the series.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Gintama – Comedy Perfection Meets Feudal Samurai Sci-Fi
In a genre overstuffed with ninja and swordfighting epics, Gintama hilarious tears the rulebook to shreds. Set in an alternate 19th century Japan overrun by peculiar aliens, it follows odd-jobber Gintoki Sakata as he takes on absurd requests and battles (mostly in jest) to preserve traditional Japanese culture.
With jokes and situations bordering from slapstick to satirical, Gintama‘s comedy onslaught appeals to all sensibilities. Impressively consistent across over 200 episodes, its rapid-fire laugh quotient has earned it the nickname “the funniest anime to ever exist.”
Underneath all the gags lies plenty of feels too – friendships, backstories and sword-clashing action to satisfy any shonen fan. All in all, Gintama delivers sheer variety that makes diving into its wacky world incredibly easy.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
3. K-On! – The Quintessential Slice of Life
For those seeking a gentle, smiles-guaranteed watch, beloved series K-On! is like a warm blanket fresh from the dryer. Centered on four bubbly high school girls who form a pop band, K-On! makes the mundane mesmerizing with its playful spirit and lively characters.
Whether it‘s struggling through homework, perfecting songs, or hanging out after school over sweets, K-On! nails the little joys and interactions of friendship with charming humor. Backed by thrilling music performances, incredibly natural dialogue, and Kyoto Animation‘s signature immaculate visuals, K-On! has cemented itself as the pinnacle of slice of life anime.
With only 39 episodes spanning its two seasons, K-On! makes for a short but magical ride that will have you grinning ear to ear.
Where to Watch: HIDIVE
4. Hunter x Hunter – The Benchmark Battle Shonen
Among seasoned anime critics and Reddit users alike, Hunter x Hunter is revered for both upending and mastering the battle shonen genre. Created by Yoshihiro Togashi of Yu Yu Hakusho fame, Hunter x Hunter immerses viewers in a fantastical world brimming with creative powers, iconic villains, and one-of-a-kind adventure.
It chronicles young Gon Freecss‘ quest to become a Hunter – an elite class of adventurers licensed to take on specialty jobs from hunting down criminals to retrieving rare artifacts. Gon befriends fellow rookie Kurapika and ex-assassin Killua, forming bonds deeper than any typical shonen series.
Praised for its brilliant power system called Nen, tactical fighting emphasizing strategy over strength, and unpredictable, ever-expanding story, Hunter x Hunter sits comfortably atop most anime fans’ recommendations lists.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
5. Dragon Ball Z – The Legendary Gateway Anime
It’s nearly impossible to discuss battle shonen without mentioning the juggernaut franchise that popularized it globally. Dragon Ball Z has captivated viewers since the late ‘80s with its bombastic fight sequences, quirky humor, and knack for pushing its heroes to new badass heights.
The sequel to the original Dragon Ball manga/anime, DBZ dials the first series’ charm and adventure way up. Iconic protagonist Goku has settled down and started a family when a mysterious alien named Raditz arrives, awakening dormant Saiyan blood within Goku that sets earth-threatening consequences in motion.
What follows is DBZ’s signature brand of arc-based storytelling – as Goku and friends clash with increasingly menacing villains (Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and more), the heroes unlock incredible transformations like the blond-haired Super Saiyan form that upgrade their powers to universe-shattering levels. Combined with a killer rock-infused soundtrack, Dragon Ball Z’s epic battles have withstood the test of time.
The series has sparked numerous sequels, films, and spin-offs over nearly 40 years, solidifying its status as the perfect introductory anime classic.
Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
6. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion – Tactical Mecha Action
Imagine a world where the British Empire conquered the United States and all of Japan, reducing them to oppressed territories named “Areas.” Lelouch, an exiled Britannian prince fed up with the totalitarian regime seeks to spark revolution by donning a mysterious mask and leading Japanese rebels against their conquerors as “Zero.”
Code Geass sets itself apart in the mecha genre by putting strategy at the forefront over more traditional robot brawls. With the power to compel anyone into following his commands, protagonist Lelouch orchestrates brilliant tactical takeovers revolving around political subterfuge and troop coordination. Backroom scheming and thrilling knightmare robot fights make for an intense viewing experience.
Supported by well-developed characters, interweaving side plots, gorgeous animation, and an iconic antihero, Code Geass delivers a satisfying saga from start to finish. Often ranked among anime fans‘ all-time top shows, Code Geass deserves all the praise heaped onto its 50-episode run.
Where To Watch: Netflix, Funimation, Hulu
7. Attack on Titan – A New Classic is Born
Very few anime have ever generated the waves of hype that Attack on Titan created upon its 2013 debut. Imagery of grotesque humanoid giants called Titans craftily scooping up and devouring humans sparked nightmares and memes worldwide.
But the series quickly evolves far beyond its initial shock value. After witnessing his mother eaten by a Titan, 15-year old Eren Yeager dedicates his life to their eradication by enlisting in the military. However, a shocking plot twist reveals that humans might not be the Titans’ only enemy, sparking conspiracies and ideological clashes among Eren‘s closest comrades.
Blending horror, mystery and political thriller genres led by complex characters make Attack on Titan impossible to pin down or predict. Backed by exhilarating action animation and Sawano Hiroyuki’s driving score, witnessing protagonist Eren develop from helpless victim to determined leader makes for riveting television.
After over 90 manga chapters, 4 seasons and 2 concluding films, Attack on Titan has cemented its legacy as an all-time sci-fi epic.
Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
8. Cowboy Bebop – The Epitome of Cool
Labeling Cowboy Bebop as a sci-fi space western adventure almost undersells what makes it so universally revered. Its effortlessly cool style permeates every aspect – fluorescent-lit casinos, stark desert wastelands, jazzy fight choreography, and most iconically the smooth swagger of protagonist Spike Spiegel.
Set in a vibrant future where space travel is common and humans have colonized the galaxy, Cowboy Bebop focuses on motley crew of bounty hunters aboard their ship called Bebop. Though structured as an episodic series, an overarching story chronicling Spike’s past amongst crime syndicates and his lingering feelings for a long lost love tie the sessions together into an indescribably hip, tragic package.
From start to finish, visionary director Shinichiro Watanabe (Samurai Champloo, Kids on the Slope) employs masterful scene composition, distinctive character acting, fluid action animation, and Yoko Kanno’s legendary avant-garde soundtrack to craft an all-timer. At only 26 episodes, Cowboy Bebop’s brevity only adds to its sweet, bewitching taste.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
9. JoJo‘s Bizarre Adventure – Fabulously Unique Shonen
In a medium overflowing with demonstrative guys yelling as they fight, JoJo‘s Bizarre Adventure distinguishes itself through its unabashed flamboyance. Based on Hirohiko Araki‘s long-running manga, JJBA tells the generational tale of the Joestar family, whose members all possess wild powers with a musical twist.
The most popular arc Stardust Crusaders follows Kujo Jotaro, grandson of Jonathan Joestar. After suddenly manifesting a "Stand" – a phantom guardian based on major arcana cards with supernatural abilities – Kujo heads out with his compatriots to Egypt to save his mother‘s life.
Fights are more cerebral with opponents having to outwit each other’s cleverly designed Stands. Imaginative battles fused with striking supermodel-esque character poses, real-life band/song references, and absurd humor (memes about villain Dio‘s "Za Warudo!" time freezing powers persist today) make JJBA a love letter to creativity.
Across 8 wildly unique arcs with hundreds of manga chapters, JoJo‘s Bizarre Adventure only gets more fabulous, earning it a special place in anime history.
Where To Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu
10. One Piece – The Magnum Opus of Shonen
With over 1000 anime episodes and still going strong after 25 years, One Piece is a testament to masterful worldbuilding and storytelling. As pirate captain Monkey D. Luffy explores the vast Grand Line in search of the eponymous treasure to become King of the Pirates, viewers bear witness to all the wonders and terrors sailing the seas has to offer.
One Piece subverts expectations by focusing more on the comedic misadventures of Luffy’s diverse crewmates rather than broad action set pieces. Still, when fights do happen, they deliver spectacularly with cleverly designed Devil Fruit powers and clever tactics.
Combined with emotional backstories that often span decades and islands stuffed with creative cultures, One Piece enthralls by organically expanding its scope and stakes to monumental heights. Its deliberate patience in unraveling central mysteries regarding the World Government’s corruption and the mysterious Void Century underpinning its fascinating lore will all make the eventual payoffs sweeter.
For longtime viewers who‘ve grown up alongside the Straw Hats, Luffy often mirrors the endless optimism and dedication to one’s dreams that defines what it means to be the King of the Pirates. And with an endgame now in sight, the final voyage looks to be One Piece’s most enthralling arc yet.
Where To Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu
With so many phenomenal series making the list across different genres, Reddit offers invaluable guidance for both diehard anime fans and newcomers alike. The classics like Cowboy Bebop and Evangelion should be mandatory viewing. For those seeking longevity, One Piece and JoJo’s contain enough imagination to last you years.
Yet despite a couple glaring genre omissions like sports anime, these 10 anime give a comprehensive snapshot of Japan’s very best. Here’s hoping some new favorites await you that will reel you deeper into this wondrous medium. Happy watching!
