Every year numerous animations are produced and released all over the world. But have you ever wondered why Anime is secluded from animated movies all around the world? What’s the difference between them? Why is the name different?
The answer is, ‘Anime’ is a Japanese term (derived from the English word ‘Animation’) that describes all animated works, regardless of style or origin.
But outside of Japan and in English, it is naturally used for Japanese animations and refers to animation produced in Japan.
One of the explanations why anime is different from Western cartoons is the potential for visceral content. Once the expectation that the aspects of animation just for children is being put aside, the audience can realize that themes containing violence, suffering, sexuality, pain, and death can all be storytelling elements utilized in anime, even very much like other media.
Let’s have a look at some of the best anime in the world.
1. Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba (鬼滅の刃)
The arrival of shockingly quality anime amazed anime fans all over the world in 2019. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (鬼滅の刃) was originally the manga by Koyoharu Gotoge, which was serialized on the Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 and later got adapted into Anime. The first season contains 26 episodes, which has been welcomed by both fans of the manga and people who have not read it.
It has every key feature of an excellent anime, from the main character’s purity and growth to making friends with the spirit of brotherhood and respect for all characters. The most eye-catching element is the intense battle scenes between demon slayers with swords and unique demon characters. Each character’s past and background, even including demons, is respectfully depicted in this anime, making it more meaningful.
There is a sequel story named Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train (劇場版 鬼滅の刃 無限列車編) which released in October 2020. The anime is not completed yet, but it is safe to say that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba will grow to represent the best anime in Japan and around the world.
2. Naruto (ナルト)
Naruto (ナルト), in other words, the most admired anime, has the theme of Ninja, featuring adventure, action, and fantasy. Masashi Kishimoto first released it as the Weekly Shonen Jump manga in 1999, and it ran until 2014. In 2017, after almost 15 years, the anime Naruto series was completed, consisting of two titles: Naruto (NARUTO -ナルト-) aired in 2002-2007 and Naruto: Shippuden (NARUTO -ナルト- 疾風伝) aired in 2007-2017.
The setting contains a fictional world of Shinobi (Ninja), and the ineffective boy Naruto, growing by the help of friends and masters. Naruto and other Ninja characters battle with numerous Ninja techniques using chakra energy.
Many emotions such as strong bonds with family, and friends, betrayal and parting are represented in this anime. Even if any new anime is released, Naruto always yields the top position.
3. Clannad (クラナド)
Clannad (クラナド) is the third-best anime on the list, which may satisfy many Japanese anime fans. However, some foreign people may be surprised since it is not so famous worldwide. It is one of the Kyoto Animation’s masterpieces, recommended for any kind of anime fan. There are no action scenes or supernatural events in this anime, but human drama is being represented sensitively.
The anime contains two parts: Clannad in 2007-2008 and Clannad After Story in 2008-2009. The story follows the daily life of the main character Tomoya and the heroine Nagisa in high school. The touching episodes in the climax will move you. The amount of time spent for 44 main episodes is worth it.
4. Monogatari Series (物語シリーズ)
This anime was released in 2009 and produced by the animation studio Shaft under Akiyuki Shinbo. It is a novel written by Nisioisin (Nishio Ishin), later adapted into an anime. The first season goes by Bakemonogatari (化物語), Nisemonogatari (偽物語) and Nisemonogatari Black (偽物語 黒) in 2009-2012.
Monogatari (meaning story or tale) has numerous bizarre stories that focus on unique characters such as the high school boy Koyomi Araragi and several heroines.
‘Koyomi Araragi’ handles many problems arising from apparitions (supernatural ghosts) called Kaii in Japanese. The ghosts influence the characters, and he saves them. The story is full of fantasy and comedy. There are mainly five seasons of the novel in which three of them are adapted into anime. In an interview, the director Akiyuki Shinbo spoke about continuing the production of the rest of the seasons if the original novel is published.
5. One Piece (ワンピース)
Without a doubt, One Piece (ワンピース) is the most famous and top-selling ongoing manga and anime. The first volume of the manga was published in 1997, and there are now more than 90 volumes sold worldwide. The anime was adopted two years later after the primary manga was released, and over 900 episodes were being aired. The whole plot of One Piece can be divided into ten parts, and beginners can enjoy it even if they start from anywhere.
It follows the adventures of the main character Monkey D. Luffy and his crew in the pirate world. He sails on the sea in search of the ultimate treasure called “One Piece.” The anime is full of action, fantasy, and drama. Powerful fight scenes between the Devil Fruit eaters, including Luffy, are represented beautifully.
6. Neon Genesis Evangelion (新世紀エヴァンゲリオン)
Directed by Hideaki Anno, this anime is worldly referred to as, one among the symbols, of Japanese anime in the 1990s. The favored mecha anime depicts the story of the four teenagers: Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Langley Soryu, and Kaworu Nagisa. By piloting the enormous humanoid robot Evangelions, they fight with the enemies called Angels.
Three movies were released:
In 2007- Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:序).
In 2009- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:破).
In 2012- Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:Q).
Additionally, the final title Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 (シ6ン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版:||) was released to the large screens in 2021.
7. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険)
The popular manga and anime franchise JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険) started publishing in 1987, and the series consists of 8 parts from Phantom Blood (ファントムブラッド) to Jojolion (ジョジョリオン) so far. The latest adaption is the 5th part, Golden Wind (黄金の風), aired in 2018-2019. Rumors are that the 6th part- Stone Ocean, is upcoming on Netflix in December 2021.
The stories depict the mysterious adventures of the Joestar family. The main character changes by the part, but they all are the Joestar family. Unique characters and intense battle scenes are highlights of this anime.
8. Re: Zero
Re: Zero, also called as Re: Zero -Starting Life in Another World- (Re：ゼロから始める異世界生活), is looked on as one of the best Japanese anime and light novels released in the 2010s. Season 1 started with 25 episodes in 2016, and the newly edited version Season 2 was broadcasted with 25 episodes in 2020 and 2021.
This anime is full of adventure, dark fantasy, and time loop. The story follows Subaru, the main character, sent to Isekai (another world) with no superpower except an ability and meets Emilia, the heroine, in the other world.
9. Pokémon (ポケモン)
You must have seen this anime in your childhood.
It is one of the most popular Japanese anime and games all around the globe. It was first aired in Japan in 1997 by the Japanese title Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター). Every time a new game is released, new names get broadcasted. The latest series is being aired from 2019 following the previous Sun & Moon (ポケットモンスター サン&ムーン).
The story tells us about a young boy Satoshi, who travels worldwide with various Pokemon like Pikachu to become a Pokemon master.
10. Death Note(デスノート)
Death Note (デスノート), highly rated by both domestic and international anime fans, is based on the manga published on the Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2006. It is so popular worldwide partly because the anime is completed with a comparatively long story (37 episodes) and the well-elaborated storyline with a mix of mystery and horror.
‘Light Yagami’, the main character, finds a Death Note which makes people die if their names are being written on the note. This story is about him and the others who try to stop him. You will surely enjoy watching the high-level game of wits. There are many stunning moments, and all the characters will impress you in their way.
