These 10 Anime Masterpieces Are a Rite of Passage for Every Fan
Anime is more popular and accessible nowadays than it has ever been, with shows such as Solo Leveling and Jujutsu Kaisen pushing the medium forward. With the rise of modern shows and new fans, many classic anime are lost to time or lose the same respect that they once had. However, there are some anime that even new fans have to pay homage to.
This list will highlight ten anime series that are a rite of passage for every fan, proving to be too influential and iconic not to watch. It will base the ranking on essential anime with legendary stories, iconic moments, popularity, groundbreaking themes, revolutionary aspects, and overall quality. Anyone can watch anime, but these ten shows separate the new viewers and the old, meaning these series are essential viewing for every fan.
‘Haikyuu!’ (2014-)
Volleyball isn’t the coolest sport, but Haikyuu will have fans changing their minds in a flash. Hinata may be undersized, but he has big aspirations of becoming a giant in the sport. However, he struggles to connect with the talented rookie, but their dynamic will be essential in the team’s success.
This first anime is well known as an incredible series, but not necessarily a rite of passage. However, Haikyuu is the definitive sports anime that revolutionized and popularized the genre among new fans, making it a must-watch, even for those who don’t love sports. It is a classic formula but still manages to be fresh and innovative, with plenty of exhilarating moments. As the definitive sports anime, fans should watch it to familiarize themselves with the genre.
‘Demon Slayer’ (2019-)
Demon Slayer’s popularity shouldn’t be in question, especially after the movie, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, broke records with its performance. When a demon turns Tanjiro’s sister into a demon, Tanjiro sets out on a journey to get stronger and look for a cure for his sister, which will most likely arise if he defeats Muzan.
Some may say it’s too recent, but Demon Slayer is already a rite of passage, becoming the most popular modern anime. It features some of the best animation and fights in the medium, which is enough to hook an entire generation of anime fans. Like it or not, Demon Slayer is as iconic as some of the classics, and thus is the only 2020s anime on this list.
‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989-1996)
Shōnen is undoubtedly the largest demographic of shows, as everyone can enjoy them, but among those shows is the grandfather of the medium, Dragon Ball Z. Landing on Earth, Son Goku trains in the ways of martial arts, becoming strong enough to face any foes that challenge him, such as Vegeta, Frieza, Perfect Cell, and Majin Buu.
Everyone knows about Dragon Ball Z even before they start watching anime, and they won’t have completed the whole experience until they give it a try. A borderline religion in places like Latin America and Japan, Dragon Ball Z is arguably the most iconic piece of anime ever made. This influential masterpiece defined the genre with many staple tropes and story aspects, setting the stage for the medium’s dominance in the 21st century.
‘The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya’ (2006-2009)
The 2000s were a landmark decade for many anime fans, as it featured classic tropes and was when the medium really flourished. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is about the titular character and her school clubmates. Kyon only wants a normal experience, but every member other than him is connected with the supernatural, making every day anything but normal.
Not everyone has seen The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, as it lost its popularity after delivering one of the worst endings in anime history. However, it is still a rite of passage to watch this definitive 2000s anime that defined the otaku and moe culture. Also, everyone needs to suffer through the Endless Eight arc in order to build character, making it an anime that only real fans have watched.
‘One Piece’ (1999-)
No anime has remained as relevant for this long as One Piece, arguably the most popular series at the moment. With the dream of becoming King of the Pirates, Monkey D. Luffy sets sail to make a name for himself and build a crew. In the meantime, he fights unjust marines, evil pirates, and corrupt agents, leaving his mark on the world.
Dragon Ball Z may be more popular and influential, but One Piece is a rite of passage simply because of its overwhelming episode count. Every fan is obligated to try this behemoth of a series, and it usually becomes their favorite or least favorite show. Regardless of whether fans like it or not, it feels like a requirement to get through the first couple of arcs, and a badge of honor to get caught up.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is regarded as a masterpiece for good reason, meaning it was only a matter of time before it showed up on this list. Brothers Ed and Al set out to find the philosopher’s stone after losing parts or all of their bodies in a taboo experiment. However, they learn of a government conspiracy that threatens to swallow the entire world.
It makes sense that the best of something would be essential for its medium, and in the case of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, it is the greatest anime series of all time. Fans can’t help but question those who haven’t seen this anime, considering its critical acclaim and universal praise, meaning it is a must-watch for any anime viewer who truly wishes to understand the medium and what it has to offer.
‘Attack on Titan’ (2013-2023)
No anime has had as big a finale as Attack on Titan, which broke the internet one more time on its way out. The series is set in a world terrorized by Titans, giant, man-eating creatures. When the Titans destroy his village, Eren Yeager vows revenge, and after gaining the ability to turn into a Titan, he leads humanity outside the walls to face their true enemy.
Attack on Titan is probably the most critically acclaimed and highly regarded mainstream anime, using its masterfully written story, complex characters, and unpredictable mystery to create one of the best modern anime series. The ending may have been disappointing, but Attack on Titan is a genuinely mind-blowing experience that every fan should watch.
‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998-1999)
Shinichiro Watanabe is the greatest anime director ever to live, and while his most recent series, Lazarus, wasn’t the hit fans were expecting, they can at least go back and watch his magnum opus, Cowboy Bebop. Spike and his gang of bounty hunters face their biggest challenge yet as his dark past re-emerges, putting everyone in danger.
Cowboy Bebop was the anime that made it a prestigious medium, proving it can tell profound stories and be taken seriously. Its original style of jazz-infused action noir is one-of-a-kind, and its philosophical and artistic story is downright outstanding. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Cowboy Bebop is an essential watch to see what award-winning anime is like.
‘Death Note’ (2006-2007)
As previously mentioned, the 2000s were a golden age of anime, and the king of the time was arguably Death Note. When Light Yagami finds a notebook that can kill anyone, he uses it to create a new world with himself as god. However, the world’s most brilliant detective is on the case to put a stop to this vain killer.
Death Note wasn’t just popular among the anime community; it was a genuine cultural sensation, breaking ground with its phenomenal plot and well-written game of cat and mouse. Some parts could be better, but the overall show is a must-watch. Death Note was the trendy anime to watch in the 2000s, and now it is a rite of passage for every new fan.
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995-1995)
Realistically, no fan is obligated to watch any specific anime show, but some series are too iconic and influential not to indulge in, and one of those is Neon Genesis Evangelion. In a world devastated by multiple catastrophes, a new world-ending event is on the horizon, and only teenagers with traumatic backstories can stop it. Shinji and the other pilots fight against the angel-like aliens, but the most significant challenge may come from the humans controlling the world.
Neon Genesis Evangelion feels like a definitive anime with tropes aplenty, but also enough creativity and uniqueness to stand out. It redefined the sci-fi genre and forged the trend of expressionism in anime through its experimental story and animation. Neon Genesis Evangelion isn’t just influential; it is a rite of passage that symbolizes a landmark in an anime fan’s life. No one needs to watch it, but millions do because they’ve heard so much about it, and to some, it is life-changing.
