The 6 Highest-Rated Anime Series in History, Based on IMDb User Rating

Anime was once primarily a Japanese art form enjoyed mainly within Japan, but it has grown into a global animation powerhouse. Audiences around the world are drawn to anime’s rich narratives, stunning visuals, and complex characters. Anime covers a wide range of genres, from quiet, emotional fantasy adventures to high-stakes philosophical science fiction. There truly is something for everyone in the world of anime.

One of the most reliable ways to gauge audience opinions on anime is through IMDb ratings, which reflect the feelings of millions of viewers. So, let’s explore the highest-rated anime series on IMDb. These TV shows feature depth, excitement, and lovable characters you’ll want to cosplay; they’ve all made an impact on the anime fan subculture and sometimes even on the culture at large.

These shows are entertaining while diving into profound questions about identity, power, morality, and human connection. If you haven’t watched any of the anime on this list, it’s time to bump it to the top of your watchlist.

1. Attack on Titan

IMDb user rating: 9.1 with 701,000+ votes

Attack on Titan; image credit: Kodansha

Few anime have the global impact and interest that Attack on Titan captures. Known for intense storytelling, straight-up body horror, dramatic twists, and hordes of saluting cosplayers invading ComicCon, this series rose to the top of IMDb ratings shortly after it debuted.

The story centers on humanity’s fight for survival against the gigantic humanoids known as Titans. What starts as a survival story evolves into a complex mystery involving war, freedom, nationalism, and moral ambiguity.

The show won over fans with these traits:

• Constant tension and unpredictable plot developments formed high-stakes storytelling.
• Politically rich themes exploring propaganda and nationalist history.
• Characters underwent profound transformations that delved deep into their psyches.
• Spectacular animation depicts the characters’ unique weapons and fighting styles, gluing eyes to the screen.
• Stylish weapon and uniform designs have inspired cosplayers the world over.

The show’s willingness to present morally ambiguous characters and situations while defying audience expectations has made it stand out in a crowded shonen action anime arena.

2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

IMDb user rating: 9.1 with 245,000+ votes

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood; image credit: Aniplex of America

Many fans consider this series to be the gold standard of anime. While IMDb rankings are fluid as new ratings come in, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood often tops the list with a masterful blend of action, slick character design, unforgettable personalities, and emotional depth.

This anime follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who lost their mother and then attempted to revive her using alchemy, an act that stole Alphonse’s body and half of Edward’s. What starts as a journey to restore their body becomes a sweeping tale of government conspiracy, war ethics, and scientific ambition.

Factors that make this anime so popular include:

• Complex themes of equivalent exchange, redemption, and sacrifice.
• Multi-dimensional heroes and villains with strong development arcs.
• A carefully structured plot that offers a satisfying resolution.
• A perfect balance of humor, tragedy, and action.

The series uses alchemy as a tool to dive deep into truths about humanity and the consequences of power, while remaining accessible through its engaging characters and intense battle scenes. This tightly written story has a strong conclusion that sets it apart from many other long-running anime.

3. One Piece

IMDb user rating: 9.0 with 347,000+ votes

One Piece; image credit: Toei Animation Co., Ltd.

One Piece may be the most successful and long-running anime series of all time (it debuted in 1999!). It consistently earns high IMDb ratings for its expansive worldbuilding, poignant stories, and unforgettable cast of goofball characters. It’s based on an enormously popular manga by Eiichiro Oda. One Piece is a global phenomenon that joins the ranks with Japanese IPs like Dragon Ball and Pokémon.

The tale follows Monkey D. Luffy, an excitable young pirate who can stretch his body like rubber after eating a mystical Devil Fruit. Luffy sets out on board a ship to explore the dangerous seas of the Grand Line, on a quest to find the legendary pirate king’s treasure, known as the “One Piece.” He forms a crew called the Straw Hat Pirates, united by loyalty, friendship, and shared dreams.

One Piece is loved due to these factors:

• A vast and detailed world filled with unique islands, cultures, and political systems.
• Feel-good yet important themes of friendship, freedom, injustice, loss, and belonging.
• An ensemble cast of lovable characters forms the Straw Hat crew, each with their own backstory and motivation for seeking the treasure.
• A strong narrative momentum has carried characters across the entire world of the story and sustained this epic adventure for decades.
• Lighthearted humor that lands for both adults and children balances out deeply emotional moments.

No one can argue that One Piece has a massive scale and is a brilliant example of ambitious serialized storytelling.

4. Hunter × Hunter

IMDb user rating: 9.0 with 191,000+ votes

Hunter × Hunter; image credit: Nippon Animation

Praised for its imaginative world and deep character development, Hunter × Hunter is often at the top of IMDb’s anime rankings. The show follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who becomes a “Hunter” in order to find his missing father. What starts as a lighthearted journey gradually becomes a complex story about friendship, morality, and the nature of power.

Fans love these elements of Hunter × Hunter:

• Shonen anime fans appreciated the detailed and strategic combat system in the show’s battles.
• No character is overlooked; even minor characters have significant development.
• The story explores themes of human nature and ethical ambiguity.
• The story slowly transitions from an adventure to a psychological drama, with the Chimera Ant arc often brought up as one of the most profound storylines in anime.

5. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War

IMDb user rating: 9.0 with 74,000+ votes

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War; image credit: VIZ Media

The original Bleach is one of the most successful anime franchises, and this series marks its triumphant return. This series will wrap up the long tale of Bleach. The high rating indicates that fans think this sequel lives up to the original’s epic story with stunning animation. In this series, Ichigo Kurosaki and the Soul Reapers face a hidden empire of Quincy warriors led by the terrifying Yhwach, who is determined to destroy the very fabric of existence.

Fans are on board with Ichigo’s new adventures because of aspects like these:

• Beloved studio Pierrot elevates the source material with fluid, cinematic fights that shonen fans love.
• Long-standing mysteries about Ichigo’s origin story are finally coming to light, rewarding fans who have waited years.
• Every Soul Reaper in this ensemble cast gets a moment to shine, including fan favorites like Kenpachi, Urahara, and Byakuya.
• The story arc has raised the stakes sky-high while exploring themes of legacy, sacrifice, and how far we go to protect the ones we love.

6. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

IMDb user rating: 8.9 with 70,000+ votes

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End; image credit: Madhouse

This is one of the most recent anime to climb the ratings list. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has earned widespread praise for its emotional storytelling centered on time and memory. Its reflective, tranquil tone sets it apart from other fantasy series. Rather than focusing on epic battles and heroic quests, this anime tells the story of what happens after the big adventure ends.

Here are the qualities that set Frieren apart:

• A quiet, reflective tone that focuses on life after the epic quest.
• An exploration of grief, memory, and the passage of time, presented with care and subtlety.
• An emphasis on growth, relationships, and personal reflection rather than grand battle scenes.
• A beautiful, rich fantasy world that feels lived in and embodies the anime’s contemplative tone.
• Themes that revolve around something as profound as the meaning of life.

Many of the anime on this list are high-energy, action-packed fantasy adventures, but this one features thoughtful storytelling and captivating animation that won fans over instantly and made it a modern classic.

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Source: IMDb