Ranking of Masterpiece Anime That Will Go Down in History

The world of anime is vast, but only a select few titles transcend the medium to become timeless masterpiece legends that leave a permanent mark on history. This ranking curates a collection of masterpieces that have captivated audiences with their stunning animation, intricate storytelling, and emotional depth, led by the Grand Prize-winning Violet Evergarden. From the frozen reaches of Antarctica to the intricate streets of Akihabara, these works span diverse genres yet share a common ability to shake the viewer’s soul. Whether you are seeking the heart-wrenching realization of love, a thrilling battle of wits, or a deep dive into the human condition, these series represent the absolute pinnacle of Japanese animation

Broadcast in 2018 / 13 Episodes

Writing feelings to understand love.

Violet Evergarden is the first work to win the Grand Prize in the Novel Category of the Kyoto Animation Awards, organized by the renowned studio Kyoto Animation, which also handled the anime adaptation. This masterpiece is characterized by distinct character designs that perfectly match its worldview and consistently breathtaking background art.

The story begins as a long continental war comes to an end and the country shows signs of recovery. There is a girl who has lived solely as a “tool” for battle. Her name is Violet Evergarden, a girl devoid of emotion. Wounded on the battlefield, she wakes up in a hospital bed. She attempts to report her status to her superior, Major Gilbert, via letter, but she struggles to write; the prosthetic arms she received to replace her lost limbs feel foreign and unwieldy.

Former army Lieutenant Colonel Hodgins visits her. Explaining that he has come to collect her in Gilbert’s stead, he takes Violet to the beautiful port city of Leiden. There, she encounters the profession of “Auto Memory Doll”—a job that involves putting someone’s feelings into words and delivering them. Violet thinks that by becoming an Auto Memory Doll, she might come to understand the meaning of the “certain words” Gilbert left her with. Thus, she expresses her own will for the first time: “I want to know what ‘I love you’ means.”

This is the story of an emotionless girl who, through ghostwriting letters, touches the hearts of others and gradually learns to understand love. As the narrative progresses, watching emotions blossom within her is a key highlight. The weight, sorrow, and loneliness of words dye her once-blank heart in vivid colors. It is a masterpiece often cited as the pinnacle of “masterpiece anime that makes you cry,” sure to shake the viewer’s soul.

Broadcast in 2018 / 13 Episodes

A place far away, further than the universe.

A Place Further Than the Universe has received high acclaim not only in Japan but also overseas. Known by its abbreviated Japanese title, Yorimoi, the masterpiece anime features popular voice actors such as Inori Minase and Kana Hanazawa in the lead roles. The production team collaborated directly with institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the National Institute of Polar Research, demonstrating the staff’s serious commitment to authenticity.

The protagonist, Mari Tamaki, is a girl living a mundane school life. Although she harbors a desire to start “something,” she cannot take the first step and spends her days feeling vaguely frustrated. Unable to suppress her desire to make the most of her youth, she meets a classmate named Shirase Kobuchizawa, who has a strong ambition to go to Antarctica. Moved by Shirase’s resilience in the face of ridicule—”a high school girl going to Antarctica?”—Mari decides to join the observation team with her. Along with Hinata Miyake and Yuzuki Shiraishi, who join through various circumstances, they aim for the frozen continent.

This is a youth masterpiece anime centered on four girls, depicting the nature of friendship and feelings for family across 13 episodes. Elements that induce tears are scattered throughout various scenes, making it impossible to look away until the end. It is a highly recommended anime that will make you weep, laugh, and finally enjoy the lingering afterglow.

Broadcast in 2011 / Season 1: 24 Episodes / Season 2: 24 Episodes

A solitary observer crosses world lines.

Based on an adventure game, STEINS;GATE remains popular today thanks to its intricately woven story and spectacular foreshadowing and resolution.

The setting is Akihabara in 2010. The protagonist, Rintaro Okabe (true name: Kyouma Hououin), suffers from chuunibyou (delusions of grandeur) but is otherwise an ordinary university student. One day, with the help of his friend Daru, a “Super Hacker,” he completes a time machine capable of sending emails to the past.

Driven by curiosity, Okabe sends email after email. Although he feels a twinge of unease, he does not stop interfering with time, and a shocking tragedy eventually befalls him. Can Okabe break the cycle of inescapable fate?

While the early episodes may feel somewhat monotonous due to the focus on daily life, once the story begins to move, the development becomes so engrossing that you cannot look away. Watching Okabe struggle to change destiny while harboring deep anguish may move you to tears. Since a second season connected to this masterpiece has also been broadcast, this is recommended for those who want to watch a voluminous, emotional epic.

Broadcast in 2012 / 22 Episodes

I’m curious!

Hyouka is a TV masterpiece anime adaptation of Honobu Yonezawa’s Classic Literature Club series. The work features classical music such as Bach’s “Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude” and “Air on the G String,” allowing viewers to enjoy a beautiful soundtrack.

The protagonist, Houtarou Oreki, is a minimalist thinker who lives by the motto: “If I don’t have to do it, I won’t. If I have to do it, make it quick.” A student at Kamiyama High School, he joins the Classic Literature Club—which is on the verge of abolition—for certain reasons.

In the clubroom, he meets the curiosity-driven Eru Chitanda, along with friends from middle school, Satoshi Fukube and Mayaka Ibara. Together, they solve the mysteries that abound in school life. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy a youth story that is essentially sweet but occasionally bitter.

Although classified as a mystery, the subject matter involves riddles born from “school and everyday life” rather than murder. Because there is no flashy action, viewers can watch without feeling tense. Check this out if you want to see a school drama masterpiece without comedy elements, enriched by mystery-solving.

Broadcast in 2005 / 50 Episodes

Don’t beg for it, earn it. Do that, and you shall be rewarded.

Featuring sophisticated camera work, missile trajectories, and robots evading them, Eureka Seven utilized the visual expression known as the “Itano Circus” from the very first episode. Broadcast in a Sunday morning slot starting in 2005, this masterpiece boasts high quality in story, animation, and theme songs.

Renton, a 14-year-old boy, was fed up with his mundane daily life and terrible town. He held a strong admiration for Holland, a man who performed brilliant lifts on waves generated by particles called Trapar. Just as Renton was wishing he could ride the waves like Holland, a special humanoid heavy machine—an LFO—crashes into the workshop run by his grandfather. Emerging from the machine is a girl with pale green hair named Eureka. When she asks him to repair her LFO, the Nirvash, without even an apology, Renton falls in love at first sight. This encounter changes their destiny forever.

Starting with a classic “boy meets girl” development, the work depicts the growth of young Renton and Holland, who is often considered a second protagonist. A key feature is the focus placed on characters other than the main pair. Among the many famous scenes, episode 48, “Ballet Mécanique,” is regarded by many as a divine episode, even though it does not focus on Renton and Eureka. This anime is recommended for those who want to watch a touching work that will give you goosebumps.

Broadcast in 2006 / Season 1: 25 Episodes / Season 2: 25 Episodes

The only ones who should kill are those prepared to be killed.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a sci-fi robot masterpiece that began broadcasting in 2006. It remains a vibrant franchise, with the production of a new anime, Code Geass: Z of the Recapture, announced for its 15th anniversary.

Japan has been invaded by the Holy Britannian Empire over underground resources and become a dominion. Renamed “Area 11,” the Japanese people are scorned as “Elevens.” The protagonist, Lelouch, who attends Ashford Academy (a school for Britannians), gets caught up in a battle between terrorists trying to reclaim Japan and the Britannian military. In the chaos, Lelouch encounters a mysterious girl named C.C. This meeting significantly alters his fate, and a war involving the whole world begins.

This work depicts the conflict between Lelouch, who acts as a dark hero willing to use any means necessary, and his old friend Suzaku, who tries to change the country from the inside. While it features intense robot action, viewers can also enjoy heartwarming school scenes. The charm is amplified by a luxurious voice cast, including Jun Fukuyama as Lelouch and Yukana as C.C. It is a recommended anime with a grand story spanning two seasons.

Broadcast in 2013 / Season 1: 25 Eps / Season 2: 12 Eps / Season 3: 22 Eps / Season 4: 28 Eps

The world is cruel, yet beautiful.

This is the masterpiece anime adaptation of the globally famous manga Attack on Titan. Seasons 1 through 3 were produced by WIT STUDIO, known for cinematic and powerful animation, while Season 4 was handled by MAPPA, a studio that has visualized numerous popular titles.

It is a world dominated by “Titans” that eat humans. To escape their grasp, humanity built massive walls and lived inside them. Just as humanity began to forget the scenery outside the walls, the protagonist Eren dreams of venturing into the unknown world with his best friend Armin. One day, as Eren, Armin, and their childhood friend Mikasa are talking as usual, a “Colossal Titan” far exceeding the 50-meter wall suddenly appears. Having had their peace kicked down, can they survive?

The work depicts protagonists living and resisting in a harsh world where they might die today. Due to numerous cruel depictions, those who dislike grotesque expressions should exercise caution. The voice acting is superb, and the fluid animation captivated many, becoming a hot topic on social media during the broadcast. It is recommended for those who enjoy anime with foreshadowing and plot twists where the story’s outcome remains unpredictable until the end.

Broadcast in 2007 / Season 1: 22 Episodes / Season 2: 22 Episodes

CLANNAD is life.

CLANNAD is legendary among fans as an anime that induces tears. It is a visual adaptation by Kyoto Animation of a romance adventure game created by Key, known for masterpieces such as AIR and Kanon. The theme is the bond between family and friends, depicting the protagonist’s life from student days to fatherhood. It is recommended for those who want to be moved by human connections and family love.

The setting is spring, the season of dancing cherry blossoms. Tomoya Okazaki, a third-year high school student at a college preparatory school, lives a listless life. Unable to enjoy school life like everyone else, he is constantly late. One day, while walking up the slope to school, Tomoya meets a female student. Her name is Nagisa Furukawa. Although shy and prone to illness, Nagisa has a dream of reviving the abolished drama club…

The depth of character portrayal and the numerous moving scenes that cannot be watched without tears are key points. If you are looking for an anime that pierces deep into the heart, check this out.

Broadcast in 2011 / 12 Episodes

Dreams and hope…

Puella Magi Madoka Magica features a script by Gen Urobuchi, who is famous for writing stories with depressing developments. Contrary to the cute character designs, the story is heavy, creating a significant gap. The opening theme is performed by the female unit ClariS, popular for their clear voices, while the ending is by the female unit Kalafina, known for grand and mystical singing.

Madoka Kaname, a second-year middle school student, has a strange dream one night. A mysterious girl is fighting a fierce battle alone against a powerful enemy. The moment Madoka decides that she too will fight, she realizes it was a dream ending; feeling let down, she heads to school as usual. It seems like an ordinary day. The only difference is that the girl she saw in her dream has transferred into her class. Her name is Homura Akemi. Homura throws meaningful words at a bewildered Madoka.

The sorrow of losing friends, the fate that befalls oneself. This work depicts the story of girls resisting a chain of negativity. The “barriers” where the enemy witches appear are fairy-tale-like and cute, yet somehow eerie. It is a recommended anime with shocking developments that will keep your eyes glued to the screen until the conclusion.

Broadcast in 2006 / 37 Episodes

Did you know, L?

This is the anime adaptation of the popular manga DEATH NOTE, serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. It features a battle of wits between Light Yagami, a genius high school student who obtains a terrifying notebook—”The human whose name is written in this note shall die”—and L, a mysterious genius who has solved numerous cases behind the scenes. Talented voice actor Mamoru Miyano plays Light Yagami. He enacts the role perfectly, maximizing the character’s charm. It is a recommended anime where you can enjoy thrilling developments, constantly wondering who will win.

Light Yagami is a high school student with a brilliant mind. Bored with the repetition of every day, he witnesses a notebook falling from the sky. When he picks it up out of curiosity, he sees the words “DEATH NOTE” on the cover. Though inwardly dismissing it as a ridiculous name, Light opens the notebook. Following the title, the impossible sentence “The human whose name is written in this note shall die” catches his eye. Thinking it nonsense, Light once discards the notebook but eventually takes it home out of curiosity. Locking himself in his room, he re-reads the usage instructions and realizes they are surprisingly elaborate.

For a moment, the thought that he might become a murderer crosses Light’s mind, but thinking “Surely people can’t actually die,” he writes down the name of a criminal involved in a hostage situation currently being reported on TV. Then, 40 seconds later, just as he is about to turn off the TV assuming nothing happened, a breaking news report announces that the hostages have fled and the criminal has died. The timing, the cause of death—it is too perfect to be a coincidence, yet he still cannot believe it. So, to confirm whether the Death Note can truly kill people, Light searches for a human whose “death would benefit society”…

Broadcast in 2021 / Season 1: 13 Eps / Season 2: 13 Eps / Season 3: 13 Eps

There was a Horse Girl who, no matter how many times she stumbled, never surrendered her “absolute”.

Uma Musume Pretty Derby is an anime produced based on the historical facts of real racehorses. While Season 1 unfolded a hot drama with Special Week as the protagonist, Season 2 depicts a story with Tokai Teio and Mejiro McQueen as the main characters. Although character relationships continue from the first season, it is entirely possible to enjoy the show starting from Season 2. If you want to watch a sports spirit story, try Season 1; if you want a moving anime that makes you cry, Season 2 is recommended.

Horse Girls possess tails, ears, and superhuman running ability. At the Tracen Academy, many Horse Girls train daily to win races, which act as their grand stage. Tokai Teio, who aims to become an undefeated Triple Crown Horse Girl, is one of them. Together with Mejiro McQueen, who is both a good friend and a rival, they challenge the Twinkle Series, staking their respective dreams.

The appeal of this work is a story so hot and emotional that it is hard to believe it is based on historical fact. The settings are elaborated in great detail, allowing horse racing fans to enjoy even the characters’ gestures and appearances. It stands apart from other anime by employing active jockeys and critics as voice actors, showing the depth of effort put into the production. It is a recommended anime where you can become heated over the Horse Girls’ efforts, where the cruelty of fate and miracles intersect.

Broadcast in 2014 / 24 Episodes

I wonder what it is I really want to do…

Produced as the second installment of the “Working Girls Series” by the animation studio P.A.WORKS, SHIROBAKO is directed by Tsutomu Mizushima, known for numerous masterpieces. The title comes from the “white box” (Shirobako) used in the video industry to hold VHS tapes.

The protagonist, Aoi Miyamori, belongs to Musashino Animation and is a newcomer in charge of production desk for Exodus!, the studio’s first prime contractor work in seven years. She struggles with headaches caused by trouble brought on by employees and a director whose strong obsessions increase the workload on the spot; things rarely go according to plan. Can she, who must manage various creators, successfully complete the “White Box”?

This work depicts the growth of the protagonist and others who devote themselves to the job of anime production. Scenes where colleagues express distress and impatience, such as “At this rate, I won’t be able to make a living as an animator,” invite the viewer to empathize. While perhaps not strictly faithful to reality, the show allows you to understand the general flow of how a production site operates. It is recommended for those curious about how anime is made.

Ultimately, these twelve masterpieces represent the widely varied potential of the medium, ranging from the realistic struggles of the anime industry in SHIROBAKO to the dark, psychological warfare of DEATH NOTE. Each series, whether it is the tear-inducing family drama of CLANNAD or the passionate, history-inspired races of Uma Musume Pretty Derby, provides a unique and unforgettable experience. These titles have not only garnered high acclaim domestically and overseas but have also defined their respective eras with high-quality storytelling and production. We hope this ranking helps you discover a work that will move you to tears, make you laugh, and remain in your memory long after the final episode concludes.

Latest Article: ‘Girl Crush’ Anime Adaptation Announced; TBS to Broadcast First Series Centered on K-Pop