The 5 Greatest Anime of All Time (In My Honest Opinion)

What makes an anime “the best of all time”?

One thing I’ve learned after years of watching anime is this: everyone has their own “top 5.” Some people love intense action, others are all about emotional drama, and some just want to laugh and relax. But in the end, there are those few series that hit you in a different way.

That’s what this post is all about — my 5 favorite anime of all time, based on how deeply they impacted me, the quality of the story, and the emotions they stirred up.
If you’re just starting out or want to revisit some timeless classics, this list was made just for you.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – The perfect balance of action and emotion

If someone asks me which anime has the most well-written story, no filler, deep characters, and an ending that really delivers… my answer will always be Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Why does it top the list?

• A flawless script with no loose ends
• A soundtrack that gives you chills (if you know, you know — “Again”)
• A complex but easy-to-follow universe
• And of course: Edward and Alphonse Elric are unforgettable

This anime has it all. Drama, fights, comedy, and even philosophical depth. I laughed, I cried, and I ended it thinking: now that’s what anime is all about!

2. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) – A visual masterpiece with a touching story

When I first watched Demon Slayer, I was blown away — not just by the animation (which is absolutely jaw-dropping), but by how emotionally powerful the story is. It’s not just pretty; it hits you right in the heart.

What makes Demon Slayer stand out?

• Some of the most beautiful animation ever seen in anime
• Deep, emotional storytelling about family, loss, and resilience
• A protagonist, Tanjiro, who’s kind-hearted and strong — a rare combo
• A soundtrack that elevates every scene to a whole new level

Watching Tanjiro fight for his sister Nezuko, all while keeping his humanity intact, is something truly special. It’s the kind of anime that moves you deeply while keeping you on the edge of your seat with every fight.Wow, anime can be way deeper than I thought.” A true mental thriller.

3. Dragon Ball – The anime that made a whole generation yell “Kamehameha!”

If there’s one anime that introduced millions to the anime world, it’s Dragon Ball. Whether it’s young Goku, teen Goku, or Super Saiyan Goku in space — this series is simply legendary.

Why does Dragon Ball deserve a spot?

• Iconic fights that defined an era
• Unforgettable characters that became pop culture legends
• A journey of growth we’ve followed since Goku was a kid

I still remember trying to do the Kamehameha as a kid, debating with friends if Goku could beat Superman (spoiler: he totally could), and running home to catch the next episode. Dragon Ball is more than anime — it’s a cultural phenomenon.

4. My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) – A modern shounen that hits all the right notes

When My Hero Academia came out, I didn’t expect it to become such a huge part of my anime life. But it did — and for good reason. It’s the kind of series that gets better with each season, and the emotional moments hit just as hard as the action.

Why is MHA one of my favorites?

• A great balance between character development and epic battles
• Real stakes — characters struggle, suffer, and grow
• An underdog protagonist you can’t help but root for
• Inspiring themes of heroism, responsibility, and never giving up

Deku’s journey from a powerless kid to a symbol of hope is something that never stops being inspiring. And let’s be honest — the fight animations are top-tier. If you love heroes, emotional arcs, and high-stakes action, this one’s a must-watch.f it. It’s the anime that taught me the true meaning of “nakama.”

5. Naruto – A story of perseverance that shaped an entire generation

Naruto was my first long-running anime. I grew up with that blond kid who dreamed of becoming Hokage. There’s no way I could leave it out of this list.

Why Naruto deserves to be here?

• An incredibly inspiring journey of personal growth
• Epic fights packed with emotional weight
• A rich ninja universe full of deep life lessons

Naruto is about way more than just cool jutsu and flashy fights. It’s about pain, forgiveness, resilience, and empathy. The bond with Sasuke, the love for Jiraiya, Team 7’s evolution… all of it left a mark on me. It’s the kind of anime that stays with you forever.

The best part of watching anime is how it makes you feel

So there you have it — my 5 best anime of all time. Not because they’re the most hyped or highest rated, but because each one touched me in a unique way. That’s what anime is about: feeling. Living countless lives through different worlds, getting emotional over fictional characters, and carrying those feelings into real life.

If you haven’t watched some of these yet, I seriously recommend giving them a try. And hey — share your own top 5 too! Because at the end of the day, every list is a reflection of our personal anime journey.