The anime industry is kaleidoscopic as it sees various anime shows of multiple genres striving to make a mark on the world. From franchises like Gintama to My Hero Academia or the upcoming Kaiju No. 8, anime sets expectations among fans, the fulfilment of which leads to the popularity of the series, and in turn achieving their cult status title.
Ranking a select few anime may be tough since it is based on personal likings, which is subjective by nature. However, rankings are a great start for newcomers to be aware of the franchises that have influenced contemporary pop culture while also encouraging old anime otakus to put forward their opinion and discuss. As such, this article will list ten such animes whose impact on the fandom continues to resonate even today.
Monster, Attack on Titan, and 8 other anime series that have achieved the cult status over the years
10. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Like many other series on this list, Code Geass offers a promising cast and their complex relationships. Protagonist Lelouch vi Britannia is perhaps the selling point of the show. However, ardent followers of this series would argue that the political narrative is what hooks viewers to the series.
To each their own opinion, but both factors retain the charm of an otherwise complicated plot rife with mecha, multiple philosophies, and worldviews. Although the series’ influence is not as strong as One Piece or Dragon Ball, Code Geass will continue to be admired for generations for the reasons stated above.
9. Demon Slayer
The best part about Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer is its top-notch animation, which has its due credits to Studio Ufotable. This is followed by factors like incredible fight sequences, good humor that never fails to bore, admirable characters, and a plot that is interesting but terrifying in every sense.
Demon King Muzan Kibitsuji’s motivation to continue his evil reign has resonance with Mahito from Jujutsu Kaisen in the sense that both of them exist for the sake of evil, which is a welcoming change for a shonen series. On the other hand, the mythology of the series is well-executed, with the defined power structure and powerful Hashiras that demand respect at every step. Moreover, the series does not have any filler episodes, which is one of the reasons why contemporary fans love it so much.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
https://twitter.com/FMAPerfectShots/status/1653487758244040712
The reason why Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is so favored over the 2003 version of the anime is because the series remains faithful to the original manga. Although the franchise retains its shonen taste, the primary factor that guides Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to the cult-status is its emotional plot, which is unlike anything seen before.
Several fans might argue that series like Naruto or Bleach’s hero are also governed by a certain emotion that makes their story equally sympathetic, but the Elric brother’s journey into practising forbidden alchemy to bring back their deceased mother at the price of their physical body (or body parts) is commendable. However, the world they live in is not easy, as their motivations are either threatened or disrupted by several factors. Yet, what accompanies fans in following the brothers’ quest is their never-ending support for them that remains unshaken at its core.
7. Hunter x Hunter
Officially finished with Hunter x Hunter, the anime was really good. Chimera Ant arc and Yorknew city arcs are definitely the best, and the characters were all great, main or side. Hope to see the anime return someday to cover the remaining arcs. Overall 9.5/10 pic.twitter.com/7ms8ElIv2t
— Irwin (@Irwin__997) April 25, 2023
Although the series is yet to be wrapped up, Hunter x Hunter is that one anime series that will never grow old. Following the journey of young protagonist Gon to find his father, Hunter x Hunter ticks all the requirements for a true shonen series.
While the series has some of the best arcs, the greatest strength of this anime is its characters, including Killua, Hisoka, Kurapika, Netero, Mereum, etc. Moreover, Hunter x Hunter avoids the complexity of long episodical battles as found in series like Dragon Ball, it instead focuses on the various applications of Nen and how it impacts a battle.
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion
While the influence of Neon Genesis Evangelion is not as strong as it used to be back in the 90s, the franchise has one of the best plotlines that is well-balanced with mature themes like depression or self-worth. Written by Youshiyuku Sadamato, with the realistic vision of Hideki Anno, the series explores humanity’s struggle with survival in a post apocalyptic world full of giant robots called Angels.
The manga is different from the anime in several ways, but Hideki’s perspective on Evangelion is deeply seated in the exploration of Shinji Ikari, which even prompts him to set the last two episodes of the anime in the protagonist’s mind. Moreover, the anime abandons the classic mould of shonen trope in favor of bringing an experimental narrative, contributing to the popularity of a series that is still discussed today.
5. Monster
Often considered one of the best psychological thriller anime of all time, Naoki Urasawa’s Monster provides a deep exploration into the minds of the major characters and their motivations. While the pacing might seem quite slow at moments, the mystery and suspense compensates for where the anime lacks.
However, what makes Monster one of the best psychological anime is its antagonist – Johan Liebert. The plot sees Dr. Kenzo Tenma following Johan to unravel a mystery that opens up several other gritty past details about him and his sister, Anna (or Nina). While all the other entries on this listicle are situated in a fantasy world, Monster’s stubbornness to stick to grounding reality is a fresh change.
4. Cowboy Bebop
just watched first three episodes of cowboy bebop. steve blum voicing spike fits really well, the theme of the show is right down my alley and has some of the best art I’ve seen in anime of this time. gonna keep watching 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Zk7ZEcZd9B
— Alekai (@ripalekk) April 25, 2023
Twenty years since its release and still the space western anime remains a fan-favorite among otakus. Sure, the action is fantastic, the core cast’s adventures are thrilling, and the plot has a steady pace, but there is something about Spike, Faye, Jet, Ed, and Ein that will be hard to replace with other characters of the same genre.
Providing the same nostalgia as Trigun, the indelible effect of Cowboy Bebop on its fanbase is concrete. Even with a 26-episode run, the anime brilliantly dealt with complex themes of loss, loneliness, and friendship in a way that is unique in narrative and structure. Additionally, the series has some of the best soundtracks that perfectly sets the mood and emotion of the episodes.
3. Naruto
Another misunderstood anime series, Naruto is easily one of the best written Shonen series out there with a cool power system and arguably the best written villain organization in Shonen. https://t.co/KkkLKMDBDe
— 𝕊𝕒𝕚𝕪𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕓𝕖 (@Saiyanobe23G) May 2, 2023
Combining the events of both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden proves that Masashi Kishimoto’s series deserves to be one of the holders of ‘Big 3’. While many otakus would contest that the filler episodes disrupt the smooth pacing of the plot, the series has continued to maintain its cult-status even after so many years since its conclusion (not counting the events of Boruto).
From following the eponymous hero’s ninja way to delving deep into the history of Senju and Uchiha clan, Naruto’s characters are as well fleshed-out as Demon Slayer. Moreover, the impact of Naruto’s world-building is deeply embedded into contemporary pop culture, which is why so many fans still continue to cosplay, draw, write fanfictions, etc., on their favorite characters long after the series’ end.
2. One Piece
#ONEPIECE Best anime in history 🔥
( Just watch One piece ) 🤍. pic.twitter.com/KpsqXbd59T— #FreePalestine 🇵🇸 (@Gl1tchV) April 24, 2023
After 20 years and some 1000 episodes later since its debut, One Piece continues to reign the shonen anime rankings. From the brilliant mind of mangaka Eiichiro Oda, the series comprises an almost-never ending pirate journey of Luffy and his friends. However, contrary to what new otakus might think, the plot of One Piece is anything but boring.
Aside from the rich world-building, Oda’s series provides the right balance between incredible fight sequences and a kind of humor that doesn’t feel forced or tedious. The manga series may be in its last arc, but the anime is far from being complete. However, even after it gets over, the impact of the series will be felt by generations to come.
1. Attack on Titan
The hype surrounding Hajime Isayama’s Attack on Titan may not be new, but it is completely justified. Subverting the traditional genre tropes, Attack on Titan brings something new and refreshing to the table with a protagonist whose motivations keep changing with each season.
While Wit Studio’s character designs became classic over the years, the recent take over by MAPPA brought an animation that left the viewers’ kaws hanging open. Aside from the anti-hero Eren Jaeger, other characters like Historia, Reiner, Annie, Armin, Levi, etc., are nuanced as they show various degrees of complexities with each new season. However, the most brilliant part of Attack on Titan has to be the use of flashback trope to change it into a major plot device, which ultimately guides the series to several unimagined plot twists.
