Top 35 Best Anime Series of All Time to Watch Free

SahilSharma
Updated on 2021-07-26
We selected top 35 Best Anime Series of All Time for you to watch free, if you are an animephile, come and see the best anime series.

 

Part 1: Summary 

Animes have stolen the hearts of people. Their mind-blowing graphics and captivating stories have a profound impact on people. Anime series are viewed as the most sought after source of entertainment. Anime characters of the ‘best anime series of all time’ are simply immaculate. They are emotional and highly relatable.

Their compelling design and colorful dresses appeal to its fans worldwide. Some type of animed carry a deep philosophical meaning. The action sequences that an anime character performs is simply unmatchable. You can’t compare it with realistic films. Last, but not the least, the quality of design, visuals, and animation is ultimate. 

Further Readings

#1  How to Draw Anime ? [A Complete Guide for Beginners]

#2 Top 13 Anime Sites to Watch Anime Free Online [2021 Update]

Best Anime Series

Part 2: Top 35 Best Anime Series of All Time to Watch    

(A) Top Anime Series to watch 

  1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood 

This is the best anime series of all time.

Hagane no renkinjutsushi (original title)

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure

TV Series

Release Date: 2009

Period of Running: 2009 to 2012

No. of Episodes: 69 episodes

Creator: Hiromu Arakawa

Stars: Kent Williams, Iemasa Kayumi, Vic Mignogna

Popularity: 338 (67)

IMDB Ratings 9.1/10

No. of Seasons: 1

Download link

  1. Hunter x Hunter

This is one of the best anime series of all time.

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure

TV Series

Release Date: 2011

Period of Running: 2011 to 2014

This is the longest anime series of 148 episodes

Creator of the series: Yoshihiro Togashi

Stars: Megumi Han, Issei Futamata, Cristina Valenzuela

Popularity: 324 ( 6)

IMDB Ratings 8.9/10

No. of Seasons: 1

Download link

  1. Steins; Gate

This is one of the best anime series of all time.

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama

TV Series

Release Date: 2011

Period of Running: 2011 to 2015

No of Episodes: 26 episodes

Stars: Mamoru Miyano, Asami Imai, Kana Hanazawa & crew

Popularity: 858 (51)

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

No. of Seasons: 1

Download Link

  1. Clannad: After Story

This is one of the best anime series of all time.

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama

TV Series

Release Date: 2008

Period of Running: 2008 to 2009

No. of Episodes: 25 episodes

Stars: Yûichi Nakamura, David Matranga, Luci Christian, and crew

Popularity: 3,341 (244)

No. of Seasons: 1 

Download Link

IMDB Rating: 8.6

clannad

  1. Code Geass

Kôdo giasu - Hangyaku no rurûshu: Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion (original title)

TV Series

Release Date: 2006

Period of Running: 2006 to 2012

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Action, Drama

Stars: Johnny Yong Bosch, Yuri Lowenthal, Jun Fukuyama, Takahiro Sakurai

Popularity: 684 (140)

IMDb Rating: 8.6

Download Link

  1. Cowboy Bebop

Kaubôi bibappu (original title)

TV Series

Release Date: 1998

Period of Running: 1998 to 1999

Creator: Hajime Yatate

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure

Popularity: 678 (5)

Stars: Kôichi Yamadera, Unshô Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara, Steve Blum

IMDb Rating: 8.9

Download Link

  1. Hajime no Ippo

This is one of the best anime series of all time.

TV Series

Release Date: 2000

Period of Running: 2000 to 2002

Duration: 20min

Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy

No. of Episodes: 76 episodes

Popularity: 4,415 (876)

No. of Seasons: 1 (2002   2001   2000)

Download Link

IMDb Rating: 8.8

  1. Tengen toppa gurren lagann

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure

TV Series

Release Date: 2007;

Period of Running: 2007 to 2008

No. of Episodes: 28 episodes

IMDb Rating: 8.3

Stars: Yuri Lowenthal, Kana Asumi, Steve Blum, Johnny Yong Bosch, and crew

Popularity: 2,441 (251)

Download Link

No. of Seasons: 1

  1. Death Note

This is one of the best anime series of all time.

Death Note: Desu nôto (original title)

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Crime, Drama

TV Series

Release Date: 2006 from 2006 to 2007

Stars: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong, Ryô Naitô

IMDb Rating: 9.0

Popularity: 264 (45)

No. of Seasons: 1

Download Link

Death Note

  1. Monster

TV Series

Release Date: 2004 from 2004 to 2010

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Crime, Drama

Stars: Hidenobu Kiuchi, Liam O'Brien, Mamiko Noto, Karen Strassman

IMDb Rating: 8.6

Popularity: 1,128 (33)

Download Link

No. of Seasons: 1

  1. Mushi-Shi

Mushishi (original title)

TV Series

Release Date: 2005; from 2005 to 2006

Duration: 25min

Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy

Stars: Yûto Nakano, Travis Willingham, Kôjun Itô, Jennifer Seman

Popularity: 3,888 (724)

IMDb Rating: 8.5

Download Link

No. of Seasons: 1

  1. Gintama

Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy

TV Series

Release Date: 2005

Period of Running: 2005 to 2018

No. of Episodes: 375 episodes

Download Link

Stars: Tomokazu Sugita, Daisuke Sakaguchi, Rie Kugimiya, Kazuya Nakai

Popularity: 1,144 (35)

No. of Seasons: 1

gintama

  1. Legend of the Galactic Heroes

This is one of the best anime series of all time.

Ginga eiyû densetsu (original title)

TV Series

Duration: 25min

Genre: Sci-Fi, Animation, Drama,

Release Date: 1988

Period of Running: 1988 to 1997

Stars: Ryô Horikawa, Yûsaku Yara, Nozomu Sasaki, Katsuji Mori

IMDb Link: 9.1

No. of Seasons: 4

Download Link

Popularity: 3,155 (209)

  1. GTO

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama

TV Series

Release Date: 1999

Period of Running: 1999 to 2000

No. of Episodes: 43 episodes

Stars: Steve Blum, Tom Fahn, Jun'ichi Suwabe, Wataru Takagi

Popularity: 3,489 (481)

No. of Seasons: 1

Download Link

  1. Attack on Titan

This is one of the best anime series of all time.

Shingeki no kyojin (original title)

Duration: 24min

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure

TV Series

Release Date: 2013

Period of Running: 2013 to –

Stars: Yûki Kaji, Marina Inoue, Yui Ishikawa, Josh Grelle

Download Link

Popularity: 4 (1)

No. of Seasons: 4

IMDb Rating: 8.9

Paid Anime Series to watch

(B) Top Paid Anime Series to watch

1. Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World

This is one of the best Japan anime series that got aired in 2016. It has a total of 41 Episodes. You can watch it on Crunchyroll.  This top anime series is full of characters who get transported to a new world. It is a darker version of life in the other world. They are immediately gifted with the necessary strength and power fantasy. 

2. The Ancient Magus' Bride

This is one of the best anime series of all time. The series got released in 2017. It has got 24 episodes. Anime fans can watch this top anime series on Crunchyroll. This anime displays Japanese folklore and is inspired by European fairy tales.

This is the best short anime series that is a unique blend of Irish, Slavic and Cornish mythologies, and interlaces them into an enthralling and magical world. The languid pace of the anime takes people on an entirely surprising, and unpredictable world.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

This is one of the best Japan anime series that got aired in 2019. This top anime series comprises 26 episodes. Funimation and Hulu are the two best platforms designed for the best anime series to watch.

This is an action-packed thriller anime series but lacks a deep storyline. However, the bond between the siblings: Nezuko and Tanjiro gives a strong backbone to the entire series. Features such as great production values, compelling animation, music, and voice acting give it a competitive edge.

Kimetsu no Yaiba

4. Kaiji

This is the best short anime series that got aired in 2007. It had around 26 episodes. Anime fans can use Crunchyroll to play this series. This best Japan anime series is characterized by daring, and pompous narration.

The top anime series got appreciation due to its distinctive angular designed character. The main character Kaiji in the series is a sympathetic protagonist with a self-destructive nature.

5. Yuri!!! on Ice

This is another best Japan anime series on this list. It was aired in the year 2016. The series has filmed a total of 12 episodes. Crunchyroll and Funimation are the two best tools to watch this top anime series. This is the best anime series to watch to learn about the life of a gay. It is a revolutionary depiction of gender and sexuality.

6. Megalo Box

Megalo Box is one of the top anime series that got released in 2018. Till now the series has released thirteen episodes successfully. You can watch this best short anime series on Crunchyroll. If you are a fan of boxing manga Ashita no Joe, then this could be the best anime series to watch.

It pays a tribute to the sport on its 50th anniversary. In this series, a young fighter gets entry into a reputed tournament and grabs unexpected admiration by fighting Gearless. Its matchless, and effortless sense of style makes the series worth watching.

Megalo Box

7. Ping Pong the Animation

This is the best Japan anime series that was launched in 2014. To date, a total of eleven episodes are released. Funimation is the best platform to watch this top anime series. Ping Pong the Animation has style to spare.

The story of this best short anime series revolves around the companionship of two friends Peco and Smile that made Ping Pong an all-timer. If you want to see the real action of the sport, and the psychology of the characters, then this series is a must-watch.

8. Cowboy Bebop

If you are crazy about anime, then Cowboy Bebop is the best anime series to watch. This top anime series is a collaborative series about a team of eccentric bounty hunters who wander around the solar system.

It got aired in 1998 and has released 26 episodes to date. People can watch it over Hulu, and Funimation. This is the best short anime series that has subtle themes compared to the typical anime series written by Japanese writers.

Cowboy Bebop

9. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is one of the best short anime series that is still running.  The series got released in 2016 and has completed more than 80 episodes.  Hulu, Funimation, and Crunchyroll are the ideal places to watch this anime. The story of this top anime series involves a group of high school kids who are training hard to become a key contender for binging.

10. Hyouka

This is yet another best anime series to watch. It got aired long back in 2012 and has successfully completed 22 episodes. Funimation is the ideal place to watch this top anime series. The story of this best short anime series involves a set of high school friends that come together to unravel a few light-hearted everyday mysteries.

Top Anime Series to Watch on Netflix

Part 3: Top Anime Series to Watch on Netflix 

  1. Aggretsuko

This anime series got released in 2016. It has 31 Episodes. It is unarguably the best anime series to watch. You can watch this best anime series on Netflix. Aggretsuko is terrifyingly relatable. All those who feel subjugated by the severities of modern-day life should watch it.

This top anime series perfectly summarizes several situations that we face in daily life. It could be about pleasing your mother-in-law or working under an oppressive boss. Aggretsuko talks about such type of situations humorously.

Aggretsuko

  1. Pokémon

The anime series got aired in 1998. A total of 1,109 episodes of this top anime series

has been released to date. This makes it the longest anime series to date. You can watch this best anime series on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. More than a clever marketing tool for video games, this Netflix anime series is a genuine piece of wholesome entertainment. The story revolves around young protagonists who make fabulous friends and participating in Pokémon tournaments.

  1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu Wa Kimi No Uso)

This is one of the best anime series of all time. It is a fate anime series that got released in 2014. To date, 22 episodes of this anime have been released. You can watch this best anime series on Netflix, Funimation, and Crunchyroll.

Netflix anime series is a story that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The storyline of this top anime series involves Kōsei and Kaori, the two lead characters. It shows how they both deal with love, pain, depression, and illness in their individual lives.

  1. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

This is the best anime series to watch. It was released in 2016. You can watch this best anime series on Netflix and Crunchyroll. Around 152 episodes of this Netflix anime series have been released. The anime showcases a highly recognizable art style that helps plot action and lines. This is a romantic anime series that evokes a love or hate reaction in several people.

joJo’s Bizarre Adventure

  1. Steins;Gate

This is the best anime series to watch if you are fond of thrill and excitement. Aired in 2011, the series comprises of 24 + 1 alternate episode and 1 OVA. It is undoubtedly the best anime series on Netflix. The series is an adaptation of the novel “Steins;Gate”. This Netflix anime series can also be watched on Funimation (US).

It is a story of a mad scientist Rintaro Okabe who along with his friends accidentally invented a device that could send text messages back in time.

  1. Death Note

Death Note is the best anime series to watch. It is a crime thriller that could give you goosebumps for sure. You can watch this best anime series on Netflix.  Death Note got released in 2006 and has released 37 episodes in total. This Netflix anime series revolves around the story of a high school student named Light Yagami who discovered a book that can kill a person whose name is imprinted on it. The student uses this book to eradicate criminals and crime from society.

  1. Haikyu

This is the best anime series to watch if you like conventional sports anime. You can watch this best anime series on Netflix. You can also watch it on Crunchyroll ad Hulu. Aired in 2014, to date the series has released 65 episodes and is still running.

This Netflix anime series is enticing as it displays the contrast of the unbeatable pair of characters as the arrogant setter Kageyama and highly energetic spiker Hinata.

Haikyu

  1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

This is one of the best anime series of all time. This anime series got released in 2009. To date, 64 episodes of this anime have been released. You can watch this best anime series on Netflix, Hulu, and Funimation.

This Netflix anime series is centered around politics, mystery, science, and war. What begins as an outstanding adventure gradually expands into a deeper story involving morals of war and political corruption.

  1. Saint Seiya

This Netflix anime series is a new and uncensored adaptation of the Saint Seiya cartoon. Users can get it in the original Japanese with subtitles. This classic anime is also called Knights of the Zodiac wherein the five fighters who employ magic armor are associated with the constellations. They fight bravely for the goddess Athena and win the battle.

  1. The Garden of Words

This is the best anime series on Netflix that is directed by a popular anime film director “Makoto Shinkai”.  This Netflix anime series uses stunning images of lush nature to invoke melancholic emotions. His meditative and photorealistic characters grab the attention.

the Garden of Words

Part 4: Download Anime Series

 

Animeland

  • free online anime streaming site to download anime series

  • dubbed in English

  • no registration needed to watch or download anime series via it

  • offer 1080p HD quality video streaming for anime series download

  • 1.10 million monthly viewers

Kissanime.ru

  • English dubbed anime streaming service for anime series download

  • best place to find the latest content and download anime series

  • offers HD video quality organized category wise to offer quick access and search features.

  • a neat user interface to download anime series

  • high-performance servers for buffer-free streaming

Chia-Anime

  • free tier anime streaming site to download anime series

  • has a mobile-friendly user interface to simplify anime series download

  • best place to find new and old dubbed anime series

  • supports ultra-high-definition video streaming

  • colorful and sleek design

Funimation

  • A popular place to download the best anime series of all time

  • a vast repository of big anime series and leading seasonal titles like Dragon Ball Z and other exclusives.

  • available for iOS and Android mobile users to download anime series

Crunchyroll

  • top-rated and legal anime streaming sites to download anime series

  • free account users can track their watch history. To watch shows from subgenres such as seinen, shonen, shojo, etc. users need to purchase a premium membership.

  • Available for iOS and Android for anime series download

Hulu

  • A popular place to download the best anime series of all time

  • subscription video-on-demand service

  • owned by Walt Disney

  • offers HD quality anime in different genres for anime series download

  • a valuable collection of anime television shows, series, etc.

  • different subscription plans to enjoy anime and download anime series

Netflix

  • the streaming giant with an enormous anime database

  • a repository of various popular titles available on the web that includes Neon Genesis Evangelion, Death Note, and Baki.

  • multiple subscriptions plan to enjoy anime offline on the mobile Netflix app.

Amazon Prime Video

  • streaming service with a massive library of original and famous anime series and movies

  • for anime series download, subscribers can download content in 4K Ultra video quality

  • provides a mix of brand-new, classics, movies, and hidden gem series for anime series download.

Upcoming Anime Series

Part 5: Upcoming Anime Series

  • Anime: Itai no wa Iya nano de Bougyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu. II (2022)

  • Anime: Mairimashita! Iruma-kun 2nd Season is another new anime series to be released in Apr 2021

  • Anime: B: The Beginning Succession (2021 - 2021)

  • Anime: Fruits Basket: The Final is a new anime series expected to release in Apr 2021

  • Anime: Uzaki-chan wa Asobitai! 2nd Season

  • Anime: Shaman King (Apr 2021)

  • Anime: Nomad: Megalo Box 2 (Apr 2021)

  • Anime: Boku no Hero Academia the Movie 3. This new anime series is set to launch between 2021 and 2021.

  • Anime: Mekakucity Reload

  • Anime: Kantai Collection: KanColle Zoku-hen. This new anime series is going to be released in 2022

  • Anime: Free! (Movie) (2021 - 2021)

  • Anime: Tonikaku Kawaii OVA (2021 to 2021)

  • Anime: Hige wo Soru. Soshite Joshikousei wo Hirou (Apr 2021)

  • Anime: Kyokou Suiri 2nd Season

  • Anime: Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. Kan OVA

  • The new anime series Anime: Princess Principal: Crown Handler 1 will release in Feb 2021

  • Anime: Uzumaki (2021)

  • Anime: Slime Taoshite 300-nen, Shiranai Uchi ni Level Max ni Nattemashita (Apr 2021)

  • Anime: Chainsaw Man

  • Anime: Fate/Grand Order: Shinsei Entaku Ryouiki Camelot 2 - Paladin; Agateram (May 2021 - May 2021)

  • Anime: Mahouka Koukou no Yuutousei is a new anime series that you can watch in 2021.

  • Anime: Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka III OVA (Apr 2021 - Apr 2021)

  • Anime: SSSS.Dynazenon (Apr 2021)

  • Anime: Princess Connect! Re:Dive Season 2

Part 6: Conclusion

Anime is an excellent Japanese series that has a massive fan following. Its brilliant concept and the beautiful message that it conveys at the end appeals to people. Websites such as Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Funimation, are a great repository of classic and latest anime releases.

They have made it easier for people to watch and download the best anime series of all time for free. So, the next you want to watch and/or download, don’t forget to check these upcoming anime series.