Top 10 Must-Watch Anime You Shouldn’t Miss!

1. Introduction

Anime has captivated fans around the world, and the 2020s have brought us a host of new masterpieces.

In this article, we’ll present a carefully curated ranking of the Top 10 Must-Watch Anime, covering a wide range of genres like action, emotion, and music.

Whether you’re a seasoned anime lover or new to the world of anime, these shows are packed with engaging storylines and compelling characters.

We’ll dive into the heart of each anime, explaining what makes it special, with a focus on international appeal as well.

2. Top 10 Anime Ranking

1st Place: Jujutsu Kaisen

Summary: Jujutsu Kaisen tells the story of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who inadvertently becomes the host for the powerful Cursed Spirit, Sukuna. As he joins a school for Jujutsu Sorcerers, he learns to fight deadly Cursed Spirits alongside his friends and mentors.
Highlights: The fast-paced, visually stunning action scenes and the emotional growth of the characters are the highlights of this series. The battles featuring Gojo Satoru, in particular, are a fan favorite for their sheer power and skill.
Must-See Scene: Gojo’s first full display of his abilities is an iconic moment, with mind-blowing visuals and intensity.
Appeal to International Fans: The high-quality animation, courtesy of MAPPA, and thrilling fight scenes have earned it a huge international fanbase.

2nd Place: Lycoris Recoil

Summary: In a world secretly protected by female assassins known as “Lycoris,” Takina Inoue and Chisato Nishikigi work together to take on dangerous missions while balancing their everyday lives.
Highlights: The series expertly balances intense action sequences with heartwarming moments of friendship. The chemistry between the main characters, Chisato and Takina, is both entertaining and moving.
Must-See Scene: Chisato’s gravity-defying gunfight scenes are particularly impressive, showcasing her immense agility and skill.
Appeal to International Fans: Strong female leads combined with fast-paced action have resonated with audiences worldwide.

3rd Place: Bocchi the Rock!

Summary: Hitori Gotoh, an introverted high school girl, joins a band called Kessoku Band as a guitarist. Though shy and socially awkward, Hitori finds friendship and confidence through music.
Highlights: The realistic portrayal of band life, combined with Hitori’s character growth, makes this anime a heartfelt journey. It’s not just about music—it’s about overcoming personal challenges.
Must-See Scene: The school festival concert is an emotional peak, showing how much Hitori has grown as a musician and as a person.
Appeal to International Fans: The universal themes of friendship and self-discovery, paired with an engaging musical backdrop, make this a hit for global viewers.

4th Place: Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]

Summary: Shirou Emiya is thrust into a magical battle known as the Holy Grail War, where he summons the legendary hero Saber to fight alongside him. Together with Rin Tohsaka, he confronts powerful enemies while dealing with his own ideals.
Highlights: The beautifully choreographed fight scenes, along with the deep philosophical undertones, set this series apart. The moral dilemmas faced by the characters add depth to the action.
Must-See Scene: Shirou’s battle with Archer is a pivotal moment that beautifully contrasts their ideologies and personalities.
Appeal to International Fans: Its stunning animation and complex, morally rich storyline appeal to fans looking for both visual and intellectual stimulation.

5th Place: Violet Evergarden

Summary: After the war, Violet Evergarden, a former soldier who has lost her emotions, becomes a “doll” who writes letters on behalf of others. Through her work, she slowly learns about human feelings and reconnects with her own.
Highlights: The series’ breathtakingly beautiful animation and deeply emotional storylines resonate with viewers. The character development, as Violet learns to understand and express emotions, is incredibly moving.
Must-See Scene: Violet’s first successful letter-writing assignment, where she helps a client express their emotions, is a powerful and heartwarming moment.
Appeal to International Fans: This series’ universal themes of love, loss, and healing make it a favorite worldwide, along with its stunning visual presentation.

6th Place: Angel Beats!

Summary: Set in the afterlife, a group of students who haven’t moved on from their earthly regrets band together to fight against “God” and avoid disappearing. The series explores each character’s emotional journey as they come to terms with their past.
Highlights: With its mix of lighthearted comedy and deep emotional moments, this anime strikes a perfect balance. Its ability to make viewers laugh and cry in the same episode is remarkable.
Must-See Scene: The final episode’s emotional send-off is a tear-jerker, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Appeal to International Fans: Its blend of humor, action, and emotional depth, combined with memorable music, has made it a hit with fans across the globe.

7th Place: A Place Further than the Universe

Summary: A group of high school girls embarks on a journey to Antarctica, each with their own personal reasons. Along the way, they form strong bonds and learn about life’s challenges and rewards.
Highlights: The breathtaking visuals of Antarctica and the emotional growth of the characters make this anime stand out. The story is both inspiring and heartwarming.
Must-See Scene: The moment the girls finally reach Antarctica is filled with awe and a deep sense of accomplishment.
Appeal to International Fans: Its themes of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery are universally relatable, making it a global hit.

8th Place: Your Lie in April

Summary: Kosei Arima, a piano prodigy who has lost his ability to hear the sound of his own playing after his mother’s death, meets Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited violinist. Together, they rediscover their love for music and face personal struggles.
Highlights: The stunning music sequences and emotional depth of the characters’ personal battles make this series unforgettable. Music is used as a medium for healing and connection.
Must-See Scene: Kosei and Kaori’s duet performance is an emotional high point, perfectly capturing the anime’s themes of love, loss, and hope.
Appeal to International Fans: Its themes of passion, perseverance, and emotional healing through music resonate with fans around the world.

9th Place: Blood Blockade Battlefront

Summary: Set in a transformed New York, now known as Hellsalem’s Lot, this anime follows Leonardo Watch as he joins the secretive Libra organization to fight supernatural beings while searching for a cure for his sister.
Highlights: The combination of fast-paced action, creative world-building, and quirky characters makes this a fun and engaging watch.
Must-See Scene: Leonardo’s use of his “All-Seeing Eyes of the Gods” in battle showcases both his power and vulnerability.
Appeal to International Fans: Its unique setting and energetic action sequences have garnered fans worldwide.

10th Place: Kill la Kill

Summary: Ryuko Matoi transfers to Honnouji Academy to avenge her father’s murder. Armed with a sentient battle uniform, she faces off against the student council president, Satsuki Kiryuin, in a series of intense and stylish battles.
Highlights: The anime’s over-the-top action and unique art style create a visually stunning experience. Its mix of comedy and drama keeps viewers on their toes.
Must-See Scene: Ryuko’s fight against Satsuki is an explosive climax, full of fast-paced action and emotional tension.
Appeal to International Fans: The bold visuals and high-energy fight scenes have made this anime a cult favorite worldwide.

3. Honorable Mentions

While these titles didn’t make it into the top 10, they are still must-watches:

Toradora!

Toradora! is a romantic comedy anime based on a light novel series by Yuyuko Takemiya. The anime aired from 2008 to 2009 and consists of 25 episodes. It is known for its heartfelt portrayal of young love, friendship, and character growth.

Plot:

The story revolves around Ryuuji Takasu, a high school student often misunderstood because of his intimidating appearance, and Taiga Aisaka, a small but fierce girl known as the “Palmtop Tiger.”

After a chance encounter, they agree to help each other pursue their respective crushes. As they spend more time together, their relationship deepens, evolving from reluctant partners into something much more meaningful.

Key Points:

The strength of Toradora! lies in its balance of humor, emotional depth, and character development.

The show explores complex feelings of love and friendship in a realistic and touching way.

The chemistry between Ryuuji and Taiga is central to the story, and their journey from friends to lovers is both heartwarming and beautifully paced.

Recommended Scene:

A pivotal scene is when Ryuuji and Taiga decide to team up to help each other with their respective romantic interests.

This moment marks a major shift in their relationship and sets the tone for their evolving dynamic throughout the series.

Another memorable scene occurs during the school festival, where the emotional tension between the characters peaks, resulting in some of the most impactful moments in the series.

The Quintessential Quintuplets (Gotoubun no Hanayome)

The Quintessential Quintuplets is a romantic comedy created by Negi Haruba. The series ran as a manga from 2017 to 2020 in Weekly Shonen Magazine, and its anime adaptation first aired in 2019, followed by a second season in 2021. A film was also released in 2022 to conclude the story.

Plot:

The story follows Fuutarou Uesugi, a top student struggling financially, who is hired to tutor the wealthy Nakano quintuplets—Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba, and Itsuki.

Despite being identical, the quintuplets have very distinct personalities and are academically challenged.

Fuutarou’s task is to help them graduate, and as he spends time with them, their relationships deepen, leading to romantic developments.

The mystery revolves around which of the quintuplets Fuutarou will eventually marry, a plot point revealed in flash-forwards.

Key Points:

The intrigue of The Quintessential Quintuplets lies in the unique dynamic between Fuutarou and each sister.

Unlike many harem comedies, viewers are aware from the start that Fuutarou will marry one of the quintuplets, and the story teases the eventual bride throughout.

The appeal is in the strong character development of each sister, and the fun of trying to guess who Fuutarou’s future wife will be.

Recommended Scene:

One of the standout moments is during the school festival when Fuutarou and the quintuplets bond further, leading to key turning points in their relationships.

This arc is emotionally charged, with each sister revealing more of their true feelings toward Fuutarou.

4. Criteria for Ranking

The selection for this top 10 anime ranking was based on several key factors:

Story Depth: Each of these anime presents a unique and captivating story with strong character development, emotional engagement, and thought-provoking themes. Whether it’s action, comedy, or a heart-wrenching drama, these anime provide a diverse range of narratives that resonate with audiences.
Animation Quality: The visual quality of an anime plays a huge role in its impact. This list focuses on anime with exceptional animation, whether it’s the fluidity of battle scenes or the beauty of the environments. Studios like MAPPA, ufotable, and Kyoto Animation are known for their high production values, which are reflected in these picks.
International Popularity: A key part of this ranking was the global impact each show has had. These anime have not only been successful in Japan but have also gained massive followings abroad, thanks to their universal themes, accessible streaming platforms, and well-executed storytelling. Shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] have found widespread success internationally.
Unique Characters: Memorable characters are the heart of great anime. In this list, the focus was placed on series with well-developed, relatable, or iconic characters. Whether it’s the stoic power of Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen, the emotional journey of Violet in Violet Evergarden, or the energetic and quirky Hitori Gotoh in Bocchi the Rock!, these characters make the stories even more engaging.

5. Conclusion

The anime included in this top 10 ranking are all critically acclaimed works that showcase the best of what the medium has to offer.

From stunning visuals and gripping action sequences to emotionally resonant storylines, these series deliver unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re looking for intense battles, heartwarming character development, or epic adventures, these anime are must-watches for any fan.

Each of these titles offers something unique, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

By watching these shows, you’ll not only be entertained but also gain insight into the diversity and creativity that anime has to offer.

Be sure to add these gems to your watchlist, and dive into the worlds they create!

Happy watching!