10 anime with the best story

Anime with the best story (image via MAPPA, Gainax, Sunrise, & Toei Animation)
Anime with the best story (image via MAPPA, Gainax, Sunrise, & Toei Animation)

When it comes to anime with the best story, an amazing plot is often the driving force that keeps viewers hooked from the very beginning. From epic adventures to heartwrenching dramas, anime has the power to transport us to extraordinary worlds with its intricate narratives. Each series weaves a tapestry of emotions, suspense, and thought-provoking themes that resonate deeply with the audience.

The power of a well-crafted storyline cannot be overstated. It has the ability to grip us emotionally, make us question our beliefs, and transport us into the lives of its vibrant characters. Whether it's the grand scale of a fantasy epic or the intimate exploration of human relationships, these anime series deliver narratives that are both compelling and unforgettable.

Here, we take a look at 10 exceptional series that have had a lasting impression on viewers. These anime not only captivated us right from the start, but also kept us invested until the very end, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

Disclaimer: This list is subjective and contains spoilers. It is not ranked in any particular order.


One Piece to Cowboy Bebop: 10 Anime with the best story

1) Hunter x Hunter

Anime with the best story: Hunter x Hunter anime (image via Nippon Animation)
Anime with the best story: Hunter x Hunter anime (image via Nippon Animation)

Hunter x Hunter takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through a world of hunters, individuals who pursue dangerous quests and seek out rare treasures. The series follows Gon Freecss as he embarks on a quest to become a hunter, uncovering secrets and facing formidable challenges along the way.

The first episode introduces the vibrant and unpredictable world of Hunter x Hunter, capturing the imagination with its intricate world-building, memorable characters, and thrilling action sequences.

With its intricate plotlines, deep character development, and exploration of complex moral themes, Hunter x Hunter stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in the anime medium, making it a top contender among anime with the best story.


2) Neon Genesis Evangelion

Anime with the best story: Neon Genesis Evangelion (image via studio Gainax)
Anime with the best story: Neon Genesis Evangelion (image via studio Gainax)

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a psychological mecha anime that delves into deep philosophical and existential themes. The series follows teenager Shinji Ikari as he is thrust into the role of a pilot for a giant bio-machine called an Evangelion, tasked with protecting humanity from mysterious creatures known as Angels.

The first episode sets a dark and introspective tone, delving into Shinji's complex psyche and hinting at the layered narrative to come. With its exploration of identity, human frailty, and the nature of existence, Neon Genesis Evangelion offers a thought-provoking story that challenges conventions and leaves a lasting impact.


3) One Piece

Anime with the best story: One Piece anime (image via Toei Animation)
Anime with the best story: One Piece anime (image via Toei Animation)

With its vast world-building and unforgettable characters, One Piece has solidified its position as a staple in the world of anime. The series centers around the charismatic and rubber-powered protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, and his diverse crew of pirates as they embark on a grand adventure in search of the legendary treasure known as One Piece.

From the very first episode, One Piece captivates viewers with its larger-than-life world and introduces us to the endearing and determined Luffy. His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering determination set the stage for a thrilling and epic journey that unfolds over hundreds of episodes, making it a perfect addition to anime with the best story.


4) Your Lie in April

Anime with the best story: Your Lie in April anime (image via A-1 Pictures)
Anime with the best story: Your Lie in April anime (image via A-1 Pictures)

For those seeking a poignant and emotionally charged anime with the best story, Your Lie in April stands as a must-watch masterpiece. The series centers around the prodigious pianist Kōsei Arima, whose life takes a tragic turn when he loses the ability to hear the sound of his own music.

It is here that we are introduced to the enigmatic violinist Kaori Miyazono, whose vibrant spirit and unwavering passion for music become a catalyst for Kōsei's reawakening.

As the story unravels, Your Lie in April takes audiences on a heartrending journey of love, loss, and profound personal growth. The complex dynamics between the characters unfold with delicate precision, evoking a whirlwind of emotions that resonate deeply within us. The anime explores themes of perseverance, self-discovery, and the transformative power of artistic expression.


5) Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Anime with the best story: Code Geass anime (image via studio Sunrise)
Anime with the best story: Code Geass anime (image via studio Sunrise)

In Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, viewers are immediately transported into a world that brims with political intrigue and mecha battles. The series centers around the enigmatic protagonist, Lelouch Lamperouge, a young man who obtains a formidable power known as Geass, granting him the ability to compel anyone to obey his commands.

From the very first episode, Code Geass sets the stage for an enthralling narrative as Lelouch embarks on a personal quest for vengeance against the oppressive Britannian Empire. The complexities of his character and the moral dilemmas he faces are intricately woven into the story, captivating the audience's attention and igniting their curiosity.

Lelouch's strategic mind and tactical prowess, coupled with the exhilarating mecha battles, create a mesmerizing blend of action and intellectual stimulation.


6) Cowboy Bebop

Anime with the best story: Cowboy Bebop (image via studio Sunrise)
Anime with the best story: Cowboy Bebop (image via studio Sunrise)

Cowboy Bebop is a masterful blend of genres, seamlessly fusing the elements of a space western with a jazzy atmosphere that oozes style and sophistication. Set in a future where bounty hunters traverse the vastness of the galaxy in pursuit of criminals, the series introduces us to the enigmatic and charismatic bounty hunter, Spike Spiegel, and his eclectic crew aboard the spaceship Bebop.

From its very first episode, Cowboy Bebop establishes a distinct tone. The show's stylish animation captures the essence of its futuristic setting, bringing to life a visually stunning world filled with intricate details and breathtaking action sequences.

Accompanied by a memorable soundtrack that blends jazz, blues, and rock, the series creates a unique atmosphere that transports viewers to its immersive universe.


7) Steins; Gate

Anime with the best story: Steins; Gate (image via White Fox)
Anime with the best story: Steins; Gate (image via White Fox)

Time travel becomes the driving force in Steins;Gate, an anime that skillfully blends science fiction elements with a captivating and intricate narrative. The series introduces us to a group of peculiar individuals who stumble upon a remarkable discovery—a method to send messages to the past, ultimately leading to the alteration of the present and the emergence of unforeseen consequences.

From the very first episode, Steins;Gate intrigues viewers with its enthralling time travel mechanics. The initial introduction to the series leaves us intrigued and hungry for more, as we witness the characters grappling with the implications and possibilities that come with manipulating time itself.

The narrative brilliantly explores the potential ramifications of changing past events, delving into the delicate balance between cause and effect.


8) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Anime with the best story: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (image via Bones)
Anime with the best story: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (image via Bones)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends action, drama, and fantasy elements. The series follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, on their quest to regain their bodies after a failed alchemy experiment.

The opening episode effortlessly establishes the bond between the brothers and introduces the richly detailed world of alchemy. With its well-developed characters, intricate plot, and exploration of profound themes such as sacrifice and redemption, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood offers an engrossing story that never fails to captivate its audience, making it a worthy addition to this list of anime with the best story.


9) Death Note

Anime with the best story: Death Note anime (image via Madhouse)
Anime with the best story: Death Note anime (image via Madhouse)

Death Note presents a premise that is both intriguing and morally complex, instantly captivating the audience's attention. The series revolves around Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook known as the Death Note.

This mysterious artifact grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it while envisioning their face.

From its very first episode, Death Note introduces viewers to the exhilarating cat-and-mouse game that unfolds between Light and the enigmatic detective known as L. The battle of wits between these two prodigious minds forms the backbone of the series, leaving viewers constantly on the edge of their seats. Each move and countermove pushes the narrative forward, revealing the depths of Light's ambition and the lengths he is willing to go to reshape the world according to his vision.


10) Attack on Titan

Anime with the best story: Attack on Titan Anime (image via Wit Studio)
Anime with the best story: Attack on Titan Anime (image via Wit Studio)

Coming in first place is the wildly popular series, Attack on Titan. This post-apocalyptic anime immerses viewers in a harrowing world where humanity teeters on the edge of extinction, relentlessly pursued by gigantic humanoid creatures known as Titans. From the very first episode, the gripping narrative sets a tone of urgency and desperation, thrusting us into the midst of the survival struggle. The atmosphere is rife with tension, as we witness the horrifying consequences of encountering these monstrous beings.

Attack on Titan is renowned for its ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with its unpredictable plot twists. Just when we think we have a grasp on the story's direction, it takes an unexpected turn, leaving us gasping for breath and eager for more. The series cleverly balances intense action sequences with moments of quiet introspection, allowing us to delve into the minds of its complex characters.


Final thoughts

Anime with the best story: Code Geass anime (image via studio Sunrise)
Anime with the best story: Code Geass anime (image via studio Sunrise)

In the realm of anime, a great story is the backbone that keeps viewers engaged and invested. Whether through complex character dynamics, thought-provoking themes, or thrilling plot twists, these series have proven their ability to leave a lasting impact on the audience.

From the very first episode, these anime series manage to hook viewers with their intriguing premises, well-developed narratives, and compelling storytelling techniques, making them rank high among anime with the best story.

Audiences are drawn to narratives that not only entertain but also challenge their perspectives, evoke emotions, and explore deeper philosophical themes. The anime industry has responded to this demand by delivering exceptional storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with viewers around the world.

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Edited by Upasya Bhowal
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